JP2010025984A - Portable radiation detector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic cassette which is easy-to-handle and configured to prevent a subject from having a feeling of discomfort while suppressing deterioration of components due to heat. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic cassette 12 is handled by attaching a handle 13 to either one of side surfaces 20A and 20B on which the handle 13 can be attached. When an opening part 60 on either one of the side surfaces 20A and 20B where the handle 13 is attached is opened, air circulates through the opening part 60 and the air blows against the components in a housing 12 to cool them. Since a person who handles the electronic cassette 12 accesses the electronic cassette 12 through the handle 13, the air blow caused by the air circulating the opening part 60 blows against the person who handles the electronic cassette 12, while hardly blows against the subject. Consequently, there is provided the electronic cassette 12 which is easy-to-handle and configured to prevent a subject from having a feeling of discomfort while suppressing deterioration of components due to heat. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable radiation detector having a grip portion.

  As a portable radiation detector having a grip portion, an electronic cassette disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The electronic cassette disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the handle can move the housing or the handle can be removed from the housing so that the handle does not get in the way when the electronic cassette is mounted on the standing base. Furthermore, in the electronic cassette of Patent Document 1, the handle is configured to be used as a chin rest that receives the jaw of the subject in a standing position.

  By the way, when the detection area for detecting radiation is a rectangle, it is necessary to use the electronic cassette vertically or horizontally when capturing an image of a standing subject. In the configuration in which the handle is provided in one direction of the electronic cassette as in Document 1, it is difficult to mount the electronic cassette on the standing base depending on the direction in which the electronic cassette is mounted.

  In addition, when imaging a test subject lying down, the electronic cassette is worn by aligning the long side of the electronic cassette with the longitudinal side of the bed on which the test subject lies, and the short side of the electronic cassette. Although it may be attached, depending on the direction in which the electronic cassette is attached, the attachment to the bed becomes difficult. Thus, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the electronic cassette is difficult to handle.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an X-ray imaging apparatus having a vent for circulating air. In the X-ray imaging apparatus of Patent Document 2, a vent 28 for circulating air is provided in the lower part of the frame 21, and a shutter 29 for opening and closing the vent 28 is provided inside the vent 28.

  In addition, a vent 34 for circulating air is also provided on the upper portion of the frame 21, and a fan 35 for circulating air is provided inside the vent 34. A shutter 36 for opening and closing the vent hole 34 is provided inside the fan 35.

According to this configuration, the air raised by the heat of the semiconductor element 27 by the fan 35 is discharged to the outside, and the temperature rise of the semiconductor element 27 and the like can be suppressed.
JP 200477641 A JP-A-10-177224 (FIG. 1)

  Here, in the configuration in which the vent hole is provided as in Patent Document 2, it can be considered that the air to be ventilated hits the subject and gives an uncomfortable feeling.

  In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable radiation detector that can suppress deterioration of components due to heat in a configuration that does not cause discomfort to the subject.

  A portable radiation detector according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a grip portion provided in a housing, and an opening formed in the housing and disposed on the side where the grip portion is provided. .

  According to this configuration, air flows through the opening. The wind generated by the air flowing through the opening hits the components in the housing and is cooled.

  Here, since the person who handles the portable radiation detector accesses the portable radiation detector from the grip portion, it is caused by the air flowing through the opening disposed on the side where the grip portion is provided. Although the wind is likely to hit the person handling the portable radiation detector, it is less likely to hit the subject.

  As described above, according to the first aspect, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the component parts due to heat in a configuration in which the subject is less likely to feel discomfort.

  A portable radiation detector according to a second aspect of the present invention has the lid member provided in the opening and capable of opening and closing the opening in the configuration according to the first aspect.

  According to this configuration, the lid member opens and closes the opening. Thus, the opening can be opened only when cooling is required.

  A portable radiation detector according to a third aspect of the present invention is the configuration according to the first or second aspect, wherein the grip portion is detachably provided on the housing.

  According to this configuration, the portable radiation detector can be carried by attaching the grip portion when carrying the portable radiation detector. When the grip portion is unnecessary, the portable radiation detector can be handled easily because it can be removed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable radiation detector having a mounting detector for detecting whether or not the grip portion is mounted in the configuration of the third aspect.

  According to this configuration, the mounting detection unit can detect whether or not the gripping unit is mounted.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the portable radiation detector according to the third or fourth aspect, the housing is formed in a shape having four sides on an outer edge in a plan view, and the grip The portion can be attached to at least two side surfaces of the side surfaces constituting the four sides, and the opening is formed on the side surface to which the grip portion can be attached.

  According to this configuration, when the portable radiation detector is handled (for example, when the portable radiation detector is carried or when the portable radiation detector is mounted on the imaging table or the like), the gripping unit can be attached. It is possible to handle the portable radiation detector by attaching a gripping portion to the side that is easy to handle among the side surfaces and gripping the gripping portion.

  Moreover, air distribute | circulates through an opening part because a cover member opens an opening part. The wind generated by the air flowing through the opening hits the components in the housing and is cooled.

  Here, the person handling the portable radiation detector accesses the portable radiation detector from the gripping part, so the wind generated by the air flowing through the opening is the person handling the portable radiation detector. Although it is easy to hit, it is difficult to hit the subject.

  As described above, according to the fifth aspect, the portable radiation detector can be easily handled, and deterioration of components due to heat can be suppressed with a configuration that does not cause discomfort to the subject.

  A portable radiation detector according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is provided in the opening of the side surface to which the grip portion is attached in the configuration according to the fourth or fifth aspect dependent on the second aspect. And an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the lid member.

  According to this structure, an opening mechanism opens and closes the cover member provided in the opening part of the side surface to which the holding part was attached. Air is circulated through the opening by opening and closing the lid member of the opening in which the grip is disposed. The wind generated by the air flowing through the opening hits the components in the housing and is cooled.

  Here, the person handling the portable radiation detector accesses the portable radiation detector from the gripping part, so the wind generated by the air flowing through the opening is the person handling the portable radiation detector. Although it is easy to hit, it is difficult to hit the subject.

  As described above, according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to more effectively suppress the deterioration of the component parts due to heat with a configuration in which the subject is less likely to feel discomfort.

  The portable radiation detector according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the configuration according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the grip portion is configured to control a component provided in the housing. And at least one of the power supply unit that supplies power to at least one of the component and the control unit is integrated.

  According to this configuration, since at least one of the control unit and the power supply unit is integrated with the gripping unit, at least one of the control unit and the power supply unit can be removed, and handling such as maintenance becomes easy.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the opening formed on the side surface to which the gripping portion is attached can be opened, and when the opening is opened, the wind generated by the air flowing through the opening is In this case, at least one of the control unit and the power supply unit integrated with the handle can be cooled.

  Furthermore, since it is not necessary to accommodate at least one of the control unit and the power supply unit in the housing, the size of the housing can be reduced and the apparatus can be downsized.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the portable radiation detector according to the fifth aspect, one side surface to which the grip portion can be attached is perpendicular to the other side surface to which the grip portion can be attached. Facing the direction.

  According to this configuration, since the grip portion can be changed by changing the direction in a right angle direction, even when the portable radiation detector is handled by changing the direction of the portable radiation detector to a right angle, the portable radiation detector can be handled. It becomes easy to do.

  Since this invention set it as the said structure, it can suppress deterioration of the component by heat | fever with the structure which does not give a test subject an unpleasant feeling.

Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.
(Configuration of electronic cassette according to this embodiment)
First, the configuration of an electronic cassette as an example of a portable radiation detector will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an arrangement of electronic cassettes at the time of radiographic imaging. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the electronic cassette. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the electronic cassette 12.

  The electronic cassette 12 according to the present embodiment has portability, detects radiation from a radiation source that has passed through a subject, generates image information of a radiation image represented by the detected radiation, and generates the generated image information. Is specifically configured as shown below.

  The electronic cassette 12 may be a radiation imaging apparatus that does not store generated image information.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic cassette 12 is arranged at a distance from a radiation generation unit 14 as a radiation source that generates radiation when a radiographic image is taken. The space between the radiation generation unit 14 and the electronic cassette 12 at this time is an imaging position for the subject 16 as a subject to be located. When an instruction to capture a radiographic image is given, the radiation generation unit 14 gives in advance. Radiation with a radiation dose according to the imaging conditions is emitted. The radiation emitted from the radiation generation unit 14 passes through the subject 16 located at the imaging position, and then is applied to the electronic cassette 12 after carrying the image information.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic cassette 12 includes a flat casing 20 made of a material that transmits radiation X and having a predetermined thickness. Within the housing 20, the grid 24 that removes scattered radiation of the radiation X generated by passing through the subject 16 and the subject 16 are sequentially transmitted from the irradiation surface 22 side where the radiation X is irradiated in the housing 20. A radiation detection panel 26 as an example of a radiation detector that detects radiation from the radiation generation unit 14 and a lead plate 28 that absorbs backscattered rays of radiation X are accommodated.

  The radiation detection panel 26 of the electronic cassette 12 is configured by laminating a photoelectric conversion layer that absorbs radiation and converts it into charges on the TFT active matrix substrate 32 shown in FIG. The photoelectric conversion layer is made of amorphous a-Se (amorphous selenium) containing, for example, selenium as a main component (for example, a content rate of 50% or more), and when irradiated with radiation, the amount of charge corresponding to the amount of irradiated radiation. The generated radiation (electron-hole pair) is internally generated to convert the irradiated radiation into charges.

  The radiation detection panel 26 indirectly uses a phosphor material and a photoelectric conversion element (photodiode) instead of the X-ray-charge conversion material that directly converts the radiation X such as amorphous selenium into electric charges. You may convert into an electric charge. As phosphor materials, gadolinium sulfate (GOS) and cesium iodide (CsI) are well known. In this case, X-ray-light conversion is performed using a fluorescent material, and light-charge conversion is performed using a photodiode of a photoelectric conversion element.

  Further, on the TFT active matrix substrate 32, a pixel unit 40 (FIG. 3) provided with a storage capacitor 34 for storing the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer and a TFT 36 for reading the charge stored in the storage capacitor 34. In this figure, a large number of photoelectric conversion layers corresponding to the individual pixel portions 40 are schematically shown as photoelectric conversion portions 38), and are arranged in a matrix, and the photoelectric conversion layers accompany the radiation to the electronic cassette 12. The electric charges generated in the above are stored in the storage capacitors 34 of the individual pixel units 40. As a result, the radiation image represented by the radiation that has passed through the subject and has been applied to the electronic cassette 12 is converted into image information by charges and is held on the radiation detection panel 26.

  The TFT active matrix substrate 32 has a plurality of gate lines 42 extending in a certain direction (row direction) for turning on / off the TFTs 36 of the individual pixel units 40, and a direction (column direction) orthogonal to the gate lines 42. And a plurality of data wirings 44 for reading out stored charges from the storage capacitor 34 through the TFT 36 which is extended and turned on. Individual gate lines 42 are connected to a gate line driver 46, and individual data lines 44 are connected to a signal processing unit 48.

  When charges are accumulated in the storage capacitors 34 of the individual pixel units 40, the TFTs 36 of the individual pixel units 40 are sequentially turned on in units of rows by a signal supplied from the gate line driver 46 via the gate wiring 42. The charge accumulated in the storage capacitor 34 of the pixel unit 40 for which is turned on is transmitted as a charge signal through the data wiring 44 and input to the signal processing unit 48. Accordingly, the charges accumulated in the storage capacitors 34 of the individual pixel portions 40 are sequentially read out in units of rows.

  The signal processing unit 48 includes an amplifier and a sample hold circuit provided for each individual data line 44, and the charge signal transmitted through each data line 44 is amplified by the amplifier and then held in the sample hold circuit. The Further, on the output side of the sample hold circuit, a multiplexer and an A / D converter 48A as an example of an electric signal converter for converting an electric signal carrying image information are connected in order. The charge signals held in the individual sample and hold circuits are sequentially input (serially) to the multiplexer, and the analog electric signal is converted into a digital electric signal by the A / D converter 48A. An image memory 50 is connected to the signal processing unit 48, and image information output from the A / D converter 48 </ b> A of the signal processing unit 48 is stored in the image memory 50 in order. The image memory 50 has a storage capacity capable of storing image information for a plurality of frames, and image information obtained by imaging is sequentially stored in the image memory 50 each time a radiographic image is captured.

  The electronic cassette 12 is an entire apparatus as an example of a communication unit 52 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the display device 15 capable of displaying a radiation image by wireless communication and a control unit for controlling the radiation detection panel 26. And a control unit 58 for controlling the operation. A configuration in which communication is performed by wire may be used.

  The display device 15 is configured by a PC (personal computer) including a keyboard and mouse as input means, a display as display means, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. In addition, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the electronic cassette 12 by wireless communication is provided.

  The control unit 58 includes a CPU that controls the entire electronic cassette 12, a ROM as a storage medium that stores various processing programs, a RAM that temporarily stores data as a work area, and a memory that stores various information. It is composed of the included microcomputer.

  The control unit is not limited to the one that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, and may be a part that controls the operation of a part of the components of the apparatus.

  The electronic cassette 12 is a power supply unit that supplies electric power to at least a part of the components including the radiation detection panel 26. The power supply unit supplies electric power to the components of various circuits and elements to operate the electronic cassette 12. 54.

  Further, the power supply unit 54 includes a battery (a rechargeable secondary battery) as a power storage unit that stores electric power supplied by the power supply unit 54 so as not to impair the portability of the electronic cassette 12.

  The power storage unit that stores the power supplied by the power supply unit 54 is not limited to a rechargeable secondary battery, and a nickel hydride, lithium ion, lead storage battery, capacitor, or the like may be used.

  Further, the power supply unit is not limited to one that supplies power to the components of the entire apparatus as in the present embodiment, and may be one that supplies power to some components of the apparatus. Moreover, the structure which has several power supply parts may be sufficient.

(The shape of the electronic cassette 12 and the gripping part attached to the electronic cassette 12)
Next, the shape of the electronic cassette 12 and the gripping part attached to the electronic cassette 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the casing 20 of the electronic cassette 12 has four sides (four straight lines) on the outer edge in a plan view, that is, when viewed from the side irradiated with radiation (the side on which the subject 16 is disposed). It has a shape having 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, specifically, a quadrilateral shape (rectangular shape). More specifically, the housing 20 of the electronic cassette 12 has a rectangular shape. The electronic cassette 12 may have a shape with rounded corners (see FIGS. 12 and 15).

  The housing 20 is formed with a side surface 20A constituting the side 21A, a side surface 20B constituting the side 21B, a side surface 20C constituting the side 21C, and a side surface 20D constituting the side 21D.

  The TFT active matrix substrate 32 (detection region) has the same shape as that of the electronic cassette 12, and is seen on the outer edge in a plan view, that is, when viewed from the side irradiated with radiation (the side on which the subject 16 is disposed). It has a shape having four sides (four straight lines) 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D, specifically, a quadrilateral shape (rectangular shape). More specifically, the TFT active matrix substrate 32 (detection region) has a rectangular shape.

  The TFT active matrix substrate 32 has long sides 32 </ b> B and 32 </ b> D arranged along the long sides 21 </ b> B and 21 </ b> D of the electronic cassette 12. The TFT active matrix substrate 32 may be provided with short sides 32A and 32C along the long sides 21B and 21D which are the long sides of the electronic cassette 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 20 of the electronic cassette 12 is provided with a handle 13 for carrying the electronic cassette 12 as an example of a gripping portion that can be gripped by a person handling the electronic cassette 12.

  The handle 13 can be attached to each of the side surfaces 20A and 20B constituting the two adjacent sides 21A and 21B of the electronic cassette 12. The side surface 20B faces the direction perpendicular to the side surface 20A, and the handle 13 can be mounted at a position that is 90 degrees different.

  The handle 13 has connection terminals 60a and 60b for mounting on the electronic cassette 12, respectively. On the other hand, the electronic cassette 12 side has connection terminals 54a and 54b to which the connection terminals 60a and 60b of the handle 13 are detachably connected. Thereby, the handle 13 can be attached to and detached from the electronic cassette 12, and functions as a handle when attached to the electronic cassette 12.

  The handle 13 may not be configured to be detachable, and may be configured to be fixed to the housing 20. In this case, an opening 60 which will be described later can be formed only at a position where the handle 13 is disposed. By disposing the opening 60 in this way, dust and moisture can enter the inside of the housing 20. This is more preferable because the possibility is reduced and the structure is less likely to fail.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the handle 13 may be configured to be attachable to the side surfaces (for example, the side surfaces 20A and 20C) that constitute the opposite sides of the four sides. As shown, the configuration may be such that it can be mounted on the four side surfaces 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D constituting the four sides.

  Moreover, the handle 13 is U-shaped. The gripping part may be a T-shaped shape, a U-shaped shape, a perforated shape such as a round shape, or the like as long as it has a shape that functions as a gripping part. Further, the grip portion may be configured by a hole formed through the housing 20.

  Further, the grip portion may be configured to be non-penetrating, that is, a configuration having no space for inserting a hand (a part of a hand such as a finger). It may be a gripping part in which a concave part for hooking a part) is formed or a gripping part in which a convex part that can be gripped is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the power supply unit 54 and the control unit 58 may be provided on the handle 13 instead of the main body side of the electronic cassette 12. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, both the power supply unit 54 and the control unit 58 are integrated with the handle 13. By providing the power supply unit 54 in the handle 13, as shown in FIG. 7, the handle 13 can be detached from the electronic cassette 12 and attached to the charger 53 for charging. Note that at least one of the power supply unit 54 and the control unit 58 may be provided on the handle 13.

  Further, it is possible to dispose at least one of the handles 13 except for a constituent part (specifically, the radiation detection panel 26) constituting a radiation detection region for detecting radiation.

  Therefore, the image memory 50 may be provided on the handle 13 as shown in FIG. 8, and the communication unit 52 may be provided on the handle 13 as shown in FIG.

  Also, an ID storage ROM that stores a display device ID that is used to identify which electronic cassette 12 and which display device 15 are to communicate with and that identifies the display device 15 is provided. The structure provided in the handle 13 may be sufficient. With this configuration, the handle 13 storing the information of the display device ID is attached to the electronic cassette 12, and the display device 15 that is the data transmission / reception destination can be specified by acquiring the display device ID from the handle 13. When viewed from the display device 15 side, the electronic cassette 12 to which the handle storing the information of its own display device ID is attached can be specified as the electronic cassette 12 of the communication destination.

  Further, the handle 13 may be provided with a memory for storing various kinds of information such as imaging conditions when imaging a radiographic image, patient information about the subject 16 and an electronic cassette ID.

(Relationship between mounting state of handle 13 and image processing)
Next, the relationship between the mounting state of the handle 13 and image processing will be described.

  The electronic cassette 12 includes an attachment detection unit 56 that detects whether or not the handle 13 is attached to the electronic cassette 12.

  For example, the attachment detection unit 56 is configured to be electrically connected when the connection terminals 60a and 60b are connected to the connection terminals 54a and 54b, and is electrically connected between the connection terminals 60a and 60b and the connection terminals 54a and 54b. Whether or not the handle 13 is attached to the electronic cassette 12 is detected depending on whether or not it is performed. Thereby, it is detected whether the handle 13 is attached to the side surface 20A or the side surface 20B.

  Whether or not the handle 13 is attached to the electronic cassette 12 is detected using light such as infrared rays or an electrostatic effect (for example, a method of detecting whether or not a dielectric is in proximity). It is good also as composition to do.

  The electronic cassette 12 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the control unit 58 changes the image processing content of the image information based on the radiation detected by the radiation detection panel 26 based on the detection result detected by the mounting detection unit 56. ing.

  For example, in the configuration in which the mounting position of the handle 13 is changed according to the direction in which the electronic cassette 12 is mounted on the imaging stand, the orientation of the image information is changed based on the detection result detected by the mounting detection unit 56. I can do it.

  A specific configuration of this configuration will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the imaging stand 100 is, for example, a bed on which the subject 16 can lie, and is used to photograph the subject 16 in a lying state. In addition, the imaging stand 100 may image the subject 16 in the standing position.

  An electronic cassette 12 can be attached to the photographing stand 100. The electronic cassette 12 is along the orthogonal direction (the B direction in FIGS. 10 and 11) orthogonal to the head and foot direction (the direction from the head to the foot, the A direction in FIGS. 10 and 11) of the subject 16 lying on the imaging table 100. Then, it is inserted into the imaging stand 100 and attached to the electronic cassette 12, and is extracted from the imaging stand 100 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction and removed from the imaging stand 100.

  Further, the electronic cassette 12 can be mounted on the imaging table 100 so that the longitudinal direction of the electronic cassette 12 is along the head and foot direction of the subject 16 lying on the imaging table 100 (see FIG. 10). . Hereinafter, this mounting method is referred to as vertical mounting.

  In addition, the electronic cassette 12 can be mounted on the imaging table 100 so that the short side direction of the electronic cassette 12 is along the head and foot direction of the subject 16 lying on the imaging table 100 (see FIG. 11). Hereinafter, this mounting method is referred to as lateral mounting.

  In this configuration, the radiation generator 14 is disposed above the imaging table 100, and the subject 16 is disposed between the radiation generator 14 and the electronic cassette 12 (imaging table 100).

  Radiation from the radiation generating unit 14 passes through the subject 16 lying on the imaging table 100 and is applied to the electronic cassette 12 mounted on the imaging table 100. Thereby, the subject 16 is imaged.

  Here, when the electronic cassette 12 is mounted vertically, the electronic cassette 12 cannot be mounted on the imaging stand 100 when the handle 13 is mounted on the side surface 20A. This configuration is achieved, for example, when the handle 13 attached to the electronic cassette 12 comes into contact with the edge of the insertion slot into which the electronic cassette 12 is inserted into the imaging table 100.

  Further, when the electronic cassette 12 is mounted sideways, the electronic cassette 12 cannot be mounted on the imaging stand 100 when the handle 13 is mounted on the side surface 20B. This configuration is achieved, for example, when the handle 13 attached to the electronic cassette 12 comes into contact with the edge of the insertion slot into which the electronic cassette 12 is inserted into the imaging table 100.

  If the handle 13 is not attached to the electronic cassette 12, the electronic cassette 12 is configured not to operate. For example, the imaging operation of the electronic cassette 12 is stopped when the supply of power from the power supply unit 54 is stopped. In addition, it is good also as a structure which stops the radiation irradiation of the radiation generation part 14. FIG. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports to an operator so that the handle 13 may be mounted | worn with the electronic cassette 12, and promotes mounting | wearing of a handle.

  As described above, when the electronic cassette 12 is mounted on the imaging stand 100 and shooting is performed, when the handle 13 is mounted on the side surface 20B, the electronic cassette 12 is mounted vertically. When the electronic cassette 12 is mounted on the imaging stand 100 and shooting is performed, when the handle 13 is mounted on the side surface 20A, the electronic cassette 12 is mounted sideways.

  The control unit 58 stores, in the image memory, an image with the side 21B of the electronic cassette 12 positioned on the head side of the subject 16 in the image memory, with respect to an image taken with the handle 13 attached to the side surface 20A. To do.

  As a result, when an image captured by the electronic cassette 12 is displayed on the display device 15, an image with the long side 21 </ b> B facing upward is displayed and the image captured by the electronic cassette 12 is recorded on a recording medium. Is recorded with the side 21B facing upward.

  Moreover, the control part 58 memorize | stores the image which made the side 21C of the electronic cassette 12 located in the test subject's 16 head side upwards in an image memory about the image image | photographed in the state in which the handle 13 was mounted | worn with the side surface 20B. The configuration. That is, an image obtained by rotating the image with the side 21B upward is rotated 90 degrees.

  As a result, when an image captured by the electronic cassette 12 is displayed on the display device 15, an image with the side 21 </ b> C facing upward is displayed, and when an image captured by the electronic cassette 12 is recorded on a recording medium, An image with 21C on top is recorded.

  Further, instead of performing image processing when storing an image in the image memory, it may be configured to process an image when displaying an image or recording an image.

  Therefore, for example, the electronic cassette 12 may send the mounting information and image information of the handle 13 to an external device such as the display device 15, and the external device may perform image processing.

(Configuration for cooling the heat generating part of the electronic cassette 12)
Next, the structure for cooling the heat generating part of the electronic cassette 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, openings 60 for circulating air for cooling the heat generating portion T are formed on the side surfaces 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B to which the handle 13 can be attached. In FIG. 12, only the opening 60 formed on the side surface 20A of the housing 20 is illustrated.

  The opening 60 communicates over the entire circumference of the housing 20 and is configured by a single opening formed in the side surfaces 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D.

  The opening 60 may be configured to function as an inflow port through which air flows, or may be configured to function as an exhaust port that discharges air, and functions as both an inflow port and an exhaust port. It may be configured to.

  In addition, since the opening part 60 should just be formed in the side surfaces 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D to which the handle 13 can be attached, when the handle 13 can be attached to the side surfaces 20A, 20B as in this embodiment. Need only have the opening 60 formed on the side surfaces 20A and 20B. Further, the opening 60 may be formed independently on each of the side surfaces 20A and 20B.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the heat generating portion T that generates heat is disposed along the sides 21 </ b> A and 21 </ b> B at the peripheral portion of the housing 20 so as to surround the TFT active matrix substrate 32 from two sides.

  Thereby, the heat generating part T is disposed in the housing 20 adjacent to the opening 60 formed on the side surfaces 20A and 20B to which the handle 13 can be attached, and the air flowing through the opening 60 directly generates heat. It hits the part T.

  Moreover, the structure which the heat generation part T is arrange | positioned at the handle 13 and the air which distribute | circulates the opening part 60 may directly hit the heat generation part T may be sufficient (refer FIG. 6).

  Examples of the heat generating unit T include an A / D converter of the signal processing unit 48, a control unit 58, a power supply unit 54, a heat generating circuit that generates heat among various circuits, and a heat generating element that generates heat among various elements.

  In addition, although it is desirable to arrange | position the heat generating part T to each edge | side 21A, 21B in which the opening part 60 is arrange | positioned from a viewpoint of cooling efficiency, each edge | side 21C other than each edge | side 21A, 21B in which the opening part 60 is arrange | positioned. , 21D may be arranged. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the heat generating portion T may be arranged along two opposing sides (for example, the side 21A and the side 21C), and FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the four structures may be arranged along the sides 21 </ b> A, 21 </ b> B, 21 </ b> C, and 21 </ b> D on the peripheral portion of the casing 20 so as to surround the TFT active matrix substrate 32 from the four sides.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, the housing 20 is provided with a lid member 62 that covers the opening 60. The lid member 62 is formed of an endless annular band. The lid member 62 is configured to open and close the opening 60 formed in the side surfaces 20 </ b> A, 20 </ b> B, 20 </ b> C, and 20 </ b> D with the single lid member 62 over the entire circumference of the housing 20. The lid member 62 is not an essential configuration, and may be a configuration in which the lid member 62 is not provided.

  The lid member 62 is provided on the side surfaces 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D of the housing 20 so as to cover the side surfaces 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D and the opening 60 from the outer surface side of the housing 20. 20 is formed of an elastic material that absorbs an impact applied from the outside. That is, the lid member 62 also functions as a buffer member that absorbs an impact applied from the outside of the housing 20. As the elastic material constituting the lid member 62, for example, rubber or resin is used.

  The lid member 62 covers the opening 60 from the outside of the housing 20, closes the opening 60 (see FIGS. 15 and 19), and moves from the closing position to the outside of the housing 20 to move the opening 60. It can be moved between open positions (see FIGS. 12, 17 and 18).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the lid member 62 has a convex portion 63 that enters the opening 60 in the closed position. By this convex part 63, the contact area of the cover member 62 and the housing | casing 20 at the time of closing the opening part 60 increases, and the sealing performance of the housing | casing 20 is improved.

  In addition, as a cover member, it is not restricted to said structure, For example, you may cover the opening part 60 independently. The lid member 62 can be made of various materials and is not limited to the above materials.

  As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19, the electronic cassette 12 includes an opening / closing mechanism 70 that opens and closes the lid member 62. The opening / closing mechanism 70 includes a slider 74 slidably provided on the housing 20, a link member 76 provided on the slider 74, and a moving mechanism (not shown) that slides the slider 74.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the slider 74, the link member 76, and the moving mechanism are arranged on both sides of the housing 20 so as to sandwich the opening 60 therebetween, and the pair of sliders 74, the link member 76, and the moving mechanism It is configured. In addition, you may be comprised with the one slider 74, the link member 76, and the moving mechanism.

  The link member 76 has a front end portion rotatably attached to the lid member 62 and a rear end portion rotatably attached to the slider 74.

  Specifically, the distal end portion of the link member 76 is fixed to the lid member 62 by adhesion or the like, and rotates around the weakened portion 73 that is thin. On the other hand, the rear end portion of the link member 76 is rotatably supported by the slider 74 by a shaft portion 78 and is rotated about the shaft portion 78 as a rotation center.

  The slider 74 is attached to a rail 72 provided in the housing 20, and is slidable along the side surface 20 </ b> B of the housing 20 while being guided by the rail 72. Specifically, the slider 74 has a facing position (see FIG. 17) where the shaft portion 78 faces the portion of the lid member 62 to which the tip end portion of the link member 76 is attached, and a distance slightly shorter than the length of the link member 76. It is possible to slide between the retracted position (see FIG. 19) retracted from the minute facing position.

  When the slider 74 is moved to the opposite position by the moving mechanism, as shown in FIG. 17, the longitudinal direction of the link member 76 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the side 21B, and the distal end portion of the link member 76 protrudes to the outside of the housing 20. The lid member 62 is pressed to the outside of the housing 20. Thereby, the lid member 62 moves to the open position. The slider 74 is moved by a moving mechanism when the inside of the housing 20 rises to a predetermined temperature.

  On the other hand, when the slider 74 is moved to the retracted position by the moving mechanism, the longitudinal direction of the link member 76 is directed in the direction along the side 21B as shown in FIG. The lid member 62 is retracted and pulled from the outside of the housing 20 to the housing 20 side. Thereby, the lid member 62 moves to the closed position.

  As described above, the slider 74 slides, so that the link member 76 stands up with respect to the side surface 20B of the housing 20 and moves the lid member 62 to the open position, and the link member 76 moves to the side surface 20B of the housing 20. In contrast, the lid member 62 is moved to the closed position by being tilted.

  In the above description, the opening / closing mechanism 70 disposed on the side surface 20B constituting the side 21B has been described. However, the opening / closing mechanism 70 is also disposed on the side surface 20A, and the opening 60 has the lid member 62 independent of the side surfaces 20A, 20B. And is configured to open and close.

  In the above configuration, the moving mechanism for moving the slider 74 is provided. However, a configuration without the moving mechanism may be used. For example, a configuration in which the slider 74 is manually moved may be used.

  In addition, a fan for circulating outside air inside the housing 20 in a state where the opening 60 is opened may be provided inside the housing 20.

(Operation of the electronic cassette 12 according to the present embodiment)
Next, the operation of the electronic cassette 12 according to this embodiment will be described.

  In the electronic cassette 12 according to this embodiment, when the electronic cassette 12 is handled (for example, when the electronic cassette 12 is carried or when the electronic cassette 12 is mounted on the photographing table), the side surfaces 20A and 20B to which the handle 13 can be attached. Among them, the handle 13 can be attached to the side that is easy to handle, and the electronic cassette 12 can be handled by holding the handle 13.

  For example, for a tall person, as shown in FIG. 20A, the electronic cassette 12 can be handled by attaching the handle 13 and carrying the electronic cassette 12 so that the long side of the electronic cassette 12 is vertical. For those who are short and easy to carry, the electronic cassette 12 can be handled by attaching the handle 13 and carrying the electronic cassette 12 so that the short side of the electronic cassette 12 is vertical as shown in FIG. It is considered easy. Further, when carrying a narrow passage or a passage with many people, it is easy to handle the electronic cassette 12 by carrying the electronic cassette 12 with the handle 13 so that the long side of the electronic cassette 12 is vertical. Conceivable.

  Furthermore, in the electronic cassette 12 according to the present embodiment, when the heat generating portion T is cooled, as shown in FIG. 17, when the slider 74 is slid to the opposite position by the moving mechanism, the link member 76 is attached to the housing 20. Standing with respect to the side surface 20B, the lid member 62 is moved to the open position.

  As a result, the opening 60 is opened, and the air flowing through the opening 60 strikes the heat generating part T, thereby cooling the heat generating part T. Thereby, deterioration of the component parts which comprise the heat-emitting part T, deterioration of the image image | photographed by the performance deterioration of component parts itself, etc. can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the slider 74 is slid to the retracted position by the moving mechanism, the link member 76 is tilted with respect to the side surface 20B of the housing 20 and moves the lid member 62 to the closed position. As a result, the opening 60 is closed, and the lid member 62 covers the side surfaces 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D of the housing 20.

  Since the lid member 62 is formed of an elastic material that absorbs an impact applied from the outside of the casing, the impact is absorbed even when the electronic cassette 12 is dropped or another object hits the electronic cassette 12. To do. Thereby, deterioration of the component by the impact from the outside can be suppressed.

  Here, since the person who handles the electronic cassette 12 accesses the electronic cassette 12 from the handle 13, the wind generated by the air flowing through the opening 60 is likely to hit the person who handles the electronic cassette 12. 16 is difficult to hit.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, air flows through the openings 60 formed in the side surfaces 20A and 20B that are in different directions from the side on which the subject 16 is located. Therefore, the wind generated by the air flowing through the openings 60 is It becomes difficult to hit the subject 16.

  As described above, according to the electronic cassette 12 according to the present embodiment, the electronic cassette 12 can be easily handled, and deterioration of components due to heat can be suppressed with a configuration in which the subject 16 is less likely to feel uncomfortable.

  In the present embodiment, by providing the handle 13 with the power supply unit 54, the control unit 58, and the like, the electronic cassette 12 can be easily handled when performing maintenance, upgrading, charging, or the like. Further, by providing the power supply unit 54 on the handle 13, as shown in FIG. 7, the handle 13 can be detached from the electronic cassette 12 and attached to the charger 53 for charging. Thereby, handling of the electronic cassette 12 at the time of charge becomes easy, and charger 53 itself can also be reduced in size.

  Further, when the electronic cassette 12 according to the present embodiment is mounted vertically on the photographing stand 100, the operator holds the handle 13 in the state where the handle 13 is mounted on the long side of the electronic cassette 12, and the electronic cassette 12 is electronic. The cassette 12 is mounted on the photographing stand 100. The control unit 58 stores, in the image memory, an image in which the side 21 </ b> B, which is the long side of the electronic cassette 12 located on the head side of the subject 16, is taken upward with respect to the image taken with the handle 13 attached.

  Further, when the electronic cassette 12 according to the present embodiment is mounted sideways on the imaging stand 100, the operator holds the handle 13 in a state where the handle 13 is mounted on the long side of the electronic cassette 12, and the electronic cassette 12 is mounted. 12 is mounted on the imaging stand 100. The control unit 58 stores, in the image memory, an image in which the side 21 </ b> C, which is the short side of the electronic cassette 12 located on the head side of the subject 16, is taken upward with respect to the image taken with the handle 13 attached.

  As described above, the orientation of the image of the image information changes according to the mounting state of the handle 13, so that it is not necessary to separately perform an operation for changing the orientation of the image of the image information.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the electronic cassette 12 can be easily handled.

  The opening / closing mechanism is not limited to the opening / closing mechanism 70, and various configurations can be employed. Hereinafter, a plurality of modifications of the opening / closing mechanism 70 will be described.

(First Modification of Opening / Closing Mechanism 70)
Next, a first modification of the opening / closing mechanism 70 will be described. FIG. 21 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism according to the first modification, and is a view showing a state in which the opening is opened. FIG. 22 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism according to the first modification, and is a view showing a state in which the opening is closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the opening / closing mechanism 80 according to the first modification includes retractable rods 82 and 83 disposed on the side surface 20 </ b> B of the housing 20, and a container in which the rods 82 and 83 are accommodated. 84.

  The rods 82 and 83 and the container 84 are respectively arranged on both sides of the housing 20 so as to sandwich the opening 60 therebetween, and are composed of a pair of rods 82 and 83 and a container 84. In addition, you may be comprised with the one rod 82 and 83 and the container 84. FIG.

  The tip of the rod 82 is in contact with the surface of the lid member 62, and the rods 82 and 83 extend and the rod 82 presses the lid member 62, whereby the lid member 62 opens the opening 60.

  Further, when the rods 82 and 83 are contracted and accommodated in the accommodating body 84, the lid member 62 returns to the closed position by the elastic force of the lid member 62, and the lid member 62 closes the opening 60.

  As a driving mechanism for driving the rod 82, for example, a solenoid can be used. The opening / closing mechanism 80 is also disposed on the side surface 20A, and the opening 60 is configured to open and close the lid member 62 independently on each of the side surfaces 20A and 20B.

(Second Modification of Opening / Closing Mechanism 70)
Next, a second modification of the opening / closing mechanism 70 will be described. FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of an opening / closing mechanism according to a second modification. FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an opening / closing mechanism according to a second modification.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the opening / closing mechanism 90 according to the second modification includes a biasing member 92 biased to a pressing position that presses the lid member 62 to open the lid member 62, and a biasing member. And an engaging member 94 that can be engaged with 92.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the urging member 92 and the engaging member 94 are disposed on both sides of the housing 20 so as to sandwich the opening 60 therebetween, and the pair of urging member 92 and the engaging member 94 are arranged. It consists of In addition, you may be comprised by the one urging | biasing member 92 and the engaging member 94. FIG.

  The urging member 92 is configured by a leaf spring. The biasing member 92 includes a bent portion 92C that is bent at the center, a fixed piece 92A that is fixed to the housing 20, and a pressing piece 92B that is connected to the fixed piece 92A and presses the lid member 62 at the bent portion 92C. Configured.

  The urging member 92 is housed in a recessed housing portion 96 formed on each side surface 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D of the housing 20.

  The fixed piece 92 </ b> A is fixed to the bottom surface of the housing portion 96. On the other hand, the pressing piece 92B has an accommodation position in which the urging member 92 is folded at the bent portion 92C and the distal end of the pressing piece 92B is separated from the fixed piece 92A to the outside of the housing 20. It is possible to move between the protruding positions protruding from the housing portion 96, and the pressing piece 92 </ b> B is biased to the protruding position by the elastic force of the biasing member 92.

  The tip end of the pressing piece 92B is curved in an R shape, and the R-shaped contact surface comes into contact with the lid member 62. The pressing piece 92B presses the lid member 62 at the protruding position, and the lid member 62 moves to the open position.

  The engaging member 94 is made of bimetal, and has a configuration whose shape is deformed by a temperature change. When the engagement member 94 reaches a predetermined temperature or higher, the engagement member 94 is extended, and the engagement state of the urging member 92 with the pressing piece 92B is released.

  The engagement member 94 functions as an engagement claw that can be bent (curved) and engageable with the pressing piece 92B of the biasing member 92 at a predetermined temperature or lower. In a state of functioning as an engaging claw, the pressing piece 92B is engaged with the engaging claw and accommodated in the accommodating portion 96 by manually pushing the pressing piece 92B toward the fixed piece 92A (housing 20). .

  The predetermined temperature is, for example, measured in advance at a position where the biasing member 92 is disposed (accommodating portion 96), which may cause performance deterioration of the components of the heat generating portion T and peripheral components. Can be set to a predetermined temperature.

  According to the configuration of the second modification, the opening 60 is automatically opened when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, so that an operation for separately opening the opening 60 is not necessary.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an arrangement of electronic cassettes at the time of radiographic imaging. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the electronic cassette. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the electronic cassette. FIG. 4 is a view showing a modified example in which the handle of the electronic cassette can be mounted on the opposite side surfaces. FIG. 5 is a view showing a modified example in which the handle of the electronic cassette can be attached to four side surfaces. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a control unit and a power supply unit are provided on the handle of the electronic cassette. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where the handle of the electronic cassette is attached to the charger. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an image memory is provided in the handle of the electronic cassette. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a communication unit is provided on the handle of the electronic cassette. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the electronic cassette is vertically mounted on the photographing stand. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the electronic cassette is mounted horizontally on the photographing stand. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the electronic cassette, and is a view showing a state in which the opening is opened. FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the electronic cassette for showing the arrangement position of the heat generating portion. FIG. 14A shows a modified example in which the heat generating part is arranged along two opposing sides, and FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a modified example in which the heat generating part is arranged along four sides. . FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the electronic cassette, and shows a state in which the opening is closed. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic front view showing the opening / closing mechanism according to this embodiment, and is a view showing a state in which the opening is opened. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the opening / closing mechanism according to the present embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic front view showing the opening / closing mechanism according to the present embodiment, and shows a state in which the opening is closed. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the electronic cassette is carried by gripping a handle attached to the casing of the electronic cassette, (A) shows a case where the handle is attached to the short side of the electronic cassette, The case where a handle is attached to the long side of the electronic cassette is shown. FIG. 21 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism according to the first modification, and is a view showing a state in which the opening is opened. FIG. 22 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism according to the first modification, and is a view showing a state in which the opening is closed. FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of an opening / closing mechanism according to a second modification. FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an opening / closing mechanism according to a second modification.

Explanation of symbols

12 Electronic cassette 13 Handle (gripping part)
14 Radiation generator (radiation source)
16 Subject 20A Side surface 20B Side surface 20C Side surface 20D Side surface 20 Housing 21A Side 21B Side 21C Side 21D Side 26 Radiation detection panel (radiation detector)
54 power supply unit 58 control unit 60 opening 62 lid member 70 opening / closing mechanism 80 opening / closing mechanism 90 opening / closing mechanism

Claims (8)

A gripping portion provided in the housing;
An opening formed in the housing and disposed on a side where the grip portion is provided;
A portable radiation detector.   The portable radiation detector according to claim 1, further comprising a lid member provided at the opening and capable of opening and closing the opening.   The portable radiation detector according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion is detachably provided on the housing.   The portable radiation detector according to claim 3, further comprising a mounting detection unit that detects whether or not the grip unit is mounted. The housing is formed in a shape having four sides on the outer edge in plan view,
The grip portion can be attached to at least two side surfaces of the side surfaces constituting the four sides,
The portable radiation detector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the opening is formed on the side surface to which the grip portion can be attached.   The portable radiation detector according to claim 4 or claim 5 dependent on claim 2, further comprising an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the lid member provided in the opening on the side surface to which the grip portion is attached.   The control unit that controls a component provided in the housing and at least one of a power source that supplies power to at least one of the component and the control unit are integrated with the grip unit. The portable radiation detector according to any one of 1 to 6.   The portable radiation detector according to claim 5, wherein one side surface to which the grip portion can be attached faces a direction perpendicular to the other side surface to which the grip portion can be attached.

Images