JP2002156716A - Radiographic image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly reliable and stable radiographic image reader of a small device size at a low cost, while adopting a non-contact carry system. SOLUTION: By adopting the transporting method of a rotary movement main body as the movement of a cassette between the insertion port 3 (or discharge port) of the cassette 1 and a subscanning means, the sheet of a large size is transported accurately and easily.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiation image reading apparatus for reading radiation image information stored in a stimulable phosphor sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to digitize radiation image information generated in a hospital and store and transmit the information, a radiation image reading apparatus which outputs image information as digital data has been widely used. As a radiation image reading apparatus that outputs such digital data, a radiation image reading apparatus using a stimulable phosphor sheet is well known.

The stimulable phosphor sheet can detect a part of the radiation energy transmitted through the subject and, at the same time, store the detected radiation energy inside the stimulable phosphor sheet. Further, the radiation energy accumulated in the stimulable phosphor sheet can be extracted as stimulable light by exciting with a laser beam having a predetermined wavelength. This stimulated emission can be extracted as an electric signal using a photoelectric conversion element such as a photomultiplier.

[0004] Generally, the stimulable phosphor sheet is used by being housed in a portable thin box-shaped housing called a cassette. In such a usage mode, the user can easily carry the stimulable phosphor sheet together with the cassette, so that the radiography can be performed in the same manner as the conventionally used screen / film cassette. .

The method of handling the stimulable phosphor sheet includes:
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-237636, a contact in which a flexible stimulable phosphor sheet is taken out of a cassette with a suction cup or the like, and the taken-out stimulable phosphor sheet is sandwiched between rollers and conveyed. Transport systems are well known. In the contact transfer method, the stimulable phosphor surface is pressed by a roller, so if dirt or dust adheres to the roller, the phosphor surface is stained or damaged, shortening the life of the stimulable phosphor sheet. There is a fatal drawback. Also,
Scratches and stains on the stimulable phosphor surface appear as noise in the read image, so that a high-quality image cannot be provided as a diagnostic image.

As a method for solving the drawback of the contact transfer method, a method as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-160821 has been proposed. In this method, a stimulable phosphor sheet is attached to a rigid plate-like member, and only the plate-like member is contacted (not contacting the stimulable phosphor surface). Is transported. in this way,
A method of transporting the stimulable phosphor sheet without contacting the stimulable phosphor surface is referred to as a non-contact transport method.

[0007] In this non-contact transport system, non-contact transport to the stimulable phosphor surface is guaranteed, so that the stimulable phosphor surface is not stained or damaged. For this reason, the read image does not show noise due to dirt or scratches on the stimulable phosphor surface, and has a merit such as a long life of the stimulable phosphor sheet. Is attracting attention as a new transport method.

[0008]

However, in the case of the non-contact transport system, the stimulable phosphor sheet generally needs to be transported in a state of being attached to a rigid plate member. As described above, it is difficult to transport the stimulable phosphor plate in a bent state to a certain extent. That is, in the non-contact transfer method, only linear transfer can always be performed.

In the non-contact transport method, a method of reading image information while pulling out the stimulable phosphor plate from the cassette is considered. However, in this method, when the user contacts the cassette during reading, the vibration caused by the contact propagates to the stimulable phosphor plate during the reading operation,
There is a disadvantage that noise is generated in the read image. In particular, in the non-contact transport method, since the stimulable phosphor sheet surface cannot be sandwiched by rollers or the like to suppress vibration, the stimulable phosphor surface is more likely to vibrate than the contact transport. In particular, a rigid plate-like member to which a stimulable phosphor sheet is attached is more preferable because it transmits vibrations well. Therefore, in the non-contact transport method, it is necessary to read out the image information after completely removing the stimulable phosphor plate from the cassette.

The size of the stimulable phosphor sheet is, for example, 354 mm × 430 mm in a half-cut size. In the non-contact transport method, since it is required to completely remove the cassette of this size from the cassette and transport it without bending it, there is a disadvantage that the apparatus is inevitably increased in size. For example, in the case of a half-sized cassette, assuming that the stimulable phosphor sheet is linearly pulled out of the cassette and image information is read while maintaining the linear conveyance, the stimulable phosphor sheet after image reading from the rear end of the cassette is assumed. The distance to the tip of the phosphor sheet is the distance of three half-cut cassettes (43
(0 mm × 3 = 1290 mm), and the size of the device is considerably increased in consideration of the component area and space required for the device configuration.

For this reason, as in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-160821, after the stimulable phosphor sheet is drawn downward, it is translated in the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet). However, a mechanism for precisely translating a large-sized sheet in parallel is very complicated and increases the cost. In addition, since it is impossible to translate a large-sized sheet with high accuracy, there is a disadvantage that reliability and stability are fundamentally reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a radiation image reading apparatus which is small in size, inexpensive, and has high reliability and stability while employing a non-contact conveyance system. Aim.

[0013]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention has the following constitution.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiographic image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information from a stimulable phosphor sheet attached to a back plate side of a cassette in which a front plate and a back plate are separable. An insertion port for inserting the cassette, separation means for separating a front plate and a back plate of the cassette, and sub-scanning means for sub-scanning the back plate separated from the front plate by the separation means,
Reading means for reading radiation image information held on the stimulable phosphor sheet attached to the back plate, erasing means for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet, A combining unit for combining the front plate and the back plate again, a discharge port for discharging the cassette united by the combining unit, and a conveying unit for moving the cassette; A radiation image reading apparatus, wherein the movement of the cassette between an outlet and the sub-scanning means is performed at least with a rotational movement. ].

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a cassette in which the front plate and the back plate are separable is used, and the back plate separated by the separating means for separating the front plate and the back plate of the cassette is used as an auxiliary. The radiographic image remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet by the erasing means after the radiation image information held by the stimulable phosphor sheet attached to the back plate is read by the reading means and transferred to the sub-scanning means for scanning. The information is erased, then the front plate and the back plate are combined again by the combining means, and then the cassette is discharged to the discharge port, and the cassette between the insertion port, the discharge port and the sub-scanning means is configured. Since the movement is configured to be performed at least with the rotational movement, the size of the apparatus can be reduced while employing the non-contact transfer method.

Further, since the movement of the cassette between the insertion port, the discharge port, and the sub-scanning means is mainly constituted by rotational movement, the number of moving points of the mechanism is reduced as compared with the case of parallel movement, and the apparatus is stable. Performance and reliability can be improved. Further, the number of parts of the mechanism can be reduced, and a low-cost device can be constructed. In addition, since the cassette insertion port and the discharge port are separately arranged, the user can easily determine the cassette before reading and the cassette after reading, and the reliability of work is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the rotational movement is performed by rotating a part or all of the transporting means. Radiation image reading device. ].

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the rotary moving means is constituted by rotating part or all of the transport means, a plurality of transport means are prepared individually. This eliminates the necessity and makes it possible to construct a low-cost device with a small number of components of the mechanism. Also,
By simplifying the mechanism, the stability and reliability of the device can be improved. In addition, a compact device structure can be constructed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus as set forth in the first or second aspect, wherein the rotational movement is performed by rotating a part of the sub-scanning means. 3. The radiation image reading device according to 2. ].

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the rotary moving means is constituted by rotating a part of the sub-scanning means, the mechanism of the transport means can be simplified and , A compact device mechanism can be constructed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method according to the first to third aspects, wherein at least one rotation center of the rotational movement is disposed below the cassette to be rotationally moved. The radiation image reading device according to claim 1. ].

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since at least one center of rotation is arranged below the cassette to be rotated, the center of rotation can be constructed near the bottom plate. This reduces the displacement of the center of rotation, so that more reliable and stable rotational movement can be performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, wherein the fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, and the substrate is constructed on a bottom plate of the apparatus via vibration isolating means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein ].

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, the accuracy of transferring the back plate to the sub-scanning means is improved. Thus, a highly reliable device can be provided. In addition, since this substrate is constructed on the bottom plate of the apparatus via the vibration isolating means, vibrations outside the apparatus are less likely to be transmitted to the sub-scanning means, and vibration noise is prevented from being mixed into the image being read. it can.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a configuration in which "the loading of the cassette from the insertion port and the discharging of the cassette to the discharge port are performed with at least linear movement of the cassette. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: ].

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the cassette is carried in from the insertion port and the cassette is discharged to the discharge outlet with at least linear movement, the cassette before the rotational movement is performed. The transport mechanism and the cassette transport mechanism after the rotational movement can be constructed with a stable and simple mechanism (linear movement mechanism). Also, by combining the linear movement and the rotational movement, the cassette can be moved to a desired position inside the apparatus.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the angle between the direction in which the cassette is carried in from the insertion port and the sub-scanning direction of the sub-scanning means is equal to the direction in which the cassette is carried out to the discharge port, and The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the angle is larger than an angle formed by a scanning unit in a sub-scanning direction. ].

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the angle formed between the direction in which the cassette is carried in from the insertion port and the sub-scanning direction is larger than the angle formed between the direction in which the cassette is carried out to the discharge port and the sub-scanning direction. With this configuration, the cassette can be inserted into the insertion port without being disturbed by the cassette discharged into the discharge port.

The invention according to an eighth aspect is characterized in that the reading means and the erasing means are arranged between the sub-scanning means and the discharge port.
The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. ].

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the reading means and the erasing means are arranged between the sub-scanning means and the discharge port, the reading means and the pre-erasing means are provided in the sub-scanning means. Requires less space than the case where it is arranged on the opposite side (on the side opposite to the insertion port and the discharge port with respect to the sub-scanning means), and the apparatus can be downsized.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the discharge port is disposed between the sub-scanning means and the insertion port. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1. ].

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the discharge port is arranged between the sub-scanning means and the insertion port, the insertion port can be inserted without being disturbed by the cassette discharged to the discharge port. A cassette can be inserted into the mouth.

[0033] The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the direction in which the cassette is carried in from the insertion port and the direction in which the cassette is discharged into the discharge port are inclined in the same direction from the vertical direction. Claims 1 to 9
The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. ].

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the cassette carrying direction from the insertion port and the cassette discharging direction into the discharge port are respectively inclined from the vertical direction in the same direction. Insertion and discharge work can be performed easily, and the work efficiency of the user can be improved. Further, since the cassette leans against the transfer means during the transfer of the cassette, there is no need to worry about the cassette falling over and dropping during the transfer, and the cassette transfer can be performed more reliably. Thereby, the reliability and stability of the device are improved. Further, since the transfer to the rotational movement is facilitated, the mechanism of the apparatus is simplified, and the cost can be reduced.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the cassette is inserted into the insertion opening in a direction in which the radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet faces the sub-scanning means, 11. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the cassette is discharged to the discharge port in a direction in which a radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet faces the sub-scanning unit. 2. The radiation image reading device according to claim 1. ].

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet is inserted into the insertion opening in a direction facing the back of the sub-scanning means. The cassette is discharged to the discharge port with the radiation image information reading surface of the conductive phosphor sheet facing the sub-scanning means, so that the cassette back plate can be easily transferred to the sub-scanning mechanism by rotational movement. become able to.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the reading means reads the radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet by the reading means on the outward path of the sub-scanning means, and the erasing means on the return path of the sub-scanning means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet is erased. ].

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the radiation image information is read from the stimulable phosphor sheet on the outward path of the sub-scanning means, and remains on the stimulable phosphor sheet on the return path of the sub-scanning means. Since the radiation image information is erased, the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scan can be effectively used without waste, and the processing capability of the apparatus can be improved.

The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that the reading means and the erasing means are arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and the reading means is located above the erasing means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ].

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the reading means and the erasing means are arranged substantially vertically, the reciprocating motion of the sub-scanning means operating in the vertical direction can be allocated to the reading and erasing operations. This makes it possible to effectively use the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scanning without waste. Further, since the reading means is arranged above the erasing means, unlike the case where the erasing means is arranged above the reading means, the sub-scanning means starts lowering immediately after the reading operation is completed. ), So that the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scan can be effectively used without waste. Further, since the lower end of the back plate does not pass through the reading means, it is possible to prevent an accident that the back plate lower part interferes with the reading means and the back plate cannot be lowered. For this reason, it is possible to improve the reliability and stability of the device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the height of the insertion port is different from the height of the discharge port. apparatus. ].

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, since the height of the insertion port is different from that of the discharge port, the operation of taking out the cassette discharged to the discharge port and inserting the cassette into the insertion port. Work can be performed smoothly without interfering with each other. This makes it possible to improve the work efficiency of the user.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is provided that "the back plate is attracted to the sub-scanning means by magnetic force,
15. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the back plate is delivered from the transporting unit to the sub-scanning unit. ].

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the back plate is configured to be attracted to the sub-scanning means by magnetic force, the back plate can be reliably transferred from the transport means to the sub-scanning means. It becomes possible. In addition, since the transfer by magnetic force can be realized at low cost, the device can be constructed at low cost.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the surface of the back plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, and at least a part of a surface of the sub-scanning means for attracting the back plate is made of a magnet. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein ].

According to the sixteenth aspect, at least a part of the surface of the back plate is made of a ferromagnetic material,
Since at least a part of the surface of the sub-scanning means for adsorbing the back plate is made of a magnet, the weight of the back plate (weight of the cassette) does not increase due to the magnet, and the transfer of the back plate by the magnetic force is prevented. Can be realized.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiation image reading apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet. ].

According to the present invention, since an inexpensive permanent magnet is used as the magnet, it is possible to construct the device at low cost. In addition, since the back plate is peeled off from the magnet with the rotation, even if a permanent magnet is used as the magnet, the peeling force is smaller than in the case where the magnet is peeled off by the parallel movement.

The invention according to claim 18 is directed to the radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the magnet is a rubber magnet. ].

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, since a rubber magnet is used as the magnet, a large-area magnet can be constructed at low cost. This makes it possible to construct the device at low cost. Also, since the suction area with the back plate can be increased, there is no fear that the back plate falls during the sub-scan. For this reason, the reliability and stability of the device can be improved.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiation image reading apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the magnet is an electromagnet. ].

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, since the electromagnet is used as the magnet, the operation of peeling the back plate from the sub-scanning means can be simply and reliably performed by turning off the electromagnet. Becomes

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method as described above, wherein the back plate is transferred to the sub-scanning means from the transport means by suctioning the back plate to the sub-scanning means by suction or the like. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 14 to 14. ].

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the back plate is attracted to the sub-scanning means by suction or the like.
By performing F, the operation of peeling the back plate from the sub-scanning means can be easily and reliably performed.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiation apparatus as set forth in any one of the first to twentieth aspects, further comprising means for stacking a plurality of cassettes discharged from the discharge port. Image reading device. ].

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of cassettes discharged from the discharge port can be stacked, the processed cassettes can be taken out from the discharge port all together. Thereby, the work efficiency of the user can be improved.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiation image reading apparatus for reading radiation image information from a stimulable phosphor sheet attached to a back plate side of a cassette in which a front plate and a back plate are separable. An insertion / ejection port for inserting or ejecting the cassette, separation means for separating a front plate and a back plate of the cassette, and sub-scanning means for sub-scanning the back plate separated from the front plate by the separation means. Reading means for reading the radiation image information held in the stimulable phosphor sheet attached to the back plate, and erasing means for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet, A combining unit for combining the front plate and the back plate again, and a transport unit for moving the cassette, between the insertion / ejection port and the sub-scanning unit. Movement of the cassette is read the radiation image, characterized by being configured to be performed with at least rotational movement apparatus. ].

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a cassette in which the front plate and the back plate can be separated is used, and the back plate separated by the separating means for separating the front plate and the back plate of the cassette is used as a sub-unit. The radiographic image remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet by the erasing means after the radiation image information held by the stimulable phosphor sheet attached to the back plate is read by the reading means and transferred to the sub-scanning means for scanning. The information is erased, then the front plate and the back plate are combined again by the combining means, and then the cassette is discharged to the insertion / ejection port, and the cassette is moved between the insertion / ejection port and the sub-scanning means. Is configured to be performed at least with rotational movement, so that the apparatus can be downsized while employing the non-contact transfer method. In addition, the movement of the cassette between the insertion / ejection port and the sub-scanning means,
Since the rotation movement is mainly performed, the number of moving points of the mechanism is reduced as compared with the case of parallel movement, and the stability and reliability of the device can be improved. Further, the number of parts of the mechanism can be reduced, and a low-cost device can be constructed. In addition, since the cassette has the same insertion port and discharge port (used as an insertion / discharge port), it is possible to simultaneously insert cassettes by the number of openings (insert / discharge ports). For example, if the number of openings is two, two cassettes can be simultaneously inserted into the openings. Also, the number of openings is 1
In the meantime, it is also possible to reduce the device size.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the rotating means for rotating the cassette between the insertion / ejection port and the sub-scanning means rotate partly or entirely of the conveying means. 23. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the radiation image reading apparatus is configured to perform the above operation. ].

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, since the rotary moving means is constituted by rotating part or all of the transport means, a plurality of transport means are prepared individually. This eliminates the necessity and makes it possible to construct a low-cost device with a small number of components of the mechanism. Also,
By simplifying the mechanism, the stability and reliability of the device can be improved. Further, a compact device mechanism can be constructed.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the rotary moving means for rotating the cassette between the insertion / ejection port and the sub-scanning means is configured such that a part of the sub-scanning means rotates. 23. The radiographic image reading apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the radiographic image reading apparatus is configured to perform reading. ].

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, since the rotary moving means is constituted by rotating a part of the sub-scanning means, the mechanism of the transport means can be simplified and , A compact device mechanism can be constructed.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the method according to the twenty-second or twenty-third aspect, at least one rotation center of the rotational movement is arranged below the cassette to be rotationally moved. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1. ].

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, since at least one center of rotation is arranged below the cassette to be rotated, the center of rotation can be constructed near the bottom plate. This reduces the displacement of the center of rotation, so that more reliable and stable rotational movement can be performed.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method as described above, wherein the fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, and the substrate is constructed on a bottom plate of the apparatus via vibration isolating means. 26. The radiographic image reading device according to claim 22, wherein the radiographic image reading device is used. 』
It is.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect, since the fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, the accuracy of transferring the back plate to the sub-scanning means is improved. Thus, a highly reliable device can be provided. In addition, since this substrate is constructed on the bottom plate of the apparatus via the vibration isolating means, vibrations outside the apparatus are less likely to be transmitted to the sub-scanning means, and vibration noise is prevented from being mixed into the image being read. it can.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the carrying-in of the cassette from the insertion / ejection port and the ejection of the cassette to / from the insertion / ejection port are performed at least with the linear movement of the cassette. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the radiation image reading apparatus is configured. ].

According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the cassette is carried in and out of the insertion / ejection port with at least a linear movement. The cassette transport mechanism of (1) and the cassette transport mechanism after the rotational movement can be constructed by a stable and simple mechanism (a linear movement mechanism). Also, by combining the linear movement and the rotational movement, the cassette can be moved to a desired position inside the apparatus.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, wherein the reading means and the erasing means are disposed between the sub-scanning means and the insertion / ejection port. The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. ].

According to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, since the reading means and the erasing means are arranged between the sub-scanning means and the insertion / ejection port, the reading means and the erasing means are provided in the sub-scanning means. Compared to a case where the device is arranged on the opposite side of the device (on the side opposite to the insertion / ejection port with respect to the sub-scanning device), only a small space is required, and the apparatus can be downsized.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the direction in which the cassette is carried in from the insertion / discharge port and the direction in which the cassette is discharged into the insertion / discharge port are inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical direction. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that: ].

According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the direction in which the cassette is carried in from the insertion / discharge port and the direction in which the cassette is discharged into the insertion / discharge port are inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical direction. The insertion and ejection of the cassette is facilitated, and the work efficiency of the user can be improved. Further, since the cassette leans against the transfer means during the transfer of the cassette, there is no need to worry about the cassette falling over and dropping during the transfer, and the cassette transfer can be performed more reliably. Thereby, the reliability and stability of the device are improved. Further, since the transfer to the rotational movement is facilitated, the mechanism of the apparatus is simplified, and the cost can be reduced.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, wherein the cassette is inserted into the insertion / ejection port in a direction in which the radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet faces the sub-scanning means. 30. The cassette according to claim 22, wherein the cassette is discharged to the insertion / ejection port in a direction in which a radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet faces the sub-scanning means. The radiation image reading device according to claim 1. ].

According to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, the radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet is inserted into the insertion opening in a direction facing the sub-scanning means, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is illuminated. The radiographic image information reading surface of the luminescent phosphor sheet is configured so that the cassette is discharged to the discharge port in a direction facing the back to the sub-scanning means, so that the back plate of the cassette can be easily rotated and moved to the sub-scanning mechanism. Be able to deliver.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: reading out the radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet by the reading means on the outward path of the sub-scanning means; 31. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet is erased by the method. ].

According to the thirty-first aspect of the invention, the radiation image information is read from the stimulable phosphor sheet on the outward path of the sub-scanning means, and remains on the stimulable phosphor sheet on the return path of the sub-scanning means. Since the radiation image information is erased, the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scan can be effectively used without waste, and the processing capability of the apparatus can be improved.

The invention according to claim 32 is characterized in that the reading means and the erasing means are arranged substantially vertically and the reading means is located above the erasing means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein: ].

According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, since the reading means and the erasing means are arranged substantially vertically, the reciprocating motion of the sub-scanning means operating in the vertical direction can be allocated to the reading operation and the erasing operation. This makes it possible to effectively use the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scanning without waste. Further, since the reading means is arranged above the erasing means, unlike the case where the erasing means is arranged above the reading means, the sub-scanning means starts lowering immediately after the reading operation is completed. ), So that the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scan can be effectively used without waste. Further, since the lower end of the back plate does not pass through the reading means, it is possible to prevent an accident that the lower end of the back plate interferes with the reading means and the back plate cannot be lowered. For this reason, it is possible to improve the reliability and stability of the device.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising:
The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the back plate is transferred from the transport unit to the sub-scanning unit. ].

According to the thirty-third aspect of the present invention, since the back plate is configured to be attracted to the sub-scanning means by magnetic force, the back plate can be reliably transferred from the transport means to the sub-scanning means. It becomes possible. In addition, since the transfer by magnetic force can be realized at low cost, the device can be constructed at low cost.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that at least a part of the surface of the back plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, and at least a part of a surface of the sub-scanning means that adsorbs the back plate is made of a magnet. 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein
The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 33 to 33. ].

According to the thirty-fourth aspect, at least a part of the surface of the back plate is made of a ferromagnetic material,
Since at least a part of the surface of the sub-scanning means that adsorbs the back plate is formed of a magnet, the weight of the back plate (weight of the cassette) does not increase due to the magnet, and the transfer of the back plate by the magnetic force can be performed. Can be realized.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiation image reading apparatus according to the thirty-fourth aspect, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet. ].

According to the thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, since an inexpensive permanent magnet is used as the magnet, the apparatus can be constructed at low cost. Further, since the back plate is peeled off from the magnet with the rotation, even if a permanent magnet is used as the magnet, the peeling force is small compared to the case where the magnet is peeled off by the parallel movement.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a radiation image reading apparatus according to the thirty-fourth or thirty-fifth aspect, wherein the magnet is a rubber magnet. ].

According to the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, since a rubber magnet is used as a magnet, a large-area magnet can be constructed at low cost. This makes it possible to construct the device at low cost. Also, since the suction area with the back plate can be increased, there is no fear that the back plate falls during the sub-scan. For this reason, the reliability and stability of the device can be improved.

The invention according to a thirty-seventh aspect is directed to the radiation image reading apparatus according to the thirty-fourth aspect, wherein the magnet is an electromagnet. ].

According to the present invention, since the electromagnet is used as the magnet, the operation of peeling off the back plate from the sub-scanning means can be performed simply and reliably by turning off the electromagnet. Becomes

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method as described above, wherein the back plate is delivered to the sub-scanning means from the transport means by suctioning the back plate to the sub-scanning means by suction or the like. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein
The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 32. ].

According to the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, since the back plate is attracted to the sub-scanning means by suction or the like, the suction by the vacuum or the like is prevented.
By performing F, the operation of peeling the back plate from the sub-scanning means can be easily and reliably performed.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of the twenty-second to thirty-eighth aspects, wherein the number of the insertion and ejection ports is one. 』
It is.

According to the thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, since there is only one insertion / ejection port, the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Particularly, it is possible to provide a device size that can be installed even in a small hospital where the installation space is not large, such as a medical practitioner.

According to the invention described in Item 40, the radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of Items 22 to 38, wherein the number of the insertion / ejection ports is two. 』
It is.

According to the forty-third aspect of the present invention, since two insertion / ejection ports are provided, it is possible to maintain the working efficiency while reducing the size of the apparatus. That is,
Since the average number of times of imaging in one examination is 1.8, preparing two insertion / ejection ports can handle most imaging operations. For this reason, it can be used in facilities of various scales from a medical practitioner to a large hospital without lowering work efficiency.

The invention according to claim 41 is characterized in that "the two insertion / ejection ports are different in height.
A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1. ].

According to the invention described in claim 41, 2
Since the heights of the two insertion / ejection ports are different from each other, the operation of taking out the cassette from the insertion / ejection opening and the operation of inserting the cassette into the insertion / ejection opening can be smoothly performed without interfering with each other. In addition, when two cassettes are sequentially inserted into the two insertion / ejection ports, an environment can be provided in which the first inserted cassette does not hinder the next insertion operation, and the work efficiency of the user can be improved. Become. Further, when two cassettes are sequentially taken out from the two insertion / ejection ports, it is possible to provide an environment where the cassette to be taken out later does not hinder the work of taking out the cassette taken out first, and it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the user. .

The invention according to claim 42 is characterized in that the angle formed by the insertion / ejection port with the sub-scanning means differs between the two insertion / ejection ports. Radiation image reader. ].

According to the forty-second aspect of the present invention, since the angle formed by the sub-scanning means is different between the two insertion / ejection ports, the operation of taking out the cassette from the insertion / ejection port and the cassette to the insertion / ejection port. Can be smoothly performed without interfering with each other. Further, when two cassettes are sequentially inserted into the two insertion / ejection ports, an environment can be provided in which the first inserted cassette does not hinder the next insertion operation, and the work efficiency of the user can be improved. Become. Further, when two cassettes are sequentially taken out from the two insertion / ejection ports, it is possible to provide an environment where the cassette to be taken out later does not hinder the work of taking out the cassette to be taken out first, and it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the user. .

The invention according to claim 43 is a radiographic image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information from a stimulable phosphor plate incorporated in a cassette, wherein the loading port for inserting the cassette, the loading port, Sub-scanning means for sub-scanning the stimulable phosphor plate after drawing out the stimulable phosphor plate from the cassette loaded in the cassette; and radiation image information held by the stimulable phosphor plate. Reading means for reading the stimulable phosphor plate, erasing means for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor plate, and transport means for moving the stimulable phosphor plate. The radiation image reading apparatus is characterized in that the stimulable phosphor plate is moved between the means with at least a rotational movement. ].

According to this invention, after the stimulable phosphor plate incorporated in the cassette is pulled out, the stimulable phosphor plate is transferred to the sub-scanning means for sub-scanning, and the stimulable phosphor plate is transferred to the sub-scanning means. After the radiation image information held in the stimulable phosphor plate is read by the reading means, the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor plate is erased by the erasing means. Since the movement of the stimulable phosphor plate between the scanning means is performed at least with a rotational movement, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus while adopting the non-contact conveyance method.
Further, since the movement of the stimulable phosphor plate between the loading port and the sub-scanning means is mainly performed by rotational movement, the number of moving points of the mechanism is reduced as compared with the case of parallel movement, and the stability of the apparatus is reduced. , Reliability can be improved. Further, the number of parts of the mechanism can be reduced, and a low-cost device can be constructed.

The invention according to a forty-fourth aspect is characterized in that the rotating means for rotating the stimulable phosphor plate between the loading port and the sub-scanning means rotates part or all of the transport means. 44. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the apparatus is configured to be moved. ].

According to the forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, since the rotary moving means is constituted by rotating part or all of the transport means, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of transport means individually. And a low-cost device with a small number of components can be constructed. In addition, the simplification of the mechanism can improve the stability and reliability of the device. Further, a compact device mechanism can be constructed.

The invention according to a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention is that the rotary moving means for rotating and moving the cassette between the loading port and the sub-scanning means is formed by rotating a part of the sub-scanning means. 44. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the radiation image reading apparatus is configured to be configured as follows. ].

According to the forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, since the rotary moving means is constituted by rotating a part of the sub-scanning means, the mechanism of the transport means can be simplified and , A compact device mechanism can be constructed.

The invention according to claim 46 is characterized in that at least one rotation center of the rotational movement is arranged below the stimulable phosphor plate to be rotationally moved. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 45. ].

According to the forty-sixth aspect, at least one rotation center is arranged below the stimulable phosphor plate that is rotated and moved, so that the rotation center is located near the bottom plate. Can be built. This reduces the displacement of the center of rotation, so that more reliable and stable rotational movement can be performed.

The invention according to claim 47 is characterized in that the fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, and this substrate is constructed on the bottom plate of the apparatus via vibration isolating means. 47. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the radiation image reading apparatus is configured to perform the following. 』
It is.

According to the forty-seventh aspect, since the fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, the delivery accuracy of the stimulable phosphor plate to the sub-scanning means is improved. Is improved. Thus, a highly reliable device can be provided. In addition, since this substrate is constructed on the bottom plate of the apparatus via the vibration isolating means, vibrations outside the apparatus are less likely to be transmitted to the sub-scanning means, and vibration noise is prevented from being mixed into the image being read. it can.

[0109] The invention according to claim 48 is characterized in that "drawing of the stimulable phosphor plate from the cassette and storing of the stimulable phosphor plate in the cassette include at least the stimulable phosphor plate. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movement is performed with a linear movement of the plate.
The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 47. ].

According to the forty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the draw-out of the stimulable phosphor plate from the cassette and the storage of the stimulable phosphor plate in the cassette are performed at least in a straight line of the stimulable phosphor plate. Since it is configured to be performed with movement, the stimulable phosphor plate transport mechanism before the rotational movement and the stimulable phosphor plate transport mechanism after the rotational movement,
It can be constructed with a stable and simple mechanism (linear movement mechanism). Also, by combining this linear movement and rotational movement, the stimulable phosphor plate can be moved to a desired position inside the device.

The invention according to claim 49 is characterized in that the reading means and the erasing means are arranged between the sub-scanning means and the loading port. The radiation image reading device according to claim 1. 』
It is.

According to the forty-ninth aspect, the reading means and the erasing means are arranged between the sub-scanning means and the loading port, so that the reading means and the erasing means are arranged in the sub-scanning means. Requires less space than the case where it is arranged on the opposite side (on the side opposite to the loading port with respect to the sub-scanning means), and the apparatus can be downsized.

The invention according to claim 50 is characterized in that the loading direction of the cassette into the loading port is inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical direction.
10. The radiation image reading device according to any one of items 9 to 9. ].

According to the fiftyth aspect of the present invention, since the direction in which the cassette is loaded into the loading port is inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical direction, the loading operation of the cassette into the loading port and the loading of the cassette are performed. The work of taking out from the mouth becomes easy, and the work efficiency of the user can be improved.

[0115] The invention described in Item 51 is that "the cassette is loaded into the loading port in a direction in which the radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor plate faces back to the sub-scanning means. Claims 43 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.
0. The radiation image reading device according to any one of 0. ].

According to the fifty-first aspect, the radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor plate is configured so that the cassette is loaded into the loading port in a direction facing the back to the sub-scanning means. Therefore, the stimulable phosphor plate can be easily transferred to the sub-scanning mechanism by the rotational movement.

The invention according to claim 52 is characterized in that the reading means reads radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor plate on the outward path of the sub-scanning means, and the erasing means on the return path of the sub-scanning means. 52. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor plate is erased by the method. ].

According to the invention, the radiation image information is read from the stimulable phosphor plate on the outward path of the sub-scanning means, and remains on the stimulable phosphor plate on the return path of the sub-scanning means. Since the radiation image information is erased, the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scan can be effectively used without waste, and the processing capability of the apparatus can be improved.

The invention according to claim 53 is characterized in that the reading means and the erasing means are arranged substantially vertically, and the reading means is located above the erasing means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 43 to 52. ].

According to the fifty-third aspect, since the reading means and the erasing means are disposed substantially in the vertical direction, the reciprocating motion of the sub-scanning means operating in the vertical direction can be allocated to the reading and erasing operations. This makes it possible to effectively use the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scanning without waste. Further, since the reading means is arranged above the erasing means, unlike the case where the erasing means is arranged above the reading means, the sub-scanning means starts lowering immediately after the reading operation is completed. ), So that the time required for the reciprocation of the sub-scan can be effectively used without waste. In addition, since the lower end of the stimulable phosphor plate does not pass through the reading unit, the lower end of the stimulable phosphor plate interferes with the reading unit and the stimulable phosphor plate cannot be lowered. It can be prevented beforehand. For this reason, it is possible to improve the reliability and stability of the device.

According to a fifty-fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method as described above, wherein the back surface of the stimulable phosphor plate is attracted to the sub-scanning means by a magnetic force so that the stimulable phosphor plate is moved from the transport means to 54. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the radiation image reading apparatus is transferred to a sub-scanning unit. ].

According to the fifty-fourth aspect, since the back surface of the stimulable phosphor plate is magnetically attracted to the sub-scanning means, the stimulable phosphor plate is moved from the transport means. Transfer to the sub-scanning means can be ensured. In addition, since the transfer by magnetic force can be realized at low cost, the device can be constructed at low cost.

The invention according to claim 55 is characterized in that at least a part of the back surface of the stimulable phosphor plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, and the sub-scanning means adsorbs the stimulable phosphor plate. 55. Any one of claims 43 to 54, wherein at least a part of is constituted by a magnet.
Item 6. The radiation image reading device according to Item 1. ].

According to the fifty-fifth aspect, at least a part of the back surface of the stimulable phosphor plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, and the back surface of the stimulable phosphor plate of the sub-scanning means is adsorbed. Since at least a part of the surface is constituted by the magnet, the weight of the stimulable phosphor plate does not increase by the weight of the magnet (therefore, without increasing the weight of the cassette, the stimulable phosphor plate by the magnetic force is not increased). Can be realized.

The invention according to claim 56 is directed to a radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet. ].

According to the invention of claim 56, since an inexpensive permanent magnet is used as the magnet, the device can be constructed at low cost. In addition, in order to peel off the stimulable phosphor plate from the magnet with rotational movement,
Even if a permanent magnet is used as the magnet, the peeling force is smaller than when the magnet is peeled by parallel movement.

According to a fifty-seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a radiation image reading apparatus according to the fifty-fifth or fifty-sixth aspect, wherein the magnet is a rubber magnet. ].

According to the fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention, since a rubber magnet is used as a magnet, a large-area magnet can be constructed at low cost. This makes it possible to construct the device at low cost. Also, since the adsorption area with the back of the stimulable phosphor plate can be increased,
There is no fear that the stimulable phosphor plate drops during the sub-scan. For this reason, the reliability and stability of the device can be improved.

[0129] The invention according to claim 58 is directed to a radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the magnet is an electromagnet. ].

According to the fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention, since the electromagnet is used as the magnet, the operation of peeling off the stimulable phosphor plate from the sub-scanning means can be performed simply and reliably by turning off the electromagnet. It is possible to do.

The invention according to claim 59 is characterized in that the back surface of the stimulable phosphor plate is attracted to the sub-scanning means by suction or the like so that the stimulable phosphor plate is transported. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 43 to 53, wherein the radiation image reading apparatus is transferred from the means to the sub-scanning means. ].

According to the fifty-ninth aspect, since the back surface of the stimulable phosphor plate is sucked to the sub-scanning means by suction or the like, the suction by vacuum or the like is turned off. Thus, the operation of peeling off the stimulable phosphor plate from the sub-scanning means can be performed easily and reliably.

The invention according to claim 60 is characterized in that "the number of the loading ports is one;
10. The radiation image reading device according to any one of items 9 to 9. ].

According to the present invention, since the number of loading ports is one, the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Particularly, it is possible to provide a device size that can be installed even in a small hospital where the installation space is not large, such as a medical practitioner.

The invention according to claim 61 is characterized in that "the number of the loading ports is two, wherein the number of the loading ports is two or more.
10. The radiation image reading device according to any one of items 9 to 9. ].

According to the invention of claim 61, since there are two loading ports, it is possible to maintain the working efficiency while reducing the size of the apparatus. That is, since the average number of times of imaging in one examination is 1.8, preparing two loading ports can cope with most imaging operations. Therefore, it can be used in facilities of various sizes from a medical practitioner to a large hospital without lowering the working efficiency.

The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the two loading ports have different heights. ].

According to the invention of claim 62, 2
Since the two loading ports are configured to have different heights, the operation of taking out the cassette from the loading port and the operation of loading the cassette into the loading port can be smoothly performed without interfering with each other. In addition, when two cassettes are sequentially loaded into the two loading openings, an environment in which the cassette loaded first does not hinder the work to be loaded next can be provided, and the work efficiency of the user can be improved. . Also, 2
When taking out two cassettes sequentially from one loading port,
It is possible to provide an environment in which the cassette to be taken out later does not hinder the work of taking out the cassette to be taken out first, and it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the user.

[0139] The invention according to claim 63 is characterized in that the radiation image forming apparatus according to claim 61 or 62, wherein the angle formed by the loading port with the sub-scanning means differs between the two loading ports. Reader. ].

According to the thirty-third aspect of the present invention, since the angle formed by the sub-scanning means is different between the two loading ports, the operation of taking out the cassette from the loading port and loading the cassette into the loading port. Work can be performed smoothly without interfering with each other. In addition, when two cassettes are sequentially loaded into the two loading openings, an environment in which the cassette loaded first does not hinder the work to be loaded next can be provided, and the work efficiency of the user can be improved. . Further, when two cassettes are sequentially taken out from the two loading ports, an environment can be provided in which the cassette to be taken out later does not hinder the work of taking out the cassette taken out first, and the work efficiency of the user can be improved.

[0141]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 5 are views showing a cassette 1 used in the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention.

The cassette 1 has a detachable front plate 10.
And the back plate 20. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cassette 1 when a front plate 10 and a back plate 20 are separated.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette 1 when the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 are combined, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette 1 showing a state of a lock mechanism, FIG. FIG. 5 shows the back plate 20 on the back side (front plate 10).
FIG.

The front plate 10 comprises a frame 11 and a front plate 13. The frame 11 is the frame side 1
10, a frame bottom surface 111, an inclined surface 112 having an inclination of a predetermined angle, an inward surface 113, and a frame inner surface 114.
, Light-blocking projection 115, insertion hole 14, cut 15
a, 15b and grip recesses 16a, 16b. The inclined surface 112 and the light-shielding projection 115 form a concave portion 12 inside the frame 11.

As described above, the inclined surface 112 is attached to the frame 11.
By providing the back plate 20, the front plate 10
It is possible to roughly design the alignment accuracy at the time of merging. That is, by providing the inclined surface 112 on the frame 11, the inclined surface 112 automatically guides the back plate 20 to the united position even if the position when the back plate 20 is combined with the front plate 10 is slightly shifted. The demands on the parts accuracy and assembly accuracy on the side can be reduced. Further, even if the skeleton or mechanism of the apparatus is slightly deformed during transportation of the apparatus, it is possible to extremely reduce the probability of causing a trouble in the work of combining the front plate 10 and the back plate 20.

The frame 11 is preferably made of a material such as aluminum or hard plastic that can withstand a large load during full load shooting.
For example, aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic,
It is preferable to be formed of a member having relatively small radiation absorption.

In a cassette of the type in which the side surface of the cassette is opened and closed, or the side plate of the cassette is pulled out, the outer periphery of the cassette side cannot be formed with a continuous structure, so that the structure is weak against the load from the front side. ing. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the frame 11 of the front plate 10 has a structure that covers the outer periphery of the front plate 13 without a break, the load applied from the front plate 10 side of the cassette 1 during photographing is evenly applied to the entire frame 11. Can be accepted. Therefore, the structure is extremely strong against the load applied from the front plate 10 side.

The back plate 20 is formed of the back plate main body 21, the thin plate 24, the thin plate 26, the lead foil 25, the support plate 27, and the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 (other mechanisms will be described later). ).

The stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is fixed to a support plate 27, and the support plate 27 is adhered to the thin plate 26 with double-sided tape, adhesive or the like so as to be replaceable. In this embodiment, the lead foil 25 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the thin plate 24 and the thin plate 26. For example, the lead foil 25 is fixed to the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 and the support plate 2.
7 may be fixed in a sandwiched manner. Thin plate 24
Is bonded to the rib 214 of the back plate main body 21.
The rib 214 forms the air phase 23 and contributes to the weight reduction of the cassette. Thus, the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 forms an integral structure with the back plate main body 21.

When it is desired to replace the stimulable phosphor sheet 28, the support plate 27 is peeled off from the thin plate 26, and thereafter,
Support plate 27 with new stimulable phosphor sheet 28 attached
May be bonded to the thin plate 26 with a double-sided tape or an adhesive. Since the lead foil 25 is protected by the thin plate 26, when the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is peeled off together with the support plate 27, the lead foil 25 is not peeled off together.

Further, in order to facilitate replacement of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28, the support plate 27 is not adhered to the thin plate 26 with a double-sided tape or an adhesive, but is attracted by magnetic force. Is also good. For example, the support plate 27 is made of a rubber magnet, or the back surface of the support plate 27 (the surface on which the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is not attached).
On the other hand, the thin plate 26 or the surface of the thin plate 26 is made of a ferromagnetic substance. With such a configuration, the support plate 27 to which the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is adhered can be easily removed from the back plate 20. The back surface of the support plate 27 is made of a ferromagnetic material,
Even if the thin plate 26 is made of a rubber magnet,
It goes without saying that a similar effect can be obtained.

The back plate main body 21 is
, Back plate side surface 211, rim 212, inner wall 213
And a rib 214. The rim 212 and the inner wall 213 form the recess 22.

When the back plate 20 and the front plate 10 are combined as shown in FIG. 2, the light shielding projection 115 of the front plate 10 acts to enter the recess 22 of the back plate 20, and the back plate 20 is inserted into the recess 12 of the front plate 10. The rim 21 acts so as to enter. In this way, light is shielded so that external light does not reach the stimulable phosphor sheet 28. When a velvet, a sponge, or the like is attached to the concave portion 12 of the front plate 10, for example, the light shielding property can be further improved.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The back plate 20 is designed so that a certain gap is formed between the tip of the inclined surface 112 of the front plate 10 and the back plate side surface 211 in a state where the back plate 20 and the back plate 20 are combined. This gap is
This is a gap necessary for smoothly combining the front plate 10 and the back plate 20. The gap is 0.2 to 2 mm
With the degree, the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 can be sufficiently smoothly combined. This gap is also important from the viewpoint of absorbing a manufacturing error between the front plate 10 and the back plate 20, and improves the reliability and stability of the operation of combining the front plate 10 and the back plate 20.

In this embodiment, since the light-shielding method using the combination of the concave and convex portions as described above is employed, the external light entering through the gap is not affected by the stimulable phosphor sheet 28.
There is no need to worry about reaching to reach the stimulable phosphor.

The back plate main body 21 is preferably formed of a ferromagnetic plastic or the like so that it can be magnetically attracted to the magnet 54 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the back plate main body 21 may be formed of ordinary plastic, and a ferromagnetic sheet (not shown) such as an iron foil may be attached to the back plate back surface 210. Further, a method of applying a ferromagnetic substance to the back plate 210 may be used.

The back plate back surface 210 is designed such that when attracted to the magnet 54, the back plate back surface 210 follows the plane formed by the magnet 54. That is, the back plate 20 has a certain degree of rigidity,
It is flexible enough to follow the plane formed by the magnets 54. Thus, by giving the back plate 20 some flexibility, for example, the back plate 2
Even if 0 is deformed or warped due to aging or use, deformation and warpage of the back plate 20 are corrected by following the plane on the magnet 54 side. Therefore, the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 can always be kept flat when reading image information.

When a load is applied to the front plate 10 (bed shooting, full load shooting, or the like), a situation occurs in which the front plate 13 of the front plate 10 is considerably large on the back plate 20 side. At this time, if the rigidity of the back plate 20 is too high, the back plate 20 will maintain its planarity.
Are pressed by a considerable amount from both sides, and the stimulable phosphor is damaged. As described above, if the back plate 20 has both a certain degree of rigidity and a certain degree of flexibility, the back plate 20 can be bent to some extent in a direction in which the back plate 20 escapes from being pressed by the front plate 20. Therefore, the stimulable phosphor is not damaged.

Needless to say, the back plate 20 should not have more flexibility than necessary. If the back plate 20 has more flexibility than necessary, the durability of the cassette 1 will be reduced. Also, if the back plate 20 is given more flexibility than necessary, the amount of slack of the back plate 20 due to the weight of the back plate 20 becomes large, causing a problem in light shielding properties, or a problem with the photostimulable phosphor surface during photographing. Or a problem with sex.

Although the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 are separable, radiation imaging or the like is usually performed in a united state as shown in FIG.

Next, the cassette locking mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.

To keep the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 combined, the cassette 1 is provided with a lock mechanism. 30a, 30b, 30c, 3 of the back plate 20
Reference numeral 0d denotes a lock claw, and the tip of each lock claw is provided with an opening 31a, 3d in accordance with the lock ON / OFF operation.
It is configured to move in the direction of arrow Q1 or arrow Q2 from 1b, 31c, 31d.

32a and 32b of the back plate 20 are 30
These are lock claws different from a, 30b, 30c, and 30d.
The lock claws 32a, 32b are configured to slide in the directions of the arrow Q1 or the arrow Q2 in the openings 33a, 33b with the lock ON / OFF operation.

The lock ON state means that the lock claws 30a, 3a
The state in which the tips of 0b, 30c, and 30d protrude outside the back plate side surface 211. At this time, the tip of the lock claw is in a state of protruding between the frame inner surface 114 and the inward surface 113 of the front plate 10.

Dotted lines U1, U in FIG. 4 when the lock is ON
2 (A1a) and (A1a) show cross-sectional views of the cassette 1 in FIG.
1b).

In the lock ON state, the lock claws 32a, 3a
The tip of 2b has moved in the direction of arrow Q1. At this time, the cuts 15a and 15b of the front plate 10 (openings provided in the frame inward surface 113 and the inclined surface 112)
And the lock claws 32a and 32b are out of phase with each other, that is, the back plate 20 cannot be separated from the front plate 10. FIGS. 3 (B1a) and 3 (B1a) show cross-sectional views of the cassette 1 at dotted lines U3 and U4 in FIG.
It is shown in b).

The lock OFF state means that the lock claw 30a,
The state in which the tips of 30b, 30c, and 30d enter inside the back plate side surface 211. The dotted line U in FIG.
1 and U2, a sectional view of the cassette 1 is shown in FIG.
a) and (A2b). In the lock-off state, the lock pawls 32a and 32b are in phase with the cuts 15a and 15b, so that the back plate 20 can be separated from the front plate 10. At this time, dotted lines U3 and U in FIG.
4 (B2a) and (B2a) are sectional views of the cassette 1 in FIG.
2b).

Lock claws 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b
Is configured to interlock with the connecting member 35. On the other hand, the lock claws 30 c and 30 d are configured to interlock with the connecting member 36. The spring 38a has one end connected to the connecting member 35 and the other end connected to the back plate body 21.
It is connected to. The connection member 3 is formed by the spring 38a.
5 always receives a force to move in the direction of arrow Q1. The insertion hole 14 of the front plate 10 has a positional relationship corresponding to the insertion hole 34 of the back plate 20 at the time of merging.

When the rod-shaped member is inserted only once in the direction of arrow P from the insertion hole 14 (insertion hole) and pushed when the lock is in the ON state, the connecting member 35 is moved by a predetermined distance in the direction of arrow Q2. And stops at FIG. 3 (A2a),
The lock is turned off as shown in (A2b).

When the connecting member 35 moves in the direction of arrow Q2, the rack shape and the pinion 37 at the tip of the connecting member 35 and connecting member 36 cause the rack and pinion to move, and the connecting member 36 also moves in the same direction as arrow R2. Move a distance and stop. At this time, the lock claws 32a and 32b also move by the same distance in the direction of arrow Q2 and stop in conjunction with the connection member 35, and the lock claws 32a and 32b enter the lock OFF state shown in FIGS. 3 (B2a) and 3 (B2b).

That is, when the rod-shaped member is inserted only once in the direction of arrow P from the insertion hole 14 (insertion hole 34) and pushed in the lock ON state, the state shifts to the lock OFF state, and the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 becomes separable. Next, as long as the rod-shaped member is not acted on from the insertion hole 14 (insertion hole 34), this lock-off state is continuously maintained.

When the rod-shaped member is inserted only once in the direction of arrow P and pushed from the insertion hole 14 (insertion hole 34) in the lock-off state, the connecting member 35 is moved by a predetermined distance in the direction of arrow Q1. And stop at FIG. 3 (A1a),
The state shifts to the lock ON state shown in (A1b).

When the connecting member 35 moves in the direction of arrow Q1, the operation of the rack and the pinion described above occurs, and the connecting member 36 also moves by the same distance in the direction of arrow R1 and stops. At this time, the lock claws 32a, 32b also move by the same distance in the direction of the arrow Q1, and FIG. 3 (B1a), (B1b)
Is turned on.

That is, when the lock is in the OFF state, the rod-shaped member is moved from the insertion hole 14 (insertion hole 34) in the direction of arrow P by one.
When inserted and pushed only once, the state shifts to the lock ON state, and the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 become inseparable. Next, as long as the rod-shaped member is not acted on from the insertion hole 14 (insertion hole 34), this lock ON state is continuously maintained.

As described above, the cassette 1 of this embodiment is
Employs a system (push-latch system) in which the lock-on state / lock-off state is switched each time the rod-shaped member is inserted from the insertion hole 14 (insertion hole 34) and pushed. The push-latch system is well known as a mechanism used when inserting and removing a ball-point pen core from a ball-point pen exterior. The push-latch mechanism is included in the push-latch section 39 of FIG. One end of the spring 38b is connected to the push latch portion 39,
The other end is connected to the back plate main body 21. This spring 3
By 8b, the push / latch unit 39 is always receiving a force to move in the direction of arrow Q1.

Notches 15a, 15b of front plate 10
And the lock claws 32a and 32b are arranged at a position separated by a predetermined distance from a center position C (a position indicated by an arrow C) on the side surface of the cassette 1. The notches 15a, 15b and the lock claws 32a, 32b are aligned with the center position C on the side surface of the cassette 1.
It is possible to displace it from the
If one of the pair of the notch 15a and the pair of the locking claw 32b and the notch 15b is displaced from the center position C on the side surface of the cassette 1, the other pair will be on the side surface of the cassette 1. May be disposed on the center position C of the back plate 20 and the front plate 1.
If the direction of 0 is not the correct direction, it will not be united. Thus, for example, when the user separates the cassette 1 for reasons such as cleaning the inside of the cassette or replacing the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 and trying to unite again after the work, the back plate 20 and the front plate 10 The risk of erroneous merging can be avoided.

Thus, the back plate 20 and the front plate 1
A mechanism for avoiding the danger of erroneously merging the zero direction is called a reverse insertion prevention mechanism.

Further, the frame 11 of the front plate 10 (for example, the inner surface of the frame side surface 110 or the inclined surface 112).
Or at least one convex portion on one of the outer peripheral portions of the back plate (for example, the outer surface of the back plate side surface 211), and at least one concave portion on the other.
By arranging the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 so as to match only when they face each other in the correct direction, a reverse insertion preventing mechanism can be easily constructed.

For example, a convex portion having the same shape as the lock claws 32a and 32b is provided on the outer surface of the back plate side surface 211, and a concave portion having the same shape as the cuts 15a and 15b is provided in the frame 11 of the front plate 10. And the recess are locked OF
In the F state, the lock claws 32a, 32b, the cut 15a,
By arranging them in the same positional relationship as 15b, a reverse insertion prevention mechanism can be constructed.

The lock claws 30a, 30b, 30c,
30d only (without lock claws 32a, 32b)
When the lock mechanism is configured, the cassette 1 is
When the back plate 20 is held vertically upward,
The side where the lock claw does not exist is loosened vertically downward by the weight of the back plate 20. As described above, the locking mechanism using the locking claws 32a and 32b
0 can also serve as a mechanism (slack prevention mechanism) for preventing it from loosening under its own weight.

However, such a mechanism for preventing the back plate 20 from being loosened is not necessarily required for the cassette 1 having a relatively small size in which the back plate 20 is unlikely to be loosened by its own weight.

Further, in this embodiment, the insertion hole 14 and the insertion hole 34 are represented by a circular shape, but this does not limit the insertion hole 14 and the insertion hole 34 to a circular shape.
For example, to unlock using a coin,
The shape of the insertion hole 14 or the insertion hole 34 may be a rectangle or a long hole.

FIG. 5 is a view of the back plate 20 of the cassette 1 as viewed from the back side (the side opposite to the front plate 10). FIG.
5A shows the lock ON state, and FIG. 5B shows the lock OFF state. The lock state display means 203 operates in conjunction with the connecting member 35, and
In the N state, the lock state display means 203 located below the opening 202 turns to the opening 20 in the lock OFF state.
Move to the top of 2. Since the position of the lock state display means 203 can be observed from the outside of the cassette 1 through the opening 202, the lock state of the cassette 1 can be monitored from outside using a sensor. By monitoring the locked state of the cassette 1 from the outside with the sensor in this manner, the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 are monitored.
It is possible to confirm whether the lock mechanism of the cassette 1 is operating properly when the cassette 1 is separated or united, and when it is not operating properly, retry the separation operation or the united operation or display an error message on a predetermined display means. It becomes possible.

The code storage element 200 is attached (or included) on the same side of the back plate back surface 210 as the insertion hole 34. The clip 201 is disposed on the back plate back surface 210 opposite to the code storage element 200.

In this embodiment, the code storage element 20
Reference numeral 0 denotes an element capable of reading a code written in the code storage element 200 using a radio technology such as an electromagnetic wave or a microwave. If you use an element that can read codes using wireless technology such as electromagnetic waves and microwaves,
Even if the positional relationship between the code storage element 200 and the reading device of the code storage element 200 is slightly shifted, the code storage element 200
This is convenient because the code recorded in the file can be read with high accuracy. As such an element, for example, an element called a non-contact ID label (S label) or a tyris can be used. In the code storage element 200, the identification number (ID number) of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28, the date of manufacture, the version number of the stimulable phosphor, the number indicating the size of the cassette, and the like are recorded as codes. .

The code storage element 200 may be a sheet on which an optically readable pattern is printed. For example, bar code labels are well known.

The code storage element 200 is disposed on the center line of the cassette 1 in the transport width direction as shown in FIG. 5A, or is fixed from the center line of the cassette 1 in the transport width direction as shown in FIG. It is better to arrange them on parallel lines separated by a distance X. The value of X is always a constant value regardless of the cassette size.

When reading a code written in the code storage element 200 by using a radio technology such as an electromagnetic wave or a microwave, the code storage element 200 is arranged inside the back plate 20 instead of the back plate back surface 210. You may do it. Since reading and writing are performed by wireless technology, the code storage element 200 does not need to be present on the back surface 210 of the back plate. In this case, if a label on which the identification number (ID number) of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 or the like is printed is attached on the back surface 210 of the back plate, the label can be visually recognized so that it is easier to understand.

Further, it is more convenient to use both the bar code reading method and the reading method using wireless technology. In this case, it is important that the content of the barcode label is associated with the content recorded on the element read by wireless technology.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the radiation image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

The apparatus main body 2 is provided with a cassette insertion port 3 and a cassette discharge port 4. The device body 2
Is composed of two units, a transport reading unit 2a and a cassette insertion / discharge unit 2b. The cassette insertion / discharge unit 2b has a structure that can be easily removed from the transport reading unit 2a. Further, a transport reading unit 2a and a cassette insertion / ejection unit 2b
An anti-vibration rubber 73 is disposed between them, so that vibration at the time of insertion / ejection of the cassette is hardly transmitted to the transport reading unit 2a.

The sub-scanning means 50 and the transport means 40 in the cassette insertion / ejection section 2b are constructed on the same substrate 71. An anti-vibration rubber 72 is provided between the substrate 71 and the bottom plate 70.
Is arranged, the vibration of the cassette insertion / ejection unit 2b is not transmitted to the sub-scanning unit 50, thereby realizing a vibration-proof structure.

Further, an anti-vibration rubber 74 is disposed between the upper end of the sub-scanning means 50 and an apparatus frame (not shown) to reinforce the anti-vibration structure for the sub-scanning means 50.

With such an anti-vibration structure, a cassette can be inserted into the insertion slot 3 or a cassette can be inserted from the discharge port 4 while image information is being read from the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 by the transport reading section 2a. Even if the image is taken out or the apparatus main body 2 is vibrated, it is possible to prevent noise from occurring in the read image information due to vibration.

Further, since the sub-scanning means 50 and the transport means 40 are constructed on the same substrate 71, as will be described later,
When the back plate 20 is transferred from the transport unit 40 to the sub-scanning unit 50, the transfer position does not shift. Thereby, the separation and uniting work of the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 can be stably and accurately performed.

Next, the operation of the radiation image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cassette 1 on which the radiographic image has been taken is inserted into the insertion slot 3 in the direction of arrow A1. At this time, the insertion is performed so that the insertion hole 14 faces downward and the front plate 13 of the front plate 10 faces obliquely downward.
That is, the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is inserted so that the reading surface thereof faces obliquely downward. When the cassette 1 is inserted into the insertion slot 3, the presence of the cassette 1 is recognized by a cassette detection sensor (not shown), and the cassette is moved to the center of the insertion slot 3 by the width adjusting means 47 arranged in the insertion slot 3. It is narrowed down to.

When the cassette is moved toward the center of the insertion slot 3, the code storage element 200 attached to the back plate back surface 210 (or built in the back plate 20).
And the position of the code reading means 45 match, and the code recorded in the code storage element 200 is
Read by.

If the code reading means 45 cannot read the code or reads a code which cannot be identified, 1) the cassette 1 is inserted upside down, 2) the cassette 1 is inserted upside down, 3) a different cassette is inserted. Or, a foreign substance is inserted, 4) the code recorded in the code storage element 200 is destroyed, 5) the code storage element 200 is not attached (or not at a correct position), and it is determined that Display means 80
An error message is displayed on a liquid crystal display (for example, a liquid crystal display), and a warning sound is generated. At this time, cassette 1
Is not taken into the apparatus main body 2.

When the code reading means 45 correctly reads the code, the cassette size is detected from the read code, and the adjustment of the width of the transport means 40 is started in accordance with the cassette size. That is, the width shifting means 401a of FIG.
401b starts moving in the direction of arrow M according to the size of the cassette 1.

Next, the insertion roller 42 is operated to take the cassette 1 into the apparatus main body 2 in the direction of arrow A2 along the dotted line a. By the time the insertion roller 42 operates, the transport means 40 is already waiting at the position indicated by the dotted line a, and receives the cassette 1 carried by the insertion roller 42 from the insertion port 3. When the cassette grips 402a and 402b on the lift platform 402 (operating along the transport unit 40) catch the lower end of the cassette 1, the lift platform 402 transports the cassette 1 along the transport unit 40 in the direction of arrow A2. The upper end of the cassette 1 is controlled so as to stop at the position indicated by the arrow Z in FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how different cassette sizes have a positional relationship on the transport mechanism 40. As shown in FIG. 1A is a half-sized cassette, 1B is a large-sized cassette, 1C is a large-sized cassette, 1D is a 4-sized cassette, 1E is a 6-sized cassette, 1
Fa is a 24 × 30 cm cassette, 1Fb is 24
A cassette for mammography with a size of 30 cm, 1 Ga
18 × 24cm size cassette, 1Gb is 18 × 2
4cm size mammography cassette, 1H is 15 × 3
This is a 0 cm size dental cassette. Regardless of the size of all cassettes, the position of the elevator 402 is controlled so that the upper end of the cassette is located at the position indicated by the arrow Z. In this manner, a method of controlling the upper end of the cassette 1 to always stop at the same position of the transport means 40 is referred to as upper reference control.

The advantages of the upper reference control are the following two points.

1) Since the time required for the sub-scanning means 50 to transport the back plate 20 to the reading position B can be minimized regardless of the cassette size, the processing capability (throughput) of the apparatus can be improved.

2) Back plate 2 regardless of cassette size
Since the upper end of 0 can be made to protrude from the sub-scanning moving plate 53 by the same distance (see FIGS. 7 and 8), the upper end and the side end of the back plate 20 can be detected as described later. Thereby, the reading area of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 can be accurately determined. In addition, it is possible to construct a rough and inexpensive mechanism by lowering the transfer accuracy of the cassette 1 in the transfer unit 40 and the transfer accuracy of the back plate 20 from the transfer unit 40 to the sub-scanning unit 50.

Of course, a lower reference control, that is, a method of controlling the position of the cassette lift 402 so that the lower end of the cassette 1 always stops at the same position of the transport means 40, may be employed. The two advantages described above cannot be obtained.

The dotted line V in FIG.
Center line. The width adjusting means 40 is adjusted so that the center of all cassettes is aligned with the center line of the sub-scanning moving plate 53.
1a and 401b are controlled. This is called center-based control.

In general, when a film is transported or a stimulable phosphor sheet is transported, a one-side reference control for transporting the film or the stimulable phosphor sheet to one side is performed.
In the case of this embodiment, the conveying means 40 and the sub-scanning means 50
Must handle the cassette 1 and the back plate 20 of various sizes, and therefore, in one-side reference control, the horizontal center of gravity of the cassette 1 and the back plate 20 and the sub-scanning moving plate 53
And the center of the elevating table 402 does not match, and the balance of sub-scanning and conveyance is lost. Furthermore, cassette 1 and back plate 2
Since 0 is an object that is considerably heavier than a film or a stimulable phosphor sheet, poor control of one-sided control is not preferable in terms of reliability and stability. Therefore, in this embodiment, control based on the center is preferable.

When transferring the back plate 20 between the transport mechanism 40 and the sub-scanning mechanism 50, the cassette grip 40
2a, 402b and the sub-scanning moving plate 53 (or the magnet 5
In order to avoid the interference 4), the sub-scanning moving plate 53 is provided with interference avoiding openings 540a and 540b. In the one-side reference control, the position of the interference avoidance opening cannot be specified, and a more complicated mechanism is required. In this sense, the center reference control is preferable in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the control based on the center reference is employed. However, the control based on the one-side reference avoiding the above-described problem does not impair the essence of the present invention.

When the cassette 1 stops in accordance with the upper-side control, the tips of the grip claws 403a and 403b come into contact with the grip recesses 16a on the side surface 110 of the front plate.
The front plate 10 is inserted into the recess 16b and fixed to the conveying means 40.

The transporting means 40 has a rotating shaft 404, and can freely rotate and move around the rotating shaft 404 at least in the range from the dotted line a to the dotted line c (the range of the angle θ). When the cassette 1 is taken into the apparatus main body 2 by the transport mechanism 40, the transport mechanism 40 rotates around the rotation shaft 404 from the position indicated by the dotted line a to the position indicated by the dotted line C in the direction of the arrow A3. When the transport mechanism 40 rotationally moves to the position indicated by the dotted line c, the back plate back surface 210 of the cassette 1 having a ferromagnetic material is attracted to the magnet 54 by magnetic force.

FIG. 7 shows the back plate back surface 210 of the cassette 1.
Shows a state where the magnet 54 is attracted to the magnet 54 by magnetic force. In this embodiment, it is a diagram assuming a cassette of six-section size. The width shifting means 401a and 401b adjust the cassette 1 of the six-cut size to the center reference. Width shifting means 401a, 401b, and cassette grip 4
02a, 402b, and the lock pin 402c, and
The elevating table 402 is designed so as not to project toward the sub-scanning moving plate 53 from the back plate back surface 210 of the cassette 1 so as not to interfere with the sub-scanning moving plate 53. The cassette grips 402a and 402b and the sub-scanning moving plate 53
In order to avoid the interference of the (or magnet 54), the sub-scanning moving plate 53 is provided with interference avoiding openings 540a and 540b.

A lock pin 402c for turning on / off the lock mechanism of the cassette 1 is arranged on the lift table 402, and the lock mechanism of the cassette 1 is turned on / off by moving the lock pin 402c up and down. be able to. The upper end of the cassette 1 (upper reference position Z)
Is configured so that the upper end of the cassette 1 projects above the sub-scanning moving plate 53 of the sub-scanning means 50 for the purpose of detecting the upper end or side end of the cassette 1 during sub-scanning.

The sub-scanning means 50 includes a sub-scanning rail 51, sub-scanning movable parts 52a and 52b, a sub-scanning moving plate 53, and a magnet 5.
4 The sub-scanning moving plate 53 includes the sub-scanning movable portion 5.
The sub-scanning moving plate 53 can be moved up and down on the sub-scanning rail 51 by a driving unit (not shown). As the sub-scanning rail 51, a linear guide, a linear bearing guide, or the like having high transport performance can be used.

In this embodiment, the magnet 54 is a rubber magnet (permanent magnet) having a predetermined area. The rubber magnet has an interference avoiding opening 540 as shown in FIG.
a and 540b are transferred to the sub-scanning moving plate 53.
Or the rubber magnet may be divided into a predetermined number and attached to the sub-scanning movable portion 52. Further, the rubber magnet can take any shape. Also, permanent magnets or electromagnets other than rubber magnets may be used.

The surface portion of the magnet 54 that attracts the back plate back surface 210 has high flatness. When the magnet 54 attracts the back plate back surface 210, the ferromagnetic surface of the back plate back surface 210 follows the plane of the magnet 54. The reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is considered to be as complete as possible. Therefore, even when the back plate 20 is deformed or warped, when the back plate back surface 210 is attracted to the magnet 54, the deformation and warpage are corrected, and the reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is flat. Nature can be secured.

When the back plate 20 is attracted to the magnet 54,
The lock pin 402c housed in the lift table 402 rises, and the lock pin 40c is inserted into the insertion hole 14 of the front plate 10.
The tip of 2c is inserted (see FIG. 7). By this operation, the lock of the cassette 1 in the lock ON state is released, and the cassette 1 shifts to the lock OFF state. That is, the back plate 20 and the front plate 10 can be separated. When the cassette 1 shifts to the lock OFF state, the lock pin 4
02c descends and is stored in the elevating table 402 again.

The lock of cassette 1 is released, and lock O
When the state shifts to the FF state, the transport mechanism 40 rotates and moves in the direction of arrow A6 and stops at the retracted position (for example, the position indicated by the dotted line b). By this operation, the back plate 20 and the front plate 10
Can be completely separated.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the back plate 20 and the front plate 10 are completely separated, and the transport mechanism 40 is stopped at the retracted position. The cassette 1 is assumed to be a half-sized cassette. By retracting the front plate 10 at a sufficient angle from the back plate, it is possible to prevent the back plate 20 from interfering with the front plate 10 when the back plate 20 performs the sub-scanning operation. As described above, means for performing a series of operations for separating the back plate 20 and the front plate 10 is generally referred to as separation means.

When the back plate 20 is completely separated from the front plate 10 by the separating means, a drive unit (not shown) operates, and the back plate 20 is conveyed (sub-scan) in the direction of arrow A4 (upward). . During this sub-scanning operation, the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is main-scanned by the laser light B emitted from the laser scanning unit 61 in a direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction.

When a laser beam acts on the stimulable phosphor sheet 28, stimulable light (image information) proportional to the radiation energy accumulated in the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is emitted,
The stimulated emission passes through the light guide 62 and is collected in the condenser tube 63. The condenser tube 63 is, for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-103904.
It is preferable to use a condenser tube having a structure as described in the specification. A photoelectric conversion element such as a photomultiplier (not shown) is disposed on an end face of the light collecting tube, and converts the collected photostimulated light into an electric signal. After being subjected to predetermined signal processing as image data, the photostimulated light converted into an electric signal is transmitted from the apparatus main body 2 via a communication cable (not shown) to an operation terminal, an image storage device, an image display device, a dry imager. To an image output device (neither is shown). The means for reading image information constituted by the laser scanning unit 61, the light guide 62, the condenser tube 63, the photoelectric conversion element and the like in this way is defined as a reading means 60. It goes without saying that the reading means 60 may be achieved by a configuration other than this embodiment as long as it is means for reading image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet 28.

It is preferable that the start time of image data capture is determined by detecting the upper end of the back plate 20 with the sensor 90. When the back plate 20 is not present, the sensor 90 continuously receives the laser beam B and continuously outputs a signal having a predetermined intensity. However, when the upper end of the back plate 20 moves to a position where the laser beam B is blocked, the sensor 90 Since the signal output intensity of the electric signal output from the
The upper end of the back plate 20 can be detected.

Further, the back plate 2 is moved by the mechanism shown in FIG.
It may be configured to detect the side edge of 0. FIG. 10 (A
1) is a diagram showing a state in which the back plate 20 has not reached the scanning position of the laser beam B. A rod 91 is connected to the light receiving surface of the sensor 90, and the laser beam B reaches the sensor 90 along the rod 91. Sensor 9
The laser light that has reached 0 is photoelectrically converted by the sensor 90 and output as an electric signal.

The rod 91 is, for example, a hollow tubular member having an opening for introducing the laser beam B, and at least a substance that diffuses light is present at least on the inner wall portion of the tube on which the laser beam B acts directly. It has been applied. Rod 91
Is, for example, a rod-shaped plastic member or a glass member, and a material that reflects or diffuses light is applied to an outer wall other than the opening for introducing the laser beam B.

FIG. 10 (B1) is a diagram showing the signal strength of the electric signal output from the sensor 90 in the state shown in FIG. 10 (A1). The signal intensity rises at time T0, gradually decreases with time, and disappears at time T2, that is, at the time when the laser beam B passes through the right end of the rod 91.

FIG. 10 (A2) is a view at the moment when the upper end of the back plate 20 reaches the scanning position of the laser beam B. The signal strength of the electric signal output from the sensor 90 at this time is shown in FIG. 10 (B2). The signal strength rises at time T0, but sharply decreases at time T1, ie, the time when the laser beam B passes through the left end of the cassette 1. Therefore, if the time T1 is detected by signal processing or the like, it becomes possible to detect the side end (the left end in the present example) of the cassette 1, thereby controlling the HSync of the laser light,
For example, it is possible to calculate the generation timing of the image data.

As described above, if the upper end and the side end of the back plate 20 can be detected, the reading area of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 can be determined with high accuracy. In addition, such a back plate 20
By using the edge detection means, the accuracy of transporting the cassette 1 by the transport means 40 and the accuracy of transferring the back plate 20 from the transport means 40 to the sub-scanning means 50 are reduced, and a rough and inexpensive mechanism is constructed. Becomes possible.

It is desirable that the laser intensity at the time of detecting the upper end or the side edge of the back plate 20 is smaller than the laser intensity at the time of reading the stimulable phosphor sheet 28. The reason is that the laser light is reflected inside the apparatus and excites the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 which has not yet started reading.

When reading of the image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is completed, the driving unit (not shown)
0 is started to be conveyed in the direction of arrow A5 (downward). While the back plate 20 is being conveyed in the direction of arrow A5, the erasing light C is emitted from the erasing means 64 and the stimulable phosphor sheet 2
8 is deleted. As the erasing lamp used in the erasing means 64, a halogen lamp, a high-intensity fluorescent lamp, an LED array, or the like can be used.

As described above, in this embodiment, image information is read on the outward path (upward transport) of the sub-scanning means 50, and the remaining image is read on the return path (downward transport) of the sub-scanning means. Since the information is erased, the time required for the reciprocating movement of the sub-scanning means can be effectively used without wasting. Thereby, the processing capability (throughput) of the radiation image reading apparatus can be improved.

In this embodiment, the erasing means 64
Are arranged at the lower part in the vertical direction of the reading means 60, and when the reading operation of the image information by the reading means 60 is completed, the moving direction of the sub-scanning means 50 can be immediately switched to the backward direction (downward). Thus, the erasing operation can be started without a loss of time during the reciprocating movement of the sub-scanning means 50, so that the processing capability (throughput) of the radiation image reading apparatus can be further improved.

Further, since the erasing means 64 is disposed at the lower part in the vertical direction of the reading means 60, the lower end of the back plate 20 does not pass through the reading position B of the reading means 60. An accident that the back plate cannot be lowered due to interference with the light condensing member such as 62 can be prevented beforehand. For this reason, it is possible to improve the reliability and stability of the device.

When the back plate 20 is lowered to the position transferred to the magnet 54, the driving unit (not shown) stops the movement of the back plate 20 by the sub-scanning means 50.

When the back plate 20 stops at the position transferred to the magnet 54, the transport means 4 retracted to the retract position
0 rotates again to the position of the dotted line C, and the back plate 20
And the front plate 10 are united. When the back plate 20 and the front plate 10 are united, the lock pins 402c housed in the elevating table 402 rise, and the tips of the lock pins 402c are inserted into the insertion holes 14 of the front plate 10. By this operation, the cassette 1 which has been in the lock OFF state is locked, and the cassette 1 shifts to the lock ON state. That is,
The back plate 20 and the front plate 10 cannot be separated. When the cassette 1 shifts to the lock ON state, the lock pin 402c moves down and is housed in the elevator 402 again. Thus, the locked state of the cassette 1 is
Means for performing a series of operations for shifting from the F state to the lock ON state are collectively referred to as uniting means.

When the joining operation of the back plate 20 and the front plate 10 is completed by the joining means, the transport means 40 is again rotated in the direction of arrow A6 to the position of the dotted line b and stopped.
In this manner, the operation of peeling the back plate 20 (cassette 1) from the magnet 54 is performed along with the rotational movement.
(Cassette 1) can be peeled off from the magnet 54. When the transport unit 40 stops at the position indicated by the dotted line b, the fixed state of the front plate 10 by the grip claws 403a and 403b is released, and the cassette 1 can be transported on the transport unit 40.

When the fixed state of the front plate 10 is released, the elevator 402 conveys the cassette 1 along the conveying means 40 toward the discharge port 4, and moves the cassette 1 to the discharge roller 4.
Hand over to 3. Upon receiving the cassette 1, the discharge roller 43 performs a discharge operation until the cassette 1 is completely discharged to the discharge port 4. When the cassette 1 is completely discharged to the discharge port 4, the transport mechanism 40 rotates to the position indicated by the dotted line a in the direction of arrow A6, stops, and shifts to a state in which the next cassette 1 can be received.

In this embodiment, the discharge port 4 has a stacker section on which about 2 to 5 cassettes 1 can be stacked. When the position of the cassette 1 immediately after the discharge to the discharge port 4 is completed is represented by 1a, the cassette 1 discharged to the place of 1a falls down in the direction of arrow A8 from the upper end of the cassette 1 due to the weight of the cassette 1 and the final position. To the position represented by 1b. The bottom plate portion of the discharge port 4 is inclined from the side 1a to the side 1b so that this operation is performed only by the own weight of the cassette 1. Further, in order to reliably transport the cassette 1 from the side 1a to the side 1b, for example, a transport mechanism 44 for transporting the lower portion of the cassette 1 in the direction of arrow A8 is provided, and the entire cassette 1 is moved from the position 1a to the position 1b. You may make it comprise so that it may move reliably. The transport mechanism 44 can be realized by employing a belt transport method, a roller transport method, or the like. A mechanism that pushes the cassette 1 from the side 1a to the side 1b by a mechanism (not shown) may be employed. Basically, if care is taken so that the cassette 1 discharged from the discharge port 4 does not block the outlet of the discharge roller 43, the cassette 1 discharged from the discharge roller 43 Such forms and positional relationships may be taken.

[0238] The discharge port 4 has a discharge cassette 1 of about 2 to 5 sheets.
(Hereafter, the cassette 1 discharged from the discharge port 4 is appropriately
The discharge cassette 1 is configured to be stackable, so that the user does not remove the discharge cassette 1 until the discharge outlet 4 is filled with the discharge cassette 1 without removing the discharge cassette 1. The cassette 1 which has been photographed can be inserted into the camera. In general, a radiographic examination uses 1 to 5 cassettes 1 in one examination, and about 1.8 sheets on average. Therefore, the discharge port 4 is configured so that about 2 to 5 discharge cassettes 1 can be stacked. If this is done, the user will not be bothered by the removal of the discharge cassette 1 during the inspection,
Work can be performed efficiently.

When the next cassette 1 is discharged from the discharge port 4 when the stacker portion of the discharge port 4 is full of the discharge cassette 1, the discharge cassette 1 already stacked on the discharge port 4 is discharged.
May be pushed out by the newly discharged cassette 1 and fall, or a failure may occur when the cassette 1 is forcibly discharged to cause a failure. Therefore, a sensor or a mechanism (not shown) for detecting whether or not the stacker portion of the outlet 4 is full with the discharge cassette 1 is provided to detect whether or not the stacker portion of the outlet 4 is full with the discharge cassette 1. However, when the stacker section of the discharge port 4 is full of the discharge cassette 1, it is preferable to avoid this problem by the following means.

1) The cassette 1 cannot be inserted into the insertion slot 3.

2) The cassette 1 can be inserted into the insertion slot 3, but the cassette 1 is prevented from being taken into the apparatus main body 2.

3) The cassette 1 inserted into the insertion slot 3 is taken into the inside of the apparatus main body 2, but is stopped before image information is read.

4) The cassette 1 inserted into the insertion port 3 is taken into the apparatus main body 2 to read the image information, and then the cassette 1 is stopped before the cassette 1 is discharged to the discharge port 4.

In addition, while taking the above-mentioned means,
It is preferable to notify the user that the stacker section of the discharge port 4 is full of the discharge cassette 1 by the following means.

1) An LED or the like is provided on the device
Inform the user of the color of D and the lighting method.

2) A message is displayed on the display means 80 or a monitor of an operation terminal (not shown) connected to the apparatus main body 2 to inform the user.

3) A cover (not shown) is provided in the insertion opening 3 to inform the user by closing the cover so that the cassette 1 cannot be inserted.

4) The sound is transmitted from the apparatus main body 2 or a melody is played to inform the user.

When a part or all of the discharge cassette 1 is removed by the user and the stacker portion of the discharge port 4 is not full, the processing of the cassette 1 stopped inside the apparatus main body 2 or at the insertion port 3 is performed. Is preferably automatically restarted.

Also, during the operation of taking the cassette 1 into the apparatus main body 2, during the transport operation after taking the cassette 1 into the apparatus main body 2, during the reading operation, and during the operation of ejecting the cassette 1 from the apparatus main body 2. Some kind of trouble occurs,
The operation may not be continued. For example, a failure occurs in the transport unit 40 during the transport operation of the cassette 1 and the transport operation cannot be continued, or when the back plate 20 is transferred to the sub-scanning unit 50,
Various problems may occur, such as the front plate 10 falling down, the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 cannot be separated, or the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 cannot be combined.

When such a problem occurs, the user is informed that the problem has occurred by the same means as informing the user that the stacker portion of the discharge port 4 is full with the discharge cassette 1. It is preferable to tell.

When the cassette 1 is conveyed into the apparatus main body 2 and an error occurs in a state where the cassette 1 can be ejected, the cassette 1 is not ejected to the insertion slot 3 but the cassette 1 is ejected. It is preferable to discharge to the side. The reason is cassette 1.
This is because the user may try to insert the next cassette 1 into the insertion slot 3 after the cassette has been transported into the apparatus main body 2.

Further, whether or not the next cassette 1 has been inserted into the insertion slot 3 is checked by a cassette detection sensor (not shown). If no cassette 1 is detected in the insertion slot 3,
The cassette 1 may be discharged to the insertion slot 3 without any problem.

If an error occurs before the image information is read, it is ejected to the insertion slot 3, and if an error occurs during or after the image information is read, the ejection port 4 is ejected.
Cassette 1 depending on the progress of the processing.
May be changed. Alternatively, the operation of the apparatus may be stopped while the cassette 1 is not ejected and kept inside the apparatus.

When an error occurs, information for specifying the cassette 1 in which the error has occurred, for example, the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 stored in the code storage element 200.
The identification number (ID number) is displayed together with the error message on the display means 80 or a monitor of an operation terminal (not shown) connected to the apparatus main body 2 so that the user can identify the cassette 1 in which the error has occurred. It is preferable to do so.

In particular, when the cassette 1 in which an error has occurred is ejected to the insertion slot 3 or the ejection port 4, information for specifying the cassette 1 in which the error has occurred and an error message indicating the content of the error are transmitted to the user. Is preferred.

When the operation of the apparatus is stopped while the cassette 1 is not ejected but stopped inside the apparatus when an error occurs, the cassette 80 is displayed on the display means 80 or an operation terminal (not shown) at any position in the apparatus. A cartoon picture showing whether or not the cassette 1 (or the back board 20 or the front board 10) is stopped, or the cassette 1 (or the back board 20 or the front board 20 or the front board) which is stopped inside the apparatus by any operation procedure. By displaying an instruction message as to whether or not the cassette 1 is to be taken out, the cassette 1 (or the back board 20 or the front board 10 or the like) stopped inside the apparatus can be taken out in a short time.

If an error occurs while the cassette 1 cannot be discharged to the outside, the operation of the apparatus is stopped, and the user is notified that the error has occurred while the cassette 1 is left inside the apparatus. I do.

As errors that can occur in addition to the errors relating to the cassette 1 and the mechanism of the apparatus, there can be considered electrical errors, software errors, communication errors, optical errors, and the like. Even when these errors occur, it is desirable to notify the user of the contents of the error as an error message.

[0260] In the case of a device used in a medical field, when the device stops due to a problem, it not only informs the user that the problem has occurred, but also immediately resolves the problem and returns to use the device again. It is desirable to make it.

However, in a conventional radiation image reading apparatus using a stimulable phosphor, the operation of recovering from such a problem is limited to the operation of a service person.
For this reason, when a problem occurs, the user has to call the serviceman and stop the radiographic work until the serviceman arrives.

It is common knowledge that a copying machine, a printer, or the like is equipped with a user maintenance mechanism that allows a user to clear a jam when output paper is jammed. The following are conceivable reasons why such a user maintenance mechanism is not realized in a radiation image reading apparatus using a stimulable phosphor.

1) In the case of a copying machine or a printer, the output paper is very inexpensive, so that the premise that the output paper having a jam may be spoiled may be satisfied (re-output may be performed). In a radiation image reading apparatus using a stimulable phosphor, the stimulable phosphor sheet is very expensive, so that it is not possible to use the stimulable phosphor sheet. Due to such restrictions, it is difficult to construct a mechanism for user maintenance.

2) In the case of a copying machine or a printer, copying or printing can be performed again even if the jammed output paper is lost. On the other hand, the stimulable phosphor sheet used in the radiation image reading apparatus stores patient image information. If the stimulable phosphor sheet fails, it is necessary to re-photograph the patient, but this will expose the patient to extra radiation, which is very undesirable.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a user maintenance mechanism of the radiation image reading apparatus is realized as follows.

The apparatus main body 2 has an opening / closing door 5. By opening the opening / closing door 5, a user can access the inside of the apparatus main body 2. Further, the transport unit 40 can be manually rotated and moved to the position indicated by the dotted line d, whereby the user can move the transport unit 40 inside the transport unit 40 (the sub-scanning unit 5).
0 side) can be accessed. Elevating platform 402,
Width adjusting means 401a, 401b, cassette grip 4
02a, 402b, grip claws 403a, 403b
Further, since a driving unit (not shown) for driving the lock pin 402c and the like is disposed on the side of the opening / closing door 5 of the transporting means 40, if the transporting means 40 is rotated to the position indicated by the dotted line d, Without being disturbed by the driving unit,
The cassette 1 stagnating on the top 0 can be removed. Further, the elevating table 402 and the width shifting means 401a, 40
It is preferable to have a means for manually changing the position or state of the cassette 1b, cassette grips 402a, 402b, grip claws 403a, 403b, lock pin 402c, and the like. If such a means is provided, the upper part of the cassette 1 is
3. Interfering with the width shifting mechanism 44, the conveying means 40
If the robot cannot be rotated in the direction of
02 in the direction of the mark A2 (downward), the grip claws 403a and 403b, the cassette grip 402a,
Since the fixed state of the cassette 1 by the 402b can be manually released, the user takes out the failed cassette 1 out of the apparatus without using a special jig and in a state where the power of the apparatus is turned off. be able to.

Even when the cassette 1, the front plate 10, and the back plate 20 have fallen into the apparatus main body 2, the transporting means 40 is rotated and moved in the direction of the dotted line d, so that the dropped cassette 1, Front plate 10, Back plate 2
0 can be picked up.

Also, when the apparatus is stopped with the back plate 20 being attracted to the magnet 54, the transport means 40 is moved to the dotted line d.
The back plate 20 is rotated in the direction of
4 can be peeled off. In the case of this embodiment, since the back plate 20 is attracted to the sub-scanning means 50 only by the magnetic force, the back plate 20 can be easily peeled off from the magnet 54 without performing an extra operation. .

The sub-scanning moving plate 53 of the sub-scanning means 50
Can be moved up and down manually, the sub-scanning moving plate 53 can be manually operated to a position where the back plate 20 can be easily peeled off from the magnet 54.

Further, if the position of the cassette insertion / ejection portion 2b can be easily changed manually (for example, the position of the cassette insertion / ejection portion 2b can be manually slid upward or rotated). Or it can be rotated and moved like a door in the horizontal direction, or it can be easily removed), so that the access space to the inside of the apparatus is widened and maintenance work is facilitated.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention.

Since the embodiment of FIG. 11 has many parts in common with the embodiment of FIG. 6, the description will focus on the parts that are different from the embodiment of FIG. Note that the cassette 1 used in the embodiment of FIG. 11 is the same as the cassette 1 used in the embodiment of FIG.

The radiation image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 6 has an insertion port 3 and a discharge port 4, and the cassette 1 is inserted from the insertion port 3 and discharged to the discharge port 4. The radiation image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 11 has two insertion / ejection ports 3a and 3b, and the cassette 1 can be inserted into any of the insertion / ejection ports 3a and 3b. The cassette 1 inserted from the insertion / ejection port 3a is ejected to the insertion / ejection port 3a, and the cassette 1 inserted from the insertion / ejection port 3b is ejected to the insertion / ejection port 3b. The operation of the conveying means 40 is such that the discharge angle of the cassette 1 is
The operation is the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 except that the angle becomes equal to the carry-in angle. The discharge destination of the cassette 1 when an error occurs inside the apparatus is also limited to the insertion / ejection port into which the cassette 1 is inserted.

The insertion / ejection rollers 42a and 42b perform both the operation of carrying in and ejecting the cassette 1. The width shifting mechanisms 47a and 47b perform the same operation as the width shifting mechanism 47 in FIG. Code reading means 45a and 45b are also provided in FIG.
The same operation as the code reading means 45 is performed. Except for the above points, other operations are almost the same as those of the radiation image reading apparatus shown in FIG.

The advantages of the radiation image reading apparatus shown in FIG.
One cassette 1 is inserted into two insertion / eject ports 3a, 3b
Is that it can be inserted into In the case of FIG. 6, one cassette 1
In order to insert the next cassette 1 into the insertion slot 3 after inserting the cassette 1 into the insertion slot 3, it is necessary to wait for the previously inserted cassette 1 to be carried into the apparatus. As described above, the average number of cassettes used in one inspection is 1.8, so that two cassettes 1 can be inserted at the same time.
The radiation image reading apparatus 1 has an advantage over the radiation image reading apparatus of FIG. 6 in that the cassette insertion wait time is longer.

However, there is an advantage in the radiation image reading apparatus of FIG. 6 in terms of the work of taking out (removing) the cassette 1 from which reading has been completed. In the radiation image reading apparatus of FIG. 11, when the processed cassette 1 has been discharged to the two insertion / ejection ports 3a and 3b, the next cassette 1
In order to insert the cassette, it is necessary to take out the processed cassette 1 discharged to the discharge ports 3a and 3b. on the other hand,
In the radiation image reading apparatus of FIG. 6, since a plurality of cassettes 1 can be stacked in the discharge port 4, it is not necessary to take out the processed cassette 1 (discharge cassette 1) as long as the stacker section is not full.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is different from the embodiment shown in FIG.
And the insertion / ejection port 3a is deleted.
That is, the radiation image reading apparatus has only one insertion / ejection port 3b. Since only the insertion / ejection port 3a is deleted from the embodiment of FIG. 11, the description of the operation is omitted.

An advantage of the radiation image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 12 is that the installation area is very small. Especially in ICU and surgery,
Since a small apparatus is required instead of a high processing capacity, an apparatus having a small installation area as shown in FIG. 10 is very effective. In particular, the fact that the depth of the device is small is a great advantage in the medical field.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the cassette. However, the cassette shown in FIG.
It cannot be used in the radiation image reading apparatus shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 show radiation image reading apparatuses that can use the cassette shown in FIG.

FIG. 13A is a front view of the cassette 1K.
FIG. 13B is a side view of the cassette 1K, and FIG.
Is a sectional view of the cassette 1K. The cassette 1K includes a frame 11K, a cap 12K that opens and closes, a front plate 13K, a back plate 20K, and a plate 29 that can be put in and out of the cassette 1K. Frame 11
In the cross section of K, a concave portion 14 for supporting both ends of the support plate 27K inside the cassette 1K is formed.

In the side view of FIG. 13B, the direction indicated by arrow L1 is the front side, and the direction indicated by arrow L2 is the back side. The cap 12K can be opened by rotating the cap 12K in the direction of the arrow N2.

The plate 29 is made of a stimulable phosphor sheet 2
8, a lead foil 25K and a support plate 27K, and the stimulable phosphor sheet 28, the lead foil 25K and the support plate 27K have an integrated structure bonded to each other. Also, cap 12K
, Open the plate 29 with the arrow N against the cassette 1K.
It can be moved in and out in one direction.

The frame 11K is preferably made of a material such as aluminum or hard plastic that can withstand a large load during full-load photographing.
Is preferably formed of a member having relatively small radiation absorption, such as aluminum or carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

The support plate 27K is formed of a ferromagnetic plastic or the like, or is formed of a magnesium alloy or ordinary plastic so that it can be attracted to the magnet 54 of FIG. 14 by magnetic force. A ferromagnetic sheet (not shown) such as an iron foil may be attached to (the surface to which the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 is not attached).

Also, a method of applying a ferromagnetic substance to the back surface of the support plate 27K may be used.

When the support plate 27K is attracted to the magnet 54, the support plate 27K is placed on the plane formed by the magnet 54.
7K is designed to follow. That is, the support plate 2
7K has some rigidity and flexibility enough to follow the plane formed by the magnet 54. In this way, by providing the support plate 27K with a certain degree of flexibility, even if the support plate 27K is deformed or warped due to aging or use, for example, the magnet 54 can be used.
By following the side plane, the deformation and warpage of the support plate 27K are corrected. Therefore, the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 can always be kept flat when reading image information.

The plate 29 is stored in the cassette 1K,
Radiation imaging is performed with the cap 12K closed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention.

A description will be given mainly of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 14 which is different from the embodiment of FIG. 6 or FIG. FIG.
The cassette used in the embodiment is a cassette 1K shown in FIG.

In the radiation image reading apparatus shown in FIG.
It has three loading ports 3c and 3d. First, cassette 1K
Is described along the arrow A1 in the loading port 3c. The cassette 1K is loaded into the loading port 3c with the stimulable phosphor surface facing obliquely downward. When the cassette 1K is loaded in the loading port 3c, the cap opening / closing mechanism 48a is moved to the cap 12K while the cassette 1K is held in the loading port 3c.
To release. When the cap 12K is opened, the plate 29 is pulled out of the cassette 1K by the plate loading / unloading mechanism 49a.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the object transported by the transport mechanism 402 is the cassette 1, but in this embodiment, the object transported by the plate 29 is. The grip claws 403a and 403b fix the plate 29 to the transport means 40 instead of the cassette 1. When the transport means 40 and other mechanisms handle the plate 29, care is taken to prevent the mechanism from contacting the surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet 28 on the plate 29.

The transporting means 40 rotates the plate 29 by rotating in the direction of arrow A3, as described with reference to FIG.
To the position (the position indicated by the dotted line c) to be delivered to the sub-scanning means 50. In this embodiment, the object handled by the transporting means 40 is not the cassette 1 but the plate 29, and therefore does not include the separating means and the combining means described with reference to FIG.

Since the back surface of the plate 29 is made of a ferromagnetic material, the plate 29 is attracted to the magnet 54 by magnetic force. When the plate 29 is attracted to the magnet 54 by magnetic force, the grip claws 403a and 403b release the fixing of the plate 29. Next, the transport mechanism 40 rotates in the direction of arrow A6 and stops at the retracted position (for example, the position indicated by the dotted line b).

The reading operation and the erasing operation are the same as those described with reference to FIG. After the end of the erase operation,
The transporting means 40 rotates from the retracted position in the direction of the arrow A3 to receive the plate 29 (return to the position indicated by the dotted line C). When the grip claws 403a and 403b fix the plate 29 to the transport mechanism 40, the transport means 40 is again turned to the arrow A
6 and stops at the position indicated by the dotted line a.

Next, the elevating table 402 moves the plate 29 to A7
, And transfers the plate 29 to the plate loading / unloading mechanism 49a. When the plate loading / unloading mechanism 49a stores the plate 29 inside the cassette 1K, the cap opening / closing mechanism 48a closes the cap 12K, and a series of operations is completed.

The case where the cassette 1K is loaded in the loading port 3c has been described above, but the cassette 1K is loaded in the loading port 3d.
The same operation is performed when the camera is loaded in the camera.

The radiation image reading apparatus of this embodiment
It has the same merits as the radiation image reading apparatus described in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 has a configuration in which the loading port 3c is deleted from the two loading ports 3c and 3d of the embodiment shown in FIG. That is, 1
This is a radiation image reading apparatus having only one loading port 3d. Since the loading port 3c is simply deleted from the embodiment of FIG. 14, the description of the operation is omitted.

The radiation image reading apparatus of this embodiment
It has the same advantages as the radiation image reading apparatus described in the embodiment of FIG.

The transporting means 40 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 11, 12, 14, and 15 is a linear transporting means (a transporting means such as the cassette 1 and the plate 29, etc.) Means for linearly conveying the object in the vertical direction along the vertical axis 40), and rotating conveyance means for rotating and moving objects to be conveyed such as the cassette 1 and the plate 29 about the rotation shaft 404.
It has at least two types of transport means.

In FIG. 6, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15, two transport means, a linear transport means and a rotary transport means,
Although the example is realized as the transport unit 40, for example, two transport units, a linear transport unit and a rotary transport unit, may be realized by separate mechanisms. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the rotary transport unit rotates and moves independently of the rotary transport unit.

[0304] Further, the rotary moving means may be configured so that a part of the transporting means 40 rotates.

Further, the rotary transport means may be divided into a plurality of rotary transport means.

Similarly, the linear transport means may be divided into a plurality of linear transport means.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 11 and 12, the back plate 210 of the back plate 20 is
4, the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 are separated from each other, but after the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 are separated, the back plate back surface 21 of the back plate 20 is separated.
0 may be configured to be attracted to the magnet 54.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 11 and 12, the cassette 1 is rotated and then the front plate 10 and the back plate 20 are separated. After the separation, the back plate 2
You may comprise so that only 0 may rotate.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6, 11, 12, 14, and 15, the transport means 40 rotates to transfer the back plate 20 and the plate 29 to the sub-scanning means 50. The sub-scanning moving plate 5
The back plate 20 and the plate 29 may be transferred to the sub-scanning unit 50 by rotating a part or the whole of the unit 3.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6, 11, 12, 14, and 15, the transporting means 40 and the sub-scanning function 50 are constructed on the same substrate 71, and the substrate 71
2, the transporting means 40 and the sub-scanning function 50 may be constructed on different substrates, and the respective substrates may be fixed to the bottom plate 70 via the anti-vibration rubber 72. 40 may be directly constructed on the bottom plate 70 without damping. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the vibration generated by the operation of the transport unit 40 from propagating to the sub-scanning unit 50.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 11, 12, 14, and 15, the back plate 20 and the plate 2
9 is a sub-scanning moving plate 53 provided with suction means such as a vacuum.
It may be configured to be adsorbed on the surface. In this case, the back plate back surface 210 and the back surface of the plate 29 need not be made of a ferromagnetic material, and the magnet 54 on the sub-scanning moving plate 53 is not required.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, only one of the insertion port 3 and the discharge port 4 of the cassette insertion / ejection section 2b can be detached from the transport reading section 2a, or the position can be manually changed. A structure may be adopted. Also, the insertion slot 3 of the cassette insertion / ejection unit 2b
The outlet 4 and the outlet 4 may have a structure that can be individually removed, or a structure in which the position can be manually changed individually.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, only one of the two insertion / ejection ports 3a, 3b of the cassette insertion / ejection section 2b can be detached from the transport reading section 2a, or the position can be changed manually. A structure may be adopted. Further, the two insertion / ejection ports 3a and 3b of the cassette insertion / ejection section 2b may have a structure that can be individually removed or a structure that can be manually changed in position individually.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, only one of the two loading ports 3c and 3d of the cassette insertion / ejection unit 2b can be easily detached from the conveyance reading unit 2a, or the position can be manually changed. A structure that can be used may be adopted. Further, the two loading ports 3c and 3d of the cassette insertion / ejection unit 2b may have a structure that can be individually removed or a structure that can be manually changed in position individually.

[0315]

As described above, claims 1 to 6 are as described above.
According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to read a radiation image with high reliability and stability at low cost with a small apparatus size while employing the non-contact conveyance method.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view when a front plate and a back plate of a cassette are separated.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view when a front plate and a back plate of the cassette are combined.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a locked state of a back plate and a front plate.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a lock mechanism between a back plate and a front plate.

FIG. 5 is a view of the back plate of the cassette as viewed from the back side.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a radiation image reading apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a conveying unit and a sub-scanning unit when transferring a back plate.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a cassette and an upper reference and a center reference;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a transport unit and a sub-scanning unit in a retracted state.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of detecting the side edge of the back plate.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of another radiation image reading apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of another radiation image reading apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of another cassette structure.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of another radiation image reading apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of another radiation image reading apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1K cassette 2 Device main body 2a Conveyance reading part 2b Cassette insertion / ejection part 3 Insertion opening 3a, 3b Insertion / ejection opening 3c, 3d Loading opening 4 Discharge opening 5 Opening / closing door 10 Front plate 20 Back plate 28 Stimulable phosphor sheet 29 Plate 40 Transporting means 50 Sub-scanning means 54 Magnet 60 Reading means 64 Erasing means 70 Bottom plate 80 Display means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/04 H04N 1/04 EF term (Reference) 2G083 AA03 BB02 CC10 DD11 DD16 EE10 2H013 AC03 BA02 5B047 AA17 BA01 BC18 CA09 CB06 DA10 5C072 AA01 BA01 BA13 NA02 NA04 RA20 VA01

Claims (63)

[Claims] 1. A radiation image reading apparatus for reading radiation image information from a stimulable phosphor sheet attached to a back plate side of a cassette in which a front plate and a back plate are separable, wherein an insertion slot for inserting the cassette is provided. Separation means for separating the front plate and the back plate of the cassette; sub-scanning means for sub-scanning the back plate separated from the front plate by the separation means; and the stimulus attached to the back plate. Reading means for reading the radiation image information held on the stimulable phosphor sheet, erasing means for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet, and reassembling the front plate and the back plate. Combining means,
A discharge port for discharging the cassette united by the uniting unit; and a transport unit for moving the cassette, wherein the movement of the cassette between the insertion port, the discharge port, and the sub-scanning unit is performed. A radiation image reading apparatus configured to be performed at least with rotational movement. 2. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rotational movement is performed by rotating part or all of said transport means. 3. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotational movement is performed by rotating a part of the sub-scanning means. . 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one rotation center of the rotational movement is disposed below the cassette to be rotationally moved.
Item 6. The radiation image reading device according to Item 1. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, and the substrate is constructed on a bottom plate of the apparatus via vibration isolating means. The radiation image reading device according to claim 1. 6. A loading of the cassette from the insertion slot,
The radiation image according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein discharge of the cassette to the discharge port is performed at least with linear movement of the cassette. Reader. 7. An angle between a direction in which the cassette is carried in from the insertion port and a sub-scanning direction of the sub-scanning means forms an angle between a direction in which the cassette is carried out to the discharge port and a sub-scanning direction of the sub-scanning means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the angle is larger than the angle. 8. The radiation according to claim 1, wherein said reading means and said erasing means are arranged between said sub-scanning means and said discharge port. Image reading device. 9. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port is disposed between the sub-scanning means and the insertion port. 10. A cassette according to claim 1, wherein a direction in which the cassette is carried in from the insertion port and a direction in which the cassette is discharged into the discharge port are respectively inclined in the same direction from the vertical direction. 10. The radiation image reading device according to any one of items 9 to 9. 11. The cassette in which the radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet faces the back side of the sub-scanning means, wherein the cassette is inserted into the insertion slot, and 11. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the cassette is discharged to the discharge port in a direction in which a radiation image information reading surface faces a back of the sub-scanning unit.
The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 12. The radiation image information is read from the stimulable phosphor sheet by the reading means on the outward path of the sub-scanning means, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is erased by the erasing means on the return path of the sub-scanning means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the radiation image information remaining in the image is erased. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reading means and said erasing means are arranged substantially vertically, and said reading means is located above said erasing means. The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 14. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the height of the insertion port is different from the height of the discharge port. 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said back plate is magnetically attracted to said sub-scanning means so that said back plate is transferred from said transport means to said sub-scanning means. 15. The radiation image reading device according to any one of 14. 16. A method according to claim 16, wherein at least a part of a surface of said back plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, and at least a part of a surface of said sub-scanning means for adsorbing said back plate is made of a magnet. The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. 17. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said magnet is a permanent magnet. 18. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the magnet is a rubber magnet. 19. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said magnet is an electromagnet. 20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said back plate is transferred to said sub-scanning means from said transport means by being attracted to said sub-scanning means by suction by vacuum or the like. To any one of claims 14 to 14
Item 6. The radiation image reading device according to Item 1. 21. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for stacking a plurality of cassettes discharged from the discharge port. 22. A radiation image reading apparatus for reading radiation image information from a stimulable phosphor sheet attached to a back plate side of a cassette in which a front plate and a back plate can be separated, wherein the cassette is inserted or ejected. An insertion / ejection port, separation means for separating a front plate and a back plate of the cassette, sub-scanning means for sub-scanning the back plate separated from the front plate by the separation means, and attached to the back plate. Reading means for reading the radiation image information held in the stimulable phosphor sheet, erasing means for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet, the front plate and the back plate The unit further includes a combining unit that combines again, and a transport unit that moves the cassette. The movement of the cassette between the insertion / ejection port and the sub-scanning unit includes: The radiation image reading apparatus characterized by being configured to be performed with a rotary movement even without. 23. A rotary moving means for rotating the cassette between the insertion / ejection port and the sub-scanning means is constituted by rotating part or all of the transport means. 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein
A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1. 24. A rotary moving means for rotating the cassette between the insertion / ejection port and the sub-scanning means is constituted by rotating a part of the sub-scanning means. 23. The radiation image reading device according to claim 22, wherein: 25. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 22, wherein at least one rotation center of the rotational movement is disposed below the cassette to be rotationally moved. 26. The fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, and the substrate is constructed on a bottom plate of the apparatus via vibration isolating means. 26. The radiation image reading device according to claim 22, 23, or 25. 27. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the loading of said cassette from said insertion / discharge port and the discharge of said cassette to said insertion / discharge port are performed with at least linear movement of said cassette. The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 22 to 26. 28. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said reading means and said erasing means are arranged between said sub-scanning means and said insertion / ejection port. Radiation image reader. 29. The cassette according to claim 22, wherein a direction in which the cassette is carried in from the insertion / discharge port and a direction in which the cassette is discharged into the insertion / discharge port are inclined at a predetermined angle from a vertical direction. Item 29. The radiation image reading device according to any one of items 28. 30. The cassette in which the cassette is inserted into the insertion / ejection port with the radiation image information reading surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet facing away from the sub-scanning means, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is provided. 30. The radiation according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the cassette is ejected to the insertion / ejection port in a direction in which the radiation image information reading surface of the cassette faces back to the sub-scanning unit. Image reading device. 31. A radiation image information is read from said stimulable phosphor sheet by said reading means on a forward path of said sub-scanning means, and said stimulable phosphor sheet is read by said erasing means on a return path of said sub-scanning means. 31. The radiographic image information remaining in the image is erased.
The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 32. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said reading means and said erasing means are arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and said reading means is located above said erasing means. The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 33. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said back plate is magnetically attracted to said sub-scanning means so that said back plate is transferred from said transport means to said sub-scanning means. 33. The radiation image reading device according to any one of 32. 34. At least a part of a surface of said back plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, and at least a part of a surface of said sub-scanning means for adsorbing said back plate is made of a magnet. Any one of claims 22 to 33
Item 6. The radiation image reading device according to Item 1. 35. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said magnet is a permanent magnet. 36. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the magnet is a rubber magnet. 37. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said magnet is an electromagnet. 38. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said back plate is delivered from said transport means to said sub-scanning means by being attracted to said sub-scanning means by suction by vacuum or the like. 33. The radiation image reading device according to claim 32. 39. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the number of the insertion / ejection ports is one. 40. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the number of the insertion / ejection ports is two. 41. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the two insertion / ejection ports have different heights. 42. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 40, wherein an angle formed by the insertion / ejection port with the sub-scanning means differs between the two insertion / ejection ports. 43. A radiographic image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information from a stimulable phosphor plate incorporated in a cassette, comprising: a loading port into which the cassette is inserted; Sub-scanning means for sub-scanning the stimulable phosphor plate after drawing out the stimulable phosphor plate; reading means for reading radiation image information held on the stimulable phosphor plate; Erasing means for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor plate, and transport means for moving the stimulable phosphor plate, wherein the stimulable phosphor between the loading port and the sub-scanning means is provided. A radiation image reading apparatus, wherein the movement of the phosphor plate is performed with at least a rotational movement. 44. A rotating means for rotating the stimulable phosphor plate between the loading port and the sub-scanning means is formed by rotating part or all of the transport means. 44. The radiation image reading device according to claim 43, wherein the radiation image reading device is configured as follows. 45. A rotary moving means for rotating the cassette between the loading port and the sub-scanning means is constituted by rotating a part of the sub-scanning means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein: 46. The radiation according to claim 43, wherein at least one rotation center of the rotational movement is disposed below the stimulable phosphor plate to be rotationally moved. Image reading device. 47. The fulcrum of the rotational movement and the sub-scanning means are constructed on the same substrate, and this substrate is constructed on a bottom plate of the apparatus via vibration isolating means. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, claim 44, or claim 46. 48. Pulling out the stimulable phosphor plate from the cassette and storing the stimulable phosphor plate in the cassette with at least linear movement of the stimulable phosphor plate. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein the radiation image reading apparatus is configured to be read. 49. The radiation according to claim 43, wherein said reading means and said erasing means are arranged between said sub-scanning means and said loading port. Image reading device. 50. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein a direction in which the cassette is loaded into the loading port is inclined at a predetermined angle from a vertical direction. . 51. The cassette according to claim 43, wherein said cassette is loaded into said loading port in a direction in which a radiation image information reading surface of said stimulable phosphor plate faces back to said sub-scanning means. Item 51. The radiation image reading device according to any one of Items 50. 52. A radiation image information is read from said stimulable phosphor plate by said reading means on an outward path of said sub-scanning means, and said stimulable phosphor plate is read by said erasing means on a return path of said sub-scanning means. 52. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the radiation image information remaining in the image is erased. 53. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein said reading means and said erasing means are arranged substantially vertically, and said reading means is located above said erasing means. The radiation image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 54. The stimulable phosphor plate is transferred from the transporting means to the sub-scanning means by a magnetic surface attracting the back surface of the stimulable phosphor plate to the sub-scanning means. Claims 43 to 5 characterized by the following:
4. The radiation image reading device according to any one of 3. 55. At least a part of the back surface of said stimulable phosphor plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, and at least a part of a surface of said sub-scanning means for adsorbing said stimulable phosphor plate is made of a magnet. The radiation image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 43 to 54, wherein: 56. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said magnet is a permanent magnet. 57. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the magnet is a rubber magnet. 58. A radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said magnet is an electromagnet. 59. A back surface of said stimulable phosphor plate is attracted to said sub-scanning means by suction or the like, so that said stimulable phosphor plate is received from said transport means to said sub-scanning means. 54. The radiation image reading device according to claim 43, wherein the radiation image reading device is passed. 60. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the number of the loading port is one. 61. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the number of the loading ports is two. 62. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the two loading ports have different heights. 63. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 61, wherein an angle formed by the loading port with the sub-scanning means differs between the two loading ports.