JP2011232667A - Portable radiation image detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate battery change in a short time even when a portable radiation image detection device is positioned in a state capable of photographing and also allow effective use of space in a case body.SOLUTION: A tray 21 of a photographing base holds an electronic cassette 13 in an opening part 21b notched from the front to the back in an approximate L-shape. The opening part 21b is formed so that the electronic cassette 13 is mounted in a vertical attitude or in a horizontal attitude. A case 26 in the electronic cassette 13 is provided with two loading ports 31 and 32. When the electronic cassette 13 is mounted in the tray 21, one of the loading ports 31 and 32 exposed from the opening part 21b is loaded with a battery unit 28 and the other is loaded with a function part unit 29 incorporating a function part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable radiographic image detection apparatus that generates a radiographic image by detecting radiation transmitted through a subject.

  In recent years, an FPD (flat panel detector) capable of converting an X-ray directly into digital data by arranging an X-ray sensitive layer on a TFT (Thin film transistor) active matrix substrate has been put into practical use. In addition, a portable radiological image detection apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “electronic cassette”) that generates a radiographic image represented by radiation irradiated through a subject using an FPD and stores the generated radiographic image is put into practical use. Has been.

  Electronic cassettes are becoming smaller and lighter from the viewpoint of portability, and in addition to being able to be driven by batteries for the purpose of improving usability, such as improving the degree of freedom of positioning during shooting, external devices such as consoles It has been proposed to wirelessly eliminate the power cable and the communication cable by wirelessly communicating with each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In radiological examinations, in order to perform elaborate image diagnosis, a plurality of images with different imaging directions are taken for the same part, or a plurality of images taken with different parts are connected to obtain a long image. In many cases, a plurality of images are continuously photographed in one inspection, such as a long photographing. In order to continuously capture a plurality of images, it is better that the drive time of the battery that can be driven by one charge is longer. However, in order to extend the driving time, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the battery. However, if the capacity of the battery is increased, portability and usability are hindered due to the increase in size and weight of the electronic cassette.

  Patent Document 2 describes an electronic cassette in which an extension unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body and functions as a handle is provided, and a function unit such as a battery or communication means is built in the extension unit. In such an electronic cassette, since the battery can be stored in the extension part, it is possible to increase the size of the battery without pressing the internal space of the main body. Since the extension part can be attached and detached as necessary, an increase in the weight and size of the main body are suppressed, and portability and usability are prevented from being lowered.

  However, unlike the commercial power supply, the capacity of the battery is limited, so replacement is necessary even if the battery is enlarged. Patent Document 3 proposes an electronic cassette having a built-in spare battery that can be powered during replacement of the main battery in addition to the main battery. According to this, when the main battery is replaced, it is not necessary to turn off the power source of the electronic cassette, so that a quick replacement operation is possible.

JP 2007-333380 A JP 2003-248060 A JP 2001-224579 A

  In addition to being used alone, such an electronic cassette is often used by being attached to various photographing stands such as a standing photographing stand and a standing photographing stand. The above-described conventional electronic cassette has only one mounting portion on which a battery is detachably mounted, and thus has the following problems when used by being mounted on a photographing stand.

  When the electronic cassette is attached to the imaging stand, the mounting portion may be hidden behind the attachment portion of the imaging stand depending on the type of the imaging stand and the mounting orientation of the cassette. If it does so, when replacing | exchanging a battery, it is necessary to once remove an electronic cassette from an imaging stand, and replacement | exchange of a battery cannot be performed in a short time. If the battery needs to be replaced during a single test, the subject will be kept waiting during that time. Therefore, if it takes a long time to replace the battery, the mental burden on the subject will be great. Moreover, since the electronic cassette is heavy compared to the conventional IP cassette using a film cassette or an imaging plate (IP), the burden on the operator who performs the removal work from the photographing stand is also great. As in Patent Documents 2 and 3, if the capacity of the battery is increased by providing an expansion unit or a spare battery with a built-in battery, the number of replacements can be reduced, but this is not a solution to the above problem.

  In view of this, the present applicant is considering providing battery mounting portions at a plurality of locations so that the battery can be replaced quickly while the electronic cassette is mounted on the imaging stand. If there are a plurality of mounting parts, it is possible to expose the other mounting part to the outside even if one mounting part is hidden depending on the type and mounting posture of the photographing stand. However, if the mounting portions are provided at a plurality of locations, the mounting portion where the battery is not mounted becomes an empty space, which causes a new problem of pressing the built-in space in which other components in the housing are arranged, and a solution for this is desired. It was. The above Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not clearly indicate or suggest such new problems and solutions.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even if the camera is positioned so as to be photographable, the battery can be easily replaced in a short time, and the space in the housing can be used effectively. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable radiographic image detection apparatus.

  The portable radiographic image detection apparatus of the present invention includes a detection unit that detects radiation transmitted through a subject and generates a radiographic image, a casing that houses the detection unit, and the detection unit. The first and second mounting portions that can be detachably mounted with a battery unit that supplies power to the device, and the function for operating the detection unit that can be detachably mounted on the first and second mounting portions And a functional unit having a built-in unit. Moreover, it is preferable that the said 1st and 2nd mounting part can replace | exchange and replace the said battery unit and the said function part unit.

  The casing can be detachably attached to the photographing stand, and the battery unit and the functional unit are mounted on the first and second mounting portions without protruding from the outer surface of the casing. It is preferable. It is preferable that the battery unit and the functional unit have the same outer shape. Moreover, it is preferable that the shape of the housing conforms to the international standard ISO 4090: 2001.

  The housing has an irradiation surface on which radiation is irradiated and a back surface opposite to the irradiation surface in a substantially rectangular shape, and two first side surfaces arranged along the long sides of the irradiation surface and the back surface, respectively. The first side surface is disposed along the short sides of the irradiation surface and the back surface, and has two second side surfaces that are substantially orthogonal to the first side surface. It is preferable that attachment is possible in two postures: a first attachment posture in which a side surface is exposed to the outside, and a second attachment posture in which one of the second side surfaces is exposed to the outside when attached to the photographing stand. .

  Preferably, the first mounting portion is provided on one of the first side surfaces, and the second mounting portion is provided on one of the second side surfaces. It is preferable that the first and second mounting portions have openings for receiving the battery unit or the functional unit in the respective storage portions.

  It is preferable to provide a spare battery that supplies power instead of the battery unit when the battery unit is removed. The functional unit is preferably a control unit that controls each circuit and element in the housing.

  The first and second mounting portions are fitted into guide pieces or guide grooves provided in the battery unit or the functional unit, and guide the battery unit or the functional unit in the attaching / detaching direction. Or it is preferable to have a guide piece.

  According to the portable radiographic image detection apparatus of the present invention, the functional unit for operating the detection unit, which can be detachably mounted on the first and second mounting units on which the battery unit is detachably mounted, is incorporated. Since the functional unit is mounted, the battery unit can be easily replaced in a short time when the camera is positioned to be capable of photographing, and the space in the housing can be used effectively.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of a X-ray imaging system. It is a perspective view of a supine photography stand. It is a perspective view which shows the tray in which an electronic cassette is attached. It is a perspective view which shows the electronic cassette (portable radiographic image detection apparatus) of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a TFT active matrix substrate. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an electronic cassette. It is a flowchart which shows the production | generation process of image data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which replaces | exchanges a battery unit with respect to the electronic cassette hold | maintained at the tray. It is a perspective view which shows an example which provided the indicator lamp in the battery unit. It is a perspective view which shows an example which provided the notch which receives a battery unit or a function part unit in a storage chamber. It is a perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an example of 4th Embodiment which provided the cover member in the mounting part. It is explanatory drawing which shows a state when rotating a cover member from a closed position to an open position, and attaching a battery unit to an attachment part. It is a perspective view which shows an example which provided the mounting part which has the guide groove which fits with the battery unit and guide piece which provided the guide piece. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the standing position imaging stand to which an electronic cassette is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an X-ray imaging system 10 includes an X-ray generator 11, a lying position imaging table 12, an electronic cassette 13 that is a portable radiographic image detection device of the present invention, a console 14, and a monitor 15. And. Based on the control of the console 14, the electronic cassette 13 detects the X-rays that are transmitted through the subject H from the X-ray generator 11, and generates an X-ray image. The console 14 performs various types of image processing on the X-ray image transmitted from the electronic cassette 13 and displays the image on the monitor 15.

  In the X-ray imaging system 10, the X-ray generator 11 irradiates X-rays from above toward the subject H placed on the supine imaging table 12, and the X-rays pass through the subject. The X-ray image obtained in this way is detected by the electronic cassette 13. Further, when photographing with few scattered rays such as limbs and elbows, the electronic cassette 13 may be placed on the supine position photographing stand 12 for photographing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray generator 11 includes an X-ray tube 11a that emits X-rays, a collimator 11b that limits the X-ray irradiation range, and an operation unit 11c that operates these. The X-ray generator 11 is held, for example, on a support column that is movable and telescopically installed on the ceiling of the radiation imaging room, and is disposed above the supine imaging table 12.

  The recumbent photographing stand 12 includes a top plate 16 and a photographing stand main body 17 provided under the top plate 16. The top plate 16 has a rectangular shape having a length and a width that allow the subject to lie down, and is arranged on the imaging table main body 17 so that the irradiation surface is horizontal. The top plate 16 is made of carbon or the like having a high X-ray transmittance.

  The photographic stand main body 17 includes a top plate support part 20, a tray 21, and an elevating part 22. The top plate support unit 20 includes a floating mechanism (not shown) that supports the top plate 16 so as to be movable in the XY directions. The floating mechanism includes a manual type in which an operator manually moves the top plate and an automatic type in which the operator automatically moves the top plate by an electric mechanism or the like. In this embodiment, an automatic type by an electric mechanism is used. In addition, an operation panel 23 for operating the top support 20 is provided on the front side of the supine position stand 12 when the operator performs a photographing operation on the supine position stand 12.

  The tray 21 is provided below the top plate 16 and between the top plate support portions 20. The tray 21 can be pulled out from under the top plate 16 by pulling a handle 21 a provided on the front side to the front side. The tray 21 is moved in the X direction by a slide mechanism (not shown). The slide mechanism includes a manual type and an automatic type as in the above-described floating mechanism. In the present embodiment, the slide type is an automatic type. The operation panel 23 is also used for the operation of the slide mechanism.

  The elevating unit 22 includes a top plate 16, an electric elevating mechanism (not shown) for elevating the top plate support unit 20 and the tray 21, and a telescopic bellows type cover 22 a that covers the periphery of the elevating mechanism. Yes. This lifting mechanism is also operated by the operation panel 23.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tray 21 is an attachment portion to which the electronic cassette 13 is detachably attached. The electronic cassette 13 is attached in a state where the back surface opposite to the irradiation surface irradiated with radiation faces the tray 21. On the upper surface of the tray 21, an opening 21 b is formed by cutting out the electronic cassette 13 according to its outer size so that the electronic cassette 13 does not move carelessly. The opening 21b is also cut away from the front surface of the tray 21 so that the electronic cassette 13 can be inserted from the front surface side of the lying position photographing table 12.

  The opening 21 b is substantially L-shaped when viewed from above the tray 21. This is because the rectangular electronic cassette 13 is accommodated in two mounting postures, a vertical posture and a horizontal posture. The vertical posture is a posture in which the long side direction of the electronic cassette 13 is parallel to the long side direction of the top plate 16, and the horizontal posture is a posture in which the long side direction of the electronic cassette 13 is orthogonal to the long side direction of the top plate 16. is there. The shape of the tray 21 is merely an example, and is not limited to this, and may be any other shape as long as the electronic cassette 13 can be attached in two postures of a vertical posture and a horizontal posture.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic cassette 13 used in the present embodiment is compliant with the international standard ISO 4090: 2001 similar to a cassette for film or IP of half-cut size (383.5 mm × 459.5 mm), for example. A case (housing) 26 having an outer size and an FPD 27 as a radiation detection unit housed in the case 26 are provided. The case 26 is formed of a material that can transmit X-rays. The external size of the electronic cassette 13 includes a four-cut size, a six-cut size, etc. in addition to the half-cut size described above, and is appropriately selected according to the imaging region.

  The case 26 is provided with first and second mounting portions 31 and 32 in which the battery unit 28 is mounted on one side and the functional unit 29 is mounted on the other side. In this case 26, the irradiation surface 26a and the back surface 26b to which the radiation is irradiated have a substantially rectangular shape, and have side surfaces 26c to 26f surrounding the four sides of the irradiation surface 26a and the back surface 26b. The first mounting portion 31 is provided on one side surface 26c arranged along the long side direction, and the second mounting portion 32 is provided on one side surface 26d arranged along the short side direction orthogonal to the side surface 26c. The battery unit 28 and the functional unit 29 can be attached and detached from two different directions. 4 and 6 show a state in which the functional unit 29 is mounted on the first mounting portion 31 and the battery unit 28 is mounted on the second mounting portion 32.

  When the electronic cassette 13 is attached to the tray 21 of the lying position photographing stand 12 in either the vertical posture or the horizontal posture, any one of the side surfaces 26c, 26d is exposed to the outside through the opening 21b of the tray 21. For this reason, when the electronic cassette 13 is mounted in the vertical posture, the first mounting portion 31 provided on the side surface 26c is exposed to the outside from the opening 21b, and when the electronic cassette 13 is mounted in the horizontal posture, the first mounting portion 31 is provided on the side surface 26d. The second mounting portion 32 is exposed to the outside through the opening 21b.

  The battery unit 28 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is provided with a convex connector 33 so as to protrude from one end face. As will be described later, the battery unit 28 incorporates a battery 58 (see FIG. 6) that supplies driving power for the electronic cassette 13. The functional unit 29 has a substantially rectangular shape with the same outer shape as the battery unit 28 and is provided with a connector 34 with the same outer shape as the connector 33. The functional unit 29 includes a part of an electrical component for causing the electronic cassette 13 to function as a radiation image detection device. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the control unit 53 (see FIG. 6) is built-in.

  The first and second mounting portions 31 and 32 are respectively provided in the first and second storage chambers 35 and 36 for storing the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29 and the first and second storage chambers 35 and 36, respectively. The sockets 37 and 38 are respectively arranged and connected to the connectors 33 and 34. The sockets 37 and 38 are connection portions having terminals for electrical connection with the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29, and have a concave shape so as to be fitted to the convex connectors 33 and 34.

  The first and second storage chambers 35 and 36 are formed on the side surfaces 26c and 26d of the case 26, and have openings 26g and 26h for receiving the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29, and the openings 26g and 26h. Is formed in accordance with the outer shape of the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29. Sockets 37 and 38 are provided at the back of the openings 26g and 26h. In the first and second storage chambers 35 and 36, the outer surfaces of the battery unit 28 and the functional unit 29 do not protrude from the outer surface of the case 26 when the connectors 33 and 34 and the sockets 37 and 38 are connected. The battery unit 28 and the functional unit 29 can be accommodated in the state. As described above, since the battery unit 28 and the functional unit 29 are mounted on the first and second mounting units 31 and 32 without protruding from the outer surface of the case 26, the battery unit 28 and the functional unit are also provided. Since the unit 29 has the same outer shape, even if the battery unit 28 and the functional unit 29 are attached to the first and second mounting portions 31 and 32 and mounted, the battery unit 28 and the function The unit 29 does not protrude from the outer shape of the case 26.

  Further, when the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29 is removed from the first and second mounting portions 31 and 32, the peripheral edges of the openings 26g and 26h so that the end of the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29 can be easily grasped. A notch 39 into which a part of the fingertip can be inserted is formed.

  In this example, the convex connectors 33 and 34 are provided in the battery unit 28 and the functional unit 29, and the concave sockets 37 and 38 are provided in the first and second mounting portions 31 and 32. However, on the contrary, a convex connector may be provided in the first and second mounting portions 31 and 32, and a concave socket may be provided in the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29. Moreover, since the shape of each connection part of the battery unit 28 or the function part unit 29 and the 1st and 2nd mounting parts 31 and 32 can also consider the form without an unevenness | corrugation, it can change suitably.

  The FPD 27 includes, in order from the irradiation surface 26a side irradiated with X-rays, a grid 40 that absorbs X-ray scattered rays generated by passing through the subject H, an X-ray detection panel 41 that detects X-rays, A lead plate that absorbs X-ray backscattered rays.

  The X-ray detection panel 41 is configured by laminating a charge generation layer that absorbs X-rays and converts them into charges on a TFT active matrix substrate 43 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The charge generation 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). When X-rays are irradiated, the charge corresponding to the irradiated X-ray dose By generating a certain amount of charge (electron-hole pairs) internally, the irradiated X-rays are converted into charges. Of course, the X-ray detection panel 41 may be an indirect conversion type in which X-rays are converted into visible light by a scintillator and then converted into electric charges.

  As shown in FIG. 5, on the TFT active matrix substrate 43, a pixel 44 having a storage capacitor for storing the charge generated in the charge generation layer and a TFT for reading out the charge stored in the storage capacitor is matrixed. The charges generated in the charge generation layer when the irradiation surface 26 a is irradiated with the X-rays are stored in the storage capacitors of the individual pixels 44. As a result, the image information carried on the X-rays irradiated on the irradiation surface 26 a is converted into charge information and held on the TFT active matrix substrate 43.

  The TFT active matrix substrate 43 has a plurality of gate lines 45 extending in a certain direction (row direction) for turning on / off the TFTs of the individual pixels 44, and extending in a direction perpendicular to the gate lines 45 (column direction). A plurality of data lines 46 are provided for reading out stored charges from the storage capacitors via the TFTs that are provided and turned on. Individual gate lines 45 are connected to a gate line driver 47, and individual data lines 46 are connected to a signal processing unit 48. When charges are accumulated in the storage capacitors of the individual pixels 44, the TFTs of the individual pixels 44 are sequentially turned on in units of rows by a signal supplied from the gate line driver 47 via the gate wiring 45, and the TFTs are turned on. The charges stored in the storage capacitor of the pixel 44 are transmitted as a charge signal through the data wiring 46 and input to the signal processing unit 48.

  The signal processing unit 48 includes an amplifier and a sample hold circuit provided for each data line. The charge signal transmitted through each data line is amplified by the amplifier and then held in the sample hold circuit. In addition, a multiplexer and an A / D converter are connected in order to the output side of the sample and hold circuit, and the charge signals held in the individual sample and hold circuits are input to the multiplexer in order (serially) for A / D conversion. The digital image data is converted by the device. Image data output from the A / D converter of the signal processing unit 48 is sequentially stored in the image memory 49 shown in FIG. The image memory 49 has a storage capacity capable of storing at least one X-ray image, but preferably has a storage capacity capable of storing a plurality of X-ray images.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic cassette 13 is provided with a mounting detection unit 51, a standby power supply unit 52, a control unit 53, and a notification unit 54. Among these, the control unit 53 is accommodated in the functional unit 29. The control unit 53 includes a CPU that controls the entire electronic cassette 13, a ROM as a storage medium that stores a program for image data generation processing to be described later, a RAM that temporarily stores data as a work area, and a storage unit that stores various information. As a microcomputer including a memory.

  When the functional unit 29 is mounted on one of the first and second mounting units 31 and 32, the control unit 53 is connected to the signal processing unit 48, the image memory via the connector 34 and the socket 37 or the socket 38. 49, the attachment detection unit 51, the notification unit 54 and the like are electrically connected to control each unit of the electronic cassette 13.

  The attachment detection unit 51 detects whether the battery unit 28 is attached to one of the attachment units 31 and 32 by detecting the output of the signal line of the battery 58 via the connector 33 and the socket 37 or socket 38. To do. Each of the sockets 37 and 38 is provided with a terminal and a signal line for connecting the signal line from the battery unit 28 and the signal line from the functional unit 29. Therefore, the battery unit 28 and the functional unit 29 can be mounted interchangeably on the first and second mounting parts 31 and 32, and the battery unit 28 and the functional unit 29 can be mounted on the mounting part 31. , 32 can be operated in the same manner even if they change.

  The battery unit 28 includes a battery 58 that is a main body having a power supply capacity capable of photographing a plurality of times, and a case that houses the battery 58. Furthermore, the battery unit 28 of the present embodiment has a communication unit 59 built therein. The communication unit 59 is a wireless communication unit including an antenna that generates radio waves for communication and a communication circuit. Note that the wireless communication unit may be an optical communication unit such as an infrared ray. The battery 58 supplies power to various circuits and elements in the electronic cassette 13 via the connector 33 and the socket 37 or the socket 38 when the battery unit 28 is attached to any of the attachment portions 31 and 32.

  The battery 58 is a rechargeable secondary battery, and can be charged by connecting the battery unit 28 to a charger such as a cradle. As the battery 58, for example, a plurality of types having different characteristics such as one corresponding to rapid charging or a large capacity type may be used, or a plurality of the same type may be used. In addition, a different color or pattern may be attached to the case of the battery unit 28 depending on the type so that the types with different characteristics of the battery 58 can be easily distinguished. When a plurality of types having different characteristics are used, the console 14 may notify the most suitable type of battery unit 28 according to the shooting technique.

  When the communication unit 59 is connected to the electronic cassette 13 via the connector 33 and the socket 37 or the socket 38, the communication unit 59 receives imaging conditions such as an X-ray irradiation time and an irradiation timing from the console 14. The control unit 53 controls each unit based on the content received by the communication unit 59. In addition, the communication unit 59 transmits the image data stored in the image memory 49 to the console 14.

  The battery unit 28 is exposed to the outside through the opening 21b regardless of the mounting posture (vertical posture and horizontal posture) of the electronic cassette 13 by using the first and second mounting portions 31 and 32 properly. Since the communication unit 59 is provided in such a battery unit 28, compared with the case where the communication unit 59 is disposed inside the supine photographing stand 12, adverse effects due to wireless communication due to the shielding object that shields radio waves are prevented. A good communication state can be ensured.

  The spare power supply unit 52 includes a spare battery that can be charged and a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit supplies power from the spare battery to various circuits and elements in the electronic cassette 13 when the battery unit 28 is not attached to any of the attachment portions 31 and 32. Further, the electronic cassette 13 is configured so that when the battery unit 28 is removed, the power supply is switched to the standby power supply unit 52, and the hot swap (in which the battery unit 28 can be replaced during the start-up by the power supply by the backup battery). Realizes hot-swap function. As a result, when replacing the battery unit 28, it is not necessary to turn off the power source of the electronic cassette 13. Therefore, restarting is unnecessary, and quick battery replacement is possible.

  The power supply circuit also has a function of charging the spare battery when the battery unit 28 is attached to any of the attachment portions 31 and 32. The spare battery supplies power to each part of the electronic cassette 13 when the battery unit 28 is not attached or when the power supplied to the battery 58 is cut off. As the capacity of the spare battery, for example, a power supply capacity sufficient to guarantee the operation of the electronic cassette 13 is sufficient until the battery unit 28 is replaced.

  The notification unit 54 includes an LED lamp, a speaker for outputting a buzzer sound, and the like. Provide multiple LED lamps to notify various error messages by lighting the selected LED lamp according to the type of error or changing the buzzer sound rhythm according to the type of error. To do. Examples of the error message include an error message related to a battery error such as a decrease in the capacity of the battery unit 28 or a non-installation of the battery unit 28.

  Next, the operation of the X-ray imaging system 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, when an electronic cassette 13 is attached to the supine position imaging stand 12 and the subject H is photographed, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the vertical posture and the horizontal posture are selected according to the photographing purpose. In any of the positions, the electronic cassette 13 is attached to the tray 21 of the supine photographing stand 12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the electronic cassette 13 is in the vertical position, the battery unit 28 is mounted on the first mounting portion 31 exposed from the opening 21b and is not exposed from the opening 21b. The functional unit 29 is mounted on the second mounting unit 32. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the electronic cassette 13 is in the horizontal posture, the battery unit 28 is mounted on the second mounting portion 32 exposed from the opening 21b, and the first not exposed from the opening 21b. The functional unit 29 is mounted on the mounting unit 31.

  When the functional unit 29 is connected to one of the first and second mounting portions 31 and 32, the control unit 53 controls each part of the electronic cassette 13 via the connector 34 and the socket 37 or socket 38. To start. First, the control unit 53 causes the mounting detection unit 51 to detect whether or not the battery unit 28 is mounted on either of the mounting units 31 and 32 (S1). When the attachment of the battery unit 28 is detected, the control unit 53 supplies power from the battery 58 to each unit (including the spare power supply unit 52) of the electronic cassette 13 via the connector 33 and the socket 37 or the socket 38. (S2).

  When the battery unit 28 is not attached to any of the attachment units 31 and 32, the control unit 53 supplies power to each unit from the standby power supply unit 52 and causes the notification unit 54 to notify an error message to that effect ( S4). If the attachment of the battery unit 28 is detected, the remaining capacity of the battery 58 is confirmed (S3). When the remaining capacity of the battery 58 is equal to or less than the predetermined capacity, the control unit 53 causes the notification unit 54 to notify an error message to that effect (S4).

  When the attachment of the battery unit 28 is detected and the remaining capacity is sufficient, the control unit 53 communicates with the console 14 via the communication unit 55 and acquires imaging conditions such as an X-ray irradiation time (S5). . Next, the control unit 53 waits for an X-ray irradiation start signal indicating the start of X-ray irradiation from the console 14, and causes the X-ray detection panel 41 to start imaging (S6).

  The controller 53 refers to the imaging conditions and determines whether or not a predetermined X-ray irradiation time has elapsed (S7). After the elapse of the X-ray irradiation time, the control unit 53 causes the signal processing unit 48 to read out the charges accumulated by the X-ray irradiation from the TFT active matrix substrate 43 by the gate line driver 47 and generate image data of the X-ray image. Let The generated image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 49 (S8), then the image data is read from the image memory 49, and the image data is transmitted to the console 14 by the communication unit 59 (S9). The console 14 performs various processes on the transmitted image data and displays it on the monitor 15.

  After completing the first shooting in this manner, the control unit 53 communicates with the console 14 and acquires an instruction as to whether or not to continue shooting (S10). When an instruction to continue shooting is acquired, the attachment detection unit 51 is made to detect again whether or not the battery unit 28 is attached (S1). Thereafter, power is supplied from the battery 58 in the same manner as in the first shooting (S2), and the remaining capacity of the battery 58 is confirmed (S3). When the remaining capacity of the battery 58 is sufficient, acquisition of imaging conditions and reception of an X-ray signal start signal are performed as in the first time, imaging is performed, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, image data is generated and stored, and the console 14 Transmit (S5 to S9).

  When the notification of the notification unit 54 informs that the battery unit 28 has run out (S4), the battery unit 28 is replaced as shown in FIG. As described above, in a state where the electronic cassette 13 is held on the tray 21, either of the mounting portions 31 and 32 is exposed from the opening 21 b of the tray 21, so that the electronic cassette 13 is attached to the tray 21. Thus, the battery unit 28 can be replaced.

  When replacing the battery unit 28, it is not necessary to remove the electronic cassette 13, so that the replacement work can be completed in a short time. For this reason, since the time which makes the subject H wait is short, the mental burden of the subject H is also small. Further, since it is not necessary to remove the electronic cassette 13 which is heavier than the film cassette or the IP cassette, the burden on the operator who performs the replacement work is reduced. Moreover, since the hot swap function is also provided, replacement work can be performed more quickly.

  Furthermore, a functional unit 29 having a built-in control unit 53 is mounted on either of the mounting units 31 and 32 that are not exposed from the opening 21b of the tray 21, that is, the battery unit 28 is not mounted. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently arrange the parts by effectively utilizing the space in the case 26 without causing an empty space in the mounting portions 31 and 32.

  In addition, since the battery unit 28 is stored in the first and second storage chambers 35 and 36 in a state where the outer surface of the battery unit 28 does not protrude from the outer surface of the case 26, the mounting posture of the electronic cassette 13 is rarely limited. For example, if an extension part is provided like the electronic cassette described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-248060, the extension part protrudes from the main body, so that the outer shape of the electronic cassette matches the shape of the mounting part of the photographing stand. Therefore, there is another problem that the camera cannot be attached depending on the type of the photographing stand or the attachment posture is limited even when the camera can be attached. Such a problem is particularly problematic in an existing photographing stand for a film cassette or an IP (imaging plate) cassette, the size of which is determined by the ISO standard. Compared with a conventional electronic cassette having an extension portion in such a main body, the mounting position of the electronic cassette 13 of the present invention is not limited. become. Furthermore, since the electronic cassette 13 has the same size as the outer size of the film cassette or the IP cassette, the electronic cassette 13 is also highly suitable for attachment to an existing photographing table for the film cassette or the IP cassette.

  In the first embodiment, the communication unit 59 is provided in the battery unit 28, but the communication unit 59 may not be provided in the battery unit 28. In this case, the communication unit 59 is provided in the case 26 of the electronic cassette 13 or in the functional unit 29.

  In addition to the battery 58 and the communication unit 59, the battery unit 28 may be provided with a notification unit that notifies the remaining capacity of the battery 58, a communication state, and the like, a control unit that controls each unit of the battery unit, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the notification unit is an indicator lamp 60 made of an LED or the like. The indicator lamp 60 is provided on the front surface of the battery unit 28 so as to be exposed to the outside when the battery unit 28 is mounted on the first and second mounting portions 31 and 32.

  Since the battery unit 28 is mounted on either the first mounting portion 31 or the second mounting portion 32 in accordance with the mounting posture of the electronic cassette 13, regardless of the mounting posture of the electronic cassette 13, the upright photographing stand 12 is always provided. It is arrange | positioned in the position exposed outside. By providing the indicator lamp 60 in such a battery unit 28, good visibility can be secured.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the first and second mounting portions are provided on the side surface of the electronic cassette 13 has been described. However, in many cases, the mounting portion for attaching the electronic cassette 13 attaches the electronic cassette 13. In many cases, only the side surface of the electronic cassette 13 is exposed when in the state. Therefore, if the first and second mounting portions are provided on the side surfaces, it can be made compatible with various types of photographing stands.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the example in which the electronic cassette 13 is attached to the photographing stand has been described. However, the electronic cassette 13 is not limited to the state in which the electronic cassette 13 is attached to the photographing stand. The present invention can be applied. When the electronic cassette 13 is used in a stand-alone state (when not attached to the photographing stand), the electronic cassette 13 is photographed with the back side facing downward. Indicates a state of being placed on a bed or the like. For example, the electronic cassette 13 is placed with the back surface of the electronic cassette 13 facing down on a table such as the imaging bed or the top of the upright imaging table 12, and the extremities and elbows of the subject H are placed on the irradiation surface of the electronic cassette 13. There is a technique to put it on and shoot. Even in this case, if the first and second mounting portions are provided on the side surface of the case 26, the battery unit 28 can be easily replaced.

  In the first embodiment, the storage chambers 35 and 36 are formed on the side surfaces 26c and 26d of the case 26 and have openings 26g and 26h for receiving the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29. In the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the first storage chamber 35 cuts off the two side surfaces 26 c and 26 f and the irradiation surface 26 a of the case 26 to receive the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29. The second storage chamber 36 has a notch for receiving the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29 by notching the two side surfaces 26c, 26d and the irradiation surface 26a of the case 26. 63. Thereby, the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29 can be attached and detached from two different directions as in the first embodiment. The cutouts of the first and second storage chambers 35 and 36 are not limited to the shape in which the two side surfaces and the irradiation surface are cut out, and one side surface and the irradiation surface or bottom surface, or two side surfaces are cut out. The shape may be acceptable.

  In the first embodiment, the first mounting portion 31 is provided on one side surface along the long side direction, and the second mounting portion 32 is provided on one side surface along the short side direction. The invention is not limited to this, and as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the first and first sides are respectively provided on two side surfaces arranged along the long side direction or two side surfaces arranged along the short side direction. Two mounting portions may be provided. In the electronic cassette 70 of the second embodiment, first and second mounting portions 72 and 73 are provided on two side surfaces 71c and 71e arranged along the long side direction, respectively. The first and second mounting portions 72 and 73 are disposed in the first and second storage portions 74 and 75 and the first and second storage portions 74 and 75, respectively. The sockets 76 and 77 are connected to the connectors 33 and 34 of the unit 29. The first and second storage portions 74 and 75 are formed on the side surfaces 71c and 71e, respectively, and have openings 71g and 71h for receiving the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29.

  As an imaging stand in which the electronic cassette 70 of the second embodiment is used, for example, it has two mounting portions facing each other, and one and the other mounting portion are mounted from opposite mounting directions. The one attachment portion exposes one side surface 71c along the long side direction of the electronic cassette 70, and the other attachment portion exposes one side surface 71e along the long side direction of the electronic cassette 70. Is also possible. In this case, since the electronic cassette 70 is provided with the first and second mounting portions 72 and 73 on the side surfaces 71c and 71e, respectively, one of the two mounting portions is mounted. Part is exposed. As described above, the object of the present invention can be realized even when the mounting portions are arranged on the two side surfaces arranged along the long side direction or the two side surfaces arranged along the short side direction.

  In the said 1st Embodiment, it demonstrates by the example which has arrange | positioned two mounting parts 31 and 32 with which the battery unit 28 or the function part unit 29 is mounted | worn one by one in the position which can be attached or detached from two side surfaces from which directions differ, respectively. However, it may be provided on the irradiation surface and the back surface, respectively, one on the irradiation surface or the back surface, and the other on the side surface.

  The two mounting portions 31 and 32 may not be provided on two surfaces having different orientations, and may be disposed at different positions on the same surface as in the third embodiment shown in FIG. In the electronic cassette 80 according to the third embodiment, first and second mounting portions 82 and 83 are provided on a side surface 81 c disposed along the long side direction of the case 81. The first and second mounting portions 82 and 83 are disposed in the first and second storage portions 84 and 85 and the first and second storage portions 84 and 85, respectively. The sockets 86 and 87 are connected to the connectors 33 and 34 of the unit 29. The first and second storage portions 84 and 85 are formed on the side surface 81 c and have openings 81 g and 81 h that receive the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29.

  Depending on the type of the imaging stand, when the electronic cassette is attached, the exposed area on one surface (for example, the side surface) of the outer peripheral surface of the electronic cassette differs depending on the shape and size of the mounting portion of the imaging stand. There is a case. In this case, as in the electronic cassette 70 of the third embodiment, two mounting portions are arranged at different positions in one plane, so that one mounting portion is externally provided on a certain photographing stand. In other imaging tables, the other mounting portion may be exposed to the outside. If the mounting part exposed depending on the photographing stand is used properly, the battery can be replaced with the electronic cassette attached. Thus, the object of the present invention can be realized even if two mounting portions are arranged at different positions on the same surface.

  In the first to third embodiments, each mounting portion is provided so that the storage chamber is exposed from the opening formed on the side surface of the case. However, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. As described above, lid members 93a and 93b that close the opening 91b of the mounting portion 92 provided in the electronic cassette 90 may be provided. The mounting portion 92 includes a storage portion 94 and a socket 95, similar to the mounting portions of the first to third embodiments, and the storage portion 94 is formed on the side surface 91a of the case 91, and the battery unit 28 or An opening 91b for receiving the functional unit 29 is provided.

  The lid members 93a and 93b are pivotally supported on both sides of the opening 91b, and are opened and closed in a double-opening manner between a closed position that closes the opening 91b and an open position that rotates toward the inside of the case 91 and opens the opening 91b. It is free. The lid members 93a and 93b are biased to the closed position by a biasing member (not shown). When the battery unit 28 is attached to the attachment portion 92, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the lid members 93a and 93b are pressed by the end face of the connector 33, the lid members 93a, 93a, 93b rotates from the closed position to the open position (the state shown in FIG. 14B). Thereby, the inside of the mounting portion 92 is exposed and the connector 33 can be connected to the socket 95, and the battery unit 28 can be stored in the storage portion 94 (the state shown in FIG. 14C). It should be noted that when the functional unit 29 is mounted, the cover members 93a and 93b can naturally be rotated from the closed position to the open position as with the battery unit 28. When the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29 is not mounted, the mounting portion 92 can prevent the entry of dust or the like into the case 91 because the opening 91b is closed by the lid members 93a and 93b.

  In the fourth embodiment, the lid members 93a and 93b are provided on the mounting portion 92 of the electronic cassette 90. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a lid member may be provided on the battery unit 28 or the functional unit unit 29 side. In this case, the mounting portion of the electronic cassette is provided with a connector that protrudes along the attaching / detaching direction of the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29, and the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29 has a socket connected to the connector, and a socket. A lid member is provided to close the cover. When the battery unit 28 or the functional unit 29 is pushed, the connector presses the lid member and rotates the lid member, so that the connector and the socket can be connected.

  In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 15, guide pieces 100 a and 100 b extending along the attaching / detaching direction are provided on the side surface of the battery unit 100, and the guide piece 100 a is provided in the mounting portion 102 provided in the electronic cassette 101. , 100b are fitted into guide grooves 102a, 102b. By moving the battery unit 100 along the guide pieces 100a and 100b and the guide grooves 102a and 102b, the battery unit 100 can be guided in the attaching / detaching direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the battery unit may be guided in the attachment / detachment direction by providing a guide piece in the mounting portion and providing a guide groove in the battery unit for fitting with the guide piece. Of course, the functional unit may be provided with the same guide piece or guide groove. Moreover, you may provide a guide piece and a guide groove only in the single side | surface of a battery unit or a function part unit.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example of a stand-up shooting table is given as the shooting table to which the electronic cassette is attached. However, as shown in FIG. 16, a standing shooting table may be used. The standing position photographing stand 105 includes a stand 106 installed on the floor and a holder 107 as an attachment portion to which the electronic cassette 13 is detachably attached. The holder 107 is provided with a slot 108 communicating with the inside from the side surface, and can hold the electronic cassette 13 inserted into the slot 108. Inside the slot 108, either the vertical orientation in which the long side direction of the electronic cassette 13 is parallel to the long side direction of the holder 107 or the horizontal posture in which the long side direction of the electronic cassette 13 is orthogonal to the long side direction of the holder 107 is attached. Even in the posture, it is formed in a substantially L shape so that the electronic cassette 13 can be attached. Thereby, since the electronic cassette 13 attached to the holder 107 can expose either the mounting parts 31 and 32 through the slot 108, the same effect as each said embodiment can be acquired.

  In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 53 has been described as an example of a function unit built in the function unit 29. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electronic cassette such as a notification unit or a communication unit is caused to function as a radiation image detection device. It may be an electrical component (circuit or element). However, since the functional unit 29 is different from the battery unit 28 and is disposed in a place where it is not exposed to the outside, such as the back of the mounting portion of the photographing stand, it is preferably a component other than the communication unit. This is because if there is an obstacle around the communication unit, the communication state may be deteriorated, and therefore the communication unit is preferably arranged at a position exposed to the outside.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which two mounting portions to which the battery unit or the functional unit is mounted is described, but two or more mounting portions may be provided. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

10 X-ray imaging system 12 Standing position imaging table 13 Electronic cassette (portable radiographic image detector)
21 Tray (mounting part)
28 Battery unit 29 Functional unit 31, 32, 72, 73, 82, 83, 92 Mounting part 93 a, 93 b Lid member 105 Standing photographing stand 107 Holder (attachment part)

Claims (11)

A detector that detects radiation transmitted through the subject and generates a radiation image;
A housing that houses the detection unit;
First and second mounting portions provided in the housing and detachably mountable with a battery unit that supplies power to the detection unit;
A portable radiographic image detection apparatus comprising: a functional unit that is detachably mounted on the first and second mounting units and has a function unit for operating the detection unit. .   The portable radiographic image detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second mounting portions can be mounted by replacing the battery unit and the functional unit.   The casing can be detachably attached to the photographing stand, and the battery unit and the functional unit are mounted on the first and second mounting portions without protruding from the outer surface of the casing. The portable radiographic image detection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that   The portable radiographic image detection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the battery unit and the functional unit have the same outer shape.   The portable radiographic image detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a shape of the casing conforms to an international standard ISO 4090: 2001.   The housing has an irradiation surface on which radiation is irradiated and a back surface opposite to the irradiation surface in a substantially rectangular shape, and two first side surfaces arranged along the long sides of the irradiation surface and the back surface, respectively. The first side surface is disposed along the short sides of the irradiation surface and the back surface, and has two second side surfaces that are substantially orthogonal to the first side surface. It can be attached in two postures: a first attachment posture in which a side surface is exposed to the outside, and a second attachment posture in which one second side surface is exposed to the outside when attached to the photographing stand. The portable radiographic image detection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.   The portable type according to claim 6, wherein the first mounting portion is provided on one of the first side surfaces, and the second mounting portion is provided on one of the second side surfaces. Radiation image detection device.   The portable radiation image detection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first and second mounting portions have openings for receiving the battery unit or the functional unit in the respective storage portions.   The portable radiographic image detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a spare battery that supplies electric power instead of the battery unit when the battery unit is removed.   The portable radiological image detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functional unit is a control unit that controls each circuit and element in the housing.   The first and second mounting portions are fitted into guide pieces or guide grooves provided in the battery unit or the functional unit, and guide the battery unit or the functional unit in the attaching / detaching direction. The portable radiation image detecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide piece.

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