WO2008007843A2

WO2008007843A2 - Method of controlling air conditioner having image display function

Info

Publication number: WO2008007843A2
Application number: PCT/KR2006/005788
Authority: WO
Inventors: Byeong-Tae Kwon
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2006-07-13
Filing date: 2006-12-27
Publication date: 2008-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 2009-01-13
Also published as: WO2008007843A3

Abstract

There is provided a method of controlling an air conditioner. The method includes inputting an operation command for at least one of an air conditioning unit and a display unit, determining if the input command is for the air conditioning unit or the display unit, and operating at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit according to the determining result.

Description

METHOD OF CONTROLLING AIR CONDITIONER HAVING

IMAGE DISPLAY FUNCTION

Technical Field

[I] The present invention relates to an air conditioner and, more particularly, an air conditioner having an image display function through an image displaying unit provided on a front surface of an indoor unit thereof.

[2]

Background Art [3] Generally, an air conditioner includes a heater, a cooler, and a cleaner to heat, cool, and purify indoor air. That is, the air conditioner is used to provide an enjoyable atmosphere to human beings. [4] Recently, an air conditioner having an indoor unit that is designed to be slimmer by a thin turbo fan has been developed. Such a slim indoor unit can be wall-mounted in the form of a frame. [5] Meanwhile, a flat display such as a liquid crystal display has been widely used, replacing a cathode ray tube display. [6] When the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the display unit are separately installed at different locations, they occupy a large space to deteriorate the space efficiency. Furthermore, the display unit cannot be utilized as a display for displaying an operating state of the air conditioner unit. [7] Therefore, there is a need for an air conditioner that can be combined with the display unit using the front surface of the indoor unit so that the utilization of the front surface of the indoor unit. [8]

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[9] Accordingly, the present invention is provided to meet the above need.

[10] It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner having an indoor unit that is combined with a display unit, thereby improving space efficiency and effectively utilizing a front portion of the indoor unit.

[II] It is another object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner having an air conditioning unit integrated with a display unit, which are commonly using some parts thereof to reduce a manufacturing cost thereof.

[12] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling an air conditioner having an air conditioning unit and a display unit, which can allow a user to identify information on at least one of operational states of the air conditioner and the display unit and air information in real time.

[13] It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling an air conditioner, which can display information on at least one of operational states of the air conditioner and the display unit and air information on a display screen without interfering with an image that is being displayed on the display screen.

[14]

Technical Solution

[15] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[16] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a method of controlling an air conditioner, including; inputting an operation command for at least one of an air conditioning unit and a display unit; determining if the input command is for the air conditioning unit or the display unit; and operating at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit according to the determining result.

[17] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an air conditioner, including; inputting an operation command for at least one of an air conditioning unit and a display unit; operating at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit according to the input operation command; and displaying at least one of air information and operation information according to the operating unit through a state display window.

[18]

Advantageous Effects

[19] According to the present invention, since the slim-type image display device such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display panel is combined with the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the space efficiency can be improved.

[20] Since the air conditioner and the image display device are integrally formed, the installing process can be simplified.

[21] In addition, since the heat generation portion of the image display device can be cooled by air introduced into the air conditioner, there is no need to provide a separate cooling device for cooling the image display device. [22] Since the image display device is installed on the front surface of the indoor unit, the exposure of the indoor unit to the user can be minimized. [23] Since a variety of images can be display on the front surface of the indoor unit of the air condition, the utilization of the front surface can be improved and the overall outer appearance of the indoor unit can be improved. [24] Furthermore, since the information on the operational state of the air conditioner is display on the image display device, the user can easily identify the operation state of the air conditioner. [25] The air conditioning unit and the image display unit can be simultaneously controlled by a single remote controller. [26] When at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit operates, the user can identify information on a temperature, humidity and the like by determining whether an operation command for each unit is input in real-time. Therefore, the control of the air conditioner can be easily controlled and thus the marketability and convenience thereof can be improved. [27] Furthermore, when at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit operates, the information on a temperature, humidity and the like is displayed through a popup window or a state display window of the display unit. Therefore, the user can identify the air information in real-time and thus the power consumption for heating and cooling can be reduced. [28]

Brief Description of the Drawings [29] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: [30] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner that can display an image according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [31] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a combining structure of a display unit and an air conditioning unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [32] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [33] Fig. 4 is a front view of an air conditioning unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a display unit is removed; [34] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a combining state of a display unit with a front panel of an air conditioning unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[35] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an operational state of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[36] Fig. 7 is a view illustrating a state of an display panel of a display unit when only an air conditioning unit operates according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[37] Fig. 8 is a view illustrating an operation state when an air conditioning unit and a display unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[38] Figs. 9 and 10 are views of a display unit and an air conditioning unit of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[39] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[40] Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a power unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[41] Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a determining algorithm of individual controls for air conditioning and display units;

[42] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control method (A) when air conditioning and display units simultaneously operate;

[43] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method (B) when only an air conditioning unit operates;

[44] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control method (C) when only a display unit operates; and

[45] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a state display window displaying a current state of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[46]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[47] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[48] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner that can display an image according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[49] Referring to Fig. 1, an air conditioner that can display an image includes an air conditioning unit 100 for heating and cooling and a display unit 200 that is integrally combined with the air conditioning unit 100 to display an image. [50] The display unit 200 is provided on a front portion of the air conditioning unit 100 to minimize exposure of the air conditioning unit to a user.

[51] The display unit 200 can display a motion picture such as an analog or digital broadcasting image.

[52] The air conditioning unit 100 includes indoor and outdoor units to control room air.

[53] The air conditioning unit 100 includes a compression unit 11 for compressing refrigerant, an outer heater exchanger 12 for heat-exchanging between outdoor air and refrigerant, an outdoor blower 13 for sending air toward the outdoor heat exchanger 12, an expansion valve 14 for spraying condensed liquid-phase refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger 50 for heat-exchanging between indoor air and refrigerant, an indoor blower 30 for sending air to the indoor heat exchanger 50 and circulating the indoor air, and a sensor unit 15 for detecting a discharge pressure and temperature of the compression unit 11, a temperature of the indoor or outdoor heater exchanger 50 or 12, and a temperature of indoor or outdoor side.

[54] The display unit 200 includes a display panel 250 for displaying an image, an audio output unit 260 for outputting sound, a signal receiving unit 210 for receiving a signal, a signal conversion unit 220 for converting the received signal to a signal appropriate for the audio output unit 260 or the display panel 250, and a memory unit 270 for storing a variety of information and data.

[55] Here, the signal receiving unit 210 may be a TV tuner or a tuner for receiving a

DMB signal. The signal receiving unit 210 is provided for receiving a digital broadcasting service or an analog broadcasting service that are transmitted from a satellite or a base station. For example, the digital broadcasting service includes a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), and a digital video broadcasting-handheld (DVB-H), a media forward link only (MediaFLO). The analog broadcasting service is the station broadcasting.

[56] The signal receiving unit 210 is a device for receiving electric waves transmitted through the DMB, DVB-H, MEdiaFLO. The DMB is a new multimedia broadcasting service combining the broadcasting with the communication. DMB is classified into a station broadcasting DMB and a satellite DMB. DMB provides a CD-level sound and a data service. The DMB allows users to enjoy a multi-channel multimedia broadcasting through a mobile phone, a PDA, or a vehicle receiver while he/she moves. Therefore, the DMB is called a next generation broadcasting service.

[57] The signal conversion unit 220 decodes or amplifies the received signal to display the received signal on the display panel 200. That is, the signal conversion unit 220 converts the analog signal received into a digital signal. The audio output unit 260 outputs an audio signal among the signal converted by the signal conversion unit 220.

[58] The display unit 200 is an image display device formed of a flat display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) TV. The display unit 200 is connected to the cabinet 20 through a connection unit 600 (see FlG. 5).

[59] Meanwhile, the air conditioner includes a power supply unit for supplying power to each part of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200, a manipulation unit 400 for inputting operation commands to the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200, and a control unit 500 for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 100 or the display unit 200 in accordance with the input command through the manipulation unit 400.

[60] Since a voltage for the air conditioning unit 100 is different from that for the display unit 200, the power supply unit 200 functions to increase or reduce the voltage to be proper to the air conditioning unit 100 or the display unit 200.

[61] For example, when the display panel 250 of the display unit 200 is the PDP, the power supply unit 300 supplies reset, scan, and sustain voltages that are required during the discharge process to a driving board of the control unit 500. In addition, the power supply unit 300 controls voltages required for driving the air conditioning unit 100, such as a voltage for the compression unit 11, a voltage for a motor 32 of the indoor/outdoor blowers 13 and 30, a voltage for a discharge unit 90, a voltage for the sensor unit 15, and a voltage for the expansion valve 14.

[62] The manipulation unit 400 is provided for the input of the operation commands by the user, the manipulation 400 includes a control panel 410 provided on a main body of the display unit 200, a wireless remote controller 420, a signal receiving part 430 for transmitting a signal from the remote controller 420 to the control unit 500.

[63] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a combining structure of the display unit and the air conditioning unit and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[64] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, as described above, the air conditioner includes the display unit 200 and the air conditioning unit 100.

[65] The air conditioning unit 100 includes a cabinet 20 having a front panel 22 and a base 24, an indoor blower 30 installed in the cabinet 20, an orifice 40 for guiding introduced air to the indoor blower 30, an indoor heat exchanger 50 that is provided in front of the orifice 40 to perform the heat-exchange between the introduced room air and the refrigerant, a control box 70 for controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 100, a drain pan 80 for collecting condensed water generated on a surface of the cabinet 20, and a filter 60 for filtering foreign objects contained in the introduced air. The cabinet 20 is provided with an air inlet 25 covered with the filter 60. The front panel 22 is coupled to the base 24 and the base 24 is provided with a plurality of air outlet 26. The base 24 is provided with a discharge unit 90 for se- lectively opening and closing the air outlets 26. The discharge unit 90 includes a vane 92 for opening and closing the air outlets 26 and a driving motor (not shown) for driving the vane 92.

[66] The indoor blower 30 is installed on the base 24. The indoor blower 30 may be a centrifugal fan that introduces air in an axial direction and discharges the same in a radial direction.

[67] When two or more blowers are mounted on the base 24, in order to prevent the collision between the airs that are being discharged, the inside of the base 24 is divided into two halves by a barrier rib 24a. Air guides 24b are installed on inner-upper sides of the base 24 so that the air discharged from the indoor blower 30 upward can be directed toward the air outlets 26 while circulating.

[68] A plasma filter 110 is installed on a front surface of the heat exchanger 50 to absorb dusts or foreign objects contained in the air introduced through the air inlet 25.

[69] A pipe cover 21 is installed at a corner of the cabinet 20. Therefore, the pipe cover

21 defines a portion of the outer appearance of the air conditioning unit 100.

[70] The pipe cover 21 is assembled on at least two of four corners of the cabinet 20. In the present embodiment, two pipe covers 21 are installed at two corners. An external refrigerant discharge pipe is directed into the cabinet 20 through the pipe cover 21.

[71] Meanwhile, the display unit 200 mounted on the front surface of the air conditioning unit 100 includes a display panel 250 for displaying an image and a case 610 seating on the display panel 250.

[72] A speaker 616 is mounted on at least one side of the case 61, i.e., on an outer edge of the display panel 250. The signal receiving part 430 for receiving the signal from the remoter controller 420 and the control panel 410 is provided on another side of the case 610. Here, the control panel 410, the remote controller 420, and the receiving part 430 are included in the manipulation unit 400 of Fig. 1.

[73] In more detail, the manipulation panel 410 is provided with manipulation buttons

411 and 412 for turning on/off the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200, a popup button 414 for displaying the operation state of the air conditioning unit 100 on the display panel 50. The wireless remote controller 420 is also provided with manipulation buttons 421 and 422 and a popup button 424. A memory slot 612 to which an external memory is connected is installed on another side of the case 610. The memory slot 612 may be an MMC/SD, CF, XD, or Ms.

[74] The following will describe the operations of the display unit and the air conditioning unit.

[75] When an operation command is input through the remote controller 420 or the manipulation panel 410, the control unit 500 controls the operation of at least one of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200. [76] When the user inputs a turn-on command for the air conditioning unit 100, the control unit 500 drives the air conditioning unit 100 in response to the input command.

[77] For example, when the user inputs a room cooling command, the control unit 500 detects a room temperature, an exterior temperature, a pipe temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 50 through the sensor unit 15 and operates the air conditioning unit in accordance with a comparison result of the detected temperature with a target temperature of the air conditioning unit 100.

[78] The control unit 500 operates the compression unit 11 to compress the refrigerant and the compressed refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The condensed refrigerant expands to a low temperature/low pressure while passing through the expansion valve 14. The refrigerant passing through the expansion valve 14 is directed to the indoor heat exchanger 50 to absorb the heat from the room air. At this point, the refrigerant is vaporized and is then directed to the compression unit 11. Since the heat of the indoor air is absorbed by the refrigerant, the room temperature is reduced.

[79] When the display unit 200 operates by the operation command of the user, the control unit 500 controls the display unit 200 in response thereto. Here, the room temperature and humidity may be displayed on the screen in a PIP (Picture in Picture) manner. That is, the control unit 500 receives signals from the sensor unit 15 of the air conditioning unit 10 and displays the room temperature and humidity.

[80] When the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 are simultaneously operated, the operation state of the air conditioning unit 100 and the image received through the signal receiving unit 210 are displayed on the screen using the PIP manner. This will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[81] Fig. 4 is a front view of the air conditioning unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a display unit is removed, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a combining state of the display unit with a front panel of the air conditioning unit.

[82] The display unit 200 includes a case 610 detachably coupled to the cabinet 20 through the connection unit 600 and the display panel 250 fixed in the case 610. The audio output, the signal receiving unit 210, and the signal conversion unit 220 are installed in the case 610. External input terminals 614 (e.g., DVI, RGB, Component, S- Video, Composite, Optical, AV terminal, HDMI, DVI, and the like) are installed in the case 610.

[83] In more detail, the case 610 includes a front cover 610 surrounding a front edge of the display panel 250 and a front base 613 located on a rear surface of the display panel 250 and coupled to the front cover 611.

[84] Here, the display panel 250 is installed between the front cover 611 and the front base 613. The signal receiving unit 210, the signal conversion unit 220, and the control unit 500, which are installed on the rear surface of the display panel 250 are shielded by the front base 613.

[85] The memory slot 612 to which the external memory is installed is installed on the case 610 and an internal memory is installed in the case 610. The external memory and the internal memory define the memory unit 270 that is depicted in FlG. 1. The memory slot 612 or the external input terminal 614 may be installed on the cabinet 20 of the air conditioning unit according to the installation location of the control unit 500.

[86] Furthermore, the audio output unit 260 includes the speaker 616 and the external output terminal (not shown) that are installed on the case 610.

[87] The display unit 200 is coupled to the front panel 22 by a connection unit 600. That is, the connection unit 600 connects the display unit 200 to the front panel 22 of the air conditioning unit 100 to allow the display unit 200 to be easily opened or separated for the replacement of the filter 60.

[88] In more detail, the connection unit 600 includes first and second links 620 and 630 that are hingedly connected to a rear surface of the case 610 and the front panel 22. The second link 630 is located under the first link 620 and longer than the first link 620. The first and second links 620 and 630 are configured to rotate upward and downward at their one ends.

[89] Brackets 622 and 632 are formed on the rear surface of the case 610 for the hinge connection of first ends of the first and second links 620 and 630. Brackets 623 and 633 are formed on the front surface of the front panel 22 for the hinge connection of second ends of the first and second links 620 and 630. The second end of the second link 630 is coupled to be capable of sliding along the bracket 633. Particularly, during the separation of the display unit 200 and the air conditioning unit 100 from each other, the second end of the second link 630 is separated from the front panel 22 while ascending along the bracket 633.

[90] In addition, the case 610 and the front panel 22 are coupled to each other through a press-fit. That is, the case 610 is provided at a rear surface with a hook 642 and the front panel 22 is provided with a hook bracket 644 that is press-fitted with the hook 642. Therefore, when the display unit 200 is coupled to the cabinet 20, the hook 642 of the case 610 of the display unit 200 is press-fitted with the hook bracket 644 in a state where the first 620 is hingedly connected to the second link 630. A grill 650 is formed on a rear surface of the case 610 so that the case 610 is spaced apart from the front panel 22 by a predetermined distance.

[91] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an operational state of the air conditioner.

[92] Referring to Fig. 6, when the air conditioning unit 100 operates, the indoor blower 30 operates to circulate the room air through the cabinet 20.

[93] In more detail, the room air is introduced through the air inlet 25 of the front panel

22 and discharged through each air outlet of the base 24.

[94] Particularly, since the air inlet 25 is formed in the front panel 22, the room air is introduced through between the case 610 of the display unit 200 and the front panel 22 and is then directed toward the indoor blower 30 through the filter 60.

[95] Meanwhile, each discharge unit 90 installed on the air outlet 26 is controlled by the control unit. That is, the discharge unit 90 is designed such that the vane 92 rotates to open the air outlets only when the air conditioning unit 100 operates.

[96] Here, when the air conditioning unit 100 operates, the air introduced through a gap defined between the front panel 22 and the case 610 is directed to the air inlet 25 while contacting the rear surface of the display unit 200. Therefore, the air that is being introduced functions to cool the heat generation portion of the display unit 200.

[97] In more detail, the air absorbs the heat generated from the electric components and display panel 250 while contacting a rear surface of the display unit 200. The air, a temperature of which increases by absorbing the heat, is cooled while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 50 of the air conditioning unit 100. The air cooled while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 50 is discharged to the room through the air outlets 26.

[98] Accordingly, when the air conditioning unit 100 operates and the display unit 200 also operates, the temperature of the display unit 200 does not increase even when the ambient temperature is high. That is, the room air that is introduced for the cooling functions to reduce the temperature of the display unit 200.

[99] When the air conditioning unit operates with a heating mode, since the room air that is being introduced absorbs primarily from the display unit 200, the air passed through the indoor heat exchanger 50 is further quickly heated, thereby further improving the heating efficiency.

[100] Since the air conditioning unit 100 is disposed on the rear surface of the display unit

200, an exposed area of the air conditioning unit 100 to the user can be minimized.

[101] Furthermore, when only the display unit 200 operates, the control unit 500 may control the air conditioning unit 100 such that only the indoor blower 30 operates. In this case, the heat generation portion of the display unit 200 can be cooled by the air flowing by the air conditioning unit 100. Therefore, no addition cooling device for cooling the display unit 200 is required and thus the structure of the display unit 200 can be simplified.

[102] Fig. 7 is a view illustrating a state of the display panel of the display unit when only the air conditioning unit operates.

[103] Referring to Fig. 7, during the operation of the air conditioning unit 100, when the display unit 200 does not operate, the control unit 500 displays the operation state of the air conditioning unit 100 on the display panel 250.

[104] For example, the control unit 500 controls the display panel 250 such that the room temperature, humidity, target temperature, outdoor temperature, wind speed, and the like can be displayed on the display panel 250.

[105] Meanwhile, the air conditioning unit 100 may be configured with a refrigerant cycle as follows: compression unit 11-indoor heat exchanger 50-expansion valve 14-outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[106] Fig. 8 is a view illustrating an operation state when the air conditioning unit and the display unit of the air conditioner.

[107] Referring to Fig. 8, during the operation of the air conditioning unit 100, when the user inputs an operation command of the display unit 200 through the manipulation unit 400, the control unit 500 operates the display unit 200 in response thereto.

[108] Here, when the user inputs a TV-on command, the control unit 500 receives a signal through the TV tuner and displays an image signal on the display panel 250 after converting the signal.

[109] Particularly, when the image is displayed during the operation of the air conditioning unit 100, the image displaying the operation state of the air conditioning unit 100 is displayed on a part of the display panel 250 through the PIP manner 251.

[110] In addition, during the operation of the display unit 200, the user may turn off the operation state display of the air conditioning unit 100. That is, by pushing the popup button 414, 424 of the control panel 410 or the remote controller 420, the popup screen displaying the operation state of the air conditioning unit 100 can be selectively turned on or off.

[Ill] Figs. 9 and 10 are views of a display unit and an air conditioning unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[112] Referring to Fig. 9, a state displaying line 252 may move in a predetermined direction while displaying the operation state of the air conditioning unit 100. By selectively moving this state displaying lines 252, the interference of the state displaying line with the current image displayed on the screen can be minimized.

[113] Next, when a command for operating only the display unit 200 is input, the control unit 500 controls such that only the display unit 200 operates.

[114] In addition, the user can display the operation state of the air conditioner by manipulating the manipulation unit 400. That is, by receiving the signal from the sensor unit 15 from the air conditioning unit 100, the control unit 500 displays the current room temperature and humidity on the display panel 250.

[115] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of the air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [116] Referring to Fig. 11, unlike the first embodiment, in an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 500 includes a air conditioning unit control part 510 and a display unit controlling part 520, and a main control part 530 for controlling the air conditioning unit control part 510 and the display unit controlling part 520.

[117] The power supply unit 300 is controlled by the main control unit 530 to supply the electric power to one or both of the air conditioning unit control part 510 and the display unit control part 520 in response to the manipulation command of the user.

[118] In addition, the manipulation unit 400 is identical to that of the first embodiment, i.e., includes the manipulation panel 410, the remote controller 420, and the receiving unit 430 to transmit the manipulation command to the main control unit 530.

[119] Since other parts of the second embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

[120] Fig. 12 is a block diagram of the power unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[121] Referring to Fig. 12, the power supply unit 300 includes an AC power supply unit

310 for supplying external AC power to the device, a first power circuit 320 for properly voltage-reducing the AC power supplied to the device and supplying the reduced power to the air conditioning unit 100, and a second power circuit 350 for properly voltage-reducing the AC power and supplying the reduced power to the display unit 200.

[122] The first power circuit 320 includes a first transformer 324 for voltage-reducing the input power to a driving voltage, a first rectifying/smoothing portion 328 for rectifying and smoothing the driving power into a AC voltage, a first conversion portion 332 for amplifying the AC voltage, and a first supplying portion 336 for supplying the driving power to the air conditioning unit 100 and the control unit 500.

[123] The second power circuit 350 includes a second transformer 354 for voltage- reducing the input power to a driving voltage, a second rectifying/smoothing portion 358 for rectifying and smoothing the driving power into a AC voltage, a second conversion portion 362 for amplifying the AC voltage, and a first supplying portion 366 for supplying the driving power to the display unit 200 and the control unit 500.

[124] The structures of the first and second power circuits 320 and 250 are similar to each other. However, the driving voltages reduced by the first and second transformers 324 and 354 are different from each other. For example, each of the first and second transformers 324 and 354 includes a bobbin, a core, and a coil. However, the inductor L value of them may be varied depending on the number of turns of the coil and a type of the core. The degree of reduction of the voltage is varied in accordance with the inductor value. [125] Meanwhile, the operation commands for the first and second power circuits 320 and

350 can be directly input through the control panel 410 of the manipulation unit 400. The receiving unit 430 of the manipulation unit 400 receives an operation command for at least one of the first and second power circuits 320 and 250 through the remote controller 420. Subsequently, the receiving unit 430 determines if the operation command input from the remote controller 420 is for the air conditioning unit 100 or the display unit 200 and transmits the determination to the control unit 500.

[126] Here, the determination may be performed by the control unit 500 instead of the receiving unit 430.

[127] Furthermore, the control unit 500 controls the power to one or both of the first and second power circuits 320 and 350 and receives the driving voltage output from the first and second power circuits 320 and 350 to determine if there is any error in the driving voltage.

[128] The following will describe the operations of the display unit and the air conditioning unit in more detail.

[129] First, when the user inputs the operation command through the remote controller

420 or the control panel 410, the control unit 500 controls the operation of the display unit 200 and the air conditioning unit in response thereto.

[130] Here, when the user inputs an operation command for the air conditioning unit 100, the control unit 500 controls the AC power supply unit 310 such that the first power circuit 320 operates, thereby supplying the AC voltage.

[131] That is, the control unit controls the first power circuit 320 to supply a driving voltage to the air conditioning unit 100. Then, the first power circuit 320 reduces the driving voltage and supplies the reduced voltage to the air conditioning unit 100.

[132] For example, when the command for the cooling mode of the air conditioning unit

100 is input, the control unit 500 receives detected values on the room air temperature, outdoor air temperature, a pipe temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 50, and the like from the sensor unit 15. Then, the values are compared with the target temperature of the air conditioning unit 100. The control unit 500 operates the air conditioning unit 100 according to the comparison result.

[133] In addition, the control unit 500 controls the display panel 250 such that the current room temperature, humidity, target temperature, outdoor air temperature, wind speed, and an operation state of the air conditioning unit 100 can be displayed on the display panel 250.

[134] When the user inputs a display unit operating command, the control unit 500 controls the second power circuit 350 to reduce the input voltage to a voltage proper for the display unit 200.

[135] For example, when the user inputs the display unit operation command, the control unit 500 supplies a minimum power for measuring the current room temperature and humidity to the air conditioning unit 100 and operates the display unit 200. When the display unit 200 operates, the control unit 500 determines if there is any error in the driving voltage applied to the display unit 200.

[136] Figs. 13 through 16 are flowcharts illustrating a driving control method of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[137] Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a determining algorithm of individual controls for the air conditioning and display units, Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control method (A) when the air conditioning and display units simultaneously operate, Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method (B) when only the air conditioning unit operates, and Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control method (C) when only the display unit operates.

[138] Referring to Figs. 13 through 16, the user inputs an operation command to operate at least one of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 (110).

[139] When the operation command is input, the control unit 500 determines if the input operation command is for both of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200.

[140] When it is determined that the input operation command is for both of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200, the control unit 500 detects the room temperature, humidity, pollutant, and other information on the air state through the sensor unit 15 and receives an image signal transmitted to the display unit 200 (112).

[141] Then, the air information and the image signal are displayed on the display panel

250 of the display unit 200 (113). In addition, the air conditioning unit 100 operates together in accordance with the input command (114).

[142] The control unit 500 determines if any operation command is input through the control panel and the remote controller in real-time (115).

[143] In more detail, when the operation command is input to the control unit 500, it is determined if the input command is for the power-off of the air conditioning unit (116). When it is determined that the input command is not for the power-off of the air conditioning unit, it is determined if the input command is for the power-off command of the display unit (117). When it is determined that the input command is not for the power-off command of the display unit (117), it is determined if the input command is for a command for changing the operation mode of the air conditioning unit. When it is determined that the input command is not for the command for changing the operation mode of the air conditioning unit, it is determined that the input command is a command for changing the operation mode of the display unit to change the operation mode of the display unit (120). When the operation mode of the display unit is changed, the control is returned to the step 112 where the air information is detected and the image signal is received and the following processes are preformed. That is, in accordance with the input command, the channel or other displaying conditions of the display panel are changed and the air information is displayed (112 and the following steps).

[144] When it is determined that the input command is a command for changing the operation mode of the air conditioning unit, the operation mode of the air conditioning unit is changed 119 and then the step 112 and the following steps are repeated. That is, the changed operation mode, the air information and the image signal are displayed on the display panel (113).

[145] When it is determined that the input command is a command for the power-off the display unit, a process for operating only the air conditioning unit is performed (211 and the following steps). This will be described later.

[146] When it is determined that the input command is a command for the power-off the air conditioning unit, a process for operating only the display unit is performed (310 and the following steps). This will be also described later.

[147] Meanwhile, when the operation command input step (110), if the input command is not a command for operating both of the air condition unit and the display unit, the control unit 500 determines if the input command is for turning on only the air conditioning unit (210).

[148] When the control unit 500 determines that the input command is for turning on only the air conditioning unit, the display unit 200 maintains it stand by mode (211). Then, the air information is detected by the sensor unit 15 (212) and the detected air information and the operation information of the air conditioning unit is displayed on the display panel 213. In addition, in accordance with the input operation command, the air conditioning unit operates (214).

[149] Meanwhile, in a state where the air conditioning unit 100 operates, the control unit

500 determines if any operation command is input in real-time (215).

[150] In more detail, when the operation command is not input to the control unit 500, the step 212 and the following steps are repeated. In the mean time, when there is an input command, it is determined if the input command is for the power-off of the air conditioning unit (216). When it is determined that the input command is for the power-off of the air conditioning unit, the operation of the air conditioning unit stops (217) and the control process is ended. When it is determined that the input command is not for the power-off command of the air conditioning unit, it is determined if the input command is for the power-on command of the display unit (220), the step 112 and the following steps are repeated. When it is determined that the input command is not for the power-on command of the display unit, it is determined that the command is for a command for changing the operation mode of the air conditioning unit and the step 212 and the following steps are repeated. That is, the air information is detected and the changed operation mode and the air information are displayed on the display panel 213.

[151] Meanwhile, when it is determined that the input operation command is not a command for power-on only the air conditioning unit, it is determined that the command is for turning on only the display unit, the air conditioning unit maintains its stand by mode 310.

[152] When the control unit 500 determines that the input command is for turning on only the display unit, the air information is detected by the sensor unit 15 and the image signal transmitted to the display unit is received (311) and the detected air information and the receiving image signal are displayed on the display panel 250 (312).

[153] In more detail, in a state where the display unit operates, the control unit determines if there is a re-input of the operation command in real-time (313). When it is determined that there is no re-input, the step 311 and the following steps are repeated.

[154] When it is determined that there is the re-input of the operation command, it is determined that it is determined if the re-input command is for the power-off of the display unit (314).

[155] When it is determined that the input command is for the power-off of the display unit, the operation of the display unit stops (315) and the control process ends. When it is determined that the input command is not for the power-off command of the display unit, it is determined if the input command is for the power-on command of the air conditioning unit (320).

[156] In more detail, it is determined that the input command is for the power-on command of the air conditioning unit, the step 112 and the following steps are repeated. That is, the control process is performed in a state where both of the air conditioning unit and the display unit are turned on.

[157] When it is determined that the input command is not for the power-on command of the display unit, it is determined that the command is for a command for changing the operation mode of the display unit to change the channel or volume of the sound. When the operation mode of the display unit 200, the air information is detected and the changed operation mode and the air information are displayed on the display panel (311 and the following steps).

[158] By the above-described control method, the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 are organically operated.

[159] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a state display window displaying a current state of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[160] Referring to Fig. 17, an operation command for at least one of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 is input by a user (410), and a relevant unit is operated in response thereto. Then, the sensor unit 15 detects the air information (411). Here, if any one of the air condition unit 100 and the display unit 200 operates, the air information detection is preformed by the sensor unit 15.

[161] When at least one of the air conditioning unit 100 and the display unit 200 operates, the control unit 500 determines if the state display command is input (412).

[162] When there is no state display command, only the image signal is displayed on the display panel 250. When there is a state display command, it is determined if the input command is for the popup window or the state display line (413).

[163] When it is determined that the input command is for the state display line, the state display line is turned on at the display panel (430). When it is determined that the input command is for the popup window, the popup window is turned on at the display panel (414).

[164] When the state display window is turned on, the control unit determines if the air conditioning unit 100 operates (415).

[165] When the air conditioning unit 100 is turned on, the air information and the operation information of the air conditioning unit 100 are displayed on the state display window 416. However, when the air conditioning unit 100 is turned off, only the air information is displayed on the state display window (40).

[166] In a state where the information is being displayed on the state display window, the control unit 500 determines if there is a command for changing the state display window (417).

[167] When there is a command for changing the state display window, the current display window is changed into another display window (418).

[168] The control unit further determines if there is a command for hiding the state display window. When there is a command for hiding the state display window, the window is disappeared from the display panel 250. When there is no command for hiding the state display window, the air information is detected (450) and it is determined if there is a power-off command (451). When there is no power-off command, the detected air information and the operation information of the air conditioning unit are displayed on the state display window (416 and the following steps). When there is the power-off command, the process ends.

[169] In a state where the state display window is hidden (420), the control unit keeps determining if there is the power-off command (421). When there is the power-off command, the process ends. When there is no power-off command, the step 411 and the following steps are repeated. That is, the air information is detected and it is determined if the state display command is input (step 411 and the following steps).

[170] The power-off command means a command for turning off both of the display unit and the air conditioning unit.

[171] In more detail, in a state where only the display unit operates, the display state window is turned on. However, only the air information is displayed on the display state window. In a state where only the air conditioning unit operates, the display state window is automatically turned on to display the operation information and the air information. That is, the stand-by electric power keeps being supplied to the display panel 250 so that the display panel 250 can be turned on when the display unit is turned on. That is, although the image is not displayed on the display panel 250, there is no problem to display the state display window.

[172] By the above-described control method, the operation information and the air information can be identified in real-time. Furthermore, since the type of the state display window and the location can be freely adjusted by the user, the interference of the state display window with the current image of the display panel can be minimized.

[173] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Industrial Applicability

[174] According to the present invention, the display unit and the air conditioning unit can be simultaneously or selectively operated. In addition, the operation information and the air information can be identified in real-time.

Claims

[1] A method of controlling an air conditioner, comprising; inputting an operation command for at least one of an air conditioning unit and a display unit; determining if the input command is for the air conditioning unit or the display unit; and operating at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit according to the determining result.

[2] The method according to claim 1, wherein when at least one of the air conditioning unit or the display unit operates, air information is detected by a sensor unit and the detected information is displayed on the display unit.

[3] The method according to claim 3, wherein the air information includes a room temperature, humidity, pollution level.

[4] The method according to claim 1, wherein when only one of the air conditioning unit or the display unit operates, the other of them maintains its stand-by mode.

[5] The method according to claim 1, wherein at least the air conditioning unit operates, air information and operation information of the air conditioning unit are displayed on the display unit.

[6] The method according to claim 1, wherein in a state where at least one of the air conditioning unit or the display unit operates, the operation command is re- inputtable; and the on/off state of the air conditioning unit or the display unit is changeable in accordance with the re-input command.

[7] The method according to claim 1, wherein when at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit operates, a state display window displaying one of air information and operation information of the air conditioning unit appears on the display unit. [8] The method according to claim 7, wherein the on/off and type of the state display window is varied according to a selection of the user. [9] The method according to claim 7, wherein the information displayed on the state display window varies depending on whether the air conditioning unit and the display unit operate or on operation states of the air conditioning unit and the display unit. [10] A method of controlling an air conditioner, comprising; inputting an operation command for at least one of an air conditioning unit and a display unit; operating at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit according to the input operation command; and displaying at least one of air information and operation information according to the operating unit through a state display window. [11] The method according to claim 10, wherein the air conditioning unit and the display unit are simultaneously operated, the operation information, the air information, and the image signal are displayed together. [12] The method according to claim 11, wherein the state display window is displayed on the display unit in a picture-in-picture manner. [13] The method according to claim 10, wherein the state display window includes a popup window and a state display line. [14] The method according to claim 10, wherein when the air conditioning unit and the display unit are simultaneously operated, the operation information of the air condition unit and the air information are simultaneously displayed on the state display window. [15] The method according to claim 10, wherein when only the display unit operates, only the air information is displayed on the state display window. [16] The method according to claim 10, wherein the type of the state display window may be changed according to a selection of a user. [17] The method according to claim 10, wherein the state display window is hidden according to a selection of a user. [18] The method according to claim 10, wherein in a state where at least one of the air conditioning unit and the display unit operates, the on/off and type of the state display window is varied according to a selection of the user. [19] The method according to claim 10, wherein the state display window is movable in a screen of the display panel. [20] The method according to claim 10, wherein the air information includes a room temperature, humidity and pollutant; and the air information is detected in real-time and updated.