Patent ID: 12206964

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to disclose the present invention to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. Preferred embodiments in the following description are by way of example only, and other obvious modifications are conceivable to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the present invention as defined in the following description may be applied to other implementations, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that in the disclosure of the present invention, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inside”, “outside”, etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which is merely for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the mentioned apparatus or element must have a particular orientation and be constructed and operated in the particular orientation. Therefore, the above terms cannot be construed as limiting the present invention.

It may be understood that the term “a” or “an” should be understood to mean “at least one” or “one or more”, that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, and in other embodiments, the number of the element may be multiple. The term “a” or “an” cannot be understood as a limitation on the number.

Referring toFIG.1among the drawings of the present invention, an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the following description. The electronic device includes an electronic device host100, an electronic device mainboard200, and at least one TOF camera module300, wherein the TOF camera module300is disposed on the electronic device host100, the TOF camera module300is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200, and the TOF camera module300is supported by the electronic device mainboard200of the electronic device to perform photographing operations. It can be understood that, the electronic device host100of the electronic device may also be equipped with other types of camera modules, such as a wide-angle camera module, a telephoto camera module, etc. As an example, the electronic device may be but not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or other types of apparatuses with a photographing function.

As shown inFIGS.2A to7F, the TOF camera module300of the electronic device includes a projection module10and a receiving module20, wherein the receiving module emits light based on a control signal of the electronic device host100, and wherein when the light emitted by the projection module10illuminates an object, the reflected light of the light is reflected by the object to the receiving module20. Depth information about the illuminated object is obtained based on difference information such as time difference or to phase difference between the light emitted by the projection module10and the reflected light received by the receiving module20.

The projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are electrically connected to the electronic device mainboard200of the electronic device, wherein the electronic device host100controls a working state of the TOF camera module300through the electronic device mainboard200. It is worth mentioning that, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300can be independently mounted to the electronic device mainboard200, that is, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300can each be separately assembled to the electronic device mainboard200, and the projection module10and the receiving module20are each conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200. It can be understood that the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are mounted independently of each other. Therefore, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300can be mounted based on the design requirements of the electronic device. That is to say, the projection module10and the receiving module20are separately assembled independently based on assembly requirements and design requirements, that is, the projection module10and the receiving module20are assembled on the electronic device mainboard200to form the TOF camera module300, which improves the applicability of the TOF camera module300.

In detail, the receiving module20includes a lens assembly21, a photosensitive element22, and at least one receiving circuit board23, wherein the lens assembly21is disposed above the photosensitive element22, and the photosensitive element22is provided with a photosensitive path by means of the lens assembly21, so as to project external light to the photosensitive element22through the photosensitive path. The photosensitive element22converts a light signal of the external light into an electrical signal corresponding to the light signal, i.e., photoelectric conversion. The photosensitive element22is disposed on a surface of the receiving circuit board23, and the photosensitive element22is conductively connected to the receiving circuit board23, and by means of the receiving circuit board23, the work of the photosensitive element22is supported, and a photoelectric signal of the photosensitive element22is received.

The lens assembly21includes at least one optical lens211, a lens holder212, a base213and at least one filter element214disposed on the base213, wherein the optical lens211is supported by the lens holder212above the base213based on the photosensitive path of the receiving module20. The light is transmitted to the filter element214through the optical lens211, so that the filter element214filters the light, to filter out stray light that affects imaging. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving module20may further include other elements, such as a support for supporting and fixing the lens assembly, or an electronic component for sustaining the work of the receiving module20or the like.

As shown inFIGS.2A and2B, the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300further includes a receiving end connector24, wherein one end of the receiving end connector24is electrically connected to the receiving circuit board23of the receiving module20, and by means of the receiving end connector24, the receiving circuit board23of the receiving module20is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200.

The projection module10includes a support11, a transmitting circuit board12, at least one optical element13, at least one projection unit14, and at least one driver chip15, wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are disposed at the same side of the transmitting circuit board12. The support11is disposed on the transmitting circuit board12, wherein the optical element13is attached above the support11and is located in a projection path of the projection module10, and by means of the optical element13, the light signal projected by the projection unit14is diffracted (or expanded, shaped, etc.). The support11, the transmitting circuit board12and the optical element13of the projection module10are sealed to form an accommodating space101, wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are built in the closed space101.

The projection unit14and the driver chip15are conductively electrically connected to the transmitting circuit board12, wherein the driver chip15controls the projection unit14to project a light signal. Specifically, the projection unit14is controlled by the driver chip15through the transmitting circuit board12, to control the pulse waveform of the projected light signal. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driver chip15is disposed adjacent to the projection unit14, so that the driver chip15can control the projection unit14to project a light signal with a desired waveform.

It is worth mentioning that the projection unit14and the driver chip15are attached to the same side of the transmitting circuit board12, and the driver chip15is disposed adjacent to the projection unit14, so that the wiring distance between the driver chip15and the projection unit14is shortened, the parasitic inductance of the projection unit14is reduced, and the waveform quality of the light signal projected by the projection unit14is improved, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the projection module10. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, a distance between the driver chip15and the projection unit14is less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

The transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10has an upper end surface (front or upper surface)121and a lower end surface (back or lower surface)122, wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are attached to the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12, and the projection unit14are electrically connected by the driver chip15to the transmitting circuit board12from the upper end surface121. The support11is disposed on the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12.

As shown inFIG.3A, the support11is attached to the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12, and the support11supports the optical element13on the projection path of the projection module10. The support11is attached to the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12in an adhesive manner. Correspondingly, the projection module10further includes a connection layer16, wherein the connection layer16is disposed on the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12, and the support11is attached to the top of the upper end surface121at the connection layer16in a bonding manner. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection layer16may be but not limited to, a thermally conductive adhesive layer or a soldering layer, that is, it is an adhesive with high heat dissipation, so as to improve the heat dissipation performance of the projection module10. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection layer16may be but not limited to, an adhesive layer, a soldering layer, and other materials having a connection and installation function.

It is worth mentioning that the support11can be manufactured by a process such as injection molding or sintering, that is, the support11can be integrally formed by a process such as injection molding or sintering. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support11is a ceramic-sintered ceramic support apparatus. More preferably, the support is made of aluminum nitride ceramic (ALN) material. Since the thermal conductivity of the aluminum nitride ceramic material is better than that of other ceramic materials, and its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is smaller, thus it has good heat dissipation, which is advantageous to the work reliability of the TOF module.

The support11of the projection module10includes a support body111and further has a bearing surface112and a mounting groove113formed above the bearing surface112, wherein the optical element13is attached to the bearing surface112of the support11, and the optical element13is supported in the mounting groove113by means of the support body111. Preferably, the optical element13is attached to the mounting groove113on the upper end of the support11in an adhesive manner, that is, the optical element13is bonded above the bearing surface112of the support11.

The projection module10further includes a plurality of electronic elements17, wherein the plurality of electronic elements17are conductively electrically connected to the transmitting circuit board12, at least one of the electronic elements17are conductively connected to the projection unit14of the projection module10through the transmitting circuit board12, and at least one of the electronic elements17are conductively connected to the driver chip15through the transmitting circuit board12. The electronic elements17are used to support the projection unit14and/or the driver chip15of the projection module10to work. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic elements17are conductively disposed on the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12, and the electronic elements17are built in the closed space101.

The electronic elements17may be passive electronic means such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, and the electronic elements17may also be other types of electronic means that work in cooperation with the driver chip15. The electronic elements17can reduce the parasitic inductance between the driver chip15and the projection unit14, so as to ensure that the waveform of the light signal emitted by the projection module10is close to an ideal square wave. It can be understood that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic elements17may also be mounted in other positions of the TOF camera module300, such as the receiving circuit board23of the receiving module20; or the electronic elements17are mounted on the electronic device mainboard200of the electronic device, so as to further reduce the overall structure of the TOF camera module300, which is advantageous to reduce the overall volume of the electronic device. That is to say, although the electronic elements17can be configured to improve the pulse waveform of the light signal projected by the projection unit14, it is not necessary to dispose the electronic elements17on the transmitting circuit board12. Based on the design requirements of the TOF camera module300or the overall design requirements of the electronic device, the electronic elements17are mounted on the receiving circuit board23of the receiving module20, wherein the electronic elements17support the work of the projection unit14and/or the driver chip15through the conduction between the receiving circuit board23and the transmitting circuit board12; or the electronic elements17are mounted on the electronic device mainboard200, and wherein the electronic element17supports the work of the projection unit14and/or the driver chip15through the electronic device mainboard200.

As shown inFIGS.2A and2B, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200through respective connectors. The TOF camera module300further includes at least one fixing frame30, wherein the receiving module20is adjustably disposed on the fixing frame30, and the receiving module20is fixed to the electronic device mainboard200by means of the fixing frame30. After the receiving module20is conductively disposed on the electronic device mainboard200, the position of the receiving module20on the fixing frame30is adjusted so that a receiving end optical axis of the receiving module20and a transmitting end optical axis of the projection module10are adapted to each other, and thus the TOF camera module300has good photographing performance.

Optionally, in other embodiments of the present invention, the projection module10and/or the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300may also be conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200in other conduction manners such as welding/soldering, and the projection module10and/or the receiving module20are connected to the electronic device mainboard200in the welding/soldering manner. It can be understood that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conduction and connection manner of the TOF camera module300is merely used here as an example, rather than a limitation.

It is worth mentioning that in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing frame30can be used to adjustably fix and support the projection module10and the receiving module20, or the fixing frame30is used to adjustably fix and support the receiving module20, wherein the receiving module20is directly or indirectly fixed to the electronic device mainboard200, and the receiving end optical axis of the receiving module20is adjusted so that the receiving end optical axis is adapted to the transmitting end optical axis.

Preferably, the fixing frame30includes a receiving end fix holder31and a transmitting end fix holder32, wherein the receiving module20is adjustably disposed on the receiving end fix holder31, and the projection module10is disposed on the transmitting end fix holder32. The receiving end fix holder31includes a receiving end fix holder body311and a receiving end adjusting groove312, wherein the receiving module20is held in the receiving end adjusting groove312by the receiving end fix holder body311. It can be understood that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving module20is disposed in the receiving end adjusting groove312of the receiving end fix holder31in a manner that an optical axis is adjustable. The position of the receiving module20in the receiving end adjusting groove312is adjusted, to adjust the receiving end optical axis of the receiving module20, so that the optical axis direction of the receiving module20is adapted to the projection module10.

The projection module10is disposed on the transmitting end fix holder32, and the position of the projection module10is raised by means of the transmitting end fix holder32. It is worth mentioning that the overall height of the projection module10is lower than the height of the receiving module20, and the overall height of the projection module10is raised by the transmitting end fix holder32of the fixing frame30, so that the height of the upper end surface of the projection module10is adapted to the height of the upper end surface of the receiving module20.

It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the projection module10may also be adjusted to be disposed on the transmitting end fix holder32, so as to adjust the position of the projection module10in the fixing frame30in a manner of adjusting the transmitting end optical axis of the projection module10, so that the optical axis of the projection module10and the optical axis of the receiving module20are adapted to each other. As shown inFIG.3A, the projection unit14is attached to the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12, wherein one electrode (negative electrode) of the projection unit14is disposed on the upper end surface121, and the other electrode (positive electrode) of the projection unit14is welded to the transmitting circuit board12through a lead wire, and is electrically connected to the electronic device mainboard200through the circuit board12, for the electronic device mainboard200to support the work of the projection unit14through the transmitting circuit board12. In addition, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driver chip15and the electronic elements17are disposed on the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12in a welding/soldering manner, and by means of the transmitting circuit board12, the conduction between the driver chip15and the electronic device mainboard200is realized, and the conduction between the electronic elements17and the electronic device mainboard200is realized.

As shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the projection unit14is disposed adjacent to the driver chip15, or the driver chip15is attached to the transmitting circuit board12in a manner adjacent to the projection unit14. The lead wire connected to the projection unit14is disposed on a side of the projection unit14in such a manner that it faces away from the driver chip15, or the lead wire for being connected to the projection unit14is disposed at an end of the projection unit14facing away from the driver chip15. In short, in order to arrange the projection unit14and the driver chip15closer, the lead wire connected to the projection unit14is disposed on the side away from the driver chip15, so that the projection unit14and the driver chip15are as close as possible. It can be understood that, the closer the relative position of the projection unit14and the driver chip15is, the closer the waveform of the light signal, which the driver chip15controls the projection unit14to reflect, is to an ideal waveform, such as a projecting square wave.

Optionally, the lead wire connected to the projection unit14is disposed at a side being not adjacent to the driver chip15. For example, the lead wire connected to the projection unit14is disposed to the same side of the driver chip15and the projection unit14. It can be understood that the lead wire connected to the projection unit14is disposed away from the driver chip15, which can reduce the heat generated when the driver chip15works and conducted to the lead wire.

Correspondingly, the projection module10is conductively disposed on the electronic device mainboard200(or the circuit board of the electronic device), wherein in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10is conducted to the electronic device mainboard200in a welding/soldering manner. Correspondingly, the transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10further includes a transmitting circuit substrate120, a plurality of (two or more) upper solder joints123, at least one lower solder joint124and a plurality of conduction circuits125, wherein the upper solder joints123are disposed on the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit substrate120, and the lower solder joint124is disposed on the lower end surface122of the transmitting circuit substrate120. The upper solder joints123solder the projection unit14, the driver chip15and the electronic elements17of the projection module10to the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12.

Each of the upper solder joints123and the lower solder joints124is electrically connected to the conduction circuit125, so as to realize the conductive connection between the driver chip15and the transmitting unit14of the projection module10through the conduction circuit125. Specifically, one end of at least one conduction circuit125of the transmitting circuit board12is connected to an upper solder joint123, wherein the upper solder joint123is electrically connected to the driver chip15, and the other end of the conduction circuit125is electrically connected another upper solder joint123of the upper end surface121, wherein this another upper solder joint123is electrically connected to one electrode of the projection unit14. It can be understood that the driver chip15is disposed adjacent to the projection unit14, which can effectively reduce the wiring distance between the driver chip15and the projection unit14, and is advantageous to improve the waveform of the light which the driver chip15controls the projection unit14to emit.

The driver chip15of the projection module10drives (controls) the projection unit14to work through the conduction circuit125of the transmitting circuit board12. One end of at least one conduction circuit125of the transmitting circuit board12is connected to at least one solder joint123, wherein the upper solder joint123is electrically connected to the driver chip15, and wherein the other end of the conduction circuit125is electrically connected to a lower solder joint124to achieve the internal and external conduction of the circuit board12. One end of at least one conduction circuit125is electrically connected to an upper solder joint123, wherein the upper solder joint123is connected to the electronic element17, and the other end of the conduction circuit125is electrically connected to a lower solder joint124, so as to achieve the internal and external conduction of the circuit board12.

Preferably, the transmitting circuit board12has a ceramic substrate, wherein the driver chip15, the projection unit14and the electronic elements17disposed on the transmitting circuit board12conduct the generated heat to the transmitting circuit board12in a heat conduction manner, thereby dissipating heat through the transmitting circuit board12. It can be understood that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the material of the transmitting circuit board12is merely used here as an example, rather than a limitation.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projection module10is electrically connected to the electronic device mainboard200through the lower solder joint124of the transmitting circuit board12, so as to achieve the conductive connection between the projection module10and the electronic device mainboard200.

FIGS.3C and3Eshow another optional embodiment of a projection module10of the above TOF camera module300of the present invention, wherein the projection module10includes a support11A, a transmitting circuit board12, at least one optical element13, at least one projection unit14, at least one driver chip15, and at least one electronic element17, and wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are disposed on the same side of the transmitting circuit board12. It is worth mentioning that, it is different from the above preferred embodiment in the support11A, wherein the support11A is disposed on the transmitting circuit board12by integrally molding. The support11A is integrally formed above the transmitting circuit board12through a molding process, and the driver chip15of the projection module10is covered by the support11A.

Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support11A is a one-piece molded support, that is, the support11A is integrally formed on the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12through a molding process. The driver chip15is wrapped by the support11A on the transmitting circuit board12, or the driver chip15is covered with the support11A and the transmitting circuit board12. It can be understood that the support11A covers (encloses) the driver chip15through a molding or sintering process, which can effectively reduce the X and Y (length and width) dimensions of the projection module10, and is advantageous to reduce the overall volume of the TOF camera module300. It can be understood that the driver chip15is covered (wrapped) by the support11A, wherein the support11A can protect the driver chip15.

It can be understood that after the driver chip15is soldered to the upper surface of the transmitting circuit board12, the support11A covers (encloses) the driver chip15through a molding process, and the driver chip15is further fixed by means of the support11A, improving the strength (reliability) of the projection module10. The driver chip15is covered by the support11A, wherein the thermal energy generated by the driver chip15during work can be conducted to the support11A in a heat conduction manner, so as to dissipate the heat from the support11A. Thus, the heat generated by the projection module10is prevented from accumulating in the closed space101, which affects the accuracy and detection distance of the light signal projected by the projection unit14, or affects the service life of the TOF camera module300. In short, the support11A is integrally formed on the transmitting circuit board12through a molding process, and the support11A conducts the heat generated by the driver chip15in a heat transfer manner, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the projection module10.

As shown inFIG.3E, the support11A is further provided with at least one air escape groove114A, wherein the air escape groove114A communicates the accommodating space101with an external environment. After the optical element13is attached to the mounting groove113A of the support11A in an adhesive manner, the projection module10is baked or exposed to make the glue (colloid) between the optical element13and the support11A cured. When the optical element13is attached to the support11A, the air escape groove114A guides the air flow in the accommodating space101to prevent the gas in the accommodating space101from expanding and causing the optical element13to fail to be attached to the support11A. Preferably, the air escape groove114A is formed on an upper end part of the support body111A of the support11A, wherein the air escape groove114communicates with the mounting groove113A of the support11A. Therefore, when the optical element13is mounted in the mounting groove113A, the accommodating space101is communicated with the external environment by means of the air escape groove114A, so that the air escape groove114A guides the air in the accommodating space101outward to prevent the air pressure in the accommodating space101from being too large. It can be understood that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the location and manner in which the escaped gas groove114A is formed are merely used as an example, rather than a limitation. More preferably, after the glue for bonding the optical element13is cured, the air escape groove114of the support11A is selectively blocked to seal the accommodating space101.

FIG.3F or3Gshow another two optional embodiments of a projection module10of the above TOF camera module300of the present invention, wherein the projection module10includes a support11B, a transmitting circuit board12, at least one optical element13, at least one projection unit14, at least one driver chip15, and at least one electronic element17, and wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are disposed on the same side of the transmitting circuit board12. It is worth mentioning that, it is different from the above preferred embodiment in the support11B, wherein the support11B is disposed on the transmitting circuit board12in an adhesive manner. It is worth mentioning that the support11B can be manufactured by a process such as injection molding or sintering, that is, the support11B can be integrally formed by a process such as injection molding or sintering. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support11B is a ceramic-sintered ceramic support.

The support11B of the projection module10includes a support body111B and further has a bearing surface112B and a mounting groove113B formed above the bearing surface112B, wherein the optical element13is attached to the bearing surface112B of the support11B, and the optical element13is supported in the mounting groove113B by means of the support body111B. It is different from the above first preferred embodiment in that the support11B covers the upper surface of the driver chip15, wherein the driver chip15is covered by the support11B in a heat conduction manner, and conducts the heat generated by the driver chip15by means of the support11B. In other words, the support11B is covered above the driver chip15, and the driver chip15is further fixed on the transmitting circuit board12by the support11B to protect the driver chip15.

As shown inFIGS.3F and3G, the support11B is further provided with an accommodating cavity110B, wherein the accommodating cavity110B is formed below the support main body111B of the support11B, and the driver chip15is covered by the support body111B on the accommodating cavity110B. The heat generated by the driver chip15is conducted outward by the support body111B of the support11B, wherein the upper surface of the driver chip15is completely or partially covered by the support body111B of the support11B, and the support body111B contacts the driver chip15in a heat conduction manner for the support body111B to dissipate heat.

As shown inFIG.3F, the support11B is further provided with at least one heat conduction surface115B, wherein the heat conduction surface115B is formed above the accommodating cavity110B, and when the support11B is mounted on the transmitting circuit board12, the heat conduction surface115B of the support11B conducts the heat generated by the driver chip15during work outward through the support body111B of the support11B in a direct thermal contact manner or an indirect heat conduction manner, so as to avoid heat accumulation in the accommodating space101.

As shown inFIGS.3F and3G, the upper end of the support11B extends inward, wherein the upper end of the support11B is covered above the driver chip15, wherein the optical element13is supported by the support11B above the projection unit14. That is, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the support11B extends inward to reduce the size of the optical element14.FIG.3Hshows another optional embodiment of a projection module10of the above TOF camera module300of the present invention. The projection module10includes a support11, a transmitting circuit board12′, at least one optical element13, at least one projection unit14, at least one driver chip15, and at least one electronic element17, wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are disposed on the same side of the transmitting circuit board12. It is different from the above first preferred embodiment in the transmitting circuit board12′ of the projection module10of the TOF camera module, wherein the transmitting circuit board12′ can be formed by using a molding process or integrated ceramic sintering, and the projection unit14of the projection module10is conductively connected to the driver chip15by means of the circuit board12′. The transmitting circuit board12′ of the projection module10is also conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200. The support11, the projection unit14and the driver chip15of the projection module10are disposed above the transmitting circuit board12′, and the overall height of the support11, the projection unit14and the driver chip15is raised by means of the circuit board12′. Therefore, based on the design requirements of the TOF camera module300, the thickness of the transmitting circuit board12′ can be designed, so that the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are adapted to each other in height.

Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting circuit board12′ is an integrated ceramic circuit board formed by ceramic sintering, wherein the ceramic circuit board has good thermal conductivity, which is advantageous to improve the heat dissipation of projection module10. It can be understood that, the material of the transmitting circuit board12′ is merely used here as an example, rather than a limitation. Therefore, the transmitting circuit board12′ may also be implemented as other types of circuit board types, such as a one-piece molded circuit board.

It is worth mentioning that, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are independently mounted structures, wherein the transmitting circuit board12′ of the projection module10can be integrally molded on the electronic device mainboard200. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, the transmitting circuit board12′ of the projection module10may also be integrally molded on the receiving module20; or the transmitting circuit board12′ may also be integrally molded on other electrical connection apparatuses, such as a flexible board. Then, the projection module10is electrically connected to the electronic device mainboard200by the flexible board.

Specifically, the transmitting circuit board12′ includes a transmitting circuit substrate120′, and a plurality of upper solder joints123′, a plurality of lower solder joints124′ and at least one conduction circuit125disposed on the transmitting circuit substrate120′, wherein the upper solder joints123′ are disposed on the upper end of the transmitting circuit substrate120′, at least one of the upper solder joints123′ is used to be conductively connected to the projection unit14of the projection module10, at least one of the upper solder joints123′ is used to be conductively connected to the driver chip15of the projection module10, and at least one of the upper soldered joints123′ is used to be conductively connected to the electronic elements17of the projection module10. It is the same as the above first preferred embodiment that, the upper solder joints123′ are electrically connected to the lower solder joints124′ through the conduction circuit125′, and the upper solder joint123′ corresponding to the driver chip15is electrically connected to the upper solder joint123′ for conducting the projection unit14through the conduction circuit125′, so that the projection unit14is conductively connected to the driver chip15.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conduction circuit125′, the upper solder joints123′ and the lower solder joints124′ are integrally disposed on the transmitting circuit substrate120′, or when the conduction circuit125′, the upper solder joints123′ and the lower solder joints124′ are preset, the transmitting circuit substrate120′ is integrally formed in a manner of sintering or molding. The upper solder joints123′ are embedded in the upper end surface of the transmitting circuit substrate120′, and the lower solder joints124′ are embedded in the lower end surface of the transmitting circuit substrate120′, wherein the conduction circuit125′ is built (wrapped) in the transmitting circuit substrate120′. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting circuit substrate120′ of the transmitting circuit board12′ is preset with the conduction circuit125′, the upper solder joints123′ and the lower solder joints124′ before the sintering or molding process, so as to ensure that the projection unit14, the driver chip15and the electronic elements17electrically connected to the upper solder joints123′ can be conducted.

As shown inFIGS.3A to3D, the electronic elements17may further include an active electronic component, wherein the electronic elements17are electrically connected to the transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10, and the driver chip15of the projection module10is controlled or supported by means of the electronic elements17to work. The electronic element17further includes at least one photodiode (PD)171, wherein the photodiode171is disposed on the transmitting circuit board12, wherein the photodiode171is conductively connected to the drive chip15. The photodiode171is an eye-safe and skin-safe monitoring device, wherein the photodiode171monitors the light changes in the projection module10, and converts the received light into a corresponding current signal and then transmits it to the driver chip15, for the driver chip15to control the working power of the projection unit14based on the monitored light changes. It can be understood that once the projection is abnormal, the photodiode171sends a control signal to the driver chip15, for the driver chip15to stop the projection work of the projection unit14, so as to protect the work of the TOF camera module300.

As shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the photodiode171is attached to the upper end surface121of the transmitting circuit board12, wherein one electrode (negative electrode) of the photodiode171is disposed on the upper end surface121, and the other electrode (positive electrode) of the photodiode171is welded to the transmitting circuit board12through a lead wire, and is electrically connected to the electronic device mainboard200through the circuit board12, for the electronic device mainboard200to support the work of the photodiode171through the transmitting circuit board12. The photodiode171is disposed adjacent to the projection unit14, or the projection unit14is attached to the transmitting circuit board12in a manner adjacent to the photodiode171. The lead wire connected to the photodiode171is disposed on a side of the photodiode171in such a manner that it faces away from the projection unit14, or the lead wire for being connected to the photodiode171is disposed at an end of the photodiode171facing away from the projection unit14. In short, in order to arrange the photodiode171and the projection unit14closer, the lead wire connected to the a photodiode171is disposed on the side away from the projection unit14, so that the photodiode171and the projection unit14are as close as possible.

As shown inFIGS.3C and3D, the lead wire connected to the photodiode171is disposed at a side being not adjacent to the projection unit14. For example, the lead wire connected to the photodiode171is disposed to the same side of the projection unit14and the photodiode171. It can be understood that the lead wire connected to the photodiode171is disposed away from the projection unit14, which can reduce the heat generated when the projection unit14works and conducted to the lead wire.

As shown inFIGS.3A to3D, the electronic element17further includes a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) device172, wherein the negative temperature coefficient device172is conductively disposed on the transmitting circuit board12. The negative temperature coefficient device172is used to monitor the real-time temperature of the projection unit14and transmit data to the driver chip15in real time, for the driver chip15to control the working power of the projection unit14based on the negative temperature coefficient device172.

Referring toFIGS.4A to5Cof the drawings of the present invention, the optical element13is attached to the support11in an adhesive manner, wherein the projection module10is provided with an air escape structure, wherein the air escape structure communicates the accommodating space101with an external environment, so that the gas in the accommodating space101is guided by the air escape structure to the external environment during the drying process of the glue, so as to balance the accommodating space101and the external air pressure. It can be understood that during the drying process of the glue, the air pressure in the accommodating space101increases with an air expansion, which may easily cause the optical element13attached to the upper end of the support11to fall off. The air escape structure of the projection module10can balance the air pressure between the accommodating space101and the outside, so as to prevent the optical element13from falling off during the baking process of the projection module10.

In detail, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support11is further provided with at least one glue painting area110, wherein the glue is applied on the glue painting area110of the support11. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the glue painting area110is disposed on the bearing surface112of the support11, that is, glue is applied on the bearing surface112of the support11. The optical element13is disposed in the mounting groove113of the support11, wherein the glue between the glue painting area110and the optical element13is cured to form at least one cured glue layer116. The optical element13is fixed on the bearing surface112of the support11by means of the cured glue layer116. It is worth mentioning that the bonding range and the thickness of the cured glue layer116are determined by the amount of glue applied to the glue painting area110and the range of applying the glue. The cured glue layer116after being cured and fixed blocks the gap between the support11and the optical element13. In other words, the cured glue layer116formed after the glue is cured has a certain thickness, wherein the cured glue layer116isolates the accommodating space101from the external environment.

Correspondingly, an air escape gap117is formed between the uncoated glue painting area110and the optical element13, wherein after the glue is cured, the air escape gap117is formed in the same layer of the cured glue layer116. The air escape gap117communicates the accommodating space101with the external environment. When the glue applied to the glue painting area110is dried and cured, the air escape gap117guides the gas in the accommodating space101to move, so as to keep the pressure balance between the accommodating space101and the external environment.

FIGS.5A to5Cshow several different ways of painting glue in the glue painting area110. As shown inFIG.5A, three sides of the glue painting area110are applied with glue, wherein the cured glue layer116produced by curing the glue is formed on the three sides of the glue painting area110. In other words, glue is applied to three sides of the glue painting area110, wherein the air escape gap117is formed above the glue painting area110for glue application.

As shown inFIGS.5B and5C, glue is applied on the glue painting area110, wherein at least one break is provided during the glue applying process, and the air escape gap117is formed at the break position after the glue is cured and fixed. Preferably, during the process of painting the glue, the position where the glue painting starts and the position where the glue painting ends are not connected, so as to form a glue painting break; or the glue painting break is formed by interrupting the glue application during the glue painting process.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the break position can be set at a corner of the glue painting, the position where the glue painting starts is on one side of the corner, and the position where the glue painting ends is on the other side of the corner, so that the line goes through one less corner when being painted. It should be noted that the speed of painting glue in a corner is to be reduced, and it is advantageous to improve the production efficiency with less corners (or arcs) and more straight lines.

FIG.6of the drawings shows the pulse waveform of the detection light signal emitted by the projection unit14controlled by the driver chip15of the projection module10of the present invention. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driver chip15controls the projection unit14to emit the light signal in the form of a square wave. It is worth mentioning that, the shorter the wiring distance between the driver chip15of the projection module10and the projection unit14is, the closer the pulse waveform of the light signal projected by the projection unit14is to a square wave.

Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projection unit14may be a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL).

FIGS.7A to7Fof the drawings of the present invention show several other optional embodiments of the projection module10of the TOF camera module300, wherein the projection module10is conductively disposed on the electronic device mainboard200in a manner of using a flexible board for conduction, that is, the projection module10is connected to the electronic device mainboard200in a manner of disposing the flexible board.

FIGS.7A and7Cshow two optional embodiments of the projection module10of the above TOF camera module300, wherein the projection module10includes a support11, a transmitting circuit board12C, at least one optical element13, at least one projection unit14, at least one driver chip15, and at least one electronic element17, and wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are disposed on the same side of the transmitting circuit board12C. It is different from the above-mentioned preferred embodiment in that the transmitting circuit board12C is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200in a manner of a flexible board connection. In detail, the projection module10further includes at least one flexible board103C and a connector102C, wherein one end of the flexible board103C is electrically connected to the transmitting circuit board12C, and wherein the other end of the flexible board103C is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200through the connector102C.

It can be understood that, in this optional embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to set solder joints below the transmitting circuit board12C of the projection module10, and the transmitting circuit board12C is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200through the flexible board103C.

It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the flexible board103C is a flexible circuit board, which can be bent so as to conductively connect the projection module10to the electronic device mainboard200. The transmitting circuit board12C conductively connects the transmitting circuit board12C to the electronic device mainboard200through the flexible board103C.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support11is disposed on the upper surface of the transmitting circuit board12C in a bonding manner. The support11can be manufactured by a process such as injection molding or sintering, that is, the support11can be integrally formed by a process such as injection molding or sintering. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support11is a ceramic-sintered ceramic support apparatus. As shown inFIG.7A, the connector102C is conductively disposed above one end of the flexible board103C. As shown inFIG.7C, the connector102C is conductively disposed below one end of the flexible board103C.

FIGS.7A and7Cshow two optional embodiments of a projection module10of the above TOF camera module300of the present invention, wherein the projection module10includes a support11, a transmitting circuit board12C, at least one optical element13, at least one projection unit14, at least one driver chip15, and at least one electronic element17, and wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are disposed on the same side of the transmitting circuit board12C. It is different from the optional implementation of the above preferred embodiment in that the support11of the projection module10is a molded support, wherein the support11is integrally formed on the upper surface of the transmitting circuit substrate12C by a molding process.

FIGS.7E and7Fillustrate another two optional embodiments of the projection module10of the above TOF camera module300, wherein the projection module10includes a support11, a transmitting circuit board12, at least one optical element13, at least one projection unit14, at least one driver chip15, and at least one electronic element17, and wherein the projection unit14and the driver chip15are disposed on the same side of the transmitting circuit board12. It is different from the above preferred embodiment in the manner in which the transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200. In detail, the projection module10further includes a flexible board103C and a connector102C, wherein the flexible board103C is a flexible circuit board. One end of the flexible board103C is attached below the transmitting circuit board12, wherein the transmitting circuit board12is conductively connected to the flexible board103C in a welding/soldering manner, and the transmitting circuit board12is electrically connected to the electronic device mainboard200by means of the flexible board103C. The other end of the flexible board103C is electrically connected to the connector102C, wherein the connector102C is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200, and the flexible board103C is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200by means of the connector102C.

It is worth mentioning that, in this optional embodiment of the present invention, the structure and function of the transmitting circuit board12are the same as those in the above first preferred embodiment. The lower solder joints124of the transmitting circuit board12are electrically connected to one end of the flexible board103C, and the transmitting circuit board12is electrically connected to the electronic device mainboard200by means of the flexible board103C. In short, the transmitting circuit board12is conductively attached to the flexible board103C, and the transmitting circuit board12is electrically connected to the electronic device mainboard200through the flexible board103C.

It is worth mentioning that in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support11may be manufactured by a process such as injection molding or sintering, that is, the support11may be integrally formed by a process such as injection molding or sintering. The support11is disposed above the transmitting circuit board12in a bonding or integral molding manner.

Referring toFIGS.8to9Dof the drawings of the present invention, another preferred embodiment of a TOF camera module300D of the electronic device according to the above preferred embodiment example of the present invention is illustrated in the following description. The TOF camera module300D is assembled into an integrated camera module, wherein the TOF camera module300D includes a projection module10D and a receiving module20D, wherein the projection module10D is disposed adjacent to the receiving module20D, the projection module10D is conductively connected to the receiving module20D, and the projection module10D is controlled by means of the receiving module20D to work. The projection module10D is conductively disposed on the receiving module20D, wherein the receiving module20D is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200, that is, the electronic device mainboard200supports the work of the projection module10D through the receiving module20D.

It can be understood that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the TOF camera module300D may further include a lens holder, which is used to fix the projection module10D and the receiving module20D and maintain the relative position of the projection module10and the receiving module20D to be fixed.

In detail, the receiving module20D includes a lens assembly21D, a photosensitive element22, and at least one receiving circuit board23D, wherein the lens assembly21D is disposed above the photosensitive element22D, and the photosensitive element22D is provided with a photosensitive path by means of the lens assembly21D, so as to project external light to the photosensitive element22through the photosensitive path. It is different from the above first preferred embodiment in that the receiving circuit board23D includes a circuit board receiving end231D and a circuit board transmitting end232D integrally extending from the circuit board receiving end231D, wherein the photosensitive element22D is attached to the circuit board receiving end231D of the receiving circuit board23D. The projection module10D is conductively disposed on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D, and by means of the receiving circuit board23D, the projection module10D is supported and the distance between the projection module10D and the receiving modules20D is positioned.

It can be understood that, the projection module10D and the receiving module20D of the TOF camera module300D are assembled into an integrated structure, wherein when the TOF camera module300D is mounted on the electronic device mainboard200, the projection module10D and the receiving module20D are integrally mounted on the electronic device mainboard200. It can be understood that the dimension of the projection module10D in the height direction is smaller than the height dimension of the receiving module20D, wherein the projection module10D is stacked on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving module20D, thereby the upper end position of the projection module10D is raised so that the overall height of the projection module10D and the receiving module20D of the TOF camera module300are close to each other. Preferably, the tops of the projection module10D and the receiving module20D are at the same level of height, which is advantageous to improve the photographing quality of the TOF camera module300D.

It is different from the above first preferred embodiment in that the projection module10D includes a support11D, a transmitting circuit board12D, at least one optical element13D, at least one projection unit14D, at least one driver chip15, and at least one electronic element17D, wherein the projection unit14D and the driver chip15D are disposed on the same side of the transmitting circuit board12D. The support11D is disposed on the transmitting circuit board12D, wherein the optical element13D is attached above the support11D and is located in a projection path of the projection module10D, and by means of the optical element13D, the light signal projected by the projection unit14D is diffracted (or expanded, shaped, etc.). The support11D, the transmitting circuit board12D and the optical element13D of the projection module10D are sealed to form an accommodating space101D, wherein the projection unit14D and the driver chip15D are built in the closed space101D.

As shown inFIG.8, the receiving module20D of the TOF camera module300D further includes a receiving end connector24D, wherein one end of the receiving end connector24D is electrically connected to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D, and by means of the receiving end connector24D, the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D is conductively connected to the electronic device mainboard200.

As shown inFIG.9A, the projection module10D is conductively connected to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D in a flexible board connection manner. The TOF camera module300D further includes a flexible board103D, wherein the flexible board103D conductively connects the transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D. It can be understood that the flexible board103D is a flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible board103D can be turned over so as to electrically connect the transmitting circuit board12D stacked above the receiving module20D to the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D.

The TOF camera module300D further includes a base support30D, wherein the base support30D is disposed on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D, and by means of the base support30D, the height of the projection module10D is raised so that the height of the projection module10D is similar to or parallel to the height of the receiving module20D. Correspondingly, the base support30D is padded below the transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D, and the projection module10D is supported by means of the base support30D. The transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D is attached to the upper surface of the base support30D, and the projection module10D is fixedly stacked by the base support30D on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base support30D is integrally formed on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D by a molding process or a sintering process. Preferably, the base support30D is implemented as a molded base, wherein the base support30D is disposed below the transmitting circuit board12D in a heat conduction manner, and the heat generated by the radiating circuit board12D is conducted by means of the base support30D.

The TOF camera module300D further includes at least one electronic element unit40D, wherein the electronic element unit40D is disposed on the receiving circuit board23D, which is used to support the work of the projection module10D or the receiving module20D of the TOF camera module300D. Preferably, the electronic element unit40D is conductively disposed on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D. The electronic element unit40D is covered by the base support30D, and the electronic element unit40D is protected by means of the base support30D.

The TOF camera module300D further includes at least one shielding cover50D, wherein the shielding cover50D is disposed on the projection module10D, and by means of the shielding cover50D, a radio frequency signal generated by the projection module10D is shielded, thereby preventing the radio frequency signal generated by the projection module10D from affecting the terminal device.

Preferably, the shielding cover50D is a metal cover, wherein the shielding cover50D encloses the projection module10D outside. It is worth mentioning that when the support11D of the projection module10D is made of a material without shielding function such as plastic or ceramic, the shielding cover50D shields the radio frequency generated by the projection unit14D from affecting other electronic components.

It is worth mentioning that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic element unit40D includes but is not limited to capacitors, resistors, inductors, etc. The electronic element unit40D can reduce the parasitic inductance between the driver chip and the projection module, so as to ensure the waveform integrity of the light signal emitted by the projection module. It can be understood that, although the electronic element unit40D can improve the pulse waveform of the light signal projected by the projection unit14D, the electronic element unit40D can be attached to the electronic device mainboard200of the electronic device, the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D or/and the transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D according to design requirements. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the installation position of the electronic element unit40D is merely used here as an example, rather than a limitation.

FIG.9Bshows another optional implementation of the TOF camera module300D of the electronic device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is different from the above optional preferred embodiment in that a base support30E of the TOF camera module300D is disposed on the projection module10D and the receiving circuit boards23D of the receiving module20D in a bonding manner, to raise the height of the projection module10D, so that the projection module10D and the receiving module20D have similar heights.

In this optional embodiment of the present invention, the base support30E is integrally formed by a molding process or a sintering process, wherein the base support30E includes a base support body31E, and is further provided with a support upper end surface32E and a support lower end surface33E, and wherein the support lower end surface33E is attached to the upper surface of the receiving circuit board23D. The transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D is disposed on the support upper end surface32E of the base support30E, and by means of the base support body31E, the height position of the projection module10D is supported and raised. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base support30E is a one-piece ceramic support. The transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D is attached to the base support30E in a heat conduction manner, wherein the transmitting circuit board12D conducts the heat generated by the work of the projection module10D to the base support30E, for the base support30E to dissipate heat.

The base support30E is further provided with an accommodating groove34E, wherein the accommodating groove34E is formed at the lower end of the base support body31E, wherein the electronic element unit40D is shielded by the base support body31E of the base support30E on the accommodating groove34E. When the base support30E is attached to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D, the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D and the base support30E seal the accommodating groove34E of the base support30E, wherein the electronic element unit40D is sealed in the accommodating groove34E.

FIG.9Cshows another optional implementation of the TOF camera module300D of the electronic device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is different from the above preferred embodiment in that the projection module10D is conductively connected to the receiving module20D in a solder joint connection manner.

The TOF camera module300D further includes a base support30F, wherein the base support30F is disposed on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D, and by means of the base support30F, the height of the projection module10D is raised so that the height of the projection module10D is similar to or parallel to the height of the receiving module20D. Correspondingly, the base support30F is padded below the transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D, and the projection module10D is supported by means of the base support30F. The transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D is attached to the upper surface of the base support30F, and the projection module10D is fixedly stacked by the base support30F on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D. The base support30F conductively connects the transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D.

Correspondingly, the base support30F includes a base support body31F, and at least one support conduction circuit35F disposed on the base support body31F. The support conduction circuit35F is built into the base support body31F, wherein one end (upper end) of the support conduction circuit35F is electrically connected to the transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D, and the other end (lower end) of the support conduction circuit35F is electrically connected to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D. In short, the base support30F conductively connects the transmitting circuit board12D to the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D is a solder joint conductive connection structure, that is, the lower end of the transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D is conductively connected to the support conduction circuit35F of the base support30F through solder joints.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base support30D is integrally formed on the circuit board transmitting end232D of the receiving circuit board23D by a molding process or a sintering process. Preferably, the base support30D is implemented as a ceramic base. The transmitting circuit board12D of the projection module10D is attached to the base support30F in a head conduction manner, wherein the transmitting circuit board12D conducts the heat generated by the work of the projection module10D to the base support30F, for the base support30F to dissipate heat.

FIG.9Dshows another optional implementation of the TOF camera module300D of the electronic device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is different from the above preferred embodiment in that a transmitting circuit board12G of the projection module10D of the TOF camera module is integrally molded on the transmitting circuit board23D of the receiving module20D. The transmitting circuit board12G is conductively disposed on the receiving circuit board23D, and the overall height of the projection unit14D, the driver chip15D and the support11D of the projection module10D is raised by means of the transmitting circuit board12G.

Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting circuit board12G is an integrated ceramic circuit board formed by ceramic sintering, wherein the ceramic circuit board has good thermal conductivity, which is advantageous to improve the heat dissipation of projection module10. It can be understood that, the material of the transmitting circuit board12G is merely used here as an example, rather than a limitation. Therefore, the transmitting circuit board12G may also be implemented as other types of circuit board types, such as a one-piece molded circuit board.

In detail, the transmitting circuit board12G includes a transmitting circuit substrate120G, and a plurality of upper solder joints123G, a plurality of lower solder joints124G and at least one conduction circuit125G disposed on the transmitting circuit substrate120G, wherein the upper solder joints123G are disposed on the upper end of the transmitting circuit substrate120G, at least one of the upper solder joints123G is used to be conductively connected to the projection unit14D of the projection module10D, at least one of the upper solder joints123G is used to be conductively connected to the driver chip15D of the projection module10D, and at least one of the upper soldered joints123G is used to be conductively connected to the electronic elements17D of the projection module10D. It is the same as the above first preferred embodiment that, the upper solder joints123G are electrically connected to the lower solder joints124G through the conduction circuit125G, and the upper solder joint123G corresponding to the driver chip15D is electrically connected to the at least one upper solder joints123G through the at least one conduction circuit125G, wherein the upper solder joint123G is electrically connected to one electrode of the projection unit14D, so that the projection unit14D is conductively connected to the driver chip15D. Preferably, the conduction circuit connecting the driver chip15D and the projection unit14D is arranged on the upper surface layer of the transmitting circuit substrate120G.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conduction circuit125G, the upper solder joints123G and the lower solder joints124G are integrally disposed on the transmitting circuit substrate120G, or when the conduction circuit125G, the upper solder joints123G and the lower solder joints124G are preset, the transmitting circuit substrate120G is integrally formed in a manner of sintering or molding. The upper solder joints123G are embedded in the upper end surface of the transmitting circuit substrate120G, and the lower solder joints124G are embedded in the lower end surface of the transmitting circuit substrate120G, wherein the conduction circuit125G is built (wrapped) in the transmitting circuit substrate120G. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting circuit substrate120G of the transmitting circuit board12G is preset with the conduction circuit125G, the upper solder joints123G and the lower solder joints124G before the sintering or molding process, so as to ensure that the projection unit14D, the driver chip15D and the electronic elements17D electrically connected to the upper solder joints123G can be conducted.

It is worth mentioning that the transmitting circuit board12G of the projection module10D of this preferred embodiment of the present invention is integrally molded on the receiving circuit board23D, wherein the lower solder joints124G are disposed to be electrically connected to the receiving circuit board23D. It can be easily conceivable for those skilled in the art that the projection module10D may also be conductively disposed on the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D in other manners, such as a flexible board connection manner. As an example, the transmitting circuit board12G of the projection module10D is integrally molded on a flexible board, and by means of the flexible board, the projection module10D is conductively connected to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D. It can be understood that, in this optional embodiment of the present invention, the projection module10D may also be conductively attached to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D in a bonding manner. For example, the molded projection module10D is attached to the receiving circuit board23D of the receiving module20D through conductive silver glue.

Referring toFIGS.10A to100of the drawings of the present invention, the TOF camera module300of the electronic device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is mounted to an optional implementation of the electronic device motherboard200. In this optional implementation, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are independently mounted to the electronic device mainboard200. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the electronic device mainboard200of the electronic device may be but not limited to a circuit board, wherein the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are independently conductively disposed on the electronic device mainboard200. It is worth mentioning that the TOF camera module300can be disposed on the front or back surface of the electronic device mainboard200. In other words, when the TOF camera module300is disposed on the front surface of the electronic device mainboard200, the TOF camera module is implemented as a front camera apparatus of the electronic device; and when the TOF camera module300is disposed on the back surface of the electronic device mainboard200, the TOF camera module is implemented as a rear camera apparatus of the electronic device. It can be understood that, the position of the TOF camera module is merely used here as an example, rather than a limitation.

As shown inFIGS.10A and10B, the electronic device mainboard200includes a mainboard body210, and a pad area220and a receiving end mounting groove230disposed on the mainboard body210, wherein the pad area220is formed on a front or back surface of the mainboard body210, and the receiving end mounting groove230is formed on one end of the mainboard body210, such as the top end of the mainboard body210. The projection module10of the TOF camera module300is conductively disposed in the pad area220, wherein the transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10can be electrically connected to the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200in a solder joint or flexible pad connection manner. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10is disposed on the pad area220in such a manner that the solder joints are conductive.

The fixing frame30of the TOF camera module300is fixed on the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200, and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300is fixed and supported by means of the fixing frame30. When the projection module10of the TOF camera module300is fixedly mounted on the mainboard body210, the receiving module20can be adjusted based on the fixing frame30, so that the projection optical axis of the projection module10of the TOF camera module300is adapted to the receiving optical axis of the receiving module20. In short, after the TOF camera module300is fixed on the electronic device mainboard200, the position of the receiving module20in the fixing frame30can be adjusted, to adjust the receiving module20to adapt to the projection module10.

The receiving module20of the TOF camera module300is embedded in the receiving end mounting groove230, wherein the receiving module20is conductively connected to the mainboard body210. It can be understood that the receiving module20is depressed and mounted to the receiving end mounting groove230based on a surface (front or back surface) of the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200, to reduce the height difference between the upper end surface of the receiving module20and the upper end of the projection module10. It can be understood that, the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300is mounted to the receiving end mounting groove230, which is advantageous to reduce the overall thickness of the electronic device, and is advantageous to the lightening and thinning of the electronic device.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the electronic device mainboard200may further include a fixing mechanism for fixing the receiving module20. When the receiving module20is mounted to the receiving end mounting groove230of the electronic device mainboard200, the fixing mechanism fixes the receiving module20to the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200.

FIGS.10A and10Bshow two different installation manners of the TOF camera module300, that is, the pad area220of the electronic device mainboard200may be disposed at a side (lower, right or left side) of the receiving end mounting groove230. Therefore, when the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are each independently mounted on the electronic device mainboard200, the projection module10and the receiving module20may have various arrangments.

Referring toFIGS.11A to11Cof the drawings of the present invention, the TOF camera module300of the electronic device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is mounted to an optional implementation of the electronic device motherboard200. In this optional implementation, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are independently mounted to the electronic device mainboard200. As shown inFIG.11A, the electronic device mainboard200includes a mainboard body210, and a pad area220and a receiving end mounting hole230′ disposed on the mainboard body210, wherein the pad area220is formed on the front or back surface of the mainboard body210, and the receiving end mounting hole230′ is formed on one end of the mainboard body210, such as the top end of the mainboard body210. The projection module10of the TOF camera module is conductively disposed in the pad area220, wherein the transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10can be electrically connected to the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200in a solder joint or flexible pad connection manner.

As shown inFIGS.11B and11C, it is different from the above preferred embodiment in that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving end mounting hole230′ is a through hole or a semi-permeable hole formed in the mainboard body210. The receiving module20of the TOF camera module300is embedded in the receiving end mounting hole230′, wherein the receiving module20is conductively connected to the mainboard body210. It can be understood that the receiving module20is depressed and mounted to the receiving end mounting hole230′ based on a surface (front or back surface) of the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200, so as to reduce the height difference between the upper end surface of the receiving module20and the upper end of the projection module10.

It is worth mentioning that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projection module10of the TOF camera module300can raise the position of the projection module10through a support with a communication/connection circuit, so that the projection module10and the receiving module20are similar in height. In other words, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projection module10of the TOF camera module300is electrically connected to the mainboard main body210from the pad area220of the electronic device mainboard200in a raised manner.

Referring toFIGS.12A to13of the drawings of the present invention, the TOF camera module300of the electronic device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention is mounted to another optional implementation of the electronic device motherboard200. It is different from the above preferred embodiment in that, in this optional implementation, the TOF camera module300assembled into one body is mounted on the electronic device mainboard200. As shown inFIG.12A, the electronic device mainboard200includes a mainboard body210, and a pad area220and a receiving end mounting area230″ disposed on the mainboard body210, wherein the pad area220is formed on the front or back surface of the mainboard body210, and the receiving end mounting area230″ is formed on one end of the mainboard body210, such as the top end of the mainboard body210. The projection module10of the TOF camera module is conductively disposed in the pad area220, wherein the transmitting circuit board12of the projection module10can be electrically connected to the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200in a solder joint or flexible pad connection manner.

Preferably, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are attached to the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200, wherein the pad area220and the receiving end mounting area230″ are mounting areas formed on a surface of the mainboard body210. It can be understood that, in other embodiments of the present invention, the pad area220and the receiving end mounting area230″ are holes, grooves, half holes, etc. formed in the mainboard body210. That is to say, the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300can be depressed and mounted to the pad area220and the receiving end mounting area230″ from one surface (front or back surface) of the mainboard body210of the electronic device mainboard200, so as to reduce the overall thickness of the electronic device. It can be understood that the electronic device mainboard200may also include a fixed mounting mechanism for fixedly mounting the TOF camera module300, and by means of the fixed mounting mechanism, the TOF camera module300is fixedly mounted to the electronic device mainboard200.

As shown inFIG.13, it is different from the above preferred embodiment in that the projection module10and the receiving module20of the TOF camera module300are separately disposed on the fixing frame30, and the projection module10and the receiving module20are fixed to the electronic device motherboard200by means of the fixing frame30. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving module20is adjustably disposed on the receiving end fix holder31of the fixing frame30, and the transmitting end fix holder32of the fixing frame30is used to raise the height position of the projection module10.

It is worth mentioning that the projection module10and the receiving module20are separately fixed to the fixing frame30, and the projection module10and the receiving module20are fixed and supported by means of the fixing frame30. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projection module10is supported by the transmitting end fix holder32of the fixing frame30to be raised, wherein the bottom of the projection module10is raised by the transmitting end fix holder32, so that the upper plane of the projection module10is flush with or substantially parallel to the receiving module20. It can be understood that, the projection module10is raised by the fixing frame30, and an avoidance space is formed below the projection module10, wherein the avoidance space can be used to mount or accommodate other electronic elements, wherein the electronic elements may be electronic components sustaining the TOF camera module300, or may be implemented as other electronic components of the electronic device. In short, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projection module10is mounted above the electronic device mainboard200in such a manner that it is raised by the fixing frame30, and thus the projection module10is raised up, while an avoidance space for mounting other electronic elements is formed between the electronic device mainboard200and it, forming a space overlap, which is advantageous to improve the space utilization rate.

It can be understood that the fixing frame30raises the projection module10so that the projection module10is stacked above the electronic device mainboard200to improve the space utilization rate.

It is worth mentioning that, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing frame30supports the projection module10, wherein when the fixing frame30is a support made of metal, the fixing frame30shields the radio frequency signal generated by the projection module10, that is, the fixing frame30made of metal can be used as a shielding cover to shield the interference signal generated by the projection module10. If the fixing frame is made of plastic material, at least one shielding cover50D is disposed outside the projection module10, so as to shield the radio frequency signal generated by the projection module10by the shielding cover.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present invention shown in the above description and the drawings are only used as examples and do not limit the present invention. The objectives of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved. The functional and structural principles of the present invention have been shown and described in the embodiments, and the implementations of the present invention may be changed or modified in any way without departing from the principles.