JP2011070060A - Radiation image detecting cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress trouble of a cassette by preventing liquid such as blood, body fluid, water, and alcohol from intruding into the cassette. <P>SOLUTION: The end of a housing 31 constituting a cassette type detector 1 is covered with a protective cover 34. An elastic member 35 is installed on the protective cover 34. When the end of the housing 31 is covered with the protective cover 34, the elastic member 35 is bent in a gap between the inside of the protective cover 34 and the outside of the end of the housing 31. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiological image detection cassette.

  In recent years, a digital radiographic image detection apparatus has been used as a method of obtaining a radiographic image by irradiating a subject with radiation and detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject. As such a radiation image detection apparatus, there is a so-called FPD (Flat Panel Detector).

  As an example of an FPD, a plurality of detection elements are two-dimensionally arranged on a substrate, radiation that has passed through a subject is irradiated onto a phosphor (scintillator), and visible light that is emitted according to the amount of irradiated radiation is charged. There is one that obtains a radiographic image by reading the electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element by converting into the photoelectric conversion element. Such an FPD has immediacy that a radiographic image can be obtained immediately after imaging.

  As an example of the cassette type FPD, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. In the X-ray detector (cassette type FPD) described in Patent Document 1, an imaging panel is disposed inside a single protective housing having one opening, and the opening of the protective housing is formed by a handle that is a lid. It has a closed configuration.

JP 2008-90304 A

  By the way, in imaging where the cassette is in direct and indirect contact with the patient, such as portable imaging, the patient's blood and body fluid may adhere to the cassette, and these liquids may enter the cassette. . In addition, the cassette-type FPD may be cleaned using a liquid such as water or alcohol. If the X-ray detector described in Patent Document 1 is cleaned using a liquid, the opening and lid of the protective housing There is a possibility that the liquid may enter the inside of the X-ray detector through the gap with the handle. If the liquid enters the inside of the X-ray detector, the imaging panel breaks down due to the intruded liquid, and the radiation image cannot be detected properly.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic image detection cassette that prevents liquids such as blood, body fluid, water, alcohol and the like from entering the cassette and suppresses the cassette failure.

In order to achieve the above object, a radiological image detection cassette according to the present invention comprises:
A portable radiation image detection cassette that detects radiation irradiated toward a subject and obtains radiation image data,
A detector that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the incident radiation;
A housing containing the detection unit;
A cover member covering an end of the housing;
In the gap between the inside of the cover member and the outside of the end portion, an elastic member installed in a bent state;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the radiographic image detection cassette according to the present invention, liquids such as blood, body fluid, water, alcohol and the like do not enter the cassette, the cassette failure is suppressed, and an appropriate radiographic image can always be detected.

It is a perspective view of a cassette type detector. It is a perspective view of a housing | casing. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the structure of a housing | casing and a 1st cover member. It is explanatory drawing of the protective cover with which the outer side of a 1st cover member is mounted | worn. It is sectional drawing of the predetermined location which looked at the cassette type detector shown in FIG. 1 from the arrow direction of FIG. It is a perspective view of a protective cover. It is sectional drawing in the predetermined location of a protective cover. It is sectional drawing of the predetermined position which shows the operation | movement which covers the edge part of a housing | casing and a 1st cover member with a protective cover. It is sectional drawing of the predetermined position which shows the operation | movement which covers the edge part of a housing | casing and a 1st cover member with a protective cover. It is sectional drawing in the predetermined location of the protective cover which shows the modification of an elastic member.

[Outline of cassette type detector]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cassette type detector 1.

  A cassette type detector 1 which is a radiation image detection cassette is a cassette type flat panel detector. The main part of the cassette-type detector 1 includes a radiation detection unit 2 (see FIG. 5) that detects irradiated radiation and acquires it as digital image data, and a housing 3 in which the radiation detection unit 2 is built. The housing 3 includes a housing 31, a first lid member 32 that closes an opening of the housing 31, and a second lid member 33. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the first lid member 32 and the second lid member 33 are screwed to the housing 31.

  In this embodiment, the housing 3 is formed so that the thickness in the radiation incident direction is 15 mm. The thickness of the housing 3 in the radiation incident direction is 16 mm or less, and within a size range (15 mm + 1 mm and 15 mm-2 mm) in accordance with a standard (JIS Z 4905) standard for a screen / film cassette. (The international standard corresponding to JIS Z 4905 is IEC 60406).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the housing 31.

  The casing 31 is made of carbon (for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic: CFRP), and is lightweight and excellent in strength. Also, the X-ray transmittance is good. As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 31 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is formed so as to maintain the strength of the cassette type detector 1.

  There are openings 31A and 31B on both sides of the casing 31, the opening 31A is closed by the first lid member 32, and the opening 31B is closed by the second lid member 33 (see FIG. 1). A recess 31 </ b> C is formed on the outer side of the end portion of the housing 31. The function of the recess 31C will be described later.

  The first lid member 32 and the second lid member 33 are formed of aluminum which is a metal, and the rigidity of the cassette type detector 1 as a whole is increased so that the cassette type detector 1 is not damaged by dropping or the like. . Further, the first lid member 32 and the second lid member 33 can be formed of an aluminum alloy. Since the cassette-type detector 1 is portable, the first lid member 32 and the second lid member 33 are formed of a magnesium alloy that is lighter in weight in consideration of portability and setability on a photographing stand such as Bucky. It is also effective. Since the specific gravity of the aluminum alloy is 2.7 and the specific gravity of the magnesium alloy is 1.8, the magnesium alloy is 3 minutes in the first lid member 32 and the second lid member 33 as compared with the aluminum alloy. It can be lightened about 2 times. Furthermore, the magnesium alloy exceeds the aluminum alloy in specific strength, specific rigidity, and vibration absorption (damping rate).

  FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the casing 31 and the first lid member 32 as viewed from an angle different from those in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  Most of the insertion portion 32 </ b> A in the first lid member 32 has a structure that enters the inside of the housing 31 when the opening 31 </ b> A (see FIG. 2) of the housing 31 is closed by the first lid member 32. Yes. On the other hand, the outer wall 32 </ b> B of the first lid member 32 does not enter the inside of the housing 31 even if the opening 31 </ b> A of the housing 31 is blocked by the first lid member 32.

  The first lid member 32 and the second lid member 33 have substantially the same shape, and the openings 31A and 31B have the first lid member 32 and the second lid due to the structure described in FIG. The member 33 is closed. Both ends of the first lid member 32 and both ends of the second lid member 33 have a structure that does not enter the inside of the casing 31, and can protect the carbon fiber bodies at the four corners of the casing 31, It is possible to prevent the carbon at the four corners of the casing 31 from being damaged from an impact caused by the cassette type detector 1 being dropped.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a protective cover attached to the outside of the first lid member.

  As a final form of the cassette type detector 1, the protective cover (cover member) 34 is moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4 so that the end portion of the casing 31 and the first lid member 32 are covered by the protective cover 34. It has become. The protective cover 34 is formed of resin, and the weight of the cassette type detector 1 is reduced as a whole.

  Although only the relationship between the first lid member 32 and the protective cover 34 is shown in FIG. 4, the protective cover is similarly attached to the outside of the second lid member 33 that faces the first lid member 32.

[Internal structure of cassette type detector]
Next, the internal structure of the cassette type detector 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a predetermined portion of the cassette type detector 1 shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the radiation detection unit 2 includes a detector unit 21, a base 22, and electrical components (a relay board 23A, a control board 23B, a rechargeable battery 24, etc.). In this embodiment, the detector unit 21 is attached to the upper surface of the base 22 via the shielding member 25, and a plurality of control boards 23B, rechargeable batteries 24, and the like are provided on the lower surface of the base 22. Electrical parts are installed.

  The base 22 is flexible and is made of a thin resin. The thickness is about 1 mm, and the material is, for example, a resin in which polycarbonate and ABS are mixed.

  The detector unit 21 includes a scintillator layer 211, a detector 212, a sensor array substrate 213, a counter substrate 214, a buffer material 215, and the like. The basic structure of the detector unit 21 will be described. A detection unit 212 is supported on a sensor array substrate 213, and a scintillator layer 211 is provided above the detection unit 212. A counter substrate 214 is disposed above the scintillator layer 211, and the scintillator layer 211 is sandwiched between the counter substrate 214 and the sensor array substrate 213.

  The scintillator layer 211 has a function of converting incident radiation into light. The scintillator layer 211 has, for example, a phosphor as a main component and outputs an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 300 nm to 800 nm, that is, an electromagnetic wave (light) ranging from ultraviolet light to infrared light centering on visible light, based on incident radiation. It is like that.

  A detection unit 212 is formed below the scintillator layer 211. The detection unit 212 converts electromagnetic waves (light) output from the scintillator layer 211 into electric energy and accumulates the electric signal based on the accumulated electric energy. Output.

  Both the sensor array substrate 213 and the counter substrate 214 are glass substrates having a thickness of about 0.6 mm.

  A buffer material 215 is installed below the sensor array substrate 213 to reinforce the protruding portion of the sensor array substrate 213 with respect to the counter substrate 214 and absorb a load applied to the sensor array substrate 213. A protective member 216 that protects the counter substrate 214 is provided above the counter substrate 214.

  An electric signal extraction unit 217 for extracting an electric signal generated by the detection unit 212 is provided at the end of the sensor array substrate 213. The electric signal extraction unit 217 and the first relay substrate 23A are connected by a flexible harness 26. Has been.

  In this embodiment, a lithium ion capacitor is used as the rechargeable battery 24 attached to the lower surface of the base 22.

  As described above, by using the cassette type detector 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, it is possible to detect a radiographic image of the subject.

[Drip-proof property in cassette type detector]
Next, a structure for preventing liquid such as blood, body fluid, water, alcohol and the like from entering the cassette type detector 1 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the protective cover 34.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, the protective cover 34 covers the end of the housing 31 and the first lid member 32, and the end of the housing 31 and the first lid member are disposed in the opening 34A. 32 is inserted. An elastic member 35 indicated by hatching is provided inside the opening 34A.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover 34 at a predetermined location.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the elastic member 35 is L-shaped, and one end a (corresponding to “one of the elastic members” in the present invention) is fixed to the inner side X of the protective cover 34, The end b (corresponding to “the other elastic member” in the present invention) is bent inward of the protective cover 34. The elastic member 35 is formed of an elastomer, and the thickness of the elastic member 35 is 0.2 mm. The drip-proof property in the cassette type detector 1 is ensured by the elastic member 35 shown in FIG. 7, and this point will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are cross-sectional views at predetermined positions showing an operation of covering the end portion of the casing 31 and the first lid member 32 by the protective cover 34. 8 and 9, the radiation detection unit 2 installed inside the housing 31 is omitted.

  When the protective cover 34 covers the end of the casing 31 and the first lid member 32, as shown in FIG. 8, the protective cover 34 provided with the elastic member 35 is moved in the direction of the arrow α in FIG. . When the protective cover 34 is moved in the direction of arrow α, the end b of the elastic member 35 contacts the first lid member 32 and bends in the direction of arrow β in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the state where the end of the casing 31 and the first lid member 32 are covered by the protective cover 34, the inside of the protective cover 34 and the end of the casing 31 are covered. The elastic member 35 is bent in the gap with the outside.

  FIG. 9B shows an enlarged view of the S region in FIG. 9A. In the state where the elastic member 35 is bent, the end b of the elastic member 35 contacts the outer side Y of the end of the housing 31. (In FIG. 9B, the gap between the protective cover 34 and the housing 31 is exaggerated for easy understanding of the bent state of the elastic member 35).

  The cassette-type detector 1 may cause the patient's blood or body fluid to adhere to the cassette when photographing the cassette directly and indirectly with the patient, such as portable imaging. There is a possibility of entering the cassette from the indicated arrow part. In addition, in consideration of hygiene, it may be cleaned using a liquid such as water or alcohol, and the liquid used for the cleaning is a cassette type detector from the arrow portion shown in FIG. There is a possibility of entering the inside of 1. However, as shown in FIG. 9, since the elastic member 35 is installed in the gap between the protective cover 34 and the housing 31 in a bent state, the elastic member 35 serves as a valve to prevent liquid from entering. I can do it. As a result, failure of the cassette type detector 1 can be suppressed, and an appropriate radiation image can be detected at all times.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, one end portion a of the elastic member 35 is fixed inside the protective cover 34, and the other end portion b of the elastic member 35 is bent as shown in FIG. 9B. In this state, it comes into contact with the outside of the end portion of the casing 31. Therefore, when the end portion of the casing 31 and the first lid member 32 are covered by the protective cover 34, the elastic member 35 is bent well and the gap between the protective cover 34 and the casing 31 is closed, thereby preventing liquid from entering. Can be prevented.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the elastic member 35 is bent in an L shape. However, the other end b of the elastic member 35 may be bent inward of the protective cover 34. For example, FIG. The form of the elastic member 35 as shown to (a) or FIG.10 (b) may be sufficient.

  Moreover, in order to ensure the further drip-proof property in the cassette type detector 1, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.9 (a), the recessed part 31C is formed in the outer side of the housing | casing 31. FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, when the end portion of the casing 31 and the first lid member 32 are covered by the protective cover 34, the recess 31 </ b> C exists in the gap between the protective cover 34 and the casing 31. become. As a result, even when a liquid such as water or alcohol enters the gap between the protective cover 34 and the housing 31 when cleaning the cassette type detector 1, the liquid can be stored in the recess 31C. Therefore, by providing the recess 31C together with the elastic member 35, it is possible to further prevent liquid from entering.

  Although the present invention has been described with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention.

  In the present embodiment, the embodiment in which the protective cover is mounted outside the first lid member 32 and the second lid member 33 has been described, but the first lid member and the second lid member 33 are not provided, and the protective cover 34 is provided. However, a structure that directly covers the opening of the housing 31 may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cassette type detector 2 Radiation detection part 3 Housing 31 Case 31C Concave part 32 1st cover member 33 2nd cover member 34 Protective cover 35 Elastic member

Claims (3)

A portable radiation image detection cassette that detects radiation irradiated toward a subject and obtains radiation image data,
A detector that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the incident radiation;
A housing containing the detection unit;
A cover member covering an end of the housing;
In the gap between the inside of the cover member and the outside of the end portion, an elastic member installed in a bent state;
A radiographic image detection cassette comprising:   The radiographic image detection cassette according to claim 1, wherein one of the elastic members is fixed to the inside of the cover member, and the other of the elastic members is in contact with the outside of the end portion in a bent state.   The radiographic image detection cassette according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion is formed outside the end portion.

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