JP2002311149A - X-ray image photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray image photographing device which is protected from a twist force or the like. SOLUTION: A fitting connection part 21a used to support a unit component 36 so as to be freely detachable is installed at the inner wall of an enclosure 21. In the unit component 36, an X-ray detection sensor 31, a phosphor 33 and a shock absorber 34 are laminated on a sensor support plate 31, and shock absorbers 35 used to absorb a shock are attached to its rear surface.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus having a mechanical structure for preventing an external twisting force from affecting a semiconductor sensor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the most common method of X-ray photography is a film / screen method, which is a method of taking a picture by combining a photosensitive film and a phosphor sensitive to X-rays. is there. A sheet of phosphor made of rare earth, which emits light when irradiated with X-rays, is held in close contact with both surfaces of the photosensitive film, and the X-rays transmitted through the subject are converted into visible light by the phosphor, and the photosensitive film After capturing the light, the image is visualized by developing the film.

As a second photographing method, a method called computed radiography (CR) has been put to practical use. In this method, a transmission image of radiation is temporarily stored as a latent image in a phosphor, and then the latent image is read out by irradiating excitation light. For example, some phosphors have X
When radiation such as radiation, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, and ultraviolet rays is irradiated, part of the energy of the radiation is accumulated in the phosphor. Further, when the phosphor is irradiated with excitation light such as visible light, the phosphor emits stimulated emission according to the stored energy.

[0004] Phosphors exhibiting such properties are called storage phosphors or stimulable phosphors. By using this stimulable phosphor, radiation image information of a subject such as a human body is temporarily recorded on a sheet of the stimulable phosphor,
The stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with excitation light such as laser light to generate stimulated emission light, and the obtained stimulated emission light is photoelectrically read to obtain an image signal. A radiation image information recording / reproducing system that outputs a radiation image of a subject as a visible image to a recording material such as a photographic photosensitive material or a display device such as a CRT based on a signal,
JP-A-55-12429, JP-A-56-1139
No. 5 has been proposed.

In recent years, as a third imaging method, an apparatus for similarly capturing an X-ray image using a semiconductor sensor has been developed. This type of system has the advantage that an image of an extremely wide radiation exposure area can be recorded as compared with a conventional radiographic system using silver halide photography. That is, X of a wide dynamic range
After the lines are read by the photoelectric conversion means and converted into electric signals, the electric signals are used to output a radiation image as a visible image on a recording material such as a photographic light-sensitive material or a display device such as a CRT, thereby exposing the radiation. It is possible to obtain a radiographic image that is hardly affected by the change in the amount.

[0006] In the X-ray film image photographing apparatus using the first photographing method, it is necessary to take out the film after photographing from the photographing apparatus. Therefore, the portable X-ray film image capturing apparatus has a housing structure using an upper cover and a lower cover, and the film is taken out by opening the upper and lower covers. Further, the film storage section is fixed to the lower cover using screws or the like. Unlike an X-ray digital imaging device using a semiconductor sensor, etc., in an X-ray film imaging device, the impact from the outside of the housing on the film is small, thus each component is screwed to the lower cover etc. The structure that is being used may be sufficient.

[0007] In an X-ray CR imaging apparatus using the second imaging method, an IP (imaging plate) is provided in the imaging apparatus instead of the film, and when the imaging is completed, the cassette is put in the image reading apparatus. Thus, the stimulable phosphor is scanned with excitation light such as laser light to generate stimulated emission light, and an image signal is obtained by photoelectrically reading the obtained stimulated emission light. Therefore, it is necessary for the portable small photographing apparatus to have a structure in which the irradiation of the laser beam and the reading of the stimulating light can be easily performed and can be automatically performed. Further, in order not to increase the types of the reading devices, it is desirable that all of them have the same structure, and each component is screwed to the lower cover or the like as in the first embodiment.

The X-ray digital imaging apparatus using the third imaging method does not have a mechanism for reading the stimulated emission light as in the second imaging method, so that it is possible to use a small portable apparatus. .

[0009]

In the above-mentioned conventional X-ray image photographing apparatus, since the film is photographed, the torsion of the housing due to an external force does not affect the image quality of the film. However, since the X-ray digital imaging apparatus uses a glass substrate for the X-ray detection sensor, it is necessary to protect the internal X-ray detection sensor from external pressure, twisting of the housing, and the like.

[0010] For this reason, especially in a thin and lightweight X-ray digital imaging apparatus, a mechanism for preventing external static pressure is required. In a conventional portable X-ray digital imaging apparatus, as shown in, for example, US Pat. No. 5,804,832, an example in which an X-ray detection sensor unit is screwed to a part assembled from a housing is cited. Can be

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional X-ray imaging apparatus. The housing 1 is separable into an upper cover and a lower cover, and the upper cover allows X-rays to pass through without attenuating, and Since a carbon fiber reinforced resin (CFRP) having strength is often used and there is no need to consider X-ray attenuation as a material of the lower cover, a general aluminum alloy or the like is used. Then, the X-ray detection sensor 4 provided on the sensor support plate 3 of the shock absorbing material 2 is fixed to a component fixed to the housing 1 or a component integral with the housing 1 using a screw 5 or the like. ing. Further, on the X-ray detection sensor 4, a phosphor 6 and a shock absorbing material 7 are laminated.

In the X-ray image photographing apparatus having such a conventional configuration, there is a possibility that the X-ray detection sensor 3 is directly affected by the torsional force applied to the housing 1 from the outside.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems,
X having a structure to protect the X-ray detection sensor from twisting force etc.
A line image photographing apparatus is provided.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided an X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting an X-ray transmitted through a subject by an X-ray detection sensor. An internal unit component including a unit for detecting X-rays is connected to the body cover via a fitting or a shock absorbing material.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus system according to the first embodiment. An X-ray imaging apparatus 11 includes an X-ray imaging apparatus having a detection surface on which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged. An X-ray generation device 13 is arranged above the X-ray image capturing device 11. Further, a monitor 15 is connected to the X-ray imaging apparatus 11 via an image processing unit 14.

The X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 13 irradiate the subject S, and the X-rays transmitted through the subject S are transmitted to the X-ray detection sensor 12 having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements. The image signal detected and output from the X-ray detection sensor 12 is subjected to digital image processing by the image processing unit 14 to display an X-ray image of the subject S on the monitor 15.

X-ray detection sensor 12 using a photoelectric conversion element
As a-Se sensor or a combined with a phosphor
-Si sensors and the like are used. In addition, as a support, a phosphor crystal such as an intensifying screen coated with CaWO ₄ or Cd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb or Csl is used as a support.
Since these phosphors have the property of emitting fluorescence with an intensity proportional to the radiation dose, the radiation image is converted to a visible light image by this phosphor, and then an image signal is output by a photoelectric conversion element. Becomes

In general, the X-ray detection sensor 12 using a photoelectric conversion element is weak in shock in terms of strength, and the housing and the surface of the X-ray detection sensor 12 do not adhere to each other, and a certain space is provided. The configuration is such that the X-ray detection sensor 12 does not deform even when the housing is bent by an impact. Also,
Since there is no need for a mechanism for causing the stimulable phosphor to emit light with a laser beam or the like for reading, it is possible to realize a thin and small external shape suitable for carrying by inserting a shock absorbing material in the space.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the X-ray imaging apparatus. An opening 22 through which internal components can be pulled out from at least one direction of a housing 21 is provided with a lid 23 that can be opened and closed. A handle 24 for carrying is provided on the side of the housing 21 opposite to the lid 23.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.
A fitting connection portion 21a shown as an enlarged sectional view in FIG. 4 is provided, and the sensor support plate 31 is locked to the fitting connection portion 21a. On the sensor support plate 31, an X-ray detection sensor 32 composed of a glass substrate or the like for detecting X-rays, a phosphor 33, and a shock absorber 34 are laminated. Further, a shock absorbing material 35 for absorbing a shock is attached to the lower surface of the sensor support plate 31.

The sensor support plate 31 and the like are unitized as a unit component 36 in order to protect the X-ray detection sensor 32 from a twisting force applied to the housing 21 and the like.
It is structured to fit inside through the opening 22 of the housing 21.

The housing 21 may be provided with a heat radiating component for radiating heat, a sensor for the external environment and the internal environment of the X-ray imaging apparatus, and the like.

The unit component 36 can be pulled out by various methods such as pulling out the entirety once and then individually or entirely, or taking out fragile or important parts individually from the beginning. Can be considered.

As in the present embodiment, the design is such that the torsional force from the outside exerts little influence on the X-ray detection sensor 32, so that it can be used safely, for example, when used in an operating room for medical use. can do.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a fitting connection portion 21a in this case.
2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first embodiment, and the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. By using the fitting-portion shock absorbing material 41 made of rubber or the like in engagement with the fitting connection portion 21a, it is possible to minimize the application of the torsional force applied to the housing 21 from the outside to the unit component 36. it can.

As a method of fitting by the fitting connection portion 21a, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, (a) a method of supporting at four points, (b) a method of supporting at two sides, and (c) a method of supporting one point per side And (d) a method of supporting at three points.

The method of supporting at four points (a) is considered to be effective in an environment where a torsional force is likely to be applied to each vertex, but in an environment where a torsional force is likely to be applied to the midpoint of each side. Is not very effective.

The method of supporting on two sides as in the method of supporting on two sides in (b) is strong against torsional force and the like because the total length of the connection portion is long. However, when a strong torsional force is applied, it is hung on the housing. The twisting force may be transmitted to the X-ray detection sensor 32.

The method of supporting at each point of (c) is as follows:
And (b) are alleviated, resulting in an intermediate effect.

(D) The method of supporting at three points is the minimum supporting method for supporting a flat surface, so that when a strong torsional force is applied from the outside, the advantage is that the torsional force is hard to be applied and the method is unstable. It also has the disadvantage of being. In an actual design, it is necessary to predict a location and a magnitude of a torsional force which is considered to be added from an external environment, a usage method, and the like, and to make a fitting method suitable for the location and the magnitude.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, a sensor support plate 31 and a housing 21 are used as shock absorbers.
The spring 51 is used between the fitting connection portions 21a.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The shock absorber attached between the shock absorber connecting portion 21b of the housing 21 and the sensor support plate 31 by a screw 61 is shown in FIG. A spring 62 as a material is attached. Thereby, external twisting force can be prevented.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the parts fitted to the housing 21 are not only the unit parts 36 but also the unit parts 36. For example, another unitized unit component is fitted in the upper layer of the unit portion 31, for example, so that it is fitted in two upper and lower stages.

By fitting the unit component 36 into the housing 21, even if the external torsional force applied to the unit component 36 is reduced, the magnitude of the torsional force does not physically change. There is a possibility that a similar torsion force is strongly applied to the horn.

In particular, if there is a component that is vulnerable to external torsion other than the unit component 36 including the X-ray detection sensor 32,
This problem arises. For example, it is necessary to prevent a strong twisting force from being applied to components including an electronic substrate. In this manner, it is desirable that parts to be prevented from being subjected to torsional force be similarly fitted using the fitting connection part 21a. In the present embodiment, in addition to the unit component 36, the grid 71 is fitted to the housing 21 via the fitting connection portion 21a. Further, a plurality of components can be fitted.

Note that even if such a fitting connection member 21a is used, the amount of twisting force applied to the entire device does not change, so that a twisting force that is not transmitted to the internal components is applied to the housing 21. Therefore, when a plurality of components are fitted as described above, it is desirable to use a material having high rigidity as the material of the housing 21.

It should be noted that X-rays are used in addition to the above-mentioned medical measurement.
It can also be used for applications such as nondestructive inspection. Further, the present embodiment can be used for radiation other than X-rays. For example, β and γ-rays can be used for measuring the thickness of a measured object, measuring the thickness of the upper layer of a multilayer of different materials, measuring the density of a measured object, etc. by utilizing absorption and backscattering when radiation is transmitted. Can be.

[0038]

As described above, the X-ray image photographing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention fits the unitized internal parts into the housing, thereby detecting the X-ray detection sensor or the like from the torsional force applied from the outside. Parts can be protected.

The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect has a structure in which the unit components connected by fitting can be taken out of the housing, thereby improving maintainability.

Since the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third aspect has a structure in which the shock absorbing material is arranged at the fitting portion, it is possible to reduce the influence of the externally applied torsion force and the like on the X-ray detection sensor.

Since the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect has the shock absorbing material, it is possible to protect components such as the X-ray detection sensor from externally applied torsion and the like.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, since the shock absorbing material is a spring, the weight can be reduced and parts such as the X-ray detection sensor can be protected from externally applied twisting force. .

In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the transmission of the torsional force applied from the outside to other parts can be reduced by fitting and connecting a plurality of parts by fitting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the X-ray imaging apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a fitting connection portion.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a fitting connection portion.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a fitting method.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an X-ray image photographing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional X-ray imaging apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 X-ray imaging apparatus 12, 32 X-ray detection sensor 13 X-ray generation apparatus 14 Image processing part 15 Monitor 21, 32 Housing 21a Fitting connection part 21b Shock absorber connection part 22 Opening 23 Cover part 24 Handle 31 Sensor Support plate 33 Phosphor 34, 35, 61 Shock absorber 36 Unit component 41 Shock absorber for fitting part 51, 62 Spring 61 Screw 71 Grid

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 2G088 EE01 FF02 GG21 JJ05 JJ09 JJ23 4C093 AA30 CA38 EB17 EB18 EB30 EC56 FD01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting an X-ray transmitted through a subject with an X-ray detection sensor.
An X-ray image photographing apparatus characterized in that a unitized internal unit component including means for detecting a line is fitted. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal unit component can be pulled out from the housing cover. 3. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a shock absorbing material is provided on a portion of the housing cover where the internal unit component is fitted. 4. An X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein a shock absorbing material is provided on a portion of the housing cover to which the internal unit component is joined. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the shock absorbing material is a spring. 6. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the internal unit components are fitted to the housing cover.