JP2005257643A - Storage phosphor sheet, cassette, image scanner, and cassette container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress pealing of a sorage phosphor sheet from a support body of a phosphor layer at a low temperature, by keeping warm the storage phosphor sheet in the inside of a cassette. <P>SOLUTION: The storage phosphor sheet 11 placed in a containable case 12 of the cassette 10 is held at the phosphor layer for recording radiation image information to a support body, and is provided with a heater layer 42 to the other side of the side held at the phosphor layer. A first and a second terminals 46 and 48 provided to the end of the heater layer 42 are connected with a power source 38. By connecting them with the first and the second connection terminals 32 and 34 placed inside the cassette 10, the heater layer 42 is heated and the storage phosphor sheet 11 is maintained at a specified temperature. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention records radiation image information of a subject by irradiating radiation, erases the radiation image information and can be used repeatedly, a cassette containing the stimulable phosphor sheet, The present invention relates to an image reading device that reads radiation image information of the stimulable phosphor sheet, and a cassette storage device that stores the cassette.

  For example, using a stimulable phosphor (stimulable phosphor), radiation image information of a subject such as a human body is temporarily recorded, and the radiation image information is reproduced on a photographic material such as a photographic film, or a CRT or the like. There is known a system for outputting the image as a visible image.

  In the above system, specifically, a radiographic image information of a subject such as a human body is temporarily recorded (photographed) on a stimulable phosphor sheet provided with a sheet-like stimulable phosphor layer, and the stimulable fluorescence. A stimulating emission light is generated by irradiating the phosphor sheet with excitation light such as a laser beam, and a reading device for photoelectrically reading the stimulating emission light, and radiation image information remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet after reading And an erasing device for erasing the image data integrally or individually.

  In this case, the stimulable phosphor means that a part of the radiation energy is accumulated by irradiation with radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.), and is later excited light such as visible light. Refers to a phosphor that exhibits stimulated emission according to the energy accumulated by irradiation. In general, the stimulable phosphor is formed in a sheet shape and used as a stimulable phosphor sheet. In addition, the stimulable phosphor sheet is usually loaded into the imaging apparatus in a state in which the stimulable phosphor sheet is housed one by one, and the stimulable phosphor sheet is irradiated with X-rays through the cassette.

  Such a stimulable phosphor sheet is curled so as to bend from the end of the stimulable phosphor sheet depending on the temperature environment in which the cassette is used (for example, at low temperatures such as in winter and cold regions). May occur. For this reason, for example, when used in low temperatures such as in winter or cold regions, there is a concern that the end of the stimulable phosphor sheet may curl, making it difficult to accurately record and read radiographic image information. There is a concern that it may be peeled off from the support plate provided with the stimulable phosphor sheet.

  Therefore, for example, as a heater for keeping warm at low temperatures such as in winter and cold regions, in Patent Document 1, a surface heating element is formed by laminating a GaN thin film layer, a Pd thin film layer, etc. on a base made of a resin material. There is disclosed a configuration in which the surface heating element is integrally bonded to the back surface of a liquid crystal display of an in-vehicle color LCD via an adhesive layer and the temperature of the surface heating element is increased by heating.

  Similarly, in Patent Document 2, a sheet-like heater having a conductive film as a heating element is attached to the surface of a liquid crystal display, and a current is supplied to an electrode provided on the sheet-like heater. A configuration for raising the temperature of a liquid crystal display at a low temperature is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-151047 JP 7-153559 A

  By the way, in the prior arts related to Patent Documents 1 and 2, the temperature of the in-vehicle color LCD is raised in a low temperature such as in winter or in a cold region to eliminate a decrease in response speed under a low temperature. Therefore, the technique relating to the heating of the stimulable phosphor sheet is different from the field, and it is difficult to recall and apply the present invention in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

  For this reason, in the technical idea disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the storage phosphor sheet is curved so as to curl from the end portion thereof with respect to the support plate in a cassette at a low temperature such as in winter or in a cold region. The phenomenon of peeling from the support plate cannot be solved.

  Moreover, when the cassette is loaded into a reading device or the like and the storage phosphor sheet is read, when the storage phosphor sheet is conveyed through a roller or the like inside the image reading device, the support plate Since the stimulable phosphor sheet is peeled off, it is difficult to smoothly convey the phosphor sheet, and various problems such as jamming in the apparatus are concerned.

  Therefore, there is a demand to smoothly convey the stimulable phosphor sheet inside the apparatus by suppressing peeling of the stimulable phosphor sheet from the support plate even at low temperatures such as in winter or in cold regions.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described requirements, and raises the temperature of the stimulable phosphor sheet to suppress the bending of the phosphor layer and to prevent the phosphor layer from peeling from the support. It is an object of the present invention to provide a stimulable phosphor sheet that can be used.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cassette capable of suppressing the curving of the stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in the apparatus and preventing the phosphor layer from peeling off from the support. With the goal.

  Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to suppress the curving of the stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in the cassette, and prevent the phosphor layer from peeling off from the support so that the stimulable phosphor sheet is smoothly conveyed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and a cassette storage device that can be used.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a sheet-like stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiographic image information of a subject is recorded,
The stimulable phosphor sheet includes a phosphor layer in which the radiation image information is recorded,
A support on which the phosphor layer is held;
A heating element that is provided on the support and raises temperature when supplied with current;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, the support for the stimulable phosphor sheet is provided with a heating element that raises the temperature under the action of current supply, and the current is supplied to the heating element to raise the temperature of the heating element to thereby support the support. And the fluorescent substance layer hold | maintained at this support body can be heated up to predetermined temperature. Therefore, even when the stimulable phosphor sheet is used and stored in winter or in a cold region, the phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet is suitably held in a state of being kept at a predetermined temperature. It is possible to suppress peeling of the body layer while curving from the support that occurs at a low temperature. As a result, the stimulable phosphor sheet can be held in a state where the phosphor layer and the support are in close contact with each other even at a low temperature. Even when it is performed, the stimulable phosphor sheet can be smoothly conveyed inside the image reading apparatus.

  Further, it is preferable that the heating element is provided with terminal portions at both ends of the heat wire provided in the heating element, and current is supplied to the terminal portion from a power supply unit. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide the power storage unit in the stimulable phosphor sheet provided with the heating element, and the structure of the stimulable phosphor sheet can be simplified and the size can be prevented from being increased.

  Furthermore, a coil around which a conductor is wound may be provided on the support, and the coil may be connected to a heating element. Thus, for example, a magnetic member is provided along the conveyance path of the stimulable phosphor sheet in the image reading apparatus that performs the reading process of the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the radiation image information is recorded. When the phosphor sheet is conveyed, electromagnetic induction is generated in the coil to generate a current. Therefore, it is possible to raise the temperature of the heating element via the coil without providing a power supply unit, and the current consumption is suppressed because the current is supplied only while the stimulable phosphor sheet is conveyed. be able to.

Furthermore, the present invention is a cassette containing a sheet-like stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiographic image information of a subject is recorded,
A housing for storing the stimulable phosphor sheet;
A lid provided to be openable and closable with respect to the housing;
A heating element that is provided on any one of the housing, the lid, or the stimulable phosphor sheet, and that is heated by supplying an electric current;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, a heating element is provided in any one of a cassette housing, a lid, or a stimulable phosphor sheet in which the stimulable phosphor sheet is accommodated, and the current is increased by supplying current to the heating element. The storage phosphor sheet and the cassette are heated to a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, even when the cassette is used and stored in winter or in a cold region, the cassette and the stimulable phosphor sheet can be held in a state of being kept at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the curving of the stimulable phosphor sheet that occurs at low temperatures.

  Furthermore, a pair of terminal portions are formed on the heating element, and when the stimulable phosphor sheet is accommodated inside the casing, the power supply section is located at a position facing the terminal section in the casing or lid. It is preferable to provide a connection terminal connected to the. Thereby, when the stimulable phosphor sheet having the heating element is accommodated inside the casing, the connection terminal provided on the casing or the lid and the terminal portion of the heating element come into contact with each other, and the connection terminal A current is supplied to the heating element from the power source connected to. Therefore, it is possible to suitably raise the temperature of the stimulable phosphor sheet via the heating element.

  In addition, by providing the heating element on either the housing or the lid, it is possible to use the storage phosphor sheet that has been used in the past without changing the design, thereby suppressing an increase in cost. It becomes possible to do.

Furthermore, the present invention provides an image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information of a subject recorded on a stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in a cassette,
A reading mechanism that reads the radiation image information by irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet with excitation light in a main scanning direction;
A sub-scanning conveyance mechanism for conveying the stimulable phosphor sheet in a sub-scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction;
A guide mechanism for guiding the stimulable phosphor sheet transported by the sub-scan transport mechanism;
Current supply means for supplying a current to the stimulable phosphor sheet conveyed along the guide mechanism, and for heating the heating element provided in the stimulable phosphor sheet;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, when the radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet is read by the image reading device, the heat generation is performed by the current supply means capable of supplying a current to the heat generator provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet. The body can generate heat during conveyance of the stimulable phosphor sheet. Accordingly, even when the stimulable phosphor sheet is being conveyed in the image reading apparatus, the temperature of the stimulable phosphor sheet can be always raised, so that the image reading apparatus is used at a low temperature such as in winter or in a cold region. Even in this case, the stimulable phosphor sheet can be smoothly conveyed while being kept at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the curving of the stimulable phosphor sheet that occurs at low temperatures.

  Furthermore, the current supply means includes a pair of electrodes provided on a guide surface for guiding the stimulable phosphor sheet conveyed along the guide mechanism, and the pair of electrodes is connected to a power supply unit, and the storage The conductive phosphor sheet may be brought into contact with a terminal portion of the heat generating body of the stimulable phosphor sheet provided at a position facing the electrode when the phosphor sheet is conveyed.

  As a result, when the stimulable phosphor sheet is conveyed along the guide mechanism inside the image reading device, it is provided on the terminal portion of the heating element provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet and on the guide surface of the guide mechanism. A current is supplied from the power source to the heating element under the contact action with the set of electrodes. Therefore, even when the installation environment of the image reading apparatus is at a low temperature, since the stimulable phosphor sheet is heated by the heating element during conveyance, it can be conveyed smoothly.

  Still further, the current supply means is made of a magnetic member provided along the guide mechanism, and is connected to the heating element and has a stimulable phosphor sheet having a coil around which the conductor is wound along the guide mechanism. To transport.

  As a result, when the stimulable phosphor sheet is conveyed inside the image reading apparatus, the stimulable phosphor sheet is conveyed so as to cross the vicinity of the magnetic member, so that the stimulable phosphor sheet is provided by electromagnetic induction. A current is generated in the produced coil, and the current is supplied from the coil to the heating element, whereby the temperature of the stimulable phosphor sheet can be raised. Therefore, since the current is supplied only during the conveyance of the stimulable phosphor sheet, the current consumption can be suppressed, and there is no need to provide a separate power supply unit for supplying the current.

  Further, by providing the cassette with a heating element that is provided on at least one of the casing or the lid of the cassette and raises the temperature when supplied with an electric current, In addition, the stimulable phosphor sheet provided in the inside can be heated to a predetermined temperature. At this time, since the stimulable phosphor sheet can be used as it is without any design change, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost. Furthermore, it is possible to hold the stimulable phosphor sheet not only in the image reading apparatus but also in the cassette, in a state in which the temperature is raised by the heating element, which is even more preferable. The temperature rising state of the stimulable phosphor sheet can be maintained.

Further, in an image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information of a subject recorded on a stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in a cassette,
A reading mechanism that reads the radiation image information by irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet with excitation light in a main scanning direction;
A sub-scanning conveyance mechanism for conveying the stimulable phosphor sheet in a sub-scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction;
A loading section in which the cassette including a heating element that heats up under the action of supplying current is loaded;
With
The heating element is provided in the cassette or the stimulable phosphor sheet, and is provided in the image reading device and a first contact connected to the heating element when the cassette is loaded in the loading unit. The second contact point connected to the power supply unit is provided so as to be freely contactable.

  According to the present invention, when the cassette is loaded in the loading section of the image reading apparatus, the first contact connected to the heating element provided in the cassette or the storage phosphor sheet, and the image reading apparatus are provided. And the 2nd contact connected with a power supply part contacts. Therefore, a current is supplied to the heating element through the second contact connected to the power supply unit, and the stimulable phosphor sheet and the cassette can be heated to a predetermined temperature, and the cassette reading process and the like are performed. In this case, the storage phosphor sheet and the cassette can be heated to a predetermined temperature only by loading the cassette into the image reading apparatus. As a result, for example, it is possible to improve work efficiency when performing reading processing of radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet by the image reading device.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cassette storage device that can store a cassette that stores a stimulable phosphor sheet in which radiographic image information of a subject is recorded.
The cassette storage device is formed with a storage portion for storing the cassette,
A second contact is formed in the storage portion at a position opposite to the first contact connected to the heating element provided in the cassette or the stimulable phosphor sheet, and the second contact is connected to the power supply unit. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, when the cassette is stored in the storage portion of the cassette storage device, the first contact connected to the heating element provided in the cassette or the storage phosphor sheet, and the first contact provided in the storage portion. Two contacts come into contact. Therefore, a current is supplied to the heating element through the second contact point connected to the power supply unit, and the stimulable phosphor sheet and the cassette can be heated to a predetermined temperature. Therefore, when the cassette stored in the cassette storage device is used by an image reading device or the like, the cassette and the stimulable phosphor sheet are preheated to a predetermined temperature even in a low temperature such as in winter or in a cold region. For this reason, the cassette can be taken out of the housing and used immediately. As a result, for example, it is possible to improve work efficiency when performing reading processing of radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet by the image reading device.

  Furthermore, the heating element may be provided on the support for the stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in the cassette.

  In addition, by providing a heating element on the side surface of the cassette, it is possible to use the stimulable phosphor sheet as it is without modifying the design, so as to suppress an increase in cost. Is possible.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, by supplying a current to a heating element provided on the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet, the heating element and the phosphor layer held by the heating element can be heated to a predetermined temperature. it can. Accordingly, even when the stimulable phosphor sheet is used and stored in winter or in a cold region, the phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet is suitably held in a state where it is kept at a predetermined temperature. Can be prevented from being peeled while being bent from the support formed in the phosphor layer.

  In addition, the temperature of the storage phosphor is increased by supplying current to a heating element provided in any one of the casing, lid, or storage phosphor sheet in which the storage phosphor sheet is accommodated. It is also possible to raise the temperature of the sheet and cassette to a predetermined temperature. As a result, even when the cassette is used and stored in the winter or in cold regions, the cassette and the stimulable phosphor sheet can be kept in a state of being kept at a predetermined temperature, so that the stimulable fluorescence generated at a low temperature can be maintained. The curvature of the body sheet can be suppressed.

  Further, when the radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet is read by the image reading device, the heat generator is stored by a current supply means capable of supplying a current to the heat generator provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet. Heat can be generated during conveyance of the phosphor sheet. Therefore, even when the image reading apparatus is used at a low temperature such as in winter or in a cold region, the stimulable phosphor sheet can be smoothly conveyed while being held at a predetermined temperature, and the stimulable fluorescence generated at a low temperature can be obtained. It becomes possible to suppress the curvature of the body sheet.

  Preferred embodiments of a stimulable phosphor sheet, a cassette, an image reading device, and a cassette storage device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 indicates a cassette according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cassette 10 includes a casing 12 that houses the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, a lid body 14 that is detachably attached to a part of the casing 12, and the casing. A light shielding plate 16 is provided on the remaining portion of the body 12 and provided with the lid 14 on one end so as to be swingable. The lid body 14 and the light shielding plate 16 are connected to each other via a resin hinge 18 so as to be freely opened and closed, and the lid body 14 is provided so as to be fixed to the housing 12 by a lock means 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 12 includes a rectangular front plate 22 irradiated with radioactivity, and end wall portions 24 a provided at both ends in the insertion direction and the extraction direction of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11. 24b and side wall portions 26a and 26b extending along the insertion direction. The end wall portions 24a and 24b and the side wall portions 26a and 26b are made of, for example, aluminum, and the end wall portions 24a and 24b are formed with openings 28 for inserting and removing the stimulable phosphor sheet 11. Is done. Further, on both sides of the opening 28, press pin insertion holes 30a and 30b for releasing the locking means 20 are formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 12 has a pair of metal materials on the side of the end wall 24 b opposite to the end wall 24 a where the opening 28 is formed. The first and second connection terminals 32 and 34 are provided at a predetermined interval. A lead wire 36 is connected to each of the first and second connection terminals 32, 34, and the lead wire 36 is connected to a power supply unit 38 provided inside the housing 12.

  The power supply unit 38 is composed of, for example, a rechargeable charger, and current is supplied from the power supply unit 38 to the first and second connection terminals 32 and 34 via the lead wire 36. The power supply unit 38 is provided with a power switch (not shown), and on / off control of the supply of current supplied to the first and second connection terminals 32 and 34 is performed under the switching action of the power switch. be able to.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 includes a rectangular phosphor layer 40 (see FIG. 5) that constitutes a radiation image recording region, and a support that holds the phosphor layer 40. 41 (see FIG. 5) and a heating element layer (heating element) 42 that is integrally attached to the support 41 and heats the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 to a predetermined temperature. The support body 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape from a flexible thin plate material or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the support 41 is provided with a phosphor layer 40 on one side facing the lid 14, and a heating element layer 42 is provided on the other side facing the housing 12. ing. The heating element layer 42 may be provided between the support 41 and the phosphor layer 40.

  For the phosphor layer 40, a flexible sheet (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-249795) formed by applying a phosphor to the substantially central portion of the support 41 is used.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the heating element layer 42 is composed of, for example, a film heater in which a heating circuit is formed on a thin resin film. The heating element layer 42 formed in a substantially rectangular shape has an area of phosphor. It is formed so as to be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the area of the layer 40 (see FIG. 5). In addition, the said heat generating body layer 42 is not limited to the film heater mentioned above, What is necessary is just to be able to generate heat | fever under the supply action of electric current, such as a coil.

For the heating element layer 42, for example, a heating resistor (for example, nickel alloy, silver palladium (Ag—Pd), ruthenium oxide (RuO ₂ ), etc.) that becomes electric resistance is applied to the conductive film or PET film. A hot wire 44 applied in a linear shape or a strip shape is formed by screen printing or the like.

  One end of the heat wire 44 is connected to a first terminal 46 provided at one end of the heating element layer 42, and the other end is separated from the first terminal 46 by a predetermined distance to the heating element layer. 42 is connected to a second terminal 48 provided at one end of the terminal 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal 46 is arranged at a position where it contacts the first connection terminal 32 when the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is inserted into the housing 12 through the opening 28. On the other hand, the second terminal 48 is disposed at a position where it contacts the second connection terminal 34 when the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is inserted into the housing 12.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the heat ray 44 has an arrow B between the one side portion and the other side portion of the heating element layer 42 in a direction away from the first terminal 46 (in the direction of arrow A <b> 1). It is formed in a wave shape so as to reciprocate a plurality of times in the direction, and extends in a straight line from the other end of the heating element layer 42 farthest from the first terminal 46 toward the second terminal 48 (arrow A2 direction). Connected to the second terminal 48. That is, the heat ray 44 of the heating element layer 42 is formed so as to entirely cover the heating element layer 42 formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

  Note that the shape of the heat ray 44 is not limited to the above-described wave shape, and may be other shapes. In any case, the entire heating element layer 42 formed in a substantially rectangular shape is covered. As long as it is stretched around.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a barcode reading window 50 is formed on the lid 14, and unlocking knobs 52 constituting the locking means 20 are provided on both sides of the window 50 with springs ( It is pressed forward via a not-shown).

  Next, the image reading device 60 that reads the radiation image information of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 accommodated in the cassette 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the image reading device 60 includes a cassette loading port (loading unit) 64 in the upper portion of the casing 62, and the accumulation property in which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded in the cassette loading port 64. A cassette 10 containing the phosphor sheet 11 is loaded. A plurality of legs 66 for installing the image reading device 60 on the floor surface or the like are provided at the bottom of the casing 62.

  Further, in the image reading device 60, in the vicinity of the cassette loading port 64, a suction plate 68 that sucks and takes out the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 from the cassette 10 with the lid 14 opened, and the suction plate 68. And a nip roller 70 that sandwiches and conveys the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 taken out by the above. In addition, a curved conveyance mechanism 76 that is connected to the nip roller 70 and includes a plurality of conveyance rollers 72a to 72h and a plurality of guide plates 74a to 74i is disposed. The transport mechanism 76 transports the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 supplied from the cassette 10 to a desired site.

  In addition, a scanning unit 78 that emits a laser beam B that is excitation light and scans the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the image reading device 60. The scanning unit 78 includes a laser oscillator 80 that outputs a laser beam B, a polygon mirror 82 that is a rotating polygon mirror that deflects and scans the laser beam B, and reflects the laser beam B to the stimulable phosphor sheet 11. A reflection mirror 84 for guiding is provided. Although not shown, a condensing optical system for condensing the laser beam B on the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is also provided as appropriate.

  The laser beam B emitted from the scanning unit 78 is applied to the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 from between the conveyance rollers 72d and 72e constituting the conveyance mechanism 76. In addition, a reading unit (reading mechanism) 86 is disposed in the vicinity of the scanning unit 78. The reading unit 86 has one end connected to the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 between the conveying rollers 72d and 72e and the other end of the light collecting guide 88, and is connected to the other end of the condensing phosphor 88. The photomultiplier 90 converts the stimulated emission light obtained from the sheet 11 into an electrical signal. In the present embodiment, the photomultiplier 90 has a long shape in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, but may have another shape.

  An erasing unit 92 for removing the radiation energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 from which the radiation image information has been read is disposed between the nip roller 70 and the transport roller 72a constituting the transport mechanism 76. The erasing unit 92 has a plurality of erasing light sources 94 composed of halogen lamps or the like.

  The cassette 10 and the image reading device 60 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are basically configured as described above. Next, the operation thereof will be described.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the state where the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is accommodated in the cassette 10, the first and second heating element layers 42 in the stimulable phosphor sheet 11. The terminals 46 and 48 are in contact with the first and second connection terminals 32 and 34 provided on the casing 12 of the cassette 10. Therefore, the current from the power supply unit 38 is supplied from the first connection terminal 32 to the second connection terminal 34 or vice versa to the first terminal 46 or the second terminal 48, and the first The heat wire 44 of the heating element layer 42 generates heat due to the current supplied to either the terminal 46 or the second terminal 48.

  As a result, the entire stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is heated to a predetermined temperature via the heating element layer 42 provided on the support 41 and supplied to the heating element layer 42 via a temperature control mechanism (not shown). By controlling the amount of current, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is held at a predetermined temperature.

  Therefore, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 accommodated in the cassette 10 can be heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating element layer 42 even at low temperatures such as in winter or in cold regions. It can suppress that the edge part of the body layer 40 peels so that it may curl from the surface of the support body 41. FIG. Therefore, the phosphor layer 40 in the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 can be held in a state of being in close contact with the support 41.

  Next, after the radiographic image information of the subject is recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, the cassette 10 is loaded into the image reading device 60.

  At that time, for example, the temperature of the cassette 10, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, or the vicinity of the cassette 10 and the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is detected by a temperature detection unit (not shown) provided inside the image reading device 60. After confirming that the temperature is a preset desired temperature, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is conveyed into the image reading device 60.

  The cassette 10, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, or the temperature in the vicinity of the cassette 10 and the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is not limited to the case where the temperature detecting means detects the temperature, and is provided inside the cassette 10. The temperature of the cassette 10 or the like may be predicted based on the amount of current supplied to the heating element layer 42.

  Next, when the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 heated and kept at a predetermined temperature as described above is conveyed into the image reading device 60, first, as shown in FIG. 64, when the cassette 10 is loaded, the locking means 20 is released by pins (not shown) inserted into the pressing pin insertion holes 30a and 30b (see FIG. 1), and the lid body 14 is swung. The opening 28 is opened (see FIG. 1).

  Next, the suction disk 68 sucks the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 in the cassette 10 and supplies it to the nip roller 70. The nip roller 70 supplies the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 to the transport mechanism 76. The transport mechanism 76 drives the transport rollers 72a to 72h to transport the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 along the guide plates 74a to 74i. At this time, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is held at a predetermined temperature by the heating element layer 42 inside the cassette 10, and the phosphor layer 40 is integrally adhered to the support body 41. It is smoothly conveyed by ~ 72h.

  The stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is sub-scanned and conveyed between the conveyance rollers 72d and 72e, and the stimulable fluorescence is emitted in the main scanning direction in which the laser beam B that is excitation light emitted from the scanning unit 78 is orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction. The body sheet 11 is scanned. That is, the laser beam B output from the laser oscillator 80 is reflected and deflected by the polygon mirror 82 that rotates at high speed, and then guided to the storage phosphor sheet 11 via the reflection mirror 84.

  The stimulable phosphor sheet 11 irradiated with the laser beam B outputs stimulated emission light according to the stored and recorded radiation image information. This stimulated emission light is guided to a photomultiplier 90 that constitutes the reading unit 86 through a light collecting guide 88 that is disposed close to the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 in the main scanning direction.

  Thus, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 from which the radiation image information has been read is conveyed to the conveyance roller 72h side, and is then conveyed in reverse by the conveyance mechanism 76, and is disposed between the nip roller 70 and the conveyance roller 72a. It is accommodated in the cassette 10 through 92. At this time, the erasing light source 94 that constitutes the erasing unit 92 is turned on, and the erasable phosphor sheet 11 is irradiated with output erasing light, whereby the remaining radiation energy is removed.

  The stimulable phosphor sheet 11 that has been subjected to the radiation image information reading process and the remaining radiation image information erasing process as necessary is inserted into the housing 12 through the opening 28 of the cassette 10. When the lid body 14 is pressed toward the housing 12, the locking means 20 is urged and the lid body 14 is fixed to the housing 12.

  Then, the first and second terminals 46 and 48 of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 accommodated in the cassette 10 are brought into contact with the first and second connection terminals 32 and 34 of the cassette 10 again, whereby the first A current is supplied to the heating element layer 42 of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 via the first and second connection terminals 32 and 34, and the temperature is again maintained at a predetermined temperature. In addition, by switching off a power switch (not shown) provided in the power supply unit 38, the current supplied to the heating element layer 42 via the first and second connection terminals 32 and 34 is stopped, It is also possible to stop the warming or warming of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11.

  As described above, instead of providing a temperature detection unit (not shown) inside the image reading device 60, a current is supplied from a power source (not shown) to the heating element layer 42 provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, and is not shown. The storage phosphor sheet 11 may be taken out from the cassette 10 and conveyed into the image reading device 60 after a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed due to delay control in a control circuit or the like. Thereby, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 or the cassette 10 can be transported into the image reading device 60 after the heating element layer 42 has heated and kept warm for a predetermined time.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, in the state where the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is accommodated in the cassette 10, the current supplied from the power supply unit 38 is the first and second of the housing 12. The heat is supplied to the heat wire 44 of the heating element layer 42 through the connection terminals 32 and 34 and the first and second terminals 46 and 48 of the heating element layer 42. As a result, the entire stimulable phosphor sheet 11 including the phosphor layer 40 is heated to a predetermined temperature under the heating action of the heating element layer 42, and the phosphor layer 40 is supported at a low temperature such as in winter or in a cold region. It can suppress suitably that it peels from the edge part so that it may curl with respect to the body 41. FIG.

  Thus, the end of the phosphor layer 40 is in a state in which the support 41 and the phosphor layer 40 are in close contact with each other without being peeled off from the surface of the support 41. When the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 maintained at a temperature is conveyed through the nip roller 70 and the conveying rollers 72a to 72h inside the image reading device 60, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is smoothly conveyed. Is possible.

  Further, since the power supply unit 38 for supplying current to the heating element layer 42 is provided in the casing 12 of the cassette 10, the structure of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 conveyed inside the image reading device 60 is complicated. It does not become large and does not become large.

  On the other hand, as a configuration in which the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is heated and kept at a predetermined temperature and then conveyed to the inside of the image reading device 60a, as shown in FIG. 7, a cassette loading port 64 in the image reading device 60a is provided. Between the opening 28 of the loaded cassette 10a and the nip roller 70, a detection unit 96 (for example, an optical sensor, a micro switch, or the like) for detecting the displacement of the stored stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is provided. Yes.

  The cassette 10a loaded in the cassette loading port 64 has first and second connection terminals (first contacts) 32a for supplying current to the heating element layer 42 provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet 11. 34a is formed of a bimetal on which metal materials having different thermal expansion coefficients are bonded, and the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is fixedly held inside the housing 12a by the first and second connection terminals 32a and 34a. (In FIG. 7, the position of the two-dot chain line).

  Then, a current from a power source (not shown) is supplied to the heating element layer 42 via the first and second connection terminals 32a and 34a, and the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 provided with the heating element layer 42 has a desired temperature. Until heated. The first and second connection terminals 32a and 34a in contact with the heating element layer 42 are separated from the heating element layer 42 by being deformed under the heating action of the heating element layer 42, and the first And the fixed holding state of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 by the second connection terminals 32a and 34a is released.

  Next, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is directed in a direction (arrow C direction) approaching the lid body 14a through the guide means (not shown) provided on the inner wall surface of the housing 12a under the action of gravity. And is displaced from the opening 28 of the cassette 10a to the outside of the housing 12a. At this time, the displacement of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is detected by the detection unit 96 provided between the cassette 10 a and the nip roller 70, and based on the detection signal detected by the detection unit 96, the image reading device 60 a The nip roller 70 and the conveyance rollers 72a to 72h in the conveyance mechanism 76 are driven, and the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 heated and kept at a predetermined temperature is conveyed inside the image reading device 60a.

  With this configuration, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 is automatically conveyed to the inside of the image reading device 60a after being heated and kept at a predetermined temperature by the heating element layer 42. It is possible to improve the working efficiency when reading and erasing the phosphor sheet 11 and, after loading the cassette 10a into the image reading device 60a, no manpower is required, so that labor can be saved. .

  Next, modified examples of the cassettes 100, 110, and 120 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the cassette 100 includes a first connection terminal 32 b and a second connection terminal that can contact the first and second terminals (not shown) of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11. 34b is provided, and a pair of electrode plates 106 (first contacts) made of a metal material are provided on the outer wall surface 102 of the housing 12b via a recess 104. For example, the electrode plate 106 is electrically connected to the first and second connection terminals 32b and 34b via lead wires 36, respectively.

  With such a structure, the electrode 108 (second contact) provided at a position facing the casing 12 b in the cassette loading port 64 is connected to a power supply unit (not shown), so that the outer wall surface 102 of the cassette 100. By contacting each electrode plate 106 provided so as to be exposed to the current, the current supplied to the electrode plate 106 is supplied to the first and second connection terminals 32 and 34 via the lead wire 36. . As a result, the first and second connection terminals 32 and 34 come into contact with the first and second terminals (not shown) of the heating element layer 42 in the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, so that the heating element layer 42 The stimulable phosphor sheet 11 can be heated and kept at a predetermined temperature under the heating action. As described above, since there is no need to provide a power source inside the cassette 100, the cassette 100 can be reduced in size and weight, and the cassette 100 can be simply loaded into the cassette loading port 64 of the image reading device 60. Thus, it is possible to easily warm and keep the stimulable phosphor sheet 11.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the side wall portion 26a of the cassette 110 has first and second terminals (first contacts) 46a of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11a provided inside the cassette 110. , 48a (see FIG. 9), an insertion hole 112 is formed, and the insertion hole 112 is provided with a pair of connection terminals (second contacts) 114a, 114b from the outside of the cassette 110. ing. The connection terminals 114a and 114b are connected to a power source (not shown) and supplied with current.

  With such a structure, for example, inside the image reading device 60 (see FIG. 6), a pair of connection terminals 114a and 114b connected to a power supply unit (not shown) are inserted into the housing 12c. The hole 112 is inserted into contact with the first and second terminals 46a and 48a of the heating element layer 42a disposed on the stimulable phosphor sheet 11a.

  As a result, the current supplied from the pair of connection terminals 114a and 114b is supplied to the first and second terminals 46a and 48a of the heating element layer 42a, and thus accumulates under the heating action of the heating element layer 42a. The fluorescent sheet 11a can be heated and kept at a predetermined temperature. Thus, since it is not necessary to provide a power source inside the cassette 110, the cassette 110 can be reduced in size and weight, and the cassette 110 is only loaded into the cassette loading port 64 of the image reading device 60. Thus, it is possible to easily warm and keep the stimulable phosphor sheet 11a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a heating element layer 42 is provided on the inner wall surface 122 of the casing 12 d in the cassette 120 so as to face the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, and the inner wall surface on which the heating element layer 42 is provided. A pair of electrode plates 128 (first contacts) made of a metal material are provided on the outer wall surface 124 of the housing 12d on the opposite side to 122 via a recess 126. A pair of terminals (not shown) in the heating element layer 42 and the electrode plate 128 are electrically connected through, for example, lead wires 36.

  With such a structure, for example, a set provided in a position facing the housing 12d in the cassette loading port 64, connected to a power supply unit (not shown) inside the image reading device 60 (see FIG. 6). The electrode 130 (second contact) is brought into contact with a pair of electrode plates (first contact) 128 provided outside the cassette 120, so that the current from the power supply unit is supplied to the electrode plate 128 and the lead wire. 36 to the terminals (not shown) of the heating element layer 42, respectively. Thereby, the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 provided in the cassette 120 under the heating action of the heating element layer 42 can be indirectly heated and kept at a predetermined temperature. Thus, since it is not necessary to provide a power supply inside the cassette 120, the cassette 120 can be reduced in size and weight. Further, the storage phosphor sheet 11 can be easily heated and kept warm simply by loading the cassette 120 into the cassette loading port 64 of the image reading device 60.

  Next, the stimulable phosphor sheet 150, the cassette 151, and the image reading device 152 according to the second embodiment are shown in FIGS. The same components as those of the stimulable phosphor sheet 11, the cassette 10, and the image reading device 60 according to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 according to the second embodiment, when the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 is accommodated in the cassette 151 on the heating element layer 154 provided on the support 41 (see FIG. 13). A pair of first and second terminal bands 156 and 158 that are substantially parallel to the side wall portions 26a and 26b (see FIG. 12) of the housing 12 are formed, and the heating wire 160 of the heating element layer 154 is formed on the first terminal band 156. Is different from the stimulable phosphor sheet 11 according to the first embodiment in that the other end side of the heat wire 160 is connected to the second terminal band 158.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 is conveyed to the guide plates 74a to 74i provided in the image reading apparatus 152 according to the second embodiment, A set of electrodes 162a and 162b (see FIG. 15) are provided at positions facing the first and second terminal bands 156 and 158 of the stimulable phosphor sheet 150, respectively, and a power supply unit is provided for each of the electrodes 162a and 162b. This is different from the image reading apparatus 60 according to the first embodiment in that a current is supplied from 164.

  The heating element layer 154 in the cassette 151 includes a film heater in which a heat generating circuit is formed on a thin resin film, and includes a first terminal band 156 formed on one side of the heating element layer 154 and the heat generation. Between the second terminal band 158 formed on the other side of the body layer 154, a wave-like heat wire 160 that reciprocates a plurality of times between the first terminal band 156 and the second terminal band 158 is formed. Has been.

  One end portion side of the heat wire 160 is connected to the first terminal band 156, and the other end portion side is connected to the second terminal band 158. Note that the shape of the heat ray 160 is not limited to the above-described wave shape, and may be stretched so as to cover the entire surface of the heating element layer 154 formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

  In addition, the electrodes 162a and 162b provided on the guide plates 74a to 74i in the image reading device 152 are made of a metal material and provided inside the image reading device 152 via the lead wire 36 (see FIG. 13). The power supply unit 164 is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the electrodes 162a and 162b are provided so as to protrude by a predetermined height from a guide surface 166 (see FIG. 14) for guiding the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 in the guide plates 74a to 74i. Each guide plate 74a to 74i is provided with a set at a predetermined interval. The electrodes 162a and 162b formed on the guide plates 74a to 74i are arranged so as to be in a straight line along the conveyance path of the stimulable phosphor sheet 150, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the separation distance between one electrode 162 a and the other electrode 162 b is between the first terminal band 156 and the second terminal band 158 of the heating element layer 154 in the stimulable phosphor sheet 150. It is formed so as to be approximately equal to the separation distance.

  That is, when the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 is conveyed along the guide plates 74 a to 74 i in the image reading device 152, the first and second heating element layers 154 provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet 150. Terminal strips 156 and 158 are provided so as to be in contact with a pair of electrodes 162a and 162b, respectively, of the guide plates 74a to 74i. As a result, the current from the power supply unit 164 passes through the electrodes 162a and 162b of the guide plates 74a to 74i under the contact action between the first and second terminal bands 156 and 158 of the heating element layer 154 and the electrodes 162a and 162b. Then, the heat generation layer 154 is supplied, the heat ray 160 of the heat generation layer 154 generates heat, and the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 is heated to a predetermined temperature.

  With this configuration, in the second embodiment, the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 can be preheated and kept at a predetermined temperature inside the cassette 151, and the stimulable phosphor Even when the sheet 150 is conveyed to the inside of the image reading device 152, it can be always heated and kept warm by the current supplied from the electrodes 162a and 162b provided on the guide plates 74a to 74i.

  Thereby, even when reading processing of the cassette 151 or the like is performed at a low temperature such as in winter or in a cold region, the phosphor layer 40 is peeled off from the support 41 because the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 is always maintained at a predetermined temperature. Thus, the stimulable phosphor sheet 150 can be smoothly conveyed to the image reading device 152 inside.

  In addition, the power supply unit provided in the cassette 151 and the first and second terminals are not required, and the storage phosphor is only transferred while the storage phosphor sheet 150 is being conveyed by the power supply unit 164 provided in the image reading device 152. The body sheet 150 may be heated and kept warm. By doing in this way, since it is not necessary to provide a power supply part inside the cassette 151, the cassette 151 can be reduced in size and weight.

  On the other hand, the cassettes 10 and 151 according to the first and second embodiments are, for example, the cassette 10 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 when the reading processing by the image reading devices 60 and 152 is not performed. , 151 may be stored and stored in a cassette storage device 200 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage device 200) that can simultaneously store a plurality of sheets.

  The storage device 200 is placed on the floor surface in the vicinity of the image reading devices 60 and 152 and an image forming device (not shown), and is opened to the side at the box-shaped main body portion 202 and the upper portion of the main body portion 202. The storage unit 204 can store a plurality of (for example, seven) cassettes 10 and 151 substantially in parallel.

  A plurality of storage grooves 206 extending in parallel from the opened portion toward the inside of the storage unit 204 are formed in the storage unit 204. The storage groove 206 is formed to have a width dimension D2 (D1≈D2) substantially equal to the thickness dimension D1 of the cassettes 10 and 151, and the cassettes 10 and 151 are stored along the storage grooves 206, respectively. At this time, the cassettes 10 and 151 are engaged with the storage grooves 206, so that the cassettes 10 and 151 are not displaced in the width direction (arrow E direction) of the cassette storage device 200 inside the storage unit 204. The adjacent cassettes 10 and 151 accommodated in the portion 204 do not contact each other.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the side surface of the storage groove 206 inside the storage unit 204 has a predetermined interval at a position facing one side of the cassette 10, 151 when the cassette 10, 151 is stored. A pair of spaced connection terminals (second contacts) 208a and 208b are formed, and the connection terminals 208a and 208b are connected to the power supply unit 210 provided inside the storage device 200 via the lead wires 36, respectively. ing.

  Further, terminals (first contacts) 212a and 212b (see FIG. 16) are provided on one side surface of the cassettes 10 and 151 at positions facing the connection terminals 208a and 208b of the storage device 200, respectively. Are connected to the heating element layers 42 and 154 of the stimulable phosphor sheets 11 and 150 (see FIGS. 6 and 13) provided inside the cassettes 10 and 151 via lead wires (not shown).

  That is, when the cassettes 10 and 151 are stored in the storage device 200, the terminals 212 a and 212 b provided on one side surface of the cassettes 10 and 151 come into contact with the connection terminals 208 a and 208 b provided on the side surface of the storage groove 206. As a result, the current from the power supply unit 210 is supplied to the heating element layers 42 and 154 of the cassettes 10 and 151 via the connection terminals 208a and 208b and the terminals 212a and 212b. Therefore, the cassettes 10 and 151 are stored in a state where the stimulable phosphor sheets 11 and 150 are heated to a predetermined temperature and kept warm by the heating element layers 42 and 154 even in a low temperature such as a winter season or a cold region. Is possible.

  Thereby, the stimulable phosphor sheets 11 and 150 are preliminarily heated and kept at a predetermined temperature inside the storage device 200, so that the phosphor layer 40 is suitably adhered to the support body 41 without being peeled off. It is held in the state. Accordingly, when the cassettes 10 and 151 stored in the storage device 200 are used by the image reading devices 60 and 152, etc., the cassettes 10 and 151 can be taken out from the storage device 200 and used immediately. It is possible to improve the work efficiency when performing the reading process of the radiation image information recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheets 11 and 150 by the image reading devices 60 and 152.

  Further, since it is not necessary to provide the power supply unit 38 for supplying current to the heating element layers 42 and 154 inside the cassettes 10 and 151, the cassettes 10 and 151 can be reduced in size and weight.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the heating element layers 42 and 154 that are heated by the current supplied from the power supply units 38, 164, and 210 are integrally provided in the stimulable phosphor sheets 11 and 150 has been described. The heating element layers 42 and 154 may be directly provided on the side surfaces of the casing 12 in the cassettes 10 and 151 without being limited thereto.

  By doing in this way, since it is not necessary to provide the heat generating body layers 42 and 154 with respect to the stimulable phosphor sheets 11 and 150, the conventional stimulable phosphor sheets 11 and 150 can be used as they are without changing the design. It becomes possible to do. Further, since the entire cassettes 10 and 151 are kept at a predetermined temperature by the heating element layers 42 and 154, the cassettes 10 and 151 are taken when the cassettes 10 and 151 of a subject such as a patient are brought into close contact with each other to take an image. The temperature difference between the temperature of the subject and the body temperature of the subject can be reduced, and the discomfort given to the subject can be reduced.

  Next, a stimulable phosphor sheet 253 and an image reading device 252 according to a third embodiment are shown in FIGS. The same components as those of the stimulable phosphor sheets 11 and 150 and the image reading devices 60 and 152 according to the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is provided. Is omitted.

  In the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 according to the third embodiment, a coil 254 is provided on one end side of the heating element layer 258 provided on the support 41.

  For example, the coil 254 is formed in a substantially flat shape by winding a copper wire (conductor) or the like a plurality of times, and is formed integrally with a sheet-like film 256. And the coil 254 is stuck on the side surface in which the heat generating body layer 258 of the support body 41 is provided through the film 256.

  One end of the coil 254 is connected to the first terminal 46 of the heating element layer 258, and the other end is connected to the second terminal 48 of the heating element layer 258.

  On the other hand, in the image reading apparatus 252 according to the third embodiment, the magnetic members 260 (for example, the guide plates 74a to 74c (74d to 74i) (see FIG. 19) to which the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 is conveyed are respectively provided. Permanent magnet) is provided. The magnetic member 260 is provided on the side surface of the guide plates 74a to 74c (74d to 74i) opposite to the side surface on which the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 is conveyed. Therefore, magnetic flux is formed by the magnetic member 260 in the vicinity of the guide plates 74a to 74c (74d to 74i) to which the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 is conveyed.

  With this configuration, in the third embodiment, when the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 is conveyed along the guide plates 74a to 74c (74d to 74i) of the image reading device 252, the guide plate 74a The stimulable phosphor sheet 253 is conveyed so as to traverse the magnetic flux formed by the magnetic member 260 provided at ˜74c (74d to 74i).

  Thereby, the magnetic flux changes under the conveying action of the stimulable phosphor sheet 253, and electromagnetic induction is generated in the coil 254 provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet 253, so that a current is generated in the coil 254. The current generated in the coil 254 is supplied from the first terminal 46 or the second terminal 48 of the heating element layer 258 to the heat wire 44, and the heating element layer 258 is heated and kept at a predetermined temperature. The phosphor sheet 253 can be suitably heated and kept warm.

  As described above, the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 is guided to the guide plates 74a to 74c (74d to 74i) by the coil 254 provided on the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 and the magnetic member 260 provided inside the image reading device 252. ), A current is generated in the coil 254 only when it is conveyed along the heat generating layer 258, and the current is supplied to the heating element layer 258. Therefore, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of electric power when the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 is not conveyed inside the image reading device 252, and electric power required when heating and keeping the heating element layer 258 is performed. Consumption can be suppressed.

  Further, since it is not necessary to provide the power supply units 38 and 164 for supplying current to the heating element layer 258 of the stimulable phosphor sheet 253 inside the image reading device 252 and the cassette (not shown), the cassette and the cassette The image reading device 252 can be reduced in size and weight.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the stimulable phosphor sheets 11, 11 a, 150, and 253 are composed of flexible flexible sheets, but the image reading devices 60, 60 a, When the conveyance paths in 152 and 252 can be configured in a straight line, a rigid panel formed by evaporating a columnar storage phosphor layer on a support substrate made of a hard material such as glass can be used.

It is a perspective view of a cassette concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially cutaway top view of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway enlarged perspective view in the vicinity of first and second connection terminals provided in the cassette of FIG. 1. It is a top view of the stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in the cassette of FIG. FIG. 5 is a partially omitted longitudinal sectional view of a cassette including the stimulable phosphor sheet of FIG. 4. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of the image reader which reads the radiographic image information of the stimulable fluorescent substance sheet accommodated in the inside of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of an image reading apparatus in which the warmed and heat-storable stimulable phosphor sheet can be automatically taken out from a cassette and displaced to be conveyed. It is. FIG. 6 is a partially omitted vertical sectional view showing a first modification of the cassette of FIG. 1. It is a partially cutaway enlarged perspective view showing a second modification of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 10 is a partially omitted vertical sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 9. It is a partially-omission longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the 3rd modification of the cassette of FIG. It is a top view of the stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in the cassette according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of the image reader which reads the radiographic image information of the stimulable fluorescent substance sheet accommodated in the inside of the cassette of FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a guide plate and a stimulable phosphor sheet in the image reading apparatus of FIG. 13. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a guide plate and a stimulable phosphor sheet of the image reading apparatus in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cassette storage device that stores the cassette shown in FIGS. 1 and 13. It is a cross-sectional view of the cassette storage device of FIG. It is a top view of the storage fluorescent substance sheet accommodated in the cassette concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the guide plate when the stimulable phosphor sheet of FIG. 18 is conveyed inside the image reading apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10a, 100, 110, 120, 151 ... cassette 11, 11a, 150, 253 ... stimulable phosphor sheet 12, 12a-12d ... casing 14, 14a ... lid 16 ... light shielding plate 20 ... locking means 28 ... Openings 32, 32a, 32b ... first connection terminals 34, 34a, 34b ... second connection terminals 38, 164, 210 ... power supply section 40 ... phosphor layer 41 ... support bodies 42, 42a, 154, 258 ... heating element layer 44, 160 ... hot wire 46, 46a ... first terminal 48, 48a ... second terminal 60, 60a, 152, 252 ... image reading device 64 ... cassette loading port 72a-72h ... transport rollers 74a-74i ... guide plate 76 ... transport Mechanism 78 ... Scanning unit 86 ... Reading unit 92 ... Erasing unit 96 ... Detectors 106, 128 ... Electrode plates 114a, 114b, 208a, 208b ... connecting terminal 156 ... first terminal band 158 ... second terminal bands 162a, 162b, 108, 130 ... electrode 200 ... cassette storage device 204 ... storage part 206 ... storage groove 212a, 212b ... terminal 260 ... magnetic member

Claims (14)

A sheet-like stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiation image information of a subject is recorded,
The stimulable phosphor sheet includes a phosphor layer in which the radiation image information is recorded,
A support on which the phosphor layer is held;
A heating element that is provided on the support and raises temperature when supplied with current;
A stimulable phosphor sheet characterized by comprising: The stimulable phosphor sheet according to claim 1, wherein
The heat-generating body is provided with terminal portions at both ends of a heat wire disposed on the heat-generating body, and a current is supplied to the terminal portions from a power supply section. . The stimulable phosphor sheet according to claim 1, wherein
The storage phosphor sheet, wherein the support is provided with a coil around which a conductor is wound, and the coil is connected to the heating element. A cassette containing a sheet-like stimulable phosphor sheet on which radiographic image information of a subject is recorded,
A housing for storing the stimulable phosphor sheet;
A lid provided to be openable and closable with respect to the housing;
A heating element that is provided on any one of the housing, the lid, or the stimulable phosphor sheet, and that is heated by supplying an electric current;
A cassette characterized by comprising. The cassette according to claim 4,
A pair of terminal portions is formed on the heating element, and a power source is provided at a position facing the terminal portion of the housing or lid when the stimulable phosphor sheet is accommodated in the housing. A cassette having a connection terminal connected to the section. The cassette according to claim 4,
The cassette is characterized in that the heating element is provided on either the casing or the lid. In an image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information of a subject recorded on a stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in a cassette,
A reading mechanism that reads the radiation image information by irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet with excitation light in a main scanning direction;
A sub-scanning conveyance mechanism for conveying the stimulable phosphor sheet in a sub-scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction;
A guide mechanism for guiding the stimulable phosphor sheet transported by the sub-scan transport mechanism;
Current supply means for supplying a current to the stimulable phosphor sheet conveyed along the guide mechanism, and for heating the heating element provided in the stimulable phosphor sheet;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The apparatus of claim 7.
The current supply means includes a set of electrodes provided on a guide surface for guiding the stimulable phosphor sheet conveyed along the guide mechanism, and the set of electrodes is connected to a power supply unit, An image reading apparatus, wherein when the stimulable phosphor sheet is conveyed, it contacts a terminal portion of a heating element of the stimulable phosphor sheet provided at a position facing the electrode. The apparatus of claim 7.
The current supply means is composed of a magnetic member provided along the guide mechanism, and a stimulable phosphor sheet having a coil connected to the heating element and wound with a conductor is provided along the guide mechanism. An image reading apparatus transported. The apparatus of claim 7.
An image reading apparatus, wherein the cassette is provided with a heating element that is provided on at least one of a casing or a lid of the cassette and raises a temperature when supplied with an electric current. In an image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information of a subject recorded on a stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in a cassette,
A reading mechanism that reads the radiation image information by irradiating the stimulable phosphor sheet with excitation light in a main scanning direction;
A sub-scanning conveyance mechanism for conveying the stimulable phosphor sheet in a sub-scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction;
A loading section in which the cassette including a heating element that heats up under the action of supplying current is loaded;
With
The heating element is provided in the cassette or the stimulable phosphor sheet, and is provided in the image reading device and a first contact connected to the heating element when the cassette is loaded in the loading unit. An image reading apparatus characterized in that a second contact point connected to the power supply unit is provided so as to be freely contactable. In a cassette storage device capable of storing a cassette in which a stimulable phosphor sheet in which radiographic image information of a subject is recorded is stored,
The cassette storage device is formed with a storage portion for storing the cassette,
A second contact is formed in the storage portion at a position opposite to the first contact connected to the heating element provided in the cassette or the stimulable phosphor sheet, and the second contact is connected to the power supply unit. A cassette storage device characterized by being made. The apparatus of claim 12.
The cassette housing apparatus, wherein the heating element is provided on a support of a stimulable phosphor sheet accommodated in the cassette. The apparatus of claim 12.
The cassette housing apparatus, wherein the heating element is provided on a side surface of the cassette.

Images