Sensing module, camera module and lens focusing structure thereof

Abstract

A sensing module comprises a substrate, a light-emitting element, a sensing element and two lens assemblies. Each lens assembly comprises a base, a lens barrel and a lens. The base is arranged on the substrate and is provided with a base accommodating part and an external thread; the base accommodating part is provided with a base opening; the lens barrel is arranged on the base and is provided with a lens barrel accommodating part; the lens barrel accommodating part is provided with an internal thread and a lens barrel opening; the internal threads are matched with the external threads; the lens is arranged in the lens barrel opening; the light-emitting element and the sensing element are located on the substrate, correspond to the two lens assemblies respectively and are contained in the corresponding base containing parts respectively. A camera module and a lens focusing structure are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sensing module, and more particularly to a sensing module having a light-emitting element and a sensing element. Background Technology

[0002] High-performance measuring instruments known to the inventors, such as direct time-of-flight (dToF) sensors, are very expensive. The cost increases even more when combined with specialized optical lenses. This may limit their use in certain applications. For modular applications of this technology, ensuring accurate depth data through the proper fit between components remains a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To reduce sensor costs, some embodiments provide a sensing module comprising a substrate, a light-emitting element, a first lens assembly, a sensing element, and a second lens assembly. The light-emitting element is located on the substrate. The first lens assembly includes a first base, a first lens barrel, and a first lens. The first base is disposed on the substrate and has a first base receiving portion and a first external thread. The first base receiving portion has a first base opening. The first base receiving portion accommodates the light-emitting element. The first base opening corresponds to the light-emitting element. The first lens barrel is disposed on the first base and has a first lens barrel receiving portion. The first lens barrel receiving portion has a first internal thread and a first lens barrel opening. The first internal thread is adapted to mate with the first external thread. The first lens barrel opening corresponds to the light-emitting element. The first lens is disposed in the first lens barrel opening. The sensing element is located on the substrate. The second lens assembly includes a second base, a second lens barrel, and a second lens. The second base is disposed on the substrate and has a second base receiving portion and a second external thread. The second base receiving portion has a second base opening. The second base receiving portion accommodates the sensing element. The second base opening corresponds to the sensing element. The second lens barrel is disposed on the second base and has a second lens barrel receiving portion. The second lens barrel receiving portion has a second internal thread and a second lens barrel opening. The second internal thread is adapted to mate with the second external thread. The second lens barrel opening corresponds to the sensing element. The second lens is disposed in the second lens barrel opening.

[0004] In some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the first lens barrel is provided with multiple clamping grooves.

[0005] In some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the second lens barrel is provided with multiple clamping grooves.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first base receiving portion further has a side opening. The side opening is substantially flush with the side of the light-emitting element and exposes the side of the light-emitting element.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first base receiving portion further has a side opening. The outer end face of the side opening is recessed from the first lens barrel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second base receiving portion further has a side opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, a camera module includes a substrate, a sensing element, and a lens assembly. The sensing element is located on the substrate. The lens assembly includes a base, a lens barrel, and a lens. The base is disposed on the substrate and has a base receiving portion and external threads. The base receiving portion has a base opening. The base opening corresponds to the sensing element. The lens barrel is disposed on the base and has a lens barrel receiving portion. The lens barrel receiving portion has internal threads and a lens barrel opening. The internal threads are adapted to mate with the external threads. The lens barrel receiving portion houses the sensing element. The lens barrel opening corresponds to the sensing element. The lens is disposed in the lens barrel opening.

[0010] In some embodiments, a lens focusing structure includes a base, a lens barrel, and a lens. The base has a base receiving portion and an external thread. The base receiving portion has a base opening. The lens barrel is disposed on the base and has a lens barrel receiving portion. The lens barrel receiving portion has an internal thread and a lens barrel opening. The internal thread is adapted to mate with the external thread. The lens barrel opening corresponds to the base opening. The lens is disposed in the lens barrel opening.

[0011] As described above, some embodiments of the present invention provide a sensing module that can reduce costs. This design can significantly simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the cost and time spent adjusting the optical system. Lens design can also be simplified, eliminating the need for threaded structures in the ineffective areas of the lens, further reducing manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure after the cover has been removed;

[0014] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a lens tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a lens focusing structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a lens and lens barrel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figures 9A to 9C This demonstrates the effect of back focal length (BFL) variation on the shape and energy distribution of the light spot, based on a sensing module known to the inventors; and

[0021] Figures 10A to 10G This illustrates, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the effect of changes in back focal length on the energy concentration of the light spot.

[0022] 100a: Sensing Module

[0023] 100b: Camera Module

[0024] 100c: Lens focusing structure

[0025] 110:Substrate

[0026] 120: Light-emitting element

[0027] 140: Sensing element

[0028] 121: Side view

[0029] 130, 130a, 130b: Lens assembly

[0030] 200, 200a, 200b: Base

[0031] 210, 210a, 210b: Base receiving part

[0032] 220, 220a, 220b: External thread

[0033] 230, 230a, 230b: Base opening

[0034] 240a, 240b: Side opening

[0035] 241: Outer end face

[0036] 300, 300a, 300b: Lens tube

[0037] 310, 310a, 310b: Lens tube housing

[0038] 320, 320a, 320b: Internal thread

[0039] 330, 330a, 330b: Lens tube opening

[0040] 340, 340a: Clamping groove

[0041] 400, 400a, 400b: Lenses

[0042] 510: Washer

[0043] 520: Filter

[0044] 600: Cover

[0045] 610: Cover Receiving Part

[0046] 620: Opening of the cover Detailed Implementation

[0047] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 . Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure after the cover has been removed. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] The sensing module 100a in some embodiments of the present invention includes a substrate 110, a light-emitting element 120, a first lens assembly 130a, a sensing element 140, and a second lens assembly 130b. The light-emitting element 120 is located on the substrate 110. The sensing element 140 is located on the substrate 110.

[0049] The substrate 110 may be a circuit board. The light-emitting element 120 may be implemented as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), a laser diode (LD), or a light-emitting diode (LED). The sensing element 140 may be implemented as a single-photon collapse diode (SPAD), a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), an avalanche photodiode (APD), or a photodiode.

[0050] The first lens assembly 130a includes a first base 200a, a first lens barrel 300a, and a first lens 400a. The first base 200a is disposed on a substrate 110 and has a first base receiving portion 210a and a first external thread 220a. The first base receiving portion 210a has a first base opening 230a. The first base receiving portion 210a accommodates a light-emitting element 120. The first base opening 230a corresponds to the light-emitting element 120. The first lens barrel 300a is disposed on the first base 200a and has a first lens barrel receiving portion 310a. The first lens barrel receiving portion 310a has a first internal thread 320a and a first lens barrel opening 330a. The first internal thread 320a is adapted to mate with the first external thread 220a. The first lens barrel opening 330a corresponds to the light-emitting element 120. The first lens 400a is disposed in the first lens barrel opening 330a.

[0051] The second lens assembly 130b includes a second base 200b, a second lens barrel 300b, and a second lens 400b. The second base 200b is disposed on the substrate 110 and has a second base receiving portion 210b and a second external thread 220b. The second base receiving portion 210b has a second base opening 230b. The second base receiving portion 210b receives a sensing element 140. The second base opening 230b corresponds to the sensing element 140. The second lens barrel 300b is disposed on the second base 200b and has a second lens barrel receiving portion 310b. The second lens barrel receiving portion 310b has a second internal thread 320b and a second lens barrel opening 330b. The second internal thread 320b is adapted to mate with the second external thread 220b. The second lens barrel opening 330b corresponds to the sensing element 140. The second lens 400b is disposed in the second lens barrel opening 330b.

[0052] In some embodiments, lenses 400a and 400b are adhesively fixed to the lens barrel openings 330a and 330b. Therefore, it is unnecessary to design threaded structures around the ineffective areas of lenses 400a and 400b (see [link to documentation]). Figure 8 (As can be seen, lenses 400a / 400b do not have threads), which simplifies their design and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 5 . Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a lens barrel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the first lens barrel 300a is provided with a plurality of clamping grooves 340a. Similarly, in some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the second lens barrel 300b is provided with a plurality of clamping grooves (not shown). In some embodiments, both the outer wall surfaces of the first lens barrel 300a and the outer wall surfaces of the second lens barrel 300b are provided with a plurality of clamping grooves.

[0054] In conventional lens barrels, the threads are located on the outer side, allowing only adsorption for assembly. In contrast, in some embodiments of this invention, the internal threads 320a and 320b are located on the inner side of the lens barrels 300a and 300b. Therefore, in automated manufacturing processes, robotic arms can be used to grip the lens barrels 300a and 300b. Furthermore, during gripping, the gripping groove 340a in some embodiments increases the contact area when gripping the lens barrels 300a and 300b, enhancing the fixation effect. Traditional lens barrel structures require a robotic arm and object recognition software to achieve focusing, resulting in high equipment costs. In contrast, the structure in this embodiment only requires manual labor and simple three-axis adjustment tools to complete focusing. Therefore, using this structure allows for precise, fast, and more stable focusing and alignment, saving labor costs. Please see... Figures 9A to 9C as well as Figures 10A to 10G . Figures 9A to 9C This demonstrates the effect of changes in back focal length (BFL) on the shape and energy distribution of a light spot, based on a sensing module known to the inventors. Figures 10A to 10G This illustrates, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the effect of changes in back focal length on the energy concentration of the light spot. Figures 9A to 9C as well as Figures 10A to 10G All images are processed using grayscale to represent variations in the size of the light spots. Figures 9A to 9C As can be seen, a sensing module known to the inventors is sensitive to minute deviations in back focal length, where each unit of back focal length shift (e.g., but not limited to 0.1 mm) causes a significant change in spot size. Figures 10A to 10G As can be seen, the structure using some embodiments of the present invention allows for gradual and precise adjustment of the cover ratio, where each unit of back focal length shift (e.g., but not limited to 0.1 mm) results in a relatively small change in spot size. Figures 9A to 9C The change in the size of the displayed light spot was significantly reduced.

[0055] Rereference Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the first base receiving portion 210a further has a side opening 240a. The side opening 240a is substantially flush with the side surface 121 of the light-emitting element 120, exposing the side surface 121 of the light-emitting element 120. In this way, the horizontal dimension of the first base 200a can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall horizontal dimension of the sensing module 100a.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first base receiving portion 210a further has a side opening 240a. The outer end face 241 of the side opening 240a is recessed inward compared to the first lens barrel 300a. In this way, the horizontal dimension of the first base 200a can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall horizontal dimension of the sensing module 100a.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second base receiving portion 210b further has a side opening 240b. The side opening 240b reduces the area occupied by the second base 200b on the substrate 110. Therefore, the usable area on the substrate 110 is increased, and the horizontal dimension of the sensing module 100a can be reduced.

[0058] In some embodiments, the sensing module 100a further includes a gasket 510 and a filter 520. The gasket 510 is located between the light-emitting element 120 and the substrate 110. The filter 520 is located above the sensing element 140.

[0059] In some embodiments, the sensing module 100a further includes a cover 600. The cover 600 has a cover receiving portion 610. The cover 600 is located on the substrate 110 such that the cover receiving portion 610 receives the first lens assembly 130a and the second lens assembly 130b. The cover receiving portion 610 has a cover opening 620. The cover opening 620 corresponds to the first lens 400a and the second lens 400b.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cover 600 of the sensing module 100a does not have an opening and is made of optical-grade plastic, glass that is transparent to specific wavelengths of light (e.g., but not limited to infrared light), or other composite materials. This allows the cover 600 to protect the internal components of the sensing module 100a without affecting its normal operation and measurement accuracy. In this embodiment, the filter 520 may be omitted.

[0061] At least some of the above designs can be applied to general camera modules, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of lenses and reduce the difficulty of manufacturing and designing related equipment.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 6 . Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a camera module 100b includes a substrate 110, a sensing element 140, and a lens assembly 130. The sensing element 140 is located on the substrate 110. The lens assembly 130 includes a base 200, a lens barrel 300, and a lens 400. The base 200 is disposed on the substrate 110 and has a base receiving portion 210 and an external thread 220. The base receiving portion 210 has a base opening 230. The base opening 230 corresponds to the sensing element 140. The lens barrel 300 is disposed on the base 200 and has a lens barrel receiving portion 310. The lens barrel receiving portion 310 has an internal thread 320 and a lens barrel opening 330. The internal thread 320 is adapted to mate with the external thread 220. The lens barrel receiving portion 310 receives the sensing element 140. The lens barrel opening 330 corresponds to the sensing element 140. Lens 400 is disposed in lens barrel opening 330.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 7 . Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a lens focusing structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a lens focusing structure 100c includes a base 200, a lens barrel 300, and a lens 400. The base 200 has a base receiving portion 210 and an external thread 220. The base receiving portion 210 has a base opening 230. The lens barrel 300 is disposed on the base 200 and has a lens barrel receiving portion 310. The lens barrel receiving portion 310 has an internal thread 320 and a lens barrel opening 330. The internal thread 320 is adapted to mate with the external thread 220. The lens barrel opening 330 corresponds to the base opening 230. The lens 400 is disposed in the lens barrel opening 330.

[0064] In some embodiments, the outer wall surface of the camera module 100b or the lens barrel 300 for focusing the lens is also provided with a plurality of clamping grooves 340, which can achieve the aforementioned effects.

[0065] As described above, some embodiments of the present invention provide a sensing module that can reduce costs. This design can significantly simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the cost and time spent adjusting the optical system. Lens design can also be simplified, eliminating the need for threaded structures in the ineffective areas of the lens, further reducing manufacturing costs.

Claims

1. A sensing module, characterized in that, Include: One substrate; A light-emitting element is located on the substrate; A first lens assembly, comprising: A first base is disposed on the substrate and has a first base receiving portion and a first external thread, wherein the first base receiving portion has a first base opening, the first base receiving portion accommodates the light-emitting element, and the first base opening corresponds to the light-emitting element. A first lens barrel is disposed on the first base and has a first lens barrel receiving portion, wherein the first lens barrel receiving portion has a first internal thread and a first lens barrel opening, the first internal thread being adapted to mate with the first external thread, and the first lens barrel opening corresponding to the light-emitting element; and A first lens is disposed in the opening of the first lens barrel; A sensing element is located on the substrate; and A second lens assembly, comprising: A second base is disposed on the substrate and has a second base receiving portion and a second external thread, wherein the second base receiving portion has a second base opening, the second base receiving portion accompanies the sensing element, and the second base opening corresponds to the sensing element; A second lens barrel, disposed on the second base and having a second lens barrel receiving portion, wherein the second lens barrel receiving portion has a second internal thread and a second lens barrel opening, the second internal thread being adapted to mate with the second external thread, and the second lens barrel opening corresponding to the sensing element; and A second lens is disposed in the opening of the second lens barrel.

2. The sensing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first lens tube is provided with multiple clamping grooves.

3. The sensing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the second lens tube is provided with multiple clamping grooves.

4. The sensing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first base receiving portion also has an opening on one side, which is roughly flush with one side of the light-emitting element and exposes that side.

5. The sensing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first base receiving portion has an opening on one side, and the outer end face of the opening is recessed from the first lens barrel.

6. The sensing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second base receiving portion also has an opening on one side.

7. A camera module, characterized in that, Include: One substrate; A sensing element is located on the substrate; and A lens assembly, comprising: A base is disposed on the substrate and has a base receiving portion and an external thread, wherein the base receiving portion has a base opening corresponding to the sensing element; A lens barrel, disposed on the base, has a lens barrel receiving portion, wherein the lens barrel receiving portion has an internal thread and a lens barrel opening, the internal thread being adapted to mate with the external thread, the lens barrel receiving portion accommodating the sensing element, and the lens barrel opening corresponding to the sensing element; and A lens is placed in the opening of the lens barrel.

8. The camera module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The outer wall of the lens barrel is provided with multiple clamping grooves.

9. A lens focusing structure, characterized in that, Include: A base having a base receiving portion and an external thread, wherein the base receiving portion has a base opening; A lens barrel, disposed on the base and having a lens barrel receiving portion, wherein the lens barrel receiving portion has an internal thread and a lens barrel opening, the internal thread being adapted to mate with the external thread, and the lens barrel opening corresponding to the base opening; and A lens is placed in the opening of the lens barrel.

10. The lens focusing structure as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The outer wall of the lens barrel is provided with multiple clamping grooves.

Images