JP2004246384A - Radiograph photographing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide radiograph photographing equipment which has improved portability without giving a discomfort to a photographing object. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic cassette 11 has first and second casings 21 and 22, and their top and bottom surfaces are formed as flat surfaces. The casings 21 and 22 are composed of first and second casing bodies 23 and 24 and first and second cover bodies 25 and 26 closing the openings of the casing bodies 23 and 24, respectively. The first cover body 25 of the first casing 21 is formed of a material transmitting X rays and the second casing 22 is made of metal. The opposed surfaces 23a and 24a of the respective casing bodies 23 and 24 are respectively mounted with electric connectors 27 and 28 which can be fitted and disengaged to and from each other. The side faces 23b and 24b of the respective casing bodies 23 and 24 are respectively provided with fastening sections 29 and 30 which are fastened to each other. A quadratic hole section 31 for grasping is formed near an end surface 24c of the second casing body 24, and a grasping bore section 32 communicatively connected to the quadratic hole section 31 for grasping is formed at the second cover body 26. A center line C-C is formed to pass their centers and further to pass the centroid G of the electronic cassette 11 or near the same. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a cassette type radiation image capturing apparatus having two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements inside a housing.

  Conventionally, radiographic systems have been widely used in the field of industrial nondestructive inspection and medical diagnosis, and radiation is emitted from a radiation generator to a subject, and the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the subject is detected by a radiation detector. To obtain a radiation image of the subject. This system utilizes a method of photographing by combining a photosensitive film and a phosphor, a so-called film / screen method. In this film / screen method, a rare-earth phosphor that emits light when irradiated with radiation is formed into a sheet, held in close contact with both surfaces of a photosensitive film, and the radiation transmitted through the subject is converted into visible light by the phosphor. The visible light is captured by a photosensitive film, and the latent image formed on the photosensitive film is developed by chemical processing to be visualized.

  With the advance of digital technology in recent years, a radiation image recording / reproducing system using a method of converting a radiation image into an electric signal has been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). This system converts a radiation image into an electric signal, performs image processing on the electric signal, and reproduces the image as a visible image on a CRT or the like to obtain a high-quality radiation image. When converting the radiation image into an electric signal, the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the subject is temporarily stored as a latent image in the stimulable phosphor, and then the phosphor is irradiated with excitation light such as laser light. The fluorescent light corresponding to the latent image generated by the operation is photoelectrically read and output as a visible image.

  Further, with the progress of semiconductor process technology, radiation image capturing systems using semiconductor sensors have been developed. This system has an extremely wide dynamic range compared to conventional radiographic systems using photosensitive films, and has the advantage of being able to obtain radiographic images that are less susceptible to fluctuations in radiation exposure. have. Also, this system has an advantage that an output image can be obtained immediately because it does not require a chemical treatment unlike the system using a conventional photosensitive film.

  A radiation image capturing system using such a semiconductor sensor includes a radiation generating unit that irradiates a subject with radiation, a radiation detecting unit that detects radiation transmitted through the subject, and an image processing that digitally processes an image signal from the radiation detecting unit. And a display means for displaying a radiation image. The radiation detecting means is composed of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a two-dimensional lattice, and is fixed in an imaging room together with the radiation generating means.

  At present, a thin, lightweight and portable radiation image capturing apparatus, so-called electronic cassette, has been developed as a radiation detecting means for quickly capturing a wider area of a subject. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a phosphor 3 for converting radiation into visible light, and a photoelectric conversion element 4 arranged in a grid and converting visible light into an electric signal are provided inside a housing 2 of the electronic cassette 1. A substrate 5 having the photoelectric conversion element 4 formed on an upper surface thereof, a base 6 supporting the substrate 5, a circuit board 7 including electronic components 7a for processing electric signals, a photoelectric conversion element 4 and a circuit board 7 And a wiring 8 for electrically connecting.

  When using the electronic cassette 1, the examiner changes the manner of setting the electronic cassette 1 according to the imaging region of the subject. For example, when photographing a limb of a subject, the electronic cassette 1 is installed horizontally on a floor or the like, and a subject to be photographed is placed on the upper surface thereof. When imaging the axial position image of the shoulder joint of the subject S, the subject S is held by the electronic cassette 1 under the armpit as shown in FIG. are doing.

  Next, the configuration of another conventional electronic cassette will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of a conventional electronic cassette. This electronic cassette 400 includes a plurality of phosphors 451a for converting X-rays into visible light, and a plurality of phosphors 451a arranged in a lattice for converting the visible light into electric signals. An imaging device 451 including a photoelectric conversion element 451b and a substrate 451c on which the photoelectric conversion element is formed, a base 452 supporting the substrate 451c, and an electronic component 453a for processing a photoelectrically converted electric signal are mounted. A circuit board 453, a wiring 454 for electrically connecting the photoelectric conversion element 451b and the circuit board 453, a power supply circuit 460 for supplying power to the photoelectric conversion element 451b and the circuit board 453, and a power supply wiring 461; And a housing 55 for housing these. The power supply circuit 460 specifically includes, for example, a combination of a battery and a DC / DC power supply circuit, or a DC / DC power supply that is supplied with a predetermined voltage from outside via a power cable (not shown) to generate various voltages. Is done.

  Such an electronic cassette becomes heavier than a conventional cassette with a built-in photosensitive film, and may be destroyed if dropped by mistake. Therefore, it is conceivable to attach a handle for the purpose of reducing dropping.

  As a conventional technique in which a handle is attached to a cassette, an example in which a handle is attached to a cassette containing a stimulable phosphor panel is disclosed (see Patent Document 3). Here, the handle is provided on the side opposite to the side from which the stimulable fluorescent panel is taken out, so that even a relatively weak person can easily carry the cassette.

Further, an electronic cassette to which a handle (handle) is attached so as to easily move the electronic cassette to an X-ray irradiation position by hand is disclosed (see Patent Document 4).
JP-A-55-12429 JP-A-56-11395 JP-A-11-338079 JP-A-06-342099

  As described above, since the examiner arranges the electronic cassette 1 horizontally on the floor or the like or holds the subject under the armpit, the electronic cassette 1 requires high portability. Therefore, in order to improve the portability of the electronic cassette 1, in addition to the above-mentioned known technique, an arm-shaped handle 9 can be freely rotated into holes 2a formed on both sides of the housing 2 as shown in FIG. , Or an electronic cassette 1 ″ in which a frame-shaped handle 10 is integrally provided on one end surface of the housing 2 as shown in FIG.

  However, there is no problem when such an electronic cassette 1 ′, 1 ″ is horizontally installed on a floor or the like, but for example, as shown in FIG. When imaging a specific part of the subject from a specific direction, such as when holding the electronic cassette, the handles 9 and 10 may interfere with the subject S, or a desired arrangement of the electronic cassette due to the presence of the handles 9 and 10. Is difficult. Therefore, it is desirable that the conventionally considered electronic cassette 1 is configured to be excellent in portability and not to reduce the degree of freedom of photographing and to give the subject no discomfort.

  Further, the prior art described in the above-mentioned publication merely discloses that a handle is provided on the cassette so as to be suitable for carrying or moving the cassette, and the handle is attached to the electronic cassette in consideration of the characteristic characteristic of the electronic cassette. The disclosed configuration is not disclosed. In particular, in the case of an electronic cassette, a semiconductor sensor and other electronic components may be broken by an external impact, a structure capable of minimizing a decrease in SN ratio due to electromagnetic noise or the like, or a weight reduction. It is necessary to consider the ease of holding or disposing the electronic cassette or the convenience of imaging, such as diversity, when the subject holds an electronic cassette for imaging.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a radiographic imaging apparatus which is excellent in portability while preventing or suppressing discomfort of a subject or reduction in the degree of freedom of imaging.

  Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic cassette having a handle properly attached in consideration of characteristics peculiar to the electronic cassette.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radiographic image capturing apparatus for detecting radiation transmitted through a subject, wherein the photoelectric conversion elements detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject are two-dimensionally arranged. Detecting means having a surface, a circuit board for processing an electric signal from the detecting means, a power supply for supplying power to the detecting means and the circuit board, and a housing containing the detecting means, the circuit board and the power supply Radiation, wherein the casing has a substantially rectangular outer shape viewed from a normal direction to the detection surface of the detecting means, and has a holding hole near one side of the outer shape. An image capturing device.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, both of which have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, wherein the first housing includes at least the detecting means, The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing has the holding hole.

  The invention according to claim 3, wherein the contact surfaces of the first housing and the second housing are both rectangular with substantially the same size. An image capturing device.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that a surface of the housing located on the detection surface side of the detection means, the surface including the holding hole is a flat surface. A radiation image capturing apparatus according to one of the claims.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of the housing is located on or near the center line of the holding hole.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes the circuit board and / or the power supply in the vicinity of the holding hole.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second housing includes the circuit board and / or the power supply.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, on one side of the housing in the vicinity of the gripping hole, the bottom surface of the housing located on the side opposite to the detection surface is concave in the thickness direction. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the radiation image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the housing located on a side opposite to the detection surface of the detection unit has an inclined surface in a thickness direction. is there.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic image capturing apparatus that detects radiation transmitted through a subject, a substantially rectangular shape configured by arranging a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for detecting radiation transmitted through the subject is provided. A detecting means having a detecting surface, and a housing enclosing the detecting means, wherein the housing is located on a long side of the detecting surface when viewed from a normal direction of the detecting surface of the detecting means. A radiation image capturing apparatus having a handle portion in a lined area.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a radiation image capturing apparatus for detecting radiation transmitted through a subject, wherein a substantially rectangular shape formed by arranging a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for detecting radiation transmitted through the subject is provided. A detection circuit having a detection surface to be formed, a reading circuit portion arranged in an area aligned with a short side of the detection surface, and reading an electric signal from the detection means; and a reading circuit portion arranged in an area aligned with a long side of the detection surface; A drive circuit unit that drives a detection unit, the detection unit, the read circuit unit and a housing that includes the drive circuit unit, the housing is configured, when viewed from the normal direction of the detection surface, A radiation image capturing apparatus having a handle in a region aligned with a long side of the detection surface.

  The invention according to claim 12, further comprising a power supply for supplying power to the detection unit, the read circuit unit, and the drive circuit unit, wherein the power supply is detected when viewed from a normal direction of the detection surface. 12. The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the radiographic image capturing apparatus is arranged in a region aligned with a long side of the surface.

  The invention according to claim 13, wherein the reading circuit portion is arranged in an area arranged on each of two short sides of the detection surface, and each area formed by substantially bisecting the detection surface in a long side direction thereof. 13. The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a reading circuit unit adjacent to each of the regions reads.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the radiographic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the handle portion is constituted by a hole provided in the housing.

  As described above, according to the radiation image capturing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a radiation image capturing apparatus that is excellent in portability while preventing or suppressing discomfort of a subject or reduction in the degree of freedom of imaging. it can.

  Alternatively, it is possible to provide an electronic cassette to which a handle is appropriately attached in consideration of characteristics peculiar to the electronic cassette.

  The present invention will be described in detail based on the embodiment shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an X-ray image capturing system. An electronic cassette 11 as an X-ray image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment is horizontally arranged on a floor or the like, and an X-ray generator is provided above the electronic cassette 11. An apparatus 12 is provided. Image processing means 13 for processing an image signal is connected to the electronic cassette 11, and a monitor 14 for displaying an X-ray image is connected to the image processing means 13.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electronic cassette 11, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view. The electronic cassette 11 can be separated and connected, and has a first housing 21 and a second housing 22 each having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housings 21 and 22 are symmetrical with respect to the center line CC, have the same thickness with respect to the center line CC, and have upper and lower surfaces that are flat without irregularities. The first and second housings 21 and 22 are tray-shaped first and second housing bodies 23 and 24, respectively, and first and second lids for closing the openings of these housing bodies 23 and 24. It is composed of bodies 25 and 26. The first lid 25 of the first housing 21 is made of a material that transmits X-rays, and the second housing 22 is made of metal.

  Opposing surfaces 23a, 24a of both housing bodies 23, 24 are rectangular with the same size, and detachable electric connectors 27, 28 are attached to these opposing positions, respectively. In addition, fastening portions 29, 30 which are formed of, for example, grooves and projecting pieces and are fastened to each other are provided on the side surfaces 23b, 24b of the two housing bodies 23, 24, respectively. A gripping tube portion 31 is formed in the vicinity of the end surface 24c of the second housing body 24, and a gripping hole portion 32 communicating with the gripping tube portion 31 is formed in the second lid 26. I have. The gripping tube 31 and the gripping hole 32 are formed in a rectangular shape in plan view and communicate with each other in the vertical direction. The centers of these are located on the center line C-C. It is formed at or near the center of gravity G of the cassette 11. That is, the electronic cassette 11 is configured such that the center of gravity G and the center of the gripping cylinder 31 or the gripping hole 32 are located substantially on the center line CC.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic cassette 11. An X-ray detection panel 44 including a fluorescent plate 41, a photoelectric conversion element 42, and a substrate 43 is provided above a metal base 45 above the inside of the first housing 21. A circuit board 47 that is disposed above and has an electronic component 46 for processing an electric signal is supported below the base 45. The photoelectric conversion element 42 and the circuit board 47 are connected by a flexible circuit board 48, and the circuit board 47 is fixed to a projection 45 a provided on the lower surface of the base 45.

  The fluorescent plate 41 is formed by applying a phosphor of a metal compound to a resin plate, and is integrated with the substrate 43 by adhesion. A glass plate is often used for the substrate 43 because of the necessity of having no chemical action with the semiconductor element, withstanding the temperature of the semiconductor process, and having dimensional stability. To form a two-dimensional array.

  On the other hand, a power supply 49 for supplying power to the circuit board 47 is arranged inside the second housing 22, and the circuit board 47 and the power supply 49 are connected via the electrical connectors 27 and 28. The power supply 49 has a U-shape in a plane, and is arranged so as to surround the gripping tubular portion 31 of the second housing body 24.

  In the first embodiment, the first and second housings 21 and 22 of the electronic cassette 11 are rectangular parallelepipeds, and the second housing 22 has a holding cylinder 31 and a holding hole communicating with each other. Since the inspection cassette 32 is provided, the examiner can easily transport the electronic cassette 11 by inserting his / her fingers into the gripping cylinder 31 and the gripping hole 32. Further, since the electronic cassette 11 does not have a protruding part, even when the electronic cassette 11 is held by the subject when capturing the axial image of the shoulder joint of the subject, the subject does not give any discomfort to the subject. . Furthermore, since the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second housings 21 and 22 are flat surfaces without any unevenness, the subject is placed horizontally and the subject lies on the upper surfaces of the first and second lids 25 and 26. In this case, the subject does not feel uncomfortable.

  Since the center line CC passing through the centers of the gripping cylinder 31 and the gripping hole 32 is formed so as to pass through or near the center of gravity G of the electronic cassette 11, when the examiner grips the electronic cassette 11, Therefore, the examiner can easily hold the electronic cassette 11 without the rotational moment caused by the deviation from the center of gravity G acting on the electronic cassette 11. In addition, since the power supply 49 is disposed so as to surround the gripping tube 31, the thin electronic cassette 11 can be realized by effectively utilizing the mounting space. Furthermore, since the second housing 22 is made of metal, it has an electromagnetic shielding effect, and electromagnetic noise generated from an electric circuit of the power supply 49 enters the flexible circuit board 48 and the like, and impairs S / N performance. Can be prevented.

  Although only the power supply 49 is arranged in the second housing 22, it is also possible to arrange the circuit board 47 or a part thereof. In this case, the influence of electromagnetic noise can be greatly reduced.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment. An electronic cassette 51 includes a metal housing main body 52 in which the housing main bodies 23 and 24 of the first embodiment are integrated, And a metal lid 53 having a shape obtained by integrating the lids 25 and 26 according to the second embodiment. The housing body 52 and the lid 53 have a gripping shape similar to that of the first embodiment. The cylindrical portion 54 and the holding hole 55 are formed at the same positions as in the first embodiment. Inside the housing main body 52, an X-ray detection panel 44 and the like and a power supply 49 similar to those of the first embodiment are arranged. An opening 53a is formed in the lid 53 at a position facing the X-ray detection area of the X-ray detection panel 44. The opening 53a is made of a material such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) having excellent X-ray transparency. Is closed by a cover 56 made of.

  In the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. In addition, since the second embodiment includes the integral housing main body 52 and the integral lid 53, it is possible to prevent bending and other forces. The strength is improved as compared with the first embodiment. In addition, since the X-ray detection panel 44 and the like and the power supply 49 are arranged inside the common housing body 52, it is effective in grounding the electric circuit.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the third embodiment, which is an electronic cassette 51 'slightly different in shape from the electronic cassette 51 of the second embodiment. A concave portion 57 which is concave and communicates with the inside of the holding tubular portion 54 from the end face 52a is formed.

  According to the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be achieved, and in addition, when the examiner lifts the electronic cassette 51 ′, his / her finger can be easily hung on the concave portion 57. Portability can be further improved.

  FIG. 7 is a side view of the fourth embodiment, which is an electronic cassette 51 ″ slightly different in shape from the second embodiment. In addition to the second embodiment, an electronic cassette 51 ″ The inclined surfaces 58 and 59 which are inclined in the thickness direction are formed at both ends of the bottom surface, respectively.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be achieved, and the examiner can easily put his / her finger on the inclined surfaces 58, 59 of the housing body 52 ″ in the horizontal state. In addition, since the portability can be further improved, a part of both ends of the housing main body 52 ″ becomes obtuse, so that it is possible to flexibly hit the subject S and give discomfort. Absent.

  As described above, the radiation image capturing apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments make the outer shape of the casing substantially rectangular when viewed from the normal direction with respect to the detection surface of the detection means, and the vicinity of one side of the outer shape Since the gripping hole is provided in the gripper, the examiner can transport the finger through the gripping hole, thereby improving transportability. In addition, since it does not have a protruding portion in the outer shape, the subject does not feel uncomfortable even when held in the armpit of the subject.

  If the surface (upper surface) of the housing including the gripping hole located on the detection surface side of the detection means is a flat surface, when the subject is placed in a horizontal state, discomfort is not given to the subject. Absent.

  In addition, if the center of gravity is located on or near the center line of the gripping hole, no moment acts upon gripping, and the portability is further improved.

  Furthermore, if the power supply is included in the vicinity of the holding hole, the mounting space can be effectively used, and the thickness can be reduced.

  Then, on one side of the housing in the vicinity of the gripping hole, the surface (bottom surface) of the housing located on the opposite side of the detection surface may be concave in the thickness direction, or the detection surface of the detection means may be concave. If an inclined surface is provided on the surface (bottom surface) of the housing located on the opposite side with respect to the thickness direction, the fingers of the examiner can be easily hung even when the case is installed horizontally, and the portability is further improved.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of an electronic cassette 200 according to the fifth embodiment. A frame (housing) 201 forms the outer shape of the electronic cassette 200 and is made of a lightweight metal or resin. The detection surface of the X-ray detection panel (sensor unit) 202 is formed in a rectangular shape, and its size is preferably, for example, 17 × 14 inches (43 × 35 cm). With this size, it is possible to photograph the chest of an adult. As another size, a 10 × 12 inch (24 × 30 cm), which is a size of a photosensitive film generally used for photographing limbs and mammograms, may be used. Note that the X-ray detection panel 202 is configured similarly to the X-ray detection panel 44 of the first embodiment. A circuit to be described later for reading out the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion from the X-ray detection panel 202 is arranged, for example, from the side to the back of the X-ray detection panel 202.

  The reading of the electric charge from the X-ray detection panel is performed by discharging the electric charge generated and accumulated by the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements in the column selected by the drive circuit (drive circuit unit) in the row direction, and setting the electric charge corresponding to each row. This is performed by a method of reading by the amplifier circuit (readout circuit unit) that has been performed. When all the data (analog signals) read out by the readout amplifier circuit in the row direction and A / D converted at the same time, a large number of A / D converters are required. By performing the / D conversion, the number of necessary A / D converters can be reduced. In the electronic cassette illustrated in FIG. 8, a drive circuit 204 for selecting a photoelectric conversion element row is disposed above the X-ray detection panel 202, and each electric charge corresponding to the photoelectric conversion element row selected by the drive circuit 204 is stored. Amplifier circuits 203 for reading are arranged on both left and right sides of the X-ray detection panel 202.

  For an X-ray detection panel having a substantially rectangular detection surface, there are various options for arranging the drive circuit and the amplifier circuit adjacent to which side of the rectangle, but they are arranged as shown in FIG. It is considered preferable. The following two points can be cited as factors for this determination.

  Factor 1: When selecting a column in the drive circuit, a delay or a switch failure may be a problem due to wiring resistance. Therefore, it is preferable that the drive circuit drives a photoelectric conversion element that is physically as close as possible.

  Factor 2: Since the wiring resistance and the wiring capacitance can be a problem when reading the electric charge with the amplifier circuit, it is preferable that the amplifier circuit read the electric charge from the photoelectric conversion element which is physically as close as possible.

  First, considering the arrangement of the amplifier circuits from the above factor 1, as shown in FIG. 8, the amplifier circuits are arranged on both sides facing each other. For example, the left half of the X-ray detection panel is read by the left amplifier circuit 203, and the X-ray It is desirable that the right half of the detection panel be read by the right amplifier circuit 203. However, only by this factor, the determination as to which of the case where the amplifier circuit 203 is disposed on the short side and the case where the amplifier circuit 203 is disposed on the long side of the X-ray detection panel 202 is unavoidable. Next, considering the arrangement of the drive circuits from Factor 2, it can be said that it is similarly desirable to drive one column or row from both sides.

  Next, in clinical radiography using a cassette, at least one side (housing side) whose distance from the outer edge of the frame 201 to the outer edge of the X-ray detection panel 202 is, for example, about 5 mm (or less) is used. It is desired. By reducing the distance from the outer edge of the frame 201 to the outer edge of the X-ray detection panel 202, when the cassette is placed under the armpit and the shoulder is photographed from above as shown in FIG. In addition, it becomes possible to photograph a large area of the breast in a mammogram.

  From the above conditions or assumptions, the following two options can be considered.

  Selection 1: A drive circuit is arranged adjacent to one of the long sides of the X-ray detection panel 202, and the outer edge of the X-ray detection panel 202 is brought as close as possible to the frame 201 without disposing any circuit on the other long side. . An amplifier circuit is arranged in the vicinity of each of the two short sides of the X-ray detection panel 202, and each area formed by dividing the X-ray detection panel 202 into two substantially equal parts in the long side direction is adjacent to each area. The amplifier circuit reads.

  Selection 2: An amplifier circuit is arranged adjacent to one of the long sides of the X-ray detection panel 202, and the outer edge of the X-ray detection panel 202 is brought as close as possible to the frame 201 without disposing the circuit on the other long side. . A drive circuit is disposed near each of two short sides of the X-ray detection panel 202, and each area formed by dividing the X-ray detection panel 202 into two substantially equal parts in the long side direction is adjacent to each area. The drive circuit is driven.

  Which of the above selections 1 and 2 is more preferable is determined by estimating the contribution to the S / N ratio (which can increase the S / N ratio) based on the wiring length of each case. , Can be determined. As a result of such estimation, it was found that selection 1 shown in FIG. 8 is the best selection. Also, the correctness of the selection based on this estimation was verified by experiments.

  Now that the arrangement of the drive circuit and the amplifier circuit has been determined as described above, the arrangement of the power supply, which is a large component, will be considered. The power supply supplies power to the X-ray detection panel 202, the amplifier circuit 203, the drive circuit 204, and the like. The electromagnetic noise radiated from the power supply is a main element to be countered among various electromagnetic noises affecting the X-ray detection panel and each circuit. When arranging the power supply, the analog circuit has lower noise resistance than the digital circuit. Preferably, they are arranged. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the power supply 205 in the drive circuit 204 as shown in FIG.

  Next, the arrangement of the handle of the electronic cassette will be considered. When transporting the electronic cassette by gripping its handle, the vertical (gravity) direction when the electronic cassette is hung and the electronic cassette is suspended to minimize the impact of the electronic cassette colliding with something. Is preferably short. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, it is preferable to arrange the handles along the long side of the X-ray detection panel. Further, in FIG. 8, the handle cannot be arranged on the portion of the frame 201 where the long side of the X-ray detection panel 202 is as close as possible, so that the handle is provided alongside the other long side of the X-ray detection panel 202. The handle is preferably a hole or a recess provided in the frame without protruding from the frame so as not to give a sense of incongruity to a subject (examinee) contacting the electronic cassette. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, it is optimal to provide a handle hole (handle portion) 206 in a region of the frame 201 which is aligned with the drive circuit 204 and does not buffer the power supply 205.

  In the above description, the arrangement of the handles is determined from the suitable arrangement of the other components of the electronic cassette. However, it is understood that the determined arrangement of the handles is also preferable from the following factors. That is, as described above, a part of the body may be photographed in a state where the subject holds the electronic cassette by hand, and at this time, since the vertically long human body has many vertically long parts, the electronic cassette is vertically long. Often held and photographed. Therefore, it is desirable to arrange the handles (handle holes 206) side by side on the long side of the X-ray detection panel 202 because the subject can easily hold the electronic cassette in a vertically long arrangement as shown in FIG.

  In the above, an example has been described in which the drive circuit is arranged only near one long side of the X-ray detection panel 202 having a rectangular detection surface. However, this is not an essential requirement. Drive circuits are arranged in the vicinity of the two long sides of the X-ray detection panel 202 so that each area formed by dividing the X-ray detection panel 202 substantially in the short side direction is driven by a drive circuit adjacent to each area. May be configured. Also in this case, considering the electromagnetic noise generated by the power supply, it is also appropriate to provide the power supply side by side on one of the long sides of the X-ray detection panel 202 instead of the short side. From the viewpoint of the arrangement efficiency and the like, it is still advantageous to provide the handle near the long side where the power source is arranged in the vicinity.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, by arranging the handle on the long side of the X-ray detection panel 202 having a rectangular detection surface, sensor driving with a high S / N ratio can be realized. However, when taking pictures with the electronic cassette held by the subject, in many cases, particularly when the electronic cassette is held vertically, the subject can be held by the electronic cassette by hand. There are effects such as easy holding.

  FIG. 10 is a plan view of an electronic cassette 200 'according to the sixth embodiment, and the same components as those of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. The fifth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that a hole or a concave portion is formed in the frame 201 as a handle in the fifth embodiment to form the handle hole 206. In the present embodiment, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped is used. That is, the handle portion 207 is attached to one side surface of the frame 201 ′ (housing) having the shape. Also in the present embodiment, the arrangement of the handle on the long side of the X-ray detection panel 202 having a rectangular detection surface is the same as in the fifth embodiment. It should be noted that power may be supplied to the above-described electric circuit and the like in the frame 201 ′ from a power source disposed in such a handle portion, or as shown in FIG. If the handle part 207 has a continuous internal space and the power supply is arranged in the frame 201 ′ and the handle part, it is effective in terms of the arrangement efficiency of components or noise reduction. Are the same as in the fifth embodiment. Of course, it is not essential that all or a part of the power supply is arranged in the handle 207, and the entire power supply may be arranged in the frame 201 'adjacent to the drive circuit 204, for example.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an X-ray imaging system. It is a top view of a 1st embodiment of an electronic cassette. It is the perspective view which isolate | separated the 1st housing | casing and the 2nd housing | casing. It is sectional drawing of an electronic cassette. It is an exploded perspective view of a 2nd embodiment of an electronic cassette. It is a perspective view of a 3rd embodiment of an electronic cassette. It is a side view of a 4th embodiment of an electronic cassette. It is a top view of a 5th embodiment of an electronic cassette. It is an explanatory view of a use state of an electronic cassette of a fifth embodiment. It is a top view of a 6th embodiment of an electronic cassette. It is sectional drawing of a prior art example. It is an explanatory view of a use state of a conventional example. It is a perspective view of a conventional example. It is a perspective view of a conventional example. It is sectional drawing of a prior art example.

Explanation of reference numerals

11, 51, 51 ', 51 "electronic cassette 12 X-ray generator 21, 22 housing 23, 24, 52, 52', 52" housing main body 25, 26, 53 lid 27, 28 electrical connector 29, 30 Fastening part 31, 54 Gripping cylinder part 32, 55 Gripping hole part 41 Fluorescent plate 42 Photoelectric conversion element 43 Substrate 44 X-ray detection panel 47 Circuit board 49 Power supply 57 Concave part 58, 59 Inclined surface S Subject

Claims (14)

  In a radiation image capturing apparatus that detects radiation transmitted through a subject, a detection unit having a detection surface formed by two-dimensionally arranging photoelectric conversion elements that detect radiation transmitted through the subject, and an electric signal from the detection unit A circuit board to be processed; a power supply for supplying power to the detection means and the circuit board; and a housing containing the detection means, the circuit board and the power supply, and the housing is configured to detect the detection of the detection means. A radiation image capturing apparatus characterized in that an outer shape viewed from a normal direction to a surface is substantially rectangular, and has a holding hole near one side of the outer shape.   The housing includes a first housing and a second housing each having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first housing includes at least the detection unit, and the second housing includes the holding hole. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   3. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the contact surfaces of the first housing and the second housing are rectangles having substantially the same size. 4.   The radiation image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a surface including the grip hole of the housing located on the detection surface side of the detection unit is a flat surface. Shooting equipment.   The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a center of gravity of the housing is located on or near a center line of the holding hole.   The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes the circuit board and / or the power supply in the vicinity of the holding hole.   The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second housing includes the circuit board and / or the power supply.   2. The radiation according to claim 1, wherein on one side of the housing near the holding hole, a bottom surface of the housing located on a side opposite to the detection surface is concave in a thickness direction. 3. Image capturing device.   The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the housing located on a side opposite to the detection surface of the detection unit has an inclined surface in a thickness direction.   In a radiation image capturing apparatus for detecting radiation transmitted through a subject, a detection unit having a substantially rectangular detection surface configured by arranging a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for detecting radiation transmitted through the subject, A housing enclosing the detection unit, wherein the housing has a handle in a region aligned with a long side of the detection surface when viewed from a normal direction of the detection surface of the detection unit. A radiographic imaging apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.   In a radiation image capturing apparatus for detecting radiation transmitted through a subject, a detection unit having a substantially rectangular detection surface configured by arranging a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for detecting radiation transmitted through the subject, A reading circuit unit arranged in a region aligned with a short side of the detection surface and reading an electric signal from the detection unit; and a driving circuit unit arranged in a region aligned with the long side of the detection surface and driving the detection unit And a housing enclosing the detection unit, the reading circuit unit, and the drive circuit unit, wherein the housing is aligned with a long side of the detection surface when viewed from a normal direction of the detection surface. A radiation image capturing apparatus having a handle in an area.   The detection unit further includes a power supply that supplies power to the reading circuit unit and the drive circuit unit, and the power supply is located in a region aligned with a long side of the detection surface when viewed from a normal direction of the detection surface. The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the radiographic image capturing apparatus is arranged.   The reading circuit section is disposed in a region aligned with each of two short sides of the detection surface, and each region formed by dividing the detection surface into substantially two in the long side direction is adjacent to each of the regions. 13. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the reading circuit unit is configured to read.   14. The radiation image capturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the handle comprises a hole provided in the housing.

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