X-ray imaging apparatus and method of operating same

An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising:

• an X-ray source configured to irradiate an X-ray;
• and
• a collimator configured to adjust an irradiation range of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source, wherein the collimator comprises:
• a first field size range adjustor comprising a first plurality of blades and a driving power transfer unit configured to transfer driving power to the first plurality of blades;
• a second field size range adjustor facing the first field size range adjustor and comprising a first plurality of blades;
• and
• a connector configured to provide a connection between one of the first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor and one of the first plurality of blades of the second field size range adjustor so as to make s-the one of the first plurality of blades of the second field size range adjustor move as the one of the first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor moves,
• wherein the driving power transfer unit comprises four driving power transmission belts,
• wherein the first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor comprises a first blade and a second blade which face each other and a third blade and a fourth blade which face each other, and
• wherein the first blade, the second blade, the third blade, and the fourth blade are coupled to the four driving power transmission belts respectively.

An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising:

• an X-ray source configured to irradiate an X-ray;
• and
• a collimator configured to adjust an irradiation range of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source, wherein the collimator comprises:
• a first field size range adjustor comprising a first plurality of blades and a driving power transfer unit configured to transfer driving power to the first plurality of blades;
• a second field size range adjustor facing the first field size range adjustor and comprising a first plurality of blades;
• and
• a connector configured to provide a connection between one of the first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor and one of the first plurality of blades of the second field size range adjustor so as to make the one of the first plurality of blades of the second field size range adjustor move as the one of the first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor moves, wherein
• the connector comprises a connecting link arranged to revolve around a hinge unit, and a linking unit configured to connect the one of the first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor and the one of the first plurality of blades of the second field size range adjustor by using the connecting link.

A method of operating an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray source configured to irradiate an X-ray and a collimator comprising a first field size range adjustor and a second field size range adjustor, the method comprising:

• detecting a first adjustment signal corresponding to a first field size range and a second adjustment signal corresponding to a second field size range;
• moving a first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor;
• and
• moving a first plurality of blades of the second field size range adjustor in synchronization with the first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor,
• wherein a driving power transfer unit of the first field size range adjustor comprises four driving power transmission belts,
• wherein the first plurality of blades of the first field size range adjustor comprises a first blade and a second blade which face each other and a third blade and a fourth blade which face each other, and
• wherein the first blade, the second blade, the third blade, and the fourth blade are coupled to the four driving power transmission belts respectively.