JP2004109835A - Radiation cassette holder and radiographic information recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform photographing processes by using a radiation cassette with a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: A holder 70 for loading a radiation cassette 82 is equipped with a lead plate 76 covering the radiation irradiation face 22a of a photographing section 22. A resin plate 74 to which this lead plate 76 is stuck is mounted on the device body 14 through pins 72a, 72b. In the resin plate 74, there is installed a fixing section 84 for holding the radiation cassette 82, while this fixing section 84 is equipped with a movable supporting member 86 whose position is adjustable in accordance with the dimension of the radiation cassette 82 and is also equipped with a fixedly supporting member 88. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a radiation cassette holder for holding a radiation cassette containing a radiation image recording carrier in a radiation image information recording apparatus, and a radiation image information recording apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.) is irradiated, a part of this radiation energy is accumulated, and then when irradiated with excitation light such as visible light, it is accumulated. By using a stimulable phosphor (stimulable phosphor) that exhibits stimulated luminescence according to the energy intensity, the radiation image information of a subject such as a human body can be reproduced on a photographic material or the like, or can be used for CRT, etc. A system that outputs a visual image is known.
[0003]
In the above system, specifically, a radiographic image information of a subject such as a human body is temporarily recorded (photographed) on a stimulable phosphor sheet having a sheet-like stimulable phosphor layer, and the stimulable fluorescence is recorded. A stimulating emission light is generated by irradiating the phosphor sheet with excitation light such as laser light, and a reading unit for photoelectrically reading the stimulating emission light, and radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet after reading And a so-called built-in radiation image information recording / reading apparatus (radiation image information recording apparatus) in which the storage phosphor sheet is incorporated in the apparatus.
[0004]
By the way, for example, when photographing a bone part or the like of a patient, it is necessary to bring the stimulable phosphor sheet and the subject as close as possible. In addition, depending on the imaging conditions, there is a request to capture radiographic image information of a subject without using a grid. For this reason, the above radiographic image information recording / reading apparatus is provided with a cassette imaging mode. In this cassette imaging mode, radiographic image information is subjected to imaging processing on the stimulable phosphor sheet in the cassette in a state where the cassette is disposed at the imaging position of the radiation image information recording / reading apparatus.
[0005]
In that case, when performing imaging processing of radiographic image information using a cassette, there exists a possibility that radiation may be directly irradiated to an imaging part in a radiographic image information recording / reading device, or scattered rays may be irradiated. As a result, a problem has been pointed out that fogging due to radiation exposure occurs on the stimulable phosphor sheet disposed in the photographing unit.
[0006]
Therefore, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the image recording unit, the stimulable phosphor sheet is moved between a normal position where the radiation is irradiated and a retracted position outside the radiation field. A radiation image information recording / reading apparatus including a moving unit is known.
[0007]
Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, the image recording unit is provided above the stimulable phosphor sheet and has a size covering the stimulable phosphor sheet. 2. Description of the Related Art A radiation image information recording / reading apparatus including a shutter that is movable between a shielding position that prevents radiation of a stimulable phosphor sheet and a retracted position that allows radiation irradiation is known.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-60-256134 (FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-61-39038 (FIG. 1)
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In this case, Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above relate to a structure in which the stimulable phosphor sheet is circulated and conveyed along a circulation path provided in the apparatus. Therefore, for example, there is a problem that it cannot be adopted in a structure in which a storage phosphor sheet is fixed to an imaging unit in the apparatus and a radiographic image information recording process and a reading process are performed.
[0010]
The present invention solves this type of problem, and with a simple and compact configuration, the stimulable phosphor sheet disposed in the imaging unit is not irradiated with radiation unnecessarily, and imaging processing using a radiation cassette is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide a holder for a radiation cassette that can be efficiently performed.
[0011]
In addition, the present invention provides a radiographic image information recording apparatus capable of surely notifying an operator that imaging with a radiation cassette is started and capable of improving the efficiency and simplification of imaging processing. Objective.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the holder for a radiation cassette according to the present invention, a shielding part for fixing the radiation cassette and a shield for preventing radiation from being irradiated into the radiation image information recording apparatus by covering the radiation irradiation surface of the radiation image information recording apparatus. Department. For this reason, only by attaching the radiation cassette holder to the radiation image information recording apparatus, the radiation image information recording apparatus is not irradiated with radiation, and the stimulable phosphor sheet disposed in the imaging unit is irradiated with radiation. It is possible to reliably prevent fogging due to exposure. In addition, in the radiographic image information recording apparatus, the stimulable phosphor sheet can be fixed to the imaging unit, and the entire radiographic image information recording apparatus can be effectively downsized.
[0013]
In addition, the position of the fixing portion can be selected corresponding to radiation cassettes having different dimensions. Therefore, a single radiation cassette holder can be used to hold radiation cassettes having different dimensions, which is excellent in versatility and economical.
[0014]
Further, the fixing unit is mounted on the radiation image information recording apparatus, and is arranged at a first position facing the radiation irradiation surface and a second position inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the first position. It can be held. Thereby, for example, the radiation cassette can selectively perform standing-up imaging and horizontal imaging, and can easily cope with changes in various imaging conditions.
[0015]
Furthermore, in the radiation image information recording apparatus according to the present invention, the radiation cassette is in a state in which the radiation cassette can be imaged based on a sensor that detects that the radiation cassette is in an imageable state and a detection signal from the sensor. And a display unit for displaying the above. For this reason, the operator can surely know that the radiation cassette is ready for imaging, and the imaging process can be made more efficient and simplified. In addition, when a plurality of radiographic image information recording devices are arranged in the radiographic room, the radiographic image information recording device to be used is not misidentified, and a desired imaging procedure is smoothly performed.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view of a radiation image information recording / reading apparatus (radiation image information recording apparatus) 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration of the radiation image information recording / reading apparatus 10. FIG.
[0017]
The radiation image information recording / reading apparatus 10 includes an elevating unit 12 extending in a vertical direction (arrow A direction), and an apparatus main body 14 is moved up and down via an actuator (not shown) such as a ball screw or a cylinder. It is supported freely.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 14 has a photographing unit 22 that temporarily records radiation image information of a subject H such as a human body on the stimulable phosphor sheet IP, and a main direction with respect to the stimulable phosphor sheet IP ( A reading unit 24 that irradiates excitation light L such as laser light in the direction of the arrow X and photoelectrically emits the stimulated emission light R that is emitted according to the intensity of the radiation S, and the reading unit 24 substantially in the main direction. A sub-scanning system 26 that conveys in the sub-direction (arrow Y direction) perpendicular to each other and an erasing light source unit 28 that emits radiation energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor sheet IP are provided.
[0019]
The imaging unit 22 includes a radiation source 30 that generates radiation S and a radiation-transmissive imaging table 32 that holds the subject H at a predetermined position. A phototimer 33 and a grid 34 for removing scattered radiation are disposed behind the imaging table 32. Further to the grid 34, the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is held at a predetermined photographing position.
[0020]
The reading unit 24 includes an excitation system 36 and a CCD line sensor (photoelectric conversion means) 40 provided with a condenser lens array 38. The excitation system 36, the condenser lens array 38, and the CCD line sensor 40 are attached to the scanner head 42 so as to extend in the main direction.
[0021]
The excitation system 36 includes a plurality of laser diodes 44 arranged in the main direction (arrow X direction). The laser diode 44 is arranged toward the direction away from the stimulable phosphor sheet IP on the excitation light emitting side, and the divergent excitation light emitted from the laser diode 44 is reflected by the cylindrical mirror 46 and excited. Light L is irradiated linearly toward the stimulable phosphor sheet IP in the main direction.
[0022]
The sub-scanning system 26 includes a rotation drive source 50 disposed on one end side in the arrow Y direction, and drive pulleys 54 are fixed to both ends of a rotation shaft 52 extending from the rotation drive source 50 in the arrow X direction. . A driven pulley 56 is disposed at a predetermined distance from each drive pulley 54 in the direction of arrow Y, and a belt 58 is bridged between the driven pulley 56 and the drive pulley 54. The scanner head 42 is fixed to the belt 58, and the scanner head 42 is supported by a pair of guide rails 60 extending in the arrow Y direction.
[0023]
The erasing light source unit 28 is arranged to face the stimulable phosphor sheet IP with the reading unit 24 interposed therebetween. The erasing light source unit 28 irradiates the stimulable phosphor sheet IP with the erasing light Q, and releases the radiation energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor sheet IP. In the erasing light source unit 28, a plurality of fluorescent lamps 68 having a length longer than the width direction (arrow X direction) of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP are arranged in the length direction (arrow Y direction) of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP. The erasing light Q is applied to the entire image area of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, pins 72 a and 72 b for attaching the radiation cassette holder 70 according to the first embodiment are provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 14. The holder 70 includes a resin plate 74 and a lead plate (shielding portion) 76 that is attached to the back surface side of the resin plate 74 so as to cover the radiation irradiation surface 22 a of the imaging unit 22. Support portions 78a and 78b bent by approximately 90 ° are provided on the upper portion of the resin plate 74, and holes 80a and 80b for inserting the pins 72a and 72b are formed in the support portions 78a and 78b. .
[0025]
The resin plate 74 is provided with a fixing portion 84 for fixing the radiation cassette 82. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the fixing portion 84 includes a movable support member 86 that can be adjusted in position (position selection) according to the dimensions of the radiation cassette 82, and a fixed support member 88. The movable support member 86 is a bent plate material, provided with a mounting surface 90 extending in the horizontal direction, and locking holes 92 a and 92 b are formed at both ends of the movable support member 86. The locking holes 92a and 92b communicate with the large-diameter holes 93a and 93b on the lower side.
[0026]
The resin plate 74 has two first positioning pins 94a, second positioning pins 94b, third positioning pins 94c, and fourth positioning pins 94d corresponding to the height positions of the radiation cassettes 82 having different dimensions. It is provided one by one. The first to fourth positioning pins 94a to 94d are selectively inserted into the large-diameter holes 93a and 93b of the movable support member 86 and locked to the locking holes 92a and 92b. The member 86 is held at a desired height position.
[0027]
The fixed support member 88 has an L-shaped cross section and is fixed to the upper end edge of the resin plate 74. The fixed support member 88 holds the upper portion of the radiation cassette 82, while the movable support member 86 supports the lower portion of the radiation cassette 82. All the upper positions of the various radiation cassettes 82 having different dimensions are set at a constant height position. In the radiation cassette 82, a stimulable phosphor sheet IPa is accommodated.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a sensor 96 that detects that the radiation cassette 82 is ready to be imaged by attaching the holder 70 to the imaging unit 22 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 14. This sensor 96 is for detecting the presence or absence of the holder 70, and for example, a proximity switch, a limit switch, an optical sensor, or the like is used.
[0029]
An indicator lamp (display unit) 98 for displaying that the sensor 96 has detected the holder 70 (radiation cassette 82) is provided at the top of the elevating unit 12 (see FIG. 1). This indicator lamp 98 is turned on when the holder 70 is mounted, and has a function of notifying the operator that cassette imaging is possible. The indicator lamp 98 is preferably capable of being lit in different colors when the power is turned on, when the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is ready for photographing, or when an error occurs.
[0030]
The operation of the radiation image information recording / reading apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described below.
[0031]
First, as shown in FIG. 2, a subject H, which is an affected part of a patient, is arranged corresponding to the imaging table 32 in order to record radiation image information in the normal imaging mode. When the radiation source 30 is driven in this state, the radiation output from the radiation source 30 passes through the subject H and reaches the stimulable phosphor sheet IP. Image information is recorded.
[0032]
After the radiographic image information of the subject H is recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet IP, the excitation system 36 constituting the reading unit 24 is driven, and the rotational drive source 50 constituting the sub-scanning system 26 is driven. In the excitation system 36, a plurality of laser diodes 44 arranged in the main direction (arrow X direction) of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP are driven, and the excitation light output from the laser diode 44 and reflected by the cylindrical mirror 46. L is applied to the stimulable phosphor sheet IP along the arrow X direction.
[0033]
On the other hand, when the drive pulley 54 rotates through the rotary shaft 52 under the drive action of the rotary drive source 50 that constitutes the sub-scanning system 26, the belt 58 that is stretched between the drive pulley 54 and the driven pulley 56. Under the circular running action, the scanner head 42 fixed to the belt 58 moves in the arrow Y direction. For this reason, the stimulable phosphor sheet IP in which the radiation image information is accumulated is scanned two-dimensionally by the excitation light L, and this stimulable phosphor sheet IP emits the stimulated emission light R corresponding to the radiation image information. To emit.
[0034]
This stimulated emission light R is incident on the CCD line sensor 40 via the condenser lens array 38. When the stimulated emission light R is incident on the CCD line sensor 40, the stimulated emission light R is converted into an electrical signal, and the radiation image information of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is photoelectrically read.
[0035]
Next, the storable phosphor sheet IP from which the radiation image information has been read is irradiated with erasing light Q from a fluorescent lamp 68 constituting the erasing light source unit 28. Therefore, the radiation energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is released, and this stimulable phosphor sheet IP is used for the next imaging.
[0036]
By the way, when radiographic image information recording / reading apparatus 10 is used to perform imaging processing on the stimulable phosphor sheet IPa accommodated in radiation cassette 82 (cassette imaging mode), first, this radiation cassette 82 is placed in holder 70. Installed. In the holder 70, the installation height of the movable support member 86 constituting the fixed portion 84 is selected according to the size of the radiation cassette 82.
[0037]
For example, when the radiation cassette 82 has the maximum dimension, the positioning pins 94 a and 94 b are locked in the locking holes 92 a and 92 b of the movable support member 86, and the movable support member 86 is at the lowermost position of the holder 70. It is attached. Therefore, the radiation cassette 82 is placed on the placement surface 90 of the movable support member 86, and the upper portion of the radiation cassette 82 is held by the fixed support member 88 (see FIGS. 1 and 3).
[0038]
As a result, the radiation cassette 82 is attached to the holder 70 with the upper position set at a certain height position, and the holder 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 14. In the holder 70, pins 72 a and 72 b are inserted into holes 80 a and 80 b formed in the support portions 78 a and 78 b of the resin plate 74, and the holder 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 14.
[0039]
At that time, the holder 70 drives a sensor 96 provided in the apparatus main body 14 to detect that the holder 70 is attached to the photographing unit 22. The indicator lamp 98 is driven based on the detection signal from the sensor 96, and the indicator lamp 98 is lit in a predetermined color.
[0040]
Therefore, the operator can surely know that imaging by the radiation cassette 82 is started, and the imaging process can be made more efficient and simplified. In addition to the radiographic image information recording / reading apparatus 10 in the radiographic room, various radiographing apparatuses are arranged, so that the radiographic image information recording / reading apparatus 10 to be used is not misidentified, and a desired radiographing process is smoothly performed. The effect of being carried out is obtained.
[0041]
When the radiation cassette 82 is attached to the apparatus main body 14 via the holder 70, the radiation source 30 is driven. The radiation output from the radiation source 30 records the radiation image information of the patient on the stimulable phosphor sheet IPa accommodated in the radiation cassette 82.
[0042]
In this case, the holder 70 has a lead plate 76 attached to the back side of the resin plate 74, and the lead plate 76 covers the radiation irradiation surface 22 a of the imaging unit 22. For this reason, simply attaching the holder 70 to the apparatus main body 14 reliably prevents the irradiation of radiation into the apparatus main body 14, and the stimulable phosphor sheet IP disposed in the imaging unit 22 receives radiation. It is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of fogging due to exposure.
[0043]
In addition, the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is fixed in the imaging unit 22 in the apparatus main body 14, and the entire radiation image information recording / reading apparatus 10 can be effectively downsized.
[0044]
Furthermore, the position of the movable support member 86 constituting the fixed portion 84 can be adjusted in accordance with the radiation cassette 82 having different dimensions. Thereby, the radiation cassette 82 from which various dimensions differ can be hold | maintained using the single holder 70, and while being excellent in versatility, the advantage that it is economical is acquired.
[0045]
Specifically, the height of the movable support member 86 can be adjusted simply by selecting one of the first to fourth positioning pins 94a to 94d and inserting it into the locking holes 92a and 92b of the movable support member 86. Is done. For this reason, it is possible to fix various radiation cassettes 82 having different dimensions to the holder 70 and set the upper position of each radiation cassette 82 at a fixed height position with a simple operation, and to capture radiographic image information. Processing is performed efficiently.
[0046]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory side view showing a state in which the radiation cassette holder 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is attached to the apparatus main body 14.
[0047]
The same components as those in the radiation image information recording / reading apparatus 10 and the radiation cassette holder 70 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Similarly, in the third and fourth embodiments described below, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0048]
In the holder 100, the fixing portion 102 is integrally provided on the resin plate 74. The fixing portion 102 includes lower support members 104a, 104b, and 104c whose height positions (positions in the direction of arrow A) are set according to the dimensions of the radiation cassette 82, respectively. The lower support members 104a to 104c are provided on the resin plate 74 with the amount of protrusion in the horizontal direction (arrow B direction) selected. The lower support members 104a to 104c are provided with mounting surfaces 106a, 106b, and 106c that extend in the horizontal direction and support the end portions of the respective radiation cassettes 82.
[0049]
An upper support member 108 is provided on the upper side of the holder 100 so as to protrude in the direction of arrow B. The upper support member 108 has claw portions 109a, 109b, and 109c that are bent vertically downward to support the upper portion of each radiation cassette 82.
[0050]
In the second embodiment configured as described above, the height positions of the lower support members 104a to 104c constituting the fixed portion 102 are selected corresponding to the radiation cassettes 82 having different dimensions. Therefore, the height position of the radiation cassette 82 is set to a predetermined height only by selectively disposing the radiation cassette 82 on the mounting surfaces 106a to 106c of the lower support members 104a to 104c.
[0051]
Therefore, in the second embodiment, particularly when the radiation cassette 82 having different dimensions is frequently used, the positioning and fixing work of the radiation cassette 82 is further simplified, and an efficient radiographic image information imaging process is performed. The effect that it is done is acquired.
[0052]
FIG. 5 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state in which the radiation cassette holder 110 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is attached to the apparatus main body 14.
[0053]
The holder 110 has a support plate 112 attached to the apparatus main body 14, a standing posture (first position) at a lower end portion of the support plate 112, and a predetermined angle with respect to the standing posture, for example, 90 °. And a swing plate 114 that can be held in a horizontal posture (second position) that is inclined only by the angle.
[0054]
On the back side of the support plate 112, a lead plate 76 is attached so as to cover the imaging unit 22, while the swing plate 114 is configured to be swingable to the support plate 112 via a hinge 116. The swing plate 114 is provided with a fixing portion 84 for supporting the radiation cassette 82 in a standing posture, and a flat portion 118 that serves as a placement surface when placed in a horizontal posture.
[0055]
In the third embodiment configured as described above, when the swing plate 114 is arranged in the standing posture, the swing plate 114 is connected to the swing plate 114 via the fixing portion 84 as in the first embodiment. The radiation image information of the subject H is irradiated onto the radiation cassette 82 that has been positioned and fixed. When photographing the patient's arm Hu or the like, the swing plate 114 is placed in a horizontal posture, and the cassette 82 is placed on the flat surface 118 of the swing plate 114. In a state where the arms Hu and the like are arranged on the cassette 82, radiographic image information is shot from above via the radiation source 30.
[0056]
Thereby, in 3rd Embodiment, when imaging | photography of the arm Hu etc. is performed other than a patient's chest imaging | photography etc., the effect that it can respond easily also to a change of various imaging conditions is acquired. Note that when the cassette 82 is placed on the flat surface portion 118 and imaging processing is performed, a lead plate 76 is disposed in the imaging unit 22 of the apparatus main body 14. Therefore, radiation is not irradiated into the imaging unit 22, and the same effect as in the first and second embodiments can be obtained.
[0057]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part of a radiographic image information recording / reading apparatus 120 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an internal schematic configuration of the radiographic image information recording / reading apparatus 120.
[0058]
The radiographic image information recording / reading device 120 includes an apparatus main body 124, an imaging platform 126 on which a subject H, for example, a patient is directly placed in a lying posture (a lying posture) and can be moved up and down, and a controller (control unit). ) 128 and a foot switch unit 130.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 7, the imaging table 126 is provided with a radiation recording unit 132 that temporarily records the radiation image information of the subject H on the stimulable phosphor sheet IP. The apparatus main body 124 includes a reading unit 134 that photoelectrically reads the radiation image information by irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet IP storing the radiation image information with the excitation light L, and the storage phosphor sheet after the reading. An erasing light source unit 136 that erases radiation image information remaining in the IP and a circulation conveyance system 138 that circulates, for example, three sheets of the accumulative phosphor sheet IP in the radiation image information recording / reading device 120 are incorporated.
[0060]
The circulation conveyance system 138 includes a plurality of roller pairs 140. The roller pairs 140 sandwich both ends (ear portions) of the three stimulable phosphor sheets IP, and the stimulable phosphor sheets IP are irradiated with radiation. It is circulated in the image information recording / reading apparatus 120.
[0061]
The reading unit 134 includes a sub-scanning system 142 that transports the stimulable phosphor sheet IP in the horizontal direction (arrow B direction) and the excitation light L substantially vertically to the stimulable phosphor sheet IP that is transported in the sub-scan. Excitation system 144 that irradiates in the direction and performs main scanning, and first and second condensing systems 146 and 148 that photoelectrically read the stimulated emission light R generated from the stimulable phosphor sheet IP by irradiation of the excitation light L. With.
[0062]
The sub-scanning system 142 includes first and second roller pairs 150 and 152 that are rotationally driven in synchronization with each other. The first light collecting system 146 includes a first light guide 154a disposed along the main scanning line at the irradiation position of the excitation light L on the recording surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP, and an upper portion of the first light guide 154a. And a first photomultiplier 156a attached to the camera. The second light collecting system 148 includes a second light guide 154b disposed along the main scanning line on the back side of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP, and a second photo guide attached to the end of the second light guide 154b. And a multiplier 156b.
[0063]
The erasing light source unit 136 includes a first erasing unit 160a disposed on the recording surface side of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP and a second erasing unit 160b disposed on the back surface side of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP. Erase light sources 162a and 162b are disposed in the first and second erase units 160a and 160b, respectively.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 128 includes a control unit main body 170 and an operation table 172 installed on the upper part of the control unit main body 170, and an operation panel 174 is provided on the operation table 172.
[0065]
An insertion port 180 is formed in the imaging table 126, and a lead plate 182 can be attached to and detached from this insertion port 180. The lead plate 182 is inserted into the imaging table 126 through the insertion port 180 and is disposed so as to cover the radiation irradiation surface 126a of the imaging table 126. A sensor 184 (see FIG. 7) for detecting that the lead plate 182 has been inserted from the insertion port 180 is mounted in the imaging stand 126, and a display that is turned on based on a detection signal from the sensor 184. A lamp (display unit) 186 is provided, for example, corresponding to the corner of the imaging stand 126.
[0066]
The operation of the radiation image information recording / reading apparatus 120 configured as described above will be schematically described below.
[0067]
First, an X-ray irradiation means (not shown) is driven in a state where the patient is lying in a lying posture (a lying posture). Therefore, the radiation image information of the patient is recorded (photographed) on the stimulable phosphor sheet IP disposed in the radiation recording unit 132.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 7, the stimulable phosphor sheet IP after the imaging process is read out from the radiation recording unit 132 with the ears sandwiched under the rotating action of the roller pair 140 constituting the circulation conveyance system 138. Sent to the sub-scanning system 142 constituting the unit 134.
[0069]
In the sub-scanning system 142, the first and second roller pairs 150 and 152 are synchronously rotated under the driving action of a motor (not shown), and the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is transferred to the first and second roller pairs 150. , 152 are sandwiched between the ears and conveyed in the sub-scanning direction in the arrow B direction. At that time, the excitation light L is derived from the excitation system 144 and irradiated onto the recording surface of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP to perform main scanning.
[0070]
As a result, the stimulated emission light R emitted from the recording surface side of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is photoelectrically read by the first light collecting system 146 and transmitted through the transparent base surface to transmit the stimulable phosphor sheet. The stimulated emission light R emitted from the back side of the IP is photoelectrically read by the second light collecting system 148.
[0071]
The storage phosphor sheet IP after the reading process is sent to the erasing light source unit 136. In the erasing light source unit 136, the erasing light Q is irradiated toward both surfaces of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP via the erasing light sources 162a and 162b constituting the first and second erasing units 160a and 160b, and the storability is increased. The radiation image information remaining on the phosphor sheet IP is securely erased. The storable phosphor sheet IP after the erasing process is disposed in the radiation recording unit 132 via the circulation conveyance system 138.
[0072]
In this case, in the fourth embodiment, when radiographic image information of a patient is captured on the stimulable phosphor sheet IPa accommodated in the radiation cassette 82, the radiation cassette 82 is directly placed on the imaging table 126. Is done. On the other hand, a stimulable phosphor sheet IP is disposed in the radiation recording unit 132. In order to protect the stimulable phosphor sheet IP from radiation, a lead plate 182 is inserted into the imaging table 126 from the insertion port 180. Inserted. When the insertion of the lead plate 182 is detected via the sensor 184, the indicator lamp 186 provided on the imaging stand 126 is turned on to inform the operator that the radiation cassette 82 is ready for imaging.
[0073]
As a result, in the fourth embodiment, even when the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is disposed in the radiation recording unit 132, the radiation irradiated to the radiation cassette 82 can be accumulated by the lead plate 182 being inserted. The phosphor sheet IP is not irradiated. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, for example, it is possible to reliably prevent fogging due to radiation exposure from occurring in the stimulable phosphor sheet IP.
[0074]
Further, since the indicator lamp 186 is turned on when the lead plate 182 is inserted into the photographing stand 126, the presence or absence of the lead plate 182 can be confirmed with certainty, and the lead plate 182 can be forgotten. Absent.
[0075]
In the fourth embodiment, the indicator lamp 186 is provided to display the presence / absence of the lead plate 182, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cassette photographing mode is displayed on the operation panel 174, It may be set so that the menu cannot be selected during built-in shooting. In the first to third embodiments, the cassette photographing mode can be displayed on an operation panel (not shown).
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
In the radiation cassette holder according to the present invention, radiation is not irradiated into the radiation image information recording apparatus under the action of the shielding unit by simply mounting the radiation cassette holder on the radiation image information recording apparatus. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent fogging due to radiation exposure from occurring on the stimulable phosphor sheet disposed in the imaging unit. In addition, in the radiographic image information recording apparatus, the stimulable phosphor sheet can be fixed to the imaging unit, and the entire radiographic image information recording apparatus can be effectively downsized.
[0077]
Further, in the radiographic image information recording apparatus according to the present invention, the operator can surely know that the radiographic cassette is ready to be imaged, and the imaging process can be made more efficient and simplified. . Further, when a plurality of radiographic image information recording devices are arranged in the imaging room, a desired radiographic processing is smoothly performed without misidentifying the radiographic image information recording device to be used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a radiation image information recording / reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the radiation image information recording / reading apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a state in which a radiation cassette is attached to the holder.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory side view of a state in which a radiation cassette holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention is attached to an apparatus main body.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory perspective view of a state in which a radiation cassette holder according to a third embodiment of the present invention is attached to an apparatus main body.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of main parts of a radiographic image information recording / reading apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an internal schematic configuration of the radiation image information recording / reading apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 120 ... Radiation image information recording / reading apparatus 12 ... Elevating part 14, 124 ... Apparatus main body 22 ... Imaging | photography part 22a ... Radiation irradiation surface 24, 134 ... Reading part 26 ... Sub-scanning system 28, 136 ... Erase light source part 32, 126 ... Ping table 70, 100, 110 ... Holder 72a, 72b ... Pin 74 ... Resin plate 76,182 ... Lead plate 80a, 80b ... Hole portion 84 ... Fixing portion 86 ... Moving support member 88 ... Fixing support members 94a-94d ... Positioning Pins 96, 184 ... Sensors 98, 186 ... Indicator lights 102 ... Fixed portions 104a to 104c ... Lower support member 108 ... Upper support member 112 ... Support plate 114 ... Swing plate 118 ... Planar portion 128 ... Controller 132 ... Radiation recording portion 138 ... Circulation conveyance system 174 ... Operation panel 180 ... Entrance

Claims (4)

A radiation cassette holder for holding a radiation cassette for irradiating a radiation image record carrier housed therein and recording radiation image information of a subject on the radiation image record carrier in a radiation image information recording device,
A fixing portion for fixing the radiation cassette;
A shielding unit that prevents radiation from being irradiated into the radiation image information recording apparatus by covering a radiation irradiation surface of the radiation image information recording apparatus;
A holder for a radiation cassette. The radiation cassette holder according to claim 1, wherein the position of the fixing portion can be selected in accordance with radiation cassettes having different dimensions. 3. The radiation cassette holder according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion is mounted on the radiation image information recording apparatus, and is disposed at a first position facing the radiation irradiation surface and the first position. A holder for a radiation cassette, which can be held at a second position inclined with respect to a predetermined angle. A radiation image information recording device capable of holding a radiation cassette containing a radiation image record carrier at an imaging position and recording radiation image information of a subject on the radiation image record carrier through the radiation cassette,
A sensor for detecting that the radiation cassette is in a state capable of being photographed;
Based on a detection signal from the sensor, a display unit that displays that the radiation cassette is in a state where imaging is possible,
A radiographic image information recording apparatus comprising:

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