ZA200603704B

ZA200603704B - Air conditioner having an enhanced user perception

Info

Publication number: ZA200603704B
Application number: ZA200603704A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Park Jung-Mee; Hwang Sung-Jin; Ock Ju-Ho
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2003-11-24
Filing date: 2006-05-10
Publication date: 2007-11-28
Also published as: WO2005050097A1; EP1533577B1; AU2004290769B2; ES2309468T3; BRPI0416423A; KR100626444B1; CN100408925C; AU2004290769A1; DE602004015047D1; KR20050049804A; ATE401536T1; CN1621749A; JP2005156143A; EP1533577A1; US20050109047A1

Abstract

An indoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The indoor unit has an improved airflow structure, for a rapid air conditioning of the room, a user's convenience, and an efficiency of the air conditioner.

Description

AIR CONDITIONER HAVING AN ENHANCED USER

PERCEPTION

Technical Field in The present invention relates to an air ooonditioner, and more particularly, to an amir conditioner capable of enhancing a user'sper—ception. The air conditioner includes a display window at onc sidc, so that an imag_c adapted for the air conditioner or a character image having a user's high prefere=nce is displayed on the display window .

Also, a manipulation operation of the air comditioner is more convenient through a change of the character image. Specifically, sthe present invention relates to an air conditioner which can suitably display the chharacter image depending on an op- erational state, thereby enhancing a user's perception.

Background Art

[2] An air conditioner that is generally used at home includes a manipulation part, 2 display window on which an operational stamte of the air conditioner is displayed, an-d a driver part having a plurality of equipments. suitable for a characteristic of the air conditioner. The display window is configured to simply display the operational sta te of the air conditioner with digit, arrow, shace, display of liquid crystal display (LCD), and so on. Because the display window which allows a user to observe the operatiomnal state of the air conditioner is constructed toos simply, the user cannot observe the op-- erational state of the air conditioner at a glamnce. In other words, the user must look at digits or arrows near the air conditioner.

[3] Specifically, among home appliances, the air conditioner is installed in an indoor— space or wall of an office or house so as to Feat or cool its interior. The air conditioraer includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion value and an evaporator and performs a series of a refrigeration gcle. Generally, the air conditioner has a plurality of operational states, sich as a dehumidifyimg state, a cooling state, and a rapid cool ing state. However, the user must approach the an indoor unit of the air conditioner so &as to identify the operational state of the air comnditioner. Even if a display window is installed in an indoor unit, the user must lock at an arrow or appellation of the op- erational state near the indoor unit. Also, th_e complex operational state of the air conditioner can be perceived through digits, letters, arrows, symbols, and so on. 14] As described above, the conventional air conditioner has drawbacks in that freshness and animation are lack because temmperature, humidity and operational sta tes are displayed in a static manner.

[5] Also, an image displayed on the display widow is predefined in a manufacturing step and cannot be changed. Therefore, the user is liable to be tired of the image ancl tends to purchase a new air conditioner, thereby reducing a use term of the air oonditioner.

[6] Meanwhile, a virtual reality using the Interret connected through networks has bsecen recently in the spotlight. In such a virtual reality, individuals feel satisfied on the

Internet using their own characters as the other selves. A variety of contents industries associated with them are growing. These characters are called "AVATA", Up to the present, the use of the AVATA is limited to thes virtual space, which is connected through the Internet.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[7] An object of the present invention is to prowide an air conditioner having an enhanced user perception, in which a display w~indow on which a character is displayed is provided at one side of the air conclitioner, thereby improving a user's preference.

[8] Also, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having arm enhanced user perception, in which a character image displayed on a display windowv is changed depending on an operational state of the air conditioner, so that a user cam perceive the operational state more conveniently. In order to enhance the user perception mich more, the operational state of the air conditioner can be displayed im a voice.

[9] Also, an object of the present invention is tc provide an air conditioner, which camn enhance a user satisfaction much more by makirg a whole set of characters, which ar—e displayed on a display window, changeable depending on a user's preference. A use= term is also extended.

[10] Further, an object of the present invention iss to provide an air conditioner, which can enhance a convenience in use of the air conaditioner much more by implementing several kinds of display arrangement dependingz on a user's preference.

[11] Further, an object of the present invention iss to provide an air conditioner having an enhanced user perception, in which a display w indow disposed at a front side of the air conditioner can be stably fixed to increase a rea. dalility of the display window.

[12] Further, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner having an enhanced user perception, in which a display window can be assembled more ~~ con- veniently and simply and a manufacturing proce-ss can be performed more corn- veniently.

Technical Solution

[13] In order to achieve the above objects, there is provided an air conditioner haaving an enhanced user perception, which includes: a parael forming an appearance of either side of the air conditioner; and a display windov=v including a display part formed on the panel, for displaying a specific character and_Jor a character image of the chnaracter, and/or a state display part for displaying an opemrational state of the air conditi=oner as a symbol.

[14] In another aspect of the present invention, ar air conditioner having an enlmanced user perception includes: a panel forming an apgpearance of either side of a air— conditioner; a display window including a displ=ay part formed on the panel, faor displaying a specific character and/or a character— image of the character, and/or a state display part for displaying an operational state Of the air conditioner as a symi=ol; and means for selecting a display state of the displawy window.

[15] In a further another aspect of the present inveention, an air conditioner having an enhanced user perception includes: a front pane 1 formed on a front side of an appearance of the air conditioner; a display winclow formed at a predetermine=d position of the front panel, for selectively displaying a character image displa_y and a state display, the character image display being varied depending on an operational state of the air conditioner, the state display displaying an operational state of ~ the air conditioner as a symbol; and a selection button feormed adjacent to the display —window, for selecting a display state of the display window.

Advantageous Effects

[16] Acording to the present invention, a user's ©wn character image can be dissplayed on an air conditioner, so that the will to purchasee the product and a user's satissfaction are increased.

[17] Also, a character can be changed depending <n a user's preference, thereby - satisfying the user greater. In addition, since the= character an be changed cora- veniently, a user's convenience is improved.

[18] Also, an action of a character displayed on arn air conditioner can be visibly changed in various shapes, depending on charac=teristics of operational states ¢<>f the air conditioner. Therefore, the operational state of t_he air conditioner can be easily perceived. Due to a voke output part, the operational state czan be perceived more reliably. Further, za user can be greatly satisfied by recording his or her favorite person's voice for the voice output.

[19] Further, in sich a recent environment that a design of an aair conditioner tends to have a strong influaence on a selection of an air condition, a v-aser’s satisfaction and convenience in use of the product can be enhanced much mor~e by uploading a user's favorite character _image.

[20] Further, since ea display window of an air conditioner can be mounted reliably and stably, a process reequired for mounting the display window i_s simplified and the number of necessamry parts is reduced. The user can correctly echeck a displayed state of the display windo=w without regard to a use state of the air o>nditioner.

Brief Descripetion of the Drawings

[21] Embodiments osf the present invention will be fully undersstood with reference to the axompanying drawings.

[22] Fig. 1 is a view~ illustrating a use state of an air conditione=r awording to the present invention; 23] Fig. 2 is aside view of a first indoor unit awording to the - present invention;

[24] Fig. 3 is a parti_al enlarged view of a front panel axording to the present invention;

[25] Fig. 4 is a fron® view illustrating an operation of an air cornditioner axording to the present invention;

[26] Fig. 5is aside view illustrating an operation of an air conditioner according to the present invention;

[27] Fig. 6 is a fron® perspective view of a second indoor unit saxording to the present invention;

[28] Fig. 7is arear perspective view of a second indoor unit acxording to the present invention;

[29] Fig. 8 is an expoloded perspective view of a second indoor— unit awording to the present invention; (301 Fig. 9 is a fron€ view illustrating a front panel of a second - indoor unit aording to the present invention; {31} Fig. 10 is a reamr view of a front panel axording to the pressent invention;

[32] Fig. 11 is a persspective view illustrating a shape reinforce=ment member of a second indoor unit acording to the present invention;

[33] Fig. 12 is a frort perspective view of a front frame axordi_ng to the present invention;

(34] Fig. 13 is a fron® view of a state display part axording to the present invention;

[35] Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a top case of a state display part axording to the present invermtion;

[36] Fig. 15 is a view~ illustrating an operation of a display pa—rt awording to the present invention; {37 Fig. 16 is a blocks diagram of an air conditioner axording to the present invention, illustrating a contro 1 state of the air conditioner;

[38] Fig. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a character image uplo ad mode of an air conditioner acordin _g to the present invention;

[39] Fig. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a character image display mode of an air conditioner awordin_g to the present invention; 40] Fig. 19 is an exeemplary view of a character image displazyed in a start/stop mode of an air conditioner; [411 Fig. 20 is an exemplary view of a character image displa—yed in a cooling operation mode of an air condhitioner;

[42] Fig. 21 is an exe=mplary view of a character image displa-yed in a dehumidifying operation mode of an air conditioner;

[43] Fig. 22 is an exe-mplary view of a character image displa—yed in an artifidal in- telligence operatiom mode of an air conditioner; [44) Fig. 23 is an exe-mplary view of a character image displa=yed in a plasma cleaning operation mode of an air conditioner;

[45] Fig. 24 is a view~ of a character image displayed on a display part amording to a second embodiment of the present invention;and

[46] Fig. 25 is a view~ of an operational state of an air conditioner, which is displayed on a display part.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Inventi.on

[47] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will Foe described in detail with reference to the amo~mpanying drawings. While the present invention will be par- ticularly shown and described with reference to exemplary e-mbodiments thereof, it will be understood boy those of ordinary skilled in the art thaw various changes in form and details may be rnade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention ofS the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Although an air conditioner is exemplarily described herein, the present invention can be applied to other home appliances.

[48] First Embodimenat

[49] Fig. 1 is a view illwustrating a use state of an air conditioner axording to the present invention,

[50] Referring to Fig. K, an air conditioner axording to the present invention inccludes a first indoor unit installed in an interior of a building, a second indoor unit 2008 installed in a different space spaced apart from the first indoor unit 100, an outdoor unikt 10 communicating with tthe indoor units 100 and 200 through a refrigerant pipe 1.2, and a data input part 20 for ontrolling display windows of the indoor units 100 anc 200. {51] Also, the data inpuat part 20 is connected with the indoor units 100 and 200) through a cable 104. The outd oor unit 10 includes an outdoor fan 11 for performing a heat exchange with respect to arefrigerant. The data input part 20 may be a computer that is widely used at home. At least one of the cable 104, a network and a wireless com- munication network can be applied to the computer 20,

[52] Also, the indoor umits 100 and 200 include display parts 160 and 350 on which at least character image is displayed. A variety of character images can be applie=d depending on kinds o»f the air conditioner. For example, a penguin image can be applied to an air conditioner and a duck image can be applied to a cooker. The= character images may~ be previously stored in a storage medium provided insi_de the air conditioner, or may b «¢ directly inputted through the data input part 20 by a usser. The character image is so large that the user can look the character image from a leong distance and perceives the shape of the character image. The character may be an animal-shaped image. Except for the animal-shaped image, a masoot-like imeage whose meaning is perceivab le may be used.

[53] Further, each of thee display parts 160 and 350 can further include a state dmisplay window for arurately display an operational state of the air conditioner with aa numerical value or arrow, as well as the character image.

[54] Further, although -one outdoor unit and two indoorunits are exemplarily skown in this embodiment, the present invention can also be applied when one indoor umnit is used. This is also incYuded within the spirit and scope of the present inventior-. Among the above indoor units, the first indoor unit 100 is a floor standing type indoor unit and the second indoor unit 200 is a wall mount type indoor unit. Since a plurality of indoor units are installed in sseparated indoor spaces, the heating/cooling can be perfe=ctly achieved with regard to a overall indoor area.

[55] An operation of thae air conditioner constricted as above will now be descrmbed in brief. First, a refriger ant to which a heat exchange is performed by the outdoor unit 10 flows through the pipe 12 to the indoor units 100 and 200, and the heating/cowoling operation pemrformed by the indoor unitscan be= easily understood. Predetermined character images are displayed on the display parts 160 and 350 of the air corditioner.

The character images may be an image that is previously stored in a storage medium provided inside the air conditioner, or an imagze that is arhitrarily inputted threocugh the data inputparxt by the user.

[56] Also, the character images displayed on thee display parts 160 and 350 ma y be an equal characaer but different image representirg a corresponding operational =state, depending omn the operational states of the air conditioner. The character imagzes may also be a stilZl picture.

[57] Since the character images are displayed ir the above manner, the user car con- veniently pemrceive the operational state of the- air conditioner, and the convermience in use of the air— onditioner and the prodwct image can be improved much more.

[58] Fig. 2 is am side view of the first indoor unis 100 axording to the present in vention,

[59] Referring= to Figs. 1 and 2, the first indoor wnit 100 includes a front panel 110 elongated ups and down to form a front appear—ance, a side panel 120 forming. aside appearance, za rear panel 130 forming a rear agppearance, an upper panel 140 forming an upper appear—ance, and a base pan 150 formin_g a bottom surface.

[60] A user inmerface part disposed adjacent to tlhe display part 160 will be described in detail. The display part 160 is disposed at an wapper center of the front panel _110. A set character im=age is displayed on the display pamrt 160. The display part 160 includes a liquid crystal display(LCD) and/or a light ematting device (LED). The charac=ter image may be an A VATA or any other images.

[61] The LCD is a display device to which an operation of liquid crystal (LC) #s applied.

The liquid crystal will now be described in de=tail. Liquid crystal molecule is an in- termediary swubstance between a liquid state ard a solid state. The liquid crys-tal molecule is called an anisotropic liquid, becausse the molecular arrangement is regular in a certain dlirection, while the molecular arrangement isirregular in a differe=nt direction andll the liquid crystal is optically in am crystal state. The liquid crystasl that is an organic m- olecule having liquidity like a liq uid is regularly arranged like a crystal.

The LCD diss plays an image using a property ~that the molecular arrangement- is changed due to an external electric field. The ZI.CD has characteristics of slim-mess, light weight sand Jow power consumption rega-rdless of a screen size. Therefowre, the

LCD can be conveniently installed in the air oonditioner having a narrow space. Also, the LCD can reproduce full colors using red, g:reen and blue colors. Therefore=, a colorful character image can be implemented vovithout troubles. Since an operaation

WO =2005/050097 PCT/KR2004/002170 prindple of the LCD and a color reproducing meethod of a back light have been well known, their detailed descriptions will be omit@ted. Further, since the LED reprodices the red, green and blue lors through a light ermitting semiconductor device, it can act as a display device and may be adapted for a larrge screen. Since the LCD can reproduce various oolors, a user's aesthetic sensee and preference to the product are enhanced mwchmore.

[62] The character image can be displayed in various shapes, and various AVATAs can be displayed depending on the operational state=s of the air conditioner. Specifically, the AVATA is used to exhibit the othersell of aa specific individual on the virtual space. A spedfic character is disposed in variou .s poses, locations, backgrounds and features without any change in the subject of thme character. Therefore, it is useful to show various features to the user. For example, when the air conditioner is turned on, the character appears and greets with a bright smmile. While the air conditioner is operating, the character acts variously dependinmg on the operation modes. In other words, in a "ooling operation", the character pHlays ball with a penguin, and in a "dehu- midifying operation”, the character squeezes water from the clothes. Further, the character is different depending on a current ter-mnperature. For example, if the current temperature is higher than a desired temperatur—e, the character perspires profusely, and if the current temperature is lower than the desired temperature, the character shrinks with old. At this time, it is preferable to use th _e same character.

[63] Also, the first indoor unit 100 is configured to inform the current operational state and temperature of the air conditioner with voice, in addition to the character image. In detail, the current state and operational state of the air conditioner are informed through a speaker in a human voice under a conmtrol of a controller (not shown), for example, "This air conditioner is now in the cooling operation”, "A current temperature is 26 degrees", or "A current air flow is strong". The information can be expressed corresponding to the shape of AVAT "A or separately without association with it. For this purpose, a storage medium and1/or microphone for a recording function are/is provided inside the first indoor unit 100. The user can record his or her own voice or replace the set voice with a separately recorded sound. Therefore, the op- erational state of the air conditioner is informed with the user's own voice or a separate melody. Of course, the voice can be stored throt_agh the data input part 20.

[64] Also, the LCD of the display part 160 is set to a power saving mode in operation. If the operation of the air conditioner is stopped, t=he AVATA displayed on the display part 160 greets and disappears.

D

[65] A receiving unit is further provided Rnside the first indoor unit 100 so a_s to do=wnload the AVATA through a direct connectionor wireless connection with an ex®emal unit. The AVATA can be dowraloaded via the Internet, a line telephone and a cel lular phone.

[66] The data input part 20 is connected ten the indoor units 100 and 200. Thee data input pamet 20 is connected to the indoor units 100 and 200 through the cable 104 _, and more pamtiularly, to the controller for controll ing the display part 160. Thus, the user can directly create or program desired charexcter on the computer 20 and uploacd it to the cortroller. In addition, the user can dow mload it through the communicatiorn networks, su—h as the Internet or the telephone. In other words, the user can acess thes Internet through the computer 20, download the character provided from a corresponding we=bsite, and upload it to the controller. Also, the user can download the chmaracter through a motile equipment sich as a cellular phone and transmit it to the controllers of the indoor units 100 and 200.

[67] A state display part 170 is further prmovided in a lower portion of the display part 16-0. The state display part 170 displayss the operational state of the air conmditioner with dizagrams, letters and numerical values. “Like the display part 160, the state display part 17-0 can be configured with an LCD or L_ED., Also, a plurality of manipula-tion buttons 18-Q are provided on both sides of the di_splay part 160. The operation of th_e air corditioner can be set using the manipulation buttons 180. Further, the mamipulation bust tons are used to set or modify the display part 160. Of course, the air cosnditioner car be operated by a remote controller.

[68] Fig. 3 is a partial enlarged view of the front panel of the air conditioner— avording to thes present invention. A constnction of the display part 160 will be fully vanderstood wi threference to Fig. 3.

[69] A functional operation of the air con_ditioner will now be described in Iorief. An inlet port 122 is formed at the side panel 120 providing a side appearance of thee first indoor un_it 100. An air is introduced from an imndoor space through the inlet port M22. An inlet griill 124 is further installed in an outer side of the inlet port 122. An air fiflter (not sheown) for filtering foreign substance owontained in the introduced air is further provided in an inner side of the inlet gr31] 124.

[70] The upper panel 140 moves up and clown. In other words, the upper pa_nel 140 is suggpoported by a supporter 142, which is gprovided in right and left sides and front and rezar sides, and moves upwards. At the rear side, a rear blocking plate 144 =slides from an upper end of the first indoor unit 100 and is protruded upwards. A plur.ality of outlet ribs 146 are formed in right and left sides of the supporter 142. The outlet ribs 146 are formed up and down spaced apart from each other by a predetermine=d interval. The outlet ribs 146 guide a discharge direction, so that the air discharged from the inside of the first inedoor unit 100 upwards can be discharged in a front or side= direction. (71) Also, a heat exchanger (not shown) is installed inside the first incor unit 100, allowing a_ heat exchange between the air introduced through the inlaet port 122 and the refrigerant flowing through the first indoor unit 100. A blowing fan (not shown) and a motor (no® shown) are embedded. The blowing fan forcibly blows tie air so as to again discharge the air, which is introduced through the inlet port 122, to t”he indoor space through th_e upper end of the first indoor unit 100. The motor produces a rotational power to t_he blowing fan.

[72] In addi tion, the outdoor unit 10 performs a refrigeration cycle of the air oonditioner together with the indoor units 100 and 200. Although not shown, a gplurality of parts, swh as a coompressor for compressing the refrigerant and an outdoor heat exchanger for performing a heat cxchange, arc embedded in the inside of the outdoor unit 10. (73] Figs. 4 and 5 are a front view and a side view illustrating an opemration of the air oonditione=r axording to the present invention, respectively.

[74] An ope_ration of the air conditioner, specifically the first indoor uit 100, will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. First, a case when the air aconditioner operates im a cooling mode will be described below. {75] The air- conditioner is driven using the remote controller or by pre=ssing the ma- nipulation_ tutton 180. If the air conditioner begins to operate, the ai-r of the indoor space is in_trodiced into the first indoor unit 100 through the inlet port 122. The air filter (not shown) filters foreign substance from the introduced air. "Whe heat exchanger (not show ) provided inside the first indoor unit 100 performs a hezt exchanger between thhe air and the refrigerant, thereby redwing the temperature=. At this time, the heat exchanger provided inside the first indoor unit 100 acts as the evaporator.

Therefore , the air introduced from the indoor space is deprived of hesat by the re- frigerant lowing through the heat exchanger, thereby redwing the teemperature. The oooled air is introduced into the blowing fan (not shown). The blow _ing fan (not shown) forcibly blows the air upwards and discharges it into the inc oor space. [76} Meanwhile, when the air conditioner operates, the upper panel 1 40 moves upwards.

Acording ly, the outlet rib 146 provided in the supporter 142 is expeosed externally.

The air whhih is forcibly blown upwards by the blowing fan collides with a bottom surface of the upper panel 140 and dircles in a lateral direction, The rear blocking plate

144 is integrally” formed at the rear end of the upper panel 140. Whe rear blocking plate 144 slides upwards together with the upper panel 140 and is expsosed. Therefore, the air discharged upwards is not discharged in a rear direction but Qischarged a front or side direction. Aut this time, the air is discharged toward the indosor space in such a state that the discharge direction is adjusted by the outlet rib 146. As aa result, the air discharged into the indoor space is a coled air, whose heat is ex changed by the heat exchanger. Therefore, a ool air is supplied to the indoor space and thus a woling operation is achieved.

[77] Meanwhile, Rike the first indoor unit 100, a heat exchange is also performed in the outdoor unit 10. In other words, when the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the heat exchanger of the first indoor unit 100 acts as the evaporator, while the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 10 acts as the condenser. Aaordin=gly, the temperature of the external air introduced into the outdoor unit 10 is increase=d and then discharged into the outside. In this manner, the cooling operation is perforncd in the first indoor unit 100 and thes heating aperation is performed. As a whole, on e refrigeration ocle is achieved.

[78] When the air wnditioner operates in the cooling mode, the di_splay part 160 is also turned on so that various AVATAS appear and inform the operational states of the air conditioner. For example, when the air conditioner is initially turned on, the set

AVATA appears and greets with a bright smile. In the cooling ronode, an image that the

AVATA plays ball with a penguin in the South Pole can be dispelayed. Of course, if the user sets other character, other shape can be displayed. If the cooling operation is still necessary becaw se the current temperature does not reach the set temperature, an image that the AVATA perspires profusely can be displayed.

[79] Also, while the air conditioner operates, the operational state- can be informed in the voice, except that the character is displayed on the display part 1.60. For example, when the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, a message of "this air conditioner is now in the cooling operation" is outputted through the speaker 190. If the user inputs a recorded voice or melody, a corresponding mes- sage may be outputted.

[80] A ase when the air conditioner operates in the heating mode= will now be described.

[81] Like the cooling mode, a heat exchange is performed with re=spect to the indoor air introduced throvagh the inlet port 122 of the first indoor unit 100». Then, the air is again discharged into the indoor space through the upper end of the fimrst indoor unit 100. At this timme, the refrigeration cycle is reversely performed. Therefore, the neat exchanger embecdded in the first indoor unit 100 acts as the condenser, so that the t emperature of the in@roduced indoor air rises. As described above, when the air conditioner is turned on, thes display part 160 is also turned on to display the greeting AVAT A. If the user selects the heating mode, the set image of the AVATA is displayed. Fo r example, an image that the AVATA bathes in the sca can be displayed. Also, various images can be displayed depending on the programs set by the user.

[82] Simultaneously, a message of "this air conditioner is now in the heating operation" is outputted through the speaker 190. Such a message can also be variotasly changed depenading on the user's setup. (831 Also, if the current temperature is lower than the desired temperatures, an image that the character shrinks with cold can be displayed.

[84] If the user turns off the air conditioner, the AVATA greets cutely anc disappears. In this maanner, the heating operation of the air conditioner can be ended.

[85] Meanwhile, if the user does not like the character image and voice freom the display part 1660 or if the user wants to use his or her own character image and wore, the program can be downloaded using the communication equipment, such az s the Internet or cellmlar phone, or can directly input it.

[86] Figs. 6 to 15 are views illustrating the constriction and operation of tlhe second indoor unit in the air conditioner aording to the present invention. The second indoor unit is the wall mount type and has a small size, so that an installation sgpace for the display part is small and an air discharge space is narrow. Therefore, an additional stnctumre for mounting the display part is required. Thus, the second indoor unit must be forrmed in a spedfk stricture, which can meet sich requirements.

[87] Figss. 6 and 7 are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the second indoor unit avording to the present invention, respectively.

[88] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the second indoor unit 200 axording to the= present inventi-on includes: a front panel 201 forming a front surface of the second indoor unit 200; a front frame 280 into which the front panel 201 is fitted to thereby form a front cover, in which the front frame 280 has outlet ports 281 on toth sides; arm outlet openinge/closing unit S00 mounted between the front frame 280 and the #front panel 201; am outlet door 400 connected to the outlet opening/closing unit S00 for opening/ closing the outlet port 281; a base 260 connected to the front frame 280 &o thereby form a rear cover; and a pipe cover 290 formed in a lower side of the secwond indoor unit, for receiving a variety of pipes.

[89] In detail, the outlet port for discharging the introdwed indoor air is formed at a pre- determined positRon of the front frame 280, and the inlet port for intro-dwing the indoor air is formed at a predetermined position of the base 260. In other words, an upper inlet port 226! is formed at an upper inclination surface of the ba se 260 and a central inlet port 262 is formed at a central surface of the base 260. It i_s apparent that an additional inle=t port can be formed on both sides of the inclination s urface of the base 260. A mesh-type grill is formed at the inlet ports 261 and 262, s=o that impurities contained in the air introdwed into the second indoor unit 200 are prinmarily filtered.

[90] Also, a filter i nsertion hole 263 may be further formed at a lower s@de of the base 260 so as to re-fillter fine foreign substances contained in the indoor air=, which is primarily filtered by the inlet grill formed between the upper inlet port= 261 and the central inlet port 262. 91} Further, a display window 210 for displaying the character image a_nd an operation display window 211 for displaying the operational state of the air conclitioner are formed at predetermined positions of the front panel 201. Thus, the us eran be con- veniently informed of the operational state of the overall air conditioner including the second indoor unit 200. Like the first indoor unit 100, the user's percepotion and convenience can be enhanced much more by displaying the character image on the display windows _

[92] A flow of the air introdiced into the second indoor unit 200 will no=w be described in detail. The air introduced into the second indoor unit 200 is introduced through at least one or more inlet ports 261 and 262 and the filter insertion hole 2263, which are formed at one sid c of the base 260, and then, it is discharged through zat least one outlet port 281, which iss formed at one side of the front frame 280.

[93] Fig. 8 is an exgploded perspective view of the second indoor unit acxording to the present invention _

[94] Referring 10 Fig. 8, the second indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner- acording to the present invention includes: a front panel 201 forming a front appearance of the second indoor uni t 200; a front frame 280 in which the front panel is fisted to thereby form a front surfasce; a blowing fan 235 formed at a rear side of the fromt frame 280, for introdwing thes indoor air; an orifice 240 formed at a rear side of thez blowing fan 235, for guiding tthe direction of the air introduced by the rotation of the= blowing fan; a heat exchanger 250 formed at a rear side of the orifice 240, for contacting with the introduced air to thereby decrease the temperature of the introdwed airz and a base 260 formed at a rear side of the heat exchanger 250 and connected to the freont frame 280.

[95] Also, an outlet opening/closing unit 500 is provided between the front panel 210 and the front frame 280 so as to open/close the outlet port 281. The second indoor unit can be as-sembled in order of the front panel 201, the front frame 28, the blowing fan 235, the «orifice 240, the heat exchanger 250 and the base 260.

[96] In detail, the orifice 240 includes: an air guide hole 245 for guiding the introduced air towar—d the blowing fan 235; an upper air guide 241 formed at am upper side so as to guide the indoor air introduced through the air guide hole 245 towar=d both sides; a lower air guide 242 formed at a lower side so as to guide downward.s the indoor air introdice=d through the air guide 245; and a lower outlet door 243 fo 1 dispersedly discharging the air guided by the lower air guide 242 toward the interior.

[97] In addition, a motor for rotating the blowing fan 235 and an electronic component part 249 &or controlling the driving of electronic components are furthher provided at an upper spaxce between the front frame 280 and the orifice 240. A drair pan 270 is further pmrovided at a lower side of the heat exchanger 250 so as to gather a condensate water for-med on the surface of the heat exchanger 250.

[98] Further, a pipe cover 290 for receiving a variety of pipes connecteed with the drain pan 270 sand the second indoor unit 200 is provided at a lower side o=f the drain pan 270. In this manner, the second indoor unit of the air conditioner axcording to the present irvention is provided.

[99] A funection and operation of the respective parts will now be desc=ribed.

[100] First, —the front panel 201 is attached to the front surface of the second indoor unit 200, thereeby forming an outer appearance of the second indoor unit clegantly.

Windowss 210 and 211 are formed at one side of the front panel 201 so as to display the operatiorm and/or operational state of the second indoor unit 200. In order to make the appearanece of the second indoor unit look neat and beautiful, finishimng materials may be used owr a design is added. A detailed description of the front panez1201 will be described later.

[101] Also, rthe front panel 201 is attached to the front frame 280 and a framework of the front frarme 280 can be inclined at a predetermined angle. a side outleet port 281 and a lower outzlet port 283 can be formed in at least one side of the framewvork so as to discharge= the air, which is introdiced into the second indoor unit 2008 and cooled through tlhe heat exchanger 250. The front panel 201 can be fixedly aattached to the front frarme 280. A hinge can be provided at one side so as to make t"he front panel 201 movable aright and/or left, and the outlet port can be formed at the front side of the second inedoor unit 200.

[102] In additicon, the blowing fan 235 is rotated by the motor attached to a rear side of the front fra-wme 280, so that the indoor air is introduced inside the second indoor unit 200. At leas t one blowing fan 235 can be installed depending or size and use of the second indoeor unit 200.

[103] The orifice 240 functions to guide a flow of the air introducead toward the blowing fan 235. A £lowing direction of the air introduced through the guide hole 245 is determined “by the air guides 241 and 242 and the air is discharg=ed through the outlet ports 281 ard 263. The air guide 241 can be formed in various shapes depending on the direction and number of the outlet port.

[104] Further, a wind direction controller 244 and a safety net 246 are further provided.

The wind dilirection controller 244 is attached to both sides of the orifice 240 and is rotating at am predetermined angle, thereby controlling the direction of the discharged oool air. Thee safety net 246 protects the user or children from tine blowing fan 235 when they towhes it.

[105] The heat exchanger 250 includes a heat exchange pipe, which is curved several times. A low temperature and low pressure refrigerant passing through an expander flows throu gh the heat exchange pipe 251. Therefore, the air in_trodwed into the second indoor unit 200 is deprived of heat while passing the heat exchanger 250, and thus becomees a low temperature state. During this process, moisture contained in the introdiced =air is woled and thus condensed on the surface of the heat exchanger 250.

A oooling effect becomes more excellent as an arca of the heat eexchanger 250 is wider.

Therefore, sthe heat exchanger 250 can be formed in a flat rectamngular shape or inclined at a predete=rmined angle. The drain pan 270 is formed at a low er side of the heat exchanger 2250 so as to gather a condensate water formed on thee surface of the heat exchanger 2250 and prevent the condensate water from being leaked from the second indoor unit 200.

[106] Also, thee base 260 includes: an upper inlet port 261 formed at an upper side, for in- troduwing thme indoor air; and a central inlet port 262 formed at & central portion of the base 260. T he shape and number of the inlet port can be freely =sclected depending on a volume anc shape of the second indoor unit. A grill is formed at the inlet ports 261 and 262, with s_ paced apart by a predetermined interval and crossed with each other.

Therefore, impurities contained in the indoor air introduced inte the second indoor unit 200 are prinmarily filtered. A filter insertion hole 263 may be formed at one side of the base 260. A filter (not shown) for filtering impurities, such as clirt, contained in the introduced air, is inserted into the filter insertion hole 263. It is preferable that impurities is prevented from being attached to the surf ace of the heat exchanger 25€0 by inss erting the filter between the base 260 and the heat exchanger 250. The filter inssertion hole 263 may be an inlet port for the indoor =air.

[107] In addition, the second indoor unit 200 can be freely installed at the corner of thee wamll by making the framework of the base 260 incline=d at a predetermined angle. I" tis apparent that the inlet port can be formed at the sides. Also, it is apparent that a locking hole or locking groove can be formed at an edge of the base 260, so that thes second indoor unit 200 can be attached.

[108] Figs. 9 and 10 are a front view and a rear view of t_he front panel of the second incloor panel, respectively.

[109] Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the front panel 201 acxording to the present inventicon comresponds to the front surface of the second indoor unit and can be painted with various colors. The front panel 201 can be decorated with pictures or photographs. ~The front panel 201 includes a transparent operation display window 211 through which the screen displayed on the state display part of the se=cond indoor unit 200 is show—n, an_d a transparent display window 210 through which a screen displaying the charamcter inmage is shown.

[110] Also, the front panel 201 includes: a front frame coupling rib 216 protruded at =a re=ar upper side with a predetermined length and connected to the front frame 280; and a £ront frame coupling protrusion 213 protruded at a rear lower side with a pre- de=termined length and curved and extended downwar=ds. In detail, the front frame coupling rib 216 is inserted into a front panel fitting groove (285, in Fig. 12) forme=d at am upper side of the front frame 280. The front frame upling protrusion 213 is inserted into the front panel fixing member (286, in Fig. 12) mounted on a lower side of the front frame 280. In this manner, the front panel 201 can be fitted into the front frame 280. (111) Further, at least one shape reinforcing member 220) is attached vertically so as tc mazaintain the shape of the front panel 201 and make tine front panel 201 tolerable tao an exc ternal force. In detail, since the front panel 201 is thhin, it is easily bent and susceptible to a damage due to an external impact. Acxoordingly, as shown, the shape re-inforcing member (refer to Fig. 9) is additionally attzached. The shape reinforang meember 220 will be described later.

[112] In order to insert the side of the shape reinfordng smember 220 into a rear side cof thee front panel 201, at least one shape reinforcing memmber insertion rib 217 is formed aleong the side of the shape reinfordng member 220. I n detail, the insertion rib 217% is formed at a height corresponding to a thickness of the shape reinforcing member 220.

Also, the insertion rib 217 is bent horizontally from an upper end and with a pre- determined length, thereby fixing an upper surfaces of the shape reinfordng member 220.

[113] In addition, a shape reinfordng member guide rib 215 is formed at an opposite side to the insertion rib 217 and with the same length as the shape reinforcing member 220 so as to support the side of the shape reinforcing rember 220.

[114] Further, at least one shape reinforcing member coupling boss 216 is formed between the insertion rib 217 and the guide rib 21 5 so as to insert a coupling member connected to the shape reinforcing member 220. T he coupling boss 216 is formed on a line of a shape reinforcing support rib 218 and with the same interval. The shape re- infordng support rib 218 is formed with the same= height as the central portion of the shape reinforcing member 220. In detail, the supp ort rib 218 functions to support the central portion of the shape reinforcing member 2-20.

[115] Further, a display receiving surface 214 for receiving a state display part and a display part, which will be described later, is formed at a lower side of the front panel 201. Transparent windows 210 and 211 are forme=d to allow the user to view the screen displayed on the display part.

[116] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a shape reinfordng member of the second indoor unit amording to the present invention.

[117] Referring to Fig. 11, the shape reinforcing memyber 220 according to the present invention is mounted to prevent the front panel 2€01 from being bent or to protect the front panel 201 from an external impact. Therefomre, preferably, the shape reinfordng member 220 is made of metal or plastics maintairaing a predetermined strength. Also, the shape reinforcing member 220 is raised in its center to a predetermined height and has on both ends a fitting part 222 bent horizontally, so that it may be stuck on the rear side of the front panel 201. A vertical cross sectiosn of the shape reinforcing member 220 is of a vertical step structure on its center as shown in the drawing, whereby the front panel 201 can endure impact applied from tie outside.

[118] Also, the fitting part 222 is fit in the shape reimforcing member insertion rib 217 formed on the rear side of the front panel 201. Al so, at least one coupling member penetrating groove 221 for receiving a coupling rmember inserted into the shape re- inforcdng member coupling boss 216 is formed at she position that corresponds to the shape reinforcang member coupling boss 216 on the center of the shape reinforcing member 220.

VO 2005/050097 PCT/KIR2004/002170 [1 19] Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of thes front frame 201 acording to the present invention, Referring to Fig. 12, the front frame 280 into which the front panel 201 of the present invention is fitted has in its per phery a front panel fitting grosove 285 for receiving the front frame coupling rib 212 Formed on the upper side of th_e front panel 201. [L 20] Also, the front pancl fixing member 286» for receiving the front frame coupling protrusion 213 formed on the lower end of the front panel 201 is formed on the lower end of the front frame. More spedfially, tine front panel fixing member 22% is inserted into the coupling toss 287 formed protruded on the front frame 280. Also, toth sides of the front panel fixing member 266 are sLapported and fixed by a suppo=rting rib 288 extended horizontally on the lower side of the front frame. [L 21] Also, a state display part 300 for displaying an operational state of thee second indoor unit 200 is settled on the lower side- of the front frame 280, and a display part 350 for displaying a character image so that an operational state of the se=cond indoor unit 200 may be casily recognized by a use x is settled on the upper part osf the state display part 300. Also, the state display pa-rt 300 is settled on a state display part mounting boss 230 formed on the front framme 280 and pined by a couplirag member, and both sides of the state display part 300 are supported by a state displ=ay supporting rib 231. Also, a groove instead of the state display part mounting boss 230 may be formed so that a coupling member may be inserted. Also, the display par—t 350 may be mounted on the front frame 280 in the samme manner as the state display part 300 is mounted. [mM 22] Fig. 13 is a front view of the state display part arording to the presen _t invention and Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing an upper case of the state display part. [M23] Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, the state Alisplay part of the present inve=ntion is protected by a lower case 310 and an uppewr case 320. Also, a PCB (Printeed Circuit

Board) (not shown) on which an electric circuit of the state display part iss formed is settled in the inside of the lower case 310. Also, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) window 330 for displaying an operational state of the second indoor unirt is settled on the upper side of the PCB 320. Also, the PCB and the LCD window 330 are mutually connected, so that a signal and informatiora provided from the PCB 320 _is transferred to the LCD window 330 and a user can vissually check an operational stamte.

[324] Also, an operation button 321 by which a user can manually operate a_nd a receiving part 322 through which a user can control the operational state using a remote controller are formed on the lower side of the PCB.

[125] Also, the lower case 310 has a wire settl ing part 312 at the lower side of the PCB, and a wire 340 connected from the PCB is pput in the inside of the wire settling part 312, Also, a wire passing groove 314 through which the wire 340 passes is formed on the lateral side of the wire settling part 312 .

[126] Also, a coupling part 311 extended with a predetermined length and a coupling groove 311 penetrated on a predetermined position of the coupling part are provided on the upper side and/or the lower side of tlhe lower case 310. More specifically, a coupling member is inserted in a passing-th rough manner into the coupling groove 311 and the state display part mounting boss 2340 formed on the front frame 280. Also, at least one hook 313 for pining to the upper «ase 320 are formed on the outer periphery of the lower case 310.

[127] Also, at least one hook insertion hole 33 1 for inserting into the upper side of the lower case 310 and receiving the hook 313 on the outer periphery is formed on the upper ase 320. Also, an LCD window scttlling hole 332 to which the LCD window 330 is fit is provided to the central part.

[128] In the meantime, the LCD window 330 displays the operational state of the second indoor unit 200, and more specifically, dispJays an amount of cool air discharged from the second indoor unit 200, an indoor temperature and humidity, and an operation time. Also, the state display part 300 rcceiv=es a radio wave sent through a remote controller by a user, to display relevant infosrmation on the LCD window 330 in a digital manner, depending on the changing operational state. More spedfially, the displaying manner may be realized by a numnber and may also by realized by an equalizer manner.

[129] Fig. 15 is a view showing an operation of the display part axording to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 15, the display part 350 of the present invention outputs a character image desired by a user or stored 3n advance in a storage medium of the apparatus. The display part 350 formed on “the second indoor unit 200 may output an image realized in the same operation manneer as the character image displayed on the display part 160.

[130] More specifically, the display part 350 mmay include: a case 351; a PCB 352 settled on the inside of the case 351; an LCD wind-ow 353 settled on the upper part of the PCB 352; an operation button 355 formed on the- lower end of the PCB 352 so that not only a user may manually operate the display pa_rt 350 and hut also the operational state of the second indoor unit 200 may be automat3cally run depending on a set environment; and a wireless receiving part 357 for receiv ing an operation signal transmitted through

WOB 2005/050097 PCT/KR2004-/002170 a remote controller 710 by a user and receiving an AVATA-transmitting signal sent through a motile means 700 sich as a cellular phone by a user. Also, a selection button 356 for setting or selecting a plurality of kinds of AVATASs, is additionally provided. Also, the display part 350 is connected with a data inputting apparatuas 720 as exemplified by a computer, so that various kinds of characters can be downlcoaded through the Internet. [131 ] Also, the display part 350 can be programmed in sich a way that a current op- erational state of the indoor unit and a temperature may be announced in a voice at the same time a character may be displayed on the LCD window 353. Also, the vo«ke is configured to guide the operational state of the second indoor unit 200 in a hurmnan voice through a speaker 730 connected with the controller.

[132] Also, a memory chip 354 of a pred etermined capaity, capable of receiving and storing the AVATA character sent by a user, may be built in the PCB 352. Momre specifically, various kinds of character images existing in form of an electronic file may be downloaded through the data inputting apparatus 720 connected with t-he controlling part of the air conditioner or the display part 350, and may be stored in the memory chip 354.

[133] Also, the character downloaded through the motile means 700 such as a ce lular phone by a user, may be received in a xradio way by the receiving part 357 and stored in the memory chip 354. Further, a user may produce, in person, a character image of a proper shape using the data inputting apparatus 720 and store the same in thc mmemory chip 354. As a result, for a means by which a user can input/store/select a charexcter, more than one among a selection button 356 of an air conditioner itself, a remote controller 710, a data inputting apparatus 720, a motile means 700, can be sele=ctively used. [134£] Also, in case the second indoor unit 200 is connected and controlled as described above by the data inputting apparatus 720 and/or the molile means 700, the op>- erational state of the air conditioner can be controlled from a remotely located amrea.

Therefore, a user can control the air conditioner system including the second in_door unit 200 to operate through the Internet while a user is out, and control the ope=ration of the second indoor unit 200 using a wireless telephone. Also, a user can use the display part 350 for an Internet screen as well as a means for showing the operational state of the second indoor unit 200, by connecting the display part 350 with the Interne-=t. In other words, the Internet screen is displayed by pressing the selection button 3256 of the display part 350, so that the display part 350 can be used as a means for watch_ing a news.

[135] In the meantime, as described above, it will be ob=vious to those skilled in the art that the apparatus for controlling the operational state of the second indoor unit 200 through the Internet and the wireless communication means, can be mounted on the state display part 300. Also, it will be apparent from the spirit of the present invention that the pining manner of the state display part 300 c=an be applied, in the same way, to the manner in which the display part 350 is settled or the case and jpined to the front frame 280.

[136] The operational state of the display part will now be described in the following.

[137] On the first place, if a user transmits an operation signal by pressing, in person, the operation button 355 or through the remote controllem 710 and the receiving part 357 receives the operation signal, the second indoor unit 200 operates. Also, the moment the second indoor unit 200 operates, a power source is applied to the display part 350 and a specific character image stored in advance or irput by a user, is displayed. For example, it is possible to have a character that have Wbeen sleeping wakes up. Also, si- multaneously, it is possible to inform the operation Of the second indoor unit 200 with a voice through the speaker 730 connected with the display part 350. Also, the voice may be downloaded through the mohile means 700 or the data inputting apparatus 720, or recorded and stored in the memory chip 354 by a Taser in person.

[138] Also, while an amount of air, an indoor temperature, humidity, an operation time arc displayed on the state display part 300, the chareacter may perform a proper gesture depending on an amount of air, an indoor temperatumre, humidity, or a voice informing sich information may be announced through the speaker 730. For example, a user can set in sich a way that if a present temperature is belcow the proper temperature programmed in advance, the character may perform a gesture shivering with cold, and simultaneously, a guiding message informing that tke indoor temperature is too low may be announced through the speaker. Also, if the second indoor unit 200 is urned off, the character may perform a gesture falling asle ep and a guiding message informing that the operation of the second indoor urnit 200 is stopped may be announced through the speaker 730.

[139] Also, a user may arhitrarily select the kind of thes AVATA using the selection button 356.

[140] Fig. 16 is a black diagram explaining a control stzate of the air conditioner amording to the present invention.

[141] Referring to Fig. 16, there are provided a key ingputting part 31 with which a control state of the air conditioner is operated by a user; a power somurce part 32 for applying a power source to the amir conditioner; an data inputting apparatus 33 for inputting a spedfic character and a plurality of character images using #&he character, to the air conditioner; a control ling part 30 where a control state of th _e air conditioner is stored in a storing medium Mormed in the inside of the air conditioner and for controlling the operation of the air anditioner using the input information ; an operational state display part 34 on winih at least character image is displayeed under the control of the controlling part 30; a voice outputting part 35 for outputting the operational state of the air conditioner in a veoxe under the control of the controllings part 30; a fan operating part 36 for controllingg the operational state of the outdoor vanit and/or the indoor unit, under the control of the controlling part 30; and a compress=or operating part 37 for circulating a coolant.

[142] More specifically, the key inputting part 31, which is a part with which a user operates the operatio nal state of the air conditioner, may bc at least one selected amon_g a remote controller of the air conditioner, a button formed cn the appearance of the apparatus, a compute-r system connected through wiring/wi-reless network. Also, the data inputting part 33 is a device for generating or downlozading a character and a plurality of character images where the spedific character appears and transferring the same to the controllitmg part 30. For sich a data inputting part 33, at least one among a computer, a motile nxeans, a remote controller, may be usead.

[143] Also, the operational state display part 34 formed on thee air conditioner, preferably -, a predetermined oute=rside of the indoor unit, is a part through which the operational state of the air conditioner may be displayed to a user in amm easy and simple manner with the character imm age displayed. Preferably, the operaticonal state display part 34 is realized by the LCD so that a user may recognize the character image in a convenient and beautiful manner.

[144] By displaying, as describe above, the character image or the operational state display part 34, a usear can recognize the operational state oef the air conditioner in a more casy and conve=nient manner. Particularly, since a sha_pc of the character image changes depending cn the operational state of the air condi_tioner, a user can recognize the operational state of the air conditioner in even more eassy and convenient manner.

[145] Also, the voice owmtputting part 35, which is a part for outputting the operational state of the air conditioner in form of a voice, can output thee operational state of the aim conditioner in form cf a voice depending on a user's desire_

[146] Also, the fan oper—ating part 36 and the compressor oper—ating part 37, which are apparatus for circulating a coolant in the inside of the cooling cycle to get a coolaant to pass throu_gh processes of compression, condensation, ex: pansion, and evaporaticon in acordance= with the operational state by a user, are on/of#-controlled by the contr—olling part 30 depending on the operational state and the indoor temperature of the air= conditione=r.

[147] The opeeration of the air conditioner will be briefly desscribed with reference to the block diag ‘ram of the described air conditioner system. T_he air conditioner syste:.m of the presen _t invention can be operated in three modes. A —first mode is a characte—r image uploading mode for uploading a character image into the= controlling part 30 in tithe inside of (The air conditioner using the data inputting part 33. A second mode is 2a character i mage display mode where the air conditioner system is operated by operation -of the key inputting part 31 by a user and the c=haracter image is displayed on the operat=ional state display part 34. A third mode is a character and a character image selecting rode for selecting a set of character images reM ated to a specific chara—ter.

[148] As described above, by making the kind of the charact—er image changed depe=nding on the ope=rational state of the air conditioner, the recogn ition of a user can be convenienrt even more. Also, since a specific character is selected in acordance vevith a taste of a v.1ser and a specific set of character images can Fe selected among a pharality of character images where the character is used, a user camn display a character fi- tfor a user's taste=, on the air conditioner in a convenient manne -r. For an extreme example, a user's picture may be displayed.

[199] In the mmneantime, the character and the character imagee selecting mode is eas =ily performed by operative operation of the key inputting part 31 and the control Ming part 30. Mlore specifically, after the process for selecting - a character is performeed, a specific ch _aracter image is selected among a plurality of character images relates d to the selecte=d character, for each operational state of the ai r conditioner. Of course, if a user desire=s, a specific character needs not to be used in a related set, for ech oOep- erational s=tate of the air conditioner, and other character . image where other chaxrater is used, may be set for ech operational state of the air concitioner.

[150] Therefore, the character image uploading mode and tlhe character image dispolay mode will be described in detail in the following.

[151] Fig. 17 is a flowchart explaining the character image wploading mode aword ing to the spirit <>f the present invention. {152] Referring to Fig. 17, a user obtains a character and/or— a character image by downloading through a network or by prodiwcing, in perscon, the character image (S11).

For the process in which the character is generated, any type of method such as wiring/ wireless network and a producing by a user, may be used without limitations, Of course, when the air oonditioner is brought to the market, a plurality off characters, a plurality of character &mages where a pose, a background, a position, a_nd a movement are different for each character, may be stored in a set in the storing me=dium in the inside of the controllirag part 30.

[153] Afterwards, a user uploads the generated character image to the con” trolling part 30 through the data inputting part 33 (S12). The uploading process can be easily performed through a L_AN (Local Area Network) and wiring/wireless I: ‘nternet. The character and the character image uploaded in this manner, are stored imn the storing medium of the control ling part 30 (S13), and upon calling by a user, on _e set of character images to which a spedific character is applied, is called and uzsed in the air conditioner.

[154] Fig. 18 is a flowchart explaining the character image display mode «of the air conditioner to which thane spirit of the present invention is applied.

[155] Referring to Fig. 18, the operation of the air conditioner is started by~ an input or reservation setting of a user (821). If the operation of the air conditione=r is started, one set of character images selected in advance by a user is called and a cha: raxcter image appropriate for a prese nt state, initial operation of the air conditioner, iss displayed on the operational state di splay part 34 on the first place (S22). If a selecte -d character is absent at the present point of time, selection of a character may be automatically requested on the first place, or one set of character images designated fr—om the time of manufacturing of the air conditioner, may be called.

[156] Afterwards, it is judged whether the operational state of the air cond: itioner is changed while the operation of the air conditioner is continuously performed (S23). If the operational state of the air conditioner is changed, a new character irrmage ap- propriated for the chan ged operational state of the air conditioner amonzg the called one set of character images, is automatically displayed in axordance with the= changed op- crational state of the air conditioner ($24). If the operational state of the= air conditioner is not changed, the character image of the present state is continuously dilisplayed.

[157] If the operation of the air conditioner is ended while the new changec character image is displayed, a character image of ended state is displayed (S26) aand the operation of the air conditioner is ended. However, if the operation of thie air conditioner is not ended, the process is moved to the step of judging a chnange of the operational state of the air conditioner (523), and the preeess for changirmag the character image is respeated until the air conditioner is ended.

[158] In case a user setss a spedfic character image in advance, for each operational state of the air conditioner, in performing the character image display mode as described atove, not only the c haracter image included in one set related to a single character but also another characte=r image where another character is used, tamay be displayed for cach operational state of the air conditioner in axordance with a taste of a user.

[159] With a Whini, character that will be set in advance in the storing medium of the product, taken as an example, changing of the character image axording to the gesture, the pose, thes position, and the background will be des: cribed in the following.

[160] Fig. 19 shows a character image displayed in the start/stop - mode of the operation of the air conditioner.

[161] Referring to Fig. 19, upon starting of the operation, the cha_racter image moving from the lower side t«o the upper side is displayed. On the contmrary, upon ending of the operation, the charac&er image moving from the character imag=e on the upper side to the character image o»n the lower side, is displayed on the operational state display part 34.

[162] Fig. 20 shows a character image displayed in the cooling op =eration mode of the air conditioner. Referring to Fig. 20, upon the general cooling upemralion, the character image on the upper side is displayed and upon a power cooling operation, the character image on the lower si_de is displayed.

[163] Fig. 21 shows a chmaracter image displayed in the dehumidif —ying operation mode of the air conditioner. Referring to Fig. 21, upon the dehumidifyirmag operation mode, the character images on the upper side and on the lower side are alternately displayed.

[164] Fig. 22 shows a ch_aracter image displayed in the artificial inetelligence operation mode of the air conditioner. Referring to Fig. 22, upon the artif~—idal intelligence operation mode, the character images on the upper side and on - the lower side are al- ternately displayed.

[165] Fig. 23 shows a character image displayed in the plasma cleazan operation mode of the air conditioner. Referring to Fig. 23, upon the plasma clean operation mode, the character images on thee upper side and on the lower side are alt- emately displayed. [166} As shown in the ch aracter images exemplified by Figs. 19 to 23, even under the state that the same character appears as a mapr character, the ch _ aracter image displayed on the operational state display part 34 is varied in de=tail in avordance with the change of the operational state of the air conditioner. Since t=he displayed character is changed in this manner, a user can check the operational state< of the air conditioner in a more easy manner. Also, by the clisplay parts 160 and 350 formed on the front of the air conditioner, the air conditionexr can be quality-enhanced and a taste of a Laser can be satisfied even more.

[167] Further, in case the character and t-he character image are set differently for e=ach operational state of the air conditione r axording to a taste of a user, there is a stxxrong point that even the same air conditiorxer can be used for a long time as if it were= a new apparatus.

[168] Second Embodiment

[169] The second embodiment of the pre sent invention is the same in most part as rthe first embodiment. Only difference is that t’he display parts 160 and 350 on which at 1. east a character image is displayed and the sstate display parts 170 and 300 on which tte op- erational state of the air conditioner iss displayed with a number or an arrow, are= not formed separately but one or both two are displayed on a single LCD window by a sclection of a user.

[170] More specifically, in the first embo«diment, the display parts 160 and 350, and the state display parts 170 and 300 are se=parately formed on both the first indoor urnit 100 and the second indoor unit 200. However, in that case, since the wide area on time front side of the indoor unit is axupied, it is not preferable in viewpoints of costs and usc.

Therefore, there is provided a method where a state that a character image is se=- lectively displayed on a single display part by a selection of a user (for example=, the display part of the first embodiment), or a state that the operational state of the air conditioner is displayed with letters (or ¢xample, the state display part of the fi_rst embodiment), are sclectively displaye d or both state are all displayed with use of the characteristics of the LCD where varieus screen configuration is possible.

[171] Figs. 24 and 25 show the operational state of the display part. Fig. 24 shows that the character image is displayed on the di _splay part and FIG. 25 shows the operatio- nal state of the air conditioner is displaye«d on the display part.

[172] Referring to Figs. 24 and 25, there- are provided a front panel 810 formed on a front of the air conditioner; a side panel 820 formed on the side of the air conditioner a display window 860 formed on the front panel 810; an operation button 8380 forr—ned on one side of the display window 860, feor operating the operational state of the airr conditioner; a selection button 871 for-med on the other side of the display windcow 860, for switching a screen displayed -on the display window 860, into a display part where a character image is displayed Or a state display part where the operationzal state of the air conditioner is displayed with letters; and a character setting button 872 for selecting the kind of a character or the kind of a character image. A\lso, for the display window 860, the LCD is preferably usec] as the first embodiment.

[173] For other parts of the present embodi-ment, the descriptions mace for the first embodiment are quoted. Particularly, the selection button 871 will Hoe described in detail. By a number of times the selection button 871 is pressed, th_e display window 860 operates as the display part 81 whe=re the character image is displayed (refer to

FIG. 24) or operates as the state display part 862 where the operat®onal state of the air conditioner is displayed with letters (refeer to FIG. 25). Of course, it will be easily estimated that both the display part 81 and the state display part 8662 can be all displayed.

[174] Also, it is possible to have a specific kind of characters and a speedific kind of character images sclected if the character setting button 872 is pres. sed. Also, in case a plurality of character setting buttons 872- is provided, a button for seelecting a character and a button for selecting a character imaage can be separately provided, for each kind of huttons. Particularly, though not descr-ibed in the first embodimemnt, the character setting button 872 will be easily realized also in the first embodime=nt. Also, if the character setting button 872 is not provicled, the kind of the characts er and the kind of the character image may be easily sclect«cd together with the gestur—e input from the data inputting part 33.

Mode for the Invention

[175] The present invention is characterized in that a predetermined d_isplay window is realized on the front of the air conditioner and a character image in which a pre- determined character image is used, is displayed on the display wiradow. Also, the present invention is characterized in that auser can use the air cond_itioner in a more convenient manner thanks to the charactesr and the character image —xelated to the character.

[176] Within the range satisfying the above characteristics, the air conclitioner capable of improving the uscr's recognizahility acoreding to the present inventiaon, can have various form in its embodiments.

[177] On the first place, in case two indoor Linits are not used but a singgle indoor unit is used in a single outdoor unit, an effect thmat a user's convenience is ii mproved can be obtained by realizing, on the single indoor unil, a display window cn which a character and/or a character image is displayed.

[178] Also, the spirit of the present inventioen can be applied not only tto the air conditioner that has been described by the detailed embodiment, but also to other electronic appliances sich as a cooking apparatus and a refrigerator, with change in its form in a convenient manner. At this times, with the character maintained as it is, the operational state of the air conditioner carn be displayed by changing a pose, a position, a background, and a behavior of the character.

[179] Also, even though the apparatus and/or method for inputting, selecting, or setting a character and a character image may be changed depending on detail use conditions, sweh changes will not influence on realiza tion of the spirit of the present invention.

[180] Also, for the character image displayed on the display part, not only the character image where the character is used, but also a character of a representative shape may be constantly displayed regardless of the Operational state of the air conditioner. In case of the air conditioner, it will be prefexrable that a character that can emphasize coolness such as a penguin is selected.

[181] It will be apparent to those skilled in tie art that various modifications and variations can bc made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers thc modifications and var-iations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims amd their equivalents.

Industrial Applicability

[182] Awording 10 the spirit of the present invention, a character image understandable as the relevant operational state depending on the operational state of the air conditioner, is displayed on one side of the air conditioner, so that a user can understand the op- erational state of the air conditioner in a convenient manner, without looking at the state display part displayed with letters.

[183] Also, the present invention uses a character of a beautiful design besides the state display part displayed with letters of the conventional stiff image, thereby possibly obtaining more better visual effect. Acorclingly, a user's taste can be promoted even more.

[184] Also, according to the present invention ,, a user can produce, in person, a character desired by a user, obtain various characters and character images where the character is used through various communiation medi a, store in the storing medium in the inside of the air conditioner, and use the same. Therefore, since a user who makes use of the air conditioner can newly display a new ch aracter and/or a new character image at any time when a user desires or is tired of the existing character, the present invention has an effect that a user can use the air conditioner for a more longer time and a user can the air conditioner as if it were a newly puwchase dapparatus at any time when a user desires.

[185] Also, the present invention additionally in_cludesa voice outputting part for dIisplaying the operation of the air conditionemr, so that a voice message is properly owmutput for each operational state of the air coraditioner. Therefore, there iss a strong p=oint that a remotely located user or even the blind can use the air conditieoner in a nore mnvenient manner.

[186] Also, in case the same character is used for— the entire items of the elec -tronic apopliances manufactured by a single company, the character as a trademazxk can ercthance a brand image of the manufacturing €ompany and in case the ch=aracter is used for an advertising means, the character canfurmction as a means for obtain ing ad- vezrtisement profit.

Claims

Claims {1 An air conditioner having an enhanced user— perception, comprising: a panel forming an appearance of either side of the air conditioner; and a dm splay window including a display part fZormed on the panel, for displaying za spe cific character and/or a character image of the character, and/or a state displa.y part for displaying an operational state of tkne air conditioner as a symbol.

[2] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the display window is a single window .

[3] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the character and/or the character images is vraried depending on an operational state of the air conditioner.

[4] The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising a speaker for displaying an aop- era tional state of the air conditioner as sournd and/or voice.

[5] Thee air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the character and/or the character images is Clesignated to correspond to a specific operational state of the air conditioner—

[6] Th-< air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the: character and/or the character imagee is transmitted from an external device and _is stored in the air conditioner.

[7] Th_¢ air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising a selection button for changi ng a display state of the display window.

[8] Tha ¢ air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the= display window is an LCD.

[9] Tha¢ air conditioner of claim 1, wherein thes panel is a front panel formed at a front side of the air conditioner.

[10] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein thes character and/or the character imagme is transmitted to the air conditioner by a se=parate motile means.

[11] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein thes character and/or the character image is transmitted to the air conditioner by a commputer connected by a network.

[12] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein thee air conditioner comprises a single outdoor unit and two or more indoor units.

[13] The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising a character selection button foermed adjacent to the display window, foor selecting the character and/or the character image.

[14] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein th _e displya part or the state display pamrt is selectively displayed on the display wirndow.

[15] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein th:e character and/or the character image displayed on the display part is varied depending on an operational state of the ai_r conditioner.

(16] The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the character image is one set of various character images realized by which in an idential character, a scene, a pcOsition, a pose and an action of the cha rzxcter are varied. (17] An air conditioner having an enhanced user perception, comprising: a panel forming an appearance= of either side of a air conditioner; a display window including a adisplay part formed on the panel, for displaying a specific character and/or a character image of the character, and/or a state= display part for displaying an operatio nal state of the air conditioner as a symbol ; and means for selecting a display state of the display window.

[18] The air conditioner of claim 177, wherein the selecting means is a selecti on hutton formed at a predetermined possition on an outer surface of the air conditioner.

[19] The air conditioner of claim 177, wherein the selecting means is a selecti_on button formed on a remote controller (20) The air conditioner of claim 177, wherein the air conditioner comprises a single outdoor unit and two indoor uw nits connected to the single outdoor unit.

[21] The air conditioner of claim 177, wherein the character and/or the characrter image is stored in a storage medium inside the air conditioner when the air coraditioner is manufactured.

[22] An air conditioner having an enhanced user perception, comprising: a front panel formed on a frorat side of an appearance of the air conditiconer; a display window formed at a_ predetermined position of the front panel, for se- lectively displaying a character image display and a state display, the character image display being varied depending on an operational state of the air conditioner, the state display <lisplaying an operational state of the air conditioner as a symbol; and a selection button formed adjexcent to the display window, for selecting a display state of the display window.

[23] The air conditioner of claim 22, wherein wherein the character image iss one set of various character images rezalized by which in an identical character, za scene, a position, a pose and an action of the character are varied.