JP2008268837A - Image reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading device which uniformly and efficiently performs disinfection. <P>SOLUTION: The image reading device includes at least a disinfection unit that administers a disinfection treatment to either an imaging medium such as a radiation image conversion panel or a protective member that protects at least an imaging surface of the imaging medium. The system of disinfection of the radiation image conversion panel is a disinfection treatment by the disinfection unit that is preferably at least one of heat treatment, ultraviolet ray irradiation treatment, chemical coating and gas treatment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads a radiographic image carried by an imaging medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, medical personnel have become more interested in countermeasures against infectious diseases, and an image reading apparatus that disinfects imaging media such as a radiation panel has been desired. In particular, since a radiation image conversion panel or radiation image conversion film for dental use is handled in the mouth, there is a possibility that bodily fluids such as a patient's saliva may adhere, and the demand is strong.

  As a sterilization apparatus used for medical instruments, an apparatus for sterilization using high-temperature oil has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). However, this apparatus not only has a safety problem in that oil is used, but the configuration of the apparatus is not suitable for disinfecting a radiation image conversion panel that is easily deformed.

  Therefore, in practice, disinfection is performed by wiping with alcohol such as ethanol. For this reason, there are problems that disinfection is not uniform and is not completely performed, or that the disinfection is performed manually one by one, resulting in inefficiency.

JP 2005-131359 A

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus including a disinfection unit that can uniformly and efficiently disinfect a photographing medium and a protective member that covers at least a photographing surface of the photographing medium.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, a disinfection unit that performs disinfection processing on a photographing medium that carries a radiographic image or a protective member that covers at least a photographing surface of the photographing medium, and after the disinfection processing by the disinfection unit or And an image reading unit that reads a radiographic image carried on the imaging medium.

  According to the image reading apparatus of claim 1, uniform and efficient disinfection processing is performed on the imaging medium that reads the radiographic image by the image reading unit and the protective member that covers at least the imaging surface of the imaging medium. be able to.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 2 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection processing by the disinfecting means is at least one of heat treatment, ultraviolet irradiation treatment, chemical coating treatment, and gas treatment. It is characterized by being.

  The image reading apparatus according to claim 3 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging medium is a radiation image conversion panel, the disinfection treatment by the disinfection means is a heat treatment, and the heat treatment is performed. The radiation image conversion panel is heated at 60 ° C. to 200 ° C. for 1 second to 10 minutes.

  The image reading device according to claim 4 is the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the imaging medium is a radiation image conversion panel, and the radiation image conversion panel. Has a protective layer, and the heat shrinkage rate (JISC2151, 150 ° C., 30 minutes) of the protective layer is 1% or less.

  The image reading device according to claim 5 is the image reading device according to claim 4, wherein the protective layer of the radiation image conversion panel is at least 60 ° C. before or at the time of formation. A heat treatment is performed.

  The image reading device according to claim 6 is the image reading device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the disinfection process by the disinfecting unit is a heat treatment, and the disinfecting unit is temperature-controlled. Means are provided.

  An image reading apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the disinfection treatment by the disinfection means is a heat treatment, and the heat treatment includes an infrared heater and It is a heat treatment by at least one of the far infrared heaters.

An image reading apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the disinfection process by the disinfecting means is an ultraviolet irradiation process, and an ultraviolet irradiation energy in the ultraviolet irradiation process is 0.04 J. / Cm ² or more.

  According to the image reading device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, as in the case of claim 1, with respect to an imaging medium that reads a radiographic image by an image reading unit, and a protective member that covers at least the imaging surface of the imaging medium. Uniform and efficient disinfection treatment can be performed.

  The image reading device according to claim 9 is the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the image reading medium is inserted from the insertion portion and the insertion portion. Conveying means for conveying the imaging medium; and afterimage erasing means for erasing an afterimage of the radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium after the radiographic image is read by the image reading means; A discharge unit that discharges the imaging medium from which the afterimage has been erased by the afterimage erasing unit, the disinfecting unit disinfects the imaging medium inserted from the insertion unit, and the image reading unit includes: The radiographic image carried on the imaging medium is read from the imaging medium sterilized by the disinfecting means.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the imaging medium carrying the radiographic image is inserted from the insertion portion and conveyed by the conveying means. The imaging medium is first sterilized by the disinfecting unit, then the radiographic image is read by the image reading unit, and the afterimage of the radiographic image is erased by the afterimage erasing unit, and then discharged from the discharge unit.

  As a result, the area downstream in the transport direction from the disinfecting means in the image reading apparatus can be a clean area through which the sterilized imaging medium passes. In addition, it is not necessary to disinfect the photographing medium by an operator before inserting the photographing medium into the image reading apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the image reading apparatus and reduce the burden on the operator.

  An image reading apparatus according to a tenth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the discharge section is different from the insertion section.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the tenth aspect, by disposing the discharge portion different from the insertion portion, the sterilized imaging medium can be discharged out of the device without passing through the disinfection means again. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of bacteria to the discharged imaging medium.

  An image reading apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the image reading apparatus according to the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein at least the image reading means and the afterimage erasing means are accommodated, and the disinfection means is free. It has the apparatus housing | casing attached to or detached from.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the disinfecting means is freely attached to and detached from the apparatus housing that houses the image reading means and the afterimage erasing means. This makes it possible to add a function for disinfecting the imaging medium to an existing image reading apparatus that does not include a disinfecting unit.

  An image reading apparatus according to a twelfth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, wherein the insertion portion is configured to insert the protection member together with the photographing medium. And a protective member removing unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the insertion portion and on the upstream side in the transport direction from the disinfecting unit, and removes the protective member from the imaging medium. .

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, at least the protective member that covers the photographing surface of the photographing medium is inserted from the insertion portion together with the photographing medium, and is removed from the photographing medium by the protective member removing unit. This eliminates the need to remove the protective member from the imaging medium, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the photographing medium can be inserted into the image reading device in a state where the photographing surface is protected by the protective member, the photographing surface of the photographing medium can be further prevented from being damaged.

  An image reading apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects, wherein the protective member is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the afterimage erasing unit. And a protective member attaching means for attaching the image sensor to the imaging medium.

  In the image reading apparatus according to claim 13, after the radiographic image carried on the imaging medium is erased by the afterimage erasing means, the protective member is attached to the imaging medium by the protection member attaching means, and the imaging surface of the imaging medium is Covered by a protective member.

  This eliminates the need for attaching the protective member to the photographic medium discharged from the image reading apparatus, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the photographing medium is ejected from the image reading apparatus in a state where the photographing surface is protected by the protection member, the contamination of the photographing surface of the photographing medium can be further suppressed.

  An image reading apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, which is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the protective member attaching means, and prevents dirt from adhering to the photographing medium. The anti-smudge pack includes pack enclosing means for enclosing the imaging medium.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the photographing medium having the protection member attached by the protection member attachment means is enclosed in the antifouling pack by the pack enclosure means.

  This eliminates the need to enclose the photographing medium discharged from the image reading device in the anti-stain pack, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the photographing medium to which the protective member is attached is discharged from the image reading apparatus in a state of being enclosed in the antifouling pack, not only the photographing medium but also the protective member can be prevented from being damaged.

  An image reading apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects, in which a disinfection chamber that houses the disinfecting unit and the image reading unit are housed. The image processing chamber includes a partition member that partitions the inside of the apparatus, and a chamber pressure holding unit that holds a chamber pressure of the image processing chamber higher than a chamber pressure of the disinfection chamber.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the inside of the apparatus is partitioned by a partition member into a disinfection chamber that houses the disinfection means and an image processing chamber that houses the image reading means. Here, the chamber pressure in the image processing chamber is maintained at a pressure higher than the chamber pressure in the disinfection chamber by the chamber pressure holding means.

  Thereby, the inflow of bacteria from the sterilization chamber to the image processing chamber can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria in the image processing chamber can be suppressed.

  An image reading apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein an insertion portion into which the photographing medium is inserted and an insertion portion to be inserted. A conveying unit that conveys the imaging medium; an afterimage erasing unit that is disposed downstream of the image reading unit in the conveying direction and erases an afterimage of a radiographic image carried on the imaging medium; A discharge unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the disinfecting unit and discharges the imaging medium, and is different from the insertion unit, and the image reading unit is downstream in the transport direction from the insertion unit. The disinfecting means is arranged downstream in the transport direction from the image reading means.

  In the image reading device according to the sixteenth aspect, the imaging medium carrying the radiographic image is inserted from the insertion portion and conveyed by the conveying means. The radiographic image is first read from the radiographic image by the image reading means, then the afterimage of the radiographic image is erased by the afterimage erasing means, and sterilized by the sterilization means, and then from a discharge section different from the insertion section. Discharged.

  That is, since the radiographic image is read by the image reading unit before the radiographic image is sterilized by the disinfecting unit, it is necessary to read the radiographic image after the imaging medium is inserted into the image reading apparatus. Longer time can be suppressed. Further, since the operator does not need to disinfect the photographic medium, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  An image reading apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the disinfection process by the disinfection unit is performed during the afterimage deletion process by the afterimage deletion unit.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, since the disinfection process by the disinfection unit is performed during the afterimage deletion by the afterimage deletion unit, the time required until the photographing medium is discharged can be shortened.

  An image reading apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, wherein the afterimage erasing unit is integrated with the disinfecting unit.

  In the image reading apparatus according to claim 18, by integrating the afterimage erasing means and the disinfecting means, the space occupied by the afterimage erasing means and the disinfecting means can be reduced, and the image reading apparatus can be downsized. .

  An image reading apparatus according to a nineteenth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, wherein at least the image reading unit is accommodated, and the disinfection unit is free. It has a device housing to be attached and detached.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, the disinfecting means is freely attached to and detached from the apparatus housing that houses the image reading means. This makes it possible to add a function for disinfecting the imaging medium to an existing image reading apparatus that does not include a disinfecting unit.

  The image reading device according to claim 20 is the image reading device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the insertion portion is configured to insert the protection member together with the imaging medium. And a protective member removing unit that is disposed downstream of the insertion unit in the conveying direction and upstream of the image reading unit and that removes the protective member from the imaging medium. To do.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twentieth aspect, the protective member covering at least the photographing surface of the photographing medium is inserted from the insertion portion together with the photographing medium, and is removed from the photographing medium by the protective member removing unit. This eliminates the need to remove the protective member from the imaging medium, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. In addition, since the photographing medium can be inserted into the image reading device with the photographing surface protected by the protection member, the photographing surface of the photographing medium can be prevented from being damaged.

  An image reading apparatus according to a twenty-first aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the sixteenth to twentieth aspects, wherein the image reading apparatus is disposed downstream of the afterimage erasing unit and the disinfecting unit in a conveying direction. And a protective member attaching means for attaching the protective member to the photographing medium.

  In the image reading apparatus according to claim 21, after the afterimage of the radiographic image is erased from the photographing medium by the afterimage erasing unit and the photographing medium is sterilized by the disinfecting unit, the protective member is photographed by the protective member attaching unit. It is attached to the medium, and the photographing surface of the photographing medium is covered with a protective member.

  This eliminates the need for attaching the protective member to the photographic medium discharged from the image reading apparatus, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the photographing medium is discharged from the image reading apparatus in a state where the photographing surface is protected by the protection member, it is possible to suppress the contamination of the photographing surface of the photographing medium.

  An image reading apparatus according to a twenty-second aspect is the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-first aspect, wherein the image reading apparatus is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the protective member mounting means, and prevents the imaging medium from being contaminated. The anti-smudge pack includes pack enclosing means for enclosing the imaging medium.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-second aspect, the photographing medium having the protection member attached by the protection member attachment means is enclosed in the antifouling pack by the pack enclosure means.

  This eliminates the need to enclose the photographing medium discharged from the image reading device in the anti-stain pack, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the photographing medium to which the protective member is attached is discharged from the image reading apparatus in a state of being enclosed in the antifouling pack, not only the photographing medium but also the protective member can be prevented from being damaged.

  An image reading apparatus according to a twenty-third aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein an insertion portion into which the photographing medium is inserted and an insertion portion to be inserted. The imaging medium is carried from the conveyance means for conveying the imaging medium, the cleaning means for cleaning the imaging medium inserted from the insertion unit, and the radiographic image read by the image reading means. An afterimage erasing unit that erases an afterimage of the radiographic image that has been performed, and a discharge unit that ejects the imaging medium from which the afterimage has been erased by the afterimage erasing unit, wherein the image reading unit includes the cleaning unit A radiographic image carried on the imaging medium is read from the imaging medium disinfected by the above.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect, the imaging medium carrying the radiographic image is inserted from the insertion portion and conveyed by the conveying means. The imaging medium is first cleaned by the cleaning unit, then the radiographic image is read by the image reading unit, and the afterimage of the radiographic image is erased by the afterimage erasing unit.

  Thereby, the radiographic image can be read from the cleaned imaging medium by the image reading means. In addition, the cleaning operation by the operator of the photographing medium before being inserted into the image reading apparatus becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reading performance of the radiographic image carried on the imaging medium and reduce the burden on the operator.

  The image reading device according to claim 24 is the image reading device according to claim 23, wherein the insertion portion is configured to be able to insert the protection member together with the imaging medium, from the insertion portion. And a protective member removing unit that removes the protective member from the imaging medium that has been inserted and has not been cleaned by the cleaning unit.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the protective member covering at least the photographing surface of the photographing medium is inserted from the insertion portion together with the photographing medium, and is removed from the photographing medium by the protective member removing unit. This eliminates the need to remove the protective member from the imaging medium, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the photographing medium can be inserted into the image reading device in a state where the photographing surface is protected by the protective member, the photographing surface of the photographing medium can be further prevented from being damaged.

  The image reading device according to claim 25 is the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the imaging surface of the imaging medium is protected by at least the protective member. An insertion section to be inserted; a transport means for transporting the imaging medium inserted from the insertion section; a cleaning means for cleaning the protection member inserted from the insertion section; and the protection cleaned by the cleaning means Protective member removing means for removing the member from the imaging medium, and an afterimage erasing means for erasing an afterimage of the radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium from which the radiographic image has been read by the image reading means And the image reading unit reads a radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium from which the protective member has been removed by the protective member removing unit. And wherein the door.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the imaging medium carrying the radiographic image is inserted from the insertion portion and conveyed by the conveying means with at least the imaging surface protected by the protective member. After the imaging medium is inserted, the protective member is first cleaned by the cleaning unit, and then the protective member is removed from the imaging medium by the protective member removing unit. Thereafter, the radiographic image is read from the imaging medium by the image reading unit, and the afterimage of the radiographic image is erased from the imaging medium by the afterimage erasing unit.

  Thereby, when the protective member is removed from the photographing medium by the protective member removing means, it is possible to suppress the attachment of the filth such as saliva and blood attached to the protective member to the photographing surface of the photographing medium. Further, the cleaning work by the operator of the protective member attached to the photographing medium is not necessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reading performance of the radiographic image carried on the imaging medium and reduce the burden on the operator.

  An image reading apparatus according to a twenty-sixth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the twenty-third to twenty-fifth aspects, wherein the discharge section is different from the insertion section.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-sixth aspect, by changing the discharge portion from the insertion portion, it is possible to discharge the cleaned photographing medium to the outside of the apparatus without passing the cleaning means again. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the attachment of filth to the discharged photographic medium.

  An image reading apparatus according to a twenty-seventh aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the twenty-third to twenty-sixth aspects, wherein at least the image reading unit and the image erasing unit are accommodated, and the cleaning is performed. The apparatus has a device housing to which the means can be freely attached and detached.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the cleaning means is freely attached to and detached from the apparatus housing that houses the image reading means and the image erasing means. As a result, it is possible to add a function of cleaning the photographic medium to an existing image reading apparatus that does not include a cleaning unit.

  An image reading apparatus according to a twenty-eighth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the twenty-third to twenty-seventh aspects, wherein the disinfecting means is disposed downstream in the transport direction from the cleaning means. It is characterized by.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-eighth aspect, after the photographing medium is washed by the cleaning means, the photographing medium is sterilized by the sterilizing means. This eliminates the need for the operator to disinfect the photographic medium discharged from the image reading apparatus, thereby reducing the burden on the operator.

  An image reading apparatus according to a twenty-ninth aspect is the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-eighth aspect, provided on the downstream side in the transport direction from the disinfecting means, and protecting member attaching means for attaching the protecting member to the imaging medium. It is characterized by having.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the twenty-ninth aspect, after the photographing medium is sterilized by the disinfecting means, the protective member is attached to the photographing medium by the protective member attaching means, and the photographing surface of the photographing medium is covered by the protective member.

  This eliminates the need for attaching the protective member to the photographic medium ejected from the image reading apparatus, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the photographing medium is ejected from the image reading apparatus in a state where the photographing surface is protected by the protection member, the contamination of the photographing surface of the photographing medium can be further suppressed.

  The image reading device according to a thirty-third aspect is the image reading device according to the thirty-ninth aspect, and is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the protective member attaching means, and prevents the contamination of the photographing medium. The anti-smudge pack includes pack enclosing means for enclosing the imaging medium.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the thirty-third aspect, the photographing medium having the protection member attached by the protection member attachment means is enclosed in the pollution prevention pack by the pack enclosure means.

  This eliminates the need to enclose the photographic medium discharged from the image reading device in the contamination pack, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the photographing medium to which the protection member is attached is discharged from the image reading apparatus in a state of being enclosed in the contamination pack, not only the photographing medium but also the protection member can be prevented from being damaged.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an image reading apparatus provided with the disinfection means which can disinfect the imaging | photography medium and the protective member which covers at least the imaging | photography surface of the said imaging | photography medium uniformly and efficiently can be provided.

  The image reading apparatus of the present invention includes at least one of a radiation image conversion panel, a radiation image conversion film, and a light shielding bag (protective member) that can contain the radiation image conversion panel (imaging medium) or the radiation image conversion film (these members). Are collectively referred to as “to be disinfected”).

  The disinfection treatment by the disinfecting means is preferably at least one of heat treatment, ultraviolet irradiation treatment, chemical coating treatment, and gas treatment, and more preferably heat treatment or ultraviolet irradiation treatment from a practical viewpoint. When the disinfection treatment is a heat treatment, the heat treatment temperature is preferably 60 ° C to 200 ° C, more preferably 90 to 120 ° C. The heat treatment time is preferably 1 second to 10 minutes, more preferably 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

  For example, in order to kill Clostridium botulinum by heat treatment, heating at 120 ° C. for about 30 minutes may be performed.

  When disinfecting by heat treatment, it is preferable that the disinfecting means includes a temperature control means. A normal temperature control device can be used as the temperature control means. By providing the temperature control means, the object to be disinfected can be set to be in the above temperature range.

  The heating means is not particularly limited, such as means for supplying hot air to the radiation image conversion panel, means using an infrared heater and a far infrared heater, but at least one of an infrared heater and a far infrared heater from the viewpoint of temperature controllability and safety. It is preferable that the heat treatment is carried out. The electric power when using the infrared heater and the far infrared heater is preferably 50 to 1000 W. As another means of the heat treatment, a microwave means can be used. The frequency at this time preferably includes at least a range of 300 MHz to 30 GHz. The microwave means is high in safety, has a high heating rate, and has high heating efficiency. Even a complicated shape can be heated uniformly, and there is an advantage that operation and control are easy.

  Moreover, the ultraviolet irradiation means as a disinfection process is a means to irradiate the item to be disinfected with ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet lamp. However, if the ultraviolet ray is irradiated too much, the phosphor layer may be exposed to light, so the irradiation time needs to be adjusted appropriately. The ultraviolet irradiation means has an advantage that it is easy to operate, can keep the work environment clean, and has high safety.

The irradiation energy of ultraviolet rays in the disinfection treatment is preferably 0.04 J / cm ² or more. Further, it preferably contains at least ultraviolet rays having a wavelength in the range of 250 to 280 nm. In particular, a wavelength of 254 nm, which has the strongest sterilizing power and is called a sterilizing line, is preferable. Furthermore, in consideration of preventing fogging with ultraviolet light during erasure, it is preferable to perform the erasure process of the radiation image information by the erasure unit 39 after the sterilization process.

  As a first aspect of the chemical application process which is another means of the disinfection means, there is a process of providing an immersion tank filled with a chemical and immersing an object to be disinfected in the immersion tank. In the case of dipping treatment, the dipping time is preferably about 1 to 600 seconds, and dipping may be appropriately performed a plurality of times. In addition to the dipping process, a chemical spraying means may be employed. Examples of the chemical include alcohols such as ethanol; aldehydes such as glutaraldehyde; chlorine peracetate and the like.

  Moreover, as a 2nd aspect of a chemical | medical agent application | coating process, the process which makes a disinfectant pass between a pair of rolls infiltrated with the said chemical | drug | medicine and applies a chemical | medical agent is mentioned. A plurality of the pair of rolls may be arranged continuously or intermittently.

  When disinfecting with gas (gas treatment), a gas such as ethylene oxide or ozone may be sprayed on the object to be disinfected. Ethylene oxide can be treated at a temperature near room temperature. Since ozone has a strong oxidizing power, it exhibits excellent effects on sterilization and decomposition of organic substances.

  Examples of other means include radiation irradiation means. The means is a means for irradiating an object to be disinfected with radiation such as electromagnetic waves or electromagnetic rays having a wavelength shorter than the ultraviolet region such as γ rays and X rays. This means is particularly effective when heat disinfection is difficult.

  The disinfection system of the present invention preferably includes an image reading means for reading an image of a radiation image conversion panel or a radiation image conversion film. The provision of the image reading means has an advantage that the disinfection process and the image reading process can be realized by one system.

  From the viewpoint of protecting the phosphor layer, a protective layer may be formed on the radiation image conversion panel or the radiation image conversion film. When the radiation image conversion panel on which the protective layer is formed is subjected to a disinfection treatment by heating, depending on the material, deformation may occur and a defect may occur. Therefore, when performing the disinfection process by heating, it is preferable that the thermal contraction rate (JISC2151, 150 degreeC30 minutes) of the said protective layer is 1% or less, and it is more preferable that it is 0.01 to 0.8%. When the heat shrinkage rate is 1% or less, deformation due to heat shrinkage can be prevented.

  The protective layer of the radiation image conversion panel or the radiation image conversion film is preferably subjected to a heat treatment at 60 ° C. or higher before and / or during its formation. By performing such a heat treatment, even when a disinfection treatment by heating is performed, deformation due to the heating can be prevented.

  Here, the radiation image conversion film is a film of an aspect that is generally about 3 cm × 4 cm and can be used for dental intraoral X-ray photography. The light shielding bag capable of enclosing the radiation image conversion film is a light shielding bag having an envelope shape that can be sealed with a double-sided tape or the like after being encapsulated in the same size as the radiation image converting film to be included. Examples of these include the embodiments described in JP-A No. 64-49032 and the embodiments described in FIGS.

  Next, a first embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image reading apparatus 10 includes a cassette loading unit 14 at an upper portion of a casing 12, and an image recording medium in which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded in a loading port 15 formed in the cassette loading unit 14, for example, a radiation image. A cassette 18a (18b, 18c) containing the conversion panel 16a (16b, 16c) is loaded. In the case of a radiation image conversion panel used for dentistry, the cassette may not be used. Specifically, the radiation image conversion panel stored in a predetermined bag is taken out and various processes are performed.

  The cassette 18b is smaller in width than the cassette 18a, and the cassette 18c is smaller in width than the cassette 18b. The radiation image conversion panel 16b accommodated in the cassette 18b is smaller in width than the radiation image conversion panel 16a accommodated in the cassette 18a, and the radiation image conversion panel 16c accommodated in the cassette 18c is accommodated in the cassette 18b. The width size is smaller than the radiation image conversion panel 16b.

  In the following description, the cassette 18a and the radiation image conversion panel 16a are used, but the same applies to the cassettes 18b and 18c and the radiation image conversion panels 16b and 16c.

  The cassette 18a includes a main body 20 that houses the radiation image conversion panel 16a, and a lid member 24 that forms an opening for allowing the radiation image conversion panel 16a to be taken in and out.

  An unlocking mechanism 27 for unlocking the lid member 24 of the cassette 18a and a radiation image conversion panel from the cassette 18a with the lid member 24 opened are disposed at a position close to the loading port 15 inside the image reading apparatus 10. An adsorption board 30 that adsorbs and takes out 16a, and a roller pair 32 that sandwiches and conveys the radiation image conversion panel 16a taken out by the adsorption board 30 are disposed. The lock release mechanism 27 has a lock release pin 29 that is inserted into the cassette 18a to release a cassette lock means (not shown).

  A plurality of conveyance roller pairs 34 a to 34 h and a plurality of guide plates 36 a to 36 i are arranged in series with the roller pair 32, and a curved conveyance path 38 is configured by these.

  A scanning unit 40 that guides the laser beam L, which is excitation light, and scans the radiation image conversion panel 16a is disposed at a substantially central portion of the image reading apparatus 10. The scanning unit 40 reflects the laser beam L by reflecting a laser oscillator 42 that outputs the laser beam L, a polygon mirror 44 that is a rotating polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam L in the main scanning direction of the radiation image conversion panel 16a, and a guide. And a reflection mirror 46 that leads to the radiation image conversion panel 16a that passes over the plate 36e.

  A reading unit 48 is disposed between the conveyance roller pair 34 e and the scanning unit 40. The reading unit 48 is connected at one end to the radiation image conversion panel 16a on the guide plate 36e in the vicinity of the radiation image conversion panel 16a, and to the other end of the light collection guide 50, and from the radiation image conversion panel 16a. A photomultiplier 52 for converting the obtained photostimulated luminescence light into an electrical signal.

  A disinfecting means 60 is provided between the transport roller pair 34e and 34h. Here, the radiation image conversion panel subjected to the disinfection process is transported to the outlet 71 and taken out.

  The image reading apparatus provided with the disinfecting means 60 operates as described below. First, the cassette 18 a that houses the radiation image conversion panel 16 a on which the radiation image information is recorded is supplied to the image reading device 10. The cassette 18 a is loaded into the loading port 15 of the cassette loading unit 14 with the lid member 24 facing downward. The lid member 24 is unlocked via the lock release mechanism 27.

  Between the roller pair 34h and the outlet 71, an erasing unit 39 for erasing radiation image information remaining on the radiation image conversion panel 16a that has been read is disposed. The erasing unit 39 has an erasing light source 41 such as a cold cathode tube that outputs erasing light.

  Next, the radiation image conversion panel 16 a in the cassette 18 a is taken out from the cassette 18 a under the suction action of the suction plate 30. At substantially the same time that the tip of the radiation image conversion panel 16a taken out from the cassette 18a is sandwiched between the roller pair 32, the suction holding of the radiation image conversion panel 16a by the suction disk 30 is released.

  As a result, the radiation image conversion panel 16a is conveyed vertically downward under the rotating action of the roller pair 32. The radiation image conversion panel 16a is conveyed by a curved conveyance path 38 including conveyance roller pairs 34a to 34h and guide plates 36a to 36i.

  When the radiation image conversion panel 16a is conveyed to the width adjusting device 54 by synchronously driving the conveyance roller pairs 34b and 34c, the holding of the radiation image conversion panel 16a by the conveyance roller pairs 34b and 34c is released. Is done.

  The radiation image conversion panel 16a that has been subjected to the width adjustment process as described above is sub-scanned and conveyed between the pair of conveyance rollers 34d and 34e, and the laser beam L emitted from the scanning unit 40 is orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction. The radiation image conversion panel 16a is scanned in the scanning direction. That is, the laser beam L output from the laser oscillator 42 is reflected and deflected by the polygon mirror 44 that rotates at high speed, and then guided to the radiation image conversion panel 16 a via the reflection mirror 46.

  On the other hand, the radiation image conversion panel 16a irradiated with the laser beam L outputs stimulated emission light according to the stored and recorded radiation image information. This stimulated emission light is guided to a photomultiplier 52 that constitutes the reading unit 48 via a light collecting guide 50 that is arranged close to the main scanning direction of the radiation image conversion panel 16a.

  In this way, the radiation image conversion panel 16a from which the radiation image information has been read is sterilized by the sterilizing means and conveyed to the conveying roller pair 34h side. Thereafter, the erasing unit 39 drives and controls the erasing light source 41 and performs erasing processing of the radiation image information remaining on the radiation image conversion panel 16a with the erasing light output from the erasing light source 41. As a method for erasing the residual radiation image, the description in JP-A-11-352615 can also be referred to.

  The radiation image conversion panel 16a is conveyed to the outlet 71 and taken out. In the case where the disinfection means is a heat treatment means and the temperature is controlled by the temperature control means, the surface temperature measurement method for the temperature control is preferably performed by bringing a thermocouple into contact with the radiation image conversion panel.

  The taken-out disinfected radiation image conversion panel 16a is used for imaging the next radiation image information.

  Other than the above, other aspects of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention include the following.

(1) As a first aspect, a radiation panel or a radiation image conversion film that has been photographed is enclosed in a light shielding bag and sealed, and in this state, transported to a disinfecting unit of an image reading device, Here, the disinfection process is performed. Specifically, the light shielding bag is transported to the disinfection processing unit by the transport roller, and here, the ultraviolet light is irradiated from the ultraviolet light source to perform the disinfection processing. Thereafter, the light shielding bag is conveyed to the light shielding bag opening by the roller. While holding one end of the light shielding bag by the pressing member, the multiple ends of the light shielding bag are opened by an opening means such as a cutter, and the radiation panel or the radiation image conversion film is taken out from the inside and appropriately conveyed to the image reading unit. On the other hand, the light shielding bag from which the radiation panel or the radiation image conversion film is taken out is appropriately discarded.

  According to this aspect, disinfection can be performed in a sealed state, and adhesion of body fluids, bacteria, and the like to the radiation panel or radiation film can be prevented when the light shielding bag is opened. The sterilization process by the sterilization means may be a heat treatment, a chemical application process, or a gas sterilization process as described above (the same applies to the modes described later).

(2) As a second aspect, the radiation image conversion film before photographing is enclosed in a light shielding bag and sealed, and in this state, transported to the disinfection means of the image reading apparatus, In this embodiment, the disinfection process is performed. Specifically, the light-shielding bag is transported to the disinfection processing unit by the transport roller, where heat treatment (disinfection processing) is performed by a heater. Thereafter, the light shielding bag is discharged. According to this aspect, since the light-shielding bag has been sterilized in the sealed state, it can be loaded directly into the patient's oral cavity or body.

(3) As a third aspect, the radiation image conversion panel or the radiation image conversion film on which the image has been taken is transported to the disinfection means of the image reading apparatus, where a disinfection process is performed. Specifically, the radiation image conversion film is transported to a disinfection processing unit by a transport roller, where the radiation image conversion film is passed between the nips of a pair of sponge rolls soaked with the chemical, and the chemical is converted into the radiation image conversion film. Apply and disinfect. Thereafter, the image is appropriately conveyed to an image reading unit. According to this aspect, since it is possible to disinfect body fluids, bacteria, and the like attached when taking out from the light shielding bag, infection of the radiation image conversion panel or the radiation image conversion film can be prevented.

(4) The fourth aspect will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG.

  2 is an external view of the image reading apparatus 110 common to the fourth to sixth aspects, and FIG. 3 illustrates an internal configuration diagram thereof.

  In FIG. 2, the image reading apparatus 110 includes a cassette loading unit 114 on an upper portion of a casing 112, and a radiation image conversion panel in which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded in a loading port 115 formed in the cassette loading unit 114. Is loaded with a cassette 118 (118a). The cassette 118a is smaller in size than the cassette 118.

  The radiation image conversion panel accumulates part of the radiation energy when irradiated with radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.), and later, such as laser light or visible light. A panel having a stimulable phosphor layer that exhibits stimulated luminescence according to the energy accumulated by irradiating excitation light, and the energy remaining by irradiating erase light including light in the excitation light wavelength region of the phosphor Can be erased and reused.

  The cassette loading unit 14 includes cover members 120a and 120b that are individually displaceable in the arrow direction. When the large-size cassette 118 is loaded, both the cover members 120a and 120b are displaced and the entire loading port 115 is opened. When the small-size cassette 118a is loaded, only the cover member 120a is displaced. A part of the loading port 115 is opened. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of dust into the image reading apparatus 110. On the side of the cassette loading unit 114, a power button 122, an operation button 124, a display unit 126, and the like are disposed.

  In FIG. 3, in a portion close to the loading port 115 inside the image reading apparatus 110, type information such as size and sensitivity of the radiation image conversion panel 16 accommodated in the loaded cassette 118 (118 a), a unique number Etc. (hereinafter referred to as “panel information”), a panel information reading unit 127 for reading, a lock releasing mechanism 128 for releasing the lock of the lid member 121 of the cassette 118 (118a), and a cassette 118 with the lid member 121 opened. A suction plate 130 that sucks and takes out the radiation image conversion panel 116 from (118a) and a nip roller 132 that sandwiches and conveys the radiation image conversion panel 116 taken out by the suction plate 130 are provided.

  The panel information reading unit 127 is, for example, a bar code reader that reads panel information recorded on a bar code, an IC chip, or the like mounted on the cassette 118 (118a) or the radiation image conversion panel 116, or a reading unit such as an RFID. Can be configured.

  Double-conveying conveyance rollers 134a to 134g and a plurality of guide plates 136a to 136f are arranged in series with the nip roller 132, and a curved conveyance path 138 is constituted by these. The curved conveyance path 138 extends downward from the cassette loading unit 114, then becomes substantially horizontal at the bottom, and then extends substantially vertically upward. Thereby, size reduction of the image reading apparatus 110 is achieved.

  Between the nip roller 132 and the conveyance roller 134a, an erasing unit 139 for erasing the radiation image information remaining on the radiation image conversion panel 116 that has been read is disposed. The erasing unit 139 has a plurality of erasing light sources 141 composed of cold cathode tubes that output erasing light.

  A platen roller 143 is disposed between the transport rollers 134d and 134e disposed at the lowermost part of the curved transport path 138. A scanning unit 147 that reads radiation image information stored and recorded in the radiation image conversion panel 116 is disposed above the platen roller 143.

  The scanning unit 147 guides a laser beam L that is excitation light and scans the radiation image conversion panel 116, and stimulated emission light related to radiation image information that is excited and output by the laser beam L. And an image information reading unit 142 for reading. The image information reading unit 142 has one end connected to the radiation image conversion panel 116 on the platen roller 143 and the other end of the light guide 150 and is obtained from the radiation image conversion panel 116. A photomultiplier 152 that converts the stimulated emission light into an electrical signal. Note that a condensing mirror 154 for increasing the condensing efficiency of the photostimulated luminescent light is disposed close to one end of the light guide 150.

  As a fourth mode, an example of heat treatment using a heater 199 as a disinfecting unit below the erasing unit 139 will be shown.

  The image reading apparatus 110 according to the present embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the operation thereof will be described.

  First, the cassette 118 (118a) that stores the radiation image conversion panel 116 in which the radiation image information is accumulated and recorded is loaded into the loading port 115 of the cassette loading unit 114 with the lid member 121 facing down.

  Next, the panel information reading unit 127 reads panel information including the type of the radiation image conversion panel 116 and the like from the cassette 118 (118a) or the radiation image conversion panel 116 accommodated therein.

  When the panel information is read, the lock release mechanism 128 is driven, the locked state of the lid member 121 is released, and the lid is opened. Next, the suction disk 130 sucks the radiation image conversion panel 116, takes out the radiation image conversion panel 116 from the cassette 118 (118 a), and supplies it between the nip rollers 132. The radiation image conversion panel 116 sandwiched by the nip rollers 132 passes through the erasing unit 139 and is transported to the lower part of the scanning unit 147 through a curved transport path 138 including transport rollers 134a to 134g and guide plates 136a to 136f. .

  The radiation image conversion panel 116 is sub-scanned and conveyed in the substantially horizontal direction by the conveyance rollers 134d and 134e. At this time, the laser beam L output from the excitation unit 140 is guided to the radiation image conversion panel 16 whose lower surface portion is supported by the platen roller 143 and performs main scanning on the radiation image conversion panel 116.

  The radiation image information stored and recorded in the radiation image conversion panel 116 is excited by being irradiated with the laser beam L and is output as stimulated emission light. This stimulated emission light is directly incident on the lower end portion of the light guide 150 constituting the image information reading unit 142 arranged close to the radiation image conversion panel 116 in the main scanning direction, or via the condensing mirror 154. Incident. The stimulated emission light incident on the light guide 150 is repeatedly reflected inside and guided to the photomultiplier 152 at the upper end. The photomultiplier 152 converts the incident stimulated emission light into an electrical signal, whereby the radiation image information stored and recorded in the radiation image conversion panel 116 is read.

  Next, the radiation image conversion panel 116 from which the radiation image information has been read is conveyed again from the scanning unit 147 to the erasing unit 139 side via the curved conveyance path 138. Then, disinfection processing is performed by the heater 199 in front of the erasing unit 139. After the disinfection process is performed, the radiation image conversion panel 116 is conveyed to the erasing unit 139.

  The erasing unit 139 drives and controls the erasing light source 141 according to the panel information read by the panel information reading unit 127 and the erasing light amount set based on the radiation image information read by the image information reading unit 142, and outputs from the erasing light source 141. The erasing light is used to erase the radiation image information remaining on the radiation image conversion panel 116.

  The radiation image conversion panel 16 from which the remaining radiation image information has been erased is accommodated in a cassette 118 (118a) loaded in the cassette loading unit 14, and is removed from the cassette loading unit 114 after the lid member 121 is closed. This is used for the next shooting.

  In the embodiment described above, the case where the radiation image information is read by scanning the radiation image conversion panel 116 with the laser beam L has been described. For example, the recording medium is scanned with the laser beam L modulated according to the image information. The present invention can also be applied when recording image information.

  Further, in the fifth aspect, as shown in FIG. 4, the erasing unit 139 also serves as a disinfecting means without installing a heater in the fourth aspect. In other words, the sterilization process is performed before, during, or during the erasing process of the radiation image information remaining on the radiation image conversion panel 116 by the erasing light output from the erasing light source 141 after reading the radiation image information. is there. According to this 5th aspect, it is excellent in operativity by the point which can select an erasing process and a disinfection process.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the sixth mode is a mode in which a heat treatment using a heater 199 is provided above the erasing unit 139 as the disinfecting means of the fourth mode. That is, after the radiation image information is read, the radiation image information remaining on the radiation image conversion panel 116 is erased by the erasing light output from the erasing light source 141, and then the disinfection processing by the heater 199 is performed. .

  The radiation image conversion panel or radiation image conversion film applied to the image reading apparatus of the present invention has, for example, a structure in which an intermediate layer, a phosphor layer, a protective layer, and the like are sequentially formed on a support. Hereinafter, the material of each layer will be described.

(Support)
As the support, those made of materials such as PET, polycycloolefin, PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), nanoalloy polymer of PET and PEI (polyetherimide), and transparent aramid are preferably used. In particular, it is desirable that the substrate has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 85 ° C. or higher, preferably 100 ° C. or higher. Polycycloolefin having a glass transition temperature of 85 ° C. or higher, PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PVA (polyvinyl) Alcohol), PET and PEI (polyetherimide) nanoalloy polymer, and transparent aramid are preferred. Furthermore, what consists of materials, such as a polycycloolefin which has a glass transition temperature of 100 degreeC or more, PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), a nanoalloy polymer of PET and PEI (polyetherimide), a transparent aramid, is more preferable.

(Middle layer)
The intermediate layer may be, for example, a cellulose derivative such as cellulose acetate or nitrocellulose; or polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polycarbonate, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, fluororesin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, Transparent polymer materials such as synthetic polymer materials such as acrylic, polyparaxylylene, PET, hydrochloric acid rubber, and vinylidene chloride copolymer can be used. These synthetic polymer substances forming the intermediate layer may be used as a polymer or a monomer, but are preferably crosslinked by irradiation with heat, visible light, UV light, an electron beam or the like.

  When providing an intermediate | middle layer on a support body, in order to improve adhesiveness, it is preferable to add coupling agents, such as a silane coupling agent and a titanate coupling agent. Furthermore, for the purpose of improving the coating properties of the intermediate layer composition and the properties of the thin film after curing, and imparting photosensitivity to the coating film, for example, various polymers and monomers having a hydroxyl group, colorants such as pigments or dyes, Various additives such as yellowing inhibitors, anti-aging agents, UV absorbers and other stabilizers, thermal acid generators, photosensitive acid generators, surfactants, solvents, crosslinking agents, hardeners, polymerization inhibitors, etc. An agent can be contained depending on the purpose.

  Further, the intermediate layer may contain organic or inorganic powder in order to improve durability and prevent nitrite. When contained, it is more preferably about 0.5 to 60% by weight per weight of the intermediate layer. The powder preferably has absorption in a specific band, for example, ultramarine blue or the like, or white powder that does not exhibit specific absorption in a wavelength range of generally 300 to 900 nm. The volume average particle size of these powders is preferably about 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably about 0.3 to 3 μm. In general, the particle size of these particles has a distribution, but a narrow distribution is preferable.

(Phosphor layer)
Examples of the stimulable phosphor used in the phosphor layer, the general formulas described in KOKOKU 7-84588 Patent etc. ^{_{(M 1-f · M f}} I) X · bM III X3 '': cA ( Stimulable phosphors represented by general formula (I)) are preferred. From the viewpoint of stimulated emission luminance, M ^I in the general formula (I) is preferably Na or R containing Rb, Cs and / or Cs, and particularly preferably at least one alkali metal selected from Rb and Cs. M ^III is preferably at least one trivalent metal selected from Y, La, Lu, Al, Ga and In. X ″ is preferably at least one halogen selected from F, Cl and Br. The b value representing the content of M ^III X3 ″ is preferably selected from the range of 0 ≦ b ≦ 10 ⁻² .

In the general formula (I), the activator A is preferably at least one metal selected from Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Ho, Gd, Sm, Tl and Na, particularly Eu, Ce, Sm, Tl and At least one metal selected from Na is preferred. The C value representing the amount of the activator is preferably selected from the range of 10 ⁻⁶ <C <0.1 from the viewpoint of the stimulated emission luminance.

Furthermore, the following photostimulable phosphors can also be used. SrS: Ce, Sm, SrS: Eu, Sm, ThO ₂ : Er, and La ₂ O ₂ S: Eu, Sm described in US Pat. No. 3,859,527

ZnS as described in JP 55-12142 _{discloses: Cu, Pb, BaO · xAl} 2 O 3: Eu ( provided that, 0.8 ≦ x ≦ 10), _{^{and, M II O · xSiO 2:}} A ( ^{However, M II} is Mg, Ca, Sr, Zn, Cd or Ba,, a is Ce, Tb, Eu, Tm, Pb, Tl, Bi or Mn, x is 0.5 ≦ x ≦ 2. 5),

(Ba _1-xy , MgX, Cay) FX: aEu ²⁺ described in JP _-A- 55-12143 (where X is at least one of Cl and Br, and x and y are 0 <x + y ≦ 0.6 and xy ≠ 0, and a is 10 ⁻⁶ ≦ a ≦ 5 × 10 ⁻² ),

  LnOX: xA described in JP-A-55-12144 (where Ln is at least one of La, Y, Gd, and Lu, X is at least one of Cl and Br, A is Ce and At least one of Tb, and x is 0 <x <0.1),

(Ba _1-X , M ²⁺ X) FX: yA (where M is at least one of Mg, Ca, Sr, Zn, and Cd, and X is Cl , Br and I, A is at least one of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb and Er, and x is 0 ≦ x ≦ 0.6, y is 0 ≦ y ≦ 0.2),

M ^II FX · xA: yLn described in JP-A-55-160078 (where M ^II is at least one of Ba, Ca, Sr, Mg, Zn and Cd, and A is BeO, MgO, CaO) , SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al ₂ O ₃ , Y ₂ O ₃ , La ₂ O ₃ , In ₂ O ₃ , SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , ZrO ₂ , GeO ₂ , SnO ₂ , Nb ₂ O ₅ , Ta ₂ O ₅ and at least one of ThO ₂ , Ln is at least one of Eu, Tb, Ce, Tm, Dy, Pr, Ho, Nd, Yb, Er, Sm and Gd, and X is Cl, Br and I And x and y are 5 × 10 ⁻⁵ ≦ x ≦ 0.5 and 0 <y ≦ 0.2, respectively,

(Ba _1-x , M ^II _x ) F ₂ · aBaX ₂ : yEu, zA described in JP-A-56-116777 (where M ^II is beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, zinc and cadmium) At least one of them, X is at least one of chlorine, bromine and iodine, A is at least one of zirconium and scandium, and a, x, y and z are each 0.5 ≦ a ≦ 1.25 , 0 ≦ x ≦ 1, 10 ⁻⁶ ≦ y ≦ 2 × 10 ⁻¹ , and 0 <z ≦ 10 ⁻² ),

As described in JP 57-23673 JP ^{_{(Ba 1-x, M II}} x) F 2 · aBaX 2: yEu, zB ( ^{although, M II} is beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, zinc and cadmium At least one of them, X is at least one of chlorine, bromine and iodine, and a, x, y and z are 0.5 ≦ a ≦ 1.25, 0 ≦ x ≦ 1, 10 ⁻⁶ ≦, respectively. phosphors represented by a composition formula of y ≦ 2 × 10 ⁻¹ and 0 <z ≦ 10 ⁻² ),

As described in JP 57-23675 JP ^{_{(Ba 1-x, M II}} x) F 2 · aBaX 2: yEu, zA ( ^{although, M II} is beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, zinc and cadmium At least one of them, X is at least one of chlorine, bromine and iodine, A is at least one of arsenic and silicon, and a, x, y and z are each 0.5 ≦ a ≦ 1.25 , 0 ≦ x ≦ 1, 10 ⁻⁶ ≦ y ≦ 2 × 10 ⁻¹ , and 0 <z ≦ 5 × 10 ⁻¹ ),

^M III OX disclosed in JP-58-69281 JP: xCe ^{(However, M III} is a group consisting of Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Bi A phosphor represented by a composition formula of at least one trivalent metal selected from the group consisting of: X is one or both of Cl and Br, and x is 0 <x <0.1.

_{Ba 1-X M} are described in JP 58-206678 discloses _{X / 2 L X / 2 F} X: yEu 2+ ( although, M is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs Represents at least one alkali metal; L is Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Al, Ga, In and Tl X represents at least one trivalent metal selected from the group consisting of; X represents at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and I; and x represents 10 ⁻² ≦ x ≦ 0.5, a phosphor represented by a composition formula: y is 0 <y ≦ 0.1,

BaFX · xA: yEu ²⁺ described in JP-A-59-27980 (where X is at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, and I; A is a calcined tetrafluoroborate compound) And x is 10 ⁻⁶ ≦ x ≦ 0.1, y is 0 <y ≦ 0.1),

BaFX · xA: yEu ²⁺ described in JP-A-59-47289 (where X is at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and I; A is hexafluorosilicic acid) , Calcined product of at least one compound selected from the group of hexafluoro compounds consisting of monovalent or divalent metal salts of hexafluorotitanic acid and hexafluorozirconic acid; and x is 10 ⁻⁶ ≦ x ≦ 0. 1 and y are phosphors represented by a composition formula of 0 <y ≦ 0.1),

BaFX · xNaX ′: aEu ²⁺ described in JP-A-59-56479 (where X and X ′ are at least one of Cl, Br, and I, respectively, and x and a are each 0) <X ≦ 2, and 0 <a ≦ 0.2))

M ^II FX · xNaX ′: yEu ²⁺ : zA described in JP-A-59-56480 (where M ^II is at least one alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca) X and X ′ are at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and I, respectively; A is at least one transition metal selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni And x is 0 <x ≦ 2, y is 0 <y ≦ 0.2, and z is 0 <z ≦ 10 ⁻² ),

M ^II FX · aM ^I X ′ · bM ′ ^II X ″ ₂ · cM ^III X ₃ · xA: yEu ^{2+ described in} JP-A-59-75200 (where M ^II is Ba, Sr and Ca) At least one alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of: M ^I is at least one alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M ′ ^II is from Be and Mg M ^III is at least one trivalent metal selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In and Tl; A is a metal oxide; X is Cl , Br, and I; and X ′, X ″, and X are at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I. Be Gen; and, a is 0 ≦ a ≦ 2, b is 0 ≦ b ≦ ^{10 -2,} c is an 0 ≦ c ≦ ^{10 -2} and ^{a + b + c ≧ 10 -6} ,; x is 0 <x ≦ 0 .5, y is 0 <y ≦ 0.2)

M ^II X ₂ · aM ^II X ′ ₂ : xEu ²⁺ described in JP-A-60-84381 (where M ^II is at least one alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca) X and X ′ are at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and I, and X ≠ X ′; and a is 0.1 ≦ a ≦ 10.0, x is A photostimulable phosphor represented by a composition formula of 0 <x ≦ 0.2,

M ^II FX · aM ^I X ′: xEu ²⁺ described in JP-A-60-101173 (where M ^II is at least one alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca) M ^I is at least one alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Rb and Cs; X is at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and I; X ′ is F, Cl, Br and A photostimulable phosphor represented by a composition formula: at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of I; and a and x are 0 ≦ a ≦ 4.0 and 0 <x ≦ 0.2, respectively.

M ^I X: xBi described in JP-A-62-25189 (where M ^I is at least one alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Rb and Cs; X consists of Cl, Br and I) A stimulable phosphor represented by a composition formula: at least one halogen selected from the group; and x is a numerical value in the range of 0 <x ≦ 0.2.

  LnOX: xCe described in JP-A-2-229882 (where Ln is at least one of La, Y, Gd and Lu, X is at least one of Cl, Br and I, and x is 0 < x ≦ 0.2, the ratio of Ln to X is 0.500 <X / Ln ≦ 0.998 in atomic ratio, and the maximum wavelength λ of the stimulable excitation spectrum is 550 nm <λ <700 nm) A cerium-activated rare earth oxyhalide phosphor represented,

Etc.

Further, the M ^II X ₂ .aM ^II X ′ ₂ : xEu ²⁺ stimulable phosphor described in JP-A-60-84381 may contain the following additives. Good.

That is, bM ^I X ″ described in JP-A-60-166379 (where M ^I is at least one alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Rb and Cs, and X ″ is F, Cl , Br and I, and b is 0 <b ≦ 10.0); bKX ″ · cMgX ₂ described in JP-A-60-222143 DM ^III X ′ ₃ (where M ^III is at least one trivalent metal selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Gd and Lu, and X ″, X and X ′ are all F, Cl , Br, and I, and b, c, and d are 0 ≦ b ≦ 2.0, 0 ≦ c ≦ 2.0, and 0 ≦ d ≦ 2.0, respectively. And 2 × 10 ^{− 5} ≦ b + c + d); yB described in JP-A-60-228592 (where y is 2 × 10 ⁻⁴ ≦ y ≦ 2 × 10 ⁻¹ ); JP-A-60-228593 BA described in the publication (where A is at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of SiO ₂ and P ₂ O ₅ , and b is 10 ⁻⁴ ≦ b ≦ 2 × 10 ⁻¹ ). BSiO described in JP-A-61-120883 (where b is 0 <b ≦ 3 × 10 ⁻² ); bSnX ″ ₂ described in JP-A-61-120885 (Where X ″ is at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I, and b is 0 <b ≦ 10 ⁻³ ); Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-235486 BCsX '' · cSn described ₂ (however, X '' and X are each F, Cl, at least one halogen selected from the group consisting of Br and I, and b and c, respectively, 0 <b ≦ 10.0 and ^{10 -6} ≦ c ≦ 2 × 10 ⁻² ); and bCsX ″ · yLn ³⁺ described in JP-A No. 61-235487 (where X ″ is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I) Ln is at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. And b and y are 0 <b ≦ 10.0 and 10 ⁻⁶ ≦ y ≦ 1.8 × 10 ⁻¹ , respectively).

  Among the photostimulable phosphors described above, divalent europium-activated alkaline earth metal fluorohalide-based phosphors (for example, BaFI: Eu) europium-activated alkali metal halide-based phosphors (for example, CsBr: Eu), iodine The divalent europium activated alkaline earth metal halide phosphor containing iodine, the rare earth element activated rare earth oxyhalide phosphor containing iodine, and the bismuth activated alkali metal halide phosphor containing iodine have high brightness. It can be preferably used since it exhibits exhaustive light emission.

(Protective layer)
For the protective layer formed on the phosphor layer, a solution prepared by dissolving a transparent organic polymer substance such as cellulose derivative or polymethyl methacrylate in an appropriate solvent is applied on the phosphor layer. A protective film-forming sheet such as an organic polymer film such as polyethylene terephthalate or a transparent glass plate prepared separately and provided with an appropriate adhesive on the surface of the phosphor layer, or inorganic A compound formed on the phosphor layer by vapor deposition or the like is used.

Further, it may be a protective layer formed of a coating film of an organic solvent-soluble fluorine-based resin, in which fine particles such as perfluoroolefin resin powder or silicone resin powder, TiO ₂ particles are dispersed and contained.

  As described above, in order to set the thermal shrinkage rate (JISC2151, 150 ° C., 30 minutes) of the protective layer to 1% or less, a material having a high thermal annealing treatment and Tg (glass transition temperature: JIS K7121 (1987)) is used in advance. It is preferable to adopt. Moreover, it is preferable to perform a heat treatment at 60 ° C. or higher before or at least during the formation.

[Example 1]
(Intermediate layer forming process)
3400 g of soft acrylic resin (Dainippon Ink Chemical Co., Ltd., Chris Coat P-1018GS (21% toluene solution)) as a binder, and phthalate ester (Daihachi Chemical Co., Ltd., # 10) as a plasticizer 120 g was added to 3600 g of methyl ethyl ketone, mixed, and dispersed and dissolved using a disper to prepare a dispersion for forming an intermediate layer (viscosity 0.6 Pa · s (20 ° C.)).

  In addition, as the conductive agent and the colorant, those dispersed in a ball mill in a solution to which a resin was added in advance were used. This intermediate layer-forming dispersion was uniformly coated on a support (carbon kneaded polyethylene terephthalate (X-30, Toray Industries, Inc., thickness: 188 μm)) to form a coating film and dried. In this way, an intermediate layer having a layer thickness of 20 μm was formed.

(Phosphor sheet manufacturing process)
A phosphor sheet to be a phosphor layer was produced as follows. First, as a phosphor sheet-forming coating solution, 1000 g of phosphor (BaFBr _0.85 I _0.15 : Eu ²⁺ , median diameter 3.5 μm) and polyurethane elastomer as a binder (Dainippon Ink Chemical Co., Ltd.) Manufactured by Pandex T5265H (solid), 36 g, polyisocyanate as a cross-linking agent (manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd., Coronate HX (solid content: 100%)), and epoxy resin (oilification as a yellowing inhibitor) Shell Epoxy Co., Ltd., # 1001 Epicoat (solid) (10 g) and colorant ultramarine (Daiichi Kasei Kogyo Co., Ltd., SM-1) 2 g of methyl ethyl ketone / butyl acetate mixed solvent 120 g (methyl ethyl ketone / In addition to butyl acetate (mass ratio) = 6/4), use a disper to disperse at a blade rotation speed of 2500 rpm for 1 hour. To prepare a coating solution having a viscosity of 4.0Pa · s (25 ℃). In addition, the coloring agent used what was disperse | distributed with the ball mill in the solvent to which resin was added previously.

  This coating solution is uniformly applied on a temporary support (polyethylene terephthalate coated with a silicone release agent, thickness: 180 μm), dried, and then peeled off from the temporary support to produce a phosphor sheet (thickness 150 μm). did.

(Phosphor layer forming process)
Subsequently, the temporary support peeling surface of the phosphor sheet was superposed on the intermediate layer by continuously compressing the intermediate layer using a calender roll at a pressure of 60 MPa, a roll temperature of 50 ° C., and a feed rate of 1.0 m / min. By this heat compression, the phosphor sheet was completely adhered to the support via the intermediate layer, and the phosphor layer was formed on the support.

(Formation of protective layer)
A 6 μm thick PET film was bonded to a 50 μm thick PET film via a releasable adhesive layer, and then heat treated at 100 ° C. The 6 μ-thick PET film was peeled off, and an unsaturated polyester resin solution (Byron 30SS manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.) was applied to one side of the film and dried at 80 ° C. to provide an adhesive layer. A protective film was formed by attaching a PET film on the phosphor layer via the adhesive layer.

  Subsequently, this sheet was punched into an appropriate size (square of 3 cm × 3 cm) with a punching blade (male blade, female blade). Thereafter, around the punched sheet, a resin (Diaromar SP3023: EP1004: X-22-2809: Crosnate D70 = 900: 8: 2: 30) is formed on the surface of the protective layer with a width of 0.5 to 1 mm toward the inside. A solution dissolved in MEK at a ratio) was applied and dried (50 ° C.) to prepare a radiation image conversion panel.

[Example 2]
A protective layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that an unsaturated polyester resin solution (Byron 30SS manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.) was applied to one side of a 9 μm thick PET film and heat-treated at 80 ° C. to provide an adhesive layer. A radiation image conversion panel was prepared.

[Example 3]
A protective layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that an unsaturated polyester resin solution (Byron 30SS manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.) was applied to one side of a PET film having a thickness of 6 μm and dried at 50 ° C. to provide an adhesive layer. A radiation image conversion panel was prepared.

[Comparative Example 1]
A protective layer was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that an unsaturated polyester resin solution (Byron 30SS manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.) was applied to one side of a 9 μm thick PET film and heat-treated at 80 ° C. to provide an adhesive layer. A radiation image conversion panel was prepared.

[Measurement of shrinkage rate of protective layer]
The shrinkage ratio of the protective layer of the radiation image conversion panel was measured according to JISC2151 (150 ° C., 30 minutes). The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[Evaluation of disinfection]
The same amount of MRSA was adhered to each protective layer of the radiation image conversion panels of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1. MRSA was cultured on the agar plate culture method, and then adhered to the protective layer of the radiation image conversion panel using a brush.

  After introducing the MRSA into the scanner and reading the radiation image, the radiation image conversion panel was scanned at a temperature and time shown in Table 1 below with an infrared heater (250 W) while erasing by light irradiation by self-propelled conveyance. The surface was sterilized by heat treatment. Thereafter, the radiation image conversion panel was taken out of the disinfection device (disinfection means) by automatic conveyance, and the remaining MRSA adhered to the surface of the protective layer was examined. Moreover, the deformation | transformation state of the radiation image conversion panel was confirmed visually. These results are shown in Table 1 below.

  In addition, the measurement of the surface temperature and heating control of the radiation image conversion panel at the time of the said disinfection treatment were as follows. First, a thermocouple was brought into contact with the surface of the radiation image conversion panel, the temperature was measured, and the radiation thermometer at that time was calibrated. Next, the radiation thermometer is covered so that it does not directly hit the radiation thermometer, and the surface of the radiation image conversion panel is irradiated with an infrared heater (250 W). From the reading value and calibration coefficient of the radiation thermometer at that time, the surface of the radiation image conversion panel The temperature was measured. By feeding back the surface temperature of the radiation image conversion panel, the infrared heater was turned ON / OFF to control the surface temperature of the radiation image conversion panel.

  From Table 1, MRSA remained in the radiation image conversion panel of Comparative Example 1 in which disinfection treatment by heat treatment was not performed. On the other hand, in the radiation image conversion panels of Examples 1 to 3, the MRSA was killed, and the shape change enough to cause a practical problem was not observed. In particular, in the case of Example 1 and Example 2 in which heat treatment was performed before forming the protective layer, no change in shape was observed.

[Example 4]
A radiation image conversion panel was produced in the same manner as in Example 1. A radiation image was captured with MRSA attached to the light shielding bag. Then, after introducing this into the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 and reading a radiographic image, a disinfection process using a heater 199 was performed. Thereafter, the radiation image information was erased by the erasing unit 139, and then the remaining MRSA adhered to the surface of the radiation image conversion panel was examined. Moreover, the deformation | transformation state of the radiation image conversion panel was confirmed visually. Both MRSA remaining and the deformed state were as good as in Example 1.

[Example 5]
The surface of the radiation conversion panel is the same as in Example 4 except that the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is loaded with a radiation conversion panel (with MRSA attached), and the disinfection processing and the erasing processing of the radiation image information by the erasing unit 139 are performed simultaneously. The MRSA adhering to the substrate and the deformation state of the radiation image conversion panel were confirmed. In either case, good results equivalent to those in Example 1 were obtained.

[Example 6]
The apparatus shown in FIG. 5 was used, and it was adhered to the surface of the radiation conversion panel in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the disinfection process by the heater 199 was performed after the radiation image information was erased by the erase unit 139. The remaining MRSA and the deformation state of the radiation image conversion panel were confirmed. In either case, good results equivalent to those in Example 1 were obtained.

  Hereinafter, image reading apparatuses according to second to eighth embodiments of the present invention will be described.

(Second Embodiment)
6 and 7 show a schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus 11 according to the second embodiment in a side sectional view. An image read by the image reading device 11 is an X-ray (radiation) imaging image in the oral cavity, and an imaging plate (imaging plate) IP as a rectangular plate-shaped imaging medium inserted into the oral cavity during X-ray imaging. It is carried by the imaging surface S.

  This imaging plate IP accumulates a part of the radiation energy of the irradiated X-rays, and then exhibits photostimulable fluorescence that exhibits photostimulated luminescence according to the energy accumulated by irradiation with excitation light such as laser light. It is a plate having a body layer, and can be reused by erasing the remaining energy by irradiation with erasing light including light in the excitation light wavelength region of the phosphor.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the imaging plate IP is inserted into the oral cavity in a state of being enclosed in a protective case 13 as a protective member. The protective case 13 is formed by joining the peripheral portions of the rectangular sheet materials 13A and 13B to each other. Here, the sheet material 13A is formed of a material that has light shielding properties and water tightness and is capable of transmitting X-rays, and the imaging surface S configured by the photostimulable phosphor layer of the imaging plate IP is: The direction in which the imaging plate IP is inserted into the protective case 13 is determined so as to be covered with the sheet material 13A.

  Further, a V-shaped notch 13C is formed at the center of one side of the protective case 13, and the direction in which the imaging plate IP is inserted into the image reading device 11 is determined so that this one side is at the top. ing. Further, the breaking strength of the protective case 13 is set to such an extent that the operator breaks when the operator pulls both sides of the notch 13C in a direction away from each other.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the image reading apparatus 11 includes an image processing unit 212, a pre-image processing step unit 214, and a post-image processing step unit 216. The image processing unit 212 is housed in the housing 220, the image processing pre-processing unit 214 is housed in the housing 218, and the image processing post-processing unit 216 is housed in the housing 222. The body 220 is detachably coupled, and the housing 220 and the housing 222 are detachably coupled, whereby the image processing unit 212, the pre-image processing unit 214, and the post-image processing unit 216 are integrated. Has been.

  The casings 218, 20, and 22 are arranged in the order of description from above the apparatus. The casing 218 is a rectangular casing in a side view, the upper wall 218A is provided with an insertion portion 224 into which the imaging plate IP is inserted, and the imaging plate IP is discharged to the lower wall 218B. A discharge part 226 is provided. In the housing 218, conveying roller pairs 28A and 28B are disposed as conveying means from the insertion portion 224 to the discharge portion 226, and the imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion portion 224 is provided. Then, the sheet is conveyed downward by the pair of conveying rollers 28A and 28B and discharged from the discharge unit 226.

  The imaging plate IP is inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion portion 224 with the imaging surface S (see FIG. 8) facing the apparatus rear side.

  In the housing 218, a disinfection mechanism 234 as a disinfecting unit is disposed between the transport roller pair 28A and the transport roller pair 28B. The sterilization mechanism 234 performs sterilization and sterilization on the imaging plate IP.

  The housing 220 is a rectangular housing in a side view, and the upper wall 220A includes an insertion portion 33 that is detachably coupled to the discharge portion 226, and a front wall 220B that is a side wall on the front side of the apparatus. A discharge part 35 is provided in the lower part of the head. In the housing 220, a pair of transport rollers 28D, 28E, 28F, 28G, and 28H as transport means from the insertion section 33 to the discharge section 35, and transport guides 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F, and 36G. Are arranged in the order of description.

  The conveyance guides 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D are arranged in the order of description from the insertion portion 33 to the lower part of the apparatus. Further, the transport roller pairs 28D, 28E, and 28F are respectively disposed between the transport guide 36A and the transport guide 36B, between the transport guide 36B and the transport guide 36C, and between the transport guide 36C and the transport guide 36D. ing.

  Here, the conveyance guide 36 </ b> D is curved to the rear side of the apparatus, and guides the imaging plate IP to the lower rear side of the apparatus. And conveyance guide 36E, 36F, 36G is arrange | positioned in order of description from the apparatus back lower side of conveyance guide 36D to the discharge part 35. FIG. The conveyance guides 36E and 36F are disposed to be inclined downward from the apparatus rear side to the apparatus front side, and the conveyance guide 36G is disposed substantially horizontally. The pair of conveyance rollers 28G and 28H are disposed between the conveyance guide 36E and the conveyance guide 36F and between the conveyance guide 36F and the conveyance guide 36G, respectively.

  That is, the imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 220 from the insertion portion 33 is conveyed to the lower part of the apparatus by the conveyance roller pairs 28D, 28E, and 28F while being guided by the conveyance guides 36A, 36B, and 36C. It is guided to the lower rear side of the apparatus by 36D and falls onto the conveyance guide 36E.

  At this time, the imaging plate IP falls on the conveyance guide 36E in a state where the imaging plate IP is inclined to the rear side of the apparatus, and the head and the tail are reversed. As a result, the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP dropped on the transport guide 36E faces upward. The imaging plate IP is guided to the front lower side of the apparatus by a transport guide 36E inclined downward toward the front side of the apparatus, and then forwarded to the front of the apparatus by a pair of transport rollers 28G and 28H while being guided by the transport guides 36F and 36G. It is conveyed and discharged from the discharge unit 35.

  In the housing 220, an image reading mechanism 238 as an image reading means and an afterimage erasing mechanism 240 as an afterimage erasing means are arranged in the order of description from the upstream side in the transport direction, and as a chamber pressure holding means. The chamber pressure adjusting mechanism 242 is provided.

  The image reading mechanism 238 reads an X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP and outputs image information to a monitor (not shown). An image based on the image information output from the image reading mechanism 238 is displayed on the monitor. Further, the afterimage erasing mechanism 240 erases the X-ray photographed image carried on the photographing surface S of the photographing plate IP. Further, the chamber pressure adjusting mechanism 242 adjusts the chamber pressure in the housing 220 to a predetermined value that is higher than the atmospheric pressure by blowing air into the housing 220 by a fan (not shown) or the like.

  The housing 222 is an L-shaped housing in a side view, and has a rectangular base portion 222A in a side view on which the housing 220 is placed, and the upper side of the device from the front side of the device of the base portion 222A. And a front portion 222B that is detachably coupled to a lower portion of the front wall 220B of the housing 220. An insertion portion 244 that is detachably coupled to the discharge portion 35 is disposed on a surface 222C of the front portion 222B facing the front wall 220B, and a discharge is provided on the front wall 222D that is a side surface of the base portion 222A on the front side of the apparatus. A portion 246 is provided.

  Further, in the casing 222, a pair of conveying rollers 28I, 28J, and 28K as conveying means from the insertion portion 244 to the discharging portion 246, a pair of heat rollers 248, a pair of conveying rollers 28L, 28M, and 28N, a pair of pressure rollers 250, a conveyance roller pair 28O, and conveyance guides 36H, 36I, 36J, 36K, 36L, 36M, and 36N are arranged in the order of description. The pair of conveyance rollers 28I conveys the imaging plate IP inserted from the insertion unit 244 to the front of the apparatus.

  A transport guide 36H is disposed in front of the transport roller pair 28I. The conveyance guide 36H is inclined downward from the front side of the apparatus to the rear side of the apparatus, and guides (drops) the imaging plate IP to the lower rear side by reversing the top and the rear of the imaging plate IP. As a result, the imaging plate IP is maintained in a state where the imaging surface S faces upward.

  Further, conveyance guides 36I and 36J, conveyance roller pairs 28J and 28K, a heat roller pair 248, and a conveyance roller pair 28L are disposed from the downstream end of the conveyance guide 36H in the conveyance direction to the rear of the apparatus. The conveyance guides 36I and 36J are arranged in the order of description from the front of the apparatus to the rear of the apparatus. Further, the transport roller pair 28J is disposed between the transport guide 36H and the transport guide 36I, and the transport roller pair 28K and the heat roller pair 248 are disposed between the transport guide 36I and the transport guide 36J. The roller pair 28L is disposed on the rear side of the conveyance guide 36J.

  That is, the imaging plate IP sliding down on the conveyance guide 36H is conveyed to the rear side of the apparatus by the conveyance roller pairs 28J and 28K, the heat roller pair 248, and the conveyance roller pair 28L while being guided by the conveyance guides 36I and 36J.

  Further, a conveyance guide 36K is disposed behind the apparatus of the conveyance roller pair 28K. The conveyance guide 36K is inclined downward from the rear side of the apparatus to the front side of the apparatus, and guides (drops) the imaging plate IP to the lower front side of the apparatus by inverting the front and rear of the imaging plate IP. As a result, the imaging plate IP is maintained in a state where the imaging surface S faces upward.

  Further, the conveyance guides 36L, 36M, and 36N, the conveyance roller pairs 28M and 28N, the pressure roller pair 250, and the conveyance roller pair 28O extend from the conveyance direction downstream end of the conveyance guide 36K to the discharge unit 246 in front of the apparatus. Are arranged in the order of description. The conveyance guides 36L, 36M, and 36N are arranged in the order of description from the rear of the apparatus to the front of the apparatus. Further, the transport roller pair 28M is disposed between the transport guide 36K and the transport guide 36L, and the transport roller pair 28N and the pressure roller pair 250 are disposed between the transport guide 36L and the transport guide 36M. The conveyance roller pair 28O is disposed between the conveyance guide 36M and the conveyance guide 36N.

  That is, the imaging plate IP sliding down on the conveyance guide 36K is conveyed to the front side of the apparatus by the conveyance roller pairs 28M and 28N, the pressure roller pair 250, and the conveyance roller pair 28O while being guided by the conveyance guides 36L, 36M, and 36N. And discharged from the discharge unit 246.

  Further, in the casing 222, a protective case enclosure mechanism 252 as a protective member attaching means and an antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254 as a pack enclosure means are arranged in the order of description from the upstream side in the transport direction. The protective case enclosure mechanism 252 creates the protective case 13 and encloses the imaging plate IP with the produced protective case 13. The anti-smudge pack enclosing mechanism 254 creates an anti-smudge pack 215 (see FIGS. 17 and 18) that can enclose the protective case 13 enclosing the imaging plate IP. A protective case 13 encapsulating IP is enclosed.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP is inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion section 224, the imaging plate IP is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28A and passes through the disinfection mechanism 234. At this time, the imaging plate IP is stopped for a predetermined time in the sterilization mechanism 234 and sterilized. Then, the sterilized and sterilized imaging plate IP is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28 </ b> B, passes through the discharge unit 226, and is ejected from the housing 218, and passes through the insertion unit 33 into the housing 220. Inserted.

  The imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 220 is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 28D, passes through a laser beam irradiation position (details will be described later) in the image reading mechanism 238, and is taken on the imaging surface S. Are read from the image reading mechanism 238. The X-ray image read by the image reading mechanism 238 is displayed on the monitor.

  The imaging plate IP that has passed the laser beam irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238 is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28E, passes through the light irradiation position (details will be described later) in the afterimage erasing mechanism 240, and passes through the imaging surface S. The carried X-ray image is deleted.

  The imaging plate IP that has passed the light irradiation position in the afterimage erasing mechanism 240 is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28F and then guided to the transport roller pair 28G by transport guides 36D and 36E. At this time, the imaging plate IP is reversed at the head and tail by the conveyance guides 36D and 36E, and the imaging surface S is turned upward.

  Thereafter, the imaging plate IP is conveyed forward of the apparatus by the conveyance roller pair 28G and 28H with the imaging surface S facing upward, is discharged from the housing 220 through the discharge portion 35, and is inserted into the insertion portion 244. It passes through and is inserted into the housing 222.

  The imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 222 is transported to the front side of the apparatus by the transport roller pair 28I and then guided to the transport roller pair 28J by the transport guide 36H. At that time, the imaging plate IP is inverted at the head and tail by the conveyance guide 36H, and the imaging surface S is turned upward.

  Thereafter, the imaging plate IP is conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers 28J and 28K with the imaging surface S facing upward, passes through the protective case enclosure mechanism 252, and is enclosed in the protective case 13. The imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is conveyed to the rear side of the apparatus by the heat roller pair 248 and the conveyance roller pair 28L, and then guided to the conveyance roller pair 28M by the conveyance guide 36K. At that time, the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is inverted at the head and tail, and the imaging surface S faces upward.

  Thereafter, the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is conveyed to the front side of the apparatus by the conveyance roller pair 28M and 28N, passes through the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254, and is enclosed in the antifouling pack 215. The imaging plate IP and the protective case 13 enclosed in the antifouling pack 215 are conveyed to the front side of the apparatus by the pressure roller pair 250 and the conveying roller pair 28O, and are discharged from the housing 222 through the discharge unit 246.

  Here, in this embodiment, the imaging plate IP inserted into the image reading device 11 is sterilized by the sterilization mechanism 234 and then transported to the image reading mechanism 238. Therefore, the sterilization mechanism in the image reading device 11 is used. The region downstream in the transport direction from H.234 can be a clean region through which the sterilized imaging plate IP passes. Further, the disinfection work of the photographing plate IP by the operator before the photographing plate IP is inserted into the image reading device 11 is not necessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the image reading device 11 and reduce the burden on the operator.

  Further, since the growth of bacteria in the image reading device 11 can be suppressed, the adhesion and accumulation of bacteria on the optical system (details will be described later) provided in the image reading mechanism 238 can be suppressed. A decrease in the reading performance of the X-ray image can be suppressed.

  In addition, the disinfection mechanism 234 and the clean area downstream in the transport direction from the disinfection mechanism 234 are partitioned into separate rooms by the lower wall 218B of the housing 218 and the upper wall 220A of the housing 220, so that The inflow of the bacteria is further suppressed, and the propagation of the bacteria in the clean area is further suppressed.

  Further, the chamber pressure in the housing 220 including the image reading mechanism 238 and the afterimage erasing mechanism 240 is adjusted to a predetermined value higher than the atmospheric pressure by the chamber pressure adjusting mechanism 242, and the housing pressure including the disinfection mechanism 234 is adjusted. Since the chamber pressure in the body 220 is atmospheric pressure, the inflow of bacteria from the housing 218 into the housing 220 is suppressed, and thus the inflow of bacteria into the clean area is further suppressed. The

  In this embodiment, the housing 218 that houses the disinfection mechanism 234 is detachable from the housing 220 that houses the image processing unit 212 (the image reading mechanism 238 and the afterimage erasing mechanism 240). For this reason, when the image processing unit 212 exists as an existing image reading apparatus that does not include the disinfection mechanism 234, a disinfection function can be added as an option to the existing image reading apparatus.

  In this embodiment, after the X-ray image is erased from the imaging plate IP by the afterimage erasing mechanism 240, the imaging plate IP is enclosed in the protective case 13 by the protective case enclosure mechanism 252, and the imaging surface of the imaging plate IP is obtained. S is covered by the protective case 13.

  This eliminates the need to attach the protective case 13 to the imaging plate IP ejected from the image reading device 11, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the imaging plate IP is discharged from the image reading apparatus 11 with the imaging surface S protected by the protective case 13, the contamination of the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP can be further suppressed.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the imaging plate IP is enclosed in the protective case 13 by the protective case enclosure mechanism 252, the imaging plate IP is enclosed in the antifouling pack 215 by the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254.

  This eliminates the need to enclose the imaging plate IP discharged from the image reading apparatus 11 in the protective case 13 into the antifouling pack 215, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is discharged from the image reading device 11 in a state of being further enclosed in the anti-smudge pack 215, so that not only the imaging plate IP but also the protective case 13 can be prevented from being contaminated. .

  In the present embodiment, the insertion unit 224 and the discharge unit 246 are different from each other so that the disinfected photographic plate IP is not retransmitted into the housing 218. Can be prevented, and a clean imaging plate IP free from bacteria reattachment can be discharged out of the apparatus. However, it is not essential to make the insertion portion 224 and the discharge portion 246 different from each other. The insertion portion 224 and the discharge portion 246 are made the same, and the conveyance direction of the imaging plate IP from which the afterimage is erased is reversed, and the imaging plate The IP may be discharged from the insertion portion 224. Even in this case, the downstream side in the transport direction from the disinfection mechanism 234 can be a clean area through which only the disinfected imaging plate IP passes.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the housing 220 and the housing 218 are separated from each other. However, even when they are integrated, the disinfected imaging board IP can be disinfected by providing the insertion portion and the discharge portion separately. Since it can be prevented from passing through the same conveyance path as that of the previous imaging plate IP, the same effect can be obtained. On the other hand, even if the insertion portion and the discharge portion are the same, the image reading mechanism 238 side from the disinfection mechanism 234 can be kept in a clean area.

(Disinfection mechanism 234)
FIG. 9 shows a schematic configuration of the disinfection mechanism 234 in a side sectional view. As shown in this figure, the disinfection mechanism 234 includes a rectangular casing 78 when viewed from the lateral direction of the imaging plate (a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction and the imaging plate thickness direction), and the conveyance direction in the casing 78. A disinfecting liquid ejecting section 80, a squeeze roller pair 82, and a pair of disinfecting liquid collecting sections 84 that respectively accommodate the rollers constituting the squeeze roller pair 82 are provided.

  An insertion portion 85 into which the imaging plate IP is inserted is provided on the upper wall 78A of the housing 78, and a discharge portion 88 from which the imaging plate IP is discharged is provided on the lower wall 78B of the housing 78. The imaging plate transport path cuts through the inside of the housing 78.

  Further, the insertion portion 85 and the discharge portion 88 are provided with a seal portion 87 formed of a member having elasticity and watertightness such as rubber. The seal portion 87 is formed with an opening through which the transported imaging plate IP can pass and a sealing property between the transported imaging plate IP and the seal portion 87 can be secured.

  Further, the disinfecting liquid ejecting unit 80 includes a pair of ejection heads 81 disposed to face each other in the imaging plate thickness direction with the imaging plate conveyance path interposed therebetween. Each ejection head 81 extends in the imaging plate conveyance direction and the imaging plate lateral direction, and injects a disinfectant such as alcohol onto the entire imaging surface S or back surface B of the imaging plate IP.

  Each of the rollers 82A constituting the squeeze roller pair 82 is disposed so as to face the imaging plate thickness direction across the imaging plate conveyance path and is held in a rotation stopped state or in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction. The antiseptic solution that has been rotated and adhered to the imaging surface S or the back surface B of the imaging plate IP is scraped (squeezed).

  The disinfecting liquid recovery unit 84 is a container that accommodates each roller 82A that constitutes the squeeze roller pair 82, and recovers the disinfecting liquid that flows down from each roller 82A. Note that the disinfecting liquid that has become the waste liquid may be stored in the disinfecting liquid recovery unit 84 or may be stored in another recovery unit connected to the disinfecting liquid recovery unit 84 by a drain pipe.

  Next, the operation of the disinfection mechanism 234 will be described.

  The imaging plate IP conveyed below the apparatus by the pair of conveyance rollers 28A is stopped for a predetermined time between the pair of ejection heads 81, and during that time, the disinfecting liquid by the pair of ejection heads 81 on both the front and back surfaces of the imaging plate IP Is injected. As a result, the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP are sterilized. Further, when the sterilized and sterilized imaging plate IP passes through the squeeze roller pair 82, the adhering disinfectant is scraped off by the rollers 82A constituting the squeeze roller pair 82. The disinfecting liquid scraped off from the imaging plate IP by each roller 82A flows down from each roller 82A to the disinfecting liquid collecting unit 84 and is collected. As a result, it is possible to insert the imaging plate IP that has been sterilized and sterilized and scraped with the disinfectant into the image processing unit 212.

  In this embodiment, the imaging plate IP is transported downward and passed through the disinfecting liquid ejecting unit 80. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the imaging plate IP is transported upward and the disinfecting liquid. You may comprise so that the injection part 80 may be allowed to pass through. In this case, it is necessary to dispose the squeeze roller pair 82 on the upper side of the disinfecting liquid ejecting unit 80.

  Here, the disinfecting liquid scraped off from the image capturing plate IP by the squeeze roller pair 82 is dropped by its own weight by transporting the image capturing plate IP to the upper part of the apparatus and passing the disinfecting liquid ejecting unit 80 and the squeeze roller pair 82. It becomes possible to make it. Therefore, the scraping performance of the disinfectant liquid from the imaging plate IP by the squeeze roller pair 82 can be improved.

(First Modification of Disinfection Mechanism 234)
FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a sterilization mechanism 86 which is a first modification of the sterilization mechanism 234. As shown in this figure, the sterilization mechanism 86 includes a pair of blowers (air blowing means) 91 instead of the squeeze roller pair 82 in the sterilization mechanism 234. The pair of blowers 91 are disposed between the ejection head 81 and the disinfectant recovery unit 84 and opposed to the imaging plate thickness direction with the imaging plate conveyance path interposed therebetween.

  The blowout port 91A of each blower 91 is directed to the imaging plate conveyance path side and obliquely upward, and blows wind toward the imaging surface S or the back surface B of the imaging plate IP being conveyed.

  Next, the effect | action in the disinfection mechanism 86 is demonstrated.

  A pair of jetting heads 81 eject disinfectant liquid to the entire area of the front and back surfaces of the imaging plate IP conveyed downward by the pair of conveying rollers 28A, so that the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP are formed. Sterilized and disinfected. Further, wind is blown from the pair of blowers 91 to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the sterilized and sterilized imaging plate IP. The pair of blowers 91 blows wind obliquely from below to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP, and blows away the disinfecting liquid adhering to the imaging surface S and the back surface B upward. As a result, the imaging plate IP that has been disinfected and from which the disinfectant has been removed can be inserted into the image processing unit 212.

  In this modification, the air outlet 91A of the blower 91 is disposed so as to oppose the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP. However, as shown in FIG. And the outlet 91A may be disposed to face the side surface of the imaging plate IP. In this case, since the disinfecting liquid adhering to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP is blown off outward in the lateral direction of the imaging plate, it is possible to suppress the disinfecting solution blown off from the imaging plate IP from reattaching to the imaging plate IP. . In this configuration, as shown in the drawing, a liquid absorbing member 89 having a liquid absorbing property such as a sponge is disposed at a position facing the blower 91 across the imaging plate conveyance path, and is blown off from the imaging plate IP. It is desirable that the disinfectant be absorbed by the liquid absorbing member 89. Thereby, the effort concerning waste liquid processing can be reduced.

(Second Modification of Disinfection Mechanism 234)
FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a sterilization mechanism 90 which is a second modification of the sterilization mechanism 234. As shown in this figure, the disinfecting mechanism 90 includes a disinfecting liquid application unit 92 instead of the disinfecting liquid ejecting unit 80 in the disinfecting mechanism 234. The disinfecting liquid application unit 92 includes a disinfecting liquid application roller pair 93 and a pair of disinfecting liquid storage units 94.

  A pair of rollers 93A constituting the disinfectant application roller pair 93 is disposed facing the imaging plate thickness direction across the imaging plate conveyance path, and is formed of a liquid-absorbing material such as a sponge. . Further, the disinfectant storage part 94 stores a disinfectant such as alcohol.

  The lower part of each roller 93A is immersed in the disinfecting liquid stored in the disinfecting liquid storage unit 94, whereby each roller 93A is impregnated with the disinfecting liquid. Note that the disinfectant application roller pair 93 is a driven roller in this embodiment, but may be a drive roller.

  Next, the operation of the disinfection mechanism 90 will be described.

  The antiseptic solution application roller pair 93 rotates following the imaging plate IP conveyed below the apparatus by the conveyance roller pair 28A. Here, since each of the rollers 93A constituting the disinfecting liquid application roller pair 93 is impregnated with the disinfecting liquid, the disinfecting liquid is applied to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP. As a result, the imaging plate IP is sterilized.

  Thereafter, the disinfecting liquid adhering to the sterilized and sterilized imaging plate IP is scraped off by the squeeze roller pair 82 and recovered by the disinfecting liquid recovery unit 84. As a result, the imaging plate IP that has been disinfected and has the antiseptic solution scraped off can be inserted into the image processing unit 212.

  Here, in this embodiment, each of the rollers 93A constituting the disinfecting liquid application roller pair 93 is formed of a member having liquid absorbency, so that saliva and blood adhered to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP. It is possible to suck and remove the filth such as etc. with each roller 93A. That is, the disinfectant application roller pair 93 also has a cleaning function for cleaning the imaging plate IP.

(Third Modification of Disinfection Mechanism 234)
FIG. 14 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a sterilization mechanism 96 which is a third modification of the sterilization mechanism 234. As shown in this figure, the disinfection mechanism 96 includes a heat sterilization unit 98. The heat sterilization unit 98 includes a pair of heaters 99 disposed to face each other in the imaging plate thickness direction across the imaging plate conveyance path. Each heater 99 is disposed opposite to the entire area of the imaging plate IP in the lateral direction of the imaging plate, and the entire area of the imaging plate IP being conveyed is heated by the heater 99.

  Next, the operation of the disinfection mechanism 96 will be described.

  The imaging plate IP is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28A and passes through the heat sterilization unit 98. At this time, the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP are heated and sterilized by the pair of heaters 99. As a result, the sterilized and sterilized imaging plate IP can be inserted into the image processing unit 212.

  Here, in this embodiment, since no disinfecting liquid is used, a mechanism such as a squeeze roller pair for removing the disinfecting liquid from the imaging plate IP becomes unnecessary, and a watertight seal is provided to the insertion portion 85 and the discharge portion 88 of the housing 78. Therefore, the structure of the disinfection mechanism can be simplified.

(Image reading mechanism 238)
As shown in FIG. 6, the image reading mechanism 238 includes an optical scanning device 102, a condensing guide 106, a condensing mirror 107 (see FIG. 15), and a photoelectric conversion unit (photomultiplier) 108. . The optical scanning device 102 is disposed on the rear side of the imaging plate IP and has a device casing 310 having a longitudinal direction in the vertical direction of the device, a light source unit 312 accommodated in the device casing 310, and a deflector (polygon mirror) 114. , And a folding mirror 316.

  The folding mirror 316, the light source unit 312 and the deflector 314 are arranged in the order of description from the upper side of the apparatus to the lower side of the apparatus. The light source unit 312 emits the laser light L to the lower rear side of the apparatus, and the deflector 314 folds the laser light L back to the upper rear side of the apparatus and deflects it in the lateral direction of the imaging plate. The laser beam L deflected by the deflector 314 is condensed and diffused by an optical element (not shown), and then folded back by the folding mirror 316 toward between the conveyance roller pair 28D and the conveyance roller pair 28E. The imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP conveyed between 28D and the conveyance roller pair 28E is scanned.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the imaging surface S (photostimulable phosphor layer) of the imaging plate IP is irradiated with the laser light L as excitation light, according to the energy accumulated on the imaging surface S, That is, the stimulated light emission L ′ corresponding to the photographed image occurs.

  The condensing guide 106 and the condensing mirror 107 are disposed along the main scanning direction of the imaging plate IP in the vicinity of the imaging plate IP, and photoelectrically emit the stimulated emission light L ′ generated on the imaging surface S. Guide to the conversion unit 108. The photoelectric conversion unit 108 converts the stimulated emission light L ′ obtained from the imaging plate IP into an electrical signal.

(Afterimage elimination mechanism 240)
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the afterimage erasing mechanism 240 includes an erasing lamp 318 such as a cathode tube or a fluorescent lamp disposed to face the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP being conveyed. The erasing lamp 318 irradiates the imaging surface S with erasing light including light in the excitation light wavelength region of the phosphor constituting the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP. Thereby, the X-ray energy remaining on the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP is erased, and the X-ray imaging image is erased from the imaging surface S.

(Protective case sealing mechanism 252)
FIG. 16A shows a schematic configuration of the protective case sealing mechanism 252 in a side sectional view. As shown in this figure, the protective case sealing mechanism 252 includes a wound body 322 in which the sheet material 13A is wound around the winding core 320, a wound body 324 in which the sheet material 13B is wound around the winding core 123, A pair of heat rollers 248 disposed downstream of the winding bodies 322 and 124 in the conveying direction, a pair of unwinding rollers 326 for unwinding the sheet material 13A from the winding body 322, and a sheet material 13B from the winding body 324. A pair of unwinding rollers 328 for feeding out, a cutter 330 for cutting the sheet material 13A, and a cutter 332 for cutting the sheet material 13B are provided.

  The winding body 322 faces the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP and is disposed along the imaging plate lateral direction. The winding body 324 is substantially parallel to the winding body 322 and transports the imaging plate. It is arranged opposite to the imaging plate thickness direction across the road.

  The heat roller pair 248 includes a heat roller 248A disposed on the imaging surface S side and a pressure roller 248B disposed on the back surface B side and pressed against the heat roller 248A.

  Further, the unwinding roller pair 326 is disposed between the winding body 322 and the heat roller 248A, and sandwiches and conveys the sheet material 13A between the heat roller 248A and the imaging plate IP. The unwinding roller pair 328 is disposed between the winding body 324 and the pressure roller 248B, and sandwiches and conveys the sheet material 13B between the pressure roller 248B and the imaging plate IP.

  The cutter 330 is disposed between the unwinding roller pair 326 and the heat roller 248A, and is driven at a predetermined timing to cut the sheet material 13A into a predetermined length. The cutter 332 is disposed between the unwinding roller pair 328 and the pressure roller 248B, and is driven at a predetermined timing to cut the sheet material 13B into a predetermined length.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 19B, the sheet materials 13A and 13B are composed of a thermoplastic layer A continuously formed in a longitudinal direction (winding and unwinding direction) with a thermoplastic material, and thermosetting. It has a laminated structure with a thermosetting layer B formed on the thermoplastic layer A by a material. The thermosetting layer B is formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the thermoplastic layer A. Further, the thermosetting layer B is formed in a rectangular shape and is slightly larger than the imaging plate IP. Moreover, the lateral width of the thermoplastic layer A is made wider than the lateral width of the thermosetting layer B, and both ends in the width direction of the thermoplastic layer A are exposed. Further, the thermoplastic layer A is exposed between the adjacent thermosetting layers B, and the thermoplastic layer A is cut by the cutters 330 and 132 at this portion.

  Next, the effect | action in the protective case enclosure mechanism 252 is demonstrated.

  When the imaging plate IP is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 28K to the heat roller pair 248, the sheet material 13A is unwound from the winding body 322 by the unwinding roller pair 326, and the sheet material 13B is unwound. It is unwound from the wound body 324 by 328. At this time, the unwinding roller pairs 326 and 128 convey the sheet materials 13A and 13B with the phases of the thermosetting layers B of the sheet material 13A and the sheet material 13B aligned.

  Further, the unwinding roller pair 326 and 128 has the leading portion of the thermosetting layer B reaches the nip portion of the heat roller pair 248 before the leading portion of the imaging plate IP reaches the nip portion of the heat roller pair 248. Thus, the sheet materials 13A and 13B are conveyed.

  Thereby, first, the head portions of the sheet material 13A and the sheet material 13B are pressurized and heated by the heat roller pair 248. Here, since the leading portions of the sheet material 13A and the sheet material 13B are composed only of the thermoplastic layer A, they are bonded to each other by being heated under pressure by the heat roller pair 248.

  Thereafter, the sheet material 13A and the sheet material 13B are pressurized and heated by the heat roller pair 248 from the head part to the tail part, but both end parts in the width direction of the sheet material 13A and the sheet material 13B and the tail part are heated. Since it is formed of only the plastic layer A, it is bonded to each other by being heated under pressure by the heat roller pair 248.

  Here, since the thermoplastic layer A overlaps with the imaging plate IP through the thermosetting layer B in the portion where the sheet material 13A and the sheet material 13B overlap with the imaging plate IP, the portion overlaps with the heat roller pair. Even when heated by 248, adhesion between the sheet materials 13A and 13B and the imaging plate IP does not occur.

  Thereby, the whole peripheral part of sheet material 13A and sheet material 13B can be pasted up, without adhering sheet material 13A, 13B, and photographing board IP, and, therefore, protective case 13 which can enclose photographing board IP. And the imaging plate IP can be enclosed in the protective case 13.

  The configuration of this mechanism can also be applied as a mechanism that encloses the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 in the antifouling pack.

(Anti-fouling pack sealing mechanism 254)
FIG. 17 shows a schematic configuration of the antifouling pack sealing mechanism 254 in a side sectional view. As shown in this figure, the antifouling pack enclosing mechanism 254 includes a wound body 336 in which a sheet material 215A is wound around a winding core 334, and a wound body 340 in which the sheet material 215B is wound around a winding core 338. A pair of pressure rollers 250 disposed downstream of the winding bodies 336 and 140 in the conveying direction, a pair of unwinding rollers 342 for unwinding the sheet material 215A from the winding body 336, and a sheet material 215B from the winding body 340. A pair of unwinding rollers 144 for unwinding, a cutter 146 for cutting the sheet material 215A, and a cutter 148 for cutting the sheet material 215B are provided.

  The wound body 336 faces the sheet material 215A of the antifouling pack 215 and is disposed along the lateral direction of the imaging plate, and the wound body 340 is substantially parallel to the wound body 336 and the imaging plate The winding body 336 is disposed opposite to the conveyance path.

  The pressure roller pair 250 includes a driving roller 250A disposed on the sheet material 215A side and a pressure roller 250B disposed on the sheet material 215B side and pressed against the driving roller 250A.

  The unwinding roller pair 342 is disposed between the winding body 336 and the driving roller 250A, and sandwiches and conveys the sheet material 215A between the driving roller 250A and the sheet material 13A. The unwinding roller pair 144 is disposed between the winding body 340 and the pressure roller 250B, and sandwiches and conveys the sheet material 215B between the pressure roller 250B and the sheet material 13B.

  The cutter 146 is disposed between the unwinding roller pair 342 and the driving roller 250A and is driven at a predetermined timing to cut the sheet material 215A into a predetermined length. The cutter 148 is disposed between the unwinding roller pair 144 and the pressure roller 250B, and is driven at a predetermined timing to cut the sheet material 215B into a predetermined length.

  Here, the sheet materials 215A and 15B are formed of nylon resin or the like, and an adhesive layer is formed on the opposing surfaces. The adhesive layer is configured in a lattice shape by a frame portion extending along both widthwise ends of the sheet materials 215A and 15B and a plurality of case portions connecting the frame portions.

  Further, the rectangular regions surrounded by the adhesive layers of the sheet materials 215 </ b> A and 15 </ b> B have substantially the same area that is slightly larger than the protective case 13. In addition, the sheet materials 215A and 15B are divided at predetermined lengths by cutting the case portion with the cutters 146 and 148.

  Next, the operation of the antifouling pack enclosing mechanism 254 will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is conveyed to the pressure roller pair 250 by the conveying roller pair 28N, the sheet material 215A is unwound from the winding body 336 by the unwinding roller pair 342, and the sheet The material 215B is unwound from the wound body 340 by the unwinding roller pair 144. At this time, the unwinding roller pairs 342 and 144 convey the sheet materials 215A and 15B with the phases of the adhesive layers of the sheet material 215A and the sheet material 215B aligned.

  Further, the unwinding roller pairs 342 and 144 are arranged so that the case portion of the adhesive layer reaches the nip portion of the pressure roller pair 250 before the leading portion of the protective case 13 reaches the nip portion of the pressure roller pair 250. Then, the sheet materials 215A and 15B are conveyed.

  Thereby, first, the leading portions of the sheet material 215 </ b> A and the sheet material 215 </ b> B are pressed by the pressure roller pair 250. Here, since the adhesive layer is formed on the mutually opposing surfaces of the leading portions of the sheet material 215A and the sheet material 215B, the leading portions of the sheet material 215A and the sheet material 215B are formed by the pressure roller pair 250. By being pressurized, they are bonded to each other.

  Thereafter, the sheet material 215A and the sheet material 215B are pressed by the pressure roller pair 250 from the head portion to the tail portion, but the width direction both ends of the sheet material 215A and the sheet material 215B, and the tail portion, Since the adhesive layer is formed, both ends in the width direction and the rear end of the sheet material 215A and the sheet material 215B are bonded to each other by being pressed by the pressure roller pair 250.

  Here, since the adhesive layer is not formed in the portion of the sheet material 215A and the sheet material 215B that overlaps with the protective case 13, even if the portion is pressed by the pressure roller pair 250, the sheet materials 215A and 15B. No adhesion between the protective case 13 and the protective case 13 occurs.

  Accordingly, the entire peripheral portion of the sheet material 215A and the sheet material 215B can be adhered without adhering the sheet materials 215A and 15B and the protective case 13, and accordingly, the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 Can be produced, and the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 can be enclosed in the anti-stain pack 215.

  The structure of this mechanism can also be applied as a mechanism for enclosing the imaging plate IP in the protective case 13.

(Modification of antifouling pack enclosing mechanism 254)
FIG. 18 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a pollution prevention pack enclosure mechanism 350 which is a modification of the pollution prevention pack enclosure mechanism 254. As shown in this figure, the antifouling pack enclosing mechanism 350 includes an antifouling pack holding portion 354 disposed below the imaging plate conveyance path extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and sandwiching the imaging plate conveyance path. A stopper 156 disposed opposite to the anti-stain pack holding portion 354 and a heat roller pair 158 disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the anti-stain pack holding portion 354 and the stopper 156 are provided.

  The antifouling pack holding portion 354 includes a rectangular plate-like stage 159 on which a plurality of antifouling packs 352 are stacked, and a bottomed rectangular cylindrical cylinder portion 160 that supports the stage 159 so as to be slidable in the imaging plate thickness direction. And an elastic member (compression coil spring) 162 that is disposed between the bottom 160A of the cylinder 160 and the stage 159 and biases the stage 159 toward the imaging plate conveyance path.

  The stopper 156 is a rectangular plate-like member, and is disposed to face the stage 159 across the imaging plate conveyance path. The stopper 156 is provided with an anti-stain property held on the stage 159. The pack 352 is pressed by the urging force of the elastic member 162.

  Here, the height of the stopper 156 is set so that the uppermost anti-smudge pack 352 among the plurality of anti-stain packs 352 stacked on the stage 159 is arranged in the imaging plate conveyance path. The antifouling pack 352 is a rectangular bag that can accommodate the imaging plate IP, and has an opening 352A on one side, and is placed on the stage 159 so that the opening 352A is the tail. ing. Further, the hardness of the opening 352A is set to such an extent that the opening 352A is maintained in an open state unless it is pressed by a large local load such as pressing by a roller pair.

  The heat roller pair 158 includes a driving roller 158A disposed below the imaging plate conveyance path and a heat roller 158B facing the driving roller 158A across the imaging plate conveyance path. The heat roller 158B is configured to be able to contact and separate from the drive roller 158A.

  A thermoplastic layer made of a thermoplastic resin is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening 352A of the antifouling pack 352.

  Next, the operation of the antifouling pack enclosing mechanism 350 will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is conveyed to the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 350 by the conveying roller pair 28M, the protective case 13 and the imaging plate IP enter the antifouling pack 352 from the opening 352A. invade. The protective case 13 and the imaging plate IP that have entered the antifouling pack 352 move to the bottom side of the antifouling pack 352 by the inertial force even after being separated from the pair of conveying rollers 28M, and come into contact with the bottom to hit the antifouling pack 352. Move to the downstream side in the transport direction.

  After the uppermost antifouling pack 352 moves from the stage 159 to the downstream side in the transport direction, the stage 159 is pushed up by the urging force of the elastic member 162, and the uppermost antifouling pack 352 is then moved to the imaging plate. Arranged in the transport path.

  Thereafter, the bottom of the antifouling pack 352 enters the nip portion of the conveying roller pair 28N, and the antifouling pack 352, the protective case 13 and the imaging plate IP accommodated therein are downstream in the conveying direction by the conveying roller pair 28N. It is conveyed to.

  The heat roller 158B waits for the opening 352A of the antifouling pack 352 in a state in which the nip with the driving roller 158A is released, and at the same time the opening 352A reaches the nip position with the driving roller 158A, It approaches and forms the nip part with the drive roller 158A.

  Thereby, since the opening 352A in which the thermoplastic layer is formed on the inner peripheral surface is pressurized and heated by the driving roller 158A and the heat roller 158B, the opposing surfaces facing the top and bottom of the opening 352A are bonded to each other, The opening 352A is closed. Therefore, the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is enclosed in the antifouling pack 352.

(Third embodiment)
19 and 20, a schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus 101 according to the third embodiment is shown in a side sectional view. As shown in these drawings, the image reading apparatus 101 includes an image processing unit 212, a pre-image processing step 164, and a post-image processing step 216. The image processing pre-process unit 164 is housed in the housing 218, and is integrated with the image processing unit 212 by detachably coupling the housing 218 and the housing 220.

  The image processing pre-process unit 164 includes a cleaning mechanism 166 as a cleaning unit between the transport roller pair 28A and the transport roller pair 28B. The cleaning mechanism 166 cleans the imaging plate IP and removes contaminants such as saliva and blood attached to the imaging plate IP.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP is inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion portion 224, the imaging plate IP is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28A and passes through the cleaning mechanism 166. At this time, the imaging plate IP is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 166 to remove filth such as saliva and blood adhering to the surroundings. Then, the cleaned imaging plate IP is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28B, is ejected from the housing 218 through the ejection unit 226, and is inserted into the housing 220 through the insertion unit 33. Is done.

  As in the second embodiment, the imaging plate IP inserted in the case 220 passes an X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S when passing through the laser beam irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238. And the X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S is erased when passing through the light irradiation position in the afterimage erasing mechanism 240. The imaging plate IP is ejected from the housing 220 and inserted into the housing 222.

  The imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 222 is enclosed in the protective case 13 when passing through the protective case enclosure mechanism 252 and is prevented from being contaminated when passing through the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254, as in the second embodiment. It is enclosed in the pack 215, passes through the discharge portion 246, and is discharged from the housing 222.

  Here, in this embodiment, the imaging plate IP inserted into the image reading apparatus 101 is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 166 to remove filth such as saliva and blood adhering to the surroundings, and then to the image reading mechanism 238. Be transported.

  As a result, the image reading mechanism 238 can read an X-ray image carried on the cleaned imaging plate IP. In addition, it is not necessary to clean the imaging plate IP by an operator before insertion into the image reading apparatus 101. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reading performance of the X-ray image carried on the imaging plate IP and reduce the burden on the operator.

  In this embodiment, the housing 218 that houses the cleaning mechanism 166 is freely attached to and detached from the housing 220 that houses the image reading mechanism 238 and the afterimage erasing mechanism 240. Therefore, when the image processing unit 212 exists as an existing image reading apparatus that does not include the cleaning mechanism 166, a cleaning function can be added as an option to the existing image reading apparatus.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the insertion portion 224 and the discharge portion 35 are made different so that the cleaned imaging plate IP is not retransmitted into the housing 218, so that dirt on the cleaning imaging plate IP is obtained. Can be prevented, and a clean imaging plate IP free of filth can be discharged out of the apparatus. However, it is not essential to make the insertion portion 224 and the discharge portion 35 different from each other. The insertion portion 224 and the discharge portion 35 are made the same, and the conveyance direction of the imaging plate IP from which the afterimage is erased is reversed, and the imaging plate The IP may be discharged from the insertion portion 224.

(Washing mechanism 166)
FIG. 21 shows a schematic configuration of the cleaning mechanism 166 in a side sectional view. As shown in this figure, the cleaning mechanism 166 includes a casing 78, a cleaning liquid ejecting unit 168 disposed in the casing 78 along the transport direction, a squeeze roller pair 82, and a squeeze roller pair 82. A pair of cleaning liquid recovery units 170 that respectively accommodate the rollers 82A are provided, and although the liquid to be used is changed from the disinfecting liquid to the cleaning liquid, the configuration is the same as that of the disinfecting mechanism 234 described above.

  Next, the operation of the cleaning mechanism 166 will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP conveyed below the apparatus by the conveyance roller pair 28A passes between the pair of ejection heads 81, the cleaning liquid (water) is ejected by the pair of ejection heads 81 onto the front and back surfaces of the imaging plate IP. Is performed, the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP are washed, and dirt such as saliva and blood adhering to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP is removed. Further, when the cleaned imaging plate IP passes through the squeeze roller pair 82, the adhering cleaning liquid is scraped off by the rollers 82A constituting the squeeze roller pair 82. The cleaning liquid scraped off from the imaging plate IP by each roller 82A flows down from each roller 82A to the cleaning liquid recovery unit 170 and is recovered. As a result, the imaging plate IP that has been cleaned and has the cleaning liquid scraped off can be inserted into the image processing unit 212.

(First Modification of Cleaning Mechanism 166)
22A and 22B, a schematic configuration of a cleaning mechanism 172 which is a first modification of the cleaning mechanism 166 is shown in a side sectional view. As shown in this figure, the cleaning mechanism 172 includes a casing 78 and a pair of cleaning web units 176 disposed facing each other in the imaging plate thickness direction with the imaging plate conveyance path interposed therebetween.

  Each cleaning web unit 176 includes a web 178 formed of a water-absorbing member such as a sponge, and a winding core 180 that extends in the horizontal direction of the imaging plate and winds one end of the web 178 in a roll shape. A winding core 182 that is disposed substantially parallel to the winding core 180 downstream of the winding core 180 and winds the other end of the web 178 in a roll, and a bearing 184 that rotatably supports the winding core 180. , An urging member (compression coil spring) 186 that urges the bearing 184 toward the imaging plate conveyance path, a bearing 188 that rotatably supports the winding core 182, and an urging member that urges the bearing 188 toward the imaging plate conveyance path ( Compression coil spring) 190.

  The pair of winding cores 180 face each other in the imaging plate thickness direction with the imaging plate conveyance path interposed therebetween, and one end sides of the pair of webs 178 are pressed against each other by the urging force of the urging member 186. Further, the pair of winding cores 182 face each other in the imaging plate thickness direction across the imaging plate conveyance path, and the other ends of the pair of webs 178 are pressed against each other by the urging force of the urging member 190. .

  Next, the operation of the cleaning mechanism 172 will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP conveyed below the apparatus by the conveying roller pair 28A passes between the pair of webs 178, the winding cores 180 and 182 are driven by the imaging plate IP and rotated, whereby the web from the winding core 180 is rotated. As the web 178 is unwound, the web 178 is taken up by the winding core 182. At this time, the pair of webs 178 are in contact with both the front and back surfaces of the imaging plate IP and absorb moisture adhering to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP, so that the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP are Washed and filth such as saliva and blood adhered to the imaging surface S and back surface B of the imaging plate IP are removed. As a result, the cleaned imaging plate IP can be inserted into the image processing unit 212.

(Second Modification of Cleaning Mechanism 166)
FIG. 23 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a cleaning mechanism 192 that is a second modification of the cleaning mechanism 166. As shown in this figure, the cleaning mechanism 192 includes a casing 78 and a pair of cleaning web units 194 disposed opposite to each other in the imaging plate thickness direction with the imaging plate conveyance path interposed therebetween.

  Each cleaning web unit 194 rotatably supports the web 178, the winding core 180, a driving roller 196 disposed substantially parallel to the winding core 180 on the downstream side in the transport direction from the winding core 180, and the winding core 180. A bearing 184, an urging member (compression coil spring) 186 that urges the bearing 184 toward the imaging plate conveyance path, and a drive roller 196 that is disposed substantially parallel to the drive roller 196 downstream of the drive roller 196 in the conveyance direction. Driven roller 198 that rotates in turn, cutter 202 that cuts the other end side (front end side) of web 178 conveyed by drive roller 196 and driven roller 198, and a web collection unit that collects web 178 cut by cutter 202 204.

  The pair of drive rollers 196 unwinds the web 178 from the winding core 180 by sandwiching the imaging plate IP and the pair of webs 178 and rotating. Further, the web 178 is conveyed to the side opposite to the imaging plate conveyance path by the driving roller 196 and the driven roller 198 disposed below the driving roller 196.

  The cutter 202 is disposed on the side opposite to the imaging plate conveying path of the driving roller 196 and the driven roller 198, and cuts the other end side of the web 178 conveyed by the driving roller 196 and the driven roller 198 by a predetermined length. Further, the web collection unit 204 is disposed below the cutter 202 on the side opposite to the imaging plate conveyance path. The web 178 cut to a predetermined length by the cutter 202 is dropped into the web collection unit 204 and collected.

  Next, the operation of the cleaning mechanism 192 will be described.

  The web 178 is unwound from the winding core 180 by the drive roller 196 when the imaging plate IP transported downward by the pair of transport rollers 28A passes between the pair of webs 178. At this time, the pair of webs 178 are in contact with both the front and back surfaces of the imaging plate IP and absorb moisture adhering to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP, so that the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP are Washed and filth such as saliva and blood adhered to the imaging surface S and back surface B of the imaging plate IP are removed. As a result, the cleaned imaging plate IP can be inserted into the image processing unit 212.

  Further, the other end side of the web 178 that has been unwound is cut into a predetermined length by the cutter 202 and dropped into the web collection unit 204 to be collected. Here, when the web 178 that has been unwound is configured to be wound by the winding core on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, the winding core must be configured to be able to contact and separate from the imaging plate conveyance path. The lead must be a driven roller. However, in the present embodiment, the roller for unwinding the web 178 can be used as the driving roller 196, thereby improving the conveying force of the imaging plate IP.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 24 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus 200 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in this figure, the image reading apparatus 200 includes an image processing unit 212, an image processing pre-processing unit 206, and an image processing post-processing unit 216. The image processing pre-processing unit 206 is housed in a housing 218, and is integrated with the image processing unit 212 by detachably coupling the housing 218 and the housing 220.

  In the housing 218, conveyance roller pairs 28A, 28B, and 28C are disposed along the imaging plate conveyance path. The image processing pre-process unit 206 includes a protective case removing mechanism 232 as a protective member removing unit between the conveying roller pair 28A and the conveying roller pair 28B, and a disinfection mechanism 234 including the conveying roller pair 28B and the conveying roller pair. It is provided between 28C. The protective case removing mechanism 232 removes the protective case 13 enclosing the imaging plate IP from the imaging plate IP.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP sealed in the protective case 13 is inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion portion 224, it is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28A and first passes through the protective case removing mechanism 232. At this time, the protective case 13 is removed from the imaging plate IP. Next, the imaging plate IP from which the protective case 13 has been removed passes through the disinfection mechanism 234. At this time, the imaging plate IP is stopped for a predetermined time in the disinfection mechanism 234, and sterilization is performed. The sterilized and sterilized imaging plate IP is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28C, passes through the discharge unit 226, is discharged from the housing 218, and passes through the insertion unit 33 into the housing 220. Inserted.

  As in the second and third embodiments, the imaging plate IP inserted in the housing 220 passes through the laser beam irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238 and is taken on the imaging surface S. Is read from the image reading mechanism 238, and the X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S is erased when passing through the light irradiation position in the afterimage erasing mechanism 240. The imaging plate IP is ejected from the housing 220 and inserted into the housing 222.

  The imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 222 is enclosed in the protective case 13 when passing through the protective case enclosure mechanism 252 and passes through the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254, as in the second and third embodiments. At that time, it is enclosed in the antifouling pack 215, passes through the discharge portion 246, and is discharged from the housing 222.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the protective case 13 enclosing the imaging plate IP is inserted from the insertion portion 224 together with the imaging plate IP, and is removed from the imaging plate IP by the protective case removing mechanism 232. This eliminates the need to remove the protective case 13 from the imaging plate IP, thereby reducing the burden on the operator. Further, since the imaging plate IP can be inserted into the image reading apparatus 200 in a state where the imaging surface S is protected by the protective case 13, the contamination of the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP can be further suppressed.

(Protective case removal mechanism 232)
As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the protective case removing mechanism 232 is provided with a pair of rotating bodies 58 that are disposed facing each other in the lateral direction of the imaging plate with the imaging plate conveyance path interposed therebetween. Each rotator 58 is disposed on the outer side of the imaging plate conveyance path in the lateral direction of the imaging plate and extends along the imaging plate thickness direction, and a pair of bowl-like members whose axis is fixed to the rotation shaft 260. The elastic member 62 is provided.

  The rotating shaft 260 is rotated in a forward direction with respect to the transport direction by driving means such as a motor (not shown). Further, the pair of elastic members 62 are circular when viewed from the imaging plate thickness direction, and are disposed so that the curved surfaces 62A face each other.

  Here, the end of the elastic member 62 on the side of the imaging plate conveyance path is arranged so as to overlap with the end of the protective case 13 in the lateral direction of the imaging plate when viewed from the thickness direction of the imaging plate. In addition, the ends of the pair of elastic members 62 arranged in the imaging plate thickness direction on the side of the imaging plate conveyance path are disposed so as to face each other with the imaging plate lateral direction end portion of the protective case 13 interposed therebetween. In addition, the elastic member 62 is arrange | positioned so that it may not contact with the protective case 13 in the state which is not elastically deformed.

  Further, the protective case removing mechanism 232 includes a pair of pressing portions 64 disposed on both sides of the imaging plate conveyance path in the lateral direction of the imaging plate. Each pressing portion 64 includes a pair of pressing members 66 disposed to face the imaging plate thickness direction with the imaging plate conveyance path interposed therebetween. The pair of pressing members 66 are members that are curved in an arc shape, and when viewed from the imaging plate thickness direction, the peripheral portion 62C on the imaging plate conveyance path side and the conveyance direction downstream side from the axial core portion of the elastic member 62. And arranged so as to face the photographing plate thickness direction with the peripheral portion 62C interposed therebetween.

  Here, the pressing member 66 is disposed closer to the imaging plate conveyance path than the flat surface 62B of the elastic member 62, and elastically deforms the peripheral portion 62C of the elastic member 62 toward the imaging plate conveyance path. In addition, the interval between the pair of peripheral portions 62C opposed to the imaging plate thickness direction in a state of being elastically deformed by the pair of pressing members 66 is set to be narrower than the thickness of the imaging plate IP. As a result, the peripheral portions 62C of the pair of elastic members 62 sandwich the photographing plate IP and the photographing plate lateral end portions of the protective case 13.

  Next, the operation of the protective case removal mechanism 232 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, when the protective case 13 enclosing the photographing plate IP passes through the protective case removing mechanism 232, first, both ends on the leading side of the protective case 13 are disposed on the photographing plate. It penetrates into the gap between the pair of elastic members 62 facing in the thickness direction.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, both ends on the front side of the protective case 13 are sandwiched by a pair of peripheral portions 62C facing in the thickness direction of the imaging plate in a state of being elastically deformed. In this state, the peripheral portion 62C rotates in the forward direction with respect to the transport direction, so that a load is applied from the peripheral portion 62C to the imaging plate IP and the protective case 13 outward in the lateral direction of the imaging plate. Is granted.

  Here, the breaking strength of the protective case 13 is set so as to be broken when the operator pulls both sides of the notch 13C, and the protective case 13 is conveyed with the notch 13C at the top. . For this reason, the protective case 13 is broken with the notch 13C as a break due to the load received from both sides of the notch 13C. As a result, the protective case 13 is removed from the imaging plate IP.

  The protective case 13 divided into two is pulled to the outside of the imaging plate conveyance path by each rotating body 58, and finally, a collection unit (not shown) disposed below each rotating body 58. It is dropped and collected.

(Modification of Protective Case Removal Mechanism 232)
27A to 27C, a schematic configuration of a protective case removing mechanism 68 which is a modified example of the protective case removing mechanism 232 is shown in a side sectional view. As shown in this figure, in the image reading apparatus 200 to which the protective case removing mechanism 68 is applied, the insertion portion 224 is formed on the side wall 218C of the housing 218 along the vertical direction of the apparatus, and the imaging plate IP is inserted. It is inserted in the horizontal direction while standing from the portion 224. Further, the conveying roller pair 28A is disposed in the vicinity of the insertion portion 224 in the upright state, and conveys the imaging plate IP in the lateral direction with the upright body.

  The protective case removing mechanism 68 is substantially parallel to the transport roller pair 28A and between the transport roller pair 70A and 70B disposed along the photographing plate lateral direction, and between the transport roller pair 28A and the transport roller pair 70A. , A section collection unit 73 disposed below the conveyance roller pair 28A and the conveyance roller pair 70A, and a lower portion downstream of the conveyance roller pair 70B in the conveyance direction. Protective case collection unit 74, motor (drive unit) 75 for driving conveyance roller pair 70A, 70B, position detection sensor 76 for detecting the position of protective case 13 conveyed by conveyance roller pair 28A, 70A, and position detection And a control unit 77 that controls the motor 75 based on the detection result of the sensor 76.

  The conveyance roller pair 70A conveys the protective case 13 containing the imaging plate IP conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 28A to the conveyance roller pair 70B. Here, the distance between the axes of the transport roller pair 70A and the transport roller pair 70B is approximately the same as the width of the protective case 13 transported by the transport roller pairs 28A and 70A (the length in the horizontal direction of the imaging plate), and accordingly. It is set wider than the horizontal width of the imaging plate IP to be conveyed.

  Further, the control unit 77 determines the timing at which the leading portion of the protective case 13 to be conveyed reaches the nip portion of the conveyance roller pair 70B based on the detection result of the position detection sensor 76, and simultaneously turns on the motor 75. Stop. Then, after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) has elapsed, the motor 75 is driven for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds).

  Further, the blade portion of the cutter 72 is disposed between the lower joint portion 13D of the lower side of the protective case 13 conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 28A and the lower end portion of the imaging plate IP. Further, the central portion of the conveyance roller pair 28B in the axial direction is arranged on a straight line that vertically cuts an intermediate point between the conveyance roller pair 70A and the conveyance roller pair 70B.

  Next, the operation of the protective case removing mechanism 68 will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is inserted from the insertion portion 224 in an upright state, the imaging plate IP is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair 70A and 70B by the conveyance roller pair 28A. At this time, the motor 75 is driven by the control unit 77 to rotate the pair of transport rollers 70A and 70B, so that the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is transported to the inside of the apparatus.

  Here, the blade part of the cutter 72 is disposed between the lower joint part 13D of the lower side of the protective case 13 conveyed by the conveying roller pair 28A and the lower end part of the imaging plate IP, and the conveying roller pair 28A. The joint portion 13D on the lower side of the protective case 13 conveyed by the cutting is cut by the cutter 72. Thereby, the lower side of the protective case 13 is opened. Note that the joint portion 13D cut from the protective case 13 by the cutter 72 falls into the section collection portion 73 and is collected.

  Thereafter, the position detection sensor 76 detects the position of the protective case 13 conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 28A, 70A. Based on the detection result of the position detection sensor 76, the control unit 77 determines the timing at which the leading portion of the transported protective case 13 reaches the nip portion of the transport roller pair 70B, and stops the motor 75 simultaneously with the timing. .

  Here, since the distance between the axes of the transport roller pair 70A and the transport roller pair 70B is set to be approximately the same as the lateral width of the protective case 13 transported by the transport roller pair 28A, 70A, the top of the protective case 13 And the rear portion are sandwiched by the nip portion of the conveyance roller pair 70B and the nip portion of the conveyance roller pair 70A, respectively. Further, since the distance between the axes of the conveyance roller pair 70A and the conveyance roller pair 70B is set wider than the horizontal width of the imaging plate IP, the imaging plate IP is not held by the conveyance roller pairs 70A and 70B. Become.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 27C, the imaging plate IP becomes dropable due to its own weight, moves out of the protective case 13, moves to the conveying roller pair 28B, and is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28B. The

  Thereafter, the motor 75 is driven by the control unit 77 and the rotation of the conveyance roller pairs 70A and 70B is restarted, whereby the protective case 13 is conveyed to the outside of the imaging plate conveyance path. Then, the protective case 13 is dropped into the protective case collection unit 74 and collected.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 28 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus 300 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in these drawings, the image reading apparatus 300 includes an image processing unit 212, a pre-image processing step unit 410, and a post-image processing step unit 216. The image processing pre-processing unit 410 is housed in the housing 218, and is integrated with the image processing unit 212 by detachably coupling the housing 218 and the housing 220.

  The image processing pre-process unit 410 includes a cleaning mechanism 166 between the transport roller pair 28A and the transport roller pair 28B, and a protective case removal mechanism 232 between the transport roller pair 28B and the transport roller pair 28C. A disinfection mechanism 234 is provided between the transport roller pair 28B and the transport roller pair 28C.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP enclosed in the protective case 13 is inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion portion 224, the imaging plate IP is transported downward by the pair of transport rollers 28A and first passes through the cleaning mechanism 166. At this time, the protective case 13 in which the imaging plate IP is enclosed is washed, and dirt such as saliva and blood attached to the protective case 13 is removed.

  The cleaned protective case 13 and the imaging plate IP sealed in the protective case 13 are conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28B and pass through the protective case removing mechanism 232. At this time, the protective case 13 is removed from the imaging plate IP.

  The imaging plate IP from which the protective case 13 has been removed is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28C, passes through the discharge unit 226, and is discharged from the housing 218, and also passes through the insertion unit 33 and enters the housing 220. Is inserted.

  As in the second to fourth embodiments, the imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 220 passes through the laser beam irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238 and is taken on the imaging surface S. Is read from the image reading mechanism 238, and the X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S is erased when passing through the light irradiation position in the afterimage erasing mechanism 240. The imaging plate IP is ejected from the housing 220 and inserted into the housing 222.

  The imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 222 is enclosed in the protective case 13 when passing through the protective case enclosure mechanism 252 and passes through the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254, as in the second to fourth embodiments. At that time, it is enclosed in the antifouling pack 215, passes through the discharge portion 246, and is discharged from the housing 222.

  In this embodiment, since the protective case 13 enclosing the imaging plate IP is inserted into the image reading apparatus 300 and then cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 166, the protective case removing mechanism 232 captures the protective case 13. When removing from the plate IP, it is possible to prevent filth such as saliva and blood from adhering to the imaging plate IP.

  Therefore, the image reading mechanism 238 can read an X-ray image carried on the imaging plate IP without adhesion of saliva or blood. In addition, the cleaning operation of the imaging plate IP by the operator before insertion into the image reading apparatus 300 is not necessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reading performance of the X-ray image carried on the imaging plate IP and reduce the burden on the operator.

  In this embodiment, the housing 218 that houses the cleaning mechanism 166, the protective case removing mechanism 232, and the disinfection mechanism 234 is detachable from the housing 220 that houses the image processing unit 212. Therefore, when the image processing unit 212 exists as an existing image reading apparatus that does not include the cleaning mechanism 166, the protective case removing mechanism 232, and the disinfection mechanism 234, as an option for the existing image reading apparatus, the cleaning mechanism It is possible to add a protective case removing function and a disinfecting function.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 29 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus 400 according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in this figure, the image reading apparatus 400 includes an image processing unit 212, a pre-image processing step unit 412, and a post-image processing step unit 414. The image processing pre-processing unit 412 is housed in the housing 218, and is integrated with the image processing unit 212 by detachably coupling the housing 218 and the housing 220. The image processing post-processing unit 414 is housed in the housing 222, and is integrated with the image processing unit 212 by detachably coupling the housing 222 and the housing 220.

  The image processing pre-process unit 412 includes a protective case removing mechanism 232 between the transport roller pair 28A and the transport roller pair 28B. The image processing post-process unit 414 includes a disinfection mechanism 234 between the transport roller pair 28J and the transport roller pair 28K, and a protective case sealing mechanism 252 between the transport roller pair 28K and the transport guide 36K. Further, the antifouling pack sealing mechanism 254 is provided between the conveyance roller pair 28M and the conveyance guide 36M.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP sealed in the protective case 13 is inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion portion 224, it is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28A and first passes through the protective case removing mechanism 232. At this time, the protective case 13 is removed from the imaging plate IP.

  The imaging plate IP, from which the protective case 13 has been removed, is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28B, passes through the discharge unit 226 and is discharged from the housing 218, and passes through the insertion unit 33 and passes through the housing 220. Is inserted.

  As in the second to fifth embodiments, the imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 220 passes through the laser beam irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238 and is taken on the imaging surface S. Is read from the image reading mechanism 238, and the X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S is erased when passing through the light irradiation position in the afterimage erasing mechanism 240. The imaging plate IP is ejected from the housing 220 and inserted into the housing 222.

  The imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 222 first passes through the disinfection mechanism 234. At this time, the imaging plate IP is stopped for a predetermined time in the disinfection mechanism 234, and sterilization is performed. Then, the sterilized and sterilized imaging plate IP is conveyed to the rear side of the apparatus by the conveying roller pair 28K. Thereafter, the imaging plate IP is enclosed in the protective case 13 when passing through the protective case enclosure mechanism 252, and is enclosed in the antifouling pack 215 together with the protective case 13 when passing through the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254. And discharged from the housing 222.

  Here, in this embodiment, after the imaging plate IP carrying the X-ray image is read by the image reading mechanism 238 and the X-ray image is deleted by the afterimage deletion mechanism 240, the disinfection mechanism Sterilized by 234.

  That is, the X-ray image is read by the image reading mechanism 238 before the imaging plate IP is sterilized and sterilized by the sterilization mechanism 234, so that the X-ray is detected after the imaging plate IP is inserted into the image reading device 400. An increase in the time required for a captured image to be displayed on the monitor can be suppressed. In addition, since the operator does not need to disinfect the imaging plate IP, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the housing 222 that houses the disinfection mechanism 234 is detachably coupled to the housing 220 that houses the image reading mechanism 238 and the afterimage erasing mechanism 240. Accordingly, when the image processing unit 212 exists as an existing image reading apparatus that does not include the disinfection mechanism 234, it is possible to add a disinfection function as an option to the existing image reading apparatus.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 30 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus 500 according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in this figure, the image reading apparatus 500 includes an image processing unit 416, a pre-image processing step 412, and a post-image processing step 216.

  The image processing unit 416 includes a disinfection mechanism 234 between the conveyance roller pair 28E and the conveyance roller pair 28F, and an afterimage erasing mechanism 240 between the conveyance roller pair 28G and the conveyance roller pair 28H.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP sealed in the protective case 13 is inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion portion 224, it is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28A and first passes through the protective case removing mechanism 232. At this time, the protective case 13 is removed from the imaging plate IP.

  The imaging plate IP, from which the protective case 13 has been removed, is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28B, passes through the discharge unit 226 and is discharged from the housing 218, and passes through the insertion unit 33 and passes through the housing 220. Is inserted.

  The imaging plate IP inserted in the housing 220 is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 28D, passes through the laser beam irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238, and the X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S is transferred from the image reading mechanism 238. Read. The X-ray image read by the image reading mechanism 238 is displayed on the monitor.

  The imaging plate IP that has passed the laser beam irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238 is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28E and passes through the disinfection mechanism 234. At that time, the imaging plate IP is stopped for a predetermined time in the disinfection mechanism 234, and sterilization is performed. The sterilized and sterilized imaging plate IP is conveyed to the lower side of the apparatus by the conveying roller pair 28F, and then guided to the conveying roller pair 28G by the conveying guides 36D and 36E. At this time, the imaging plate IP is reversed at the head and tail by the conveyance guides 36D and 36E, and the imaging surface S is turned upward.

  Thereafter, the imaging plate IP is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 28G with the imaging surface S facing upward, passes through the light irradiation position in the afterimage erasing mechanism 240, and erases the X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S. Is done.

  The imaging plate IP from which the X-ray imaging image has been erased is conveyed forward of the apparatus by the conveyance roller pair 28H, passes through the discharge unit 35, and is discharged from the housing 220, and passes through the insertion unit 244 and then the housing. Inserted into the body 222.

  The imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 222 is enclosed in the protective case 13 when passing through the protective case enclosure mechanism 252 and passes through the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254, as in the second embodiment. At this time, it is enclosed in the antifouling pack 215 together with the protective case 13 and then discharged from the housing 222.

  In this embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, the imaging plate IP carrying the X-ray image is sterilized and disinfected by the disinfection mechanism 234 after the X-ray image is read by the image reading mechanism 238. .

  That is, before the imaging plate IP is sterilized and sterilized by the sterilization mechanism 234, the X-ray image is read by the image reading mechanism 238. Therefore, after the imaging plate IP is inserted into the image reading apparatus 500, X-rays are obtained. An increase in the time required for a captured image to be displayed on the monitor can be suppressed. In addition, since the operator does not need to disinfect the imaging plate IP, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 31 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus 600 according to the eighth embodiment. As shown in this figure, the image reading apparatus 600 includes an image processing unit 418, a pre-image processing step unit 412, and a post-image processing step unit 216.

  The image processing unit 418 includes an erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420 as an erasing / disinfecting unit between the conveying roller pair 28E and the conveying roller pair 28F. The erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420 irradiates the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP with UV light (ultraviolet light), erases the X-ray imaging image carried on the imaging plate IP, and sterilizes the imaging plate IP. .

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP sealed in the protective case 13 is inserted into the housing 218 from the insertion portion 224, it is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28A and first passes through the protective case removing mechanism 232. At this time, the protective case 13 is removed from the imaging plate IP.

  The imaging plate IP, from which the protective case 13 has been removed, is conveyed downward by the conveying roller pair 28B, passes through the discharge unit 226 and is discharged from the housing 218, and passes through the insertion unit 33 and passes through the housing 220. Is inserted.

  The imaging plate IP inserted in the housing 220 is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 28D, passes through the laser beam irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238, and the X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S is transferred from the image reading mechanism 238. Read. The X-ray image read by the image reading mechanism 238 is displayed on the monitor.

  The imaging plate IP that has passed the laser light irradiation position in the image reading mechanism 238 is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28E and passes through the UV light irradiation position of the erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420. At this time, the imaging plate IP is stopped for a predetermined time at the UV light irradiation position of the erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420, and the X-ray image is erased and sterilized. Then, the imaging plate IP from which the X-ray image is erased and sterilized is transported downward by the transport roller pair 28F and then guided to the transport roller pair 28G by transport guides 36D and 36E. At this time, the imaging plate IP is reversed at the head and tail by the conveyance guides 36D and 36E, and the imaging surface S is turned upward.

  Thereafter, the imaging plate IP is conveyed forward of the apparatus by the conveyance roller pair 28G and 28H with the imaging surface S facing upward, is discharged from the housing 220 through the discharge portion 35, and is inserted into the insertion portion 244. It passes through and is inserted into the housing 222.

  The imaging plate IP inserted into the housing 222 is enclosed in the protective case 13 when passing through the protective case enclosure mechanism 252 and passes through the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism 254, as in the second embodiment. At this time, it is enclosed in the antifouling pack 215 together with the protective case 13 and then discharged from the housing 222.

  In this embodiment, as in the sixth and seventh embodiments, the imaging plate IP carrying the X-ray imaging image is sterilized after the X-ray imaging image is read by the image reading mechanism 238. Disinfection is performed.

  That is, the X-ray image is read by the image reading mechanism 238 before the imaging plate IP is sterilized and sterilized by the erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420, so that the X after the imaging plate IP is inserted into the image reading device 600. It is possible to suppress an increase in the time required until the line-captured image is displayed on the monitor. In addition, since the operator does not need to disinfect the imaging plate IP, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, since the sterilization process by the erasure disinfection mechanism 420 is performed during the afterimage erasure by the erasure disinfection mechanism 420, the time required until the imaging plate IP is discharged can be shortened.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by installing the erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420 in which the afterimage erasing unit and the sterilizing unit are integrated, the space occupied by the afterimage erasing unit and the sterilizing unit can be reduced, and accordingly, the image reading apparatus 600. Can be miniaturized.

(Erase and disinfection mechanism 420)
In FIG. 32, a schematic configuration of the erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420 is shown in a side sectional view. As shown in this figure, the erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420 includes a housing 78 and a pair of UV light sources 422. The pair of UV light sources 422 are opposed to the imaging plate thickness direction across the imaging plate conveyance path, and irradiate UV light toward the imaging plate conveyance path.

  Next, the operation of the erasing / disinfecting mechanism 420 will be described.

  When the imaging plate IP from which the X-ray image is read by the image reading mechanism 238 is conveyed to the lower side of the apparatus by the conveying roller pair 28E, the pair of UV light sources 422 to the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP. Irradiation with UV light is performed. Thereby, the X-ray image carried on the imaging surface S of the imaging plate IP is erased, and the imaging surface S and the back surface B of the imaging plate IP are sterilized.

  The present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. It is clear to the contractor.

1 is an internal configuration diagram of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is an external view of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is an internal block diagram of the image reading apparatus which concerns on the other aspect of 1st Embodiment. It is an internal block diagram of the image reading apparatus which concerns on the other aspect of 1st Embodiment. It is an internal block diagram of the image reading apparatus which concerns on the other aspect of 1st Embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 5A is a perspective view and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a photographing plate and a protective case enclosing the photographing plate. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the disinfection mechanism with which the image reading apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is provided. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the modification of the disinfection mechanism shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the 1st modification of the disinfection mechanism shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the modification of the disinfection mechanism shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the 2nd modification of the disinfection mechanism shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the 3rd modification of the disinfection mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged side sectional view showing a part of an image reading mechanism included in the image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 6. (A) is a sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of a protective case enclosing mechanism provided in the image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 6, and (B) is a sectional view showing an imaging plate and an imaging plate enclosing the imaging plate. . FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an antifouling pack sealing mechanism included in the image reading apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6. (A), (B) is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the modification of the antifouling pack enclosure mechanism shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the washing | cleaning mechanism with which the image reading apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is provided. (A), (B) is a sectional side view which shows the outline of the 1st modification of the washing | cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows the outline of the 2nd modification of the washing | cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. (A) which shows schematic structure of the protective case removal mechanism with which the image reading apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment is provided is a top view, (B) is BB sectional drawing of (A). (A) which shows schematic structure of the protective case removal mechanism with which the image reading apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment is provided is a top view, (B) is BB sectional drawing of (A). (A)-(C) are sectional side views which show the outline of the modification of the protective case removal mechanism shown in FIG.25 and FIG.26. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a sectional side view which shows schematic structure of the erasing / disinfecting mechanism with which the image reading apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment is provided.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image reader 11 Image reader 13 Protective case (protective member)
16a-c Radiation image conversion panel (imaging medium)
18a-c cassette (shading bag)
28A to O Conveying roller pair (conveying means)
33 Insertion section 35 Discharge section 48 Reading unit (image reading means)
60 Disinfection means 68 Protective case removal mechanism (protection member removal means)
86 Disinfection mechanism (disinfection means)
90 Disinfection mechanism (disinfection means)
96 Disinfection mechanism (disinfection means)
101 Image reading device 110 Image reading device 116 Radiation image conversion panel (imaging medium)
118a-c cassette (protective member)
142 Image Information Reading Unit (Image Reading Unit)
166 Cleaning mechanism (cleaning means)
172 Cleaning mechanism (cleaning means)
192 Cleaning mechanism (cleaning means)
200 Image reading device 215 Antifouling pack 218B Lower wall (partition member)
220 Case (device case)
220A Upper wall (partition member)
224 Insertion part 232 Protective case removal mechanism (protective member removal means)
234 Disinfection mechanism (disinfection means)
238 Image reading mechanism (image reading means)
240 Afterimage erasing mechanism (afterimage erasing means)
242 Chamber pressure adjusting mechanism (chamber pressure holding means)
246 Discharge unit 252 Protective case sealing mechanism (protective member mounting means)
254 Anti-fouling pack sealing mechanism (pack sealing means)
300 Image Reading Device 350 Antifouling Pack Enclosure Mechanism (Pack Enclosure Means)
400 Image reader 420 Erasing / disinfecting mechanism (afterimage erasing means, disinfecting means)
500 Image reader 600 Image reader IP Imaging plate (imaging medium)

Claims (30)

Disinfecting means for disinfecting an imaging medium carrying a radiographic image or a protective member covering at least the imaging surface of the imaging medium;
Image reading means for reading a radiographic image carried on the imaging medium after or before the disinfection process by the disinfecting means,
An image reading apparatus comprising:   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection process by the disinfecting unit is at least one of a heat treatment, an ultraviolet irradiation process, a chemical coating process, and a gas process. The imaging medium is a radiation image conversion panel;
The disinfection treatment by the disinfection means is a heat treatment, and the heat treatment is a treatment in which the radiation image conversion panel is heated at 60 ° C to 200 ° C for 1 second to 10 minutes. The image reading apparatus described.   The imaging medium is a radiation image conversion panel, the radiation image conversion panel has a protective layer, and the thermal shrinkage rate (JISC2151, 150 ° C., 30 minutes) of the protective layer is 1% or less. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the protective layer of the radiation image conversion panel is subjected to a heat treatment at 60 ° C. or more before and at the time of formation.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the disinfection process by the disinfecting unit is a heat treatment, and the disinfecting unit includes a temperature control unit.   The image according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the disinfection treatment by the disinfection means is a heat treatment, and the heat treatment is a heat treatment by at least one of an infrared heater and a far infrared heater. Reader. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the disinfection process by the disinfecting unit is an ultraviolet irradiation process, and an ultraviolet irradiation energy in the ultraviolet irradiation process is 0.04 J / cm ² or more. An insertion portion into which the imaging medium is inserted;
Conveying means for conveying the imaging medium inserted from the insertion section;
An afterimage erasing unit for erasing an afterimage of the radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium after the radiographic image is read by the image reading unit;
A discharge unit for discharging the imaging medium from which the afterimage has been erased by the afterimage erasing means,
The disinfecting means disinfects the imaging medium inserted from the insertion unit,
9. The image reading unit according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit reads a radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium sterilized by the disinfecting unit. Image reading device.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the discharge unit is different from the insertion unit.   11. The image reading apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an apparatus housing which accommodates at least the image reading unit and the afterimage erasing unit and to which the disinfecting unit can be freely attached and detached. The insertion part is configured to be able to insert the protection member together with the imaging medium,
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a protective member removing unit that is disposed downstream in the conveying direction from the insertion portion and upstream in the conveying direction from the disinfecting unit, and removes the protective member from the imaging medium. Item 12. The image reading apparatus according to any one of Items 11 to 11.   The image according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a protection member attaching means that is disposed downstream of the afterimage erasing means in a transport direction and attaches the protection member to the imaging medium. Reader.   14. A pack enclosing unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the protective member attaching unit and encloses the imaging medium in an antifouling pack that prevents dirt from adhering to the imaging medium. The image reading apparatus described in 1. A partition member that partitions the inside of the apparatus into a disinfection chamber that houses the disinfecting unit and an image processing chamber that houses the image reading unit;
A chamber pressure holding means for holding the chamber pressure of the image processing chamber higher than the chamber pressure of the disinfection chamber;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: An insertion portion into which the imaging medium is inserted;
Conveying means for conveying the imaging medium inserted from the insertion section;
An afterimage erasing unit disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the image reading unit and erasing an afterimage of a radiographic image carried on the imaging medium;
A discharge unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the afterimage erasing unit and the disinfecting unit, and discharges the imaging medium, and has a discharge unit different from the insertion unit,
The image reading means is disposed downstream in the transport direction from the insertion portion,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disinfecting unit is disposed downstream in the transport direction from the image reading unit.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the disinfection processing by the disinfection unit is performed during the afterimage deletion processing by the afterimage deletion unit.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the afterimage erasing unit is integrated with the disinfecting unit.   The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising an apparatus housing which accommodates at least the image reading means and to which the disinfecting means can be freely attached and detached. The insertion part is configured to be able to insert the protection member together with the imaging medium,
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a protective member removing unit that is disposed downstream in the conveying direction from the insertion portion and upstream in the conveying direction from the image reading unit, and removes the protective member from the photographing medium. The image reading apparatus according to claim 19.   21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising a protective member attaching unit that is disposed downstream of the afterimage erasing unit and the disinfecting unit in a conveying direction and attaches the protective member to the imaging medium. The image reading apparatus described in 1.   22. A pack enclosing unit that is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the protection member attaching unit and encloses the imaging medium in an antifouling pack that prevents contamination of the imaging medium. The image reading apparatus described in 1. An insertion portion into which the imaging medium is inserted;
Conveying means for conveying the imaging medium inserted from the insertion section;
Cleaning means for cleaning the imaging medium inserted from the insertion section;
An afterimage erasing unit for erasing an afterimage of the radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium from which the radiographic image has been read by the image reading unit;
A discharge unit for discharging the imaging medium from which the afterimage has been erased by the afterimage erasing means,
9. The image reading unit according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit reads a radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium sterilized by the cleaning unit. 10. Image reading device. The insertion part is configured to be able to insert the protection member together with the imaging medium,
24. The image reading apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a protective member removing unit that removes the protective member from the photographing medium that has been inserted from the insertion unit and has not been cleaned by the cleaning unit. An insertion portion into which the imaging medium is inserted in a state where the imaging surface is protected by at least the protection member;
Conveying means for conveying the imaging medium inserted from the insertion section;
Cleaning means for cleaning the protective member inserted from the insertion portion;
Protective member removing means for removing the protective member cleaned by the cleaning means from the imaging medium;
An afterimage erasing unit for erasing an afterimage of the radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium from which the radiographic image is read by the image reading unit;
9. The image reading unit according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit reads a radiographic image carried on the imaging medium from the imaging medium from which the protection member has been removed by the protection member removing unit. 2. An image reading apparatus according to item 1.   26. The image reading apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the discharge unit is different from the insertion unit.   27. The image according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising an apparatus housing that accommodates at least the image reading unit and the image erasing unit, and the cleaning unit is freely detachable. Reader.   28. The image reading apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the disinfecting unit is disposed downstream in the transport direction from the cleaning unit.   29. The image reading apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising a protective member attaching unit that is disposed downstream of the disinfecting unit in a conveyance direction and attaches the protective member to the imaging medium.   30. A pack enclosing unit that encloses the imaging medium in an antifouling pack that is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the protection member attaching unit and prevents dirt from adhering to the imaging medium. The image reading apparatus described in 1.

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