TOF module

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a TOF module. The TOF module comprises: a case having a first through-hole formed therethrough in a first direction; optical systems arranged in the first through-hole along the first direction; and a cover disposed on one side of the first through-hole in the first direction. The cover comprises: a first part which faces the inner surface of the first through-hole in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is in contact with any one of the optical systems; and a second part which extends from the first part in the first direction away from the optical system. The second part forms a separation space spaced apart from the inner surface of the through-hole in the second direction, and an adhesive is disposed in at least a portion of the separation space.

Description

TOF module

[0001] The present invention relates to a ToF module.

[0002] The ToF module emits light, calculates the distance to an object by measuring the time it takes for the emitted light to reflect back from the object, and generates depth information based on this to create a 3D image.

[0003] During the assembly process of the transmitter (Tx) of the ToF module, a separate spacer is placed to secure the optical system to the inside of the case, and adhesive may be applied to secure the optical system and the spacer.

[0004] However, if the adhesive is applied directly, the optical system may be contaminated by the adhesive, and even if the adhesive is applied only to the spacer, the problem of the adhesive leaking into the optical system or image sensor may occur because the distance between the spacer and the inner surface of the case is not sufficient.

[0005] As such, if foreign matter issues arise in the optical system due to adhesive leakage, the light efficiency of the transmitter decreases, and the light received by the receiver generates noise due to the foreign matter, causing a problem that degrades image quality.

[0006] The present invention aims to prevent contamination of the optical system by the adhesive and improve the fixing strength of the optical system by forming a space where the adhesive can be placed.

[0007] A ToF module according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose comprises a case having a first through hole formed therein that penetrates in a first direction, an optical system arranged along the first direction in the first through hole, and a cover disposed on one side of the first through hole in the first direction, wherein the cover comprises a first part that faces the inner surface of the first through hole in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and contacts one of the optical systems, and a second part that extends in the first direction away from the optical system from the first part, wherein the second part forms a spaced-away space that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the through hole in the second direction, and an adhesive is disposed in at least a part of the spaced-away space.

[0008] The second part is extended with a narrowing diameter, and the spacing space may be formed along the perimeter of the second part.

[0009] The above spacing may include a first area where the adhesive is placed and a second area where the adhesive is not placed.

[0010] The first part includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in the second direction, and the plurality of protrusions may be arranged along the perimeter of the first part.

[0011] A recessed space spaced apart from the first through hole is formed between an adjacent pair of the above-mentioned protrusions, and the protrusions and the recessed space may be sequentially arranged along the perimeter of the first part.

[0012] An adhesive may be placed in at least a portion of each of the plurality of the above-mentioned recesses.

[0013] The length of the first part in the first direction may be greater than the length of the protrusion in the first direction.

[0014] The length between the inner surface of the first through hole and the first part in the second direction may be greater than or equal to the maximum length of the protrusion in the second direction.

[0015] The first through hole has a stepped portion formed on its inner surface, and the stepped portion may come into contact with at least one of the upper surface of the first part or the upper surface of the plurality of protrusions in the first direction.

[0016] In any one of the plurality of the above-mentioned recessed spaces, a gate protruding in the second direction from the outer surface of the first part may be disposed.

[0017] The above cover includes a second through hole that penetrates the first part and the second part in the first direction, and the second through hole may be formed such that its diameter narrows in a direction away from the optical system and the first direction.

[0018] Based on a virtual line parallel to the first direction, the first angle between the outer surface of the second part and the virtual line may be greater than the second angle between the inner surface of the second through hole and the virtual line.

[0019] The present invention has the effect of preventing lens contamination by the adhesive and improving the fixing strength of the lens by forming a space where the adhesive can be placed.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrated for the overall explanation of a ToF module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrated to explain the first part and the second part;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the placement of the adhesive;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrated to compare the first angle and the second angle;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrated to explain the cross-sectional view of C1C1' of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrated to explain the protrusion in the first part; and

[0026] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrated to explain the cross-sectional view of C2C2' of Figure 1.

[0027] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the present invention.

[0028] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0029] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when the term "connected" is used, it does not mean only that two or more components are directly connected, but may also mean that two or more components are indirectly connected through other components, that they are connected not only physically but also electrically, or that they are a single unit although referred to by different names depending on their location or function.

[0031] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed on the “top or bottom” of each component, “top or bottom” includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as “top or bottom,” it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the objective of the present invention can be specifically realized, will be described below with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0033] First, a ToF module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case (100) having a first through hole (110) formed therein that penetrates in a first direction as shown in FIG. 1, an optical system (210, 220, 230) arranged along the first direction in the first through hole (110), and a cover (300) disposed on one side of the first through hole (110) in the first direction.

[0034] At this time, the case (100) forms an exterior, and a detachment prevention part (120) is formed on the other side of the first through hole (110) to prevent detachment of the optical system, and the detachment prevention part (120) may include a first inclined surface (121) considering the angle of view of the light, that is, the angle of diffusion of the light. In addition, the detachment prevention part (120) may come into contact with any one of the optical systems (210, 220, 230) to prevent detachment of the optical systems (210, 220, 230).

[0035] Additionally, the optical system (210, 220, 230) includes a diffuser (210) in contact with the anti-detachment part (120), and a collimator lens (220) spaced apart from the diffuser (210) in a first direction, and a spacer (230) may be placed between the diffuser (210) and the collimator lens (220). Here, the spacer (230) may be in contact with or not in contact with the diffuser (210), and a plurality of spacers (230) may be placed. Although the detailed description of the present invention describes the inclusion of the diffuser (210) and the collimator lens (220), more lens parts may be included depending on the design of the camera module, and are not necessarily limited to those mentioned.

[0036] Meanwhile, a cover (300) is disposed on the other side of the first through hole (110), and the cover (300) is in contact with the collimator lens (220) in the first direction, and fixes the diffuser (210), the collimator lens (220), and the spacer (230), and at least a portion of the inner surface of the first through hole (110) may be in contact.

[0037] At this time, the case (100) includes a first through hole (110) and an internal space (140), the first through hole (110) is a space in which an optical system, namely a diffuser (210), a collimator lens (220), a spacer (230), and a cover (300), is placed, and the internal space (140) may be a space in which various components, such as a separate power supply and a light source, are placed according to the design of the camera module.

[0038] As such, since various electronic components for driving the camera module, such as a light source and a power supply, are arranged in the lower part of the first through hole (110), if the adhesive (E) is excessively applied to the diffuser (210), collimator lens (220), spacer (230), and cover (300) arranged in the first through hole (110) or is not properly fixed, it may fall into the internal space (140) and cause damage to the electronic components.

[0039] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover (300) faces the inner surface of the first through hole (110) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and includes a first part (310) that contacts any one of the optical systems (210, 220, 230) in the first direction and a second part (320) that extends from the first part (310) in a first direction away from the optical systems (210, 220, 230).

[0040] Here, at least a portion of the first part (310) is in contact with the inner surface of the first through hole (110), and the second part (320) forms a spaced-away space (S1) that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the first through hole (110) in a second direction. Here, the spaced-away space (S1) may be formed along the perimeter of the second part (320).

[0041] To explain this in detail, as shown in FIG. 2, the first part (310) is the upper region of the cover (300) in the first direction, and the second part (320) is the lower region of the cover (300) in the first direction. The first part (310) includes a plurality of protrusions (311) that protrude from the periphery toward the inner surface of the first through hole (110) in the second direction, and the plurality of protrusions (311) may be spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the first part (310).

[0042] At this time, the first length (L1) in the first direction of the first part (310) is greater than the second length (L2) in the first direction of the protrusion (311), and the upper surface of the first part (310) or the upper surface of the protrusion (311) can be in contact with the stepped portion (130) of the first through hole (110) to limit the position of the cover (300).

[0043] For example, if the step portion (130) of the first through hole (110) does not exist, the diffuser (210) and the collimator lens (220) may be damaged by being pressed during the process of inserting the cover (300). Therefore, the step portion (130) can prevent damage to the diffuser (210) and the collimator lens (220) by restricting the inflow of the cover (300).

[0044] At this time, since the first length (L1) in the first direction of the first part (310) is greater than the second length (L2) in the first direction of the protrusion (311), a part of the first part (310) is positioned higher in the first direction than the step portion (130), and the upper surface of the first part (310) can be made to come into contact with the step portion (130). This will be explained in more detail through the drawings to be described later.

[0045] Meanwhile, the second part (320) is positioned in the lower region of the cover (300) in the first direction, and the second part (320) can form a spaced-away space (S1) that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the first through hole (110) in the second direction. In addition, a second inclined surface (321) is formed on the outer surface of the second part (320), and the second inclined surface (321) can be positioned at an angle to form a predetermined angle with the inner surface of the first through hole (110).

[0046] More specifically, it extends in a direction away from the first part (310) in the first direction and extends tapered so that the distance from the inner surface of the first through hole (110) gradually increases, thereby allowing the spacing space (S1) to be secured more effectively. An adhesive (E) may be placed in the area thus secured. Here, the adhesive (E) may be epoxy, but this is merely one example to aid in understanding the invention and should not be interpreted as being limited to what is mentioned.

[0047] As previously described, a plurality of protrusions (311) are arranged along the perimeter of the first part (310), and a recessed space (S2) is formed between the plurality of protrusions (311) so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first through hole (110). As shown in FIG. 3, the recessed space (S2) between adjacent protrusions (311) and the spaced-away space (S1) of the second part (320) are connected to each other in a first direction, and an adhesive (E) may be placed in at least a part of the spaced-away space (S1) and the recessed space (S2).

[0048] Additionally, the adhesive (E) may first flow into the gap space (S1) in the first direction, and the adhesive (E) in the gap space (S1) may flow into the recessed space (S2) along the first direction and harden. For example, based on FIG. 1, the internal space (140) of the case (100) before being combined with components such as a light source and a power supply is open in the first direction. Therefore, when the case (100) is positioned in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 1, the diffuser (210) may be positioned at the bottom, the cover (300) may be positioned at the top, and the second part (320) may be positioned in the upper region above the first part (310).

[0049] In this way, when the adhesive (E) is introduced into the gap space (S1) while the case (100) is inverted, the adhesive (E) can naturally flow into the recessed space (S2) by gravity, and since at least a part of the first part (310) and at least a part of the second part (320) are joined and fixed to the inner surface of the first through hole (110) through the adhesive (E), the fixing force of the cover (300) can be effectively secured.

[0050] However, in cases where it is introduced by gravity as described above, the adhesive (E) may be introduced toward the lens. Therefore, as described above in FIG. 2, the upper surface of the plurality of protrusions (311) comes into contact with the step portion (130), so that the recessed space (S2) is not connected to the collimator lens (220). In this way, since the collimator lens (220) is closed by the step portion (130) and a part of the first part (310) which is higher in the first direction than the protrusions (311), the introduction of the adhesive (E) is prevented, thereby preventing the optical system (210, 220, 230) from being contaminated by the adhesive (E).

[0051] That is, the first length (L1) of the first part (310) is greater than the second length (L2) of the protrusion (311), and the upper surface of the first part (310) in the first direction may be positioned higher than the upper surface of the protrusion (311) in the first direction.

[0052] Additionally, since the adhesive (E) flows into the recessed space (S2) via the gap space (S1), the adhesive (E) may be placed only in a part of the recessed space (S2). However, this is merely an example to aid in understanding the invention and is not necessarily limited to what is mentioned.

[0053] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the cover (300) further includes a second through hole (330) that penetrates in a first direction, and the inner surface of the second through hole (330) may be formed at an incline with respect to a virtual line parallel to the first direction. That is, the cover (300) may include a second inclined surface (321) which is the outer surface of the second part (320) and a third inclined surface (331) which is the inner surface of the second through hole (330).

[0054] Here, with respect to a virtual line parallel to the first direction, the first angle (A1) formed by the virtual line and the third inclined surface (331) and the second angle (A2) formed by the virtual line and the second inclined surface (321) may be different from each other. More specifically, the first angle (A1) may be smaller than the second angle (A2).

[0055] At this time, the first angle (A1) is designed in relation to the performance and angle of view of the light source, and the second angle (A2) can be designed differently depending on the diameter and size of the adhesive (E) application device introduced into the separation space (S1). That is, since the first angle (A1) and the second angle (A2) are formed for different purposes, the first angle (A1) and the second angle (A2) may be different from each other.

[0056] In addition, the third inclined surface (331) of the second through hole (330) has a first angle (A1) with a virtual line, and the second inclined surface (321) of the second part (320) has a second angle (A2) with a virtual line. Since the first angle (A1) is smaller than the second angle (A2), the distance between the second inclined surface (321) and the third inclined surface (331) in the second direction can be extended to gradually move away toward the optical system (210, 220, 230) in the first direction. Accordingly, the upper region of the second part (320) in the first direction supports the first part (310), and sufficient spacing space (S1) is secured so that the adhesive (E) application device can easily enter the spacing space (S1).

[0057] Meanwhile, to clarify the relationship between FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, if the cross-section cut in the direction from C1 to C1' in FIG. 1 is viewed from the upper side in the first direction, the first part (310) is positioned to face the inner surface of the first through hole (110), and a plurality of protrusions (311) protrude from the periphery of the first part (310) and can come into contact with the inner surface of the first through hole (110).

[0058] Here, a recessed space (S2) is formed between the periphery of the first part (310) and the first through hole (110), and the recessed space (S2) is sequentially arranged in the periphery direction of the plurality of protrusions (311) and the first part (310), and a gate (G) may be formed in at least one of the plurality of recessed spaces (S2). At this time, the gate (G) is formed during the process in which the cover (300) is manufactured by an injection molding process, and although it is depicted as having right-angled corners in the drawing of the ToF module according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0059] Additionally, the gate (G) may be protruded in the second direction with the same length as the protrusion (311) protruding from the periphery of the first part (310), and may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first through hole (110).

[0060] To explain this based on the recessed space (S2), it can be divided into a first section placed at the perimeter corner of the first part (310) along the perimeter of the first part (310), a second section placed between an adjacent protrusion (311) that is not the first section, and a third section formed between the first section and the adjacent protrusion (311) that is not the second section, where a gate (G) is placed.

[0061] Here, multiple first sections may have the same area and size if there is no error in the manufacturing process, and second sections may also have the same area and size if there is no error in the manufacturing process. However, a third section may have the area, size, and shape of the second section, but as a section where a gate (G) is placed, if the gate (G) comes into contact with the inner surface of the first through hole (110), the third section may have an arrangement form in which the second section is separated by the gate (G); and if the gate (G) does not come into contact with the inner surface of the first through hole (110), it may have a smaller size and area than the second section.

[0062] Meanwhile, to explain the multiple protrusions (311) in more detail, if we look at the T portion of FIG. 5 in a magnified view, the protrusions (311) may protrude in the shape of a semicircle from the periphery of the first part (310). However, this is explained based on the cross-sectional shape, and it may be preferable for the protrusions (311) to take the shape of a semi-cylindrical column with an equal area extending in the first direction.

[0063] Additionally, it is preferable that the end of the protrusion (311) contacts the inner surface of the first through hole (110), but since there is inevitably a manufacturing error range in which the size of the protrusion (311) is formed somewhat smaller or the area of ​​the inner surface of the first through hole (110) is increased due to manufacturing errors, the fourth length (L4) between the perimeter of the first part (310) and the inner surface of the first through hole (110) may be equal to or greater than the third length (L3) between the outermost point of the protrusion (311) in the second direction from the perimeter of the first part (310).

[0064] In addition, as described above, if the third length (L3) of the protrusion (311) differs from one another due to errors in the manufacturing process, some parts may come into contact with the inner surface of the first through hole (110), while others may not come into contact with the inner surface of the first through hole (110). However, since the protrusion (311) protrudes in the shape of a semi-cylindrical column, if it is formed to be slightly larger than the inner surface of the first through hole (110) in consideration of the errors described above, the third length (L3) and the fourth length (L4) may be the same when inserted into the first through hole (110). This is merely an exemplary explanation considering the range of errors that occur during the manufacturing process and should not be interpreted as being limited thereto.

[0065] Meanwhile, to explain the area of ​​the adhesive (E) placed in the second part (320), refer to FIG. 7. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional shape cut in the direction from C2 to C2' in FIG. 1, viewed from below in the first direction.

[0066] First, as shown in FIG. 7, the second part (320) forms a spaced-apart space (S1) that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the first through hole (110), and an adhesive (E) may be applied to at least a part of the spaced-apart space (S1). However, if the adhesive (E) is applied to the entire spaced-apart space (S1), the inner surface of the first through hole (110) is sealed, and a problem may occur in which the diffuser (210), collimator lens (220), or the case (100) is damaged by the air that expands during the curing process of the adhesive (E).

[0067] Therefore, the gap space (S1) formed in the second part (320) may include a first area (S1-1) where the adhesive (E) is placed and a second area (S1-2) where the adhesive (E) is not placed. Here, the second area (S1-2) may overlap with at least one recessed space (S2) and at least one protrusion (311) in the first direction. Additionally, the total volume of the first area (S1-1) may be larger than the total volume of the second area (S1-2). This is because the first region (S1-1) is a region for fixing the cover (300) by applying adhesive (E), and the second region (S1-2) is for preventing damage caused by expansion during the curing process; therefore, in order to secure fixing force, it is preferable that the volume of the first region (S1-1) be larger than that of the second region (S1-2), and it may be preferable that the volume of the second region (S1-2) be relatively smaller than that of the first region (S1-1).

[0068] As such, the ToF module according to the embodiment of the present invention secures a space through the second part (320) where adhesive (E) can be applied, and allows adhesive (E) to flow into the first part (310) through the recessed space (S2) to effectively improve fixing power, and forms a second region (S1-2) to effectively prevent damage to the diffuser (210) and the collimator lens (220). In addition, during the process of the adhesive (E) flowing in, the upper surface of the plurality of protrusions (311) and the stepped portion (130) come into contact, thereby effectively preventing the diffuser (210) and the collimator lens (220) from being contaminated by the adhesive (E).

[0069] We have examined preferred embodiments according to the invention, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments described above, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

[0070] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be regarded as exemplary rather than limiting, and accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the description above but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A case in which a first through hole penetrating in a first direction is formed; An optical system arranged along the first direction in the first through hole; and It includes a cover disposed on one side of the first through hole in the first direction, and The above cover includes a first part that faces the inner surface of the first through hole in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and contacts any one of the optical systems, and a second part that extends from the first part in the first direction away from the optical system. The second part above forms a spaced-apart space that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the through hole in the second direction, and A ToF module in which an adhesive is placed in at least a portion of the above-mentioned gap.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above second part is extended so that its diameter narrows, and The above spacing is a ToF module formed along the perimeter of the second part.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned spacing is a ToF module comprising a first area where the adhesive is placed and a second area where the adhesive is not placed.

4. In Paragraph 1, The first part above includes a plurality of protrusions protruding in the second direction, and The above plurality of protrusions are a ToF module arranged along the perimeter of the first part.

5. In Paragraph 4, A recessed space is formed between an adjacent pair of the above-mentioned protrusions, spaced apart from the first through hole, and A ToF module in which the protrusion and the recess are sequentially arranged along the perimeter of the first part.

6. In Paragraph 5, A ToF module in which an adhesive is placed in at least a portion of each of the plurality of recessed spaces.

7. In Paragraph 4, A ToF module in which the length of the first part in the first direction is greater than the length of the protrusion in the first direction.

8. In Paragraph 4, A ToF module in which the length between the inner surface of the first through hole and the first part in the second direction is greater than or equal to the maximum length of the protrusion in the second direction.

9. In Paragraph 4, The first through hole has a stepped portion formed on its inner surface, and The above step portion is a ToF module that contacts at least one of the upper surface of the first part or the upper surface of the plurality of protrusions in the first direction.

10. In Paragraph 5, A ToF module in which a gate protruding in the second direction from the outer surface of the first part is disposed in any one of the plurality of the above-mentioned recessed spaces.

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