US20070096606A1

US20070096606A1 - In-wall type multi-functional television set

Info

Publication number: US20070096606A1
Application number: US11/324,937
Authority: US
Inventors: Gong-hyun Ryu
Original assignee: Costel Co Ltd
Current assignee: Costel Co Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-02
Filing date: 2006-01-04
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: KR100586827B1; JP2007129681A; CN100473129C; JP4302701B2; CN1960460A

Abstract

An in-wall type multi-functional television set is provided, including: a fixed case stably fixed in a mounting recess of a wall of a house and having an opening at a front side of the fixed case; a main body provided in the fixed case and including an accommodating part at a front side of the main body and a controller controlling the entire system; a display device electrically connected to the main body through a connection cable and displaying an image; a horizontal adjusting part fixed between the fixed case and the main body such that the display device is horizontally provided; and a hinge assembly allowing the display device to be accommodated in and withdrawn from the accommodating part and including a first fixing bracket, a second fixing bracket, a first rotating part, and a second rotating part.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2005-104119, filed on Nov. 2, 2005, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an in-wall type multi-functional television set that is embedded in a wall of a house and is accommodated in and withdrawn from the wall.
2. Description of Related Art
With rapid development of industry, a house is not considered simply as a residential area any more. For example, a television set is provided to be mounted on a wall of a kitchen or a bath so that people can view television programs during meal and bath times.
However, once the television set is installed, it is not generally possible to change its position and direction, causing inconvenience to viewers watching the television set. Further, in case the television set is installed in the kitchen or bath, an extra space for the television set is required, and the kitchen or bath looks smaller due to the television set.
On the other hand, when the television set is installed in a humid area such as the kitchen or bath, electric circuit components constituting the television set may be damaged due to water penetrating into the television set.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an in-wall type multi-functional television set which is automatically accommodated in and withdrawn from a wall and allows users to view a display device at a desired position and to perform various functions in addition to viewing the television set.
The present invention further provides an in-wall type multi-functional television set which is water-resistant in a humid area and requires a small space for installation.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an in-wall type multi-functional television set including: a fixed case which is stably fixed in a mounting recess of a wall of a house and has an opening at a front side of the fixed case; a main body which is provided in the fixed case and includes an accommodating part at a front side of the main body and a controller controlling the entire system; a display device which is electrically connected to the main body through a connection cable and displays an image; a horizontal adjusting part which is fixed between the fixed case and the main body such that the display device is horizontally provided; and a hinge assembly which allows the display device to be accommodated in and withdrawn from the accommodating part, and includes a first fixing bracket stably fixed to a rear side of the display device, a second fixing bracket stably fixed to a front side of the accommodating part, a first rotating part hinge-coupled to the first fixing bracket, and a second rotating part hinge-coupled to the first rotating part at one end, hinge-coupled to the second fixing bracket at the other end, and having an accommodating recess for accommodating the first rotating part while the display device is accommodated in the accommodating part.
The connection cable may pass through a portion of the display device corresponding to the first fixing bracket and a portion of the accommodating part corresponding to the second fixing bracket, and each of the first and second fixing brackets may include a slit part for allowing the connection cable to pass through each of the first and second fixing brackets.
Incised holes may be formed on portions on which the first and second rotating parts are hinge-coupled so that the connection cable can be smoothly moved when the connection cable passes through the hinge-coupled portions of the first and second rotating parts.
The first rotating part may have a passage for allowing the connection cable to pass through the first rotating part.
A first waterproof packing may be tightly interposed between the first fixing bracket and the display device to prevent water from penetrating into the display device, and a second waterproof packing may be tightly interposed between the second fixing bracket and the accommodating part to prevent water from penetrating into the accommodating part.
The second fixing bracket may be fixed to the accommodating part by means of a plurality of screws, at least one of which is fastened to the horizontal adjusting part through the accommodating part.
A driving unit may be provided between the first fixing bracket and the first rotating part so that the first fixing bracket and the first rotating part are rotatable to each other, a driving unit may be provided between the first rotating part and the second rotating part so that the first rotating part and the second rotating part are rotatable to each other, and a driving unit may be provided between the second rotating part and the second fixing bracket so that the second rotating part and the second fixing bracket are rotatable to each other.
The driving unit may include a first motor stably fixed at a portion of the first rotating part adjacent to the first fixing bracket, a first driving gear joined to a rotating shaft of the first motor, a first fixed gear meshing with the first driving gear and stably fixed at a rotation center of the first fixing bracket, a second motor stably fixed at a portion of the first rotating part 153 adjacent to the second rotating part, a second driving gear joined to a rotating shaft of the second motor, a second fixed gear meshing with the second driving gear and stably fixed at a rotation center of the second rotating part, a third motor stably fixed at a portion of the second rotating part adjacent to the second fixing bracket, a third driving gear joined to a rotating shaft of the third motor, and a third fixed gear 169 meshing with the third driving gear and stably fixed at a rotation center of the second fixing bracket.
The first through third motors may be electrically connected to the controller.
The hinge assembly may be provided such that the first and second rotating parts are rotatable in a horizontal direction.
The fixed case may include a plurality of screw connection holes for connection with the horizontal adjusting part, and the horizontal adjusting part may include a plurality of adjusting holes which has a shape corresponding to a movement trajectory of the screw connection hole, which is caused by relative rotation between the horizontal adjusting part and the fixed case.
The main body may include: an input unit provided outside and having a plurality of input buttons; a television receiving circuit including a television tuner dividing received broadcast data into video and audio data, a video processor demodulating and outputting the video data outputted from the television tuner, and an audio output unit demodulating and outputting the audio data outputted from the television tuner, and the display device may include: a video driving circuit receiving a video signal outputted from the video processor and converting the video signal to video data; a panel receiving the video data from the video driving circuit and displaying an image; and a speaker receiving an audio signal outputted from the audio output unit and outputting the audio signal.
The main body may further include: a microphone converting voice to an electrical audio signal; an interphone processor outputting video and audio signals from information concerning a visitor received from an interphone and outputting an audio signal outputted from the microphone to the interphone; a video selector outputting any one of video signals inputted from the television tuner and the interphone processor to the video driving circuit; and an audio selector outputting any one of audio signals inputted from the television tuner and the interphone processor to the audio output unit.
The main body may further include: a microphone converting voice to an electrical audio signal; and a telephone circuit receiving an audio signal received from a telephone line, outputting the signal to the audio selector, and transmitting the audio signal outputted from the microphone through the telephone line.
The main body may further include a home automation interface connected to a computer controlling home automation and transmitting/receiving operation commands for operating apparatuses provided in a home.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an in-wall type multi-functional television set according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the in-wall type multi-functional television set shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front view for explaining a process of coupling a horizontal adjusting part to a fixed case in FIG. 2;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial cross-sectional views showing a display device which is withdrawn from a wall in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view showing a waterproof structure between a main body and a second fixing bracket in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 6 and a driving unit;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the driving unit provided between a second fixing bracket and a second rotating part in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main body and a display device shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the main body shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an in-wall type multi-functional television set according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the in-wall type multi-functional television set shown in FIG. 1.
The in-wall type multi-functional television set 100 includes a fixed case 110, a main body 130 accommodated in the fixed case 110, a horizontal adjusting part 120 provided between the main body 130 and the fixed case 110 and coupled to each of the main body 130 and the fixed case 110, and a display device 170 coupled to the main body 130 with a hinge assembly 150.
The fixed case 110 includes an opening 111 and an inner space so that the main body 130 can be accommodated. A plurality of screw connection holes 112 for connection with the horizontal adjusting part 120 is formed on an inner surface of the fixed case 110. The fixed case 110 is provided on a wall 10 of a room, such as a wall of a kitchen or a bath. For this purpose, a mounting recess 11 having a size corresponding to the size of the fixed case 110 is formed on the wall 10. The fixed case 110 is accommodated and fixed in the mounting recess 11. The fixed case 110 may be fixed to the mounting recess 11 with cement or the like. A lattice-like recess (not shown) may be formed on a rear surface of the fixed case 110 so that the fixed case 110 can be more securely fixed to the mounting recess 11. A frame 115 is stably fixed to the fixed case 110 to support the edge of the main body 130.
The main body 130 is equipped with a controller 141 for controlling the entire system, and includes an accommodating part 131 formed to accommodate the display device 170. The display device 170 includes a panel 171 which is provided to display an image, and speakers 172 which are provided on both sides of the panel 171. The display device 170 is mechanically coupled to the main body 130 with the hinge assembly 150. For this purpose, screw connection holes are formed on a rear surface of the display device 170 to be coupled with a first fixing bracket 151 of the hinge assembly 150, and a first connection part 175 is provided so that the first fixing bracket 151 can be inserted. In addition, screw connection holes are formed in the accommodating part 131 of the main body 130 to be coupled with a second fixing bracket 152 of the hinge assembly 150, and a second connection part 132 is provided so that the second fixing bracket 152 can be inserted. Preferably, screws fastened to the second fixing bracket 152 are fastened to the second connection part 132 and at least one of the screws is fastened to the horizontal adjusting part 120 through the second connection part 132. Hence, the display device 170 can be prevented from sagging downwards due to its weight when it is withdrawn from the accommodating part 131. The main body 130 is electrically connected to the display device 170 through a connection cable 180 such as a flexible printed circuit board. The connection cable 180 passes through each of the first connection part 175 of the display device 170 and the second connection part 132 of the main body 130.
The display, device 170 coupled to the main body 130 with the hinge assembly 150 is indirectly coupled to the fixed case 110. Thus, in case the fixed case 110 is not exactly horizontally fixed when it is provided in the wall 10, the display device 170 is not exactly horizontally adjusted. As a result, the display device 170 may be inclined when viewed by users. This can be adjusted to be level by the horizontal adjusting part 120 provided between the fixed case 110 and the main body 130.
Referring to FIG. 3, the horizontal adjusting part 120 has a plate shape and includes a plurality of adjusting holes 121 which is fastened with screws to the screw connection holes 112 of the fixed case 110. Each of the adjusting holes 121 has a shape corresponding to a movement trajectory of the screw connection hole 112, which is caused by relative rotation between the horizontal adjusting part 120 and the fixed case 110. That is, the adjusting hole 121 is formed such that even though the horizontal adjusting part 120 rotates about the fixed case 110 at a predetermined angle, the screw connection hole 112 remains located in the adjusting hole 121 and screws are connected to both of the screw connection hole 112 and the adjusting hole 121. Preferably, the adjusting hole 121 has a trajectory so that the display device 170 can be freely horizontally adjusted. Even though the fixed case 110 is not exactly horizontally provided in the wall 10, the display device 170 is not exactly horizontally adjusted. As a result, the display device 170 may be inclined when viewed by users. This can be adjusted to be level by the horizontal adjusting part 120 provided between the fixed case 110 and the main body 130.
Referring to FIG. 3, the horizontal adjusting part 120 has a plate shape and includes a plurality of adjusting holes 121 which is fastened with screws to the screw connection holes 112 of the fixed case 110. Each of the adjusting holes 121 has a shape corresponding to a movement trajectory of the screw connection hole 112, which is caused by relative rotation between the horizontal adjusting part 120 and the fixed case 110. That is, the adjusting hole 121 is formed such that even though the horizontal adjusting part 120 rotates about the fixed case 110 at a predetermined angle, the screw connection hole 112 remains located in the adjusting hole 121 and screws are connected to both of the screw connection hole 112 and the adjusting hole 121. Preferably, the adjusting hole 121 has a trajectory so that the display device 170 can be freely horizontally adjusted. Even though the fixed case 110 is not exactly horizontally provided when it is provided in the wall 10, the display device 170 can be adjusted to be horizontal by means of the adjusting hole 121 formed in the horizontal adjusting part 120.
The display device 170 is configured to be withdrawn from the accommodating part 131 and to be adjusted in viewing angle as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For this purpose, the hinge assembly 150 includes a first fixing bracket 151 which is fixed to a rear surface of the display device 170, a second fixing bracket 152 which is fixed to a front surface of the main body 130, a first rotating part 153 which is hinge-coupled to the first fixing bracket 151, and a second rotating part 154 which is hinge-coupled to the first rotating part 153 at one end and is hinge-coupled to the second fixing bracket 152 at the other end. As shown in FIG. 2, when the first and second rotating parts 153 and 154 are folded, the first rotating part 153 is positioned in the second rotating part 154 to minimize the size of the accommodating part 131 of the main body 130. Thus, the second rotating part 154 includes an accommodating recess 155 for accommodating the first rotating part 153.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first fixing bracket 151 and the first rotating part 153 are hinge-coupled to each other so that the display device 170 can be rotated about the first rotating part 153 at a maximum of 90 degrees in left and right direction. As a result, a user can view the display device 170 at any positions. The first and second rotating parts 153 and 154 are hinge-coupled to each other so that the first rotating part 153 can be accommodated in the accommodating recess 155 of the second rotating part as shown in FIG. 2, and be extended at 180 degrees about the second rotating part 154 as shown in FIG. 5. The second rotating part 154 and the second fixing bracket 152 are hinge-coupled to each other so that the second rotating part 154 can be positioned parallel to a front surface of the accommodating part 131 of the main body 130 as shown in FIG. 2, and be rotated to be perpendicular to the front surface of the accommodating part 131 of the main body 130 as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, preferably, the first fixing bracket 151 and the first rotating part 153, the first rotating part 153 and the second rotating part 154, and the second rotating part 154 and the second fixing bracket 152 are respectively hinge-coupled to each other so that the first and second rotating parts 153 and 154 can be rotated in a horizontal direction. Accordingly, the display device 170 can be supported even though it is withdrawn.
The structure of the hinge assembly 150 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.
The first fixing bracket 151 includes first shaft support parts 151 a which are protruded to the first rotating part 153 and are separated from each other. The rotating part 153 includes a second shaft support part 153 b which is adjacent to the first fixing bracket 151 of a first base part 153 a and is formed to be fit between the first shaft support parts 151 a. A first rotating shaft 156 a is provided in the first shaft support parts 151 b and the second shaft support part 153 b. That is, the first rotating shaft 156 a is fit into the first shaft support parts 151 b and the second shaft support part 153 b. A washer and a nut are joined to a screw tap formed on each of both ends of the first rotating shaft 156 a, such that the first fixing bracket 151 and the first rotating part 153 are hinge-coupled to each other.
The first rotating part 153 includes a third shaft support part 153 c at an end of the first base part 153 a which is adjacent to the second rotating part 154. The second rotating part 154 includes fourth shaft support parts 154 b which are provided at an end of a second base part 154 a adjacent to the first rotating part 153 and are separated from each other to be disposed at both sides of the third shaft support part 153 c. The third and fourth shaft support parts 153 c and 154 b are formed such that the first rotating part 153 is not folded in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first rotating part 153 is folded toward the second rotating part 154. A second rotating shaft 156 b is provided in the third shaft support part 153 c and the fourth shaft support part 154 b. That is, the second rotating shaft 156 b is fit into the third shaft support parts 153 c and the fourth shaft support parts 154 b. A washer and a nut are joined to a screw tap formed on each of both ends of the second rotating shaft 156 b, such that the first rotating part 153 and the second rotating part 154 are hinge-coupled to each other.
In addition, the second rotating part 154 includes a fifth shaft support part 154 c at an end of the second base part 154 a which is adjacent to the second fixing part 152. The second fixing part 152 includes sixth shaft support parts 152 a which are adjacent to the second rotating part 154 and are separated from each other to be disposed at both sides of the fifth shaft support part 154 c. The fifth and sixth shaft support parts 154 c and 152 a are formed such that the second rotating part 154 is not folded in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second rotating part 154 is folded when the second rotating part 154 and the main body 130 are positioned to form an angle of 90 degrees to each other. A third rotating shaft 156 c is provided in the fifth shaft support part 154 c and the sixth shaft support parts 152 a. That is, the third rotating shaft 156 c is fit into the fifth shaft support parts 154 c and the sixth shaft support part 152 a. A washer and a nut are joined to a screw tap formed on each of both ends of the third rotating shaft 156 c, such that the second rotating part 154 and the second fixing part 152 are hinge-coupled to each other.
The first fixing bracket 151 includes a slit part 157 a for allowing a connection cable 180 withdrawn from the first connection part 175 of the display device 170 to pass through the first fixing bracket 151. The second fixing bracket 152 includes a slit part 157 b for allowing a connection cable 180 withdrawn from the second connection part 132 of the main body 130 to pass through the second fixing bracket 152. Preferably, the connection cable 180 passing through the slit parts 157 a and 157 b passes through the hinge-coupled portions of the first and second rotating parts 153 and 154 and is provided along the first and second rotating parts 153 and 154 so as not to interfere with the process of folding and unfolding the first and second rotating parts 153 and 154. Preferably, the hinge-coupled portions of the first and second rotating parts 153 and 154, i.e., the second, third, and fifth shaft support parts 153 b, 153 c, and 154 c have incised holes 158 at their central portions. The incised holes 158 have a width larger than that of the connection cable 180. The incised holes 158 separate the connection cable 180 from the first and three rotating shafts 156 a, 156 b, and 156 c so that the connection cable 180 can be smoothly moved. As a result, it is possible to prevent the connection cable 180 from being damaged by the first through three rotating shafts 156 a, 156 b, and 156 c when the first and second rotating parts 153 and 154 are rotated. The first rotating part 153 may have a passage so that the connection cable 180 can pass through the first rotating part 153. The passage is formed by joining the base part 153 a with a cover part 153 d so that the connection cable 180 can pass through a space between the base part 153 a and the cover part 153 d. Similarly, even though not shown in the drawing, the second rotating part 154 may have a passage so that the connection cable 180 can pass through the second rotating part 154.
As the connection cable 180 passing through the slit parts 137 a and 137 b of the first and second fixing brackets 131 and 132 is provided, water may penetrate into the display device 170 and the main body 130 through the slit parts 137 a and 137 b and therefore cause damage to circuits. Such a case happens particularly when the in-wall type multi-functional television set 100 is installed in a humid area such as a kitchen or a bath. Thus, a first waterproof packing 159 is provided on a portion of the first fixing bracket 131 which is joined with the display device 170, and a second waterproof packing 160 is provided on a portion of the second fixing bracket 152 which is joined with the main body 130. Holes 159 a and 160 a are formed on the first and second waterproof packing 159 and 160 so that the connection cable 180 can pass through the first and second waterproof packing 159 and 160. The first and second waterproof packing 159 and 160 are preferably made of a rubber.
A waterproof structure between the main body 130 and the second fixing bracket 152 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. The second waterproof packing 160 is positioned between the second connection part 132 of the main body 130 and the second fixing bracket 152, and the connection cable 180 is withdrawn from the second connection part 132 of the main body 130 and passes through the slit part 137 b of the second fixing bracket 132 via the hole 160 a of the second waterproof packing 160. Small holes 160 b and 160 c are formed on opposing surfaces between the second connection part 132 and the second fixing bracket 152. The small holes 160 b and 160 c are required in order that the second waterproof packing 160 may not float when tightly pressed. When the second connection part 132 and the second fixing bracket 152, together with the second waterproof packing 160 interposed therebetween, are fastened with a screw, the second waterproof packing 160 is tightly pressed, thereby preventing water from penetrating through the slit part 157 b of the second fixing bracket 152. The waterproof structure between the main body 130 and the second fixing bracket 152 can be applied to a waterproof structure between the display device 170 and the first fixing bracket 151.
The hinge assembly 150 may further include a driving unit for automation as shown in FIG. 8. The driving unit is used for automatic rotation between the first fixing bracket 151 and the first rotating part 153, between the first rotating part 153 and the second rotating part 154, and between the second rotating part 154 and the second fixing bracket 152.
Referring to FIG. 8, a first motor 161, which is stably fixed at a portion of the first rotating part 153 adjacent to the first fixing bracket 151, a first driving gear 162, which is joined to a rotating shaft of the first motor 161, and a first fixed gear 163, which meshes with the first driving gear 162 and is stably fixed at a rotation center of the first fixing bracket 151, are provided between the first fixing bracket 151 and the first rotating part 153. When the first driving gear 162 meshing with the first fixed gear 163 is rotated by the first motor 161, the first rotating part 153 rotates about the first fixing bracket 151 along a rotation direction of the first driving gear 162 since the first fixed gear 163 is fixed at the rotation center of the first fixing bracket 151.
A second motor 164, which is stably fixed at a portion of the first rotating part 153 adjacent to the second rotating part 154, a second driving gear 165, which is joined to a rotating shaft of the second motor 164, and a second fixed gear 166, which meshes with the second driving gear 165 and is stably fixed at a rotation center of the second rotating part 154, are provided between the first rotating part 153 and the second rotating part 154. When the second driving gear 165 meshing with the second fixed gear 166 is rotated by the second motor 164, the first rotating part 153 rotates about the second rotating part 154 along a rotation direction of the second driving gear 165 since the second fixed gear 166 is fixed at the rotation center of the second rotating part 154.
A third motor 167, which is stably fixed at a portion of the second rotating part 154 adjacent to the second fixing bracket 152, a third driving gear 168, which is joined to a rotating shaft of the third motor 167, and a third fixed gear 169, which meshes with the third driving gear 168 and is stably fixed at a rotation center of the second fixing bracket 152, are provided between the second rotating part 154 and the second fixing bracket 152. When the third driving gear 168 meshing with the third fixed gear 169 is rotated by the third motor 167, the second rotating part 154 rotates about the second fixing bracket 152 along a rotation direction of the third driving gear 168 since the third fixed gear 169 is fixed at the rotation center of the second fixing bracket 152. The first to third motors 161, 164, and 167 are electrically connected to the main body 130 and are driven by a controller 141 provided in the main body 130.
The structure of the driving unit will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged views of the driving unit provided between the second rotating unit and the second fixing bracket.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a motor mounting recess 154 e is formed at a portion of the second rotating part 154 adjacent to the second fixing bracket 152. The third motor 167 is accommodated and fixed in the motor mounting recess 154 e. The third motor 167 may be fixed in the motor mounting recess 154 e with typical adhesives. A rotation center of the third driving gear 168 is fit into the rotation shaft of the third motor 167. Correspondingly, a third fixed gear recess 152 e is formed at the rotation center of the second fixing bracket 152, and a fixing shaft 169 a of the third fixed gear 169 is inserted to the third fixed gear recess 152 e. The third fixed gear 169 and the third driving gear 168 mesh with each other. Such a structure can be applied to a driving unit provided between the first fixing bracket 151 and the first rotating part 153, or between the first rotating part 153 and the second rotating part 154. Since the hinge assembly 150 is equipped with the driving unit, the display device 170 can be automatically withdrawn, rotated, and accommodated. Further, an extra fixing unit is not required to support the withdrawn or accommodated display device 170.
A configuration of the main body 130 and the display device 170 will be described with reference to FIG. 11.
The main body 130 includes a controller 141 for controlling the entire system, an input unit 142 for inputting operation commands, a television receiving circuit for processing broadcast signals received through a television antenna and outputting video and audio signals, and a power supply 146 for supplying electric power required for driving the system.
The controller 141 outputs a control signal to each unit according to operation commands inputted from a user to control the entire system.
The input unit 142 includes operation buttons which are arranged on an outer surface of the main body 130, or are embedded in the main body 130 so that the operation commands can be input through a remote control. The input unit 142 transmits the operation commands to the controller 141.
The television receiving circuit includes a television tuner 143, which divides a broadcast signal into video and audio data, a video processor 144, which demodulates and outputs the video data outputted from the television tuner 143, and an audio output unit 145, which demodulates and outputs the audio data outputted from the television tuner 143. The television tuner 143 selects and receives a desired one of the broadcast signals received through the television antenna. The television tuner 143 may be configured to support at least one of NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) and PAL (Phase Alteration Line). The television tuner 143 may be further configured to support satellite-based DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting).
The power supply 146 converts electric power supplied to a house into power required for driving the main body 130 and the display device 170.
The display device 170 electrically connected to the main body 130 includes a video driving circuit 173, which receives a video signal outputted from the video processor 144 through the connection cable 180 and converts the video signal to video data, a panel 171, which receives the video data from the video driving circuit and displays an image, and a speaker 172, which receives an audio signal outputted from the audio output unit 145 of the main body 130 and converts the audio signal to an audible sound. Since the display device 170 is equipped with the speaker 172, the display device 170, together with the panel 171 and the speaker 172, is withdrawn and accommodated. The panel 171 is preferably a flat thin display unit such as a liquid crystal display.
The main body 230 may be configured as shown in FIG. 12.
Referring to FIG. 12, the main body 230 basically includes the units shown in FIG. 11. The main body 230 further includes a microphone 231, an interphone processor 232, a video selector 233, and an audio selector 234. The microphone 231 converts voice to an electrical audio signal. The interphone processor 232 outputs video and audio signals from information concerning a visitor received from an interphone provided at a door, and outputs an audio signal outputted from the microphone 231 to the interphone. The video selector 233 outputs any one of video signals inputted from the television tuner 143 and the interphone processor 232 to the video driving circuit 173. The audio selector 234 outputs any one of audio signals inputted from the television tuner 143 and the interphone processor 232 to the audio output unit 145.
When a visitor pushes a call button of the interphone, a user is notified that the visitor visits the user's house. When the user inputs a predetermined command through the input unit 142, the controller 141 receives the command and drives the interphone processor 232. The interphone processor 232 receives video and audio signals of the visitor received from the interphone and outputs the video signal to the video selector 233 and outputs the audio signal to the audio selector 234. The video selector 233 is driven by the controller 141 and outputs the video signal inputted from the interphone processor 232 to the video driving circuit 173. The audio selector 234 is driven by the controller 141 and outputs the audio signal inputted from the interphone processor 232 to the audio output unit 145. Since the video driving circuit 173 displays the visitor on the panel 171 and the audio output unit 145 outputs the visitor's voice through the speaker 172, the user can identify the visitor. When the user replies to the visitor's call through the microphone 231, the microphone 231 converts the user's voice to an audio signal and transmits the audio signal to the interphone processor 232. The interphone processor 232 processes and outputs the audio signal to the visitor through the interphone so that the visitor can hear the voice.
The main body 230 may further include a telephone circuit 241. The telephone circuit 241 receives a ring signal and an audio signal received from a telephone line and outputs the signals to the audio selector 234, and transmits the audio signal outputted from the microphone 231 through the telephone line.
When someone calls to the user, the user is notified that someone calls. When the user inputs a predetermined command through the input unit 142, the controller 141 receives the command and drives the telephone circuit 241. The telephone circuit 241 transmits an audio signal transmitted from a telephone line to the audio selector, and the controller 141 generates a control signal to output the audio signal to the audio output unit 145. The audio output unit 145 enables the user to hear a counterpart's voice through the speaker 172. The telephone circuit 241 transmits the audio signal inputted from the microphone 231 through the telephone line so that the counterpart can hear the user's voice.
The main body 230 may further include a home automation interface 251 which is connected to a computer controlling home automation and transmits/receives operation commands for operating apparatuses provided in a home. Home automation can be used to control many items within a user's home, from light and climate control (remote controlled or motion controlled), control of doors and window shutters, security and surveillance systems, control of multi-media home entertainment systems, automatic plant watering and pet feeding, and automatic scenes for dinners and parties, etc.
The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to the present invention has the following advantages.
Since the main body and the display device are joined to each other with the hinge assembly, it is possible to withdraw the display device from a wall and to accommodate the display device in the wall. In addition, a user can withdraw and view the in-wall type multi-functional television set at a desired position.
In addition, since the hinge assembly is equipped with the driving unit to automatically withdraw and accommodate the display device in the wall, it is convenient for the user to use the in-wall type multi-functional television set. In addition, since the first and second rotating units are folded and accommodated, it is possible to minimize a space required for installing the in-wall type multi-functional television set in the wall.
In addition, even though the fixed case is not horizontally provided in the wall, it is possible to adjust the display device to be horizontally provided by means of the horizontal adjusting part.
In addition, since the waterproof packing is provided between the main body and the hinge assembly, and between the display device and the hinge assembly, it is possible to prevent penetration of water in a humid area.
Further, since the main body is equipped with the interphone processor, telephone circuit, home automation interface, and the like, the user can perform various functions in addition to viewing the television.
While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An in-wall type multi-functional television set comprising:

a fixed case which is stably fixed in a mounting recess of a wall of a house and has an opening at a front side of the fixed case;

a main body which is provided in the fixed case and includes an accommodating part at a front side of the main body and a controller controlling the entire system;

a display device which is electrically connected to the main body through a connection cable and displays an image;

a horizontal adjusting part which is fixed between the fixed case and the main body such that the display device is horizontally provided; and

a hinge assembly which allows the display device to be accommodated in and withdrawn from the accommodating part, and includes a first fixing bracket stably fixed to a rear side of the display device, a second fixing bracket stably fixed to a front side of the accommodating part, a first rotating part hinge-coupled to the first fixing bracket, and a second rotating part hinge-coupled to the first rotating part at one end, hinge-coupled to the second fixing bracket at the other end, and having an accommodating recess for accommodating the first rotating part while the display device is accommodated in the accommodating part.

2. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 1, wherein the connection cable passes through a portion of the display device corresponding to the first fixing bracket and a portion of the accommodating part corresponding to the second fixing bracket, and each of the first and second fixing brackets includes a slit part for allowing the connection cable to pass through each of the first and second fixing brackets.

3. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 2, wherein incised holes are formed on portions on which the first and second rotating parts are hinge-coupled so that the connection cable can be smoothly moved when the connection cable passes through the hinge-coupled portions of the first and second rotating parts.

4. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 3, wherein the first rotating part has a passage for allowing the connection cable to pass through the first rotating part.

5. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 2, wherein a first waterproof packing is tightly interposed between the first fixing bracket and the display device to prevent water from penetrating into the display device, and a second waterproof packing is tightly interposed between the second fixing bracket and the accommodating part to prevent water from penetrating into the accommodating part.

6. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 1, wherein the second fixing bracket is fixed to the accommodating part by means of a plurality of screws, at least one of which is fastened to the horizontal adjusting part through the accommodating part.

7. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 1, wherein a driving unit is provided between the first fixing bracket and the first rotating part so that the first fixing bracket and the first rotating part are rotatable to each other, a driving unit is provided between the first rotating part and the second rotating part so that the first rotating part and the second rotating part are rotatable to each other, and a driving unit is provided between the second rotating part and the second fixing bracket so that the second rotating part and the second fixing bracket are rotatable to each other.

8. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 7, wherein the driving unit includes a first motor stably fixed at a portion of the first rotating part adjacent to the first fixing bracket, a first driving gear joined to a rotating shaft of the first motor, a first fixed gear meshing with the first driving gear and stably fixed at a rotation center of the first fixing bracket, a second motor stably fixed at a portion of the first rotating part 153 adjacent to the second rotating part, a second driving gear joined to a rotating shaft of the second motor, a second fixed gear meshing with the second driving gear and stably fixed at a rotation center of the second rotating part, a third motor stably fixed at a portion of the second rotating part adjacent to the second fixing bracket, a third driving gear joined to a rotating shaft of the third motor, and a third fixed gear 169 meshing with the third driving gear and stably fixed at a rotation center of the second fixing bracket.

9. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 8, wherein the first through third motors are electrically connected to the controller.

10. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly is provided such that the first and second rotating parts are rotatable in a horizontal direction.

11. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 1,

wherein the fixed case includes a plurality of screw connection holes for connection with the horizontal adjusting part, and

the horizontal adjusting part includes a plurality of adjusting holes which has a shape corresponding to a movement trajectory of the screw connection hole, which is caused by relative rotation between the horizontal adjusting part and the fixed case.

12. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 1,

wherein the main body includes: an input unit provided outside and having a plurality of input buttons; a television receiving circuit including a television tuner dividing received broadcast data into video and audio data, a video processor demodulating and outputting the video data outputted from the television tuner, and an audio output unit demodulating and outputting the audio data outputted from the television tuner, and

the display device includes: a video driving circuit receiving a video signal outputted from the video processor and converting the video signal to video data; a panel receiving the video data from the video driving circuit and displaying an image; and a speaker receiving an audio signal outputted from the audio output unit and outputting the audio signal.

13. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 12,

wherein the main body further includes: a microphone converting voice to an electrical audio signal; an interphone processor outputting video and audio signals from information concerning a visitor received from an interphone and outputting an audio signal outputted from the microphone to the interphone; a video selector outputting any one of video signals inputted from the television tuner and the interphone processor to the video driving circuit; and an audio selector outputting any one of audio signals inputted from the television tuner and the interphone processor to the audio output unit.

14. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 12, wherein the main body further includes: a microphone converting voice to an electrical audio signal; and a telephone circuit receiving an audio signal received from a telephone line, outputting the signal to the audio selector, and transmitting the audio signal outputted from the microphone through the telephone line.

15. The in-wall type multi-functional television set according to claim 12, wherein the main body further includes a home automation interface connected to a computer controlling home automation and transmitting/receiving operation commands for operating apparatuses provided in a home.