Patent ID: 12196895

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention is described.

A schematic configuration of a radiation detecting device in this embodiment (hereinafter called a detecting device100) is described.

FIG.1is a perspective view of the detecting device100.FIG.2is an A-A cross-sectional view of the detecting device100.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of part ofFIG.2(part shown in III inFIG.2).FIG.4is a plan view of part of the detecting device100(light-electricity converter).FIGS.5A and5Bare lateral views of a supporter included in the detecting device100as an example.FIG.6is a lateral view of the detecting device100in the production process.FIG.7is a perspective view of the detecting device100in the production process.FIGS.8A,9A,10Aare perspective views of examples of an attaching member.FIGS.8B,9B,10B,10C,10Dare cross-sectional views of the respective attaching members inFIGS.8A,9A,10Afixed to the supporter.FIG.11is a perspective view of an example of the attaching member.

Reference numerals in parentheses in the figures are for the second embodiment to be described later.

The detecting device100is for generating a radiographic image in response to receiving radiation.

The detecting device100includes, for example, a casing110and an internal module120, as shown inFIG.1.

In this embodiment, the detecting device100further includes various switches S, such as a power supply switch and control switch, and an indicator I.

[1. Casing]

The casing110houses the internal module120.

The casing110includes a box body1and a lid body2, as shown inFIG.2.

The casing110in this embodiment has a shape of a rectangular panel.

[1-1. Box Body]

The box body1in this embodiment includes a front part11and a lateral part12that are formed integrally.

The front part11and the lateral part12may be different members.

(1-1-1. Front Part)

The front part11faces an imaging surface312gincluded in the internal module120, which is described later, and spreads in parallel with the imaging surface312g.

The outer surface of the front part11is a radiation entrance surface11aof the detecting device100(the front surface of the casing110).

The front part11in this embodiment is formed to be a rectangular plate.

On the radiation entrance surface11ain this embodiment, an effective image region of a sensor panel31is shown with a frame (not illustrated). The effective image region is a region in which semiconductor elements312bare arranged.

The front part11is made of a material that allows radiation to pass through.

The casing110in this embodiment is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic/resin (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic/resin (GFRP), light metal, or light metal-containing alloy.

The casing110may be made of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) resin.

When the material of the casing110is CFRP, CFRTP, or GFRP, the casing110may be formed of a sheet molding compound (SMC). The SMC is a material that includes fibers shorter than fibers of a prepreg.

Examples of the light metal include aluminum and magnesium that have a relatively small density.

Using the above-described materials can reduce the weight of the casing110while keeping the rigidity of the casing110.

The CFRP in particular has a high radiation transmissivity and allows radiation that has passed through a subject to reach the internal module120without decrease. Making the casing110of CFRP therefore improves the image quality of the radiographic image than making the casing110of other materials.

(1-1-2. Lateral Part)

The lateral part12extends from the edge portions of the front part11towards a rear part21in a direction orthogonal to the radiation entrance surface11a.

The outer surface of the lateral part12is the lateral surface of the detecting device100(casing110).

[1-2. Lid Body]

The lid body2includes the rear part21.

In this embodiment, the whole lid body2constitutes the rear part21.

The rear part21faces the front part11of the box body1with the internal module120inbetween and spreads in parallel with the front part11.

The outer surface of the rear part21is the rear surface of the detecting device100(casing110).

The rear part21in this embodiment is formed to have substantially the same rectangle shape as the front part11.

The rear part21in this embodiment is made of CFRP, GFRP, light metal, or light metal-containing alloy.

The material of the rear part21may be the same as or different from the material of the box body1.

The lid body2(rear part21) abuts the lateral part12of the box body1and is attached to the lateral part12.

The lateral part12thus connects the front part11and the rear part21.

In this embodiment, the lid body2is screwed on the box body1.

In repairing or doing maintenance of the detecting device100, the rear part21can be separated from the front part11and the lateral part12by loosening and removing screws. A person who does maintenance of the detecting device100can therefore easily access the internal module120, which is housed in the front part11and the lateral part12.

To make the casing110watertight, the box body1and the lid body2may be fixed to each other with screws with a gasket inbetween or may be adhered to each other. The watertight casing110can prevent foam from absorbing water and affecting the sensor panel and electrical components.

[1-3. Others]

The front part11and the lateral part12of the casing110(box body1) are formed integrally inFIG.1.

Instead, the lateral part12and the rear part21of the casing110may be formed integrally. Further, the front part11, the lateral part12, and the rear part21may be different members.

Both the front part11and the rear part21may include a lateral part.

Further, although the casing110inFIG.1includes the box body1and the lid body2, the casing110may include a tubular body and a lid body. The tubular body has the front part11, the rear part21, and a pair of lateral parts12that connect the edges of the front part11and the edges of the rear part21. The lid body covers the opening of the tubular body.

The casing110may have recess portions at the edge portions of the rear part21. A person carrying the detecting device100can hook his/her fingers on the recess portions to hold the detecting device100more securely, so that the person is less likely to drop the detecting device100.

The casing110may be antimicrobial-treated on the entire surface, or an antimicrobial material may be kneaded in the material of the casing110.

Further, the casing110may be provided with protecting members on the corners (at least the four corners of the front part11or the four corners of the rear part21).

The material of the protecting members may be metal or elastic body, such as resin, rubber, or elastomer because the detecting device100in this embodiment is light and receives a smaller impact when being hit.

At least one of the protecting members may have a different color and/or form from the color and/or form of the other protecting members. The protecting member having a different color and/or form allows a user to easily recognize the orientation of the detecting device100.

[2. Internal Module]

The Internal module120is fixed to at least one of the inner surface of the front part11, the inner surface of the rear part21, and the inner surface of the lateral part12of the casing110.

In this embodiment, the internal module120is fixed to the inner surface of the front part11, as shown inFIG.2.

The internal module120may be fixed to the casing110by gluing with a glue, adhesion with an adhesive tape, fitting a recess part to a projecting part formed on inner surfaces, or engaging with engaging parts formed on inner surfaces.

Fixing the internal module120can prevent the internal module120from moving when the detecting device100receives an impact in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lateral surface of the detecting device100.

The internal module120may be fixed to the inner surface of the rear part21or the inner surface of the lateral part12.

The internal module120may be fixed to the inner surfaces of the front part11and the rear part21, or the inner surfaces of the front part11and the lateral part12, or the inner surfaces of the lateral part12and the rear part21.

The internal module120may be fixed to the inner surfaces of the front part11, the lateral part12, and the rear part21.

The internal module120in this embodiment is separate from the inner surface of the lateral part12by a distance d1. That is, a gap having the width of d1or greater is present between the internal module120and the lateral part12.

The gap can prevent the internal module120from bumping into the lateral part12of the detecting device100and being broken when the detecting device100receives an impact in a direction substantially orthogonal to the lateral surface of the detecting device100.

The internal module120includes a radiation detector3and a supporter4.

The internal module120in this embodiment further includes an electrical component5.

[2-1. Radiation Detector]

The radiation detector3is placed between the front part11of the casing110and the supporter4.

In this embodiment, the radiation detector3is placed between the front part11of the casing110and the supporter4via adhesive layers6.

The radiation detector3includes the sensor panel31, as shown inFIG.3.

The radiation detector3in this embodiment further includes a radiation shielding layer32, an electromagnetic-field shielding layer33, and a cushioning material34.

(2-1-1. Sensor Panel)

The sensor panel31in this embodiment is placed between the radiation shielding layer32and the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33.

The sensor panel31includes a wavelength converter311and a light-electricity converter312.

The wavelength converter311is for converting radiation into visible lights or other lights.

The wavelength converter311in this embodiment is placed between the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33and the light-electricity converter312.

The wavelength converter311in this embodiment spreads in parallel with the radiation entrance surface11aof the casing110.

The wavelength converter311in this embodiment includes a supporting layer and a phosphor layer, which are not illustrated.

The supporting layer is made of flexible material in a film shape (thin plate).

Examples of the flexible material include polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyimide, polyamide, polyetherimide, aramid, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, fluororesin, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and composite material that is a mixture of at least two materials among the above materials.

Polyimide, polyamide, polyetherimide, PTFE, or composite material of these materials are particularly preferable among the above materials for improving heat resistance.

The supporting layer in this embodiment is formed to be rectangular.

The phosphor layer is formed of a phosphor on the surface of the supporting layer.

The phosphor is a substance that glows as a result of excitation of atoms when being irradiated with ionizing radiation, such as α-rays, γ-rays, and X-rays. The phosphor converts radiation into ultraviolet rays or visible lights.

As the phosphor, column crystals of cesium iodide (CsI) can be used, for example.

The phosphor layer in this embodiment is formed on the whole surface of the supporting layer that faces the light-electricity converter312.

That is, the wavelength converter311is formed to be rectangular.

The thickness of the phosphor layer in this embodiment is set such that the phosphor layer can bend (deform elastically) when the supporting layer bends.

The wavelength converter311formed as described above is a flexible plate. When the wavelength converter311is irradiated, the irradiated region glows at an intensity corresponding to the dose of received radiation.

The light-electricity converter312is for converting light into electric signals.

The light-electricity converter312in this embodiment is placed between the wavelength converter311and the radiation shielding layer32.

The light-electricity converter312in this embodiment is placed so as to spread in parallel with the wavelength converter311.

The light-electricity converter312is adhered to the wavelength converter311.

The light-electricity converter312includes a substrate312aand multiple semiconductor elements312b, as shown inFIG.4.

The light-electricity converter312in this embodiment includes scanning lines312c, signal lines312d, switch elements312e, and bias lines312f.

The substrate312ais made of a flexible material in a film shape (thin plate).

The substrate312ain this embodiment has substantially the same rectangular shape as the wavelength converter311when viewed from the front.

The substrate312ain this embodiment is made of the same material as the supporting layer of the wavelength converter311.

More specifically, the substrate312ain this embodiment has flexibility, and the thermal expansion coefficient and the thermal contraction coefficient of the substrate312aare the same as the thermal expansion coefficient and the thermal contraction coefficient of the supporting layer.

Because the light-electricity converter312and the wavelength converter311together expand with heat, the laminate of the light-electricity converter312and the wavelength converter311is less likely to warp. As a result, a glowing part of the wavelength converter311is less likely to shift from the position of the semiconductor element312bthat faces the glowing part. This can prevent decrease in quality of radiographic images.

The substrate312amay be made of material that is different from the material of the supporting layer and that has the same thermal expansion coefficient and thermal contraction coefficient as those of the supporting layer.

The semiconductor elements312bgenerate electric charges corresponding to the intensity of received lights.

The semiconductor elements312bare arranged two-dimensionally on the surface of the substrate312a.

More specifically, the semiconductor elements312bare arranged in a matrix on the surface of the substrate312athat abuts (that is adhered to) the wavelength converter311.

The semiconductor elements312bin this embodiment are arranged in a matrix at the central part of the imaging surface312g. More specifically, on the surface of the substrate312a, the scanning lines312c(not illustrated) are formed so as to extend in parallel with each other at regular intervals, and the signal lines312d(not illustrated) are formed at regular intervals so as to orthogonally cross the scanning lines312c. The semiconductor elements312bare arranged in the respective rectangular regions defined by the scanning lines312cand the signal lines312d. The rectangular regions correspond to pixels in a radiographic image.

Each of the rectangular regions also includes a switch element312e. The switch element312econsists of a thin film transistor (TFT), for example. The gate of the switch element312eis connected to the scanning line312c. The source of the switch element312eis connected to the signal line312d. The drain of the switch element312eis connected to the semiconductor element312b.

The surface of the substrate312aon which the semiconductor elements312bare formed is hereinafter called an imaging surface312g.

The light-electricity converter312formed as described above is flexible and placed such that the imaging surface312g, on which the semiconductor elements312bare formed, faces the wavelength converter311.

(2-1-2. Radiation Shielding Layer)

The radiation shielding layer32is for preventing scattered radiation from reaching the electric circuits51.

The radiation shielding layer32in this embodiment is placed between the sensor panel31(light-electricity converter312) and the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33, as shown inFIG.3.

The radiation shielding layer32in this embodiment fixes the sensor panel31with an attaching part (not illustrated).

(2-1-3. Electromagnetic-Field Shielding Layer33)

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer33is for shielding noises.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer33is provided at a side where the imaging surface312gof the radiation detector3is provided (imaging surface-side) and/or the opposite side from the imaging surface-side.

In this embodiment, the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33is provided at the imaging surface-side and the opposite side from the imaging surface-side.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer33provided at the opposite side from the imaging surface-side may be adhered to the supporter4.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer33is a laminate. Part of the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33includes a conductive material.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer33in this embodiment may be a resin film on which a metal layer is formed, or a film made of a transparent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

The metal may be aluminum or copper, for example.

Methods of forming the metal layer include pasting metal foils and depositing metal.

As the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33, a film, such as the AL-PET (registered trademark of Panac Co., Ltd.) is suitable.

At least one layer of the electromagnetic-field shielding layers33is provided at one side.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer33provided at the imaging surface-side can shield external noises entering from the front surface side.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer33provided at the opposite side from the imaging surface-side can shield noises generated by the electric circuits51.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer33may be connected to the ground (GRD), for example. Connecting the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33to the ground keeps the electric potentials of the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33constant, thereby further improving the noise-shielding effect.

In the case, it is preferable to interpose a metal (e.g., nickel) the ionization tendency of which is not so different from the ionization tendency of aluminum or copper.

Such a metal may be interposed as a coating of an intermediate member or as a conductive filament in a conductive tape, for example.

When metals the ionization tendencies of which are largely different (e.g., aluminum and copper) come into contact, electrolytic corrosion may occur. Using metals the ionization tendencies of which are not so different can prevent electrolytic corrosion.

(2-1-4. Cushioning Material)

The cushioning material34is for absorbing external loads and impacts.

The cushioning material34in this embodiment is placed between the front part11of the casing110and the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33. The cushioning material34can therefore prevent external loads and impacts coming from the side of the front part11from reaching the sensor panel31.

[2-2. Supporter]

The Supporter4is for supporting the radiation detector3.

“Supporting” includes supporting the radiation detector3against load coming from the side of the front part11and supporting the radiation detector3placed on the supporter4.

As shown inFIG.2, the supporter4is provided between the radiation detector3and the rear part21to disperse external loads on the casing110. The supporter4can therefore prevent the radiation detector3(sensor panel31) from bending.

The supporter4is formed of foam.

Examples of the foam include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, modified-polyphenyleneether, polyurethane, acrylic, epoxy, and composite material of at least two materials among these resins.

Soft resin typically has a lower degree of rigidity than hard resin. On the other hand, it is known that the foam made of soft resin has a higher degree of rigidity when the expansion ratio of the foam is lower. The foam can have a desired degree of rigidity by adjusting the expansion ratio of the foam in production process.

It is preferable that the expansion ratio be equal to or less than 30 times. The supporter4can therefore keep desired rigidity without using a material the degree of rigidity of which is higher than the degree of rigidity of foam (e.g., fiber reinforced resin or metal) for part of the supporter4(e.g., surface layer part). Further, the supporter4can be light.

The supporter4may be made of resin the thermal expansion coefficient of which is the same as the thermal expansion coefficient of the sensor panel31, or may be made of resin the thermal expansion coefficient of which is different from the thermal expansion coefficient of the sensor panel31by a certain degree or less.

Further, the supporter4may have elasticity.

The sensor panel31has a greater thermal expansion coefficient than a known sensor panel that includes a glass substrate. According to the above, when the sensor panel31expands, the supporter4also expands as much as the sensor panel31or deforms elastically to absorb the expansion of the sensor panel31. This can prevent wrinkles on the sensor panel31that occur when only the sensor panel31expands.

The supporter4includes a first part4aand a second part4b.

The first part4ais placed without a gap along the opposite surface of the light-electricity converter312of the sensor panel31from the imaging surface312g. More specifically, the first part4ais placed along the surface of the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33or the surface of the adhesive layer6provided at the opposite side from the imaging surface-side, where the imaging surface312gof the light-electricity converter312is provided.

The first part4ahas a predetermined width in the direction orthogonal to the opposite surface from the imaging surface312g. The first part4ahas a plate shape and extends in parallel with the opposite surface from the imaging surface312g. With the first part4a, the supporter4can further disperse external loads on the casing110to prevent the radiation detector3from bending.

The second part4bis provided between the radiation detector3and the rear part21such that no gap is present.

With the second part4b, the supporter4can further disperse external loads on the casing110to prevent the radiation detector3from bending.

The supporter4also has a recess part4cas well as the first part4aand the second part4bon the surface facing the rear part21of the casing110.

The width, length, and depth of the recess part4care set such that the electric circuit51can be housed.

The supporter4in this embodiment has multiple recess parts4c, or at least as many recess parts4cas the number of electric circuits51.

The supporter4in this embodiment is divided into multiple parts, namely includes the first supporter41and the second supporter42.

(2-2-1. First Supporter)

A surface of the first supporter41abuts the radiation detector3, and the other surface of the first supporter41abuts the electric circuits51.

The first supporter41in this embodiment corresponds to the above-described first part4a.

The surface of the first supporter41that abuts the radiation detector3is flat in this embodiment, and is hereinafter called a supporting surface41a.

The supporting surface41ain this embodiment is as large as the sensor panel31or is one size larger than the sensor panel31, so that the first supporter41can support the whole body of the sensor panel31.

It is preferable that the width of the first supporter41(distance between the supporting surface41aand the opposite surface from the supporting surface41a) be within 2 to 5 millimeters, so that the first supporter41has a space for housing the electric circuits51to be described later while keeping rigidity.

The first supporter41in this embodiment includes two types of foam that have different degrees of rigidity.

The first supporter41in this embodiment includes a first foam F1and a second foam F2.

The first foam F1constitutes the surface layer part that is in contact with the radiation detector3and/or the second supporter42.

The second foam F2constitutes the core part that is in contact with the surface layer part in a direction in which the radiation detector3and the second supporter42are arranged.

Accordingly, the expansion ratio of the first supporter41changes in a direction orthogonal to the supporting surface41a.

The expansion ratio of the first foam F1is less than the expansion ratio of the second foam F2. The degree of rigidity of the first foam F1is therefore higher than the degree of rigidity of the second foam F2.

The first supporter41described above has an improved degree of rigidity against bending, and eventually improves the rigidity of the detecting device100against bending.

Although the first supporter41inFIG.2andFIG.5Ahas a uniform thickness (uniform width in the direction orthogonal to the supporting surface41a), the first supporter41may have thicker edge portions along the supporting surface41athan the central portion. Such a first supporter41can further improve rigidity against loads and impacts.

Alternatively, the central portion of the first supporter41may be thicker than the edge portions.

(2-2-2. Second Supporter)

A surface of the second supporter42is in contact with the first supporter41, and the other surface of the second supporter42is in contact with the rear part21, as shown inFIG.2.

The first supporter41and the second supporter42in this embodiment are different members, as shown inFIG.6.

The second supporter42in this embodiment extends towards the rear part21from part of the opposite surface of the first supporter41from the supporting surface41a. The part of the opposite surface is not in contact with the electric circuits51to be described later.

Different from the first supporter41, the second supporter42is formed so as to fill part of a space along the opposite surface of the light-electricity converter312from the imaging surface312g. More specifically, the second supporter42fills part of a space along the surface of the electromagnetic-field shielding layer33or the surface of the adhesive layer6provided at the opposite surface-side of the light-electricity converter312from the imaging surface312g. The recess parts4care formed at the side of the rear part21in a direction along the supporting surface41a.

The second supporter42in this embodiment includes two types of foam that have different degrees of rigidity, as with the first supporter41.

The second supporter42in this embodiment includes the first foam F1and the second foam F2, as shown inFIG.5A.

The first foam F1of the second supporter42constitutes a surface layer part that extends from the first supporter41towards the rear part21.

The second foam F2of the second supporter42constitutes a core part that is in contact with the surface layer part in a direction along the inner surface of the rear part21.

The expansion ratio of the second supporter42therefore changes in a direction along the supporting surface41a. The distribution of the expansion ratio of the second supporter42is different from the distribution of the expansion ratio of the first supporter41.

The second supporter42as described above has an improved degree of rigidity against loads coming from a direction orthogonal to the supporting surface41a. Accordingly, the detecting device100can has an improved degree of rigidity against loads coming from a direction orthogonal to the rear/front surface of the detecting device100.

(2-2-3. Supporter and Other Members)

In this embodiment, the directions in which the first foam F1and the second foam F2are arranged are different between the first supporter41and the second supporter42. Accordingly, the first supporter41and the second supporter42are strong in different directions. In such a case, the rigidity against loads and impacts coming from the thickness direction (direction orthogonal to the supporting surface41a) may be greater than the rigidity against loads and impacts coming from the direction along the supporting surface41a.

Further, only either the first supporter41or the second supporter42may be formed of the first foam F1and the second foam F2, and the other supporter may be formed of only the first foam F1or the second foam F2.

Further, both the first supporter41and the second supporter42may be formed of only the first foam F1or the second foam F2.

Further, the first supporter41and the second supporter42of the supporter4may be integrally formed of a uniform piece of foam, as shown inFIG.5B.

The recess parts4cmay be formed by cutting the parts where the recess parts4care supposed to be or by partly pressing the supporter4. It is preferable, however, that the recess part4cbe formed by pressing part of the supporter4.

The parts of the supporter4where the recess parts4care formed are thinner than the other parts of the supporter4(second part4b). More specifically, the width of the parts where the recess parts4care formed is less than the width of the other parts of the supporter4in the direction orthogonal to the supporting surface41a. When the recess parts4care formed by pressing part of the supporter4, the surfaces of the recess parts4chave a lower expansion ratio and therefore have higher rigidity. The recess parts4cof the supporter4can therefore be as rigid as the second parts4b.

The supporter4may be formed by laminating multiple sheets of foam.

[2-3. Electrical Component]

The electrical component5includes the electric circuits51and a wire(s)52shown inFIG.2and a heat diffusion sheet (not illustrated).

The electric circuits51in this embodiment are attached to the supporter4.

The radiation detector3, the supporter4, and the electric circuits51are fixed to each other to constitute the internal module120.

(2-3-1. Electric Circuit)

The electric circuits51are positioned on the opposite surface of the supporter4from the supporting surface41a.

The electric circuits51are housed in the recess parts4cof the supporter4between the second supporters42.

The electric circuits51are separate from the rear part21of the casing110, so that the electric circuits51can avoid receiving external loads placed on the casing110.

The electric circuits51include a scanning circuit, reading circuit, wireless communication circuit, control circuit, power-source circuit, battery, and connector.

The scanning circuit controls switch elements.

The reading circuit reads electric charges as signals.

The wireless communication circuit is for wirelessly communicating with other devices.

The control circuit controls the circuits to generate image data.

The power-source circuit is for applying voltage to semiconductor elements and supplying electricity for the above-described circuits.

The connector can accept a cable for communicating with other devices, as shown inFIG.1.

(2-3-2. Attaching Electric Circuit to Supporter)

The electric circuits51in this embodiment are attached to the supporter4with the attaching members7, as shown inFIG.6.

Each of the attaching members7in this embodiment includes a plate part71that is in contact with the electric circuit51and a projecting part72, as shown inFIG.7.

The first supporter41of the supporter4has a fitting hole(s)41bthe contour of which is the same as the contour of the projecting part72.

The projecting part72in this embodiment has radial parts72athat spread radially from the center of the plate part71in the radial direction of the plate part71. Such a projecting part72has greater friction against the supporter4when being fitted to the supporter4. As a result, the attaching member7is less likely to detach from the supporter4.

When the attaching member7is screwed on the electric circuit51, the attaching member7receives torque. The radial parts72aprotruding in a direction orthogonal to the torque can prevent the attaching member7from turning as the screw turns.

Further, the radial parts72areduce pressure on the supporter4by engaging with the supporter4on a predetermined area or greater. Large torque can therefore be applied to the supporter4without damaging the foam, which has a low degree of rigidity, in screwing the electric circuit51on the supporter4. The screw can therefore be prevented from being loose.

The structure of the attaching member7is not limited to the structure described above.

For example, the attaching member7may include a first member7aand a second member7b, as shown inFIG.8A.

The first member7aof the attaching member7includes a tube part73and a flange part74.

The tube part73fits the fitting hole41bformed on the first supporter41.

The flange part74abuts the supporting surface41aof the supporter4.

The second member7bincludes an internal-screw part75and a flange part76.

The second member7bmay be made of the same foam as the supporter4. The internal-screw part75fits the tube part73.

In the central part of the internal-screw part75, an insert screw75ais inserted. Alternatively, an internal screw may be directly formed on the internal-screw part75.

The flange part76abuts the supporting surface41aof the first supporter41. The attaching member7sandwiches the supporter4between the flange part74and the flange part76.

When the second member7bis made of foam, the second member7bcan be connected to the supporter4with the heat generated in forming the supporter4.

The internal-screw part75accepts a screw B through the screw hole51aof the electric circuit51, so that the electric circuit51is fixed to the supporter4.

A ground wire(s) of the electric circuit51is extended around the screw hole51a. The ground wire is fastened with the screw B along with the electric circuit51, thereby being connected to the ground terminal near the screw hole51a.

The attaching member7may include an internal-screw part75A and a flange part76A, as shown inFIG.9.

The flange part76A of the attaching member7abuts the supporting surface41aof the supporter4.

The internal-screw part75A fits the fitting hole41bformed on the first supporter41.

The internal-screw part75A has a wavy outer circumferential surface.

The distance d2between the tops of the waves is equal to or greater than the diameter of a particle of the foam, so that the particles of the foam constituting the supporter4enter the spaces between the waves of the internal-screw part75A. The attaching member7is therefore prevented from turning along with the screw B when receiving torque from the screw B being turned to fix the electric circuit51.

Further, the attaching member7may include an internal-screw part75B and a plate part71A, as shown inFIG.10A.

The internal-screw part75B may be cylindrical as shown inFIG.10, or may have a wavy lateral circumferential surface as shown inFIG.9.

The plate part71A has a connecting surface71athe area of which is sufficiently wider than the width of the internal-screw part75.

The connecting surface71aof the plate part71A is adhered to the first supporter41, as shown inFIG.10B.

Instead, a surface of the plate part71of the attaching member7may be connected to the first supporter41, the surface being opposite from the surface on which the internal-screw part75bis provided, as shown inFIG.10C.

Further, the attaching member7may be connected to the radiation shielding layer32, as shown inFIG.10D.

Further, the attaching member7may include an engaging part77, as shown inFIG.11.

The engaging part77engages with the screw hole51aformed on the electric circuit51by a snap-fit.

As the foam constituting the supporter4is not resistant to torque, the attaching member7may turn when being screwed on the electric circuit51. With the snap-fit, the supporter4can be easily engaged with and attached to the electric circuit51.

The attaching member7may not be used in attaching the electric circuit51to the supporter4.

The electric circuit51may be directly fixed to the supporter4with a glue or an adhesive tape.

As the electric circuit51is not fixed together with the wires, the connectors may be connected with wires of conductive tapes, for example.

(2-3-3. Wire)

The wires52are made of flexible printed circuits, for example. The wires52connect the light-electricity converter312and the electric circuits51.

More specifically, the wires52connect (i) the terminals of the scanning lines (switch elements) and the scanning circuit, (ii) the terminals of the signal lines (semiconductor elements312b) and the reading circuit, and (iii) the terminals of the bias lines and the power-source circuit of the light-electricity converter312.

(2-3-4. Heat Diffusion Sheet)

The heat diffusion sheet is positioned so as to face, among elements constituting the electric circuit51, elements that generate heat when the electric circuit51is in operation.

The positions to face the elements include the rear surfaces of the electric circuits51, the supporter4, and the casing110.

The heat diffusion sheet diffuses heat generated by the elements to prevent overheat of the elements and decrease in functions of the elements.

The heat diffusion sheet also prevents occurrence of heat spots in regions facing the elements.

The heat diffusion sheet may face the elements with a heat transferring member inbetween.

Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is described. In the second embodiment, components that are the same as the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG.12is an A-A cross-sectional view of a radiation detecting device (hereinafter called detecting device100A) in this embodiment.

The structure of the casing110A of the detecting device100A in this embodiment is different from the structure of the casing110in the first embodiment.

[3. Lid Body]

A lid body2A in this embodiment includes a rear part21A and lids22.

[3-1. Rear Part]

The rear part21A has recess parts21a.

The recess parts21aare recessed towards the inside of the casing110A from the outer surface of the rear part21A.

The lateral surfaces of the recess parts21ahave slits (not illustrated).

The width, length, and depth of each of the recess parts21aare set such that the electric circuit51can be housed.

In this embodiment, the rear part21A has as many recess parts21aas the number of electric circuits51.

The bottom surfaces of the recess parts21a(the surface closest to the front part11) are flat in this embodiment.

The parts between the recess parts21aof the rear part21A constitute the inner walls of the recess parts21aand function as ribs along the rear surface of the rear part21A. The ribs can prevent the casing110from bending or twisting when the detecting device100receives loads.

[3-2. Lids]

The lids22are configured to fit the opening parts of the recess parts21a.

When the lids22in this embodiment fit the recess parts21a, the electric circuits51housed in the recess parts21aare covered, and the outer surfaces of the lids22are flush with the outer surface of the rear part21.

It is preferable that the material and thickness of the lids22be the same as the material and thickness of the rear part21A so that the lid body2A has a uniform degree of rigidity at the lids22and at the rear part21A.

To eliminate difference in rigidity between the lids22and the rear part21A, the lids22may be formed to be thinner than the rear part21A from a material the degree of rigidity of which is higher than the degree of rigidity of the rear part21A, or may be formed to be thicker than the rear part21A from a material the degree of rigidity of which is lower than the degree of rigidity of the rear part21A.

Carbon fiber reinforced resin or metals, which have high conductivity and high degree of rigidity, can be used to release heat of the electric circuits. Alternatively, resin, which have low degrees of rigidity and transmit radio waves, can be used so that the detecting device100A is suited for wireless communication.

The lids22may have gaskets at the edge portions. The gaskets prevent dusts and liquids from entering into the recess parts21ato protect the electric circuits51.

The lids22in this embodiment are attachable to and removable from the rear part21A, so that the electric circuits51can be easily accessed in maintenance of the detecting device100A.

[4. Supporter]

The supporter4A supports the radiation detector3with the supporting surface41a. The opposite surface of the supporter4A from the supporting surface41ais in contact with the inner surface of the rear part21A of the casing110A.

The supporter4A in this embodiment fills the whole space between the radiation detector3and the rear part21A in the casing110, except a space beyond the radiation detector3in a direction along the imaging surface312gand a space near the inner surface of the lateral part12. The shape of the surface of the supporter4A that is in contact with the rear part21A is therefore the same as the shape of the rear part21A.

The supporter4A and the rear part21A may be formed integrally, or the supporter4A may be fixed to the rear part21A.

Methods of fixing the supporter4A to the rear part21A include gluing with a glue, adhesion with an adhesive tape, fitting a projecting part(s) of the supporter4A to a recess part(s) of the rear part21A, and fitting a projecting part(s) of the rear part21A to s recess part(s) of the supporter4A.

[5. Electronic Component]

The electric circuits51in this embodiment are housed in the recess parts21aof the rear part21A.

In this embodiment, the electric circuits51are fixed to the bottom surfaces of the recess parts21a.

Methods of fixing the electric circuits51to the rear part21A in this embodiment include fixing with the attaching member7, gluing with a glue, and adhesion with an adhesive tape.

The electric circuits51are separate from the lids22of the casing110A to avoid receiving external loads on the casing110A.

The wires52in this embodiment are passed through the slits of the recess parts21a.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

The detecting device100/100A has the sensor panel31that has flexibility. The flexible sensor panel31is less likely to be damaged when the casing110/100A receives loads or impacts.

The sensor panel31is also lighter than a known sensor panel because flexible materials are typically lighter than glass.

With the light and damage-resistant sensor panel31, the supporter4/4A that supports the sensor panel31does not need a high degree of rigidity as compared with a known supporter. Accordingly, the supporter4/4A can be made of a less amount of material than the known supporter and may not be made of high-rigidity material (e.g., metals or fiber reinforced resin) like the known supporter. This reduces the weight of the supporter4/4A.

The supporter4/4A made of foam is further lighter.

As a result, the detecting device100/100A is light and can hold the substrate resistant against damages when being pressed or hit.

The sensor panel31(flexible material) has low heat conductivity. When the sensor panel31receives a large amount of heat from the electric circuits51, the sensor panel31may not diffuse the heat and may have locally hot spots. The sensor panel31having partly different temperatures may generate an uneven radiographic image.

The detecting device100/100A, on the other hand, includes the supporter4(first supporter41) between the electric circuits51and the sensor panel31. The supporter4/4A is made of foam, which typically has high heat-insulating properties. The supporter4placed between the electric circuits51and the sensor panel31can therefore prevent the heat generated by the electric circuits51from being transmitted to the sensor panel31.

The supporter4/4A also has gaps (recess parts4c), and the heat generated by the electric circuits51escapes into the gaps. Accordingly, the supporter4can further prevent the heat from being transmitted to the sensor panel31.

The sensor panel31(flexible material) may easily change its shape. When part of the sensor panel31changes its shape and comes closer to the electric circuits51, the sensor panel31may be affected by noises generated by the electric circuits51.

The detecting device100/100A, on the other hand, supports the sensor panel31with the supporter4/4A made of foam. As the foam is light, the supporter4can be made thick without greatly increasing its weight. The thick supporter4/4A can keep the distance between the sensor panel31and the electric circuits51even when the sensor panel31changes its shape. The supporter4/4A thus can prevent the sensor panel31from being affected by the noises of the electric circuits51.

The sensor panel31(flexible material) is susceptible to low-frequency vibration. When the vibration arrives at the sensor panel31, the sensor panel31may increase the amplitude and may be more likely to generate noises.

The detecting device100/100A, on the other hand, supports the sensor panel31with the supporter4/4A made of foam. The foam absorbs low-frequency vibration. The supporter4/4A can therefore prevent the sensor panel31from being affected by low-frequency vibration.

The effect of restraining vibration is greater as the filing rate of the supporter4/4A in the casing110/110A is greater.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposes of illustration and example only and not limitation. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by terms of the appended claims.