JPH11338079A - Radiation image reader, radiation image reading method and cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image reader and a radiation image reading method by which handling is facilitated and image reading is accurately performed. SOLUTION: The cassettes 22a to 22d are supported so that the takeoff ports of the cassettes 22a to 22d may turn downward to be opposed to slots 11a to 11d. Even when plural cassettes 22a to 22d are opposed to the slots 11a to 11d, any information recorded on the surfaces of the cassettes 22c, 22b and 22a is easily read because the cassettes 22a to 22d turn downward.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiographic image reading technique, and more particularly to a radiographic image reading apparatus and a radiographic image reading method for recording an image on a stimulable fluorescent panel using radiation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art X-ray photography is known in which an X-ray is irradiated onto a human body or the like, and the transmitted X-rays are applied to a stimulable fluorescent panel to record an image of an internal tissue of the human body or the like. By the way, in such X-ray photography, the image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel was not immediately read, but the stimulable fluorescent panel was read by a separate image reading device, and the image was converted into a digital signal. Later, there is a system for displaying and storing on a display or the like.

In such a system, once an image is converted into a digital signal and recorded, the image is erased, and the stimulable fluorescent panel can record an image again in X-ray photography. I have. The number of times an image can be repeatedly recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel may exceed 10,000 at most.

As described above, the stimulable fluorescent panel is used for a relatively long period of time, and is used between the X-ray photographing apparatus and the X-ray image reading apparatus in many reciprocations. On the other hand, the stimulable phosphor panel is usually stored in a cassette, which is a case excellent in impact resistance and dust resistance, since the adhesion of dust or scratches may hinder image formation. It is transported or stored between the imaging device and the X-ray image reading device.

[0005]

By the way, a radiation image reading apparatus including an X-ray image reading apparatus which can be loaded with a plurality of cassettes has been considered. According to such a radiation image reading apparatus, the stimulable fluorescent panel housed in the plurality of cassettes is pulled out into the apparatus by, for example, a user's specification, and the recorded image is read, displayed, and / or stored. It has become. Then, after the recorded image is erased, the stimulable fluorescent panel is returned to the cassette again.

However, in the radiographic image reading apparatus according to the prior art, a plurality of cassettes loaded in the horizontal direction are vertically stacked, so that it is difficult for the upper cassette to load the lower cassette because of obstruction. There is a problem that the lower cassette cannot be seen clearly. In particular, since the content of the image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel is often described on the surface of the cassette, in order to read the description, it is necessary to reach a position where the description can be seen through the gap between the two cassettes. The operator has to bend down or remove the upper cassette, which is troublesome.

Further, in an apparatus capable of loading a large number of cassettes stacked vertically, the height of the apparatus is increased, and it is difficult to secure an installation space. The height of the device can be reduced to some extent by reducing the space between the loaded cassettes, but it is difficult to reduce the space below the height of the draw-out mechanism of the stimulable fluorescent panel provided in the loading section. Therefore, the device height does not fall below a certain value. In addition, in the method of loading the cassette by pushing it in the lateral direction, if the pushing force is weak, the cassette may not reach a predetermined loading position, and may cause malfunction.

On the other hand, a conventional radiation image reading apparatus is
A cassette loading section is provided above the apparatus. However, the cassette has a certain amount of weight because it has a robust configuration to prevent damage to the stimulable phosphor panel.
On the other hand, in order to load the cassette into the radiation image reading apparatus, for example, a weak force such as a woman needs to lift the cassette that does not catch a finger on the surface to the upper loading portion against the gravity against the gravity. And the loading operation was difficult. In particular, in the case of an apparatus capable of loading a large number of cassettes stacked in the vertical direction, the work becomes more difficult.

Further, there is a demand for eliminating as much as possible adverse effects of dust and the like entering from the loading section on image reading processing.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the related art, and has as its object to provide a radiation image reading apparatus and a radiation image reading method which are easy to handle and can read an image with high accuracy.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a radiation image reading apparatus according to the present invention uses a stimulable fluorescent panel held in a cassette having an outlet on one side for recording. A radiation image reading apparatus for reading the image, wherein the plurality of entrances for receiving the stimulable fluorescent panel held in the cassette, and the cassette outlet is downward facing the entrance, And a supporting portion for supporting the cassette.

According to the radiation image reading method of the present invention, a step of taking out the stimulable fluorescent panel held in the cassette from its take-out opening provided on one side of the cassette by utilizing its own weight, and Reading an image recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel.

A radiation image reading apparatus according to the present invention is a radiation image reading apparatus for reading a recorded image from a stimulable fluorescent panel held in a cassette loaded therein, wherein the stimulable fluorescent panel is held in the cassette. It has an entrance for receiving the fluorescent panel, and an image reading section recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel, provided above the entrance.

[0014]

According to the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention, since the cassette has a support portion for supporting the cassette such that the take-out opening of the cassette faces downward and faces the entrance,
Even when a plurality of cassettes are opposed to the entrance,
Since each cassette faces downward, for example, any information written on the surface of the cassette can be easily read.

According to the radiation image reading method of the present invention, there is provided a step of taking out the stimulable fluorescent panel held in the cassette from the take-out opening provided on one side of the cassette by utilizing its own weight. Therefore, it is relatively easy to take out the stimulable fluorescent panel from the cassette.

According to the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention, since the image reading portion is provided above the entrance, even if dust enters from the entrance, the dust tends to go downward due to its own weight. Therefore, there is a low possibility that the dust affects the image reading process.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the radiation image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. The radiation image reading apparatus 1 includes a main body 1a provided with a cassette loading unit 10, a transport system 120, an image reading unit 60, and an erasing unit 70, and a control system (the control unit 100 and the like). First, the cassette loading unit 10 will be described. The cassette is loaded so as to be inclined with respect to the entrance of the transport path. In other words, the large surface of the cassette is not horizontal but 15
It is inclined about a degree.

The upper part of the main body 1a is formed with four slots 11a to 11d as entrances, each of which is provided with a thin box-shaped cassette 22a by a user.
To 22d are inserted obliquely from above. Cassette 2
2a to 22d include sheet-shaped stimulable fluorescent panels 21.
a to 21d are removably stored. It is assumed that radiation images have already been captured on the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d by an imaging device (not shown).

The cassettes 22a to 22d are slot 1
Inside each of 1a to 11d, a pair of light shielding rollers 12a to 12d abut on upper and lower surfaces thereof. Light blocking roller 1
2a to 12d are formed slightly longer than the widths of the cassettes 22a to 22d, and are urged in directions approaching each other by urging means 13a to 13d such as springs.
Therefore, the cassettes 22a to 22d and the light shielding roller 12a
To 12d, so that outside light or the like is prevented from penetrating into the main body 1a therethrough.

The restricting portions 14a to 14d provided between the upper light shielding rollers 12a to 12d and the main body 1a function to prevent the light shielding rollers 12a to 12d from approaching by a predetermined amount or more. Therefore, when the cassettes 22a to 22d are not inserted into the slots 11a to 11d of the main body 1a, the pair of light shielding rollers 12a to 12d
d is to be kept slightly open.

As described above, the pair of light shielding rollers 12a to 12a
2d is kept slightly open so that cassettes 22a to 22d can be inserted into slots 11a.
When inserted into the cassettes 11a to 11d, the insertion ends can easily spread the light shielding rollers 12a to 12d, so that the insertion of the cassettes 22a to 22d is not hindered. The light shielding rollers 12a to 12d may be completely closed, and may be opened when inserting the cassette by using some means.

On the other hand, when the cassettes 22a to 22d are inserted by a predetermined distance, the insertion ends (right ends in FIG. 1) abut against the locking portions 15a to 15d, and the positions thereof are regulated, and the cassettes 22a to 22d are moved. , Stimulable fluorescent panel 2
It is maintained in a standby state waiting for the removal of 1a to 21d. In the present embodiment, the supporting portions for supporting the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d obliquely include the slots 11a to 11d and the locking portions 15a to 15d.
d. As described above, since the cassette is inserted obliquely and its position is regulated, the front end of the panel is aligned with the opening of the cassette by the gravity due to gravity.

Each of the cassettes 22a to 22d includes
A rotation-open type lid is provided at the insertion end. FIG. 1 shows only the lid 23a of the cassette 22a. Each lid is a lid opening / closing means 10 operated under the control of the control unit 100.
1, it can be opened and closed freely. In FIG.
Only 3a is kept open by the lid opening / closing means 101.

Next, the transport system 120 will be described in relation to the operation of the radiation image reading apparatus 1. When the user instructs, for example, to read an image of the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a in the cassette 22a through the console 81 provided on the upper part of the main body 1a, the control unit 100 first opens the lid 23a by the lid opening / closing means 101. . Next, the control unit 1
00 controls the roller driving means 103 to rotate the roller support arm 41 toward the cassette opening of the opened lid 23a. As a result, the lower end of the roller support arm 41 enters the cassette. At the lower end of the roller support arm 41, a roller 40 that is rotated by power from a motor (not shown) is attached. When the roller 40 rotates counterclockwise in a state in which the roller is in contact with the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, the stimulable fluorescent panel 2 is rotated.
1a is drawn out of the cassette 22a and is delivered to the entrance-side transport system 30A. still,
The above operation is the same for the stimulable fluorescent panels 21b to 21d in the cassettes 22b to 22d.

Inlet-side transport systems 30A to 30D are provided near the insertion-side ends of the cassettes 22a to 22d. Each of the entrance-side transport systems 30A to 30D includes an upstream roller pair 33a to 33d, guide members 34a to 34d, and downstream roller pairs 35a to 35d. Note that each roller pair in the transport system is rotated synchronously by a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit 100 via a chain or the like, including those described below. The two sides of the fluorescent panels 21a to 21d in the transport direction are sandwiched between the fluorescent panels 21a to 21d so that the image recorded at the center thereof is not rubbed. A belt may be used in place of the roller pair, but it is preferable to use a roller or a belt having a rubber hardness of 40 degrees or less, since the storage fluorescent panel is hardly damaged.

The stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d drawn from the cassettes 22a to 22d first enter between the upstream roller pairs 33a to 33d, and are guided by the guides 34a to 34d while being guided by the downstream roller pairs 35a to 35d. The paper is further fed to the downstream side (transport system 120). Note that the downstream roller pair 35a to 35c is connected to the entrance-side transport system 30B located above it.
The stimulable fluorescent panels 21b to 21d fed from the printers 30D to 30D are commonly used when feeding the stimulable fluorescent panels 21b to 21d to the transport system 120.

The transport system 120 transports the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d to the image reading unit 60 provided below via a plurality of transport roller pairs. The stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d for which the image reading process has been completed are sent backward by the transport system 120, and the images are erased by the erasing unit 70 provided near and above the transport system 120.
It is transported to the above-mentioned entrance side transport systems 30A to 30D,
The cassette is returned to the original cassettes 22a to 22d.

According to the present embodiment, for example, even when information such as a part of a human body that has irradiated radiation is recorded on the upper surface of each cassette, the lower part loaded in the radiation image reading apparatus 1 can be used. Side cassette (22c, 22b, 22a)
Can be visually recognized in the directions of arrows A1, A2, and A3, thereby making it easier to read the written information. or,
Since the slots 11a to 11c, which are the loading portions of the lower cassette, are visible from the directions of the arrows A1, A2, and A3,
Loading of such a cassette is also easy. Further, when the cassette is loaded, the cassettes are locked by their own weights.
Since it is easy to move to a predetermined position abutting on 5d, such loading can be performed more reliably.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a radiation image reading apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 2, the control unit 100 and the like are omitted. The configuration shown in FIG. 2 has a configuration in which the entire apparatus is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees with respect to the first embodiment, but the cassettes 22a to 22d are different from those of the first embodiment. Unlike this, it is loaded diagonally to the lower right at a nearly vertical angle. It should be noted that the downward direction of the take-out opening means a range of ± 75 degrees with respect to the vertically downward direction, and in the second embodiment, a range of ± 30 degrees. Further, the angle is preferably 5 to 30 degrees, particularly 15 to 30 degrees with respect to the vertical line.

The open / close lid 23a (or 23d) provided on the lower right side of the lower end of the cassette 22a (or 22d) is opened, and the stimulable fluorescent panel 21 inside the cassette is opened through the opening.
a to 21d are taken out, transported to the image reading unit 60 via the transport systems 30A to 30D and 120, and returned therefrom.

According to the present embodiment, for example, even when information such as a part of a human body that has irradiated radiation is recorded on the upper surface of each cassette, the lower part loaded in the radiation image reading apparatus 1 can be used. Side cassette (22c, 22b, 22a)
Can be visually recognized in the directions of arrows B1, B2, and B3, thereby making it easier to read the written information. or,
Since the slot, which is the loading portion of the lower cassette, can be visually recognized from the directions of the arrows B1, B2, and B3, loading of the cassette is easy. Furthermore, even if the number of cassette loading sections that can be loaded increases, the height of the apparatus does not increase, and cassette loading can be performed easily. If the cassette is set to extend in the vertical direction at the time of loading, it becomes difficult to return the stimulable phosphor panel into the cassette. It is desirable to make the cassette have such an angle that the stimulable phosphor panel does not drop due to the force. In the case of this embodiment, since the receiving port (slot) of the device into which the cassette is loaded faces upward, dust and the like in the room tend to accumulate, and there is a high possibility that such dust and the like adhere to the panel. . Therefore, by providing a panel cleaning member or by positioning the reading unit above the slot surface,
The influence of dust and the like at the time of reading can be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, the image reading section 60 is positioned above the slots 11a to 11d of the cassette.
Is arranged. When the cassette is not loaded, the slots 11a to 11d are covered with a lid (not shown). However, when the cassette is loaded, dust may enter from outside. However, dust or the like that enters from the outside via the slots 11a to 11d tends to accumulate at the lower part of the radiation image reading apparatus 101 by its own weight. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the image reading unit 6
If 0 is arranged above the slots 11a to 11d,
The influence of dust entering from the entrance can be eliminated, and image reading accuracy can be improved. The image reading unit 60
Is preferably arranged above the slots 11a to 11d.

In this embodiment, since the image reading is performed while the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d are conveyed upward in the direction of gravity, the conveyance is stable, and the image reading accuracy is further improved. Can be done. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the slots 11a to 11d are provided below, the heavy cassette 2
It is no longer necessary to lift and load 1a to 21d upward, thereby improving the ease of handling.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing a radiation image reading apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment. 3A and 3B, the control unit 100 and the like are omitted. The configuration shown in FIG. 3A is different from the second embodiment in that the cassette is inserted in the lower left direction. Further, the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d in the cassette are provided.
Is the right side in FIG. 3A (that is, the open lid 23a (to 2
An image recording layer (not shown) is provided on the side opposite to 3d). By arranging the recording layer in this manner, during recording of a radiographic image, bombardment is performed through the surface of the cassette without the open lids 23a (or 23d), whereby the open lid 2 is opened.
3a (or 23d) and the hinge portion thereof can be prevented from affecting recording.

Further, in the present embodiment, the opening / closing lid 23 provided on the left side of the lower end of the cassettes 22a to 22d.
a (to 23d) are opened, and the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d inside the cassette are taken out with the recording layer facing downward through the opening, and the transport systems 30A to 3D are opened.
It is conveyed to the image reading unit 60 via OD and 120,
It is also coming back from there. Therefore, as compared with the second embodiment, the degree of bending when the stimulable fluorescent panels 21a to 21d are transferred from the cassettes 22a to 22d to the entrance-side transport systems 30A to 30D becomes gentler, thereby increasing the stimulable fluorescent panels. The durability of the panel can be improved.

On the other hand, the modification of FIG. 3B differs from the embodiment of FIG. 3A only in the transport system. In the modification of FIG. 3B, the cassette 22a
From 22d to 22d, the stimulable phosphor panel is transported to the image reading unit 60 via the transport system 120A, and after the image is read, is sent to the switchback unit 120C. The stimulable fluorescent panel inverted by the switchback unit 120C is transported to the erasing unit 70 via the transport system 120B, where the image is erased, and then returned to the cassettes 22a to 22d. I have. According to such a modification,
Image reading and erasing can be performed simultaneously, so that image processing can be performed more quickly.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a cassette according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 (a) is a front view thereof.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 4A taken along line IVB-IVB and viewed in the direction of the arrow. Incidentally, such a cassette is applicable to all of the first to third embodiments described above.

In FIG. 4, the cassette 122 has a handle 122a on its upper surface which can be gripped by a person, and has an open lid 122b at its lower end. In FIG. 4B, the cassette 122 includes a stimulable fluorescent panel 21a.
Is stored, and the open lid 122b is moved to the position indicated by the dotted line.
The stimulable fluorescent panel 21a can be taken out to the outside through a take-out port 122c formed by opening.

Although the cassette 122 has a robust structure, it has a relatively heavy structure. However, by holding the handle 122a, even a relatively weak person can easily carry the cassette. In addition, instead of providing the handle 122a,
A recess 122d may be provided near the upper end of the cassette 122 so that the cassette 122 can be gripped by hand.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a cassette according to a modification, FIG. 5A is a front view thereof, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 5A taken along line VB-VB and viewed in the direction of the arrow. In FIG. 5A, the cassette 222 has a handle 222a that can be gripped by a person at the left end, and an open lid 222b on the upper surface of the right end, as in the above-described embodiment. However, the opening of the open lid 222b at the right end of the cassette 222 ends at the center. Inside the right end of the cassette 222, upper and lower pairs of rollers 222c and 222d are arranged to sandwich the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a. In addition, it is desirable to use a roller having a rubber hardness of 40 degrees or less on the peripheral surface, since it is difficult to damage the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a. As a roller,
It is preferable to use silicon rubber or the like which does not easily react to heat for a long time and has a low risk of sticking without adhering foreign matter to the panel surface.

In FIG. 5B, rollers 222c, 2222
Two shafts 22d are provided so as to sandwich both sides of the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a in the transport direction, and shafts 222e and 222f having both ends attached to the side surfaces of the cassette.
It is rotatably supported by. According to this modification,
After the opening lid 222b is opened, a rotating body (not shown) rotates by contacting the roller 222c, whereby the stimulable phosphor panel 21a is pushed out of the cassette 222 or returned there. Also, in such a case,
The central portion of the stimulable phosphor panel 21a on which the image is recorded is not rubbed by the rollers 222c and 222d, thereby improving the durability of the stimulable phosphor panel and further improving the image reading accuracy.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an end portion of a cassette according to another modification. In the case of the cassette according to the above-described embodiment, for example, when the cassette is loaded into the radiation image reading apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the open lid is opened, the stimulable fluorescent panel falls by its own weight through the downwardly facing outlet. Due to the danger, it is necessary to provide some kind of fall prevention means. The modified example of FIG. 6 is provided with a configuration in which the stimulable phosphor panel does not fall even in such a case.

More specifically, the cassette 322 shown in FIG.
Does not have an open lid, but instead has at its end a slot-shaped outlet 322a that allows the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a to pass through. Inside the cassette 322, a pair of rollers 322c and 322d as shown in FIG.
Shafts 322e and 322f are provided. Both ends of one shaft 322e are exposed to the outside through a long hole 322g formed to extend obliquely on the side surface of the cassette 322, and are movable in the long hole 322g.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, when the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a is returned inward through the outlet 322a, the roller 322c is pushed upward from the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, so that the shaft 322e is elongated. It moves diagonally upward along 322g. Thereby, the roller 322
Since c is separated from the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a can enter the cassette 322 without a large resistance. Also, the stimulable fluorescent panel 2
When 1a is inserted into the cassette 322, the end thereof just shields the outlet 322a, so that dust can be prevented from entering from outside.

On the other hand, according to the present modification, when the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a is to be moved downward by its own weight after being inserted into the cassette 322, the roller 322c receives a downward force from the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a. . Accordingly, the shaft 322e moves downward through the elongated hole 322g, and the roller 322c approaches the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a.
Are firmly held between the roller pairs 322c and 322d.

It should be noted that the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a is
In the case of taking out from the cassette 22, the stimulable fluorescent panel 21 a is moved by its own weight by moving the shaft 322 e exposed from the cassette 322 along the long hole 322 g without providing any takeout device.
From below.

In this modification, only the roller 322c is moved obliquely upward.
It is also possible to move d.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cassette according to another embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a state in which a stimulable fluorescent panel is housed in a cassette, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which took out the stimulable fluorescent panel more. 7, a slit-shaped opening 422c is formed at the lower end of the cassette 422. In the opening 422c, the elastically deformable projections 422a and 422b extend in the facing direction over the entire lower edge of the upper and lower surfaces of the cassette 422.

The cassette 4 can be moved by using any pushing means.
When the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a is inserted from the lower end into 22, the protrusions 422a and 422b are elastically deformed to allow the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a to enter. In such a case, FIG.
(A) As shown in FIG.
To prevent the panel from falling off due to its own weight. In this state, if the projections 422a and 422b are brought into contact with the entire lower edge of the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the cassette 422.

On the other hand, when taking out the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a, by pressing one of the projections 422a and 422b upward, the frictional force is reduced or eliminated, and the panel can be moved downward. After the stimulable phosphor panel 21a is taken out from the cassette 422, the opening 422c is shielded by the projections 422a and 422b that abut on each other, so that the intrusion of dust or the like through the opening 422c is prevented.

Further, the projections 422a and 422b have an effect of removing stains on the panel surface. More specifically, when storing the stimulable fluorescent panel 21a in the cassette 422, the projections 422a and 422b slide on the upper and lower surfaces of the panel, and at this time, dust or the like adhered to the surface of the panel. Is to be removed. The opening 422
If a cover (not shown) for shielding c from the outside is provided, it is possible to more effectively prevent intrusion of dust and the like.

Since the projections 422a and 422b may be maintained in a deformed state while being pressed for a long period of time, it is preferable to use rubber having excellent stability such as silicon rubber.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve a simple panel take-out configuration in a reading apparatus that is loaded with the cassette opening downward.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified and improved as appropriate. is there.

[0054]

According to the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention,
Since the cassette has a support portion for supporting the cassette so that the take-out port faces downward and faces the entrance, even when a plurality of cassettes face the entrance, each cassette faces downward. Therefore, for example, some information written on the surface of the cassette can be easily read.

According to the radiation image reading method of the present invention, there is provided a step of taking out the stimulable fluorescent panel held in the cassette from the take-out opening provided on one side of the cassette by utilizing its own weight. Therefore, it is relatively easy to take out the stimulable fluorescent panel from the cassette.

According to the radiation image reading apparatus of the present invention, since the image reading section is provided above the entrance, even if dust enters from the entrance, there is a tendency to move downward due to its own weight. Therefore, there is a low possibility that the dust affects the image reading process.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a radiation image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a radiation image reading apparatus 101 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a radiation image reading apparatus 201 according to a third embodiment.

4A and 4B are diagrams showing a cassette according to the present embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A is a front view thereof, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG. 4A taken along line IVB-IVB. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a cassette according to a modification, and FIG.
(A) is a front view thereof, and (b) of FIG. 5 is (a) of FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette taken along line VB-VB and viewed in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an end of a cassette according to another modification.

7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a cassette according to another embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a state in which a stimulable fluorescent panel is housed in a cassette, and FIG. It is a figure showing the state where a fluorescent panel was taken out.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 101, 201 Radiation image reading devices 21a to 21d Storage fluorescent panels 22a to 22d, 222, 322, 422 Cassette 60 Image reading unit 70 Erasing unit 120 Transport system 222c, 222d, 322c, 322d Rollers 222e, 222f, 322e, 322f shaft

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A radiation image reading apparatus for reading a recorded image from a stimulable fluorescent panel held in a cassette having an outlet on one side, wherein the stimulable fluorescent light held in the cassette is provided. A radiation image reading apparatus, comprising: a plurality of entrances for receiving a panel; and a support portion for supporting the cassette such that a take-out opening of the cassette faces downwardly and faces the entrance. 2. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of pairs of the entrance and the support are provided at a predetermined interval. 3. The radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stimulable phosphor panel has an image recording layer formed on a relatively flexible support plate. 4. A step of taking out the stimulable fluorescent panel held in the cassette from an outlet provided on one side of the cassette by utilizing its own weight; and recording the stimulable fluorescent panel recorded on the taken out stimulable fluorescent panel. Reading a read image. 5. A radiation image reading apparatus for reading a recorded image from a stimulable fluorescent panel held in a loaded cassette, an entrance for receiving a stimulable fluorescent panel held in the cassette, and the inlet A radiation image reading apparatus, comprising: an image reading section recorded on the stimulable fluorescent panel provided above the storage fluorescent panel. 6. A transport system for transporting the stimulable fluorescent panel between the entrance and the image reading unit, wherein the transport system includes a roller or a roller for gripping both sides of the stimulable fluorescent panel in a transport direction. A radiation image reading apparatus comprising a belt means. 7. The cassette loaded in the radiation image reading apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first opposed to the entrance when the cassette is loaded in the radiation image reading apparatus.
Side has a take-out opening that can be opened and closed to take out the stimulable phosphor panel to be held, and a second side opposite to the first side.
A cassette having a handle on a side of the cassette. 8. The cassette according to claim 7, wherein a take-out opening of the cassette faces downward, and the take-out opening is provided with a drop-off preventing means for preventing the storage fluorescent panel from dropping. Cassette.