Air conditioner and method for manufacturing mirror to which air conditioner is attached

Abstract

An air conditioner according to the present invention comprises: a housing having a suction port and a discharge port formed therein, the housing comprising a front wall; a mirror disposed in front of the front wall; the display device and the radar sensor are arranged behind the mirror; the mirror includes: a glass panel; a first layer which is formed on the back surface of the glass panel and contains tin; a second layer formed in a region other than a region corresponding to the display device and the radar sensor in the back surface of the first layer; as a result, the display device and the radar sensor, which are disposed behind the mirror, can operate smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air conditioner and a method for manufacturing a mirror attached to the air conditioner, as well as an air conditioner with a mirror attached and a method for manufacturing the mirror. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that adjusts the indoor air temperature to a temperature set by the user. To cool or heat indoor air, an air conditioner supplies air that has undergone heat exchange into the indoor space.

[0003] In recent years, various new functions related to the operation of air conditioners have been added, and concepts such as smart air conditioners and intelligent air conditioners have emerged.

[0004] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0138270 discloses an air conditioner that includes a radar sensor for measuring the heart rate of a user within a specified distance of the air conditioner.

[0005] In existing air conditioners, the radar sensor is exposed on the external panel. Since the radar sensor detects the user using electromagnetic waves, there is a problem that it is difficult to measure the user's signal if the radar sensor is not exposed on the external panel.

[0006] Furthermore, because the radar sensor is exposed, it is susceptible to contamination from dust, foreign objects, etc., which can reduce the sensor's accuracy. This not only affects the air conditioner's aesthetics but may also cause inconvenience in its use.

[0007] In addition, there is the problem that when the front of the air conditioner has a display showing the air conditioner's operating information, it is difficult to attach a mirror in front of the display.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent document 0001: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0138270A (Publication date: 2018.12.31). Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that not only has a mirror attached to the front of the housing, but also has a radar sensor and a display device that operate smoothly.

[0012] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner with uniform reflectivity between the area in a mirror corresponding to the display device and other areas.

[0013] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that makes the back of a mirror invisible except for the display or signal transceiver sensor located in the air conditioner, thereby improving aesthetics.

[0014] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a mirror for attaching to an air conditioner that can achieve the above-mentioned problem.

[0015] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0016] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, including a front wall; a mirror disposed in front of the front wall; and a display device and a radar sensor disposed behind the mirror; the mirror includes: a glass panel; a first layer formed on the back of the glass panel, comprising tin; and a second layer formed on the back of the first layer in an area other than the area corresponding to the display device and the radar sensor, shielding the back of the glass panel.

[0017] An opening may be formed in the front wall, and the display device and the radar sensor may be disposed in the opening.

[0018] In the mirror, a semi-transparent third layer can be formed in the area on the back of the first layer corresponding to the display device.

[0019] In the area behind the first layer where the second layer is not formed, a fourth layer can be formed to protect the display device and the radar sensor.

[0020] A synthetic resin film can be formed on the back side of the second layer.

[0021] A fifth layer may be formed between the glass panel and the first layer.

[0022] An adhesive component may be included between the front wall and the mirror.

[0023] A method for manufacturing a mirror attached to the front wall of an air conditioner equipped with a display device and a radar sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: forming a glass panel; forming a first layer containing tin on the back side of the glass panel; and forming a second layer that shields the back of the glass panel in the area on the back side of the first layer, excluding the area corresponding to the display device and the radar sensor.

[0024] This may include the step of forming a semi-transparent third layer in the area corresponding to the display device on the back side of the first layer.

[0025] This may include the step of forming a transparent fourth layer behind the first layer in the area corresponding to the display device and the radar sensor after the third layer has been formed.

[0026] This may include the step of forming a synthetic resin film on the back side of the second layer after the fourth layer has been formed.

[0027] Other specific details of the embodiments are included in the detailed implementation.

[0028] The air conditioner according to the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

[0029] By forming a light-transmitting first layer behind the glass panel, it has the advantage of enabling radar sensors and display devices that are obscured by mirrors to operate smoothly.

[0030] In addition, by forming a first and second layer behind the glass panel to shield the front of the housing and internal components and to provide a soft, reflective luminescence, the design enhances the user's aesthetic appeal.

[0031] In addition, a semi-transparent third layer is formed in the area corresponding to the display device, which allows the display screen behind the mirror to be viewed, while increasing the mirror reflectivity in the area where the second layer is not formed, so that the entire mirror can provide a uniform reflectivity.

[0032] In addition, a fourth layer is formed to protect the display device and radar sensor, thereby not only ensuring the smooth operation of the display device and radar sensor, but also protecting the display device and radar sensor from stains, contamination and other effects.

[0033] In addition, a fifth layer containing logos, trademarks, or decorative patterns is formed between the glass panel and the first layer, thereby providing information or aesthetic appeal to the user.

[0034] The effects of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the description of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a side view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view cut along line AA′.

[0038] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a mirror for attaching to an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 10: Shell 20: Front wall

[0041] 51: Display device; 510: Display screen

[0042] 511: Infrared sensor; 52: Radar sensor

[0043] 60: Mirror; 600: Glass panel

[0044] 610: Fifth floor; 620: First floor

[0045] 630: Second layer 640: Third layer

[0046] 650: Fourth layer; 660: Synthetic resin film

[0047] 70: Adhesive components Detailed Implementation

[0048] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies are omitted when it is determined that such detailed descriptions would obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Furthermore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings are provided solely for ease of understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings. This invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions made within the scope and technical concept of this invention.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0050] The air conditioner of the present invention includes a housing 10 forming the exterior, wherein an intake 11 and an exhaust 12 are formed on the housing 10. In this embodiment, the intake 11 is formed on the upper wall of the housing 10 and the exhaust 12 is formed on the lower side of the front wall 20 described later. However, unlike the above, the intake 11 and the exhaust 12 may be formed at any position on the housing 10.

[0051] A space is formed inside the housing 10. A blower fan 30 is provided in the space to draw air into the housing 10 through the intake port 11 and discharge the air to the outside of the housing 10 through the discharge port 12. A heat exchanger 40 is provided inside the housing 10 to facilitate heat exchange between the air drawn into the housing 10 and the refrigerant. The blower fan 30 may be positioned between the intake port 11 and the discharge port 12, and the heat exchanger 40 may be positioned above the blower fan 30.

[0052] The housing 10 includes a front wall 20 disposed at the front, on which a display device 51 and a radar sensor 52 (see reference) are disposed. Figure 2 ).

[0053] An opening 50 may be formed in the front wall 20 (see reference). Figure 2 ), display device 51 and radar sensor 52 (see reference) Figure 2 It can be configured at the opening 50 (refer to) Figure 2 ).

[0054] The display device 51 may include a display 510 and an infrared sensor 511. The display 510 may display the indoor air temperature, desired temperature, current operating status, etc.

[0055] The infrared sensor 511 can receive signals from the remote control indicating the air conditioner's operating mode, desired temperature, fan speed, and operating time. Based on the signals received by the infrared sensor 511, these settings can be reflected and displayed on the display 510. The display 510 can be an LED display.

[0056] In this embodiment, the infrared sensor 511 is manufactured separately from the display 510 and is disposed on the lower side of the display 510. However, unlike the above, the infrared sensor 511 can be disposed in any position, or the infrared sensor 511 can be integrated with the display 510.

[0057] Radar sensor 52 (reference) Figure 2 The air conditioner can sense biological signals within the indoor space. These biological signals can include the location of people in the room, the number of people, their activity level, movement, body temperature, etc. The air conditioner can control the direction and intensity of the air it exhales based on the sensed biological signals. In this embodiment, the radar sensor 52 is disposed on one side of the display device 51, but it can also be disposed at any other location.

[0058] A mirror 60 is positioned in front of the front wall 20.

[0059] The mirror 60 can be attached to the front wall 20 by sandwiching an adhesive member 70, on both sides of which are coated with adhesive, between the front wall 20 and the mirror 60. The adhesive member 70 can be formed in an area other than the area corresponding to the display device 51 and the radar sensor 52. Alternatively, the front wall 20 and the mirror 60 can be attached by directly applying adhesive to the front wall 20.

[0060] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The present invention will now be described in more detail as an embodiment of an air conditioner.

[0061] Mirror 60 includes a glass panel 600. The glass panel 600 can be made of semi-tempered glass. The glass panel 600 can be made of ultra-clear glass. The glass panel 600 can be formed to specified dimensions to be attached to the front wall 20. The glass thickness can be 2T.

[0062] A first layer 620 containing tin is formed on the back side of the glass panel 600. The purity of the tin may be 99.99% or higher. The first layer 620 may have a light transmittance of 14% to 18%. The first layer 620 may be formed on the back side of the glass panel 600 to provide a reflective effect when the mirror 60 is viewed from the front.

[0063] The first layer 620 allows electromagnetic waves, including visible light, to pass through. Signals emitted from the radar sensor 52 and signals reflected from interaction with people inside the room can also pass through. Light from the display screen 510 can pass through the first layer 620, enabling people inside the room to read the display screen 510. Signals emitted from the remote control can pass through the first layer 620 to reach the infrared sensor 511.

[0064] On the back of the first layer 620, a second layer 630 is formed behind the shielding glass panel 600 in an area other than the area corresponding to the display device 51 and the radar sensor 52.

[0065] Light from behind mirror 60 is blocked by the second layer 630, preventing the user from seeing objects behind mirror 60 and improving the reflectivity of mirror 60. The second layer 630 can be formed by printing a black ink composition.

[0066] On the back side of the first layer 620, a translucent third layer 640 may be formed in the area corresponding to the display device 51. The third layer 640 may be formed by screen printing a black ink composition. The light transmittance of the third layer 640 may be 60% to 70%.

[0067] Light emitted from display 510 passes through third layer 640, allowing the user to read display 510. Infrared light can pass through third layer 640, so infrared signals can reach infrared sensor 511. Third layer 640 can block a portion of the light from behind it, thereby providing a uniform reflectivity of mirror 60 in the area formed with second layer 630.

[0068] Behind the first layer 620, in the area where the second layer 630 is not formed, a fourth layer 650 can be formed, which protects the display device 51 and the radar sensor 52. The fourth layer 650 can be formed by printing transparent ink.

[0069] Visible light can pass through the fourth layer 650, so the user can read the display 510. Infrared light can pass through the fourth layer 650, so the infrared signal can reach the infrared sensor 511. The electromagnetic waves of the radar sensor 52 can pass through the fourth layer 650 and interact with people in the room.

[0070] A synthetic resin film 660 can be formed on the back side of the second layer 630. The synthetic resin film 660 can be made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The synthetic resin film 660 can be black. The synthetic resin film 660 is formed on the back side of the mirror 60 to prevent fragments from scattering when the mirror 60 breaks.

[0071] A fifth layer 610 may be formed between the glass panel 600 and the first layer 620. The fifth layer 610 may be formed by printing an ink composition. The fifth layer 610 may be formed on the back side of the glass panel 600, in the area excluding the area corresponding to the display device 51 and the radar sensor 52. The fifth layer 610 may include textures such as logos, trademarks, and design patterns, thereby providing information and aesthetics to the user.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 The manufacturing method of a mirror for attaching to an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0073] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mirror 60 attached to the front wall 20 of an air conditioner equipped with a display device 51 and a radar sensor 52. First, a step of forming a glass panel 600 is performed (S10).

[0074] Next, a step (S20) is performed to form a first layer 620 containing tin, which is located on the back side of the glass panel 600. The first layer 620 may be formed of tin with a purity of 99.99% or higher. The first layer 620 may have a light transmittance of 14% to 18%.

[0075] Next, the step of forming a second layer 630 behind the shielding glass panel 600 is performed (S30). The second layer 630 is formed in the back of the first layer 620, in the area other than the area corresponding to the display device 51 and the radar sensor 52.

[0076] A step (S40) can be performed to form a translucent third layer 640, which is formed in the area corresponding to the display device 51 on the back side of the first layer 620. At least one of the second layer 630 and the third layer 640 can be formed by printing a black ink composition. The light transmittance of the third layer 640 can be 60% to 70%.

[0077] After the third layer 640 is formed, a step (S50) can be performed to form a transparent fourth layer 650, which is formed in the area corresponding to the display device 51 and the radar sensor 52 behind the first layer 620.

[0078] After the fourth layer 650 is formed, a step (S60) can be performed to form a synthetic resin film 660, which is formed on the back side of the second layer 630.

[0079] In this embodiment, the step of forming the synthetic resin film 660 (S60) is shown to be performed after the step of forming the fourth layer 650 (S50). However, unlike this, the step of forming the synthetic resin film 660 (S60) can be performed after the step of forming the third layer 640 (S40) and before the step of forming the fourth layer 650 (S50). The step of forming the synthetic resin film 660 (S60) can also be performed after the step of forming the second layer 630 (S30) and before the step of forming the third layer 640 (S40).

[0080] Since the other components are the same as in the first embodiment, further description is omitted.

[0081] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims, those skilled in the art will obviously be able to make various modifications. Such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical concept or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, wherein, include: The shell has an intake port and an exhaust port, including a front wall; A mirror is positioned in front of the front wall; as well as The display device and radar sensor are located behind the mirror; The mirror includes: Glass panel; The first layer, formed on the back of the glass panel, comprises tin; and The second layer, formed on the back of the first layer in an area other than the area corresponding to the display device and the radar sensor, shields the back of the glass panel.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, An opening is formed in the front wall, and the display device and the radar sensor are disposed in the opening.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, In the mirror, a semi-transparent third layer is formed in the area corresponding to the display device on the back of the first layer.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, In the area behind the first layer where the second layer is not formed, a fourth layer is formed to protect the display device and the radar sensor.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, A synthetic resin film is formed on the back side of the second layer.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, A fifth layer is formed between the glass panel and the first layer.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The tin in the first layer has a purity of 99.99% or higher and a light transmittance of 14% to 18%.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, An adhesive member is included between the front wall and the mirror.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the second and third layers is formed by printing a black ink composition.

10. A method for manufacturing a mirror for attaching to an air conditioner, the mirror being attached to the front wall of an air conditioner equipped with a display device and a radar sensor, wherein... include: The steps involved in forming a glass panel; The step of forming a first layer containing tin on the back of the glass panel; as well as The step of forming a second layer that shields the back of the glass panel in the area on the back of the first layer, excluding the area corresponding to the display device and the radar sensor.

Images