Display apparatuses

A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus comprises an electronic display assembly, a heat exchanger, a fan, and a cleaning device. The heat exchanger comprises one or more internal heat dissipation pathways and one or more external heat dissipation pathways. The one or more internal heat dissipation pathways are thermally coupled to the electronic display assembly and the one or more internal heat dissipation pathways are thermally coupled to the one or more external heat dissipation pathways. The fan generates ambient air flow passing through the one or more external heat dissipation pathways. The cleaning device is connected to the one or more external heat dissipation pathways, and used for injecting a cleaning fluid into the one or more external heat dissipation pathways.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to display apparatuses. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to display apparatuses with a cleaning device.

2. Description of the Related Art

As display apparatuses are widely used in different environments, ensuring reliability and robustness under harsh conditions has become an important issue. For example, if a display apparatus is placed outdoors, vehicle exhaust, dust and/or dirt in the ambient air may contaminate the air pathways of the display apparatus. If the air pathways of the outdoor display apparatus are not cleaned frequently, the heat dissipation efficiency of the outdoor display apparatus may be reduced, which may cause the display apparatus to overheat and be damaged.

Such an outdoor display apparatus requires regular maintenance because the air pathways have to be cleaned. However, the maintenance of an outdoor display apparatus is quite expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, if the outdoor display apparatus is installed at a high position (for example, the outer wall of a building, etc.), the manual operation of cleaning the air pathways or the display apparatus may be very dangerous.

SUMMARY

In light of the above, there is a need for a display apparatus equipped with a cleaning device, which may automatically clean the display apparatus to extend the service life of the display device and to save time, money and labor required to maintain the display device.

In one aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus comprises an electronic display assembly, a heat exchanger, a fan, and a cleaning device. The heat exchanger comprises one or more internal heat dissipation pathways and one or more external heat dissipation pathways. The one or more internal heat dissipation pathways are thermally coupled to the electronic display assembly and the one or more internal heat dissipation pathways are thermally coupled to the one or more external heat dissipation pathways. The fan generates ambient air flow passing through the one or more external heat dissipation pathways. The cleaning device is connected to the one or more external heat dissipation pathways, and used for injecting a cleaning fluid into the one or more external heat dissipation pathways.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device comprises an inlet for receiving the cleaning fluid, a pipe, and a plurality of outlets on the pipe connected to the one or more external heat dissipation pathways.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device is disposed on a back side of the electronic display assembly opposite to a viewing side of the electronic display assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning fluid comprises liquid or gas.

In a preferred embodiment, the display apparatus comprises a cleaning fluid tank connected to the inlet of the cleaning device.

In a preferred embodiment, the display apparatus comprises a control unit configured to release the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid tank to the cleaning device.

In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to release the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid tank to the cleaning device when the display apparatus is turned on.

In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to release the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid tank to the cleaning device when the display apparatus is turned off.

In a preferred embodiment, the display apparatus comprises a locking accessory for mounting the cleaning device to the electronic display assembly.

In one aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus comprises a first electronic display assembly, a first heat exchanger, a fan, and a cleaning device. The first heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the first electronic display assembly and has a first heat dissipation pathway. The fan generates air flow passing through the first heat dissipation pathway. The cleaning device has an inlet and a pipe. The inlet is used for receiving a cleaning fluid. The pipe is connected to the first heat dissipation pathway and used for injecting the cleaning fluid into the first heat dissipation pathway.

In a preferred embodiment, the first heat exchanger comprises a plurality of first heat dissipation pathways. The cleaning device comprises a plurality of first outlets on the pipe connected to the plurality of first heat dissipation pathways.

In a preferred embodiment, the display apparatus comprises a second electronic display assembly and a second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the second electronic display assembly and has a second heat dissipation pathway. The pipe of the cleaning device is connected to the second heat dissipation pathway.

Other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are also contemplated. The foregoing summary and the following detailed description are not meant to limit the present disclosure to any particular embodiment but are merely meant to describe some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a display apparatus and a double-sided display apparatus with a cleaning device. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning device can be controlled manually, automatically, and/or remotely. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning device can be activated without affecting the playback of the display apparatus. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning device can achieve the functions of cleaning the filter and reducing the temperature of the display apparatus.

FIG. 1is a stereoscopic diagram of a display apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 1, a display apparatus1includes an electronic display assembly10, a heat exchanger12, and a cleaning device14. The heat exchanger12is thermally connected to the electronic display assembly10for dissipating the heat generated by the electronic display assembly10. The cleaning device14is attached to the heat exchanger for cleaning the heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the cleaning device can be used to cool the heat exchanger12and the electronic display assembly10during cleaning.

FIG. 2illustrates an enlarged view showing a cross section of the display apparatus ofFIG. 1taken along line x-x′. The electronic display assembly10has a viewing side101and back side102opposite to the viewing side101. The back side102of the electronic display assembly10is attached to the front side of the heat exchanger12. The cleaning device14is mounted on the back side of the heat exchanger12via locking accessory or a fixing frame. The cleaning device14is, for example, detachably fixed to the back side of the heat exchanger12. Please refer toFIG. 1again. There are a plurality of upper openings UO and lower openings LO on the back side of the heat exchanger12.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic display assembly10is, for example, a liquid crystal display with a direct LED backlight module. The electronic display assembly10may include a transparent plate, a liquid crystal panel, a backlight module, and so on. Please note that a liquid crystal display with an edge-lit backlight module or an OLED display without the backlight module can also be used in the subsequent embodiments, which is not limited herein.

The heat exchanger12includes a plurality of internal heat dissipation pathways122and a plurality of external heat dissipation pathways124. The plurality of internal heat dissipation pathways122are thermally coupled to the electronic display assembly10. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the internal heat dissipation pathways122are fluidly connected with an accommodation space within the electronic display assembly10. Therefore, the high temperature air flow in the electronic display assembly10can be transferred to the plurality of internal heat dissipation pathways122of the heat exchanger12.

The plurality of external heat dissipation pathways124are thermally coupled to the plurality of internal heat dissipation pathways122. The external heat dissipation pathways124are fluidly connected with the external environment. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fan may be disposed within the display apparatus1to generate ambient air flow passing through the external heat dissipation pathways124. In some embodiments, the fan may be disposed within the external heat dissipation pathways124. It is worth noting that any air flow in the internal heat dissipation pathways122is independent from the ambient air flow in the external heat dissipation pathways124. In some embodiments, any air flow in the internal heat dissipation pathways122may be isolated from the ambient air flow in the external heat dissipation pathways124.

The heat exchanger12, for example, is made of heat-conductive materials (e.g., metallic materials). Therefore, if the temperature in the internal heat dissipation pathways122is higher than that in the external heat dissipation pathways124, the heat will be transferred from the internal heat dissipation pathways122to the external heat dissipation pathways124through the metal plate/metallic materials between the internal heat dissipation pathways122and the external heat dissipation pathways124.

The cleaning device14is disposed on a back side102of the electronic display assembly10opposite to a viewing side101of the electronic display assembly10. Specifically, the cleaning device14is installed on the back side of the heat exchanger12. The cleaning device14is connected to the plurality of external heat dissipation pathways124, and used for injecting a cleaning fluid into the plurality of external heat dissipation pathways124.

FIG. 3Ais a diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 3A, the cleaning device14includes at least one inlet142, a pipe144and a plurality of outlets146and146′. The cleaning device14is, for example, detachably fixed to the back side of the heat exchanger12via locking accessories148and150.

The inlet142is used for receiving the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid includes liquid or gas. For example, the cleaning fluid may be water and/or a cleaning agent containing foam materials, which is not limited here. In some embodiments, the inlet142of the cleaning device14can be connected to one or more cleaning fluid tanks143. The water and/or cleaning agent can be stored in the one or more cleaning fluid tanks143in advance.

The cleaning fluid is transported to the plurality of outlets146,146′ via the pipe144. In this embodiment, the pipe144has bending portions P1, P2, and P3. It should be noted that the shape, length, material, and diameter of the pipe can be designed based on situational needs, and thus is not limited here.FIG. 3Bis a diagram illustrating another example of the cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The cleaning device14A ofFIG. 3Bis similar to the cleaning device14ofFIG. 3A, and the difference between them merely lies in that the pipe144A of the cleaning device14A has bending portions P1, P2, P3, and P4. The cleaning device14A ofFIG. 3Bis also applicable to the display apparatus1ofFIG. 1or other display apparatuses in the subsequent embodiments.

The plurality of outlets146on the pipe144/144A are connected to the plurality of external heat dissipation pathways124of the heat exchanger12. Therefore, the cleaning fluid can be injected into the plurality of external heat dissipation pathways124and rinse the external heat dissipation pathways124from top to bottom such that the dust and/or dirt attached to the air filter within the external heat dissipation pathways124can be washed away. The cleaning fluid can flow out from the lower openings LO on the back side of the heat exchanger12.

The cleaning fluid flushes the external heat dissipation pathways124, which can quickly cool external heat dissipation pathways124. Due to the thermal conduction of the heat exchanger12, the heat in the internal heat dissipation pathways122can be conducted to the external heat dissipation pathways124, thereby reducing the temperature inside the electronic display assembly10. Hence, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning fluid can be used as medium for dissipating heat in the external heat dissipation pathways124, and thus the cleaning device14ofFIG. 3Aand the cleaning device14A ofFIG. 3Bhave both cleaning and cooling effects.

Since the internal heat dissipation pathways122and the external heat dissipation pathways124are independent or isolated from each other, the cleaning fluid cannot flow into the internal heat dissipation pathways122or the electronic display assembly10, thereby protecting the electronic display assembly10from damage and not affecting the operation of the electronic display assembly10. Therefore, the cleaning device14/14A can operate when the display apparatus is turned on.

FIG. 4is a functional block diagram showing the components for an exemplary embodiment of the display apparatus. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display apparatus1includes an electronic display assembly10, a heat exchanger12, and a cleaning device14. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display apparatus1may further include a control unit16, a timer18, a temperature sensor20, a communication module22, or a combination of one or more thereof.

In some embodiments, the control unit16is configured to activate the cleaning device14(i.e., release the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid tank143to the cleaning device14) when the electronic display assembly10is turned on. In some embodiments, the control unit16is configured to activate the cleaning device14when the electronic display assembly10is turned off. Whether or not the electronic display assembly10is displaying an image and/or video content, the cleaning behavior of the cleaning device14will not affect the operation of the electronic display assembly10.

In some embodiments, the control unit16can automatically and periodically activate the cleaning device14according to the setting of the timer18. For example, the control unit16can activate the cleaning device14every week or every month based on situational needs. Specifically, the number of cleanings and periodic settings are related to the environment where the display apparatus1is placed.

In some embodiments, the control unit16can activate the cleaning device14according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor20. For example, the temperature sensor20is appropriately disposed within the display apparatus1. The temperature sensor20may be used to detect the temperature of the liquid crystal panel of the electronic display assembly10. The control unit16can automatically activate the cleaning device14when the measured temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold. Due to the activation of the cleaning device14, the heat in the internal heat dissipation pathways122of the heat exchanger12can be rapidly absorbed by the cleaning fluid in the external heat dissipation pathways124of the heat exchanger12, thereby avoiding damage to the display apparatus1due to high temperatures.

In some other embodiments, the temperature sensor20is disposed out of the display apparatus1for sensing temperature of the environment. When the measured temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold, it is considered that the ambient air may not be cool enough for heat dissipation. The control unit16can automatically activate the cleaning device14when the measured temperature is higher than the predetermined threshold. By doing so, the heat accumulated in the display apparatus1can be transferred to the cleaning fluid, and driven out the external heat dissipation pathways124.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display apparatus1may further includes a communication module22. The communication module22is electrically connected to the control unit16. The communication module22can include wired and/or wireless components which provide connection to network N, such that the display apparatus1can communicate with an external electronic device2. Network links N1and N2can be wired or wireless. Network N can be, for example, a wireless communication network, a cellular telephone network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 3GPP-based network, a 3GPP 5G network, New Radio (NR) network, Internet-of-Things (IoT) network, Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, non-cellular (e.g., WiFi or WiMax) IP network, and/or other communications networks. The external electronic device2can be, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet, a notebook, a desktop, or some other electronic device having a screen, and is used for receiving data from the display apparatus1.

In some embodiments, the communication module22is used for receiving the measured temperature information directly from the temperature sensor20or through the control unit16. The communication module22of the display apparatus1transmits the measured temperature information to the external electronic device2via the network N. The external electronic device2shows the measured temperature on a screen such that a user of the electronic device2(e.g., the administrator or owner of the display apparatus1) can determine whether the measured temperature of the electronic display assembly10is in the normal range or whether the measured temperature of the electronic display assembly10is too high. If the user determines that the temperature within the display apparatus1should be lowered, then he/she can set one or more parameters using the software application on the external electronic device2. The parameters can be, for example, the operation mode (e.g., turned-on mode or turned-off mode) of the cleaning device14. Then, the external electronic device2transmits the parameters and/or other control signals to the communication module22of display apparatus1via the network N. The communication module22receives the parameters and/or control signals and transmits them to the control unit16such that the control unit16can drive/control the operations of the cleaning device14.

FIG. 5Ais a stereoscopic diagram of a double-sided display apparatus5according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 5Bis an exploded perspective view of the double-sided display apparatus5ofFIG. 5A. Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, the double-sided display apparatus5includes a first display51, a second display52and a cleaning device54. The first display51includes an electronic display assembly510and a heat exchanger512. The second display52includes an electronic display assembly520and a heat exchanger522. Specifically, the cleaning device54is disposed between the heat exchanger512and the heat exchanger522. The structures of the first display51are similar to that of the second display52. The difference between them merely lies in that the display panels face in opposite directions.

The structures of the electronic display assemblies510and520ofFIGS. 5A and 5Bare the same or similar to the electronic display assembly10ofFIG. 1. The structures of the heat exchangers512and522ofFIGS. 5A and 5Bare the same or similar to the heat exchanger12ofFIG. 1. The structure of the cleaning device54ofFIGS. 5A and 5Bare the same or similar to the cleaning device14ofFIG. 3A. Therefore, their detailed descriptions are not repeated here. In some embodiments, the electronic display assembly510and the electronic display assembly520can simultaneously display the same content. In some embodiments, the electronic display assembly510and the electronic display assembly520can display different image/video content.

In this embodiment, the cleaning device54includes a plurality of first outlets546on the pipe connected to the plurality of external heat dissipation pathways of the heat exchanger512. The cleaning device54also includes a plurality of second outlets546′ on the pipe connected to the plurality of external heat dissipation pathways of the heat exchanger522. The plurality of first outlets546and the plurality of second outlets546′ face in opposite directions. Therefore, when the cleaning fluid is released into the pipe544, the external heat dissipation pathways of the two electronic display assemblies can be cleaned at the same time. Therefore, the required time and labor costs for cleaning the double-sided display apparatus are greatly reduced.

In light of the above, the present disclosure provides a display apparatus or a double-sided display apparatus with a cleaning device, which can effectively solve the problem of cleaning the display apparatuses placed outdoors and/or solve the problem of high temperatures within the display apparatuses to extend the life of the display apparatuses and to effectively reduce the time and labor cost required for maintenance. Accordingly, the display apparatus and the double-sided display apparatus of the present disclosure are suitable for outdoor use.

As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to an electronic device may include multiple electronic devices unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “connect,” “connected” and “connection” refer to an operational coupling or linking. Connected components can be directly or indirectly coupled to one another through, for example, another set of components.