JP2023093590A - Radiographic device and radiographic system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a small-sized radiographic device having favorable gripping performance.SOLUTION: A radiographic device comprises a radiation detection panel, and a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing for storing the radiation detection panel. The housing includes a front face where radiation enters and a rectangular back face disposed in an opposite side of the front face. A recessed grip part is formed on a peripheral area of the back face. The grip part has the depth equal to or more than 1/2 of a distance between the front face and the back face, and the grip part has the depth equal to or more than a distance between the back face and a center of gravity of the radiographic device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation imaging system.

Radiation imaging equipment that irradiates an object with radiation and detects the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the object to obtain a radiographic image of the object is widely used in industrial non-destructive inspection and medical diagnosis. . In recent years, an image capturing apparatus having a radiation detection panel for capturing a digital radiation image has been developed, making it possible to obtain an output image immediately.

In order to enable rapid imaging of a wide range of parts with such an imaging device, a thin and lightweight portable imaging device, a so-called electronic cassette, has been developed. Especially in recent years, in order to increase portability, wireless type imaging apparatuses that do not require cable connection have been developed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-200002 describes an imaging apparatus in which a grip portion having an opening is arranged outside an imaging area when viewed from the direction of incidence of radiation, in order to improve the portability of the imaging apparatus. Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200001 describes an imaging device having a concave portion on the back surface that functions as a non-slip portion for a hand placed on the back surface.

Japanese Patent No. 3577003 JP 2015-51206 A

If a grip portion having an opening is arranged outside the imaging area as in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-100000, the gripability is sufficient and the portability is improved, but the imaging apparatus cannot be sufficiently miniaturized. On the other hand, forming an anti-slip portion consisting of a concave portion on the back surface of the photographing device as in Patent Document 2 makes it possible to reduce the gap between the photographing area and the outer shape of the photographing device, thereby facilitating miniaturization. Sometimes. As a result, it is conceivable that the camera may be accidentally dropped or hinder quick shooting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiographic apparatus that is compact and easy to hold.

The present invention is a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising a radiation detection panel for detecting radiation and a rectangular parallelepiped housing for housing the radiation detection panel, wherein the housing has a front surface on which the radiation is incident; a rectangular back surface disposed on a side opposite to the front side of the radiation detection panel; four side surfaces connecting the front surface and the back surface; A grip recessed toward the detection panel is formed, the grip having a depth equal to or greater than half the distance between the front surface and the back surface; It is characterized by having a depth equal to or greater than the distance from the center of gravity of the radiation imaging apparatus.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a radiographic apparatus that is compact and has good grip.

1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is an internal cross-sectional view of the imaging device of the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the imaging device of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the photographing device of the first embodiment is held; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a grip portion of the imaging device of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the state when the imaging device of the first embodiment is taken out from the cradle; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a grip portion of the imaging device of the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is an external view of the photographing device according to the second embodiment as viewed from the back; FIG. 5 is an internal cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to a second embodiment; The figure which shows the external appearance of the imaging device of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the radiography system of embodiment of this invention.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1A shows the appearance of a part of the front surface 7a and the side surface 7c of a rectangular parallelepiped housing 7 into which radiation of a radiation imaging apparatus (imaging apparatus) 100 incorporating a radiation detection panel 1 is viewed. . FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of a part of the rear surface 7b and the side surface 7c of the photographing device 100 on the opposite side of FIG. 1(a). As shown in FIG. 1B, a recessed grip portion 10 is formed on the rear surface 7b of the housing 7 of the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2(a) shows an internal cross-sectional view of the imaging device 100 in the AA direction in FIG. 1(b). FIG. 2(b) shows an internal cross-sectional view of the imaging device 100 in the BB direction in FIG. 1(b). In general, the imaging apparatus 100 detects radiation emitted by the radiation source 210 shown in FIG. 11 and transmitted through the subject by the radiation detection panel 1 . The image acquired by this imaging device 100 is transferred to the outside, displayed on a monitor, etc., and used for diagnosis. FIG. 1(b) shows four grips 10 arranged in the peripheral region of the back surface 7b. Each grip portion 10 extends in a first direction orthogonal to one parallel side defining the outer shape of the back surface 7b. Each gripping portion 10 extends including a central position between said pair of sides.

The radiation detection panel 1 includes a sensor substrate 1c on which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (sensors) are arranged, a phosphor layer (scintillator layer) 1a arranged on the sensor substrate 1c, a phosphor protective film 1b, and the like. This is a so-called indirect conversion method consisting of The phosphor protective film 1b is made of a material having low moisture permeability and protects the phosphor layer 1a. A radiation detection panel 1 is connected to a flexible circuit board 4 . Furthermore, a control board 5 for reading detection signals from the radiation detection panel 1 and processing the read detection signals is connected to the flexible circuit board 4 . As shown in FIG. 2(a), the imaging device 100 of the first embodiment includes a rechargeable battery 2 for supplying necessary power. The photographing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment also includes a connector 8 for supplying power from the outside through a wired connection and communicating with the outside. The control board 5 and rechargeable battery 2 are collectively referred to as electrical components. In the first embodiment, the rechargeable battery 2 is arranged between the back surface 7b and the radiation detection panel 1 in the central area surrounded by the peripheral area of the back surface 7b where the grip part 10 is formed. The radiation detection panel 1 may be of a so-called direct conversion type, which is composed of a conversion element section in which conversion elements made of a-Se or the like and electric elements such as TFTs are arranged two-dimensionally, but is not limited to them.

The radiation detection panel 1 is supported by a support base 6 and enclosed in a housing 7 . The housing 7 has a rectangular front surface 7a on which radiation is incident, a rectangular rear surface 7b on the opposite side of the front surface 7a with the radiation detection panel 1 interposed therebetween, and four side surfaces 7c connecting the front surface 7a and the rear surface 7b. ing. A cushioning material 3 is arranged between the front surface 7 a and the radiation detection panel 1 to protect the radiation detection panel 1 .

The photographing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment has the following configuration in order to improve gripability and portability. As shown in FIG. 1(b), the housing 7 has recesses (holding portions) 10 for grasping recessed toward the radiation detection panel 1 in peripheral regions along each side of the rectangular back surface 7b. there is By having the grip part 10 along each side of the back surface 7b, the imaging device 100 can be gripped in various directions, the imaging device 100 can be easily handled, and photography can be performed quickly.

A portion of the gripping portions 10 or the maximum depth region (bottom surface) D is within 60 mm from the side surface 7c of the housing 7 when viewed from the direction opposite to the incident radiation direction. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the housing 7 of the imaging device 100 in the CC direction in FIG. 1(b). FIG. 3 shows an example of the position and shape of the grip portion 10. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, the length of the area (A area) from the side surface 7c of the housing 7 to the start end of the grip part 10 is 25 to 40 mm, and the length of the area (B area) between the start end and the end of the grip part 10 is 15 to 30 mm. The reason why the dimension of the A region is set to 25 to 40 mm is that the gripping forces α and β when holding the panel-shaped imaging device 100 substantially perpendicular to the ground as shown in FIG. so that they may join. If the dimension of the A region is too large or too small from 25 to 40 mm, it becomes difficult to hold the imaging device 100 . If the area B is too small, it is difficult to insert a finger. That is, when the A region and the B region have the above dimensions, it is possible to secure a volume for accommodating each component of the imaging device 100 while securing portability. Specifically, if the area B becomes larger toward the inside of the imaging device 100, the space in which the rechargeable battery 2 and the control board 5 shown in FIG. 2(a) are housed may be limited. Alternatively, the space for arranging the support base 6 shown in FIG. 2(b) may be restricted.

When holding the photographing device 100 substantially parallel to the ground, such as when inserting the photographing device 100 into the back of the subject, it is conceivable to hold the photographing device 100 with the fingers extended as shown in FIG. 4(b). . In this case, if the total dimension of the A region and the B region is too large, it will be difficult to stably support the imaging device 100, resulting in poor operability. Therefore, the total dimension of the A region and the B region should be within 60 mm. As a result, the imaging apparatus 100 can quickly respond to various types of imaging.

The depth C of the grip portion 10 is the depth of the housing 7 so that the imaging device 100 can be easily rotated in the palm direction when the imaging device 100 is held substantially perpendicular to the ground as shown in FIG. 1/2 or more of the distance between the front surface 7a and the rear surface 7b. Alternatively, the depth C of the grip portion 10 is set to be equal to or greater than the distance between the rear surface 7 b of the housing 7 and the center of gravity of the imaging device 100 . By setting the depth C of the grip portion 10 in this way, it is easy to generate a moment for rotating the photographing apparatus 100 in the direction of the palm, and the rotational moment in the direction away from the palm is minimized. As a result, the photographing device 100 can be easily stabilized when held, and the burden on the user can be reduced. Even if the depth C of the grip portion 10 cannot be deeper than the center of gravity of the imaging device 100, the depth C of the grip portion 10 can be set to about 5 mm or more in order to sufficiently increase the holding force β of the imaging device 100. can.

In the first embodiment, the thickness of the imaging apparatus 100 is set to 13 to 16 mm so as to conform to the standard dimensions of general imaging cassettes of JISZ4905 (Photography-Medical imaging cassettes, intensifying screens, films-Dimensions and specifications). Therefore, it is preferable that the depth C of the grip portion 10 is greater than 6.5 to 8.0 mm. In addition, the bottom surface (area D) of the grip part 10 overlaps the imaging area where imaging is performed when viewed from the direction of incidence of radiation. Therefore, the upper limit of the depth C of the gripping portion 10 is set to about 10 to 14 mm so that the gripping portion 10 does not penetrate the radiation detection panel 1 . Also, in order to facilitate gripping of the grip portion 10, the shape of the end portion of the photographing device 100 where the side surface 7c of the housing 7 intersects the front surface 7a and the rear surface 7b is given an R or an inclination as shown in FIG. can be in shape. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the grip part 10 connects the first side wall and the second side wall respectively extending in the first direction orthogonal to one side parallel to each other defining the outer shape of the back surface 7b, and the two side walls. a bottom surface; The first direction is the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 10 shown in FIG. 1(b) and the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. The angle (first angle) E formed by the side wall farther from the center of gravity of the photographing device 100 and the back surface 7b depends on the frictional force, but is in order to minimize the reduction of the internal space and maintain a sufficient gripping force. Second, the angle shall be 120° or less and 90° or more. In addition, the angle (second angle) F formed by the opposing side wall forming the angle E and the rear surface 7b is larger than the angle E. As shown in FIG. Here, the angle F is preferably at least greater than 90°. Since the inclination angle inside the grip portion 10 becomes gentle, it is possible to easily insert a hand. As a result, it is possible to obtain the effect of making it easier to insert a hand into the grip portion 10 while minimizing the decrease in the internal space of the photographing device 100 when gripping it as shown in FIG. 4A.

The surface friction coefficient inside the concave portion of the grip portion 10 is made higher than the surface friction coefficient of the outer surface of the housing 7 excluding the grip portion 10 in order to prevent the photographing device 100 from slipping from the hand gripping the grip portion 10. be able to. This can be achieved by changing the finish of the surface properties of the housing 7 or attaching a frictional sheet material or the like to the grip portion 10 . The sheet material is made of, for example, a material such as rubber or foamed resin. In order to improve the coefficient of surface friction of the gripping portion 10, the surface of the gripping portion 10 may be uneven. By increasing the coefficient of friction of the grasping portion 10 from the back surface 7b of the housing 7, when the imaging apparatus 100 is inserted into the back surface of the patient, it is easy to insert, while the grasping portion 10 can be used for imaging. The device 100 can be held stably. As a result, the handleability of the imaging device 100 is improved.

The grip portion 10 can have various shapes other than the shape shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c). In FIG. 5A, in order to increase the internal volume of the housing 7 of the imaging device 100 as much as possible, the grip portion 10 has a semicircular cross-sectional shape. In FIG. 5(b), the cross-sectional shape of the gripping portion 10 is a parallelogram, and in FIG. 5(c), the cross-sectional shape of the gripping portion 10 is a polygon. When the cross-sectional shape of the grip part 10 is as shown in FIG. 5(b) or 5(c), the holding force is The orientation of β changes, making it easier to hold the photographing device 100 in the direction of rotation in the palm of the hand, enabling stable gripping. In the first embodiment, electric parts such as the rechargeable battery 2 and the control board 5 are not arranged between the grip part 10 and the radiation detection panel 1 .

In the grip portion 10, the back member having the back surface 7b of the housing 7 and the support base 6 that supports the radiation detection panel 1 are joined by adhesion, screws, or the like, so that the housing 7 and the support base 6 are connected. can be integrated to improve the rigidity of the imaging device 100 . When arranging an electric part or the like between the grip part 10 and the radiation detection panel 1, it is necessary to prevent the electric part from being damaged even if a large load is applied. A spacer, a foam material used as a cushioning material, or the like can be arranged. Alternatively, a heat radiating material may be arranged between the electric component and the grip portion 10 to efficiently radiate heat to the outside.

A connector 8 for external communication can be arranged on the side surface 7c as shown in FIG. In this case, the peripheral areas where the four grips 10 are arranged are the first peripheral area including the side surface 7c on which the connector 8 is arranged as a boundary line, and the second peripheral area that does not include the side surface 7c on which the connector 8 is arranged as a boundary line. 2 peripheral regions. As shown in FIG. 6, the gripping portion 10 formed in the first peripheral region including the side surface 7c on which the connector 8 is arranged as a boundary line is longer than the gripping portion 10 formed in the second peripheral region. have different shapes. That is, the grip portion 10 formed in the first peripheral region including the side surface 7c on which the connector 8 is arranged as a boundary line may extend to the vicinity of the corner of the rear surface 7b. In order to charge the photographing device 100, it is conceivable to use a charging cradle 200 or the like external to the photographing device 100. This is because the handling at that time can be facilitated. The connector 8 can be given a holding force by using a magnet or the like, but as shown in FIG. and can be easily removed. In addition, if the grip portion 10 is lengthened, the area that can be gripped increases and the handling of the imaging device 100 becomes easier, so that there is an advantage that it becomes easier to quickly perform imaging.

In FIG. 6, the connector 8 for external communication is provided on the side surface 7c of the housing 7. As shown in FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 7 , the connector 8 for external communication may be provided inside the grip portion 10 . As a result, the connector 8 is arranged at a position where external force is not directly applied, and the connector 8 can be easily protected. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 1(b), similar to FIG. As shown in the figure, the connector 8 is preferably arranged on the side wall opposite to the side wall of the grip portion 10 that is touched when the photographing device 100 is gripped.

When the photographing apparatus 100 is held using the grip portion 10, as shown in FIG. It is assumed to be covered. Therefore, the area of the photographing device 100 that is covered by the hand holding the photographing device 100 is provided so as not to place the switch 11 or the like. This is because, if the switch 11 or the like is arranged in a region covered by the hand holding the photographing device 100, it is assumed that an erroneous operation is performed. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the switch 11 is also installed in a region where there is no grip portion 10 in the vicinity thereof and is not covered by the gripping hand.

If the LEDs and speakers that indicate the status are covered by the hand, it may be difficult to determine the status. If the antenna is covered with a hand, it affects the radiation performance of the antenna. Therefore, it is preferable to place the antenna at a distance of half a wavelength or more from the area covered by the hand. The hand that holds the speaker also interferes with the diffusion of sound. If the connector 8 for wired connection is placed at a position covered by the hand, it becomes difficult to hold the imaging device 100 when the connector 8 and the cable are connected. Therefore, the LEDs and speakers for indicating status, the antenna for infrared communication and wireless communication, and the connector 8 for wired connection are also arranged in a region not covered by the hand holding the imaging device 100, like the switch 11.

The photographing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment having the above configuration achieves both improvement in graspability and miniaturization by providing the grasping portion 10 within the photographing area.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, one embodiment of the imaging device that is small and has good grip has been described. In the second embodiment, in order to improve the portability of the photographing apparatus, the weight is reduced in addition to the ease of gripping. FIG. 8 is a diagram of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment when viewed from the side opposite to the radiation incident direction. At least part of the grip portion 10 of the second embodiment has the same shape and the like as the grip portion 10 of the first embodiment. When the photographing device 100 is gripped by inserting fingers into the center of the space between the pair of sides of the back surface 7b sandwiching the grip portion 10, the photographing device 100 can be stably gripped because no moment is generated. In the second embodiment, the center of the grip portion 10 is tactilely sensed even when the photographing device 100 is hidden behind the subject and the grip portion 10 cannot be seen visually. In the second embodiment, a portion 10a1 indicating the center is formed in a portion of the grip portion 10a. The part 10a1 indicating the center is, for example, a protrusion or a depression as shown in FIG. The portion 10a1 indicating the center may have smoothness different from other portions of the grip portion 10a. Further, the part 10a1 indicating the center may be formed by changing the shape and depth of a part of the cross-sectional shape of the grip part 10a.

In FIG. 8, four of the five gripping portions 10 have their longitudinal directions parallel to the sides defining the outer shape of the back surface 7b, like the gripping portions 10 of the first embodiment. Two of them are gripping portions 10b that do not have a portion 10a1 indicating the center like the gripping portion 10 of the first embodiment, and the remaining two are gripping portions 10a that have a portion 10a1 indicating the center. The remaining gripping portion 10c has the same structure and shape as the gripping portion 10 of the first embodiment, but is arranged at the corner of the back surface 7b, and the longitudinal direction intersects each of the sides defining the outer shape of the back surface 7b. is formed as The single grip portion 10 c is formed so that the direction (lateral direction) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the concave portion faces the center of gravity or the center of the photographing device 100 .

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the photographing device 100 shown in FIG. 8 in the CC direction. As in the first embodiment, a control board 5 that performs readout control and electrical output processing of the radiation detection panel 1 is connected to the radiation detection panel 1 via a flexible circuit board 4, and a housing 7 that accommodates them. have. Also, a rechargeable battery 2 for supplying electric power is provided in the same manner.

The inner surface of the back member including the back surface 7b of the housing 7 of the second embodiment on the side of the radiation detection panel 1 includes a support surface for supporting the radiation detection panel 1, and is the opposite side of the back member to the radiation detection panel 1. A recess 12 for arranging an electrical component is formed on the outer surface of the. As a result, the support base 6 in the first embodiment can be integrated with a part of the back member, which facilitates weight reduction. Furthermore, since the housing 7 has a large number of recesses including the recesses that serve as the grips 10 and the recesses 12 for arranging electrical components and the like, the bending rigidity of the housing 7 can be increased. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the back member has a multilayer structure including a core layer 7b2 and skin layers 7b1 sandwiching the core layer, thereby making it easier to reduce the weight. The skin layer 7b1 may be made of a fiber-reinforced resin such as CFRP, a fiber-reinforced metal, or a metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. The core layer 7b2 may be formed of foamed resin, or a structure having a honeycomb structure or lattice structure. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the recess 12 for arranging electrical components and the like is provided with a removable access cover (cover member) 9 so that the electrical components are not exposed to the outside.

The photographing apparatus 100 of the second embodiment having the above configuration achieves both improved gripability and reduced size, as in the first embodiment, and is lighter than the first embodiment. In both the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the photographing device 100 having a plurality of gripping units 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. may be one.

[Radiation imaging system]
FIG. 11 relates to a radiation imaging system including the radiation imaging apparatus 100 described above. As shown in FIG. 11 , X-rays (radiation) 211 generated by an X-ray tube (radiation source) 210 pass through the chest 221 of a patient or subject 220 and enter the radiographic apparatus 100 . The incident X-rays contain information about the inside of the patient's 220 body. The scintillator (phosphor) emits light corresponding to the incidence of X-rays, and the sensor (photoelectric conversion element) 111 of the sensor panel 110 photoelectrically converts this light emission to obtain electrical information. This electrical information is converted to digital, subjected to image processing by a signal processing section (image processor) 230, and can be observed by a display section (display) 240. FIG.

Also, the information image-processed by the image processor 230 can be transferred to a remote location by a transmission processing unit 250 such as a network such as a telephone, LAN, or the Internet. Therefore, information image-processed by the image processor 230 can be displayed on a display unit (display) 241 in a doctor's room or the like at another location, or can be saved in a recording unit such as an optical disc, and can be used by a doctor in a remote location. can be diagnosed by Also, the information image-processed by the image processor 230 can be recorded on the film 261 by the film processor 260 .

The radiation detection apparatus of the present invention can be applied to medical radiation detection apparatuses and non-medical analysis and inspection apparatuses using radiation, such as non-destructive inspection apparatuses.

100: Radiation imaging device (imaging device). 1: Radiation detection panel. 2: Rechargeable battery (electric part). 3: Cushioning material. 4: Flexible circuit board. 5: Control board (electric parts). 6: Support base. 7: Housing. 7a: Front face. 7b: Back. 7b1: Skin material. 7b2: Core material. 7c: Side. 8: Connector. 9: Access cover. 10: Grip.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation detection panel that detects radiation, and a housing that houses the radiation detection panel, wherein the housing directs the radiation to the radiation detection panel. It has a front part for allowing light to enter and a back part located on the opposite side of the front part, the back part having a gripping area recessed toward the front part, the gripping area is characterized by having a predetermined region having a longitudinal length in a direction intersecting a first side and a second side adjacent to the first side when the outer periphery of the back portion is viewed as a quadrilateral. do.

Claims (1)

A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection panel that detects radiation; and a cuboid-shaped housing that houses the radiation detection panel, wherein the housing includes a front surface on which the radiation is incident, and a front surface of the radiation detection panel. A rectangular back surface arranged on the side opposite to the front surface side, and four side surfaces connecting the front surface and the back surface,
A grip portion recessed toward the radiation detection panel is formed in a peripheral region of the back surface, and the grip portion has a depth of 1/2 or more of the distance between the front surface and the back surface, or 2. A radiographic imaging apparatus, wherein said grip portion has a depth equal to or greater than a distance between said back surface and a center of gravity of said radiographic imaging apparatus.

Images