CN210050953U

CN210050953U - Air conditioner with speech recognition device

Info

Publication number: CN210050953U
Application number: CN201920022129.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 文圣国; 朴秀俊
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2018-10-01
Filing date: 2019-01-07
Publication date: 2020-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2029-01-07
Also published as: KR102179566B1; KR20200037673A

Abstract

The utility model relates to an air conditioner who possesses speech recognition device. The voice recognition device includes a voice output device and a voice input device. The voice output device is configured to output a voice toward the inside of the panel, and the voice input device is configured to collect a voice transmitted from the outside of the panel toward the panel, thereby enabling a voice recognition rate.

Description

Air conditioner with speech recognition device

Technical Field

The utility model relates to an air conditioner who possesses speech recognition device.

Background

An air conditioner is a home appliance for keeping indoor air in an optimum state according to the use and purpose. For example, the indoor is adjusted to a cool cooling state in summer, and the indoor is adjusted to a warm heating state in winter, and the indoor humidity is adjusted, and the indoor air is adjusted to a comfortable pure state. The air conditioner may drive a refrigeration cycle, and may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator.

Recently, a technology for realizing a connection (interface) between an air conditioner and a user by voice is being developed. When a user inputs prescribed information through a voice input device such as a microphone, the air conditioner interprets the input voice information and recognizes it as an operation command of the air conditioner. The air conditioner operates a driving unit, such as a motor or a compressor, provided in the air conditioner in accordance with the recognized operation command.

In addition, the air conditioner may inform a user of information related to the operation of the air conditioner through a voice output device such as a speaker. As described above, the connection between the user and the air conditioner is realized by the input and output of voice, whereby the convenience of the user can be improved.

In particular, the user does not need to approach the air conditioner and operate a physical input device, such as a button or a touch screen.

Further, when the air conditioner is controlled by the remote controller, the inconvenience of the operation of the air conditioner can be solved when the remote controller is lost, and the inconvenience can be solved even when a command needs to be input by the remote controller or a predetermined input device. Further, when the remote controller is lost, there is a problem that remote control of the operation of the air conditioner is limited.

Fig. 21 shows a voice input device and a voice output device provided in a conventional air conditioner.

Referring to fig. 21, the conventional air conditioner P includes a panel 1 forming an external appearance and a vibration source 2 disposed inside the panel 1. The vibration source 2 may include a driving part (e.g., a motor or a compressor) for driving an air conditioner, a rotating body (e.g., a fan or a drum), or the like.

The air conditioner P includes: a microphone 3 for collecting a voice of a user; and a speaker 4 for outputting information related to the operation of the air conditioner. The microphone 3 and the speaker 4 may be disposed on one side of the panel 1. As an example, one surface of the panel 1 may constitute a front surface of the air conditioner P.

The speaker 4 may output a sound S such as an electronic sound to the front of the air conditioner P. The microphone 3 collects and recognizes a user voice transmitted from the front of the air conditioner P.

A microphone hole 5 for transmitting a user's voice is formed in one surface of the panel 1. The microphone 3 is provided with a predetermined distance So from the microphone hole 5 toward the inside of the panel 1. This is to prevent the vibration generated by the air conditioner P from being transmitted to the microphone 3 via the panel 1 when the microphone 3 is in close contact with one surface of the panel 1.

With such a configuration, the following problems may occur.

First, since the microphone 3 is disposed at a distance from the one surface of the panel 1 toward the inside, there is a problem that a noise source generated inside the air conditioner P is input to the microphone 3 through the space.

The noise source may comprise noise generated by the vibration source 2 itself. Further, the microphone 3 and the peripheral members collide with each other due to the vibration Vo generated by the vibration source 2, and the noise source is constituted by the noise generated by such collision (N1).

Second, there are: the echo (howling) of the sound generated by the speaker 4 is transmitted to the microphone 3 and collected in the microphone 3 through a space separated from the microphone 3 by one surface of the panel 1, thereby causing a noise effect (N2).

Thirdly, there is a problem that the sound S generated from the speaker 4 is directly output to the front of the air conditioner P, and the sound S is input to the microphone 3 located near the speaker 4, thereby becoming noise against the user' S voice (N3).

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having a voice recognition device, wherein the air conditioner is provided with a voice input device and a voice output device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that is divided into a voice transmission path collected via a voice input device and a voice transmission path output via a voice output device, thereby preventing the output voice from acting as noise.

In particular, the voice transmission path transmits the voice of the user from the outside of the air conditioner to the panel, and the voice transmission path transmits the voice to the outside of the panel through the transmission plate after outputting the voice in the inner direction of the panel, thereby preventing the voice from acting as noise of the voice input device.

For example, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which a voice input device and a voice output device are arranged so as to overlap each other in a front-rear direction, thereby making it possible to easily divide transmission paths of voice/sound input or output from each device.

As another example, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which a voice input device and a voice output device are arranged in the vertical direction, thereby making it possible to easily divide transmission paths of voice/sound input or output from the respective devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having a plurality of voice input devices and capable of improving a voice recognition rate of a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which a voice output device is disposed on a center line in the vertical direction of a voice recognition device, and a voice input device is disposed on both sides of the center line with a space therebetween, thereby preventing uneven transmission of voice output from the voice output device to the voice input device.

In addition, the present invention has an object to provide an air conditioner in which a voice input device and a voice output device are integrally provided in a main body, so that the respective devices can be easily assembled and a compact voice recognition device can be realized.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which a partition wall is provided between a voice input device and a voice output device in a voice recognition device, thereby preventing a sound output from the voice output device from being directly transmitted to the voice input device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can prevent noise generated inside the air conditioner from being transmitted to a voice input device by closely attaching the voice input device to a rear surface of a front panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which a voice input device includes a sealing member that contacts a rear surface of a front panel, thereby reducing vibration transmitted from the air conditioner to a microphone of the voice input device via the front panel.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which a panel hole formed in a front panel, an opening of a sealing member, and a microphone hole of a microphone are aligned in a front-rear direction, thereby allowing easy voice collection of a voice input device.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which an opening portion of the sealing member is formed to be larger than the panel hole and the microphone hole, and the panel hole is formed to be larger than the microphone hole, thereby sufficiently securing a voice transmission path even if an attachment position of the sealing member is separated from a positioning position due to an assembly error when assembling a voice input device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which a cover is provided at a rear portion of a microphone of a voice input device, thereby reducing noise generated in the air conditioner and transmitted to the microphone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which a voice input device is provided at a lower portion of a panel of the air conditioner and is located at a position away from a noise source of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the size of the noise source transmitted to the voice input device.

The air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention includes a front panel forming a panel hole, from which a voice input can be performed from the front of the air conditioner, and a user is easily close to the panel hole.

On the rear surface of the front panel, a voice recognition device including a voice input device and a sound output device is provided, whereby a user connection based on voice and sound can be realized.

The voice input device may be disposed between the sound output device and the front panel.

The voice output device is configured to output a voice toward the rear of the front panel, and the voice input device is configured to collect a voice transmitted toward the front panel from the outside of the front panel, so that a voice recognition rate can be improved.

The voice output device is located on a center line in the up-down direction of the voice recognition device, and the two voice input devices are disposed on both sides of the center line, so that the center of gravity of the voice recognition device can be formed on the center line.

The voice input device and the voice output device are integrally provided in one main body portion, so that the assemblability of the voice recognition device can be improved.

The air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a partition wall for dividing the voice input device and the voice output device, thereby preventing the sound output from the voice output device from being transmitted to the voice input device.

A partition wall opening is formed in the partition wall, and the voice input device and the voice output device are disposed in front of and behind the partition wall opening, so that the assemblability can be improved.

The partition wall may be constituted by a support plate that supports the front panel and a main body portion of the voice recognition apparatus.

The voice input device and the voice output device are arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction, and the installation space of the voice recognition device can be reduced.

The voice input device and the sound output device may be aligned in a left-right direction.

The sound output device may be arranged between two speech input devices.

The voice input device is disposed above or below the audio output device, and thus can be divided into a voice transmission path collected by the voice input device and a voice transmission path output from the audio output device.

The voice input device includes: a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) having a microphone hole; and a microphone disposed on the printed circuit board. And the microphone is communicated with the microphone hole.

The voice input device includes a cover that presses the microphone toward the panel side.

The cover is disposed so as to surround the printed circuit board and the outside of the microphone. And, the cover may contact an inner surface of the front panel.

The cover may be mounted to the mounting portion of the main body.

The voice input device is in contact with the front panel.

The voice input device is provided with a sealing member which protrudes from the printed circuit board toward the front panel side and is in close contact with the front panel, thereby sealing a space around the panel hole. Therefore, noise transmitted from the inside or the outside of the air conditioner can be prevented from being transmitted to the voice input device.

The sealing member is closely attached to the rear surface of the front panel at the periphery of the panel hole.

The seal member has a seal opening portion communicating with the panel hole.

The sealing member may be formed to be larger than the panel hole and the microphone hole, and thus, even if an error is generated in the mounting position of the sealing member, the sealing member is prevented from shielding the panel hole or the microphone hole.

A sound returning plate that generates a sound return by the sound output from the sound output device is provided behind the front panel.

The sound returning plate may be formed of panel flanges of a first side plate and a second side plate provided on both sides of the front panel.

The sound returning plate is bent in a V-shape, and sound output from the sound output device may be reflected at the sound returning plate, thereby being transmitted to the front of the front panel.

The upper part of the main body part of the voice recognition device is supported by a support plate combined with the rear surface of the front panel.

The lower portion of the main body may be combined with the front panel by a fastening member.

According to the solution of the present invention, the air conditioner is provided with the voice recognition device including the voice input device and the voice output device, and therefore, the user connection based on the voice/sound can be realized.

Further, since the voice transmission path collected by the voice input device and the output sound transmission path output by the sound output device are divided, the output sound can be prevented from acting on the voice input device as noise.

Further, the voice transmission path transmits the voice of the user from the outside of the air conditioner to the front panel, and the voice transmission path outputs the voice in the direction of the inside of the panel and transmits the voice to the outside of the panel via the transmission plate, thereby preventing the voice from acting on the voice input device as noise.

Since the voice input device and the voice output device are arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction, it is possible to easily divide the transmission path of voice/voice input or output from each device.

The voice input device and the voice output device are arranged in the vertical direction, so that transmission paths of voice/voice input or output from the devices can be easily divided.

In addition, a plurality of voice input devices are provided, so that the voice recognition rate of the user can be improved.

Further, the voice output device is disposed on a center line in the vertical direction of the voice recognition device, and the voice input devices are disposed on both sides of the center line with a space therebetween, so that it is possible to prevent the voice output from the voice output device from being transmitted to the voice input device unevenly.

Further, since the voice input device and the voice output device are integrally provided in the main body portion, the respective devices can be easily assembled, and a compact voice recognition device can be realized.

In addition, a partition wall is provided at the voice recognition apparatus, the partition wall being provided between the voice input apparatus and the sound output apparatus, so that it is possible to prevent sound output from the sound output apparatus from being directly transmitted to the voice input apparatus.

In addition, the voice input device is closely arranged on the rear surface of the front panel, so that the noise generated in the air conditioner can be prevented from being transmitted to the voice input device.

In addition, by making the voice input device include a sealing member in contact with the rear surface of the front panel, vibration generated from the air conditioner, which is transmitted to the microphone of the voice input device via the front panel, is reduced.

In addition, the panel hole formed in the front panel, the opening portion of the sealing member, and the microphone hole of the microphone are aligned in the front-rear direction, whereby voice collection of the voice input device can be easily achieved.

In particular, the opening portion of the sealing member is formed to be larger than the sizes of the panel hole and the microphone hole, and the panel hole is formed to be larger than the size of the microphone hole, whereby a voice transmission path can be sufficiently ensured even if the mounting position of the sealing member is spaced from an accurate position due to an assembly error when the voice input device is assembled. That is, the voice transmission path can be prevented from being blocked.

In addition, in the voice input device, the cover is provided at the rear portion of the microphone, whereby noise generated inside the air conditioner and transmitted to the microphone can be reduced.

Further, the voice input device is provided at a lower portion of the panel of the air conditioner and is located at a position distant from the noise source of the air conditioner, whereby the size of the noise source transmitted to the voice input device can be reduced.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view showing the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the housing and the front panel of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the front panel according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the front panel and the voice recognition device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a speech recognition device is coupled to the rear of the front panel according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view showing the configuration of the speech recognition device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the rear part of the speech recognition device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a front perspective view showing a configuration of a speech recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the front part of the speech recognition device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI' of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII' of fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view showing the structure of the voice input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the voice input device of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a rear view showing a state in which the speech recognition apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the front panel.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI' of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view showing a portion "a" in fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a side view showing a state of the partition wall B according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which the voice recognition apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is incorporated with the cable C.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which the wire harness H according to the embodiment of the present invention is located in the rear space of the front panel.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a voice input device and a voice output device provided in a conventional air conditioner.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the idea of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the idea of the present invention can easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same idea.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 2 is a front view showing the structure of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structures of a case and a front panel of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the front panel according to the embodiment of the present invention.

A speech recognition device is provided.

The air conditioner 10 includes a cabinet (cabinet)100 and

panels

130, 140, 150 coupled to the cabinet 100. The air conditioner 10 may include an air conditioner, for example. However, it should be clear that the main features of the present invention are not limited to the type of the air conditioner, and the embodiments of the present invention are also applicable to other air conditioners besides the air conditioner, such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, a cooking device, or a sweeper.

A driving part capable of generating vibration or noise, such as a fan motor and a fan, may be included inside the case 100. The air flow generated by the driving of the fan can be discharged to the front of the air conditioner 10 through the discharge device 110.

The discharge device 110 is provided at the front upper portion of the casing 100. The discharge device 110 includes a discharge grill 115 for discharging the conditioned air. For example, the discharge device 110 may include two discharge grids 115, and the two discharge grids 115 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

The air conditioner 10 further includes a display 120, and the display 120 displays information related to the operation of the air conditioner 10 through a screen. The display 120 may be disposed between the two spit grids 115.

The

panels

130, 140, 150 may be disposed on the underside of the spit device 110 and the display 120. The

panel

130, 140, 150 includes: two

side plates

130 and 140 disposed on both front sides of the housing 100; and a front panel 150 disposed between the two

side plates

130 and 140. The two

side plates

130, 140 include: a first side plate 130 disposed on the left side of the front panel 150; and a second side plate 140 disposed at a right side of the front panel 150.

The air conditioner 10 further includes a base 50 constituting a lower surface of the air conditioner 10. The front panel 150 may extend upward from the base 50 to the display 120. The front panel 150 may form an appearance of a front center portion of the air conditioner 10.

In the front panel 150, a panel hole 152 for collecting external voice V1 (refer to fig. 12) is formed. The panel hole 152 may be located at a lower portion of the front panel 150. As an example, the panel hole 152 may have a circular shape.

A plurality of the panel holes 152 may be provided, and the plurality of panel holes 152 include first and

second panel holes

152a and 152b spaced apart from each other. The first panel holes 152a and the second panel holes 152b may be arranged at intervals in the lateral direction.

In detail, when a height from a lower end of the air conditioner 10, that is, a lower end of the base 50 to an upper end of the air conditioner 10 is referred to as a first height H1, and a height from the lower end of the base 50 to an upper end of the front panel 150 is defined as a second height H2, the first height H1 may be greater than the second height H2.

When a height from the lower end of the base 50 to the panel hole 152 is defined as a third height H3, the H3 may be formed to be less than 1/2 × H2. In detail, the panel hole 152 may be disposed at a lower portion of the front panel 150, that is, at a lower side with reference to the center Cp in the vertical direction. According to such a configuration, since the panel hole 152 for collecting the voice can be provided at a position distant from the discharge device 110, it is possible to prevent the airflow noise discharged from the discharge device 110 from being transmitted to the panel hole 152.

Referring to fig. 3, the first and

second side plates

130 and 140 form the appearance of both sides of the front of the air conditioner 10. As an example, the first side plate 130 and the second side plate 140 may have front surfaces that are curved to protrude forward.

The first and

second side plates

130 and 140 may be combined with each other. In detail, the first side plate 130 includes a first panel flange 135, and the first panel flange 135 is located at a front central portion of the air conditioner 10 and has a curved shape. For example, the first panel flange 135 may be bent in a V shape.

The second side plate 140 includes a second panel flange 145, and the second panel flange 145 is located at a front central portion of the air conditioner 10 and has a curved shape. As an example, the second panel flange 145 may be bent in a "V" shape.

The first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145 may be configured to meet in a front-to-rear direction. For example, as shown in fig. 3, the second panel flange 145 is disposed in front of the first panel flange 135, and the bent V-shapes of the

respective panel flanges

135 and 145 can be matched with each other. Of course, the second panel flange 145 can also be disposed behind the first panel flange 135.

The center portion of the air conditioner 10 may be formed with the first and

second panel flanges

135 and 145 with a recess 138 recessed toward the rear. For example, the first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145 may have, according to the bent shape: the recessed portion 138 is recessed rearward in a V-shape when viewed from above.

The first and

second side plates

130 and 140 may be provided with coupling means 132 and 142 for coupling the

panels

130 and 140 to each other. The coupling means 132, 142 may be provided to the first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145.

The joining

device

132, 142 comprises: a hook (hook)132 provided to any one of the first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145; and a hook coupling portion 142 provided to the other one of the first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145 and coupled to the hook 132. For example, as shown, the hook 132 may be disposed on the first panel flange 135, and the hook coupling portion 142 may be disposed on the second panel flange 145.

The front panel 150 may be coupled to the front of the recess 138. The front panel 150 may have a thin quadrangular plate shape. By disposing the front panel 150 in front of the recess 138, the recess 138 of the first and

second side plates

130 and 140 and the rear of the front panel 150 form a mounting space for the voice recognition apparatus 200.

The front panel 150 includes a panel body 151 formed with a microphone hole 152. The panel body 151 may be made of a plastic material, and may be made of a transparent material. The microphone hole 152 may be formed to penetrate through a lower portion of the panel body 151.

The front panel 150 further includes: and a shielding part 153 extending downward from the panel body 151. The shielding portion 153 may be understood as: a shielding plate for preventing the recess 138 from being exposed to the outside through a gap between the lower portion of the panel body 151 and the base 50. The shielding part 153 prevents foreign matters from flowing into the recess 138, and has an advantage of making the appearance beautiful.

The front panel 150 further includes: and a film 155 disposed on the front surface of the panel body 151. The film 155 is attached to the front of the panel body 151 and may extend from the lower portion of the panel body 151 to the upper portion of the panel body 151. Also, the film 155 may be formed of a translucent or opaque material. The membrane 155 may be configured in such a way as not to obscure the microphone aperture 152. In detail, a lower end portion of the film 155 may be positioned at an upper side of the microphone hole 152.

The front panel 150 further includes a support plate 160 coupled to a rear side of the panel body 151. The support plate 160 includes: a plate portion 161 extending in the up-down direction and having a flat plate shape; and a flange portion 165 provided on both sides of the plate portion 161 and coupled to the panel body 151. The flange portion 165 may be coupled to the panel body 151 by an adhesive or a fastening member.

The support plate 160 further includes: and a plate extension portion 167 (see fig. 5) extending from the plate portion 161 toward the flange portion 165. The plate extending portions 167 may extend obliquely from both ends of the plate portion 161 toward the front, and are connected to the flange portion 165.

The support plate 160 further includes a mechanism coupling portion 163, and the mechanism coupling portion 163 is formed at a lower portion of the plate portion 161 and coupled with the support protrusion 212e of the voice recognition apparatus 200. The support plate 160 further includes a cover coupling portion 162, and the cover coupling portion 162 is formed at a substantially central portion of the plate portion 161 with respect to the vertical direction and coupled with a cover 170.

The cover 170 is a structure for supporting the cable, and may be formed of a rubber material. And, a cable holder (holder)175 may be provided at an upper side of the cover 170. The cable holder 175 is coupled to a rear surface of the plate portion 161, and may have an insertion hole 176 for inserting a cable extending through the cover 170. The cable extending from the voice recognition apparatus 200 may extend to the inside of the housing 100 via the cover 170 and the cable holder 175.

The support plate 160 may be configured to: extends from the rear of the panel body 151 toward the front and rear, and divides the voice input device 230 and the voice output device 250 into at least a part of a partition wall B (see fig. 18) in the front and rear directions.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a front panel and a voice recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 6 is a view showing a state in which a voice recognition device is coupled to the rear of the front panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, a voice recognition device 200 for implementing connection with a user through voice or sound may be provided at a rear side of the front panel 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, a fastening bracket 180 is provided behind the front panel 150, and the fastening bracket 180 is used to couple the voice recognition device 200 to the front panel 150. The fastening bracket 180 is provided in a protruding manner from the rear of the panel body 151 and may be located at an upper side of the panel hole 152. The fastening bracket 180 may be disposed under the mechanism coupling portion 163.

The air conditioner 10 further includes: a fastening member 290 coupled to the fastening bracket 180 and the voice recognition apparatus 200. For example, the fastening member 290 may be fastened to the fastening bracket 180 by penetrating the voice recognition apparatus 200.

The upper portion of the voice recognition device 200 is coupled to the mechanism coupling portion 163 via the support protrusion 212e, and a substantially central portion of the voice recognition device 200 with respect to the vertical direction may be fastened to the front panel 150 via the fastening bracket 180. According to the above-described structure, the voice recognition apparatus 200 can be firmly supported to the front panel 150.

The speech recognition apparatus 200 includes: a voice unit 200a that receives a voice input from a user; and an audio unit 200b that outputs a sound for notifying a user of information related to the operation of the air conditioner 10. The sound may comprise an electronic sound or a mechanical sound, etc.

For example, the voice unit 200a may be disposed at a lower portion of the voice recognition apparatus 200, and the audio unit 200b may be disposed at an upper portion of the voice recognition apparatus 200.

The voice part 200a and the audio part 200b may be integrally provided to one body. In detail, the speech recognition apparatus 200 includes: a voice input device 230 provided in the voice unit 200 a; and a sound output device 250 provided in the audio unit 200 b.

The speech recognition apparatus 200 further includes: a main body portion 210 for mounting the voice input device 230 and the sound output device 250. The main body 210 extends in the vertical direction, the voice input device 230 is provided at the lower portion of the main body 210, and the audio output device 250 may be provided at the upper portion of the main body 210.

In addition, since the fastening member 290 is fastened to the voice unit 200a and the support protrusion 212e is disposed on the audio unit 200b and coupled to the support plate 160, the voice unit 200a and the audio unit 200b can be easily supported by the front panel 150.

The voice output device 250 is disposed at a center portion of the main body 210 with reference to the left-right direction, and the voice input device 230 is provided in two and disposed at both sides of a lower portion of the main body 210. With such a configuration, the center of gravity of the voice recognition apparatus 200 can be formed at the center of the main body portion 210.

Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view showing the structure of a speech recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 8 is an exploded view showing the structure of the rear portion of a speech recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 9 is a front perspective view showing the structure of a speech recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 10 is an exploded view showing the structure of the front portion of a speech recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 7 to 10, the main body 210 of the speech recognition device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a lower body 211 provided with a voice input device 230; and an upper body 212 provided with a sound output device 250. The lower body 211 and the upper body 212 may be integrally formed.

The lower body 211 includes a bracket coupling part 214 to which the fastening bracket 180 is coupled. A receiving groove 214a recessed rearward from the front surface of the lower body 211 is formed in the bracket coupling part 214. The fastening bracket 180 may be inserted into the receiving groove 214 a.

The rear surface of the bracket coupling portion 214 includes a fastening portion 214b coupled with the fastening member 290. The fastening portion 214b may be disposed at a center portion of the lower body 211 with reference to the left-right direction. The fastening portion 214b is provided in plurality, and the plurality of fastening portions 214b may be arranged in the left-right direction. Also, the receiving groove 214a may be located in front of the fastening parts 214 b.

A plurality of

space portions

217b and 218b are formed in the central portion of the lower body 211. The

space portions

217b and 218b may be recessed forward from a rear surface of the lower body 211.

By forming the plurality of

space portions

217b and 218b to reduce the mass of the main body portion 210, it is possible to prevent a stress generated when the fastening member 290 is fastened to the lower body portion 211 from being greatly applied to the lower body portion 211. In addition, the material cost required for manufacturing the lower body 211 can be reduced.

The plurality of

space portions

217b and 218b include: a first space portion 217b in which the fastening portion 214b is provided; and a second space portion 218b formed below the first space portion 217 b.

The lower body 211 further includes a cross plate 211a extending in the lateral direction. The first space portion 217b may be formed above the horizontal plate 211a, and the second space portion 218b may be formed below the horizontal plate 211 a.

The lower main body 211 further includes: and reinforcing

beads

217a and 218a for reinforcing the strength of the lower body 211. The reinforcement bars 217a, 218a include a first reinforcement bar 217a extending upward from the transverse plate 211 a. The first bead 217a may be disposed between the fastening portions 214 b.

The reinforcement bars 217a, 218a further include a second reinforcement bar 218a extending downward from the transverse plate 211 a. The second bead 218a may be coupled to a lower surface of the lower body 211.

The body portion 210 is positioned at the rear of the front panel 150 such that the fastening bracket 180 is inserted into the receiving groove 214a, and the fastening member 290 is fastened to the fastening bracket 180 by passing through the fastening portion 214 b.

The main body part 210 includes a fitting part 213, and the fitting part 213 is provided at both sides of the lower main body 211 and is provided with a voice input device 230. The mounting portion 213 may be provided to protrude laterally from a side surface of the lower body 211.

The fitting part 213 includes a first device seating part 213a recessed toward the rear from the front surface of the body part 210. A voice input device 230 may be disposed at the first device disposing part 213 a. Also, the first device seating portions 213a may be disposed at both sides of the receiving groove 214 a.

The voice input device 230 includes: a first input device 230a provided to any one of the two mounting portions 213; and a second input device 230b provided to the other of the two fitting portions 213. The first input device 230a and the second input device 230b may have the same structure. Also, the first input device 230a may be located at a rear side of the first panel hole 152a, and the second input device 230b may be located at a rear side of the second panel hole 152 b. The first and

second input devices

230a and 230b may be disposed at the same height.

The voice input device 230 includes: a printed circuit board 232 provided with a microphone 233; and a sealing member 235 provided to a front surface portion of the printed circuit board 232 and contacting a rear surface of the front panel 150. For example, the sealing member 235 may be made of a rubber material.

A microphone hole 232a for inputting a voice transmitted through the panel hole 152 is formed in the printed circuit board 232. As an example, the microphone hole 232a may have a circular shape. Also, at the rear surface portion of the printed circuit board 232, the microphone 233 communicating with the microphone hole 232a and collecting voice may be provided.

The sealing member 235 may seal a space between the voice input device 230 and the front panel 150, thereby preventing noise generated from the inside of the air conditioner 10 from being transmitted to the microphone 233.

Further, since the voice input device 230 can be closely attached to the front panel 150 by the sealing member 235, even if vibration occurs during operation of the air conditioner 10, collision between the voice input device 230 and the front panel 150 can be prevented. For example, the sealing member 235 may be made of a rubber material.

The sealing member 235 may have a polyhedral shape. As an example, the sealing member 235 may have a square shape having a relatively small width in the front-rear direction. The sealing member 235 has a sealing opening 235a communicating with the panel hole 152 of the front panel 150. The sealing opening 235a may be formed by penetrating a central portion of the sealing member 235 in a front-rear direction. For example, the sealing opening 235a may have a circular shape. The size of the sealing opening portion 235a may be formed to be larger than that of the panel hole 152.

The voice input device 230 further includes a cover 234, and the cover 234 is disposed at the device seating part 213a and is disposed in such a manner as to surround the rear surface of the printed circuit board 232. The cover 234 may be configured to support a side surface portion of the printed circuit board 232.

The cover 234 is configured to contact the rear surface of the microphone 233, so that the voice input device 230 can be pressed toward the front. Therefore, the voice input device 230 can be easily attached to the rear surface of the front panel 150. For example, the cover 234 may be made of a rubber material.

The voice input device 230 may further include a cable C connected to the printed circuit board 232. The cable C extends upward, and may extend toward the upper side of the voice recognition apparatus 200 together with the cable connected to the sound output device 250.

The upper body 212 may extend upward from the lower body 211. A support protrusion 212e for coupling the body portion 210 to the support plate 160 may be provided at an upper end portion of the upper body 212.

The upper body 212 includes: a rear surface portion 212a formed with a speaker hole 215; and two side surface parts 212b extending forward from the edge of the rear surface part 212 a. The speaker hole 215 may be formed by forming an opening at a position corresponding to the speaker 255. For example, the speaker hole 215 is formed as a circular opening.

A second device mounting portion 212c for mounting the sound output device 250 can be defined by the rear surface portion 212a and the two side surface portions 212 b. The second device seating part 212c may be understood as a space recessed toward the rear from the front surface of the upper body 212. The second device housing portion 212c may be referred to as a "speaker housing portion" in that a speaker can be housed in the second device housing portion 212 c.

The two side portions 212b further include a device hook 212d supporting the sound output device 250. The device hook 212d may be provided in plurality. For example, two of the plurality of device hooks 212d may be disposed on one of the two side surface portions 212 b. And the other two device hooks can be arranged on the other side surface part.

The device hook 212d may support the front of the sound output device 250. As described below, when the sound output device 250 is mounted to the upper body 212 in a simple manner, the device hooks 212d located at the two side surface parts 212a and each side surface part 212a may be deformed in a direction away from each other when the sound output device 250 is moved toward the rear and mounted on the second device mounting part 212 c.

Also, if the sound output device 250 is seated in the second device seating portion 212c, the two side surface portions 212b are moved to original positions by a restoring force, and a plurality of the device hooks 212d may be caught on the front surface of the sound output device 250. Therefore, the sound output device 250 can be prevented from being separated forward.

Cut portions 223 may be formed at the two side portions 212b, and the cut portions 223 may facilitate deformation of the device hook 212 d. The cut-away portion 223 may be formed in two on each of the upper and lower sides of the device hook 212 d. The device hook 212d may be deformed in the left and right direction between the two cut-outs 223.

The rear surface portion 212a is formed with one or more body through holes 216. The body penetration hole 216 is provided in plurality, and the plurality of body penetration holes 216 may be formed at a height corresponding to the plurality of device hooks 212 d. The body through hole 216 may be understood as a hole into which a machining tool can be inserted during machining of the device hook 212d or the cut-away portion 223.

The sound output device 250 includes: an output device main body 251 having a speaker opening 251 a; and a speaker 255 provided in the speaker opening 251a and configured to output a set sound. The output device main body 251 is configured to extend in the vertical direction, and the speaker opening 251a may be formed to penetrate the output device main body 251 in the front-rear direction. The speaker 255 may be exposed to the outside through the speaker opening 251 a.

The sound output device 250 further includes a boss supporting portion 252, and the boss supporting portion 252 is disposed at an upper portion of the output device body 251. The boss supporting part 252 is combined with a boss 221 provided to the upper body 212. The boss 221 may be configured to protrude forward from the rear surface portion 212 a. For example, the boss supporting portion 252 may have a ring shape in which a portion thereof is cut, and may be configured to surround the outer circumferential surface of the boss 221.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI' of fig. 1.

Referring to fig. 11, in the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a sound output device 250 may be provided behind the front panel 150. In detail, the support plate 160 is coupled to the rear surface of the front panel 150, and the upper body 212 of the voice recognition apparatus 200 is coupled to the rear surface of the support plate 160.

The support plate 160 includes: a plate portion 161, the upper body 212 being joined to the plate portion 161; a plate extension 167 extending obliquely forward from the plate portion 161; and a flange portion 165 extending in the left-right direction from the plate extension portion 167 and contactable with the rear surface of the front panel 150.

The plate portion 161 and the plate extension portion 167 have a curved shape, and the plate extension portion 167 and the flange portion 165 have a curved shape. The plate portion 161 and the plate extension portion 167 may be spaced apart toward the rear from the rear surface of the front panel 150. The plate 161 may extend substantially parallel to the rear surface of the front panel 150.

The sound output device 250 is supported by the plate portion 161, and therefore, the speaker 255 provided in the sound output device 250 may be disposed at a distance from the front panel 150 toward the inside of the air conditioner.

A plate boss 157 for supporting an end of the flange portion 165 is provided on the rear surface of the front panel 150. For example, the plate protrusion 157 may contact an end of the flange portion 165. The plate protrusion 157 may protrude toward the rear from the rear surface of the front panel 150.

The sound output device 250 includes an output device body 251, the output device body 251 forms an accommodation space 251b for accommodating a speaker 255, and a speaker opening 251a for transmitting sound output from the speaker 255 toward the rear is formed at the rear of the output device body 251. The speaker opening 251a may communicate with the accommodating space 251 b.

The speaker opening 251a may be opened toward the rear of the sound output device 250. That is, the speaker opening portion 251a may be opened toward the first and

second panel flanges

135 and 145 of the first and

second side plates

130 and 140. The first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145 are disposed on the rear side of the front panel 150, and may be disposed at intervals toward the rear side of the speaker opening 251 a.

The upper body 212 includes a speaker hole 215 disposed at the rear side of the speaker opening 251 a. The speaker opening part 251a and the speaker hole 215 may be aligned in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the sound output from the speaker 255 may pass through the speaker opening part 251a and be transmitted to the rear through the speaker hole 215.

The first and

second side panels

130, 140 may function to: a function of an echo plate that generates an echo by the sound output from the speaker 255. In detail, the first and

second panel flanges

135 and 145 are located at the rear side of the speaker 255, and may have a shape bent in a V-shape.

The sound output from the speaker 255 collides with and is reflected by the curved portion of the first panel flange 135 or the second panel flange 145, and may be transmitted toward the front. In this process, the first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145 may vibrate by sound and form an echo.

The sound reflected to the front of the first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145 can be transmitted to the front of the air conditioner 10 through the space between the support plate 160 and the first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145 and the space between the front panel 150 and the first panel flange 135 and the second panel flange 145. Accordingly, the user can recognize the sound output from the speaker 255.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII' of fig. 1, fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view showing the structure of the voice input device of the embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the voice input device of the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 12, the voice input device 230 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on the lower body 211 of the body 210.

In detail, fitting parts 213 for fitting the voice input device 230 may be provided at both sides of the lower body 211. The fitting portion 213 is recessed toward the rear from the front surface of the lower body 211, and thus may be disposed to be opposite to the rear surface of the front panel 150. Also, the voice input device 230, particularly, the housing 234 may be disposed on an inner surface of the fitting portion 213.

The voice input device 230 is located behind the front panel 150. In detail, the voice input means 230 may be located at the rear side of the panel hole 152. First input device 230a is disposed behind first panel aperture 152a, and second input device 230b is disposed behind second panel aperture 152 b.

The first panel hole 152a and the second panel hole 152b may be spaced apart by a set distance S1 so that the voice V1 of the user is easily recognized and an error of the recognized information is reduced. For example, the first panel hole 152a and the second panel hole 152b may be spaced apart by about 3.5 to 4.5 cm. The diameters of the first and

second panel holes

152a and 152b may be set to be in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

The voice input device 230 may be in contact with the rear surface of the front panel 150. In detail, the cover 234 of the voice input device 230 may contact or abut against the rear surface of the front panel 150. In detail, the cover 234 includes: a cover body 234a disposed to surround the rear of the microphone 233 or the printed circuit board 232; and a cover flange 234b extending in the left-right direction from the cover body 234a and contacting the rear surface of the front panel 150. The cover body 234a may surround the microphone 233 or the printed circuit board 232 at a side thereof.

A printed circuit board 232, a microphone 233, and a sealing member 235 may be disposed in the inner space of the cover 234. In particular, the cover 234 is disposed so as to surround the rear of the microphone 233 or the printed circuit board 232, and the microphone 233 and the printed circuit board 232 can be pressed toward the front panel 150 side. As an example, a rear surface of the microphone 233 may be disposed on an inner surface of the housing 234.

The sealing member 235 of the voice input device 230 may contact or abut against the rear surface of the front panel 150. The seal member 235 has a seal opening portion 235a communicating with the panel hole 152. The panel hole 152 and the seal opening portion 235a may be aligned in the front-rear direction. The user's voice passes through the panel hole 152 and is transmitted to the inside of the voice input device 230 through the sealed opening portion 235 a.

A microphone hole 232a communicating with the sealing opening portion 235a is formed in the printed circuit board 232. The sealing opening portion 235a and the microphone hole 232a may be aligned in the front-rear direction. The voice of the user transmitted to the inside of the voice input device 230 through the sealing opening portion 235a can be transmitted to the microphone 233 through the microphone hole 232 a. The microphone hole 232a may communicate with the microphone 233.

The panel hole 152, the sealing opening portion 235a, and the microphone hole 232a are aligned in the front-rear direction, and may be formed to have different sizes from each other.

In detail, the diameter D2 of the sealing opening portion 235a may be formed to be larger than the diameter D1 of the panel hole 152. Also, the diameter D1 of the panel hole 152 may be formed to be larger than the diameter D3 of the microphone hole 232 a. For example, the diameter D1 may be formed in a range of 1.8mm to 2.2mm, and the diameter D2 may be formed in a range of 2.4mm to 2.6 mm. The diameter D3 may be in the range of 0.5mm to 1.0 mm.

According to such a configuration, when the voice input device 230 is disposed on the rear surface of the front panel 150, even if an error occurs in the disposition position of the sealing member 235 or the sealing member 235 is deformed in the process of being closely attached to the front panel 150, the phenomenon that the panel hole 152 or the microphone hole 232a is shielded by the sealing member 235 can be prevented. Therefore, a voice transmission path for transmitting the voice of the user to the microphone 233 can be easily secured.

Fig. 15 is a rear view showing a state in which a voice recognition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a front panel, fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI' of fig. 15, fig. 17 is a diagram showing an enlarged portion "a" in fig. 16, and fig. 18 is a side view showing a state of a partition wall B according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 15 to 17, a voice recognition apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be combined to a rear side of the front panel 150. The upper portion of the voice recognition apparatus 200 is supported by a support plate 160, and the lower portion of the voice recognition apparatus 200 may be fastened to the front panel 150 by a fastening member 290.

The sound output device 250 may be configured to be located on the center line l1 in the up-down direction of the voice recognition apparatus 200. That is, the center line l1 may pass through the center of the second device mounting portion 212c of the upper body 212, and may pass through the center of the speaker 255.

In detail, the sound output device 250 is supported by the support plate 160, and may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the front panel 150 toward the rear. The support plate 160 may be configured by a bent plate portion 161, a plate extension portion 167, and a flange portion 165. The flange portion 165 is in contact with the rear surface of the front panel 150, and the plate portion 161 may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the front panel 150 toward the rear by a set distance S2. For example, the set distance S2 may be formed in a range of 6mm to 7 mm.

A space defined by the set distance S2 between the rear surface of the front panel 150 and the plate portion 161 is formed, and a cable path through which a cable C1 extending from the voice input device 230 and a cable C2 extending from the sound output device 250 pass.

The rear surface of the sound output device 250, particularly the rear surface of the output device main body 251, may be disposed at a set distance S3 rearward from the plate portion 161 of the support plate 160. For example, the set distance S3 may be formed in a range of 1mm to 2 mm.

Vibration generated from the air conditioner 10 when the air conditioner 10 operates may be transmitted to the plate portion 161. Therefore, when the output device main body 251 is in contact with the plate portion 161, the vibration is transmitted to the sound output device 250 to generate a vibration in the speaker 255, and thus, the output performance of the speaker 255 may be degraded. To prevent this, the output device body 251 is spaced apart from the plate portion 161.

The voice input device 230 may be disposed on both sides of the voice recognition device 200 with a space therebetween with reference to the vertical center line l 1.

The voice input device 230 may be disposed in front of the sound output device 250 and behind the front panel 150. In detail, the voice input device 230 is closely attached to the rear surface of the front panel 150 and may be disposed at a lower side of the support plate 160.

Accordingly, a distance from the rear surface of the front panel 150 to the voice input device 230 may be formed to be smaller than a distance from the rear surface of the front panel 150 to the sound output device 250. In other words, a distance from the rear surface of the front panel 150 to the microphone 233 may be formed to be smaller than a distance from the rear surface of the front panel 150 to the speaker 255.

Referring to fig. 18, the voice input device 230 and the voice output device according to the embodiment of the present invention are combined with the main body 210, thereby forming a single body.

In detail, the speech recognition apparatus 200 may include: a partition wall B disposed between the voice input device 230 and the sound output device 250. The partition wall B may include at least a portion of the support plate 160 and at least a portion of the body portion 210. The voice input device 230 may be located in front of the partition wall B, and the sound output device 250 may be located behind the partition wall B.

Also, the voice input means 230 may be located at a lower portion of the partition wall B, and the sound output means 250 may be located at an upper portion of the partition wall B. The voice input device 230 includes two

input devices

230a and 230b, and the two

input devices

230a and 230b may be arranged at a distance from each other in the lateral direction.

The partition wall B partitions the voice input device 230 for inputting the user's voice and the sound output device 250 for outputting the sound, thereby functioning to: a function of separating voice/sound inputted or outputted from each device. Therefore, a phenomenon in which sound output toward the rear of the front panel 150 via the speaker 255 is directly transmitted to the microphone 233 for collecting voice from the front of the front panel 150 can be prevented.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which a cable C is incorporated in the voice recognition device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which a wire harness H according to the embodiment of the present invention is located in a rear space of a front panel.

Referring to fig. 19 and 20, a speech recognition apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cable C1 extending from the voice input device 230; and a fixing member F for fixing the cable C2 extending from the sound output device 250.

The voice recognition device 200 may be provided with a molding (molding) unit M for fixing the cables C1 and C2 to the main body unit 210. The cables C1 and C2 can be fixed to the cable space 212f of the upper body 212 by the plastic-molded part M (see fig. 9). The cable space 212f may be formed below the speaker 255 as a space recessed rearward from the lower front surface of the upper body 212.

The speech recognition apparatus 200 further includes: a cable C1 extending from the voice input device 230; and a harness (harness) H for holding a cable C2 extending from the sound output device 250. The wire harness H has a cylindrical shape and is arranged to surround the outside of the cables C1, C2, whereby the cables C1, C2 can be protected from external impact.

After the cables C1 and C2 are molded by the molding part M, the cables may extend into the wire harness H. Also, the wire harness H extends upward from the voice recognition device 200, and can be disposed in a space between the rear surface of the front panel 150 and the plate portion 161. Also, the wire harness H is attached to the support plate 160 by the tape T, so that the wire harness H can be prevented from shaking.

Claims

1. An air conditioner provided with a voice recognition device, comprising:

a front panel having a panel hole;

a support plate provided on the rear side of the front panel and including a plate portion spaced rearward from the rear surface of the front panel; and

a voice recognition device combined with the support plate,

the speech recognition apparatus includes:

a main body provided to the support plate and including an upper body and a lower body, the upper body including a mounting portion facing a rear surface of the front panel, the lower body including an opening portion that opens rearward;

an audio output device provided in the upper body and including a speaker aligned with the opening; and

and a voice input device provided in the mounting portion, contacting a rear surface of the front panel, and including a microphone.

2. The air conditioner with a voice recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the upper body includes:

a rear surface portion having the opening;

two side surface portions extending forward from an edge of the rear surface portion; and

and a speaker housing part provided with the sound output device for an internal space formed by the rear face part and the two side face parts.

3. The air conditioner with a speech recognition device according to claim 2,

the speaker housing section is disposed on a center line (l1) in the vertical direction of the voice recognition device.

4. The air conditioner with a speech recognition device according to claim 3,

the fitting part includes a plurality of fitting parts provided at both sides of the lower body,

the plurality of mounting portions are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction from the center line (l 1).

5. The air conditioner with a speech recognition device according to claim 4,

the plurality of voice input devices provided in the plurality of mounting portions are disposed below the audio output device.

6. The air conditioner with a speech recognition device according to claim 1,

the lower body is formed integrally with the upper body.

7. The air conditioner with a speech recognition device according to claim 6,

the speaker accommodating portion and the fitting portion are formed by being recessed from a surface of the main body portion facing a rear surface of the front panel.

8. The air conditioner with a speech recognition device according to claim 1,

the voice input device is positioned in front of the supporting plate, and the sound output device is positioned behind the supporting plate.

9. The air conditioner with a voice recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the support plate further includes:

a plate extension bent from the plate portion and extending toward the front panel; and

a flange portion extending from the plate extension portion and contacting an inner surface of the front panel.

10. The air conditioner with a voice recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the voice input device includes:

a printed circuit board formed with a microphone hole communicating with the panel hole; and

and the microphone is arranged on the printed circuit board and communicated with the microphone hole.