Tof camera module and camera device

Abstract

The present specification relates to a ToF camera module and a camera device. The camera device comprises: a body having an accommodation space formed therein; and a ToF camera module positioned in the accommodation space. The ToF camera module includes: a light source unit positioned on one surface of a first substrate; a ToF lens unit for receiving light emitted from the light source unit; a ToF sensor unit positioned on one surface of a second substrate which is connected to the first substrate by a first connection unit, and for receiving light which has passed through the ToF lens unit; and an idle space formed on the other side of the first substrate, wherein the light source unit and the ToF lens unit may be positioned on a first layer, and the ToF sensor unit may be positioned on a second layer, which is different from the first layer.

Description

ToF camera module and camera device

[0001] The present embodiments relate to a ToF camera module and a camera device, and more specifically, to a ToF camera module and a 3D vision camera device including the same.

[0002] Research on 3D cameras that can obtain distance information from an object, especially devices that obtain 3D depth images for facial recognition, is on the rise.

[0003] Following this trend, optical time-of-flight (ToF) modules have been introduced as depth imaging devices. ToF modules can acquire depth images by illuminating a subject with illumination light and measuring the flight time of the light reflected from the subject until it reaches the light receiving unit.

[0004] However, as the distance from the subject increases, noise and distortion occur, which causes a sharp decline in the accuracy of depth information and a decrease in correlation with the color image. To solve this problem, there have been attempts to correct the depth image by placing an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) module adjacent to the ToF sensor.

[0005] However, there is still a need for technology for an efficient arrangement relationship between the RGB module and the ToF sensor.

[0006] The technical task of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a ToF camera module that can efficiently transfer heat generated from a ToF camera to the outside.

[0007] In addition, embodiments of the present invention have as their technical task a camera device capable of efficiently transmitting heat generated from a ToF camera to the outside.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0009] According to embodiments for solving the technical problems described above, a ToF camera module includes a light source unit located on one side of a first substrate; a ToF lens unit receiving light emitted from the light source unit; a ToF sensor unit located on one side of a second substrate connected to the first substrate by a first connecting unit and receiving light passing through the ToF lens unit; and an idle space formed on the other side of the first substrate, wherein the light source unit and the ToF lens unit may be located in a first layer, and the ToF sensor unit may be located in a second layer different from the first layer.

[0010] According to embodiments, the second substrate may include a region where the ToF sensor unit is located and a cut region where the ToF sensor unit is not located, and the idle space may be formed by the cut region.

[0011] According to embodiments, the first connecting portion may be bent to connect the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0012] According to embodiments, the device may further include a housing in which at least a portion of the light source unit and the ToF lens unit are exposed on the front side and the ToF sensor unit is positioned inside.

[0013] According to embodiments, the rear surface of the housing may include a first surface and a second surface that forms a step with respect to the first surface, wherein the first surface may be formed within the idle space.

[0014] According to embodiments, the device further comprises a third substrate that receives power from an external source; and a second connecting portion connecting the third substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate can receive power from the third substrate through the second connecting portion.

[0015] According to embodiments for solving the technical problem described above, a camera device includes a body forming a receiving space; and a ToF camera module positioned in the receiving space, wherein the ToF camera module includes a light source unit positioned on one surface of a first substrate; a ToF lens unit receiving light emitted from the light source unit; a ToF sensor unit positioned on one surface of a second substrate connected to the first substrate by a first connecting unit and receiving light passing through the ToF lens unit; and an idle space formed on the other surface side of the first substrate, wherein the light source unit and the ToF lens unit may be positioned in a first layer, and the ToF sensor unit may be positioned in a second layer different from the first layer.

[0016] According to embodiments, the second substrate may include a region where the ToF sensor unit is located and a cut region where the ToF sensor unit is not located, and the idle space may be formed by the cut region.

[0017] According to embodiments, the ToF camera module further includes a housing in which at least a portion of the light source unit and the ToF lens unit are exposed on the front side and the ToF sensor unit is positioned inside, and a rear surface of the housing includes a first surface and a second surface that forms a step with respect to the first surface, and the first surface can be formed within the idle space.

[0018] According to embodiments, the front side may further include a rear cover where the front side meets the rear side of the ToF camera module.

[0019] According to embodiments, the front surface of the rear cover may include a protruding surface that meets the first surface and a mounting surface that meets the second surface, and the protruding surface may be formed to protrude more than the mounting surface.

[0020] According to embodiments, the upper surface of the body is formed, and further includes an upper cover coupled to the body, the upper cover includes a heat sink formed to extend in a first direction on the exterior, and a plurality of the heat sinks can be arranged to be spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021] According to embodiments, the upper cover may further include a first contact portion that meets at least a portion of the rear surface of the rear cover.

[0022] According to embodiments, the rear cover may include a rib formed to protrude from the rear and having an upper surface that meets the lower surface of the first contact portion, and the upper cover may further include a protrusion formed to protrude from the lower surface of the first contact portion and having one surface that meets the protruding surface of the rib.

[0023] According to embodiments, a printed circuit board positioned in the receiving space and having electronic components mounted on one surface thereof; and an RGB camera module positioned in the receiving space, wherein the ToF camera module is positioned on one surface side of the printed circuit board, the RGB camera module is positioned on the other surface side of the printed circuit board, and the front surface of the ToF camera module and the front surface of the RGB camera module can form a single plane.

[0024] According to embodiments, the RGB camera module includes a driving component for driving, and the driving component is positioned on the other side of the printed circuit board and may be positioned spaced apart from the printed circuit board.

[0025] According to embodiments, the front of the body may further include a front cover coupled to the body, wherein the front cover may include a receiving portion for receiving the ToF camera module and the RGB camera module.

[0026] According to embodiments, the front cover may further include a front glass covering the front portion, and the front glass may have a mask formed in a portion excluding a portion where the ToF camera module and the RGB camera module are exposed.

[0027] According to embodiments, there is an effect of preventing camera performance degradation due to heat generation by providing a ToF camera module that can efficiently transfer heat generated from the ToF camera to the outside.

[0028] According to embodiments, there is an effect of preventing camera performance degradation due to heat generation by providing a camera device capable of efficiently transferring heat generated from a ToF camera to the outside.

[0029] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a camera device according to embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a camera device according to embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are drawings showing the arrangement positions of the ToF camera module and the RGB camera module of the camera device according to embodiments.

[0033] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings showing a ToF camera module according to embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a ToF camera module according to embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a substrate of a ToF camera module according to embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the direction of heat transfer occurring within a ToF camera module according to embodiments.

[0037] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a rear cover according to embodiments.

[0038] Figures 11 and 12 are drawings showing an upper cover according to embodiments.

[0039] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a rear cover according to embodiments.

[0040] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing an upper cover according to embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional view of a camera device according to embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the direction of heat transfer occurring within a camera device according to embodiments.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0044] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of a related known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0045] In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0046] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0047] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0048] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0049] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing a camera device according to embodiments. Fig. 2 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a camera device according to embodiments.

[0051] The camera device (1000) illustrated in FIG. 2 corresponds to the camera device (1000) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0052] Hereinafter, in describing the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments, the direction toward the front and rear will be described based on the x-axis direction, the left-right direction or side direction will be described based on the y-axis direction, and the up-down direction or height direction will be described based on the z-axis direction.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a camera device (1000) according to embodiments may include a body (100), a printed circuit board (PCB) (200), a time-of-flight (ToF) camera module (300), a red, green, blue (RGB) camera module (400), a top cover (500), a rear cover (600), and a front cover (700).

[0054] The camera device (1000) according to the embodiments may correspond to a 3D (dimension) vision camera that captures a 3D image including depth information. Unlike a typical 2D (dimension) camera that provides two-dimensional image information, a 3D vision camera can recognize a location and shape in real space by including distance information between an object and the camera. More specifically, the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments may correspond to a 3D (dimension) vision camera that uses a ToF camera.

[0055] The body (100) can form a receiving space (10), and a printed circuit board (200), a ToF camera module (300), an RGB camera module (400), a rear cover (600), etc. can be built into the receiving space (10). The body (100) can be formed to be long in the x-axis direction as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and can be formed of a side surface including a bottom surface and a rear surface.

[0056] A printed circuit board (200) is positioned within the receiving space (10), and an electronic component (210) may be mounted on one surface thereof. More specifically, an electronic component (210) may be mounted on the upper surface of the printed circuit board (200). The electronic component (210) may include, for example, a control unit including an AP (Application Processor) for operating a camera device (1000).

[0057] The ToF camera module (300) is positioned inside the receiving space (10) and may be positioned on one side of the printed circuit board (200). More specifically, the ToF camera module (300) may be positioned in the z-axis direction with respect to the printed circuit board (200). The RGB camera module (400) is positioned inside the receiving space (10) and may be positioned on the other side of the printed circuit board (200). More specifically, the RGB camera module (400) may be positioned in the -z-axis direction with respect to the printed circuit board (200). The positional relationship between the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0058] The upper cover (500) forms the upper surface of the body (100) and can be combined with the body (100). In other words, the upper cover (500) can form an accommodation space (10) together with the body (100) by being combined with the body (100). The upper cover (500) can be formed of an aluminum material and can transfer heat generated within the camera device (1000) to the outside. More specifically, the upper cover (500) can transfer heat generated in an electronic component (210) or a ToF camera module (300) mounted on a printed circuit board (200) to the outside. A detailed description of the configuration of the upper cover (500) will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0059] The rear cover (600) is positioned inside the receiving space (10), and its front side can meet the rear side of the ToF camera module (300). That is, the rear cover (600) can wrap the rear side of the ToF camera module (300). The rear cover (600) can be formed of an aluminum material like the upper cover (500), and can transfer heat generated in the ToF camera module (300) to the outside. More specifically, the rear cover (600) can transfer heat generated in the ToF camera module (300) to the upper cover (500), and as a result, the transferred heat can be transferred to the outside through the upper cover (500). A detailed description of the configuration of the rear cover (600) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0060] The front cover (700) forms the front of the body (100) and can be combined with the body (100). In other words, the front cover (700) can form an accommodation space (10) together with the body (100) by being combined with the body (100). In addition, the front cover (700) can include accommodation portions (710, 720) for accommodating a ToF camera module (300) and an RGB camera module (400).

[0061] The front part of the front cover (700) can be covered by a front glass (800). The front glass (800) can have a mask formed in the portions except for the portions (810, 820, 830) where the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400) are exposed. That is, light can pass through the ToF camera module (300) or the RGB camera module (400) and not through other portions.

[0062] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are drawings showing the arrangement positions of the ToF camera module and the RGB camera module of the camera device according to embodiments. More specifically, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the arrangement positions of the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400), and FIG. 4 is a front view showing the arrangement positions of the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400).

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400) may be arranged with the printed circuit board (200) interposed therebetween. For example, the ToF camera module (300) may be positioned on one side (201) of the printed circuit board (200), and the RGB camera module (400) may be positioned on the other side (202) of the printed circuit board (200). That is, the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400) may not be positioned parallel to each other, but may be positioned in a superior-subordinate relationship.

[0064] In addition, the front of the ToF camera module (300) and the front of the RGB camera module (400) may form a single plane. More specifically, the ToF camera module (300) may include a light source unit (330) and a ToF lens unit (320) that receives light emitted from the light source unit (330). The RGB camera module (400) may include an RGB lens unit (410) that receives light. At this time, the light source unit (330) and the ToF lens unit (320) may form the front of the ToF camera module (300), and the RGB lens unit (410) may form the front of the RGB camera module (400).

[0065] The ToF camera module (300) calculates the distance value to the subject based on the time it takes for light emitted through the ToF lens unit (320) to be reflected from the subject and return. The distance value for each point on the subject is implemented as depth data, and a shape image such as a depth image can be obtained through the depth data.

[0066] While the RGB camera module (400) uses external light as a light source, the ToF camera module (300) emits light having a separate wavelength (e.g., infrared wavelength), and the emitted light can be received by the ToF lens unit (320). Therefore, the ToF camera module (300) may separately include a light source unit (330) for emitting light. The light source unit (330) may include, for example, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). In particular, the light source unit (330) may correspond to a 3-junction VCSEL to increase light output.

[0067] Typically, RGB images acquired by an RGB camera and shape images acquired by a ToF camera can be synthesized and utilized. However, due to parallax between the RGB and ToF cameras, there may be areas in the image where the RGB image and depth data do not match. This phenomenon is called occlusion.

[0068] This occlusion is a type of error caused by the parallax of multiple cameras. To minimize occlusion, it's necessary to minimize the distance between the cameras that form the composite image. However, in the past, it was common to place cameras without careful consideration of this occlusion issue.

[0069] Accordingly, the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments can position the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400) so that the positions of the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400) correspond to a vertical relationship in order to minimize the distance between the cameras.

[0070] There is a problem that the RGB lens part (410) of the RGB camera module (400) itself has a size, so when the RGB camera module (400) and the ToF camera module (300) are arranged in a straight line, the gap between the RGB camera module (400) and the ToF camera module (300) cannot be reduced to a certain range.

[0071] Accordingly, the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments has the effect of reducing the distance between the RGB camera module (400) and the ToF camera module (300) to a certain range by arranging the RGB camera module (400) and the ToF camera module (300) vertically rather than in a straight line. In this case, the certain range may correspond to a length desired by the user.

[0072] More specifically, the center of the light source unit (330) and the center of the ToF lens unit (320) may be formed on the first line (301), and the center of the RGB lens unit (410) may not be formed on the first line (301). That is, among the multiple straight lines passing through the center of the RGB lens unit (410), the second line (401), which is a line parallel to the first line (301), may correspond to a relationship in which it does not intersect the first line (301).

[0073] The ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400) can be arranged so that the distance between the first line (301) and the second line (401) has a minimum value.

[0074] Accordingly, the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments has the effect of minimizing the occurrence of occlusion by minimizing the gap between the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400). In addition, the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments has the effect of improving the alignment rate by minimizing the gap between the ToF camera module (300) and the RGB camera module (400).

[0075] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings showing a ToF camera module according to embodiments. More specifically, FIG. 5 shows a drawing of the ToF camera module (300) viewed from the front, and FIG. 6 shows a drawing of the ToF camera module (300) viewed from the rear.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the ToF camera module (300) may include a housing (310), a ToF lens unit (320), and a light source unit (330).

[0077] The housing (310) is a component that forms the exterior of the ToF camera module (300), and a ToF lens unit (320), a light source unit (330), etc. may be built into the interior. The front of the housing (310) may refer to the front of the ToF camera module (300), and the rear of the housing (310) may refer to the rear of the ToF camera module (300).

[0078] The rear surface of the housing (310) may include a first surface (311) and a second surface (312). In other words, the rear surface of the ToF camera module (300) may include a first surface (311) and a second surface (312).

[0079] The first surface (311) may be formed to form a step with respect to the second surface (312) and to be positioned closer to the front of the ToF camera module (300) than the second surface (312). In other words, the first surface (311) may be formed to be positioned closer to the front of the housing (310) than the second surface (312). The positions of the first surface (311) and the second surface (312) may be determined according to the degree of heat generated among various components of the ToF camera module (300) built into the interior of the housing (310). For example, the first surface (311) may be formed in an area corresponding to a component that generates a large amount of heat.

[0080] In addition, the area occupied by the first surface (311) may be smaller than the area occupied by the second surface (312). That is, the rear surface of the housing (310) or the ToF camera module (300) may be formed in a shape in which a portion thereof is recessed toward the front. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first surface (311), which corresponds to the right corner portion of the rear surface of the housing (310) or the ToF camera module (300), may be formed at a position relatively closer to the front than the second surface (312).

[0081] The light source unit (330) is configured to emit light as described in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the emitted light can be reflected on a subject. The reflected light can then be received by the ToF lens unit (320). At least a portion of the light source unit (330) and the ToF lens unit (320) can be exposed to the front surface of the housing (310).

[0082] Hereinafter, the ToF camera module (300) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a ToF camera module according to embodiments.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, the ToF camera module (300) may include a housing (310), a ToF lens unit (320), a light source unit (330), a ToF sensor unit (340), and an idle space (350).

[0085] As described above, the housing (310) may have at least a portion of the light source unit (330) and the ToF lens unit (320) exposed on the front, and a ToF sensor unit (340) may be positioned inside.

[0086] The light source unit (330) may be located on one surface of the first substrate (331). The ToF lens unit (320) may receive light emitted from the light source unit (330). The ToF sensor unit (340) may be located on one surface of the second substrate (341) connected to the first substrate (331) by the first connecting unit (361), and may receive light passing through the ToF lens unit (320).

[0087] The light source unit (330) and the ToF lens unit (320) may be positioned in a first layer, and the ToF sensor unit (340) may be positioned in a second layer different from the first layer. In other words, the light source unit (330) and the ToF lens unit (320) may be positioned in the same layer, and the ToF sensor unit (340) may be positioned in a different layer from the layer where the light source unit (330) and the ToF lens unit (320) are positioned.

[0088] Preferably, the light source unit (330) and the ToF lens unit (320) may be positioned so as to be exposed on the front side of the housing (310), and the ToF sensor unit (340) may be positioned inside the housing (310). More specifically, the ToF sensor unit (340) may be positioned close to the rear side of the interior of the housing (310), and the ToF sensor unit (340) may be positioned so as to overlap the ToF lens unit (320).

[0089] An idle space (350) may be formed on the other side of the first substrate (331). That is, a light source unit (330) may be positioned on one side of the first substrate (331), and an idle space (350) may be formed on the other side of the first substrate (331).

[0090] The idle space (350) may be formed inside the housing (310) or may be formed outside the housing (310). For example, if the rear surface of the housing (310) is formed as a single flat surface without steps, the idle space (350) may be formed inside the housing (310).

[0091] Alternatively, for example, if the rear surface of the housing (310) is formed of a first surface (311) and a second surface (312) with steps as described in FIGS. 5 and 6, the idle space (350) may be formed on the outside of the housing (310). In this case, the first surface (311) may be formed inside the idle space (350).

[0092] Heat generated from the ToF camera module (300) can be transferred to the outside through the idle space (350). More specifically, heat generated from the light source unit (330) of the ToF camera module (300) can be transferred to the outside through the idle space (350).

[0093] Typically, VCSELs (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers), which emit light, generate heat during operation, which can lead to performance degradation and accuracy issues. In particular, the heat generated can cause inconsistencies in infrared signals, ultimately leading to performance issues in 3D vision cameras.

[0094] To address these issues, heat sinks and other devices have been used to lower the temperature of VCSELs. However, conventional methods still suffer from the problem that heat generated by the VCSEL passes through other components within the ToF camera before reaching the heat sink, potentially causing malfunctions in these components.

[0095] Accordingly, the ToF camera module (300) according to the embodiments may include an idle space (250) so that heat generated from the light source (330) is not transmitted to the outside through other components.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a substrate of a ToF camera module according to embodiments. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the direction of heat transfer occurring within a ToF camera module according to embodiments. More specifically, FIG. 8 shows the substrate before the first substrate (331) rotates, and FIG. 9 shows the substrate after the first substrate (331) rotates.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 8, the substrate provided inside the ToF camera module (300) may include a first substrate (331), a second substrate (341), and a third substrate (343). The first substrate (331) and the second substrate (341) may be connected by a first connecting portion (361), and the second substrate (341) and the third substrate (343) may be connected by a second connecting portion (362).

[0098] The first substrate (331) may be rotated in the direction of the arrow to be positioned on a different layer from the second substrate (341). At this time, the first substrate (331) may be rotated in the direction of the arrow, and the first connecting portion (361) may be bent. Therefore, the first connecting portion (361) is preferably formed of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0099] The second substrate (341) may include a region where the ToF sensor unit (340) is located and a cut region (342) where the ToF sensor unit (340) is not located. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the second substrate (341) may have a portion where the ToF sensor unit (340) is not located cut out and open.

[0100] More specifically, the cutting area (342) can be formed to overlap with the position where the first substrate (331) is positioned after being rotated in the direction of the arrow. That is, the idle space (350) can be formed by the cutting area (342) while being formed on the other side of the first substrate (331).

[0101] Referring to Fig. 9, heat generated from the light source unit (330) can be transferred to the outside through the idle space (350). In particular, heat generated from the light source unit (330) can be transferred to the outside without passing through the second substrate (341) due to the cut area (342) formed on the second substrate (341).

[0102] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a rear cover according to embodiments. Figs. 11 and 12 are drawings showing an upper cover according to embodiments. More specifically, Fig. 10 shows a drawing of the rear cover (600) as seen from the front, Fig. 11 shows a drawing of the upper cover (500) as seen from the top, and Fig. 12 shows a drawing of the upper cover (500) as seen from the bottom.

[0103] As described in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rear cover (600) may correspond to a configuration that wraps around the rear of the ToF camera module (300).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 6, the front of the rear cover (600) may include a protruding surface (620) that meets the first surface (311) of the rear surface of the ToF camera module (300) and a mounting surface (630) that meets the second surface (312) of the rear surface of the ToF camera module (300). At this time, the protruding surface (620) may be formed to protrude more than the mounting surface (630). That is, the front of the rear cover (600) that meets the rear surface of the ToF camera module (300) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the rear surface of the ToF camera module (300).

[0105] As described in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rear cover (600) can transfer heat generated in the ToF camera module (300) to the outside by having its front surface contact the rear surface of the ToF camera module (300). At this time, the area corresponding to the protruding surface (620) on the front surface of the rear cover (600) may be thicker than the area corresponding to the mounting surface (630) on the front surface of the rear cover (600).

[0106] Accordingly, the first surface (311) that meets the area corresponding to the protruding surface (620) on the back of the ToF camera module (300) can efficiently transfer heat to the outside by coming into contact with the front of the back cover (600). That is, as described in FIGS. 6 to 9, the first surface (311) can be formed in the area where the light source unit (330) is formed.

[0107] More specifically, heat generated in the ToF camera module (300) can be transferred to the outside through the upper cover (500) illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 through the rear cover (600).

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper cover (500) may include a heat sink (510), a first contact portion (520), and a second contact portion (530). As described in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper cover (500) may transfer heat generated from an electronic component (210) mounted on a ToF camera module (300) or a printed circuit board (200) to the outside, and may be made of aluminum.

[0109] The heat sink (510) may be formed to extend in a first direction on the exterior of the upper cover (500). At this time, the first direction may correspond to the x-axis direction, which is the front or rear direction. In addition, a plurality of heat sinks (510) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. At this time, the second direction may correspond to the y-axis direction, which is the left-right direction.

[0110] Accordingly, the upper cover (500) can increase the contact area with air through the heat sink (510), thereby having the effect of efficiently transferring heat to the outside.

[0111] The first contact portion (520) is formed on the front surface of the upper cover (500) and can meet at least a portion of the rear surface of the rear cover (600). That is, the rear cover (600) can contact the upper cover (500) through the first contact portion (520), thereby transferring heat received from the ToF camera module (300) to the upper cover (500).

[0112] The second contact portion (530) is formed at the lower portion of the upper cover (500) and can come into contact with at least a portion of the electronic component (210) mounted on the printed circuit board (200). That is, at least a portion of the electronic component (210) can come into contact with the upper cover (500) through the second contact portion (530), and heat generated through this can be transferred to the upper cover (500). At this time, the electronic component (210) can indirectly come into contact with the second contact portion (530) through the heat dissipation pad (900, see FIG. 2). That is, the heat dissipation pad (900) has one surface that comes into contact with the second contact portion (530) and the other surface that comes into contact with at least a portion of the electronic component (210), thereby transferring heat generated in the electronic component (210) to the second contact portion (530).

[0113] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a rear cover according to embodiments. Fig. 14 is a drawing showing an upper cover according to embodiments. Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional view of a camera device according to embodiments. More specifically, Fig. 13 shows a drawing of the rear cover (600) as viewed from the rear, and Fig. 14 shows a drawing of the upper cover (500) as viewed from the front.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 13, the rear cover (600) may include a rib (640) formed to protrude from the rear. The rib (640) may be formed to extend in the left and right directions.

[0115] And, referring to FIG. 14, the upper cover (500) may include a protrusion (540) formed to protrude from the lower surface of the first contact portion (520). More specifically, the protrusion (540) may be formed relatively toward the rear of the lower surface of the first contact portion (520).

[0116] The area where the rear cover (600) and the upper cover (500) meet can be increased through the rib (640) and the protrusion (540), and as a result, the heat generated in the ToF camera module (300) can be efficiently transferred to the outside through the rear cover (600) and the upper cover (500).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 15, the upper surface of the rib (640) can meet the lower surface of the first contact portion (520). In addition, the protruding surface of the rib (640) can meet the protruding portion (540). That is, the rear cover (600) and the upper cover (500) can meet at three locations. First, the rear cover (600) and the upper cover (500) can meet when a part of the rear surface of the rear cover (600) and the first contact portion (520) meet. Second, the rear cover (600) and the upper cover (500) can meet when the upper surface of the rib (640) formed on the rear surface of the rear cover (600) and the lower surface of the first contact portion (520) meet. Thirdly, the rear cover (600) and the upper cover (500) can meet when the protruding surface of the rib (640) formed on the rear side of the rear cover (600) and the front side of the protruding portion (540) formed by protruding from the lower surface of the first contact portion (520) meet.

[0118] Therefore, the contact area between the rear cover (600) and the upper cover (500) can be increased through the rib (640) structure and the protrusion (540).

[0119] In addition, referring to FIG. 15, the electronic component (210) mounted on the printed circuit board (200) can transfer heat to the upper cover (500) by making contact with the second contact portion (530) through the heat dissipation pad (900). That is, the heat generated from the electronic component (210) is transferred to the heat dissipation pad (900) that makes contact with the electronic component (210), and the transferred heat can be transferred to the second contact portion (530) that makes contact with the heat dissipation pad (900).

[0120] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the direction of heat transfer occurring within a camera device according to embodiments.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 16, the heat generated within the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments may have three causes, including heat generated from the ToF camera module (300), heat generated from the RGB camera module (400), and heat generated from the electronic component (210) mounted on the printed circuit board (200).

[0122] First, heat generated in the ToF camera module (300) can be transferred to the upper cover (500) through the rear cover (600) and consequently released to the outside. More specifically, as described above, the rear cover (600) surrounds the rear of the ToF camera module (300), and the rear cover (600) comes into contact with the first contact portion (520) of the upper cover (500), so that heat generated in the ToF camera module (300) can ultimately be transferred to the upper cover (500).

[0123] In particular, by efficiently transmitting heat generated from the light source unit (330) of the ToF camera module (300), the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments has the effect of preventing performance degradation due to heat.

[0124] In addition, heat generated from an electronic component (210) mounted on a printed circuit board (200) can be transferred to the upper cover (500) through the heat dissipation pad (900) and consequently released to the outside. More specifically, as described above, when the heat dissipation pad (900) comes into contact with the second contact portion (530) of the upper cover (500), heat generated from the electronic component (210) can ultimately be transferred to the upper cover (500).

[0125] In addition, heat generated from the driving component (420) for driving the RGB camera module (400) may be transferred to the lower side of the body (100) rather than the upper cover (500) and consequently released to the outside. The driving component (420) may include an ISP (Image Signal Processor) as a component for image processing of the RGB camera module (400).

[0126] In particular, the driving component (420) may be positioned on the other side of the printed circuit board (200), and at the same time, may be positioned spaced apart from the printed circuit board (200). In addition, heat generated from the driving component (420) for driving the RGB camera module (400) may move downward, and thus, the heat generated from the driving component (420) may not affect the electronic component (210) mounted on one side of the printed circuit board (200).

[0127] Accordingly, the camera device (1000) according to the embodiments has the effect of blocking the heat generated by the driving component (420) from affecting other electronic components by arranging the driving component (420) separately from the printed circuit board (200).

[0128] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above has been provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and practice the present invention. While the above description has been made with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art can utilize the individual components described in the above-described embodiments in combination with each other.

[0129] Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A light source located on one side of the first substrate; A ToF lens unit that receives light emitted from the above light source unit; A ToF sensor unit located on one side of a second substrate connected to the first substrate by the first connecting portion, and receiving light passing through the ToF lens unit; and Including an idle space formed on the other side of the first substrate, A ToF camera module, wherein the light source unit and the ToF lens unit are located in a first layer, and the ToF sensor unit is located in a second layer different from the first layer.

2. In paragraph 1, The above second substrate, Including an area where the ToF sensor unit is located and a cut area where the ToF sensor unit is not located, The above idle space is formed by the above cut area, ToF camera module.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first connecting part is, A ToF camera module that is bent to connect the first substrate and the second substrate.

4. In paragraph 1, A ToF camera module further comprising a housing in which at least a portion of the light source unit and the ToF lens unit are exposed on the front side and the ToF sensor unit is positioned inside.

5. In paragraph 4, The rear of the above housing is, Including a first side and a second side forming a step with the first side, The above first surface is a ToF camera module formed within the idle space.

6. In paragraph 1, A third board that receives power from an external source; and Further comprising a second connecting portion connecting the third substrate and the second substrate, A ToF camera module, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate receive power from the third substrate through the second connecting portion.

7. A body forming a receiving space; and Including a ToF camera module located in the above-mentioned receiving space, The above ToF camera module, A light source located on one side of the first substrate; A ToF lens unit that receives light emitted from the above light source unit; A ToF sensor unit located on one side of a second substrate connected to the first substrate by the first connecting portion, and receiving light passing through the ToF lens unit; and Including an idle space formed on the other side of the first substrate, A camera device, wherein the light source unit and the ToF lens unit are located in a first layer, and the ToF sensor unit is located in a second layer different from the first layer.

8. In paragraph 7, The above second substrate, Including an area where the ToF sensor unit is located and a cut area where the ToF sensor unit is not located, A camera device wherein the above idle space is formed by the above cut area.

9. In paragraph 7, The above ToF camera module, It further includes a housing in which at least a portion of the light source unit and the ToF lens unit are exposed on the front side and the ToF sensor unit is positioned inside, The rear of the above housing is, Including a first side and a second side forming a step with the first side, A camera device wherein the first surface is formed within the idle space.

10. In paragraph 9, A camera device further comprising a rear cover wherein the front side meets the rear side of the ToF camera module.

11. In paragraph 10, The front of the above back cover is, Including a protruding surface meeting the first surface and a settling surface meeting the second surface, A camera device in which the above protruding surface is formed to protrude more than the above mounting surface.

12. In paragraph 10, It further includes an upper cover that forms the upper surface of the above body and is coupled with the above body, The above upper cover, Includes a heat sink formed to extend in the first direction on the exterior, The above heat sink, A camera device, wherein a plurality of cameras are arranged spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

13. In paragraph 12, The above upper cover, A camera device further comprising a first contact portion that meets at least a portion of the rear surface of the rear cover.

14. In paragraph 13, The above back cover, It includes a rib that is formed by protruding on the rear side and whose upper surface meets the lower surface of the first contact portion, The above upper cover, A camera device further comprising a protrusion formed to protrude on the lower surface of the first contact portion, one surface of which meets the protruding surface of the rib.

15. In paragraph 7, A printed circuit board located in the above-mentioned receiving space and having electronic components mounted on one side thereof; and Further comprising an RGB camera module located in the above-mentioned receiving space, The above ToF camera module is located on one side of the printed circuit board, The above RGB camera module is located on the other side of the printed circuit board, A camera device in which the front of the ToF camera module and the front of the RGB camera module form a single plane.

16. In paragraph 15, The above RGB camera module, Includes a driving component for driving, The above driving parts are, A camera device positioned on the other side of the printed circuit board and spaced apart from the printed circuit board.

17. In paragraph 15, It further comprises a front cover that forms the front of the above body and is combined with the above body, The above front cover, A camera device comprising a receiving portion for receiving the ToF camera module and the RGB camera module.

18. In paragraph 17, Further comprising a front glass covering the front part of the above front cover, The above front glass, A camera device in which a mask is formed in a portion excluding the portion where the ToF camera module and the RGB camera module are exposed.

Images