WO2008007841A2

WO2008007841A2 - Air conditioner having image display function

Info

Publication number: WO2008007841A2
Application number: PCT/KR2006/005786
Authority: WO
Inventors: Byeong-Tae Kwon
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2006-07-13
Filing date: 2006-12-27
Publication date: 2008-01-17
Also published as: EP1878977A3; WO2008007841A3; EP1878977A2

Abstract

According to this present invention, an air conditioner comprises; a display unit (200) including a display panel; an air conditioning unit (100) which bonds with the display unit (200) and includes a heat exchange unit and a ventilator to purify the air; and a housing, in which the display unit (200) and air conditioning unit (100) are received, including an air inlet (25) and outlet provided therein.

Description

AIR CONDITIONER HAVING IMAGE DISPLAY FUNCTION

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner having image display function by installing an image display device in the front of an indoor unit.

Background Art [2] Generally, an air conditioner includes a heater, a cooler, an air purifier etc, and it is installed indoors to heat, cool or purify the air, resulting pleasant environment to a human being. [3] Recently, by installing a thin turbo fan inside the air conditioner, minimizing the air conditioner indoor unit's total thickness so as to install the air conditioner indoor unit on the wall inside homes like a frame. [4] Meanwhile, recently thin display devices such as liquid crystal panels are used which replaced general CRT display devices. [5] From here there was a defect that, if the air conditioner indoor unit and image display device was separately installed on separate places inside the room, the space efficiency will decrease because too much space was occupied. [6] Also, the need to satisfy the user, who desired to use the front part of the frame typed air conditioner in many ways, was raised.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem [7] The present invention is suggested to satisfy necessary needs such as the mentioned matters and the aim to form image display and air conditioner as one body, increasing space efficiency and also providing image display function in the front part so that it could be effectively utilized. [8] Also, aiming to manufacture and provide the air conditioner with image display and air conditioner as one body, minimizing install area and sharing parts to minimize the manufacturing cost. [9] Also, providing adequate inlet/outlet structure on the air conditioner, where the air conditioning unit and display unit is installed to one cabinet.

Technical Solution [10] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the air conditioner having image display function includes; An air conditioner having image display function, comprising: a display unit including a display panel; an air conditioning unit which bonds with the display unit and includes a heat exchange unit and a ventilator to purify the air; and a housing, in which the display unit and air conditioning unit are received, including an air inlet and outlet provided therein. [11] According to another aspect of the present invention includes: a display unit including a display panel and a signal receiver for receiving video signal to be displayed on the display panel; an air conditioning unit which bonds with the display unit and includes a ventilator sucking the indoor air and a heat exchange unit heat exchanging the sucked indoor air; a housing, in which the display unit and air conditioning unit are received, and including an air inlet and outlet provided therein; and a control unit that controls the operation of the display unit and the air conditioning unit.

Advantageous Effects

[12] According to the present invention, flat image display devices such as LCD or PDP are embedded in the air conditioner, which will result increasing in space efficiency. [13] Also, according to the present invention, since the air conditioner is embedded with image display device, there is only one installation process. [14] Also, according to the present invention, the air flow from the inlet cools the heat generated by the image display part, which results unnecessariness of additional cooler to be needed. [15] Also, according to the present invention, as the image display device is installed in the front part, the exposure of the air conditioner will be minimized. [16] Also, according to the present invention, as the image display device ,in the front part of the air conditioner, is able to display numerous images, the usage of the front part of the air conditioner will be increased and also it will make the exterior more gorgeous. [17] Also, according to the present invention, as the air conditioner status is displayed on the image display device, it will be easy to verify the status in the room or the air conditioners status from a place far away. [18] Also, according to the present invention, as the air conditioner and the image display device is controlled by a single remote controller, there would be no need to buy a separate remote controller. [19] Also, according to the present invention, a outlet route is formed to turn the direction of the outlet air from the indoor ventilator, which is situated inside the cabinet, and an advantage to outlet the air to the front part of the cabinet by using a centrifugal blower.

Brief Description of the Drawings [20] FlG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of an air conditioner with image display function according to the present invention. [21] FlG. 2 is a disassembled perspective view showing the display unit and the air conditioner unit's bonding relations according to the present invention. [22] FlG. 3 is a disassembled perspective view showing the entire structure of the air conditioner according to the present invention. [23] FlG. 4 is a front view showing only the air conditioner unit with display unit excluded according to the present invention. [24] FlG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view showing the display unit bonding with the front panel of the air conditioner according to the present invention. [25] FlG. 6 is a perspective view illustration of the operation status of the air conditioner according to the present invention. [26] FlG. 7 is a illustrated perspective view of the 2nd example according to the present invention. [27] FlG. 8 is a front view of air conditioning unit of the 3rd example according to the present invention. [28] FlG. 9 is a front perspective view of the 4th example according to the present invention. [29] FlG. 10 is a back perspective view of the 4th example according to the present invention. [30] FlG. 11 is a side perspective view of the 4th example according to the present invention. [31] FlG. 12 is a exterior perspective view of the 5th example according to the present invention. [32] FlG. 13 is a disassembled perspective view of the 5th example according to the present invention. [33] FlG. 14 is a disassembled perspective view of the display unit of the 5th example according to the present invention. [34] FlG. 15 is a side view of the illustrated status of the 5th example according to the present invention. [35] FlG. 16 is a perspective view of the illustrated status of the 5th example according to the present invention. [36] FlG. 17 is a perspective view of the 6th example according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [37] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. [38] FlG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of The air conditioner according to the present invention. [39] Referring to FlG. 1, The air conditioner according to the present invention includes the air conditioning unit 100 with cooling and heating features, and a display unit 200 which displays images are installed together.

[40] The display unit 200 is provided in [present on] the front side of the air condition unit 100, and minimizes the exposure of the air condition unit to users.

[41] The display unit 200, installed on the air conditioner, is able to display public TV images, satellite/ground wave DMB images or movies and etc.

[42] Also, the air conditioning unit 100 of the air conditioner is consisted of the exterior part and the interior part and achieves air conditioning processes such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, air purifying and etc is done, on this example.

[43] The air conditioning unit 100 according to the present invention comprises: a compressor 11, which compresses refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchange unit 12 which exchanges heat of the exterior air and refrigerant; an exterior ventilator which ventilates the outdoor heat exchanger; an expansion valve 14 which sprays condensed liquid state refrigerant; an indoor heat exchange unit 50 which exchanges heat of the room air and refrigerant, an indoor ventilator which ventilates the indoor heat exchange unit 50; an sensor unit 15 which senses the outflow pressure and temperature of the compressor 11, the temperature of the indoor heat exchange unit 50 or the outdoor heat exchange unit 12, and the indoors or the outdoors temperatures.

[44] Also, the display unit 200 according to the present invention comprises: a display panel 250 which displays images; an audio output unit 260 which outputs audio; a signal receiver 210 which receives signal; a signal converter 220 which appropriately converts the signal to the display panel or the audio output unit; and a memory unit 270 which stores numerous information and data.

[45] the signal receiver 210 is to receive the frequency from the TV tuner, DMB and etc.

In detail, the signal receiver 210 is to receive digital broadcasting service or analog broadcast and etc from satellite or base station and etc, for example, there is a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting(DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld(D VB-H), Media Forward Link Only(MediaFLO) and etc for digital broadcasting service, for the analog broadcasting there is public broadcasting from general base station.

[46] Also, the signal converter 220 which amplifies and decodes the received signal, converts received analog signal to a digital signal. Also, the audio output unit 260, outputs the audio signal to the user which signal is from the converted signal from the signal converter 220.

[47] From here, the display unit 200 is a image display device composed of Rat display panel, and there are examples of this such as, liquid crystal display(LCD) TV, Plasma display panel(PDP) TV and etc, and the audio output unit is connected through the cabinet and connection unit 600(refer to FIG. 5)

[48] On the other hand, the air conditioner according to the present invention further includes: a power unit 300, which supplies power to the respective component of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 ; a operating unit 400, which inputs commands for the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200; and a operational unit 500, which controls the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 from the commands that has been received by the controller unit.

[49] In detail, the power unit 300 is to supply power to the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200. In detail, since the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 has different voltage, the power unit 300 has to control the voltage so that it will supply the correct voltage to each of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200. For example, if the display panel 250 of the display unit 200 is a PDP panel, the power unit will deliver the reset voltage for the process of discharge, scan voltage and sustain voltage to each of the operational unit of a control board. Also, the power unit controls, the voltage to activate a compressor 11 of the air conditioning unit 100, the voltage for the motor 32 of a ventilator 13, 30 for the interior and the exterior, the voltage to activate the outlet device and the sensor unit 15, the voltage to activate the expansion valve 14.

[50] The operational unit 400 is to input users control commands for the air conditioning unit 100 or the display unit 200, for this example the operational unit 400 includes; a operational panel 410 supplied with the display unit 200 box, a wireless remote controller 420 which has a wireless communication function and is supplied additionally, and a receive unit 430 that transmits the wireless signal to the operational unit 500.

[51] FIG. 2 is a disassembled perspective view showing the display unit and the air conditioner unit's bonding relations according to the present invention and FIG. 3 is a disassembled perspective view showing the entire structure of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

[52] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, as described, the present invention consists of the display unit 200 and the air conditioning unit 100 and a housing which contains the display unit 200 and the air conditioning unit 100.

[53] In detail, the housing includes; a case, which supports the display unit 200 and cabinet 20, which supports the air conditioning unit 100. Also, the cabinet 20 includes a base 24, which bonds with the front panel 22 and the back of the front panel 22 where a indoor air inlet 25 is formed.

[54] In detail, the includes: the air conditioning unit 100, a indoor ventilator 30 which is installed inside the cabinet 20; an orifice 40 which makes the air flow inside to the ventilator fan 30; an indoor heat exchange unit 50 which is installed in the front of the orifice 40 so that it will exchange heat with the air flowing inside with the refrigerant; a control box 70 which controls the air conditioning unit 100; a drain pan 80 which collects the condensation water which has been condensed in the surface of the indoor heat exchanger; and a filter 60 which is placed in the front part of the cabinet to filter any unnecessary substances in the air. In detail, a inlet 25 is formed inside the cabinet

20 and the inlet 25 is covered with the filter 60. Also, the front panel 22 is joint fixed on to the base 24, and numerous outlet 26 is formed in the base 24. Also, on the base 24, an discharging unit 90 which is selectable switching the outlet 26 is provided. Also, the discharging unit 90 consists of, a vane 92, which switches the outlet, and a drive motor(not indicated), which drives the vane.

[55] Also, the indoor ventilator 30 is installed on the base 24 and is a centrifugal blower, which outlets air which is taken in by the axial direction to a radial direction.

[56] Also, to prevent the collision of the outlet air from installation of multiple ventilator on the base, the base interior is divided by a partition 24a. Also, an air guide 24b is installed on each upper side of the interior of the base, where the air, from the indoor ventilator, which outflows to the top side is turned and guided to the outlet on the side.

[57] Also, a plasma filter 110 is installed on the surface of the heat exchange unit 50, so that it will collect dust and unnecessary substances from the air flowing through the inlet.

[58] Also, a piping cover 21 is installed on the edges of the cabinet 20, the piping cover

21 is constructed on the edge of the base 24 to form the exterior part of the air conditioning unit 100.

[59] From here, the piping cover 21 is formed on a multiple places of 4 edges of the cabinet 20, in this example 2 places in the low edge is installed. Also, the exterior refrigerant pipe penetrates the piping cover 21 and is guided to the interior of the cabinet 20.

[60] On the other hand, the display unit 200 installed on the surface of the air conditioning unit 100 includes; a display panel 250, which displays images, and a case 610, which the display panel is placed. Also, the display panel 250 is protected by the case 610.

[61] In detail, a receiver unit 430 is provided on one part of the case 610, which receives signal from the controller panel 410 and remote controller 420. From here, the FIG. 1 controller unit 400 includes; the controller panel 410, remote controller 420 and controller unit 430.

[62] In detail, the controlling panel 410 provides; controlling button 411/412, which turns the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 on and off, and a popup button, which turns the status of the air conditioning unit 100 on and off on to the display panel 250. Obviously, the controlling butting 421/422 and popup button 424 is provided to the remote controller 420. Also, a memory slot 612 is installed on the other side of the case 610, which connects external memory, and a internal memory is installed on the interior of the case 610. Also, MMC/SD, CF, XD, MS and etc is included on the memory slot 612.

[63] The following explains the working process of the air conditioner and the working process of the air conditioning unit.

[64] First of all, when the user inputs a command through the controlling panel 410 or the remote controller 420, the control unit 500 controls at least one of the air conditioning unit 100 or the display unit 200 by the input command.

[65] From here, when the user inputs a command to drive the air conditioning unit 100, the control unit 500 will drive the air conditioning unit 100 by the input command.

[66] For example, when the user inputs a command to cooling, the control unit 500 will sense the temperatures of indoor air, outdoor air, pipe of the indoor heat exchange unit 50 and etc from the sensor unit 15, then will compare it with the desired temperature of the air conditioning unit 100 and will drive the air conditioning unit 100.

[67] In detail, the control unit 500 will drive the compressor 11 to compress the refrigerant and the compressed refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchange unit 12 and then the condensed refrigerant will be expanded to a low temperature and low pressure when penetrating through the expansion valve 14. Also, the refrigerant penetrated through the expansion valve 14 will be vaporized by the heat suction from the room air and the vaporized refrigerant will be moved back to the compressor 11. From here, the room air will loose its heat through the indoor heat exchanger it and the room temperature will be low to the temperature setting.

[68] Also, when the user drives the display unit 200 with a control command, the control unit 500 will drive the display unit 200 by the control command of the user. From here, the user can input command to display the indoor temperature and humidity through the display method of the display. In detail, the indoor temperature, humidity and etc is displayed on to the display panel 250 by receiving signal from the sensor unit 15 of the air conditioning unit 100 from the control unit 500.

[69] Also, when the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 is driven at the same time, the display panel 250 will display, the status of the air conditioning unit 100 and the image display from the signal receiver 210, by the display method inside the display. Detailed explanation will be done below.

[70] FIG. 4 is a front view showing only the air conditioner unit with display unit excluded according to the present invention and FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view showing the display unit bonding with the front panel of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

[71] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a front panel is combined to the surface of the base of the present invention and on the interior of the front panel 22 a fixed sized outlet is formed covered by a filter 60. Also, between the front panel 22 and the base 24, various components for installed for air conditioning (refer to FIG. 3). [72] Also, the display unit 200 consists; the case, which is detachable to the cabinet through the connecting unit 600, and a display panel 250, which is fixed on the interior of the case 610. Also, the audio output unit 260, the signal receiver 210 and the signal converter 220 is installed on the interior of the case 610. Also, a external input terminal 614 (for example, DVI, RGB, Component, S- Video, Composite, Optical, AV terminal, HDMI, and etc) is installed to receive external signal on the interior of the case. Also, the external input terminal 614 is connected to the signal converter 220.

[73] Also, in detail, the case 610 constitutes; a front cover 611, which is installed to cover the surface edge of the display panel 250, and the front base 613, which is combined with the front cover 611 situated on the back of the front cover 611.

[74] From here, the display panel 250 is installed between the front cover 611 and the front base 613 and signal receiver 210, signal converter 220 and control unit 500 installed on the back of the display panel 250 is shielded by the front base 613.

[75] Also, an internal memory is installed inside the memory slot 612, which connects external memory, on the case 610.

[76] From here, the external memory and the internal memory is the memory unit 270 in

FIG. 1, and the memory slot 612 or the external input terminal 614 can be installed on the cabinet 20 of the air conditioning unit 100 referring to the installation place of the control unit 500.

[77] Also, the audio output unit 260, as described, is to output the audio signal, from the converted signal that went through the signal converter 220, to the user, where the speaker 616 for the audio output and the external output terminal (not indicated) is installed on the case.

[78] On the other hand, the display unit 200 is combined with the front panel 22 by the connecting unit 600. In detail, the connecting unit 600 connects the case of the display unit 200 and the front panel 22 of the air conditioning unit 100, so that when the exchange or cleaning of the filter 60, or when detaching, opening and closing of the display unit 200 is done with ease.

[79] In detail, the connection unit 600 constitutes; the 1st link 620 and the 2nd link 630 is each hinge connected to the back of the case 610 and the front panel 22. Also, the 2nd link 630 is situated in the lower part of the 1st link 620, and is formed longer than the 1st link 620. Also, in this example, all the ends of the 1st link 620 and the 2nd link 630 is connected, where all the ends are to be turned in up and down direction.

[80] Also, on the back of the case 610, a bracket 622/632 is formed on each of one end of the 1st link 620 and the 2nd link 630 so that the both link could be hinge connected, and on the front of the front panel 22 a bracket 623/633 is formed on each of the other end of the 1st link 620 and the 2nd link 630 so that the both link could be hinge connected. Also, the other end of the 2nd link 630 is combined with the bracket 633 to be able to slide with the bracket. Especially, when the display unit 200 and the air conditioning unit 100 are separated, the other end of the 2nd link 630 will rise following the bracket 633 and is separated from the front panel 22.

[81] Also, the case 610 and the front panel 22 is fit bonded. In detail, a hook 642 is formed on the back of the case 610, and hook bracket 644 is formed on the front panel 22, which is fit bonded with the hook 642. So, when the display unit 200 and the cabinet 20 is bonded, and when the case 610 of the display unit 200 where the 1st link 620 and the 2nd link 630 is hinge connected, the hook 642 and the hook bracket 644 are fit bonded. Also, a grill 650 is formed on the back of the case 610, and the case 610 and the front panel 22 is lifted in a fixed amount.

[82] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustration of the operation status of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

[83] Referring to FIG. 6, when the air conditioning unit 100 is activated, the indoor ventilator 30 is activated, and the room air is circulated from the activated above indoor ventilator 30 through the cabinet 20.

[84] In detail, the room air flows in through the inlet 25 formed in the front panel 22, then flows out through each outlet 26 of the base 24.

[85] Especially, in this example, since the inlet 25 is formed in the front panel 22, the room air flows in through the space between the case 610 of the display unit 200 and the front panel 22, and moves to the indoor ventilator 30 through the filter 60.

[86] On the other hand, each discharging unit 26 installed in the outlet 26 is controlled by the control unit 500, and only when the air conditioning unit 100 is activated the outlet 26 is opened by the vane 92 turning.

[87] From here, when the air conditioning unit 100 is activated, the air flowing from the lifted space between the front panel 22 and the case 610 moves to the inlet 25, contacting with the back of the display unit 200. So, the air from the inlet will act to cool the heat unit of the display unit 200. In detail explanation, the air from the inlet absorbs the heat discharged from the display panel 250 and electronic parts when contacting the back of the display unit 200. Also, the air with high temperature, which absorbed the heat, is cooled when penetrating the indoor heat exchange unit 50 of the air conditioning unit 100. Also, the cooled air, from the indoor heat exchange unit 50, goes out though the outlet 26 back to the room.

[88] So, when the display unit 200 and the air conditioning unit 100 is both active, even though at hot situations the temperature of the display unit 200 will not rise. So, the inlet air to cool the room air will also act to cool the display unit 200 at the same time.

[89] Contrary, when the heat function is activated, the inlet room air absorbs heat primary from the display unit 200, the air penetrating indoor heat exchange unit 50 will rapidly be heated, increasing the heat efficiency. [90] Also, since the air conditioning unit 100 is situated in the back of the display unit

200, the exposure area of the air conditioning unit 100 will be minimized to the user.

[91] Also, when only the display unit 200 is active, and when only the indoor ventilator

30 from other components of the air conditioning unit 100 is active by the control unit 500, the heat unit of the display unit 200 will be cooled due to the air flow. So, it will be unnecessary to install the cooler unit for the display unit 200, resulting minimizing the component requirement for the display unit.

[92] FlG. 7 is a illustrated perspective view of the 2nd example according to the present invention.

[93] The 2nd example features the room air to be inlet through the side and outlet through the side and the top, other components are identical to the 1st example.

[94] Referring to FlG. 7, outlet 27 is installed on the top of the cabinet 20 and openable outlet vane 92 is installed on the outlet 27.

[95] From here, the outlet vane 92 installed on the top of the cabinet 20 and the outlet 27 is identical to the 1st example of the outlet and outlet vane, which is installed on the bottom, which the installation place is moved from bottom to the top. So, the control box 70 and air guide 24b installed inside the cabinet 20 is installed on the bottom of the interior of the cabinet 20.

[96] Also, since the assembly of the air conditioner, which is an air conditioning unit

100 and display unit 200, is installed at the users eye height, the height is relatively not that higher than general air conditioner installed in walls.

[97] In other words, generally an air conditioner is installed a little higher than the users eye height, normally near the ceiling, to cool and heat, in this present invention the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 is installed a meter from the floor so that the user can easily view their TV. To overcome this installation position, limiting the air flow, one of the outlet is installed at the top, so that the air could be outlet through the top.

[98] So, according to present invention, from the outlet 27 and outlet vane 92 installed facing the top, it was possible to smoothly circulate the room air.

[99] Other explanation relating to the 2nd example is not done, as it is identical to the 1st example.

[100] FlG. 8 is a front view of air conditioning unit of the 3rd example according to the present invention.

[101] According to the 3rd example of the present invention uses a cross flow fan 30 instead of the centrifugal fan 35, the rest is identical to the 2nd example.

[102] Referring to FlG. 8, the cross flow fan 35 has additional outlets 26/27, and is individually controlled by the control unit 500. So, when the air conditioning unit 100 is active according to the 3rd example, the air is inducted through the inlet 25 then discharges through the each outlet 26/27. Also, the control unit 500 is able to control the each outlet 26/27, the amount of air the outlet individually discharges.

[103] Other explanation relating to the 3rd example is not done, as it is identical to the

2nd example.

[104] FlG. 9 is a front perspective view of the 4th example according to the present invention and FlG. 10 is a back perspective view of the 4th example according to the present invention and FlG. 11 is a side perspective view of the 4th example according to the present invention.

[105] The 4th example, according to the present invention, forms the air conditioning unit

100 and display unit 200 as one, and inducts the air from the back and then discharges through the side and the top.

[106] Referring to FlG. 9 or FlG. 11, the air conditioner includes a housing that protects and covers the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200; the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200. In this example, the housing will simplify the components of the cabinet 20, which contains the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200.

[107] In other words, the display panel 250 is bonded in the front of the cabinet 20, the ventilator and the heat exchange unit, which consists of the air conditioning unit 100, is contained inside the cabinet 20.

[108] In detail, 3 outlets are 26/27 formed on both sides and top edges of the cabinet 20, and discharging unit 90 is installed in each above outlet 26/27 and is controlled by the control unit 500.

[109] Also, on the bottom of the cabinet 20, a inlet 28 is formed to induct air to the inside the cabinet 20. Also, on the bottom of the cabinet 20, more projected protrusion 29 is formed towards the back of the formed inlet 28. Also, the protrusion 29 is fixed on to the wall, and to fix the cabinet 20 there can be multiple of brackets 29 (not indicated) installed on the base.

[110] From here, the inlet 28 is a multiple of pipes formed on the protrusion 29, the pipe goes around the edges of the walls apart from the area which is stuck closely to the wall. If, the protrusion 29 is able to be installed away from the wall, then inlet 28 could be formed on the entire surface of the protrusion 29. Also, which will be explained further, it will be better to bond the front and the back of the two parts of the cabinet 20, at installing and fixing the parts.

[Ill] By such composition, the air conditioner according to the 4th example, will induct air from the back of the cabinet 20, and then will form the outlet structure through the side of the cabinet 20. Also, it has the advantage of minimizing the exposure of the inlet 28 of the cabinet 20 to the user.

[112] Also, the indoor ventilator 30, installed inside the cabinet 20 to structure the inlet and outlet like the, is installed the opposite direction of the 1st example. [113] So like the illustrated FlG. 11, the orifice 40 is provided between the display panel

250 and the indoor ventilator 30, and the indoor heat exchange unit 30 is installed on the back of the orifice 40. [114] Also, the bottom inlet and side outlet structure, like the, discharges the air while contacting with the display panel 250, which solves the heat generated by the display panel 250. [115] Other explanation relating to the 4th example is not done, as it is identical to the

2nd example. [116]

Mode for the Invention [117] FlG. 12 is a exterior perspective view of the 5th example according to the present invention and FlG. 13 is a disassembled perspective view of the 5th example according to the present invention and FlG. 14 is a disassembled perspective view of the display unit of the 5th example according to the present invention. [118] On the 5th example, the cabinet from the 4th example is composed with the front panel 22 and the base 24, display unit 200 bonding with the front panel 22 and inlet 25 and outlet 26/27 forming on the front surface above front panel 22. Also, the front panel 22, which the display unit 200 is installed, is hinge connected, to be able to rotate, to the base. [119] Referring to FlG. 12 or FlG. 14, the air conditioner according to the 5th example is comprised of the air conditioning unit and the display unit. [120] In detail, on the housing includes: a front panel 22, which holds the display panel

250; a cabinet 20, which consists of a base 24 which constructs to the back of the front panel 22; a speaker 161 on each side of the housing. [121] Also, the air conditioning unit 100 includes: indoor ventilator 30, orifice 40, indoor heat exchange unit 50 and a drain pan 80 which all is installed inside the cabinet 20. [122] Also, on the interior of the front panel 22 and the base 24, the indoor heat exchange unit 50, orifice 40, indoor ventilator 50 and etc is fixed inside so that it will stay internally. [123] From here, a display panel 250, which constitutes of the display unit 200, is installed on the surface of the front panel 22, and a multiple of outlet 26/27 is formed between the edge part of the display panel 250 and the edge part of the front panel 22.

Also, the display panel 250 is installed inside the front panel 22, where the display panel 250 will be placed to form identical flat position with the front panel 22. [124] Also, an inlet 25 is formed to intake the room air on the back of the base 24. In detail, more projected protrusion 29 is formed on the back of the base 24, and the inlet 25 is formed in part or in all of the protrusion 29.

[125] Also, a filter is provided on the front of the inlet 25, to purify the room air.

[126] Also, on one side of the back of the base 24 provides; an external input terminal

618, which takes in audio output terminal 618 and external signals such as DVI, RGB, Component, S-Video, Composite, AV terminal, HDMI, DVI and etc, and a joint hole, which corresponds with the joint hole formed on the support place of the support unit. Also, a memory slot 612, which connects external memory, is installed on the side edge of the base 24.

[127] Also, 2 of the indoor ventilator 30, as a centrifugal blower, is installed on the inside of the cabinet 20, and each indoor ventilator 30 constitutes; a fan 32, and a motor 34 which drives the fan 32.

[128] On the other hand, on the front part of the front panel 22, an outlet 26/27 is formed on each left, right and up, down side. Also, a partition 20a is formed on the center part of the back of the front panel 22, to prevent the collision of the outlet air from the multiple indoor ventilator 30. Also, the outlet 26/27 which is formed on the front panel 22 is connected to the outlet flow route 36, which the outlet air from the fan 32 by radial direction is flown and guided to the front.

[129] From here, the front panel 22 constitutes; a front cover 21, which the display panel

250 is installed, and an inner panel 23, which is situated on the back of the front cover 21 to guide the outlet air from the indoor ventilator 30 and where the outlet flow route 36 is formed.

[130] In detail, a hole 21a to fit the display panel 250, and outlet 26/27 is formed on the front cover 21. Also, on the inner panel 23, a drive motor imprisoning part and parti tioning 20a and outlet flow route 36 is formed.

[131] So, the inlet air from the indoor ventilator 30 is outlet on a radial direction, following the outlet flow route 36, which is formed on the inner panel 23, to the outlet 26/27 of the front cover 21.

[132] From here, the outlet flow route 36 is formed from the very edge of the interior of the front panel 22 to guide the air to curve on a fixed curvature.

[133] Also, on the outlet 26/27 a discharging unit, which opens and closes, is installed and the discharging unit 90 (refer to FIG. 14) constitutes; a vane 92, which opens and closes the outlet 26/27, a motor 94 which drives the vane 92. In this example, the discharging unit 90 is installed on the inner panel 23 and on the outlet 26/27, only the vane 92 is exposed. Also, the figure mark 21 and 220 is identical to each of the signal receiver and signal converter, which has been explained on the examples.

[134] On the other hand, the orifice 40 is installed between the base 24 and the indoor ventilator 30 , and guides the inlet air from the inlet 25 to the fan 32. Also, the heat exchange unit 50 is installed between the base 24 and the orifice 40, and in this example the heat exchange unit 50 is fixed on to the orifice 40.

[135] Also, on the heat exchange unit 50, a connection pipe 52 is installed on one side so that the refrigerant pipe(not indicated), which is installed from the exterior, could be connected and the connection pipe 52 is formed through the side or the low part of the heat exchange unit 50. Also, on the orifice 40, a member 40a is projected and formed, which divides the bended connection pipe 52.

[136] From here, the heat exchange unit 50 is formed larger then the inlet 25 area, so that the inlet air from the inlet 25 will efficiently exchange heat. Also, on the lower side of the heat exchange unit 50, a drain pan 80 is installed to store or discharge the condensed water from the heat exchange unit 50, and the drain pan 80 is fixed on to the orifice 40 as well as supporting the lower part of the heat exchange unit 50.

[137] On the other hand, the 1st hinge bracket 660 is formed on one side of the front panel 22, and on one side of the base 24, the 2nd hinge bracket 670 is installed, which is hinge bonded with the 1st hinge bracket 660. So, the front panel 22, installed on the display panel 250, is turnable centering the edge of one side of the base 24. Also, the user or the service man is able to identify the interior of the indoor unit by opening the front panel 22.

[138] FIG. 15 is a side view of the illustrated status of the 5th example according to the present invention and FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the illustrated status of the 5th example according to the present invention.

[139] Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, when the air conditioning unit 100 is active, the indoor ventilator 30 will start and the refrigerant will flow through the indoor heat exchange unit 50.

[140] In detail, through the process of the indoor ventilator 30, the room air will be inducted through the inside of the cabinet 20, through the indoor heat exchanger 50 where the air exchanges heat and then discharges to the room. In detail, the room air is inducted through the inlet 25 of the base 24 which forms the cabinet 20, and then is discharged through each of the outlet 26/27 of the front panel 22 which forms the cabinet 20.

[141] Also, the air from the indoor heat exchange unit 50 will be moved to the indoor ventilator 30 through the orifice 40, and then discharged by the fan 32 (refer to FIG. 13) of the indoor ventilator 30 at a radial direction. Also, the discharged air from the indoor ventilator 30, will go through the outlet route 36, formed on the inner panel 23, and the air flow will be changed to the front of the air conditioner. Also, it is discharged to the front, through the outlet 26/27, which is formed on the front of the front cover 21. Also, the discharged air from the indoor ventilator 30 is discharged through the top, bottom and both side of the display panel 250.

[142] On the other hand, the discharging unit 90, which is installed on the outlet 26, is controlled by the control unit 500, and only when the air conditioning unit 100 is active, the vane 92 will turn and open the outlet 26/27.

[143] According to the present invention, the discharged air is discharged to the front of the indoor air conditioner, to provide direct purified air to the user, who is watching the display panel 250.

[144] Also, according to the present invention, the discharged air is directly discharged to the user, who is watching the display panel 250, which will minimize the time taken for the user to realize the cool or the heat.

[145] FlG. 17 is a perspective view of the 6th example according to the present invention.

[146] The 6th example is different to the 5th example, where the inlet 28 is formed on the side of the cabinet 20, and the air inlet/outlet route is formed on a side inlet/ side outlet structure. Other composition is identical to the 5th example.

[147] Referring to FlG. 17, the inlet 28 is formed on each side of the base 24, which consists the cabinet 20, and the outlet 26/27 is formed on the front surface of the front cover 21, like on the 5th example.

[148] From here, the inlet 28 can be formed on each of the 4 sides of the base 24.

[149] On the other hand, which is not indicated, the protrusion 29 from the 5th example is redundant to the 2nd example, the width of the conditioner will decrease, due to the flat formation of the base surface of the base.

[150] Also, the inlet 28 is formed on the side surface of the base in the 6th example, it is wise to situate the indoor heat exchange unit 50, which is installed inside the cabinet 20 to the side of the front panel 22. In other words, the indoor heat exchange unit 50 should be placed in front of the inlet 28, so that the heat exchange between the indoor heat exchange unit 50 and the inducted air should be sufficiently done.

[151]

Industrial Applicability

[152] According to the present invention, as the image display function and the air conditioning function can be done at the same time, and the display unit and the air conditioning unit is provided on one product, the room space efficiency will increase, and the exposure of the air conditioner is minimized to the user, and therefore, an industrial applicability is greatly enhanced.

Claims

[I] An air conditioner having image display function, comprising: a display unit including a display panel; an air conditioning unit which bonds with the display unit and includes a heat exchange unit and a ventilator to purify the air; and a housing, in which the display unit and air conditioning unit are received, including an air inlet and outlet provided therein. [2] The air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein exothermic components provided in the display unit are cooled by the sucked air from the air inlet. [3] The air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein the housing includes a case supporting the display unit, and a cabinet bonding on the front surface of the case and receiving the air conditioning unit therein. [4] The air conditioner according to Claim 3, wherein the inlet is the space between the case and the cabinet. [5] The air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein room air is introduced from at least one or more than one surface among a top, bottom, right, left and rear side surface of the housing. [6] The air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein the room air introduced from the inlet is discharged through at least one or more than one surface among a front surface of the display unit or a top, bottom, right and left side surface of the housing. [7] The air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein the inlet is selectively opened and closed by a discharging unit, and the discharging unit includes an outlet vane which opens and closes the inlet and a drive unit which drives the outlet vane. [8] The air conditioner according to Claim 6, wherein the drive unit is a motor. [9] The air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein the ventilator is at least one of a centrifugal fan placed on a back of the display panel. [10] The air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein the ventilator is a cross-flow fan respectively placed in near the outlet.

[II] The air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein the housing is a cabinet which supports the display panel on a front surface and receives the ventilator and the heat exchange unit therein. [12] The air conditioner according to Claim 11, wherein the inlet is formed on a back surface of the cabinet, and the outlet is formed on a side edge of the cabinet. [13] The air conditioner according to Claim 11 , wherein the inlet is formed on a back surface of the cabinet, and the outlet is formed on a front surface of the cabinet. [14] An air conditioner having image display function, comprising: a display unit including a display panel and a signal receiver for receiving video signal to be displayed on the display panel; an air conditioning unit which bonds with the display unit and includes a ventilator sucking the indoor air and a heat exchange unit heat exchanging the sucked indoor air; a housing, in which the display unit and air conditioning unit are received, and including an air inlet and outlet provided therein; and a control unit that controls the operation of the display unit and the air conditioning unit. [15] The air conditioner according to Claim 14, wherein the housing includes a cabinet receiving the air conditioning unit, and a case coupled with a front surface of the cabinet and supporting the display panel. [16] The air conditioner according to Claim 15, wherein the case is linked with the cabinet. [17] The air conditioner according to Claim 15, wherein the cabinet includes a base provided with the outlet, and a front panel bonded on a front part of the base. [18] The air conditioner according to Claim 17, wherein the outlet is formed on a side surface edge of the base, and dischages the indoor air to at least one of the up/down/right/left direction. [19] The air conditioner according to Claim 15, wherein the inlet is formed on a bonding area of the cabinet and the case. [20] The air conditioner according to Claim 14, wherein the housing includes a front cover supporting the edge part of the display panel; an inner cover supporting a back surface of the display panel; and a base, where the inlet is formed, and bonded with the front cover. [21] The air conditioner according to Claim 20, wherein the front cover is rotatably connected to the base by hinge. [22] The air conditioner according to Claim 20, wherein the outlet is formed on at least one or more than one of a front surface of the front cover or a side surface edge of the base. [23] The air conditioner according to Claim 20, wherein the inlet is formed on at least one or more than one surface of a side surface edge or a back surface of the base. [24] The air conditioner according to Claim 20, wherein at least one outlet route, which guides the sucked air to the front of the front cover, is formed on the inner cover. [25] The air conditioner according to Claim 14, further comprising a discharging unit opening and closing the outlet.