JP7839766B2 - Radiation image reading device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a radiographic image reading device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a radiographic image reading device equipped with a transport mechanism for transporting imaging plates. The transport mechanism disclosed includes an example comprising a belt for holding the imaging plates and a belt drive mechanism for circulating the belt. The imaging plates are transported while resting on a holding surface that is part of the belt.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-53459

As described in Patent Document 1, in a configuration where the imaging plate is placed on the belt's holding surface, the imaging plate may be held in a tilted position from the normal position suitable for reading radiographic images.

Therefore, this disclosure aims to enable the imaging plate to be held in a normal orientation.

To solve the above problems, the radiation image reading device is a radiation image reading device that reads a radiation image from an imaging plate, comprising: a stage for holding the imaging plate; an excitation light source for irradiating the imaging plate held on the stage with excitation light; and a photodetector for detecting light emitted from the imaging plate due to the excitation light. The stage comprises: a stage body having a support surface that can make surface contact with the back surface of the imaging plate; and a pair of opening/closing positioning parts spaced apart along a first direction. The positioning mechanism includes a mechanism in which at least one of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts moves along the first direction, causing the pair of opening/closing positioning parts to contact the edge portion of the imaging plate so as to sandwich the imaging plate supported on the support surface along the first direction. At least one of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts has a tilt correction surface that extends outward in the opening/closing direction of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts and extends along the support surface in a second direction perpendicular to the opening/closing direction.

According to this disclosure, the imaging plate can be held in a normal orientation.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a reading device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the reading device. Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the reading device. Figure 4 is a front view of the internal structure of the reading device, seen from the outside perpendicular to the support surface of the stage. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the stage. Figure 7 is a front view showing the stage in the set position. Figure 8 is a rear view showing the stage. Figure 9 shows an example of the positional relationship between the tilt correction surface and the imaging plate. Figure 10 is a front view showing the stage at the reading position. Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI in Figure 7. Figure 12 is a side view of the stage as seen from the positioning unit side. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the guiding operation of the imaging plate. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the positioning operation by the positioning mechanism. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in Figure 14. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation when the tilt correction surface is omitted. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the tilt correction operation by the tilt correction surface. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 17. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the tilt correction operation by the tilt correction surface. Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the positioning operation by the positioning mechanism.

{Embodiment}
<Overall Structure>
The following describes a radiation image reading device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the reading device 20. In Figure 1, the housing 30 is shown by a dashed line. Figures 2 and 3 are partially exploded perspective views showing the reading device 20. In Figures 1 to 3, the stage 60 is located at the set position P1. In Figures 2 and 3, the set guide 200 and the reading unit 90 are disassembled. In Figure 2, the reading position P2 and the rear position P4 of the stage 60, which are inside the set position P1, are shown by dashed lines.

The radiation image reading device 20 is a device that reads radiation images from the surface 10a of the imaging plate 10.

The imaging plate 10 is a flat shape having a radiation-forming layer 11 and serves as a storage medium for storing radiation images. The radiation-forming layer 11 is exposed on the surface 10a side of the imaging plate 10. The radiation-forming layer 11 is a layer that stores the energy of the irradiated radiation and emits light corresponding to the stored energy. For example, the radiation-forming layer 11 is formed by coating one main surface of a resin film with a photostimulable phosphor. When X-rays from an X-ray generator penetrate the object to be imaged and irradiate the imaging plate 10, energy corresponding to the intensity of the X-rays is stored in the radiation-forming layer 11. Since the intensity of the X-rays is based on the distribution of the X-ray absorption region in the object to be imaged, the distribution of energy stored in the radiation-forming layer 11 is the radiation image of the object to be imaged by X-rays. In this way, the imaging plate 10 stores the radiation image from X-rays as a latent image.

The reading device 20 is a device that reads a radiation image from the radiation image-forming layer 11 and generates image data of the radiation image. The reading device 20 comprises a stage 60, an excitation light source 92, a photodetector 94, and a setting guide 200. The stage 60 supports the imaging plate 10 from the back surface 10b. Excitation light from the excitation light source 92 is irradiated onto the imaging plate 10 supported by the stage 60. When the imaging plate 10 is irradiated with excitation light, the radiation image-forming layer 11 of the imaging plate 10 emits light. This emitted light is detected by the photodetector 94. Image data of the radiation image is generated based on the detection signal from the photodetector 94.

The setting guide 200 is a guide that directs the imaging plate 10, supplied from outside the reading device 20, toward the stage 60. Users of the reading device 20 can set the imaging plate 10 in a reading-appropriate orientation on the stage 60 by supplying it to the setting guide 200.

The surface 10a of the imaging plate 10 on which the radiation image-forming layer 11 is formed may be considered as the radiation image-forming surface or as the excitation light irradiation surface. The back surface 10b, opposite to this surface, faces the support surface 64F of the stage 60 and may be considered as the contact surface that contacts the support surface 64F. The back surface 10b is the surface opposite to the surface irradiated with excitation light and is the surface opposite to the radiation image-forming layer 11. When the imaging plate 10 is correctly set on the stage 60 in terms of its front and back sides, the surface of the imaging plate 10 facing the same direction as the support surface 64F is the memory surface capable of storing latent images, and also the reading surface from which the stored latent images are read.

The components of the reading device 20 will now be described.

<About the cabinet>
The reading device 20 includes a housing 30 (see Figure 1), which houses a stage 60, an excitation light source 92, a photodetector 94, and a setting guide 200.

The housing 30 has an opening 31. The opening 31 is formed, for example, on one of the side surfaces surrounding the housing 30. The opening 31 is shaped to allow the portion of the setting guide 200 on which the input port 230 is formed to be exposed to the outside. In this embodiment, the opening 31 is shaped like a rectangle, exposing the entire outward-facing surface of the setting guide 200 on which the input port 230 is formed to the outside. The opening may also be shaped to expose only the input port 230 to the outside, for example, a slit shape. Note that the entire housing 30 does not need to be formed as a single part. For example, as will be described later in the modifications section, the portion of the housing on which the opening is formed may be detachable from the other parts, or a part of the housing may be integrally molded with the base plate 41 described later.

The user of this reading device 20 can insert the imaging plate 10 into the input slot 230 of the setting guide 200 through the opening 31. The imaging plate 10, once inserted into the reading device 20, is then set on the stage 60.

An outlet 32 is provided in the lower part of the housing 30, for example, on the lower part of one side of the housing 30. The outlet 32 opens outwards. A recovery tray 49 is placed inside the outlet 32. The recovery tray 49 is formed, for example, in a box shape with an opening at the top. The imaging plates 10 discharged from the stage 60 are discharged into the recovery tray 49. A user of the reading device 20 can pull out the recovery tray 49 inside the outlet 32 to collect the read imaging plates 10. The recovery tray 49 may be removable from the housing 30. Removability of the recovery tray 49 is preferable because it makes cleaning easier.

The housing 30 is equipped with switches 33 for receiving various instructions. These switches 33 include, for example, a power switch and a start switch for instructing the start of reading.

A display device 34 may be provided in the housing 30. The display device 34 may be composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel. The read radiation image may be displayed on this display device 34. Various information for operation may be displayed on the display device 34. Information regarding the reading progress, such as the remaining time from the start of reading to the end of reading, may be displayed on the display device 34. Warnings, cautions, or error information regarding incorrect operation of the reading device 20 may be displayed on the display device 34. The display device 34 may be a touch panel equipped with display and touch detection functions. In this case, at least some of the functions of the above-mentioned switches may be incorporated into the touch panel. The display device 34 may be omitted.

It is not essential that the image data of the radiation image generated by reading the imaging plate 10 be displayed on the display device 34. The image data of the radiation image may be transmitted wirelessly or via wired communication to another computer (not shown) that can communicate with the reader 20. The image data of the radiation image may also be recorded on a data recording medium (e.g., flash memory) that is removable from the reader 20.

<About the internal configuration of the enclosure>
The various components located inside the enclosure 30 will now be described.

A support member 40 is provided inside the housing 30. This support member 40 supports the stage 60, the excitation light source 92, the photodetector 94, and the setting guide 200. Note that the following example is just one example, and the configuration for supporting the stage and setting guide is not limited to the configuration described below. The configuration related to the support member is not limiting to this disclosure, and this disclosure is applicable to various configurations that use gravity to guide the imaging plate 10 to the stage.

<Regarding support members>
As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the support member 40 comprises a base plate 41, an intermediate support plate 42, and a box-shaped portion 44.

The base plate 41 is a plate-shaped member positioned horizontally (perpendicular to the direction of gravity) at the bottom of the internal space of the housing 30. Here, the base plate 41 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape. The base plate 41 can close the downward opening of the housing 30.

An intermediate support plate 42 is supported in an upright position on the base plate 41. The intermediate support plate 42 is a plate having an inclined surface 42a that is tilted with respect to the direction of gravity (see Figure 3). The inclined surface 42a is a surface that faces diagonally upward. In this embodiment, the intermediate support plate 42 is formed in a shape in which one of the upper corners of a rectangle is diagonally cut off. The box-shaped portion 44 is supported on the inclined surface 42a, thereby supporting the box-shaped portion 44 in an oblique position.

In this embodiment, the circuit unit 43 is supported by the intermediate support plate 42. The circuit unit 43 is, for example, a unit on which various electrical components are mounted on a circuit board. Such a circuit unit may be, for example, a control unit that performs various controls on the reading device 20, or a power supply circuit that supplies power to various parts of the reading device 20. The circuit unit 43 may also be supported by other parts besides the intermediate support plate 42, such as the base plate 41, the housing 30, or the box-shaped part 44.

The box-shaped section 44 comprises a pair of longitudinal side plates 45, a pair of transverse side plates 46, and a back plate 47. The back plate 47 is a rectangular plate that is elongated in one direction. Each of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 is formed in a rectangular plate shape corresponding to the length of the long side of the back plate 47. The pair of longitudinal side plates 45 are supported in an upright position on the pair of long sides of the back plate 47. Each of the transverse side plates 46 is formed in a rectangular plate shape corresponding to the length of the short side of the back plate 47. The pair of transverse side plates 46 are supported in an upright position on the pair of short sides of the back plate 47. Thus, the box-shaped section 44 is formed in a box shape with the back plate 47 as the bottom, and one main surface of the bottom surrounded by the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 and the pair of transverse side plates 46. Hereinafter, the upper of the pair of transverse side plates 46 may be distinguished as transverse side plate 46U, and the lower of the pair of transverse side plates 46 as transverse side plate 46L. The box-shaped section 44 opens on the opposite side of the back plate 47. The pair of longitudinal side plates 45 and the pair of transverse side plates 46 are fixed to the back plate 47, for example, by screws or welding.

The back plate 47 is supported on the inclined surface 42a of the intermediate support plate 42, aligned with the inclined surface. The back plate 47 is supported in an oblique position along the inclination of the inclined surface 42a. The back plate 47 is fixed to the intermediate support plate 42, for example, by screwing or welding.

A pair of longitudinal side plates 45 and a pair of transverse side plates 46 are erected on the back plate 47, opposite to the intermediate support plate 42. The box-shaped section 44 opens diagonally upwards on the opposite side of the intermediate support plate 42.

The pair of longitudinal side plates 45 extend along the direction of the inclined surface 42a. Therefore, the edge of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 opposite to the back plate 47 is also inclined with respect to gravity along the direction of the inclined surface 42a. A pair of support rods 48 are supported on each of the edges of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 opposite to the back plate 47, in an inclined position with respect to gravity. The support rods 48 are supported, for example, by being screwed or welded to at least one of the longitudinal side plates 45 and the transverse side plates 46.

In this embodiment, the support rod 48 is formed in the shape of a rectangular bar. The support rod 48 is longer than the length of the longitudinal side plate 45. One end of the support rod 48 extends along the edge of the longitudinal side plate 45 to the upper short-side plate 46U. The other end of the support rod 48 extends diagonally downward along the edge of the longitudinal side plate 45, beyond the lower short-side plate 46L. The other end of the support rod 48 is the lower end and is located above the base plate 41.

The excitation light source 92 and photodetector 94 are mounted on the outward-facing surface of the pair of support rods 48, opposite to the back plate 47. The excitation light source 92 and photodetector 94 are positioned between the pair of short-side plates 46, closer to the lower short-side plate 46L. The excitation light source 92 emits excitation light toward the box-shaped section 44, and the photodetector 94 detects light from the box-shaped section 44. The excitation light source 92 and photodetector 94 are mounted to the support rods 48, for example, by screw fastening.

The stage 60 is supported between a pair of longitudinal side plates 45, allowing it to move inside the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94. For convenience, in the following description, the side of the stage 60 where the excitation light source 92 and photodetector 94 are located may be referred to as the front, and the opposite side as the rear. Also, in the following description, the relative direction of movement of the stage 60 with respect to the excitation light source 92 and photodetector 94 may be referred to as the main scanning direction A1. As the imaging plate 10, held by the stage 60, passes inside the excitation light source 92 and photodetector 94, excitation light from the excitation light source 92 irradiates the imaging plate 10, and the light emitted from the imaging plate 10 due to the excitation light is detected by the photodetector 94.

A setting guide 200 is attached to the portion of the pair of support rods 48 that extends below the lower, shorter side plate 46L. The setting guide 200 is attached to the support rods 48, for example, by screw fastening.

The stage 60 can be moved to a position where it extends below the lower short-side plate 46L in the direction of extension of the support rod 48. With the stage 60 moved to a position where it extends below the short-side plate 46L, the user can set the imaging plate 10 onto the stage 60 via the setting guide 200.

Furthermore, the recovery tray 49 is positioned on the diagonally downward extension of the pair of support rods 48. When the stage 60 is moved to a position where it extends below the short-side plate 46L, the imaging plate 10 discharged from the stage 60 falls into the recovery tray 49 and is recovered. The recovery tray 49 does not need to be movably positioned relative to the housing 30. For example, the recovery tray, located on the extension of the support rods, may open to the outside of the housing from the opposite side of the intermediate support plate, allowing the imaging plate in the recovery tray to be removed from the housing through this opening.

In this embodiment, the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 are supported at a fixed position within the housing 30 in the form of a box-shaped portion 44. The configuration in which the longitudinal side plates 45 are supported at a fixed position within the box-shaped portion 44 is not limited to this example. For example, the longitudinal side plates 45 may be fixed to a side surface or other part of the housing 30.

Furthermore, the box-shaped section 44 is not limited to a configuration in which multiple plate-shaped members are fixed together by screws or welding. The entire box-shaped section may be a single, integrated member formed by press working or die molding. In this case, screws and welding can be eliminated in the manufacturing of the box-shaped section.

<About the excitation light source and photodetector>
The excitation light source 92 irradiates the imaging plate 10, which is held by the stage 60, with excitation light. The excitation light is light used to excite the radiation imaging layer 11, and is, for example, laser light of a specific wavelength that excites the radiation imaging layer 11. When the radiation imaging layer 11 is irradiated with excitation light, the radiation imaging layer 11 emits light according to the distribution of energy accumulated in the radiation imaging layer 11.

The excitation light source 92 may include a laser light source that emits laser light as excitation light and a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror. For example, the laser light source may be reflected by the MEMS mirror so that the target of the laser light from the laser light source moves along a sub-scanning direction A2 that intersects (is perpendicular to) the main scanning direction A1 with respect to the surface 10a of the radiation image forming layer 11. Note that the mirror configuration can also use a galvanometer mirror or a polygon mirror instead of a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror. Depending on the mirror configuration, a separate lens system configuration may be required, but this can be used in this reading device with appropriate combinations.

The photodetector 94 is a sensor that detects light emitted from the imaging plate 10 due to excitation light and outputs a signal corresponding to its intensity. Based on this signal from the photodetector 94, image data of the radiation image is generated.

The photodetector 94 may have a configuration in which the light-detecting elements are arranged in a single row. For example, the photodetector 94 may be arranged in a orientation where the arrangement direction of the elements is parallel to the sub-scanning direction A2. The light-detecting elements may be silicon photomultiplier tubes, photodiodes, etc.

In this embodiment, the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are integrated as a reading unit 90. For example, the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 are integrated while housed within a module case 91. A long, narrow reading slit 90S is formed in the portion of the module case 91 facing the support member 40, along the sub-scanning direction A2 (see Figure 3). The excitation light is irradiated towards the imaging plate 10 through the reading slit 90S. The light emitted from the imaging plate 10 is detected by the photodetector 94 through the reading slit 90S.

As the stage 60 moves along the main scanning direction A1, laser light from the excitation light source 92 is incident on the surface of the radiation image-forming layer 11 of the imaging plate 10 held on the stage 60 (surface 10a of the imaging plate 10), and the irradiation point moves along the sub-scanning direction A2. As a result, the surface of the radiation image-forming layer 11 (surface 10a) sequentially emits light along the line in the sub-scanning direction A2.

The photodetector 94 is positioned to detect the light emitted from the radiation image-forming layer 11, which is generated by the laser light from the excitation light source 92. For example, the excitation light source 92 is positioned to irradiate the imaging plate 10 with laser light from an oblique direction, and the photodetector 94 is positioned directly in front of the position where the laser light irradiates the imaging plate 10. Then, as the surface of the radiation image-forming layer 11 sequentially emits light along a line parallel to the sub-scanning direction A2, this emitted light is detected by the photodetector 94.

During the movement of the stage 60, the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 repeatedly scan in the sub-scanning direction A2, allowing the photodetector 94 to read a wide area of the imaging plate 10, for example, the entire surface of the imaging plate 10.

It is not essential to perform readings while the stage 60 is moving. For example, the excitation light source 92 and photodetector 94 may move while the stage 60 is stationary. Alternatively, both the stage 60 and the excitation light source 92 and photodetector 94 may move.

<Regarding the stage and its movement configuration>
Figure 4 is a front view of the internal structure of the reading device 20, seen from the outside perpendicular to the support surface 64F of the stage 60. In Figure 4, the reading unit 90 and the setting guide 200 are omitted. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 4. In Figure 5, the setting guide 200 is not omitted, and the reading unit 90 is shown by a double dashed line.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the stage 60 is configured to hold the imaging plate 10. For example, the stage 60 includes a plate-like portion that extends larger than the imaging plate 10. The imaging plate 10 is held in a fixed position and orientation relative to the stage 60, in contact with the support surface 64F on one main surface side of the stage 60. The configuration by which the stage 60 holds the imaging plate 10 will be described in more detail later.

The stage 60 moves along the main scanning direction A1 while holding the imaging plate 10. The configuration for supporting the stage 60 so that it can move will be described below.

The stage 60 can move along the main scanning direction A1 between the edges of the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 that are opposite to the back plate 47. The projection dimension of the lower short-sided side plate 46L relative to the back plate 47 is smaller than the projection dimension of the longitudinal side plate 45 relative to the back plate 47. Therefore, the stage 60 can move downward along the main scanning direction A1, passing over the lower short-sided side plate 46L from between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45. In other words, it can reciprocate along the main scanning direction A1 between the position between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 (positions P2 and P4 shown by the dashed lines in Figure 2) and the downward projection position P1 between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45 (see Figure 2).

The stage 60 is configured to be movable by a stage movement mechanism 50. The stage movement mechanism 50 includes a movement drive unit 52 and a pair of guide rods 56.

The moving drive unit 52 is the part that applies driving force to the stage 60 along the main scanning direction A1. In this embodiment, the moving drive unit 52 includes a motor 53 and a screw shaft portion 54. The screw shaft portion 54 is a rod-shaped member with screw grooves formed around its circumference. The screw shaft portion 54 is rotatably supported on a pair of short-side plates 46, spanning between them. The motor 53 is fixed to the box-shaped portion 44 in a non-rotatable manner. For example, the motor 53 is fixed to the outside of the lower short-side plate 46L in a non-rotatable manner via a bracket 53B or the like. The shaft 53a of the motor 53 is fixed to the screw shaft portion 54 in a non-rotatable manner relative to it, and the screw shaft portion 54 is rotationally driven in the forward or reverse direction in accordance with the forward or reverse rotation of the motor 53. The rotational motion of the shaft 53a of the motor 53 may be transmitted to the screw shaft portion 54 via a transmission device such as a gear or pulley.

The stage 60 has a through hole 62h1 with a screw thread (see Figure 2). The screw shaft 54 is screwed into the through hole 62h1. The rotation of the screw shaft 54 drives the stage 60 into which the screw shaft 54 is screwed to move along the main scanning direction A1.

The guide rod 56 is an elongated rod-shaped member and is fixed to a pair of short-sided side plates 46 so as to span between them. The guide rod 56 is inserted through a guide hole 62h2 formed in the stage 60 (see Figure 2). This allows the guide rod 56 to prevent the stage 60 from rotating around the screw shaft 54. Here, multiple guide rods 56 are provided (two in this embodiment), but one may be used.

The direction of movement by the moving drive unit 52 is not limited to the above example; it may be horizontal or in the direction of gravity. The moving drive unit 52 may be any actuator that moves the stage 60, and in addition to the above configuration, it may be a linear motor or a mechanism that moves using a belt. Instead of moving the stage, the reading unit 90 may be moved to read the imaging plate on the stage. If the reading unit is a sensor capable of reading the planar information of the imaging plate, it is conceivable that neither the stage nor the reading unit moves.

The stage 60 is moved back and forth between the set position P1 and the reading position P2 by the stage movement mechanism 50.

The set position P1 is a position on the stage 60 where the imaging plate 10 can be set. In this embodiment, the set position P1 is set to a position that protrudes outward (downward) from the lower short-side plate 46L. At the set position P1, the portion of the stage 60 near the upper end is positioned on the short-side plate 46L, and the longitudinal middle portion and lower end of the stage 60 extend downward from the lower short-side plate 46L. At the set position P1, the area for arranging the imaging plate 10 to be set on the stage 60 (the maximum arrangement area if multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 are assumed; see the area in Figures 7 and 9 where both the longest and widest imaging plate 10 can be arranged) is positioned outside the lower short-side plate 46L.

In this state, the support surface 64F of the stage 60 is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. Here, the support surface 64F is inclined along the same inclination direction as the extension direction of the longitudinal side plate 45. In other words, the support surface 64F is inclined to face diagonally upward.

The stage 60, located at the set position P1, can receive the imaging plate 10 guided by the set guide 200. More specifically, the set position P1 is located below the set guide 200 (see Figure 5). When the imaging plate 10 is inserted into the input port 230 of the set guide 200 from outside the device 20, the imaging plate 10 moves downward in the direction of gravity due to its own weight, while being guided by the set guide 200. When the lower edge of the imaging plate 10 reaches the support surface 64F, the lower edge of the imaging plate 10 slides diagonally downward according to the inclination of the support surface 64F, and the imaging plate 10 tilts toward the support surface 64F, so that the back surface 10b of the imaging plate 10 can make surface contact with the support surface 64F. In this state, the imaging plate 10 is positioned and held by a positioning mechanism (described later) provided on the stage 60. In this embodiment, gravity is used to guide the imaging plate 10 to the stage 60.

The configuration of the setup guide 200 for guiding the imaging plate 10 will be described in more detail later.

It is not mandatory for the set position P1 to be set to the position described above; for example, it may be set between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45, depending on its positional relationship with the set guide 200.

The reading position P2 is the position where the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 read the radiation image; that is, the position where the photodetector 94 reads the radiation image of the imaging plate 10 in response to the excitation light from the excitation light source 92. In this embodiment, the reading position P2 is set between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45. More specifically, the reading position P2 is set between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45, at a lower position.

Specifically, the reading unit 90, which includes an excitation light source 92 and a photodetector 94, is fixed to a pair of support rods 48 by screws or the like between the outward-facing edges of a pair of longitudinal side plates 45. The reading unit 90 is located between the pair of longitudinal side plates 45, closer to the set position P1. A reading slit 90S is formed on the inward-facing surface of the box-shaped portion 44 of the reading unit 90. Excitation light from the excitation light source 92 within the reading unit 90 is irradiated onto the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60 through the reading slit 90S. Furthermore, the emitted light from the imaging plate 10, excited by this excitation light, is incident on the photodetector 94 through the reading slit 90S.

When the imaging plate 10 is set on the stage 60 at the set position P1, the imaging plate 10 moves toward the box-shaped section 44 along the main scanning direction A1. When the imaging plate 10 set on the stage 60 reaches a position facing the reading slit 90S, the reading unit 90 begins reading the radiographic image of the imaging plate 10. As the stage 60 moves, the reading unit 90 sequentially reads the radiographic image of the imaging plate 10. When the imaging plate 10 passes through the reading slit 90S, the reading by the reading unit 90 ends. In this embodiment, where the radiographic image is read by the movement of the stage 60, the reading position P2 may be understood as the position where the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60 (or, if multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 are assumed, the widest imaging plate 10) reaches the reading slit 90S and reading begins.

Unlike the above example, it is also conceivable that the reading unit 90 moves along the main scanning direction A1 to read the radiation image from the imaging plate 10 which is stationary at a fixed position, or that the radiation image is read from the imaging plate 10 which is stationary at a fixed position using a three-dimensional sensor. In this case, the position where the imaging plate 10 is held while stationary at a fixed position is the reading position P2.

In this embodiment, the stage 60 is also moved to the discharge position P3 by the stage movement mechanism 50 (see Figure 5). The discharge position P3 is the position for discharging the imaging plate 10 set on the stage 60. The discharge position P3 is set to be further away from the reading position P2 than from the setting position P1 (see the stage 60 shown by the dashed line in Figure 5). This is not limited to this embodiment; the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60 may be discharged at a position different from the discharge position P3, for example, at the setting position P1, by a separate mechanism.

As already mentioned, the recovery tray 49 is located below the discharge position P3. The upper opening of the recovery tray 49 opens on the lower extension of the stage 60. The imaging plate 10 slides down the stage 60 at the discharge position P3, passes through the upper opening of the recovery tray 49, and is discharged into the recovery tray 49.

In this embodiment, the stage 60 is also moved to the rear position P4 by the stage movement mechanism 50 (see Figure 2). The rear position P4 is located on the opposite side of the set position P1 from the reading position P2. That is, the stage 60 can move from the set position P1, through the reading position P2, to the rear position P4. At the rear position P4, the imaging plate 10 on the stage 60 may be exposed without being covered by the reading unit 90, or it may be covered by other components.

The operation of the stage movement mechanism 50 is controlled by the control unit 100 (see Figure 3). The control unit 100 is composed of, for example, a computer comprising at least one processor and a memory unit. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and is composed of electrical circuits. The processor executes a read program, thereby realizing various functions for reading. The control unit 100 controls the rotation direction and amount of the motor 53, thereby controlling the movement of the stage 60 along the main scanning direction A1. It is assumed that this control unit 100 is a circuit realized by the circuit unit 43 (see Figure 3).

The control unit 100 may control the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94 via the reading unit 90. The control unit 100 may also perform various signal processing, image processing, and display processing by the display device 34 to generate a radiation image based on the signal detected by the photodetector 94.

<Regarding the overall stage structure>
The overall configuration of the stage 60 will now be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the stage 60 comprises a stage body 61 and a positioning mechanism 70.

The stage body 61 has a support surface 64F that can make surface contact with the back surface 10b of the imaging plate 10. In this embodiment, the stage body 61 includes a movable support 62 and a plate-shaped portion 64.

The movable support 62 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A through hole 62h1 is formed in the movable support 62 (see Figure 2). As already mentioned, a screw shaft 54, which can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions by the motor 53, is screwed into the through hole 62h1. When the screw shaft 54 rotates in the forward direction, the stage 60 moves along the screw shaft 54 to one side, and when the screw shaft 54 rotates in the reverse direction, the stage 60 moves along the screw shaft 54 to the other side. Such a structure is, for example, called a ball screw.

The movable support 62 has a guide hole 62h2 formed parallel to the through hole 62h1 (see Figure 2). Therefore, under the guidance of the guide rod 56 inserted through the guide hole 62h2, the movable support 62 is driven to move in both directions along the main scanning direction A1 in accordance with the forward or reverse rotation of the screw shaft portion 54 that is screwed into the through hole 62h1.

The plate-like portion 64 is larger than the imaging plate 10 and extends outwards in a plate-like shape; in this case, it is formed in a rectangular plate shape. It is not essential that the plate-like portion 64 is formed in a rectangular plate shape; it may be formed in other shapes, such as an elliptical shape.

A support surface 64F is provided on one side of the plate-shaped portion 64. The support surface 64F may extend beyond the imaging plate 10. If multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 are anticipated, the support surface 64F may extend beyond the largest imaging plate 10.

More specifically, the plate-like portion 64 is formed in a long rectangular shape along one direction (here, the main scanning direction A1). Of the other side of the plate-like portion 64 (the side opposite to the support surface 64F), one portion along the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 64 is fixed to the movable support 62. This fixing is done, for example, by screw fastening. The plate-like portion 64 is cantilevered by the movable support 62 so as to extend from the movable support 62 toward the set position P1 along the main scanning direction A1. A portion of the one side of the plate-like portion 64 that extends downward from the movable support 62 along the main scanning direction A1 is recessed compared to the other portion. The bottom surface of this recessed portion is the support surface 64F, which can make surface contact with the back surface of the imaging plate 10.

With the stage 60 supported by the support member 40, the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F are inclined with respect to gravity (downward direction), and the support surface 64F is oriented diagonally upward. In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F coincide with the inclination angle of the longitudinal side plate 45 in its extending direction and the inclination angles of the pair of support rods 48. The plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F move along the main scanning direction A1 under the guidance of the guide rod 56 while maintaining a constant inclination angle. When the movable support 62 moves towards the lower short-side plate 46L, the portion of the plate-like portion 64 extending from the movable support 62 passes over the lower short-side plate 46L and extends diagonally downward. In this state, because the support surface 64F is inclined diagonally upward, the imaging plate 10 supplied onto the imaging plate 10 through the setting guide 200 can be received on the support surface 64F.

The support surface 64F does not necessarily have to be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. For example, the support surface 64F may be aligned horizontally perpendicular to the direction of gravity, or it may be aligned with the direction of gravity.

In this embodiment, a partial protruding region 64P is formed in the plate-like portion 64 closer to the movable support 62. The protruding region 64P is formed in the area surrounding the upper and both sides of the support surface 64F. A step exists between the protruding region 64P and the support surface 64F. The presence of the protruding region 64P ensures that the imaging plate 10 is more securely supported on the support surface 64F. The presence of the protruding region 64P is not essential.

The positioning mechanism 70 is a mechanism for positioning the imaging plate 10 in the correct orientation on the support surface 64F. The correct orientation is the position and tilt state of the imaging plate 10 that is preset relative to the stage 60, and is a predetermined position and tilt suitable for reading by the reading unit 90.

For the sake of explanation, let's describe the first direction F1 and the second direction F2. The first direction F1 is the direction along the support surface 64F. The second direction F2 is also along the support surface 64F and is perpendicular to the first direction F1. In other words, the first direction F1 and the second direction F2 are perpendicular to each other on a plane horizontal to the support surface 64F. In this embodiment, the first direction F1 is the direction along the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Therefore, the first direction F1 coincides with the sub-scanning direction A2. Note that the first direction F1 may also be a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. Also, in this embodiment, the second direction F2 is along the support surface 64F and perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction A2. Therefore, the second direction F2 coincides with the main scanning direction A1. Note that the first direction F1 may be a different direction from the sub-scanning direction A2. The second direction F2 may also be a different direction from the main scanning direction A1.

The positioning mechanism 70 contacts the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 supported on the support surface 64F and positions the edge portion from the outside in the extending direction of the support surface 64F. In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 70 comprises a pair of first opening/closing positioning parts 72A, 72B (sometimes referred to as opening/closing positioning parts or positioning parts) and a pair of second opening/closing positioning parts 72C, 72D (sometimes referred to as opening/closing positioning parts or positioning parts). The pair of first opening/closing positioning parts 72A, 72B position the imaging plate 10 in a first direction F1. The pair of second opening/closing positioning parts 72C, 72D position the imaging plate 10 in a second direction F2.

In this embodiment, positioning units 72A and 72B are configured for horizontal positioning, while positioning units 72C and 72D are configured for vertical positioning.

The imaging plate 10 is moved to the reading position P2 while being held in the correct orientation by the positioning mechanism 70. At the reading position P2, the radiographic image of the imaging plate 10, held in the correct orientation on the stage 60, is read by the reading unit 90.

In this embodiment, the stage 60 supports the imaging plate 10 in a position where its longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Specifically, the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F on one side of the plate-like portion 64 are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, while their short directions are aligned with the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the imaging plate 10 is supported on the stage 60 in a position where its longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 64 and the support surface 64F, the longitudinal direction of the imaging plate 10 becomes inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the minimum distance between the positioning sections 72A and 72B in the first direction F1 (horizontal direction) is smaller than the minimum distance between the positioning sections 72C and 72D in the second direction F2. Furthermore, the maximum distance between the positioning sections 72A and 72B in the first direction F1 (horizontal direction) is smaller than the maximum distance between the positioning sections 72C and 72D in the second direction F2. Therefore, the stage 60 has a configuration suitable for supporting the imaging plate 10 with its longitudinal direction aligned with the longitudinal direction of the plate-like section 64 and the support surface 64F.

Notwithstanding this embodiment, the stage may support the imaging plate in a position where the shorter side of the imaging plate is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. For example, the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion and support surface of the stage may be aligned with the horizontal direction, and the shorter side may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

<About the positioning mechanism>
The positioning mechanism 70 will be described in more detail. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the stage 60. Figure 7 is a front view showing the stage 60 at the set position P1. Figure 8 is a rear view showing the stage 60. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of the tilt correction surface 72BF1 with respect to the imaging plate 10. Figure 10 is a front view showing the stage 60 at the reading position P2. Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in Figure 7. Figure 12 is a side view of the stage 60 as seen from the positioning section 72B side.

As described above, the positioning mechanism 70 comprises a pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B. The pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B are spaced apart along the first direction F1. At least one of the pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B moves along the first direction F1. This causes the pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B to contact the edge portion of the imaging plate 10, which is supported on the support surface 64F and sandwiches the imaging plate 10 along the first direction F1. This positions the imaging plate 10 at a fixed position along the first direction F1.

In this embodiment, the positioning unit 72A is fixed in a fixed position on the stage body 61. The positioning unit 72B moves toward and away from the positioning unit 72A along the first direction F1 on the stage body 61.

Furthermore, as described above, the positioning mechanism 70 includes a pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D. The pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D are spaced apart along the second direction F2. At least one of the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D moves along the second direction F2. As a result, the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D contact the edge portion of the imaging plate 10, which is supported on the support surface 64F, so as to sandwich the imaging plate 10 along the second direction F2. This positions the imaging plate 10 at a fixed position along the second direction F2.

In this embodiment, the positioning unit 72C is fixed in a fixed position on the stage body 61 at least at the set position P1 and the reading position P2. The positioning unit 72D moves toward and away from the positioning unit 72C along the second direction F2 on the stage body 61.

When the imaging plate 10 is positioned at the set position P1, the pair of positioning sections 72A and 72B are open. The pair of positioning sections 72C and 72D are also open (see Figures 6 and 7). In this state, the imaging plate 10 can be set on the support surface 64F of the stage 60.

When the imaging plate 10 is positioned at the reading position P2, the pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B are in close proximity. Here, the movable positioning part 72B is close to the fixed positioning part 72A. The edge of the imaging plate 10 on the positioning part 72B side contacts the movable positioning part 72B, pushing the imaging plate 10 towards the positioning part 72A. Then, the edge of the imaging plate 10 on the positioning part 72A side contacts the fixed positioning part 72A. This positions the imaging plate 10 in the first direction F1.

Furthermore, when the imaging plate 10 is positioned at the reading position P2, the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D are in a close proximity. Here, the movable positioning part 72D is close to the fixed positioning part 72C. The upper edge of the imaging plate 10 contacts the movable positioning part 72D, pushing the imaging plate 10 towards the positioning part 72C. Then, the lower edge of the imaging plate 10 contacts the fixed positioning part 72C. This positions the imaging plate 10 in the second direction F2.

In this embodiment, during setting and reading, the positioning portions 72A and 72C are positioned at fixed locations on the support surface 64F of the stage 60. The normal position is when one edge of the imaging plate 10 is in contact with the positioning portion 72A, and the lower edge of the imaging plate 10 is in contact with the positioning portion 72C.

Furthermore, in the pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B, either one may be the movable side or the fixed side. Both of the pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B may move in an open/close position. Also, in the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D, either one may be the movable side or the fixed side. Both of the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D may move in an open/close position.

Furthermore, it is not essential that the positioning mechanism 70 includes a pair of positioning sections 72C and 72D. For example, in this embodiment, the upper positioning section 72D of the pair of positioning sections 72C and 72D may be omitted. Both of the positioning sections 72C and 72D may also be omitted. For example, in a configuration where the reading unit 90 performs reading in response to the position detection of the imaging plate 10 moving along the main scanning direction A1, the imaging plate 10 does not need to be precisely positioned relative to the stage 60, so both of the positioning sections 72C and 72D may be omitted.

However, in order for the positioning mechanism 70 to position the imaging plate 10 at a predetermined position on the support surface 64F, it is preferable that the positioning mechanism 70 comprises a combination of positioning sections 72A and 72B and positioning sections 72C and 72D.

<Regarding the positioning mechanism in the first direction>
The positioning portion 72A is an elongated portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 that extends along one of its horizontal sides. In this embodiment, a separate, elongated positioning portion 72A is fixed to one side of the plate-shaped portion 64 by screws or the like. The positioning portion 72A protrudes beyond the support surface 64F. The length of the positioning portion 72A may be longer or shorter than the vertical dimension (the maximum vertical dimension if multiple sizes are assumed) of the imaging plate 10 supported on the support surface 64F.

The positioning section 72A has a tilt correction surface 72AF1. The tilt correction surface 72AF1 is directed toward a second direction F2 as it moves outward in the opening and closing direction along the first direction F1. The second direction F2 includes both an upward and downward direction along the second direction F2. In this embodiment, the tilt correction surface 72AF1 is directed upward as it moves outward in the opening and closing direction along the first direction F1. That is, the tilt correction surface 72AF1 is inclined diagonally upward toward the outward direction in the opening and closing direction. Therefore, when a corner of the imaging plate 10, which is supported at an angle on the support surface 64F, is pressed against the tilt correction surface 72AF1, the corner moves diagonally upward along the tilt correction surface 72AF1. The tilt correction surface 72AF1 may also be inclined diagonally downward toward the outward direction in the opening and closing direction. In this case, when a corner of an imaging plate supported at an angle on a support surface is pressed against the tilt correction surface, that corner moves diagonally downward along the tilt correction surface. For example, when the imaging plate 10 is tilted, the lower corner between the uppermost and lowermost corners of the imaging plate 10 moves diagonally downward when pressed against the tilt correction surface, thereby correcting the tilt of the imaging plate 10.

Furthermore, the corners of the imaging plate 10 are the points where the four straight edges around the imaging plate 10 intersect, and in this embodiment, these are the rounded corners.

The positioning portion 72A has at least two (in this case, two) contact edges 72AF2 located on both sides of the inclination correction surface 72AF1 in the second direction F2. At least two of the contact edges 72AF2 extend along the same straight line along the second direction F2. Here, each of the two contact edges 72AF2 extends along the second direction F2. One contact edge 72AF2 extends along the straight line extension of the other contact edge 72AF2. The two contact edges 72AF2 are positioned vertically separated, and the inclination correction surface 72AF1 is located between the two contact edges 72AF2.

It is not essential that the contact edges 72AF2 be located on both the upper and lower sides of the tilt correction surface 72AF1. For example, the contact edges may be located only on the upper or lower side of the tilt correction surface. It is not essential that the contact edges 72AF2 extend along the second direction F2. For example, the contact edges may have a shape that makes point contact with the edge of the imaging plate.

The lower end of the tilt correction surface 72AF1 is continuous with the upper end of the lower contact edge 72AF2. Therefore, the tilt correction surface 72AF1 extends diagonally upward in the outward direction in the opening and closing direction from the upper end of the lower contact edge 72AF2, which is at least one of the two contact edges 72AF2.

A contact avoidance surface 72AF3 extends outward in the opening/closing direction from the lower end of the upper contact edge 72AF2, which is one of at least two contact edges 72AF2. Here, the contact avoidance surface 72AF3 extends along the first direction F1. The upper contact edge 72AF2 and the contact avoidance surface 72AF3 are connected via a curved surface 72AFc. The curved surface 72AFc is observed as a curved, outwardly convex portion when viewed from the front of the imaging plate 10. This makes it less likely for the corners of the imaging plate 10 to interfere with the portion where the upper contact edge 72AF2 and the contact avoidance surface 72AF3 connect when the imaging plate 10 changes its orientation from a tilted state to a normal position.

In this embodiment, a rear portion 72AF4 extending along the second direction F2 exists between the tilt correction surface 72AF1 and the contact avoidance surface 72AF3. The rear portion 72AF4 may be omitted. The tilt correction surface 72AF1 may also extend into the region where the rear portion exists in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the positioning portion 72A is made of a separate component from the plate-like portion 64; however, the positioning portion may be a part integrally formed with the plate-like portion 64 by machining or other processes.

The positioning section 72B is provided opposite the positioning section 72A, with a gap between them. Here, the positioning section 72B is provided with a gap between it and the positioning section 72A along the first direction F1.

More specifically, slits 65a and 65b are formed in the plate-like portion 64 on the side opposite to the positioning portion 72A, along the first direction F1. In this embodiment, two slits 65a and 65b are formed in parallel at different positions in the second direction F2. The two slits 65a and 65b open outward along the first direction F1. A recess 65g is formed at the outer edge of the two slits 65a and 65b in the second direction F2, recessed below the support surface 64F. A long guide portion 65c protrudes from the middle of one of the slits 65a in the second direction F2, extending along the first direction F1. The guide portion 65c is recessed below the support surface 64F.

The positioning portion 72B is separate from the plate-shaped portion 64 and is supported so as to be movable along the first direction F1 by slits 65a and 65b. In Figure 6, the positioning portion 72B removed from the plate-shaped portion 64 is shown by a dashed line. More specifically, a part of the positioning portion 72B is formed in a shape that can be placed within the slits 65a and 65b, and another part of the positioning portion 72B is positioned to protrude beyond the support surface 64F. Even more specifically, the positioning portion 72B includes positioning bodies 72Ba and 72Bb and a movable support 72Bc. The positioning body 72Ba is a plate-shaped portion that is positioned on the support surface 64F side of the recess 65g and guide portion 65c relative to the slit 65a. A part of the positioning body 72Ba in the thickness direction is positioned so as to be movable within the slit 65a along the slit 65a. The remaining part of the positioning body 72Ba in the thickness direction exits the slit 65a and protrudes beyond the support surface 64F. The positioning body 72Bb is a plate-like portion positioned on the support surface 64F side of the recess 65g relative to the slit 65b. A portion of the positioning body 72Bb in the thickness direction is movably positioned within the slit 65b along the slit 65b. The remaining portion of the positioning body 72Bb in the thickness direction extends from the slit 65b and protrudes beyond the support surface 64F.

The movable support 72Bc is the portion that connects to the positioning bodies 72Ba and 72Bb on the side opposite to the support surface 64F. The movable support 72Bc contacts the portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 between the slits 65a and 65b from the side opposite to the support surface 64F. Because the positioning bodies 72Ba and 72Bb contact the bottom surface of the recess 65g and the guide portion 65c, and the movable support 72Bc contacts the plate-shaped portion 64 from the side opposite to the support surface 64F, the positioning portion 72B can move along the slits 65a and 65b while being positioned in the thickness direction of the plate-shaped portion 64 (see Figures 6 and 12). In the longitudinal middle portion of the positioning section 72B, the portion of the plate-like section 64 between the slits 65a and 65b contacts the positioning section 72B from the support surface 64F side. Therefore, while the guide positioning surface 72BF2f is in contact with the edge of the imaging plate 10, it is difficult for the guide positioning surface 72BF2f to move away from the support surface 64F. This allows the guide positioning surface 72BF2f to effectively press the imaging plate 10 against the support surface 64F.

In this embodiment, the movable support 72Bc has a guide groove 72Bg into which the guide portion 65c is slidably inserted (see Figure 6).

The positioning portion 72B has a tilt correction surface 72BF1. The tilt correction surface 72BF1 curves outward in the opening/closing direction along the first direction F1 and then curves toward the second direction F2. In other words, the tilt correction surface 72BF1 is inclined in the opposite direction to the tilt correction surface 72AF1. In this embodiment, in the second direction F2, the positioning body 72Ba is longer than the positioning body 72Bb. The tilt correction surface 72BF1 is formed on the upper side of the portion of the positioning body 72Ba facing the positioning portion 72A.

When the stage 60 is observed from the front, the tilt correction surface 72BF1 and the tilt correction surface 72AF1 are symmetrical. Therefore, when a corner of the imaging plate 10, which is tilted and supported on the support surface 64F, is pressed against the tilt correction surface 72BF1, the corner moves diagonally upward along the tilt correction surface 72BF1. The tilt correction surface 72BF1 may also be tilted diagonally downward and outward in the opening and closing direction (similar to the design of the tilt correction surface 72AF1 described above).

The positioning portion 72B has at least two (in this case, two) contact edges 72BF2 located on both sides of the inclination correction surface 72BF1 in the second direction F2. The at least two contact edges 72BF2 extend along the same straight line in the second direction F2. In the first direction F1, the at least two contact edges 72BF2 are spaced apart from the at least two contact edges 72AF2. When the stage 60 is observed from the front, the at least two contact edges 72AF2 and the at least two contact edges 72BF2 are symmetrical.

Here, one contact edge 72BF2 is formed on the lower side of the lower positioning body 72Ba, specifically on the portion facing the positioning portion 72A. A tilt correction surface 72BF1 is continuously connected to the upper end of this contact edge 72BF2. Therefore, the tilt correction surface 72BF1 extends diagonally upward from the upper end of the lower contact edge 72BF2 in the outward direction of the opening and closing mechanism.

Another contact edge 72BF2 is formed on the portion of the upper positioning body 72Bb that faces the positioning portion 72A. The two contact edges 72BF2 are positioned vertically apart from the inclination correction surface 72BF1 by the distance between the positioning bodies 72Ba and 72Bb, with the inclination correction surface 72BF1 located between the two contact edges 72BF2.

It is not essential that the contact edges 72BF2 be located on both the upper and lower sides of the tilt correction surface 72BF1. For example, the contact edges may be located only on the upper or lower side of the tilt correction surface. It is not essential that the contact edges 72BF2 extend along the second direction F2. For example, the contact edges may have a shape that makes point contact with the edge of the imaging plate.

A contact avoidance surface 72BF3 extends outward in the opening/closing direction from the lower end of the upper contact edge 72BF2, which is one of at least two contact edges 72BF2. Here, the contact avoidance surface 72BF3 extends along the first direction F1. The upper contact edge 72BF2 and the contact avoidance surface 72BF3 are connected via a curved surface 72BFc. The curved surface 72BFc is a portion that is observed to be curved outward when viewed from the front of the imaging plate 10. This makes it less likely for the corners of the imaging plate 10 to interfere with the portion where the upper contact edge 72BF2 and the contact avoidance surface 72BF3 connect when the imaging plate 10 changes its orientation from a tilted state to a normal position.

In this embodiment, the positioning body 72Ba and the positioning body 72Bb are separated in the second direction F2 at a position facing forward from the support surface 64F. Therefore, the tilt correction surface 72BF1 and the contact avoidance surface 72BF3 are not connected, and a gap is provided between them. Similar to the positioning portion 72A, the tilt correction surface 72BF1 and the contact avoidance surface 72BF3 may be connected or in contact with each other at a position facing forward from the support surface 64F.

In this embodiment, each of the positioning sections 72A and 72B has a tilt correction surface 72AF1 and 72BF1, respectively. However, it is not essential that each of the positioning sections 72A and 72B has a tilt correction surface 72AF1 and 72BF1. If at least one of the positioning sections 72A and 72B has a tilt correction surface, tilt correction will be performed by that surface.

Similarly, it is not essential that each of the positioning portions 72A and 72B has tilt correction surfaces 72AF1, 72BF1, at least two contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2, contact avoidance surfaces 72AF3, 72BF3, and curved surfaces 72AFc, 72BFc.

The portion of the contact edges 72AF2 and 72BF2 that contacts the imaging plate 10 only needs to have a shape that can contact the edge of the imaging plate 10 and regulate its position. Therefore, the contact edges may be perpendicular to the support surface. The tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 only need to have a shape that can guide the portion in contact with the edge (side or corner) of the imaging plate 10 and correct the orientation of the imaging plate 10. Therefore, the tilt correction surfaces may be inclined with respect to the support surface.

The positioning mechanism 70 has guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f. The guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f are examples of positioning surfaces that contact the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 supported on the support surface 64F, positioning the edge portion from the outside in the extending direction of the support surface 64F and pressing the edge portion against the support surface 64F.

Specifically, each of at least two contact edges 72AF2 has a guide positioning surface 72AF2f, and each of at least two contact edges 72BF2 has a guide positioning surface 72BF2f. The guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f protrude from the support surface 64F by at least the thickness of the imaging plate 10, and are shaped to overlap the support surface 64F as they move away from it (see Figure 15; also see Figure 6 for the guide positioning surface 72BF2f).

The guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f are, for example, inclined surfaces that slope toward the center of the support surface 64F as they move away from the front of the support surface 64F. The guide positioning surfaces may be flat, curved, or a combination of flat and curved surfaces.

When the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f contact the edge of the imaging plate 10, the edge is pressed towards the support surface 64F. This makes it easier to maintain contact between the imaging plate 10 and the support surface 64F, and makes it easier to maintain a constant distance between the reading unit 90 and the surface 10a of the imaging plate 10 when the reading unit 90 reads the imaging plate 10. Thus, the reading unit 90 can read the imaging plate 10 accurately.

The tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 may be at an angle closer to a right angle with respect to the support surface 64F than the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f. Here, an angle closer to a right angle includes the case where the angle is a right angle. That is, if the angle θ1 is the angle between the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f and the support surface 64F (see Figure 15), and the angle θ2 is the angle between the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 and the support surface 64F (see Figure 18), then the difference between 90 degrees and θ1 is greater than the difference between 90 degrees and θ2.

While θ1 is arbitrary, theoretically, it is preferable that θ1 < 90 degrees in order for the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f to function as guides that press the edge of the imaging plate 10 against the support surface 64F.

While θ2 is arbitrary, if θ2 is small, the edge of the imaging plate 10 is more likely to get caught between the support surface 64F and the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1, making it difficult for the edge of the imaging plate 10 to move smoothly along the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1. Therefore, by setting θ2 > θ1, the edge of the imaging plate 10 is less likely to get caught on the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1. Furthermore, if θ2 exceeds 90 degrees, when the edge of the imaging plate 10 is pressed against the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1, it is conceivable that it will be guided in a direction away from the support surface 64F. Therefore, it is preferable that θ2 ≤ 90 degrees, and more preferably that θ2 = 90 degrees. For example, 45 degrees ≤ θ1 < 90 degrees and θ2 = 90 degrees may also be acceptable.

The positioning unit 72B is movable between a spaced-out position relative to the positioning unit 72A (see Figure 7) and a closer position relative to the positioning unit 72A (see Figure 10). When the stage 60 is in the set position P1, the positioning unit 72B is in the spaced-out position. When the stage 60 is in the reading position P2, the positioning unit 72B can move to the closer position.

In this embodiment, the imaging plate 10 is set on the stage 60 with its longitudinal direction aligned with the main scanning direction A1. Therefore, the width of the imaging plate 10 is equal to its width in the short-side direction.

When the positioning unit 72B is positioned at a separated position, the distance between the positioning unit 72A and the positioning unit 72B is set to be greater than the width of the imaging plate 10. When multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 are selectively set on the stage 60, the distance is set to be greater than the largest width among the multiple sizes of imaging plates 10.

When the positioning unit 72B is in the approach position, the distance between the positioning unit 72A and the positioning unit 72B is set to be smaller than the width of the imaging plate 10. When multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 are selectively set on the stage 60, the distance is set to be smaller than the smallest width among the multiple sizes of imaging plates 10.

Therefore, the imaging plate 10 can be positioned between the positioning units 72A and 72B while the positioning unit 72B is in a separated position. Furthermore, by moving the positioning unit 72B from a separated position to a closer position, the imaging plate 10 can be sandwiched between the positioning units 72A and 72B.

More specifically, the imaging plate 10 is placed on the support surface 64F with the positioning unit 72B positioned at a distance from the other positioning unit 72A and the positioning unit 72B separated (see Figure 4). In this state, the positioning unit 72B moves toward the approaching position (towards positioning unit 72A). As a result, one edge of the imaging plate 10 is pushed inward by the positioning unit 72B (in the direction along the first direction F1), causing it to slide along the support surface 64F and move toward the positioning unit 72A. Then, the edge of the imaging plate 10 on the positioning unit 72A side is pressed against the positioning unit 72A, restricting its movement toward the positioning unit 72A.

If the imaging plate 10 is tilted, the tilt is corrected when the edge of the imaging plate 10 contacts the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1. The tilt correction operation will be explained later.

The stage 60 has a spring 72Bs as a biasing member that biases the positioning portion 72B toward the positioning portion 72A. For example, on the back side of the plate-shaped portion 64, one end of the spring 72Bs is fixed to the inner portion of the slit 65a, and the other end is fixed to the movable support 72Bc. Between the inner portion of the slit 65a and the movable support 72Bc, the spring 72Bs is always in an extended state, and the compressive force of the spring 72Bs biases the positioning portion 72B toward the positioning portion 72A.

A roller 72Bq is integrally attached to the positioning section 72B, acting as a receiving part to receive the force that moves the positioning section 72B. When the stage 60 moves, the roller 72Bq contacts the cam plate 80 fixed to the support member 40, causing the positioning section 72B to move.

The movement of the positioning unit 72B in conjunction with the movement of the stage 60 will be explained further later.

<Regarding the positioning mechanism in the second direction>
The positioning portion 72C is an elongated portion of the plate-shaped portion 64 that protrudes along one side in the second direction F2, in this case, the lower side. The positioning portion 72C extends along the first direction F1 along the lower boundary of the boundary surrounding the support surface 64F. The positioning portion 72C protrudes further from the support surface 64F than the support surface 64F. The length of the positioning portion 72C may be shorter or longer than the width dimension (the maximum width dimension if multiple sizes are assumed) of the imaging plate 10 supported on the support surface 64F.

The inward-facing (upward-facing) surface of the positioning portion 72C is formed on the positioning surface 72CF. The positioning surface 72CF may be formed on a guide surface (in this case, a flat surface) with an angle of less than 90 degrees to the support surface 64F, or it may be formed on a flat surface perpendicular to the support surface 64F. Since the positioning surface 72CF is located below the support surface 64F, which is inclined with respect to gravity, it is an example of a surface that receives the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 as it moves downward along the support surface 64F.

The positioning unit 72C is an example of a reference positioning unit that is positioned at a fixed position on the support surface 64F and contacts the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from one side in the second direction F2. This positioning unit 72C is positioned to support the imaging plate from below. The reference positioning unit only needs to be positioned at a fixed position relative to the support surface 64F at the set position P1 and the reading position P2.

In this embodiment, the positioning portion 72C is formed separately from the plate-shaped portion 64. The positioning portion 72C is configured to change orientation between a contact position and a retracted position (see Figure 11). The contact position is where the positioning surface 72CF faces the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 on the support surface 64F, and the retracted position is where the positioning surface 72CF is retracted from the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 on the support surface 64F.

The operation of the positioning section 72C will now be explained. The lower end portion of the plate-shaped section 64 is formed to be narrower than the other portions. The positioning section 72C includes an elongated positioning body portion 73Ca and a pair of rotational support portions 73Cb. The positioning body portion 73Ca is set to a length that extends across the entire lower end portion of the plate-shaped section 64. One of the surfaces surrounding the positioning body portion 73Ca is formed on the positioning surface 72CF. The pair of rotational support portions 73Cb extend from both ends of the positioning body portion 73Ca. The pair of rotational support portions 73Cb are positioned on both sides of the lower end portion of the plate-shaped section 64. The pair of rotational support portions 73Cb are rotatably supported on both sides of the lower end portion of the plate-shaped section 64 by a support shaft portion formed by screws or pins.

When the positioning portion 72C is in the contact position, as described above, the positioning surface 72CF is positioned to intersect the downward extension of the support surface 64F. Therefore, the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10, which slides down the support surface 64F, can contact the positioning surface 72CF (see the positioning portion 72C shown by the solid line in Figure 11).

When the positioning surface 72CF is relocated to the retracted position, it retracts from the support surface 64F (see positioning portion 72C shown by the dashed line in Figure 11). That is, when the positioning surface 72CF is in the retracted position, it is no longer positioned to receive the lower edge portion of the imaging plate 10 as it moves downward along the support surface 64F. In this embodiment, the positioning surface 72CF retracts to the back side of the support surface 64F. The positioning surface 72CF may also retract to the front side of the support surface 64F. When the positioning surface 72CF moves to the retracted position, the imaging plate 10 can slide down along the support surface 64F.

In this embodiment, one of the pair of rotating support portions 73Cb is provided with a protruding piece 73Cbp that projects toward the side opposite to the support surface 64F. By pushing the protruding piece 73Cbp as the stage 60 moves, the positioning surface 72CF is repositioned from the contact position to the retracted position. The biasing force of the positioning portion 72C from the retracted position to the retracted position may be provided by the weight of the positioning portion 72C itself, or by a spring such as a torsion coil spring.

A preferred example of positioning the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 will be described using the positioning section 72C, which is the reference positioning section, as a reference. When the imaging plate 10 is placed on the support surface 64F, it is assumed that gravity will cause it to come into contact with the positioning surface 72CF on the positioning section 72C. When the imaging plate 10 is significantly tilted, it is preferable that the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 come into contact with the corners of the imaging plate 10, thereby guiding the corners and correcting the tilt of the imaging plate 10. For this reason, it is preferable that in many states in which the imaging plate 10 is tilted while positioned between the positioning sections 72A and 72B on the positioning section 72C, the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are in a position where they can come into contact with the corners of the imaging plate 10. For example, it is preferable that the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are provided in the second direction F2, with reference to the positioning portion 72C, in a region that extends from less than half the dimensions of the imaging plate 10 to be corrected (in this case, the longitudinal dimension) to less than the dimensions of the imaging plate 10. Furthermore, for example, in the second direction F2, it is preferable that at least a portion of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are located above the center of gravity of the imaging plate 10 to be corrected, and that the corners of the tilted imaging plate 10 are above the center of gravity and in contact with the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1. Also, after tilt correction, at least a portion of the contact edges 72AF2 and 72BF2 may be located below the center of gravity of the imaging plate 10, so that the corrected imaging plate 10 can be clamped in a predetermined position.

As already mentioned, unlike the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1, it is also conceivable that the tilt correction surface corrects the tilt of the imaging plate 10 by moving the corners of the imaging plate 10 diagonally downward. In this case, it is preferable that at least a portion of the tilt correction surface is located below the center of gravity of the imaging plate 10 to be corrected. Furthermore, regarding the contact edge along the second direction F2, similarly to the above, it is preferable that at least a portion of the contact edge is located below the center of gravity of the imaging plate.

In this embodiment, multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 are assumed as the objects to be corrected. For example, in Figure 9, in the second direction F2, the central region of the multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 is indicated by E1. In the second direction F2, the lower end position G1 of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 is located below this region E1. Also, in the second direction F2, the upper end region of the multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 is indicated by E2. In the second direction F2, the upper end position G2 of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 is located below this region E2.

The tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 extend upward in the second direction F2 from a position less than half the length of the imaging plate 10 to be corrected (in this case, the longitudinal dimension), relative to the positioning portion 72C. This makes it easier to bring the corners of the imaging plate 10 into contact with the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 when the imaging plate 10 is significantly tilted. In other words, when the tilt of the imaging plate 10 is small, it is considered that the tilt can be corrected by bringing the edges of the imaging plate 10 into contact with the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f, even without bringing the corners of the imaging plate 10 into contact with the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1. If the tilt of the imaging plate 10 becomes large, the frictional force between the corners of the imaging plate 10 and the positioning portion 72A (or 72B) increases, which may prevent the imaging plate 10 from rotating to its normal position. Therefore, the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 extend upward in the second direction F2 from a position less than half the length of the imaging plate 10 to be corrected (in this case, the longitudinal dimension), relative to the positioning portion 72C. This makes it easier to bring the corners of the imaging plate 10 into contact with the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 when the imaging plate 10 is significantly tilted. This makes it easier to correct the imaging plate 10.

Furthermore, since the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are provided in a region less than the dimension of the imaging plate 10 to be corrected, with respect to the positioning portion 72C in the second direction F2, it is easier to realize a configuration in which the contact edges 72AF2 and 72BF2 are positioned above the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 for long imaging plates 10. This allows the contact edges 72AF2 and 72BF2 to contact the upper and lower outer edges of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 for long imaging plates 10, thereby facilitating the positioning of the imaging plate 10 (see Figure 20).

The positioning section 72D is provided opposite the positioning section 72C, with a gap between them. Here, the positioning section 72D is provided with a gap between it and the positioning section 72C along the second direction F2.

More specifically, a slit 67 is formed in the plate-like portion 64 on the side opposite to the positioning portion 72C, aligning with the second direction F2. Recesses 67g, recessed below the support surface 64F, are formed on both side edges of the slit 67.

The positioning portion 72D is formed in a long, plate-like shape along the extending direction of the slit 67. In Figure 6, the positioning portion 72D removed from the plate-like portion 64 is shown by a dashed line. The thickness of the positioning portion 72D is greater than the thickness of the plate-like portion 64. The middle portion of the positioning portion 72D in the thickness direction is positioned within the slit 67. The positioning portion 72D has protrusions 72Dp that can contact both side edges of the slit 67 from both sides of the plate-like portion 64. With the protrusions 72Dp in contact with both side edges of the slit 67 from both sides of the plate-like portion 64, the positioning portion 72D is supported to reciprocate along the direction of the slit 67 (second direction F2).

The inward-facing (downward-facing) surface of the positioning portion 72D is formed as the positioning surface 72DF. The positioning surface 72DF may be formed as a guide surface (in this case, a flat surface) with an angle of less than 90 degrees to the support surface 64F, or as a flat surface perpendicular to the support surface 64F. The positioning surface 72DF faces the positioning surface 72CF with a gap in the second direction F2. The positioning surface 72DF is an example of a surface that pushes the upper edge portion of the imaging plate 10 downwards.

The stage 60 has springs 72Ds as biasing members that bias the positioning portion 72D toward the positioning portion 72C. For example, on the back side of the plate-shaped portion 64, one end of the springs 72Ds is fixed to the inner portion of the slit 67, and the other end is fixed to the positioning portion 72D. Between the inner portion of the slit 67 and the positioning portion 72D, the springs 72Ds are constantly in an extended state, and the compressive force of the springs 72Ds biases the positioning portion 72D toward the positioning portion 72C.

A receiving portion 72Dq is integrally formed with the positioning portion 72D. The receiving portion 72Dq is provided on the part of the positioning portion 72D facing away from the support surface 64F. Here, the receiving portion 72Dq is provided in the longitudinal middle portion of the positioning portion 72D. The receiving portion 72Dq protrudes beyond the back surface of the plate-like portion 64. Regardless of the position of the stage 60, the receiving portion 72Dq can be positioned between a pair of longitudinal side plates 45. This receiving portion 72Dq can receive the force that moves the positioning portion 72D by contacting the lower short-side plate 46L, which is an example of a fixedly positioned portion, in at least a portion of the movement path of the stage 60.

In this embodiment, the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B open smaller than the pair of second opening/closing positioning sections 72C and 72D. That is, the maximum distance between the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B is smaller than the maximum distance between the pair of second opening/closing positioning sections 72C and 72D. This makes it easier to position the imaging plate 10 between the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B and between the pair of second opening/closing positioning sections 72C and 72D, aligning the imaging plate 10 with the second direction F2. In particular, if the maximum distance between the pair of second opening/closing positioning sections 72C and 72D is smaller than the smallest longitudinal dimension of the multiple sizes of imaging plates 10, it becomes difficult to position the imaging plate 10 so that its longitudinal direction aligns with the first direction F1. This makes it less likely that the imaging plate 10 will be set on the stage 60 in the wrong orientation (vertical or horizontal).

In this embodiment, an example was described in which the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f, 72BF2f, and positioning surfaces 72CF, 72DF are surfaces inclined at an acute angle with respect to the support surface 64F. It is not essential that some or all of the positioning sections 72A, 72B, 72C, and 72D have a configuration in which the surface that positions the imaging plate 10 presses the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 against the support surface 64F.

<Regarding the drive mechanism of the positioning unit>
The positioning units 72B, 72C, and 72D may be driven by any configuration. For example, the positioning units 72B, 72C, and 72D may be driven by the force that drives the stage 60. The positioning units 72B, 72C, and 72D may be driven by a drive unit (e.g., a motor, a solenoid actuator) separate from the drive unit that drives the stage 60, based on the control of the control unit 100 (see Figure 3).

In this embodiment, the positioning units 72B, 72C, and 72D are driven using the force that drives the stage 60, and the configuration for this is described below.

<Configuration for moving the positioning unit 72B>
As described above, the positioning unit 72B is supported so as to be movable between a spaced-out position and an approaching position relative to the stage body 61. The direction of movement of the positioning unit 72B on the stage body 61 is along the sub-scanning direction A2 (first direction F1), which intersects with the direction of movement of the stage body 61 along the main scanning direction A1 (second direction F2).

The positioning section 72B is biased in the approach direction by springs 72Bs. The positioning section 72B also has a rotatably supported roller 72Bq. The axis of rotation of the roller 72Bq is aligned in directions perpendicular to the first direction F1 and the second direction F2. The roller 72Bq protrudes from the plate-shaped section 64 on the side opposite to the support surface 64F. Regardless of the position of the stage 60, the roller 72Bq can be positioned between a pair of support rods 48.

The cam plate 80 is supported by the portion of the pair of support rods 48 that protrudes from the box-shaped section 44. The cam plate 80 is a plate-shaped member located between the pair of support rods 48, on the outside of the lower, shorter-side plate 46L. The cam plate 80 is located on the opposite side of the support surface 64F from the stage body 61.

A cam groove 82 is formed in the cam plate 80 (see Figures 8 and 10). The cam groove 82 is formed to extend along the second direction F2 at a position where the roller 72Bq can be positioned. The cam groove 82 penetrates both sides of the cam plate 80, but it may also be a closed-end groove that opens on the stage 60 side.

The side of the cam groove 82 closest to the positioning portion 72A (approaching position side) is formed as an operating surface 82f that contacts the roller 72Bq and moves the roller 72Bq along the first direction F1.

The operating surface 82f has an inclined surface 82fm that, along the second direction F2, moves from the set position P1 towards the reading position P2, and then toward the positioning section 72A side (approach position). The inclined surface 82fm is located midway along the operating surface 82f in the second direction F2. In the second direction F2, both sides of the inclined surface 82fm within the operating surface 82f are formed as surfaces 82f1 and 82f2, which align with the second direction F2.

The side of the cam groove 82 furthest from the positioning portion 72A (the separated position side) is formed in a shape that avoids contact with the roller 72Bq. In this embodiment, this side is formed as a plane extending along the second direction F2, at a distance greater than or equal to the distance of the roller 72Bq from the operating surface 82f.

When the stage 60 is in the set position P1, the roller 72Bq is located behind the inclined surface 82fm in the cam groove 82 (see Figure 8). In this state, the roller 72Bq is in contact with the surface 82f1 located behind the inclined surface 82fm. Surface 82f1 pushes the roller 72Bq away from the positioning part 72A (towards the separated position) against the biasing force of the spring 72Bs. Therefore, when the stage 60 is in the set position P1, the positioning part 72B is in the separated position.

As the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 towards the reading position P2, the roller 72Bq moves within the cam groove 82 toward the set position P1. The positioning unit 72B and the roller 72Bq are biased toward the approaching position by the spring 72Bs. Therefore, the roller 72Bq is pressed against the operating surface 82f. The roller 72Bq moves driven from surface 82f1, through the inclined surface 82fm, and then onto surface 82f2 (see Figure 10).

As the roller 72Bq moves along the inclined surface 82fm, the positioning unit 72B gradually moves from a separated position to a closer position. If the imaging plate 10 is not placed on the support surface 64F, the roller 72Bq reaches the surface 82f2 on the side of the set position P1, away from the inclined surface 82fm. When the roller 72Bq moves along the surface 82f2 on the side of the set position P1, the positioning unit 72B is maintained in the closer position.

When the positioning unit 72B moves from a separated position to an approaching position, if the imaging plate 10 is placed on the support surface 64F, the portion of the positioning unit 72B on the positioning unit 72A side contacts one edge of the imaging plate 10. When the positioning unit 72B pushes the imaging plate 10 toward the positioning unit 72A side, the distance between the positioning unit 72A and the positioning unit 72B becomes approximately the same as the width of the imaging plate 10. As a result, the positioning unit 72B can no longer move toward the positioning unit 72A side. Therefore, regardless of whether the roller 72Bq is in contact with the operating surface 82f, the movement of the positioning unit 72B toward the approaching position is restricted. Consequently, in the first direction F1, the biasing force of the spring 72Bs holds the imaging plate 10 in a positioned position between the positioning unit 72A and the positioning unit 72B.

When the stage 60 moves from the reading position P2 to the setting position P1, the reverse operation described above occurs. That is, during the movement of the stage 60, the roller 72Bq comes into contact with the inclined surface 82fm, pushing the roller 72Bq from the approaching position to the separating position against the biasing force of the spring 72Bs. As a result, the positioning section 72B gradually moves towards the approaching position, and the positioning sections 72A and 72B open up. This releases the clamping of the imaging plate 10 by the positioning sections 72A and 72B in the first direction F1.

As described above, the spring 72Bs as a biasing member for biasing the positioning section 72B, the roller 72Bq as a receiving part that receives the force for moving the positioning section 72B, and the operating surface 82f that acts on the roller 72Bq are an example of a positioning section operating mechanism that closes a pair of opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B in accordance with the stage 60 moving from the set position P1 to the reading position P2 by the stage moving mechanism 50. As described above, the positioning section operating mechanism may operate the positioning section 72B using a drive unit (e.g., a motor, solenoid actuator) separate from the drive unit that drives the stage 60. On the other hand, in a configuration like this embodiment, where the opening and closing operations of the pair of opening/closing positioning sections can be performed by the force with which the stage moving mechanism moves the stage, the number of drive units such as motors can be reduced.

<Configuration for moving the positioning unit 72D>
The configuration for moving the positioning unit 72D will now be described. As described above, the positioning unit 72D is supported so as to be movable between a spaced-out position and a close-to-the-stage position relative to the stage body 61. The direction of movement of the positioning unit 72D on the stage body 61 is the same as the direction of movement of the stage body 61 along the main scanning direction A1 (second direction F2).

The positioning portion 72D is constantly biased in the closing direction, i.e., from the separated position to the approached position, by springs 72Ds. A receiving portion 72Dq is integrally formed with the positioning portion 72D.

When the stage 60 is in the set position P1, the receiving portion 72Dq contacts the edge of the lower, shorter-side plate 46L from the reading position P2 side. This pushes the receiving portion 72Dq toward the opening side of the slit 67 (towards the reading position P2) against the tensile force of the spring 72Ds, keeping the positioning portion 72D in a separated position (see Figure 8). In other words, the pair of positioning portions 72C and 72D are kept in an open state.

When the stage 60 is positioned at the reading position P2, the contact between the receiving portion 72Dq and the short-side plate 46L is released. As a result, the tensile force from the spring 72Ds biases the positioning portion 72D toward the back of the slit 67, i.e., toward the approach position (see Figure 10). This maintains the pair of positioning portions 72C and 72D in a state where they are sandwiching two opposing upper and lower side edges of the imaging plate 10.

During at least a portion of the movement of the stage 60 from the set position P1 to the reading position P2 (the initial section), the receiving portion 72Dq remains pressed toward the short-side plate 46L by the tensile force of the spring 72Bs as the stage 60 moves toward the reading position P2. Considering the stage body 61 as the reference point, the positioning portion 72D gradually moves toward the approaching position in accordance with the movement of the stage body 61. This causes the pair of positioning portions 72C and 72D to close.

In this case, if the imaging plate 10 is not present between the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D, the positioning part 72D moves to the approach position. If the imaging plate 10 is present between the pair of positioning parts 72C and 72D, the imaging plate 10 is sandwiched between the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF, causing the positioning part 72D to move toward the approach position until its movement is restricted. In this state, the biasing force of the springs 72Ds keeps the imaging plate 10 sandwiched between the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF. Thus, the force moving the stage 60 causes the receiving part 72Dq to move relative to the stage body, thereby allowing the receiving part 72Dq to move the positioning part 72D toward the approach position, and thus causing the positioning part 72D to perform an opening operation.

Conversely, in at least a portion of the section (later section) where the stage 60 moves from the reading position P2 towards the set position P1, the receiving portion 72Dq and the short-side plate 46L come into contact, so that the positioning portion 72D is kept in a constant position relative to the short-side plate 46L while the stage body 61 moves towards the set position P1. Considering the stage body 61 as the reference point, the positioning portion 72D is gradually moved toward a separated position in accordance with the movement of the stage body 61 due to the biasing force of the springs 72Ds. This releases the holding of the imaging plate 10 between the pair of positioning portions 72C and 72D. In other words, it opens the pair of positioning portions 72C and 72D. Thus, the receiving portion 72Dq, by the force moving the stage 60, moves the positioning portion 72D toward a separated position, thereby causing the positioning portion 72D to open.

<Configuration for moving the positioning unit 72C>
In this embodiment, the stage 60 is movable to an ejection position P3, which is further away from the set position P1 (on the opposite side from the reading position P2) (see Figure 11).

A groove 84 is formed in the cam plate 80 (see Figures 8, 10, and 11). The groove 84 extends along the second direction F2 at a position where the protruding piece 73Cbp, provided at one end of the positioning portion 72B, can be positioned. The groove 84 penetrates both sides of the cam plate 80, but it may also be a closed-end groove that opens on the stage 60 side.

An operating roller 85 is located at the back of groove 84. The operating roller 85 is a roller rotatably supported around an axis along the first direction F1. The operating roller 85 does not contact the protruding piece 73Cbp when the stage 60 is in the set position P1, but is positioned to contact the protruding piece 73Cbp when the stage 60 is in the discharge position P3. Alternatively, the operating roller 85 may not be located at the back of groove 84; the position at the back of the second cam groove itself may be set to allow contact with the protruding piece 73Cbp when the stage 60 is in the discharge position P3.

When the stage 60 is positioned at the set position P1 and the reading position P2, the protruding piece 73Cbp does not contact the operating roller 85. In this state, the positioning surface 72CF of the positioning section 72B is in a contact position that supports the imaging plate 10 from below, either by the weight of the positioning section 72B or by the biasing member.

When the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the discharge position P3, the protruding piece 73Cbp contacts the operating roller 85, and the positioning surface 72CF moves from the contact position to the retracted position. This allows the imaging plate 10 to slide downward from the support surface 64F of the stage 60.

<About the set guide>
Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the guiding operation of the imaging plate 10 by the setting guide 200.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5, and 13, the setting guide 200 includes a plate guide surface 216 and guides the imaging plate 10 toward the stage 60. The plate guide surface 216 is a downward-sloping surface that guides the imaging plate 10 diagonally downward. The setting guide 200 is positioned opposite the stage 60 at the setting position P1, from the support surface 64F side.

More specifically, the set guide 200 comprises a guide base plate 201 and a guide body 212.

The guide base plate 201 is sized to match the width of the pair of support rods 48 and is fixed so as to span across the pair of support rods 48. The guide base plate 201 can cover the portion of the stage 60 that protrudes from the lower, shorter side plate 46L.

A plate passage opening 202 is formed in the guide base plate 201. The plate passage opening 202 is a rectangular opening through which the imaging plate 10 can pass. For example, the plate passage opening 202 is formed in a rectangular shape larger than the size of the imaging plate 10 (or the largest size if multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 are assumed). The plate passage opening 202 is formed in the stage 60 located at the set position P1, facing the support surface 64F.

The guide body 212 is formed, for example, from resin. The guide body 212 has a plate guide surface 216 and guides the imaging plate 10 from the opening 31 of the housing 30 toward the stage 60.

The guide body 212 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

An input port 230 is formed on the outward-facing surface of the guide body 212. An opening 232 is formed on the inward-facing surface of the guide body 212, opposite to the outward-facing surface. The guide body 212 is attached to the guide base plate 201 with the opening 232 positioned to correspond to the plate passage opening 202. With the guide body 212 attached to a pair of support rods 48 via the guide base plate 201, the opening 232 faces the support surface 64F of the stage 60 located at the set position P1, via the plate passage opening 202, between the pair of support rods 48.

Furthermore, with the guide body 212 attached to the pair of support rods 48 as described above, the outward-facing surface with the input opening 230 is positioned along the surface of the housing 30 where the opening 31 is formed. This outward-facing surface is exposed to the outside of the housing 30 through the opening 31.

A plate guide surface 216 is formed within the guide body 212, extending from the lower edge of the input port 230 towards the lower edge of the opening 232.

The plate guide surface 216 is formed to gradually curve downward toward the support surface 64F. In this embodiment, the plate guide surface 216 includes a portion that is a curved surface 216a that is convex outward. In this embodiment, the entire plate guide surface 216 is a curved surface 216a. When viewed along the sub-scanning direction A2, the curved surface 216a forms a curve that is convex upward and toward the stage 60. On the curved surface 216a, it is difficult for the flat imaging plate 10 to make surface contact, and therefore, it is difficult for the imaging plate 10 to stick to the curved surface 216a. For this reason, the imaging plate 10 can slide smoothly down the curved surface 216a.

The upper end of the plate guide surface 216 is located above the lower end of the support surface 64F on the stage 60 (for example, the position of the positioning surface 72CF), and preferably above the upper end of the support surface 64F (for example, the position of the positioning surface 72DF located at a spaced-out position).

The lower end of the plate guide surface 216 is located below the upper end of the plate guide surface 216, preferably below the upper end of the support surface 64F (for example, the position of the positioning surface 72DF located at a spaced position), and more preferably at a height closer to the lower end of the support surface 64F (for example, the position of the positioning surface 72CF) than to the upper end.

The stage may support the imaging plate with its short side tilted relative to the horizontal. In this case, the setup guide should guide the imaging plate toward the stage with its short side aligned horizontally.

The setting guide 200 may include a shutter 244 that can open and close the input slot 230. The shutter 244 may open and close the input slot 230 in conjunction with the movement of the stage 60. For example, the shutter 244 may open the input slot 230 when the stage 60 is in the setting position P1, and close the input slot 230 when the stage 60 is in the reading position P2, and when it is in a position between the setting position P1 and the reading position P2.

The shutter 244 may be opened and closed using the movement of the stage 60, or it may be driven by a separate drive unit (e.g., a motor, solenoid actuator) from the motor 53 that moves the stage 60.

The housing 30 covers the setting guide 200, the support member 40, the stage 60, the reading unit 90, etc., with the outward-facing surface of the setting guide 200, where the input opening 230 is formed, exposed through the opening 31 (see Figure 1). Therefore, the housing 30 covers the stage 60, the reading unit 90 including the excitation light source 92 and the photodetector 94, and at least the plate guide surface 216 and the support surface 64F of the setting guide 200.

An example of the guiding operation of the imaging plate 10 by the setting guide 200 will be explained, mainly with reference to Figure 13. In this embodiment, the setting guide 200 guides the imaging plate 10 toward the stage 60 while inverting it.

The imaging plate 10 is inserted into the input port 230 with its longitudinal direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the extension direction of the input port 230 (see Q1). At this time, the back surface 10b of the imaging plate 10 faces upwards, and the front surface 10a faces downwards.

The imaging plate 10 is inserted beyond the input opening 230 and further inside (see Q2). Once the majority of the imaging plate 10 is positioned on the plate guide surface 216 beyond the input opening 230, gravity will cause the imaging plate 10 to slide down along the slope of the plate guide surface 216 without manual pushing. Eventually, the lower end of the imaging plate 10 reaches the support surface 64F (see Q3). The lower end of the imaging plate 10 then slides further down along the slope of the support surface 64F.

As the lower end of the imaging plate 10 moves downward in accordance with the inclination of the support surface 64F, the inclination position becomes the opposite of the previous state (see Q4). This causes the imaging plate 10 to tilt further so that its back surface 10b moves closer to the support surface 64F. As a result, the support surface 64F of the stage 60 contacts the back surface 10b of the imaging plate 10, allowing the imaging plate 10 to be held in the same inclination position as the support surface 64F (see Q5). In this state, the front surface 10a of the imaging plate 10 faces the same side as the support surface 64F.

According to this setup guide 200, the imaging plate 10 can be positioned with its surface 10a facing downwards when it is inserted. This reduces the exposure of the imaging plate's radiation-forming surface to ambient light when it is set in the reading device 20.

It is not mandatory for the setting guide 200 to invert the imaging plate 10 and guide it toward the stage 60. The setting guide may guide the imaging plate toward the stage without reversing its front-to-back position. In this case, the user should place the imaging plate into the setting guide with the front surface 10a facing upwards.

The presence of the setup guide 200 is not mandatory. The imaging plate inserted through the input port may be supplied directly onto the stage. Alternatively, at the setup position, the support surface of the stage may be exposed to external access, allowing the user to directly place the imaging plate onto the support surface.

<Regarding the operation of the reader>
The operation of the reading device 20 will now be explained.

In the initial state, the stage 60 is positioned at the set position P1 (see Figures 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8). In this state, the roller 72Bq is in contact with the surface 82f1 of the cam groove 82 that is further back than the inclined surface 82fm, so the positioning part 72B is positioned at a distance from the other part. Therefore, in the first direction F1 (horizontal direction), the positioning parts 72A and 72B are separated. Also, because the receiving part 72Dq is in contact with the short-side plate 46L, the positioning part 72D is positioned at a distance from the other part. Therefore, in the second direction F2, the positioning parts 72C and 72D are separated from each other. Furthermore, because the protruding piece 73Cbp does not contact the operating roller 85, the positioning surface 72CF of the positioning part 72C is in a contact position that supports the imaging plate 10 from below.

Furthermore, the shutter 244 is in the position where it opens the input slot 230.

In this state, the imaging plate 10 is inserted into the input port 230 of the setup guide 200. The imaging plate 10 is inserted into the input port 230 with the radiation-forming layer 11 facing downwards. Generally, sunlight is emitted from the sky. Also, indoor lighting fixtures emit light from above, such as from the ceiling. This reading device 20 is expected to be installed on a table or similar surface. Therefore, it is expected that most of the sunlight and lighting light in the environment in which this reading device is installed will irradiate the reading device 20 from above. By orienting the radiation-forming layer 11 of the imaging plate 10 downwards, the radiation-forming layer 11 is less likely to be exposed to external light such as sunlight and lighting light.

The imaging plate 10, placed in the setting guide 200, is supported on the stage 60 in an inverted state due to the combined action of the plate guide surface 216 and the support surface 64F within the setting guide 200. On the support surface 64F, the back surface of the imaging plate 10 faces downward in the direction of gravity, and the radiation image-forming layer 11 faces upward in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the imaging plate 10 is positioned between the positioning portions 72A and 72B on the support surface 64F and is supported from below by the positioning surface 72CF.

When a reading instruction is received for the reading device 20, the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2 by the drive of the stage movement mechanism 50.

During movement, roller 72Bq moves to the front side of the cam groove 82 via the inclined surface 82fm. Therefore, the biasing force of spring 72Bs causes positioning section 72B to approach positioning section 72A. When the guide positioning surface 72BF2f contacts one side edge of the imaging plate 10 during the movement of positioning section 72B, the imaging plate 10 is pushed toward the opposite guide positioning surface 72AF2f. As the imaging plate 10 slides along the lower positioning surface 72CF, and the opposite side edge of the imaging plate 10 contacts the guide positioning surface 72AF2f, the left and right guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f clamp both side edges of the imaging plate 10 from both sides (see Figure 14).

Furthermore, when the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the stage 60 moves relative to the lower short-side plate 46L. This causes the lower short-side plate 46L, which was in contact with the receiving portion 72Dq, to move relative to the positioning portion 72C, thus allowing the positioning portion 72D to move toward the positioning portion 72C. Then, due to the biasing force of the springs 72Ds, the positioning portion 72D approaches the positioning portion 72C. During the movement of the positioning portion 72D, when the positioning surface 72DF contacts the upper side edge of the imaging plate 10, the imaging plate 10 is pushed toward the lower positioning surface 72CF. As a result, the pair of positioning surfaces 72CF and 72DF sandwich the upper and lower edges of the imaging plate 10 from above and below (see Figure 14).

As a result, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the imaging plate 10 is positioned and held on the support surface 64F of the stage 60 in both the first direction F1 and the second direction. Furthermore, since the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f, 72BF2f and positioning portions 72C, 72D are inclined to overlap the edges of the imaging plate 10, the four surrounding edges of the imaging plate 10 are supported by being pressed against the support surface 64F.

If the imaging plate 10, supported by the stage 60 at set position P1, is not tilted relative to the normal position, the positioning parts 72A, 72B and 72C, 72D close, adjusting the position of the imaging plate 10 in the first direction F1 and the second direction F2, thereby positioning and supporting it in the normal position. For example, if the imaging plate 10 is supported by the support surface 64F with the entire lower short edge of the imaging plate 10 in contact with the positioning surface 72CF, the positioning parts 72A, 72B and 72C, 72D close, positioning the imaging plate 10 in the normal position relative to the positioning parts 72A, 72C.

It is assumed that the imaging plate 10 is supported at an angle relative to the stage 60 located at the set position P1. The angle can be defined, for example, as the longitudinal angle of the imaging plate 10 with respect to the second direction F2. If the angle of the imaging plate 10 is small, it is conceivable that the positioning sections 72A and 72B will close, allowing the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f, extending along the second direction F2, to correct the angle of the imaging plate 10.

If the tilt of the imaging plate 10 becomes large, the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f, which extend along the second direction F2, may not be able to correct the tilt of the imaging plate 10.

For example, as shown in Figure 16, consider a configuration where the tilt correction surface 72BF1 of the positioning portion 72B is omitted from the positioning portion 572B. In this case, a positioning surface 572BF extending along the second direction F2 is formed on the positioning portion 72A side of the positioning portion 572B. Suppose the imaging plate 10 is significantly tilted in the direction of clockwise rotation when viewed from the front. In this case, it is conceivable that the upper right corner of the imaging plate 10 would be in contact with the middle portion of the positioning surface 572BF in its extending direction.

If the tilt of the imaging plate 10 is large, the force acting between the upper right corner of the imaging plate 10 and the positioning surface 572BF in the first direction F1 may increase as the positioning portion 572B approaches the positioning portion 72A. This increases the frictional force between the corner of the imaging plate 10 and the positioning surface 572BF, potentially preventing the upper right corner of the imaging plate 10 from moving smoothly along the positioning surface 572BF and making it impossible to correct the tilt of the imaging plate 10.

In particular, if the positioning surface 572BF is tilted so as to overlap the edge of the imaging plate 10, the corners of the imaging plate 10 may become embedded in the space between the support surface 64F and the positioning surface 572BF, potentially hindering the movement of the corners.

As in this embodiment, when the positioning portion 72B has a tilt correction surface 72BF1, the upper right corner of the significantly tilted imaging plate 10 comes into contact with the tilt correction surface 72BF1, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. In this state, when the positioning portion 72B moves toward the positioning portion 72A, the tilt correction surface 72BF1 easily exerts a force that moves the corner of the imaging plate 10 upward. As a result, the imaging plate 10 is rotated on the support surface 64F to approach its normal orientation.

The tilt correction surface 72BF1 is closer to a perpendicular position to the support surface 64F compared to the guide positioning surface 72BF2f; in this case, it is perpendicular (see Figure 18). Therefore, it is less likely that the corners of the imaging plate 10 will be pinched between the support surface 64F and the tilt correction surface 72BF1. From this point of view, the imaging plate 10 is easily corrected to its normal position. Note that the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are not the parts that position the imaging plate 10 in its normal position (see Figure 14). Therefore, it is not necessary to tilt the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 so as to overlap the edges of the imaging plate 10.

As the positioning portion 72B moves further toward the positioning portion 72A, the imaging plate 10 is positioned in the correct orientation, sandwiched between the contact edges 72AF2 and 72BF2 (see Figure 14).

If the tilt of the imaging plate 10 is reversed, as shown in Figure 19, the upper left corner of the tilted imaging plate 10 will contact the tilt correction surface 72AF1. In this state, when the positioning unit 72B moves toward the positioning unit 72A, the upper left corner of the imaging plate 10 is pushed toward the tilt correction surface 72AF1, allowing the tilt correction surface 72AF1 to exert a force that moves the corner of the imaging plate 10 upward. As a result, the imaging plate 10 is rotated on the support surface 64F to approach the normal position.

Therefore, even if the imaging plate 10 tilts significantly to either the left or right, the upper corner will contact the tilt correction surface 72AF1 or the tilt correction surface 72BF1. This corrects the tilt of the imaging plate 10.

Furthermore, the distance between the left and right positioning sections 72A and 72B is set to be as small as possible within the range in which the imaging plate 10 to be set can be positioned. For example, the distance between the left and right positioning sections 72A and 72B is set so that even if the imaging plate 10 to be set is positioned at an angle, the corner that is located on the upper side in the normal orientation cannot be positioned lower than the corner that is located on the lower side in the normal orientation.

Figure 20 shows the imaging plate 10 with the largest longitudinal dimension among multiple sizes of imaging plates 10 in a positioned and held state. The imaging plate 10 with the largest longitudinal dimension is less likely to tilt significantly between the positioning parts 72A and 72B. However, simply positioning and holding a portion of the long edge of the imaging plate 10 may not result in proper positioning. Furthermore, if the positioning parts 72A and 72B are equipped with a pressing function against the support surface 64F, simply positioning and holding a portion of the long edge of the imaging plate 10 may cause other parts of the imaging plate 10 to lift away from the support surface 64F.

According to this embodiment, guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1. Therefore, the long edge of the imaging plate 10 can be positioned on both the upper and lower sides of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1. This allows for accurate positioning even of imaging plates 10 with large longitudinal dimensions. Furthermore, the imaging plate 10 can be supported so that it does not lift off the support surface 64F throughout its entire length.

As described above, while the stage 60 is moving from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the imaging plate 10 is positioned and held on the stage 60 in its normal orientation.

Furthermore, as the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the shutter 244 moves to a position that closes the input slot 230, thus closing the input slot 230. Since the input slot 230 closes when the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2, the accidental insertion of multiple imaging plates 10 into the input slot 230 is prevented.

As stage 60 moves to reading position P2, the reading unit 90 reads the latent image on imaging plate 10.

After the reading unit 90 completes the reading, the stage 60 returns to the set position P1. During this movement, the reverse operation described above occurs, releasing the imaging plate 10 from the stage 60. Also, the shutter 244 moves to a position where it opens the input slot 230, and the input slot 230 opens.

As the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 towards the discharge position P3, the protruding piece 73Cbp contacts the operating roller 85, and the positioning surface 72CF of the positioning section 72C moves from the contact position to the retracted position (see Figure 11). The imaging plate 10, which was supported on the positioning surface 72CF, slides down from the support surface 64F across the positioning surface 72CF and is collected in the recovery tray 49.

After this, the stage 60 returns from the discharge position P3 to the set position P1. Then, the positioning unit 72C rotates so that the positioning surface 72CF returns to the contact position. In this state, as described above, the imaging plate 10 can be set on the stage 60 at the set position P1.

<Effects, etc.>
As described above, the radiographic image reading device 20 has a tilt correction surface 72AF1, 72BF1 on at least one of the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B that moves outward in their opening and closing directions toward a second direction F2. Therefore, when the imaging plate 10 is tilted on the support surface 64F, if at least one of the pair of positioning parts 72A, 72B moves in the closing direction while the edge of the imaging plate 10 is in contact with the tilt correction surface 72AF1, 72BF1, the edge of the imaging plate 10 that is in contact with the tilt correction surface 72AF1, 72BF1 moves toward the second direction F2. As a result, the imaging plate 10 is corrected to a normal position on the support surface 64F.

Furthermore, the pair of positioning portions 72A and 72B have at least two contact edges 72AF2 and 72BF2 located on both sides of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 in the second direction F2. Therefore, in the second direction F2, the imaging plate 10 can be positioned by the contact edges 72AF2 and 72BF2 on both sides of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1. This is particularly suitable for accurately positioning large imaging plates 10.

Furthermore, in a front view, a recess corresponding to the tilt correction surface 72AF1, 72BF1 is formed between the upper contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2 and the lower contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2. In order to position the imaging plate 10 as reliably as possible, it is preferable to bring the upper contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2 closer to the lower contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2. However, if the upper contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2 are brought too close to the lower contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2, there is a possibility that the corners of the tilted imaging plate 10 may interfere with the lower ends of the upper contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2 when the tilted imaging plate 10 rotates. Therefore, the upper contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2 and the contact avoidance surfaces 72AF3, 72BF3 are connected via curved surfaces 72AFc, 72BFc. This allows the upper contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2 to be brought as close as possible to the lower contact edges 72AF2, 72BF2, while simultaneously preventing the corners of the imaging plate 10 from interfering with the positioning sections 72A, 72B as the tilted imaging plate 10 rotates guided by the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1, 72BF1.

Furthermore, each of the pair of opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B has a tilt correction surface 72AF1 and 72BF1. Therefore, regardless of the direction in which the imaging plate 10 is tilted, the edge of the imaging plate 10 can be brought into contact with either of the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 or 72BF1 to correct the tilt.

Furthermore, the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are correction surfaces that are angled upward as they move outward in the opening and closing direction of the pair of positioning parts 72A and 72B. Therefore, when at least one of the positioning parts 72A and 72B approaches each other, the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 that is in contact with the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 is lifted upward against gravity. This corrects the imaging plate 10 to its normal orientation on the support surface 64F.

Furthermore, the tilt correction surface may be a correction surface that slopes downward as it moves outward in the opening and closing direction of the pair of positioning parts. In this case, when at least one of the pair of positioning parts approaches each other, the edge portion of the imaging plate that is in contact with the tilt correction surface is pushed downward, correcting the imaging plate to its normal position.

In this embodiment, when the positioning surface 72CF is located below the imaging plate 10, it is preferable that the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are correction surfaces that are angled upward as they move outward in the opening and closing direction of the pair of positioning portions 72A and 72B. This is because when the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 that is in contact with the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 is lifted upward against gravity, its upward movement is less likely to be hindered.

Furthermore, if the positioning mechanism 70 has a positioning portion 72C that acts as a reference positioning portion and contacts the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 from one side in the second direction F2, it becomes easier to position the imaging plate 10 at a fixed position in the second direction F2.

Furthermore, if the positioning unit 72C, which serves as the reference positioning unit, is positioned to support the imaging plate 10 from below, the imaging plate 10 is positioned by its own weight being supported by the positioning unit 72C.

Furthermore, the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are provided in the second direction F2, in a region where the position is less than half the dimension of the imaging plate 10 relative to the positioning portion 72C, and the region is less than the dimension of the imaging plate 10. Therefore, it is possible to correct most tilts that are expected to occur when the plate is tilted and supported on the positioning portion 72C.

Furthermore, the positioning unit 72C is repositionable between the contact position and the retracted position. Therefore, the imaging plate 10 can be positioned by the positioning unit 72C at the contact position. Also, by moving the positioning unit 72C to the retracted position, the imaging plate 10 can be easily removed from the stage 60.

Furthermore, the positioning mechanism 70 includes a pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and a pair of second opening/closing positioning sections 72C and 72D. Therefore, the imaging plate 10 can be positioned in the first direction F1 and the second direction F2.

Furthermore, the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B open smaller than the pair of second opening/closing positioning sections 72C and 72D. Therefore, the rectangular imaging plate 10 can be set on the stage with its short side aligned with the first direction F1 and its long side aligned with the second direction F2. The tilt of the imaging plate 10 in the long side direction relative to the second direction F2 can be corrected so that the long side edge of the imaging plate 10 is positioned by the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B.

More specifically, considering gravity, the imaging plate 10 tends to settle into a fixed position in the second direction F2 where gravity acts on the support surface 64F, whereas in the first direction along the horizontal, the imaging plate 10 has a high degree of freedom in its position. Therefore, by making the horizontally opening and closing positioning section of the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A, 72B and the pair of second opening/closing positioning sections 72C, 72D open less than the vertically opening and closing section, the degree of freedom in the horizontal position of the imaging plate 10 can be reduced. This makes it easier for the imaging plate 10 to be held in a proper position on the stage 60.

Furthermore, considering multiple sizes of imaging plates 10, the variation range in the short-side direction is usually smaller than the variation range in the long-side direction. Therefore, by reducing the maximum distance between the pair of second opening/closing positioning parts 72C and 72D that position the imaging plate 10 in the short-side direction, it becomes easier to support the imaging plate 10 in a fixed position on the stage 60 during the initial insertion of the imaging plate 10.

Furthermore, if the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B are widely open, the amount of movement required for opening and closing the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B to position the imaging plate 10 will be large. This could lead to a situation where the pair of second opening/closing positioning sections 72C and 72D position the imaging plate 10 in the second direction F2 before the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B have moved and positioned the imaging plate 10 in the first direction F1. In that case, the position of the imaging plate 10 in the second direction F2 could deviate from its normal orientation.

As in this embodiment, when the opening of the pair of first opening/closing positioning parts 72A and 72B is small, the imaging plate 10 can be positioned early with a small amount of movement by the pair of first opening/closing positioning parts 72A and 72B. Since the imaging plate 10 is supported on the positioning part 72C, even if the pair of second opening/closing positioning parts 72C and 72D perform positioning after the pair of first opening/closing positioning parts 72A and 72B, the imaging plate 10 is not significantly moved along the second direction F2. Therefore, by positioning the imaging plate 10 in the first direction F1 along the horizontal direction by the pair of first opening/closing positioning parts 72A and 72B, and then positioning it in the second direction F2 by the pair of second opening/closing positioning parts 72C and 72D, it is easier to position the imaging plate 10 in the correct orientation.

Furthermore, it is not essential that the longitudinal direction of the imaging plate 10 in stage 60 aligns with the second direction F2 and the short direction aligns with the first direction F1. The orientation can be reversed, so that the longitudinal direction of the imaging plate 10 in stage 60 aligns with the first direction F1 and the short direction aligns with the second direction F2. In this case, it is preferable that the pair of first opening/closing positioning units 72A, 72B and the pair of second opening/closing positioning units 72C, 72D that open and close horizontally open wider than the other that opens and closes vertically.

Furthermore, the positioning mechanism 70 has guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f that contact the edge portion of the imaging plate 10, position the edge portion from the outside in the extending direction of the support surface 64F, and press the edge portion against the support surface 64F. Therefore, the imaging plate 10 can be held in the correct position and in contact with the support surface 64F by the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f.

Furthermore, the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f protrude from the support surface 64F by at least the thickness of the imaging plate 10, and are shaped to overlap the support surface as they move away from it. Therefore, when the edges of the imaging plate 10 are pressed against the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f, the edges of the imaging plate 10 are pressed against the support surface 64F.

Furthermore, if the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1 are at an angle closer to a right angle with respect to the support surface 64F than the guide positioning surfaces 72AF2f and 72BF2f, the edge portion of the imaging plate 10 moves smoothly along the tilt correction surfaces 72AF1 and 72BF1, thereby correcting the tilt.

Furthermore, the stage movement mechanism 50 closes the pair of first opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B as the stage 60 moves from the set position P1 to the reading position P2. Therefore, at the set position P1, the imaging plate 10 can be easily set between the open pair of opening/closing positioning sections 72A and 72B. After setting the imaging plate 10, moving the stage to the reading position P2 positions and holds the imaging plate 10 in its correct orientation. For this reason, the imaging plate 10 remains stably held in a fixed position on the stage 60 even while the stage 60 is moving.

{Note}
Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

This disclosure discloses the following aspects:

The first embodiment is a radiation image reading device for reading a radiation image from an imaging plate, comprising: a stage for holding the imaging plate; an excitation light source for irradiating the imaging plate held on the stage with excitation light; and a photodetector for detecting light emitted from the imaging plate due to the excitation light. The stage comprises: a stage body having a support surface capable of surface contact with the back surface of the imaging plate; and a pair of opening/closing positioning parts spaced apart along a first direction. A positioning mechanism is provided in which at least one of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts moves along the first direction, causing the pair of opening/closing positioning parts to contact the edge portion of the imaging plate so as to sandwich the imaging plate supported on the support surface along the first direction. At least one of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts has a tilt correction surface that extends outward in the opening/closing direction of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts, and extends along the support surface in a second direction perpendicular to the opening/closing direction.

According to this reading device, if the imaging plate is tilted on the support surface, when at least one of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts moves in the closing direction while the edge of the imaging plate is in contact with the tilt correction surface, the edge of the imaging plate that is in contact with the tilt correction surface moves in a second direction. This corrects the imaging plate to its normal position on the support surface.

The second embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to the first embodiment, wherein the pair of opening/closing positioning units have at least two contact edges located on both sides of the tilt correction surface in the second direction, and the at least two contact edges extend along a straight line along the second direction.

In this case, the edge portion of the imaging plate can be positioned along a straight line in the second direction by at least two contact edges on both sides of the tilt correction surface in the second direction.

The third embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to the second embodiment, wherein the tilt correction surface is directed in the second direction as it extends outward in the opening and closing direction of the pair of opening and closing positioning parts from one of the at least two contact edges, and the pair of opening and closing positioning parts have a contact avoidance surface that extends outward in the opening and closing direction of the pair of opening and closing positioning parts from the other of the at least two contact edges, and the other of the at least two contact edges and the contact avoidance surface are connected via a curved surface.

This reduces the likelihood of the corners of the imaging plate, guided by the tilt correction surface, interfering with the positioning section.

The fourth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein each of the pair of opening/closing positioning units may have the tilt correction surface.

In this case, regardless of the direction in which the imaging plate is tilted, the edge of the imaging plate can be brought into contact with one of the tilt-correcting surfaces formed on each of the pair of opening/closing positioning sections, thereby correcting the tilt.

The fifth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the first direction is horizontal, and the tilt correction surface may be a correction surface that is directed upward as it moves outward in the opening and closing direction of the pair of opening and closing positioning parts.

According to the fifth embodiment, when the imaging plate is tilted on the support surface, if at least one of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts moves in the approach direction while one edge of the imaging plate is in contact with the tilt correction surface, the edge of the imaging plate in contact with the tilt correction surface is lifted upward against gravity. This corrects the imaging plate to a normal position on the support surface.

The sixth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the positioning mechanism further includes a reference positioning portion that is positioned at a fixed position on the support surface and contacts the edge portion of the imaging plate from one side in the second direction.

This makes it easier to position the imaging plate at a specific location in the second direction by bringing the edge of the imaging plate into contact with the reference positioning section.

The seventh embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to the sixth embodiment, wherein the reference positioning unit may be positioned to support the imaging plate from below.

In this way, the imaging plate is positioned by the reference positioning section because its own weight is supported by the reference positioning section.

The eighth embodiment is a radiographic image reading device according to the sixth or seventh embodiment, wherein the tilt correction surface may be provided in the second direction, with reference to the reference positioning unit, in a region ranging from a position less than half the dimension of the imaging plate to be corrected to a region less than the dimension of the imaging plate.

This allows for the correction of most tilts that would otherwise occur when the object is supported on the reference positioning section.

The ninth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the sixth to eighth embodiments, wherein the reference positioning unit may be repositionable between a contact position facing the edge portion of the imaging plate on the support surface and a retracted position retracted from the edge portion of the imaging plate on the support surface.

This allows the reference positioning unit to be moved to a retracted position, making it easy to remove the imaging plate from the stage.

The tenth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the pair of opening/closing positioning units are a pair of first opening/closing positioning units, and the positioning mechanism includes a pair of second opening/closing positioning units, wherein at least one of the pair of second opening/closing positioning units moves along the second direction, causing the pair of second opening/closing positioning units to contact the edge portion of the imaging plate supported on the support surface so as to clamp the imaging plate along the second direction.

This allows the imaging plate to be positioned in a second direction.

The eleventh embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to the tenth embodiment, wherein the pair of first opening/closing positioning units may open smaller than the pair of second opening/closing positioning units.

This allows a rectangular imaging plate to be set on the stage with its short side aligned with the first direction and its long side aligned with the second direction. The tilt of the imaging plate in the long-side direction relative to the second direction can be corrected so that the long-side edge of the imaging plate is positioned by a pair of first opening/closing positioning units.

The twelfth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein the positioning mechanism may have a positioning surface that contacts the edge portion of the imaging plate supported on the support surface, positions the edge portion from the outside in the extending direction of the support surface, and presses the edge portion against the support surface.

According to the twelfth embodiment, the edge of the imaging plate contacts the positioning surface, thereby maintaining the imaging plate in its normal orientation. Furthermore, the positioning surface presses the edge of the imaging plate against the support surface. This allows the imaging plate to be held in its normal orientation and in contact with the support surface.

A thirteenth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to the twelfth embodiment, wherein the positioning surface is provided so as to protrude from the support surface by at least the thickness dimension of the imaging plate, and may include a guide positioning surface formed in a shape that extends in a direction that overlaps the support surface as it moves away from it.

This causes the edges of the imaging plate to be pressed against the guide positioning surface, thereby pressing the edges of the imaging plate against the support surface.

The fourteenth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to the thirteenth embodiment, wherein the tilt correction surface may be at an angle closer to a right angle with respect to the support surface than the guide positioning surface.

This allows the edges of the imaging plate to move smoothly along the tilt correction surface, thereby correcting the tilt.

The fifteenth embodiment is a radiation image reading device according to any one of the first to fourteenth embodiments, further comprising: a stage movement mechanism that moves the stage between a set position where the imaging plate is set on the stage and a reading position where the photodetector reads the radiation image in response to excitation light from the excitation light source; and a positioning unit operation mechanism that closes the pair of opening/closing positioning units in conjunction with the stage movement mechanism moving the stage from the set position to the reading position.

This allows the imaging plate to be easily set by opening a pair of opening/closing positioning sections at the set position. After setting the imaging plate, moving the stage to the reading position ensures that the imaging plate is positioned and held in the correct orientation, thus allowing the imaging plate to be held stably even while the stage is moving.

The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be conceivable without falling outside the scope of this invention.

10 Imaging plate 10b Back surface 20 Reading device 50 Stage moving mechanism 60 Stage 61 Stage body 64F Support surface 70 Positioning mechanism 72A, 72B First opening/closing positioning section 72AF1, 72BF2 Tilt correction surface 72AF2, 72BF2 Contact edge section 72AF2f, 72BF2f Guide positioning surface (positioning surface)
72AF3, 72BF3 Contact avoidance surfaces 72AFc, 72BFc Curved surfaces 72C, 72D Second opening/closing positioning section 72CF, 72DF Positioning surface 92 Excitation light source 94 Photodetector F1 First direction F2 Second direction P1 Set position P2 Reading position P3 Discharge position

Claims (15)

A radiographic image reading device that reads radiographic images from an imaging plate,
A stage for holding the imaging plate,
An excitation light source that irradiates the imaging plate held on the stage with excitation light,
A photodetector for detecting light emitted from the imaging plate due to the excitation light,
Equipped with,
The aforementioned stage,
A stage body having a support surface that can make surface contact with the back surface of the imaging plate and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction ,
A positioning mechanism including a pair of opening/closing positioning parts spaced apart along a first direction, wherein at least one of the pair of opening/closing positioning parts moves along the first direction, causing the pair of opening/closing positioning parts to contact the edge portion of the imaging plate so as to sandwich the imaging plate supported on the support surface along the first direction,
It has,
A radiographic image reading device wherein at least one of the pair of opening/closing positioning sections has a tilt correction surface that extends outward in the opening/closing direction of the pair of opening/closing positioning sections in a second direction perpendicular to the opening/closing direction along the support surface. A radiation image reading device according to claim 1,
A radiographic image reading device wherein the pair of opening and closing positioning parts have at least two contact edges located on both sides of the tilt correction surface in the second direction, and the at least two contact edges extend along a straight line along the second direction. A radiation image reading device according to claim 2,
The tilt correction surface is directed in the second direction as it moves outward from one of the at least two contact edges in the opening and closing direction of the pair of opening and closing positioning portions,
The pair of opening and closing positioning portions have a contact avoidance surface that extends outward in the opening and closing direction of the pair of opening and closing positioning portions from one of the other two contact edges.
A radiation image reading device wherein one of the at least two contact edges and the contact avoidance surface are connected via a curved surface. A radiographic image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A radiographic image reading device wherein each of the pair of opening and closing positioning sections has the tilt correction surface. A radiographic image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first direction is the horizontal direction,
A radiographic image reading device, wherein the tilt correction surface is a correction surface that is directed upward as it moves outward in the opening and closing direction of the pair of opening and closing positioning parts. A radiographic image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The positioning mechanism is,
A radiographic image reading device further comprising a reference positioning portion that is positioned at a fixed position on the support surface and contacts the edge portion of the imaging plate from one side in the second direction. A radiation image reading device according to claim 6,
The reference positioning unit is located in a position that supports the imaging plate from below, and is a reading device for radiographic images. A radiation image reading device according to claim 6,
A radiographic image reading device wherein the tilt correction surface is provided in the second direction, with reference to the reference positioning portion, in a region from a position less than half the dimension of the imaging plate to be corrected to a region less than the dimension of the imaging plate. A radiation image reading device according to claim 6,
A radiographic image reading device wherein the reference positioning unit is repositionable between a contact position facing the edge portion of the imaging plate on the support surface and a retracted position retracted from the edge portion of the imaging plate on the support surface. A radiographic image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The pair of opening/closing positioning parts are a pair of first opening/closing positioning parts,
The positioning mechanism includes a pair of second opening/closing positioning parts,
A radiographic image reading device wherein at least one of the pair of second opening/closing positioning parts moves along the second direction, causing the pair of second opening/closing positioning parts to contact the edge portion of the imaging plate so as to sandwich the imaging plate supported on the support surface along the second direction. A radiation image reading device according to claim 10,
A radiation image reading device wherein the pair of first opening/closing positioning units opens smaller than the pair of second opening/closing positioning units. A radiographic image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A radiographic image reading device, wherein the positioning mechanism has a positioning surface that contacts the edge portion of the imaging plate supported on the support surface, positions the edge portion from the outside in the extending direction of the support surface, and presses the edge portion against the support surface. A radiation image reading device according to claim 12,
A radiographic image reading device, wherein the positioning surface is provided so as to protrude from the support surface by at least the thickness dimension of the imaging plate, and includes a guide positioning surface formed in a shape that extends in a direction that overlaps the support surface as it moves away from the support surface. A radiation image reading device according to claim 13,
A radiographic image reading device wherein the tilt correction surface is at an angle closer to a right angle with respect to the support surface than the guide positioning surface. A radiographic image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A stage movement mechanism moves the stage between a set position where the imaging plate is set relative to the stage and a reading position where the photodetector reads the radiation image in response to excitation light from the excitation light source.
A positioning unit operating mechanism that closes the pair of opening/closing positioning units in conjunction with the stage moving from the set position to the reading position by the stage moving mechanism,
A radiographic image reading device further equipped with the following features.