Lidar driving device and lidar system comprising the same

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present application, a LIDAR driving device includes a stator portion, a shaft disposed on the stator portion, and a rotor portion disposed on the shaft. The stator portion includes a first housing, a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing, and a wireless power transmission unit disposed in the first housing and connected to the first PCB. The rotor portion includes a second housing, a second PCB disposed on the second housing, and a wireless power reception unit disposed in the second housing and connected to the second PCB. The wireless power transmission unit includes a first core portion and a first bobbin assembly received in the first core portion. The wireless power reception unit includes a second core portion and a second bobbin assembly received in the second core portion. The first bobbin assembly and the second bobbin assembly each include a coil, an insulation tape surrounding the coil, and a bobbin for receiving the coil and the insulation tape. A ratio of a cross-sectional area of the coil to a cross-sectional area formed by an inner surface of the insulation tape is 0.8 or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lidar driving device and a lidar system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses emitted from a light-emitting unit and reflected back from a target object to measure the distance to the object or to create the object's shape. LiDAR is used in various technical fields requiring 3D imaging. For example, LiDAR can be applied in fields such as meteorology, aviation, aerospace, and transportation. Recently, LiDAR has become increasingly important in the field of autonomous driving.

[0003] Typically, a LiDAR's light emitting unit generates an output light signal and illuminates an object, a light receiving unit receives the input light signal reflected from the object, and an information generation unit uses the input light signal received by the light receiving unit to generate information about the object.

[0004] LiDARs can be broadly classified into mechanical LiDARs and solid-state LiDARs. Mechanical LiDARs achieve a 360-degree field of view by rotating the light emitting and receiving units. Solid-state LiDARs can be, for example, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) LiDARs, flash LiDARs, or optical phase array (OPA) LiDARs. In MEMS LiDARs, the tilt angle of the mirrors can be precisely changed via electrical signals. In flash LiDARs, an optical flash lamp is used, and a single large-area laser pulse can illuminate the environment in front. In OPAs, an optical phase modulator controls the speed of light passing through the lens, and thus the shape of the optical wavefront can be controlled.

[0005] In the case of a mechanical LiDAR, a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit are mounted on a LiDAR drive unit, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit rotate on the LiDAR drive unit. For this purpose, the LiDAR drive unit includes a fixed part and a rotating part, wherein the fixed part is fixed to the vehicle, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit mounted on the rotating part rotate due to the interaction between the fixed part and the rotating part.

[0006] Simultaneously, in order to transmit control signals for controlling the optical transmitting and receiving units to the optical transmitting and receiving units, and in order to transmit electrical signals received by the optical receiving unit to the vehicle side, a stable power supply must be provided from the fixed part side to the rotating part side. For the rotating part to rotate, a wireless power supply is required from the fixed part side to the rotating part side. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The technical objective of this invention is to provide a LiDAR driving device capable of wireless power supply and a LiDAR system including the same.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] A LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stator portion; a shaft disposed on the stator portion; and a rotor portion disposed on the shaft, wherein the stator portion includes: a first housing; a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing; and a wireless power transmitting unit disposed in the first housing and connected to the first PCB, wherein the rotor portion includes: a second housing; a second PCB disposed on the second housing; and a wireless power receiving unit disposed in the second housing and connected to the second PCB, wherein the wireless power transmitting unit includes a first core and a first bobbin assembly housed in the first core, wherein the wireless power receiving unit includes a second core and a second bobbin assembly housed in the second core, wherein both the first bobbin assembly and the second bobbin assembly include: a coil; an insulating tape surrounding the coil; and a bobbin housing the coil and the insulating tape, and wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the coil to the cross-sectional area formed by the inner surface of the insulating tape is 0.8 or greater.

[0011] Both the wireless power transmitting unit and the wireless power receiving unit may have an annular shape centered on an axis. The first core may have an opening that faces the wireless power receiving unit, and the second core may have an opening that faces the wireless power transmitting unit. The first spool assembly and the second spool assembly may be configured to face each other and be spaced apart from each other.

[0012] The spacing between the first spool assembly and the second spool assembly can be 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0013] A first adhesive layer, an insulating layer disposed on the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer disposed on the insulating layer may also be provided between the bottom portion of the first core and the first spool assembly.

[0014] The first core may include: a bottom portion; a first sidewall extending from one side of the bottom portion toward the wireless power receiving unit; and a second sidewall extending from the other side of the bottom portion toward the wireless power receiving unit, wherein the distance between the second sidewall and the axis is greater than the distance between the first sidewall and the axis, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first sidewall may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second sidewall.

[0015] A first adhesive layer, an insulating layer disposed on the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer disposed on the insulating layer may also be provided between the first housing and the first core.

[0016] Multiple through holes may be formed in the bottom portion of the first core, and the first core and the first housing are fastened by multiple fastening members passing through the multiple through holes.

[0017] The coil can be Litz wire, which has 500 or more strands of wire wound around it.

[0018] A LiDAR device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a light emitting unit configured to illuminate an object with a light signal; a light receiving unit configured to receive a light signal reflected from the object; and a driving unit configured to rotate the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, wherein the driving unit includes: a stator portion; a shaft disposed on the stator portion; and a rotor portion disposed on the shaft, wherein the stator portion includes: a first housing; a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing; and a wireless power transmitting unit disposed in the first housing and connected to the first PCB, wherein the rotor portion includes: a second housing; a second PCB disposed on the second housing; and a wireless power receiving unit disposed in the second housing and connected to the second PCB, wherein the wireless power transmitting unit includes a first core and a first spool assembly housed in the first core, wherein the wireless power receiving unit includes a second core and a second spool assembly housed in the second core, wherein both the first spool assembly and the second spool assembly include: a coil; an insulating tape surrounding the coil; and a spool housing the coil and the insulating tape, and wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the coil to the cross-sectional area formed by the inner surface of the insulating tape is 0.8 or greater.

[0019] Beneficial effects

[0020] According to embodiments of the present invention, a LiDAR drive device capable of wireless power supply and a LiDAR system including the same can be obtained. Specifically, according to embodiments of the present invention, due to the increased space factor of the wireless power supply unit in the LiDAR drive device, the resistance is reduced, thereby reducing heat generation and reducing the volume occupied by the wireless power supply unit in the LiDAR drive device. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, a wireless power supply unit in a LiDAR drive device with improved mass production efficiency, durability, and reliability can be obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a LiDAR system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an optical receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a top view of an image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a microlens array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a view used to illustrate the correspondence between the light source, the condenser lens, the first homogenizer lens, and the second homogenizer lens of the light emitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial perspective view of a LiDAR system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a partial exploded view of a LiDAR system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a partial exploded view of a LiDAR device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a wireless power transmission / receiving device included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a wireless power transmission / reception device included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of a wireless power transmission unit included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of a wireless power transmission unit included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 15 It is the core of the wireless power transmission unit included in the LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 16 It is a spool assembly of a wireless power transmission unit included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] However, the spirit of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the invention can be implemented in various forms. Within the spirit or scope of the invention, one or more components of the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted with each other.

[0040] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention shall be interpreted as having the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, and terms having the commonly understood meaning (such as terms defined in a dictionary) shall be interpreted in the context of the relevant art.

[0041] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for the purpose of describing the embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0042] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the singular form may be understood to include the plural form, and the expression "at least one of A, B and / or C" may be understood to include any combination of one or more A, B and C.

[0043] In addition, expressions such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)" and "(b)" can be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] These terms are intended only to distinguish one part from another, and the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding parts are not limited by these terms.

[0045] Furthermore, when a component is described as "connected", "combined", or "accessed" to another component, the component can not only be directly connected, combined, or accessed to the other component, but can also be "connected", "combined", or "accessed" due to the presence of other components between the component and the other component.

[0046] Furthermore, when described as being formed or disposed "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above" or "below," it can include not only the meaning of an upward direction based on a component, but also the meaning of a downward direction based on a component.

[0047] The LiDAR system according to embodiments of the present invention can refer to a LiDAR system installed in a vehicle to measure the distance between the vehicle and an object, but is not limited thereto. The LiDAR system according to embodiments of the present invention can use the time-of-flight (ToF) principle or the phase-shift principle to extract depth information. In this specification, the LiDAR system may also be referred to as an information generation device, a depth information generation device, or a camera device.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a LiDAR system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the LiDAR system 1000 includes a light emitting unit 100, a light receiving unit 200, an information generating unit 300, a control unit 400, and a driving unit 500.

[0050] The light emitting unit 100 can generate and output an output light signal in the form of a pulsed wave or a continuous wave. The continuous wave can be in the form of a sine wave or a square wave. By generating an output light signal in the form of a pulsed wave or a continuous wave, the LiDAR system 1000 can detect the time difference or phase difference between the output light signal output from the light emitting unit 100 and the input light signal reflected from the target area and then input to the light receiving unit 200. In this specification, output light can refer to light output from the light emitting unit 100 and incident on an object, and input light can refer to light output from the light emitting unit 100, reaching the target area, then reflected from the target area and input to the light receiving unit 200. From the perspective of the target area, the output light can be the incident light, and the input light can be the reflected light. In this specification, the target area can be used interchangeably with the object or the target object.

[0051] The light receiving unit 200 can receive light signals reflected from the target area. In this case, the received light signal can be a light signal output by the light emitting unit 100 and reflected from the target area.

[0052] The light receiving unit 200 includes an image sensor, a lens unit disposed on the image sensor, and a filter.

[0053] The light signal reflected from the target area can pass through the lens unit of the light receiving unit 200. The optical axis of the lens unit of the light receiving unit 200 can be aligned with the optical axis of the image sensor. A filter can be disposed in the optical path between the target area and the image sensor. The filter can filter light with a predetermined wavelength range. The filter can allow light with a specific wavelength to pass through. For example, the filter can allow light in the infrared or near-infrared band to pass through while blocking light outside the infrared or near-infrared band. The image sensor receives the light signal and can output the received light signal as an electrical signal. The image sensor can detect light with a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the light output by the light emitting unit 100. For example, the image sensor can detect light in the infrared or near-infrared band.

[0054] Image sensors can be configured with a structure in which multiple pixels are arranged in a grid.

[0055] The optical receiving unit 200 and the optical emitting unit 100 can be arranged side by side. The optical receiving unit 200 can be located next to the optical emitting unit 100. The optical receiving unit 200 can be configured to face the same direction as the optical emitting unit 100. Alternatively, the optical receiving unit 200 and the optical emitting unit 100 can be configured to face different directions from each other. When the optical receiving unit 200 and the optical emitting unit 100 are configured to face different directions from each other, an optical path conversion component can be further provided between the optical receiving unit 200 and the optical emitting unit 100.

[0056] The information generation unit 300 uses the input light signal input to the light receiving unit 200 to generate information about the target region. The information about the target region may include three-dimensional information about the target region. For example, the information about the target region may include a point cloud. Alternatively, the information about the target region may include depth information or shape information about the target region. For example, the information generation unit 300 can use the time of flight of the output light signal output from the light emitting unit 100 from the object until it is input to the light receiving unit 200 to calculate the depth information of the object. For example, the information generation unit 300 can use the electrical signal received by the image sensor to calculate the time difference between the output light signal and the input light signal, and use the calculated time difference to calculate the distance between the target region and the LiDAR system 1000. For example, the information generation unit 300 can use the electrical signal received by the image sensor to calculate the phase difference between the output light signal and the input light signal, and use the calculated phase difference to calculate the distance between the target region and the LiDAR system 1000.

[0057] The control unit 400 controls the operation of the light emitting unit 100, the light receiving unit 200, and the information generating unit 300. The information generating unit 300 and the control unit 400 can be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB). Alternatively, the information generating unit 300 and the control unit 400 can be implemented as other types of components. Alternatively, the control unit 400 can be included in a terminal or vehicle equipped with the LiDAR system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the control unit 400 can be implemented as an application processor (AP) of a smartphone equipped with the LiDAR system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, or as an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle equipped with the LiDAR system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The LiDAR system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be a mechanical LiDAR that rotates 360°. For this purpose, the LiDAR system 1000 also includes a drive unit 500. The drive unit 500 includes a stator portion, a shaft disposed on the stator portion, and a rotor portion disposed on the shaft. Through the interaction between the stator portion and the rotor portion, the LiDAR system 1000 can have a 360° field of view (FOV).

[0059] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a light receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a top view of an image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a microlens array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Reference Figures 2 to 4The light receiving unit 200 included in the LiDAR system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image sensor 210, a microlens array 220 disposed on the image sensor 210, a lens unit 230 disposed on the microlens array 220, a window 250 disposed on the lens unit 230, and a filter 240 disposed between the image sensor 210 and the window 250. Although the filter 240 is shown as being disposed between the lens unit 230 and the window 250, it is not limited thereto.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the image sensor 210 includes a pixel array. Here, the pixel array may be a single-photon avalanche detector (SPAD) array, and the SPAD array may include multiple SPADs. When a SPAD receives an optical signal, it can detect photons through the avalanche phenomenon.

[0062] Here, the image sensor 210 includes a pixel array arranged along a first direction and a second direction, and the number of pixels arranged along the first direction may be greater than the number of pixels arranged along the second direction. For example, the image sensor 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes m An n-pixel array, where m can be greater than n. When the ratio of m to n is 8 or greater, the pixel array can be called a one-dimensional pixel array or a one-dimensional SPAD array.

[0063] According to embodiments of the present invention, the image sensor 210 may include a one-dimensional pixel array. For example, the image sensor 210 according to embodiments of the present invention may include 16 2-pixel array, 32 2-pixel array, 64 2-pixel array, 128 2-pixel array, 256 2-pixel array, 512 2-pixel array or 1024 2-pixel array.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a microlens array 220 is disposed on and spaced apart from an image sensor 210. The microlens array 220 includes a first surface 220A facing the image sensor 210 and a second surface opposite to the first surface 220A, and a plurality of microlenses protrude from the first surface 220A to face the image sensor 210. For ease of description, the first surface 220A of the microlens array 220 may be referred to as the bottom surface of the microlens array 220, and the second surface of the microlens array 220 may be referred to as the top surface of the microlens array 220. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of microlenses are formed on the first surface 220A of the microlens array 220, and the second surface of the microlens array 220 may be a planar surface.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 220A of the microlens array 220 includes: an effective region 220A1, including a plurality of microlenses corresponding to the pixel array of the image sensor 210; a buffer region 220A2, including a plurality of microlenses disposed around the effective region 220A1; and a peripheral region 220A3, disposed around the buffer region 220A2.

[0066] Here, the effective area 220A1 can correspond one-to-one with the pixel array. That is, when the image sensor 210 includes m When using an n-pixel array, the effective region 220A1 includes m The image sensor 210 has n microlenses, and each pixel corresponds one-to-one with a microlens in the effective area 220A1. Therefore, of the light signals incident on the light receiving unit 200, the light signals incident on the effective area 220A1 can be detected by the image sensor 210 and used for object recognition. The light signals incident on the light receiving unit 200 are collected by the microlenses in the effective area 220A1 of the microlens array 220, thus increasing the light receiving efficiency of each pixel. Therefore, the microlens array 220 can also be referred to as a sensor window.

[0067] Simultaneously, the buffer region 220A2 can be disposed around the effective region 220A1 to surround the effective region 220A1. For example, when the image sensor 210 includes m n-pixel array and the effective region 220A1 includes m When there are n microlenses, the first surface 220A of the microlens array 220 may include a buffer region 220A2, thus including a total of (m+2a). (n+2b) microlenses. Here, a and b can be the same or different from each other. For example, each of a and b can be between 1 and 10, preferably between 1 and 5, and more preferably between 2 and 3. For example, a can be 3 and b can be 2. In this way, when the first surface 220A of the microlens array 220 includes a buffer region 220A2 surrounding the effective region 220A1, the light collection efficiency of the effective region 220A1 is improved, and the loss of optical signal can be reduced.

[0068] Meanwhile, the peripheral region 220A3 can be disposed around the buffer region 220A2 to surround the buffer region 220A2. In this case, the peripheral region 220A3 can be a planar surface. Therefore, the microlens array 220 can be connected to the image sensor 210 or to a structure within the light receiving unit 200 through the peripheral region 220A3.

[0069] exist Figure 2In this configuration, lens unit 230 may include multiple lenses. For example, lens unit 230 may include two lenses spaced apart from each other, but is not limited thereto. Filter 240 may be a bandpass filter. For example, it may be a bandpass filter that transmits only the IR optical signal from the optical signal input to receiving unit 200. Although not shown, lens group 230 and filter 240 may be disposed on the lens barrel.

[0070] Window 250 is disposed outside the lens barrel, and after the light signal reflected from the object is transmitted through window 250, it sequentially incident on filter 240, lens group 230, microlens array 220, and image sensor 210. Therefore, window 250 can be referred to as a glass window or external window. The light signal output from light emitting unit 100 can also be output to the outside through window 250.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a view used to illustrate the correspondence between the light source, the condenser lens, the first homogenizing lens, and the second homogenizing lens of the light emitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Reference Figure 5 The light emitting unit 100 may include a light source 110, a condenser lens 120, a first light-diffusing lens 130, and a second light-diffusing lens 140.

[0073] Light source 110 generates and outputs laser pulses. The light source can use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and can have multiple LEDs arranged in a predetermined pattern. Alternatively, the light source can include organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or laser diodes (LDs). Alternatively, the light source can be a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). A VCSEL is one type of laser diode that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal and can output wavelengths of approximately 800 nm to 1000 nm, for example, approximately 850 nm or approximately 940 nm. Alternatively, the light source can output short-wavelength infrared (SWIR). SWIR can refer to wavelengths of 900 nm to 2500 nm, for example, approximately 1430 nm. The light source is repeatedly turned on / off at predetermined time intervals to generate an output optical signal in the form of a pulsed wave or a continuous wave. The predetermined time interval can be the frequency of the output optical signal. Alternatively, the light source can include an edge-emitting laser (EEL). This reduces the spectral width of the laser and suppresses wavelength variations based on temperature.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light source 110 may include a plurality of point light sources 111 in a one-dimensional array shape.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a condenser lens 120 converges the light emitted from each point light source, converts it into parallel light, and outputs parallel light. For this purpose, the condenser lens 120 may be disposed above and spaced apart from the light source 110. Here, the term "above the light source 110" may refer to the side from which light is emitted from the light source 110. The condenser lens 120 may be at least one lens, and when the condenser lens 120 comprises multiple lenses, the multiple condenser lenses may be aligned relative to a central axis to form an optical system. Here, the central axis may be the same as the optical axis of the optical system.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first homogenizing lens 130 and the second homogenizing lens 140 homogenize the light that has been parallelized by the condenser lens 120 and output homogenized light. For this purpose, the first homogenizing lens 130 is disposed above and spaced apart from the light source 110, and the second homogenizing lens 140 is also spaced apart from the light source 110, with the first homogenizing lens 130 located between the second homogenizing lens and the light source. That is, the light source 110, the condenser lens 120, the first homogenizing lens 130, and the second homogenizing lens 140 are sequentially arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Both the first homogenizing lens 130 and the second homogenizing lens 140 include a plurality of convex patterns, and each point light source included in the light source 110 can correspond to each convex pattern included in the first homogenizing lens 130 and the second homogenizing lens 140.

[0077] For example, light emitted from the first point light source 111 is converted into parallel light by the condenser lens 120, and then incident on the first convex pattern 131 of the first homogenizing lens 130. The light passing through the first convex pattern 131 of the first homogenizing lens 130 can then be incident on the first convex pattern 141 of the second homogenizing lens 140, homogenized, and then output. In this case, the distance between the first homogenizing lens 130 and the second homogenizing lens 140 can be set such that the focal plane of the light passing through the first convex pattern 131 of the first homogenizing lens 130 becomes the first convex pattern 141 of the second homogenizing lens 140.

[0078] Figure 6 This is a partial perspective view of a LiDAR system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a partial exploded view of a LiDAR system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a partially exploded view of a LiDAR device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6 to 8 The drive unit 500 of the LiDAR system 1000 is not shown in the diagram; that is, the LiDAR drive device 900, which will be described later.

[0079] Reference Figures 6 to 8The light emitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 can be housed within the housing 50 of the LiDAR system 1000. As shown, a LiDAR system 1000 may include multiple light emitting units 100 and light receiving units 200. For example, a LiDAR system 1000 may include two pairs of light emitting units 100 and light receiving units 200, and these two pairs of light emitting units 100 and light receiving units 200 may be configured to face each other. Of these two pairs of light emitting units 100 and light receiving units 200, one pair of light emitting units 100 and light receiving units 200 may be used for medium distance (1000-1), while the other pair of light emitting units 100 and light receiving units 200 may be used for long distance (1000-2).

[0080] Multiple openings can be formed in the housing 50. Among the multiple openings, the first opening 51 can be configured to correspond to the window 250 and can be used as a channel for light emission and light reception. Among the multiple openings, the second opening 52 can be used as a channel for dissipating heat generated from the light emission unit 100 and the light reception unit 200 housed within the housing 50.

[0081] The number of first openings 51 can be less than the number of second openings 52, and the diameter of the first opening 51 can be greater than the diameter of the second opening 52. Since the first openings 51 are configured to correspond to the window 250, the number of first openings 51 formed in the housing 50 can be the same as the number of light emitting units 100 and light receiving units 200 housed in the housing 50.

[0082] The light emitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 can be mounted on the base 600. The light emitting unit 100 is disposed on the side surface of the light receiving unit 200, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 100 and the light incident on the light receiving unit 200 after being reflected from the object can both pass through the window 250.

[0083] Although not specifically shown, the light emitting unit 100 may include a substrate, a light source, optical components, a shielding component, and a diffusion component. The substrate may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate may also be connected to a connector via a flexible PCB (FPCB). The light source is disposed on the substrate, and the substrate may include terminals. The light source may correspond to the light source 110 of the light emitting unit 100 described above. That is, the light source may include multiple emitters arranged in an array. The driving of the multiple emitters may be controlled individually or collectively. Alternatively, the light source may be an edge-emitting laser diode (EEL). The optical components may converge light emitted from the light source or redirect the optical path of light emitted from the light source. For example, when the light source is not positioned facing window 250, the optical components may redirect the optical path so that light emitted from the light source is emitted through window 250. The optical components may correspond to the condenser lens 120 of the light emitting unit 100 described above. The shielding component surrounds the substrate and the light source and may be referred to as a cover can, and may be made of a non-magnetic material to block electromagnetic interference (EMI). The diffusion component may be a diffusion lens or a diffuser. The diffusion component may be disposed in the optical path of light emitted from the light source. The diffusion component may correspond to the first light-diffusing lens 130 and the second light-diffusing lens 140 of the light-emitting unit 100 described above.

[0084] The light receiving unit 200 may include a sensor unit and a lens unit. The sensor unit may include a substrate, an image sensor 210 disposed on the substrate, and a microlens array disposed on the image sensor 210. The image sensor 210 can detect infrared or near-infrared light. The image sensor 210 can detect light of a specific wavelength within the infrared or near-infrared light. The lens unit may include a lens barrel, multiple lenses, a filter, and a lens shield. The image sensor 210 can detect light that has passed through the filter. The image sensor 210 can detect light within the wavelength band of the light source. Thus, the image sensor 210 detects light emitted from the light source and reflected from the object, thereby sensing 3D image information of the object.

[0085] As described above, the LiDAR system according to embodiments of the present invention can be a mechanical LiDAR system. Therefore, the LiDAR system according to embodiments of the present invention can be designed to rotate 360 ​​degrees via a drive unit.

[0086] The driving unit included in a LiDAR system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. In this specification, the driving unit may also be referred to as a LiDAR driving device. Figures 6 to 8In the accompanying drawings, the LiDAR driving device 900 may be located at the lower part. The light emitting unit 100 and light receiving unit 200 included in the LiDAR system according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be referred to as a LiDAR device. Alternatively, at least a portion of the information generation unit 300 and control unit 400, the light emitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 included in the LiDAR system according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be referred to as a LiDAR device.

[0087] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the wireless power transmission / reception device included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a wireless power transmission / reception device included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of the wireless power transmission unit included in the LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of the wireless power transmission unit included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 It is the core of the wireless power transmission unit included in the LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 It is a spool assembly of a wireless power transmission unit included in a LiDAR driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A sectional view.

[0088] Reference Figures 9 to 10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a LiDAR drive device 900 includes a stator portion 910, a shaft 920, and a rotor portion 930. The shaft 920 is fixed relative to the stator portion 910, and the rotor portion 930 is rotatable about the shaft 920 fixed relative to the stator portion 910. Although not shown in detail, coils wound around a core C and magnets M are provided in the stator portion 910 and the rotor portion 930. The interaction between the coils wound around the core C and the magnets M is generated by an electric current applied by the coils, and the rotor portion 930 can rotate by the interaction between the coils and the magnets.

[0089] The stator portion 910 is fixed to an object on which the LiDAR system 1000 is installed, such as a vehicle, and the rotor portion 930 is equipped with the light emitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 of the LiDAR system 1000, and can rotate together with the light emitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stator portion 910 includes a first housing 911, a first PCB (printed circuit board) 912, a first retainer 913, and a first FPCB (flexible printed circuit board) 914. Furthermore, the rotor portion 930 includes a second housing 931, a second PCB 932, a second retainer 933, and a second FPCB 934.

[0091] like Figures 9 to 10 As shown, a first PCB 912 is disposed on a first housing 911, and a second PCB 932 is disposed on a second housing 931. The first PCB 912 may be disposed on the outer surface of the first housing 911, and the second PCB 932 may be disposed on the outer surface of the second housing 931. That is, in a structure where a rotating coil and magnet are disposed within the internal space formed by the first housing 911 and the second housing 931, both the first PCB 912 and the second PCB 932 may be disposed outside the internal space formed by the first housing 911 and the second housing 931. For example, as... Figure 10 As shown, the first PCB 912, the first housing 911, the second housing 931, and the second PCB 932 are arranged sequentially from bottom to top, and the coil and magnet can be disposed between the first housing 911 and the second housing 931. In this specification, the first housing 911 is described as being disposed at the bottom and the second housing 931 as being disposed at the top by way of example, but this is for ease of description, and obviously the top and bottom can be reversed.

[0092] Here, the first PCB 912 may be disposed close to the object on which the LiDAR system 1000 is applied according to an embodiment of the present invention (e.g., the vehicle side), and the second PCB 932 may be disposed close to the light emitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200 included in the LiDAR system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The aforementioned information generation unit 300 and control unit 400 can be configured separately from the LiDAR driving device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention, implemented as separate PCBs on the light emitting unit 100 and light receiving unit 200 sides. Alternatively, some functions of the information generation unit 300 and control unit 400 can be performed in the first PCB 912 of the LiDAR driving device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, some functions of the information generation unit 300 and control unit 400 can be performed in the first PCB 912 or the second PCB 932 of the LiDAR driving device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] For this purpose, communication between the first PCB 912 and the second PCB 932 is required. For example, control signals for controlling the optical transmitting unit 100 and the optical receiving unit 200 can be transmitted from the first PCB 912 toward the second PCB 932. Therefore, the first PCB 912 becomes the transmitting side, and the second PCB 932 becomes the receiving side; this can be referred to as the downlink. Conversely, electrical signals detected by the optical receiving unit 200 can be transmitted from the second PCB 932 toward the first PCB 912. Therefore, the second PCB 932 becomes the transmitting side, and the first PCB 912 becomes the receiving side; this can be referred to as the uplink.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shaft 920 can be fixed to the stator portion 910. For example, the shaft 920 is fixed to the first housing 911 of the stator portion 910 and can be disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing 911 and the second housing 931. In this way, the shaft 920 can be a fixed shaft.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first retainer 913 is configured to surround a shaft 920. The first retainer 913 may contact the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 920 and may be configured to be fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 920. Furthermore, a second retainer 933 is configured to surround the shaft 920 and the first retainer 913. The second retainer 933 may be configured to be spaced apart from the first retainer 913. The inner peripheral surface of the second retainer 933 may be configured to face the outer peripheral surface of the first retainer 913 and be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the first retainer 913. Furthermore, the first retainer 913 is fixed together with the first housing 911 and the shaft 920, and the second retainer 933 may rotate together with the second housing 931.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first FPCB 914 is connected to a first PCB 912 and disposed along the outer peripheral surface of a first holder 913. A second FPCB 934 is connected to a second PCB 912 and disposed along the inner peripheral surface of a second holder 933. Therefore, the first FPCB 914 and the second FPCB 934 are configured to face each other and be spaced apart between the outer peripheral surface of the first holder 913 and the inner peripheral surface of the second holder 933. Bidirectional wireless communication between the first PCB 912 and the second PCB 932 can be performed via a capacitive link between a first metal pattern (not shown) of the first FPCB 914 and a second metal pattern (not shown) of the second FPCB 934, which are configured to face each other and be spaced apart.

[0098] Simultaneously, in order to drive the LiDAR drive device 900, rotate the rotor portion 930, or operate the light emitting unit 100 and the light receiving unit 200, power must be supplied from the first PCB 912 to the second PCB 932. Since the LiDAR drive device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention is rotary, power must be wirelessly supplied from the first PCB 912 to the second PCB 932.

[0099] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stator portion 910 of the LiDAR drive device 900 includes a wireless power transmission unit 915 connected to a first PCB 912, and the rotor portion 930 includes a wireless power receiving unit 935 connected to a second PCB 932.

[0100] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The wireless power transmission / reception device included in the LiDAR drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless power transmitting unit 915 and a wireless power receiving unit 935. The wireless power transmitting unit 915 and the wireless power receiving unit 935 are configured to face each other. Although not shown, the wireless power transmitting unit 915 is connected to a first PCB 912 of the stator portion 910, and the wireless power receiving unit 935 is connected to a second PCB 932 of the rotor portion 930. The wireless power transmitting unit 915 includes a primary-side coil, and the wireless power receiving unit 935 includes a secondary-side coil. Power can be wirelessly transmitted from the primary-side coil to the secondary-side coil using electromagnetic induction or resonance between the primary-side coil and the secondary-side coil. Therefore, the primary-side coil can be referred to as the transmitting coil, and the secondary-side coil can be referred to as the receiving coil.

[0101] Reference Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 17 The wireless power transmitting unit 915 includes a first core 1110 and a first spool assembly 1120 housed within the first core 1110, and the wireless power receiving unit 935 includes a second core 1210 and a second spool assembly 1220 housed within the second core 1210. According to an embodiment of the invention, both the first spool assembly 1120 and the second spool assembly 1220 include a coil 1121, an insulating tape 1122 surrounding the coil 1121, and a spool 1123 housing the coil 1121 and the insulating tape 1122. The spool 1123 may be made of a plastic material.

[0102] In this configuration, the coils in the first spool assembly 1120 of the wireless power transmitting unit 915 and the coils in the second spool assembly 1220 of the wireless power receiving unit 935 are aligned facing each other, and both the wireless power transmitting unit 915 and the wireless power receiving unit 935 can have an annular shape centered on the axis 920. Therefore, when the rotor portion 930 rotates around the axis 920, the wireless power receiving unit 935 also rotates with the rotor portion 930 and can be supplied with power from the wireless power transmitting unit 915. Here, the two ends (input / output) of the coil in the first spool assembly 1120 can be connected to the first PCB 912, and the two ends (input / output) of the coil in the second spool assembly 1220 can be connected to the second PCB 932.

[0103] Here, the first core 1110 and the second core 1210 can be magnetic bodies. For example, the first core 1110 and the second core 1210 can be ferrite cores. Therefore, the electromagnetic force of the first spool assembly 1120 can be directed to the second spool assembly 1220 without leakage towards the first core 1110 in the lateral direction. Thus, the efficiency of wireless power transmission can be improved.

[0104] like Figures 13 to 14 As shown, a groove G1 is formed in the first core portion 1110, and the first spool assembly 1120 can be accommodated in the groove G1. That is, the first core portion 1110 has an opening that opens toward the wireless power receiving unit 935, and the first spool assembly 1120 can be accommodated through this opening.

[0105] Here, for ease of description, Figures 13 to 16 Only the first core 1110 and the first spool assembly 1120 of the wireless power transmitting unit 915 are shown and described, and the focus is on them; however, the second core 1210 and the second spool assembly 1220 of the wireless power receiving unit 935 may also have the same structure as the first core 1110 and the first spool assembly 1120 of the wireless power transmitting unit 915.

[0106] Therefore, a groove is also formed in the second core 1210, and the second spool assembly 1220 can be accommodated in the groove. That is, the second core 1210 has an opening that faces the wireless power transmission unit 915, and the second spool assembly 1220 can be accommodated through this opening.

[0107] Therefore, the first spool assembly 1120 and the second spool assembly 1210 can be arranged to face each other.

[0108] In this case, such as Figure 13As shown, with the first spool assembly 1120 housed within the first core 1110, the maximum height of the first core 1110 can be greater than the maximum height of the first spool assembly 1120. Therefore, the electromagnetic force of the first spool assembly 1120 can be directed to the second spool assembly 1220 without leakage laterally towards the first core 1110. This improves the efficiency of wireless power transmission.

[0109] Here, the air gap between the first spool assembly 1120 and the second spool assembly 1220 can be from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Therefore, high wireless power transmission efficiency between the first spool assembly 1120 and the second spool assembly 1220 can be obtained.

[0110] At the same time, refer to again Figure 10 The first holder 913 and the first FPCB 914, as well as the second holder 933 and the second FPCB 934, for wireless communication between the first PCB 912 and the second PCB 932, are arranged centered on axis 920. Similarly, the wireless power transmitting unit 915 and the wireless power receiving unit 935 for wireless power transmission between the first PCB 912 and the second PCB 932 are also arranged centered on axis 920. In this case, the wireless power transmitting unit 915 and the wireless power receiving unit 935 can be arranged around the first holder 913 and the first FPCB 914, as well as the second holder 933 and the second FPCB 934. That is, the distance from axis 920 to the wireless power transmitting unit 915 and the wireless power receiving unit 935 can be greater than the distance from axis 920 to the first holder 913 and the first FPCB 914, as well as the second holder 933 and the second FPCB 934.

[0111] Refer again Figures 13 to 16 The first core portion 1110 includes a bottom portion 1111, a first sidewall 1112 extending from one side of the bottom portion 1111 in a direction toward the wireless power receiving unit 935, and a second sidewall 1113 extending from the other side of the bottom portion 1111 in a direction toward the wireless power receiving unit 935. Here, the distance between the second sidewall 1113 and the axis 920 is greater than the distance between the first sidewall 1112 and the axis 920, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first sidewall 1112 can be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second sidewall 1113. That is, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the axis 920, the thickness T1 of the first sidewall 1112 can be greater than the thickness T2 of the second sidewall 1113.

[0112] Thus, in the two sidewalls 1112 and 1113 of the first core 1110, when the thickness T1 of the first sidewall 1112 facing the first holder 913 and the first FPCB 914, as well as the second holder 933 and the second FPCB 934, is greater than the thickness T2 of the second sidewall 1113, the electromagnetic influence of the wireless power transmission between the wireless power transmitting unit 915 and the wireless power receiving unit 935 on the wireless communication between the first PCB 912 and the second PCB 932 can be minimized.

[0113] In this configuration, a first adhesive member 1130 may be provided between the bottom portion 1111 of the first core 1110 and the first spool assembly 1120. The first adhesive member 1130 may include a first adhesive layer disposed on the bottom portion 1111 of the first core 1110, an insulating layer disposed on the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer disposed on the insulating layer. Here, the insulating layer may have a film shape made of a plastic material. Therefore, the first spool assembly 1120 can be fixed to the bottom portion 1111 of the first core 1110. In this configuration, when the bottom portion 1111 of the first core 1110 and the first spool assembly 1120 have an annular shape, the first adhesive member 1130 may include a plurality of first adhesive members 1131 and 1132 that are symmetrically spaced apart from each other. Therefore, after the first adhesive member 1130 is applied to the first spool assembly 1120, it is easy to bond it to the bottom portion 1111 of the first core 1110, and a generally uniform adhesive force can be obtained between the first spool assembly 1120 and the bottom portion 1111 of the first core 1110.

[0114] Simultaneously, multiple through holes TH are formed in the bottom portion 1111 of the first core 1110, and the first core 1110 and the first housing 911 can be fastened by multiple fastening members (not shown) passing through the multiple through holes TH. In this case, a second adhesive member 1140 can also be provided between the first housing 911 and the first core 1110. The second adhesive member 1140 may include a first adhesive layer disposed on the upper surface of the first housing 911, an insulating layer disposed on the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer disposed on the insulating layer. Here, the insulating layer may have a film shape made of plastic material. Thus, when the second adhesive member 1140 is also provided between the first housing 911 and the first core 1110, the second adhesive member 1140 also acts as a damper, so that the highly fragile first core 1110 will not break even under frequent vibration and can maintain high reliability.

[0115] Meanwhile, as described above, according to embodiments of the present invention, both the first spool assembly 1120 and the second spool assembly 1220 include a coil 1121, an insulating strip 1122 surrounding the coil 1121, and a spool 1123 housing the coil 1121 and the insulating strip 1122. The spool 1223 may be made of plastic material.

[0116] Reference Figure 17 The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​coil 1121 to the cross-sectional area formed by the inner surface of insulating tape 1122 is 0.8 or greater, and preferably 0.82 or greater. That is, the porosity relative to the cross-sectional area formed by the inner surface of insulating tape 1122 is 0.2 or less, and preferably 0.18 or less. Therefore, due to the high space factor of the first spool assembly 1120 and the second spool assembly 1220, resistance is reduced and heat generation can be decreased. Furthermore, as the space factor of the first spool assembly 1120 and the second spool assembly 1220 increases, the dimensions of the first core 1110 and the second core 1210 can also be reduced, thereby improving wireless power transmission / reception efficiency while reducing the volume occupied by the wireless power transmitting unit 915 and the wireless power receiving unit 935.

[0117] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the coil 1121 can be Litz wire, wherein 500 or more strands, preferably 600 strands, are wound around it. For example, 600 strands of wire with a diameter of 0.08 mm are provided in the cross-section formed by the inner surface of the insulating tape 1122, and the coil 1121 surrounded by the insulating tape 1122 can be wound three times in the cross-section formed by the inner surface of the spool 1123 included in the first spool assembly 1120.

[0118] In this configuration, the outer surface shape of the insulating strip 1122 surrounding the coil 1121 can correspond to the inner surface shape of the spool 1123. That is, the cross-section of the corner of the insulating strip 1122 surrounding the coil 1121 can be circular. Therefore, the spacing between the outer surface of the insulating strip 1122 surrounding the coil 1121 and the inner surface of the spool 1123 can be minimized, thereby increasing the spatial coefficient of the coil 1121 within the spool 1123 and improving the wireless power transmission / reception efficiency.

[0119] Although embodiments have been described above, these are merely examples and do not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not illustrated above can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of these embodiments. For example, each element specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified. Furthermore, differences associated with such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A LiDAR driving device, comprising: Stator section; A shaft is disposed on the stator portion; as well as The rotor portion is mounted on the shaft. The stator portion includes: a first housing; a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing; and a wireless power transmission unit disposed in the first housing and connected to the first PCB. The rotor portion includes: a second housing; a second PCB disposed on the second housing; and a wireless power receiving unit disposed in the second housing and connected to the second PCB. The wireless power transmission unit includes a first core and a first spool assembly housed within the first core. The wireless power receiving unit includes a second core and a second spool assembly housed within the second core. Both the first spool assembly and the second spool assembly include: coil; Insulating tape, surrounding the coil; and A spool that houses the coil and the insulating tape, and The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the coil to the cross-sectional area formed by the inner surface of the insulating strip is 0.8 or greater.

2. The LiDAR driving device according to claim 1, in, Both the wireless power transmitting unit and the wireless power receiving unit have a ring shape centered on the axis. The first core portion has an opening that faces the wireless power receiving unit. The second core portion has an opening that faces the wireless power transmission unit, and The first spool assembly and the second spool assembly are configured to face each other and be spaced apart from each other.

3. The LiDAR driving device according to claim 2, in, The spacing between the first spool assembly and the second spool assembly is 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

4. The LiDAR driving device according to claim 2, in, A first adhesive layer, an insulating layer disposed on the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer disposed on the insulating layer are further provided between the bottom portion of the first core and the first spool assembly.

5. The LiDAR driving device according to claim 2, in, The first core includes: a bottom portion; a first sidewall extending from one side of the bottom portion toward the wireless power receiving unit; and a second sidewall extending from the other side of the bottom portion toward the wireless power receiving unit. Wherein, the distance between the second sidewall and the shaft is greater than the distance between the first sidewall and the shaft, and The cross-sectional area of ​​the first sidewall is greater than that of the second sidewall.

6. The LiDAR driving device according to claim 5, in, A first adhesive layer, an insulating layer disposed on the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer disposed on the insulating layer are further provided between the first housing and the first core.

7. The LiDAR driving device according to claim 6, in, A plurality of through holes are formed in the bottom portion of the first core, and the first core and the first housing are fastened by a plurality of fastening members passing through the plurality of through holes.

8. The LiDAR driving device according to claim 1, in, The coil is Litz wire, in which 500 or more strands of wire are wound.

9. A LiDAR device, comprising: The light emitting unit is configured to project a light signal onto the object; A light receiving unit is configured to receive light signals reflected from the object; as well as The driving unit is configured to rotate the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The driving unit includes: Stator section; A shaft is disposed on the stator portion; and The rotor portion is mounted on the shaft. The stator portion includes: a first housing; a first printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing; and a wireless power transmission unit disposed in the first housing and connected to the first PCB. The rotor portion includes: a second housing; a second PCB disposed on the second housing; and a wireless power receiving unit disposed in the second housing and connected to the second PCB. The wireless power transmission unit includes a first core and a first spool assembly housed within the first core. The wireless power receiving unit includes a second core and a second spool assembly housed within the second core. Both the first spool assembly and the second spool assembly include: coil; Insulating tape, surrounding the coil; and A spool that houses the coil and the insulating tape, and The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the coil to the cross-sectional area formed by the inner surface of the insulating strip is 0.8 or greater.

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