Refrigerator and out plate for refrigerator door

A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door, an out plate that defines a front surface of the door, a display part at the out plate that defines plate holes configured to display operation information of the refrigerator by transmission of light through the out plate, light emitting members in the door at positions corresponding to the plate holes, hole filling members that fill the plate holes, and a first layer located at a surface of the hole filling members. The first layer includes a light blocking part, and light transmission parts positioned in an inner region of the plate holes. The display part is configured to transmit light having passed through one or more of the light transmission parts corresponding to one or more of the light emitting members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0166446, filed on Dec. 6, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and to an out plate for a refrigerator door.

BACKGROUND

Refrigerators are home appliances that can store food items at a low temperature in a storage space, which may be covered by a door. In some examples, the refrigerators may cool the inside of the storage space using cool air generated by heat-exchanging with a refrigerant circulated through a refrigeration cycle to store food items in an optimum state.

In some cases, refrigerators may have various functions according to changes of diets and gentrification of products. For example, refrigerators may have various structures and convenience devices that provide convenience of users and efficient use of internal spaces.

In some examples, a refrigerator may include a display disposed on a door of the refrigerator for displaying operation states of the refrigerator In some cases, the display may display various pieces of information according to operation of the refrigerator in the form of figures, characters, symbols, or pictures.

In some cases, a user may check information outputted through a display assembly to determine the operation state of the refrigerator and perform manipulation for the operation of the refrigerator.

In one example, a refrigerator may include a display unit disposed on a rear surface of a front plate of a refrigerator door in which the front plate may be made of a metal material. In this example, a display part of the display unit may be visible by a user through a plurality of through-holes defined in the front plate. Each of the through-hole may have a uniform and minute size so that when an accurate character or shape can be displayed to improve readability the display unit operates. In some cases, an outer appearance of the character or shape may be displayed luxuriously based on the through-holes.

The plurality of through-holes may be defined by etching for a fine and uniform appearance. In some cases, a plurality of etching processes may be performed to uniformly and finely define the through-holes. In some cases, if it is not satisfied after inspection, the through-holes may be defined again by repeating the etching or by performing the etching three to four, or more times.

In some cases, the repetitive etching process may increase the manufacturing cost. In some cases, it may be difficult to define the through-holes uniformly to a target size based on the repeated etching process.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a refrigerator, in which shapes of fine through-holes are uniformly realized to improve visibility and readability when viewed from the outside, and an out plate for a refrigerator door.

The present disclosure also provides a refrigerator, in which shapes of fine holes are uniformly realized without a repetitive etching operation, and an out plate for a refrigerator door.

The present disclosure further provides a refrigerator, which may reduce or prevent deformation due to a repetitive touch operation while realizing formation of a plurality of fine holes, and an out plate for a refrigerator door.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a storage space, a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space, an out plate that is made of a metal material and that defines a front surface of the door, a display part located at the out plate and configured to display operation information of the refrigerator by transmission of light, where the display part defines a plurality of plate holes that pass through the out plate, a plurality of light emitting members located in the door and configured to emit light at positions corresponding to the plurality of plate holes, a plurality of hole filling members that fill the plurality of plate holes, the plurality of hole filling members being made of a material configured to transmit light, and a first layer located at a surface of the plurality of hole filling members. The first layer includes a light blocking part configured to block light, and a plurality of light transmission parts positioned in an inner region of the plurality of plate holes and configured to transmit light. The display part is configured to transmit light that has been emitted from one or more of the plurality of light emitting members and that has passed through one or more of the plurality of light transmission parts corresponding to the one or more of the plurality of light emitting members.

Implementations according to this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, the display part may be further configured to display a figure, a character, or a pattern based on transmission of light through one or more of the plurality of plate holes. In some examples, the plurality of plate holes may define one or more multi-segment displays, where each multi-segment display includes a plurality of segments that are configured to indicate a figure, a character, a pattern, or a number.

In some implementations, the plurality of light transmission parts may be arranged at each of the plurality of plate holes along a plane, where a length of each of the plurality of light transmission parts along the plane is less than an opening size of each of the plurality of plate holes at the plane. In some implementations, the refrigerator may further include a touch sensor assembly that is located at the door at a position spaced apart from the display part, that contacts the out plate, and that is configured to detect touch manipulation at the out plate.

According to another aspect, an out plate for a refrigerator door includes a steel plate made of a metal, where the steel plate defines a plurality of plate holes that pass through the steel plate and that are configured to display a figure, a character, or a pattern, a plurality of hole filling members that fill the plurality of plate holes, where the plurality of hole filling members are made of a material configured to transmit light, a first layer located at a surface of the plurality of hole filling members. The first layer includes a light blocking part configured to block light, and a plurality of light transmission parts positioned in an inner region of the plurality of plate holes and configured to transmit light emitted from a plurality of light emitting members. The plurality of plate holes are configured to display the figure, the character, or the pattern by transmitting light that has been emitted from one or more of the plurality of light emitting members located at positions corresponding to the plurality of plate holes and that has passed through one or more of the plurality of light transmission parts.

Implementations according to this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, a size of each of the plurality of light transmission parts may be greater than or equal to 100 micrometers and less than 1 millimeter. In some examples, the steel plate may include a stainless steel plate or a vinyl coated material (VCM) steel plate.

In some implementations, the out plate may further include a second layer that is located at a front surface of the steel plate, that is configured to transmit light, and that provides a color of the refrigerator door or a texture of the refrigerator door. In some examples, the out plate may further include a third layer located between the second layer and the steel plate and configured to provide a metal texture of the refrigerator door. In some examples, the out plate may further include a fourth layer located between the second layer and the steel plate and configured to structurally reinforce a strength of at least a portion of the steel plate, where the fourth layer may be made of a material configured to transmit light.

In some implementations, the first layer may be located between the second layer and the steel plate. In some cases, the plurality of plate holes may be defined by etching, and the light blocking part may be printed on a surface of the first layer at an area outside of the plurality of light transmission parts. In some examples, the out plate may further include an attachment guide part defined at the steel plate and configured to guide alignment of the plurality of light transmission parts to the plurality of plate holes based on the first layer being attached to the steel plate.

In some implementations, an inner side surface of each of the plurality of plate holes may have an inclined shape or a round shape. In some implementations, the out plate may further include a back coating layer located at a rear surface of the steel plate and configured to reduce corrosion of the steel plate and a chemical damage of the steel plate.

In some implementations, the first layer may be made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film material, where the light blocking part and the plurality of light transmission parts are manufactured by a printing process. The first layer may be attached to the steel plate based on the first layer including the light blocking part and the plurality of light transmission parts manufactured by the printing process.

In some implementations, the first layer may be located at a front surface of the steel plate. In some examples, the light blocking part and the plurality of light transmission parts may be located at a surface of the first layer that contacts the plurality of hole filling members. In some examples, the first layer may be made of a material configured to block light and located at a rear surface of the steel plate, and each of the plurality of light transmission parts may have a hole shape that passes through the first layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, detailed implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to proposed implementations, and other regressive disclosures or other implementations included in the scope of the spirits of the present disclosure may be easily proposed through addition, change, deletion, and the like of other elements.

Particularly, the implementations will be described by way of example in which a display part is provided on a door of a refrigerating compartment on one side of a pair of refrigerating compartment doors provided in a bottom freeze type refrigerator for convenience of explanation and understanding. It is to be noted that the present disclosure may be applicable to any types of refrigerators configured to include a display portion.

FIG. 1is a front view of an example refrigerator according to a first implementation.

Referring toFIG. 1, a refrigerator1includes a cabinet defining a storage space and a door10mounted on a front surface of the cabinet to open or close the storage space. Here, an outer appearance of the refrigerator1may be defined by the cabinet and the door10.

In some implementations, the storage space may be partitioned into both left/right sides or vertically partitioned. A plurality of doors10for opening/closing the spaces may be disposed on the opened spaces of the storage space. The doors10may open and close the storage space in a sliding or rotating manner. In a state in which the door10is closed, the door10may define a front outer appearance of the refrigerator1.

In some examples, a display part11and a manipulation part12may be disposed on one door10of the plurality of doors10at a height at which user's manipulation and distinguishment are easy.

The display part11may be configured to display an operation state of the refrigerator1to the outside. A symbol or figure may be expressed while light emitted from the inside of the door10passes through the display part11to allow a user to identify the operation information.

In some examples, if light is not emitted from the inside of the door10, the light may not be emitted through the display part11to the outside. Thus, when viewed from the outside, the display part11may not be visible. In some examples, if light is not emitted from the inside of the door10, an outer appearance may be realized as if a constituent for display information such as the display part11is not provided on the door10.

The manipulation part12may be a portion for inputting manipulation for an operation of the refrigerator by the user and be provided on a portion of the front surface of the door10. Here, the manipulation part12may be disposed at a position that is parallel or adjacent to the display part11.

The manipulation part12may be disposed so that a portion at which a pressing operation is detected is printed or is visible to the user through surface processing such as etching. In some examples, a touch sensor assembly80may be provided inside the door10to correspond to the manipulation part12so that the user's pressing operation on the manipulation part12is detected.

The manipulation part12may not be provided on the door on which the display part11is disposed but be provided on the other door10of the plurality of doors10or may be provided on one side of the cabinet, but on the door10. In some examples, as necessary, the manipulation part12may be configured to operate by a switch or a button rather than touch.

In some examples, the manipulation part12may not be visible from the outside like the display part11when the light is not emitted from the inside of the door10. Thus, all the display part11and the manipulation part12may not be visible from the outside.

FIG. 2is a perspective view illustrating an example refrigerator door according to the first implementation.FIG. 3is an enlarged view illustrating the display part that is disposed on the front surface of the refrigerator door that is configured to be turned on and off.

As illustrated in the drawings, the entire outer appearance of the door10may be defined by coupling an out plate defining an outer appearance of the front surface, a door liner30defining an outer appearance of a rear surface, and cap decors41and42provided on upper and lower ends of the door10.

In more details, the out plate20may define the outer appearance of the front surface of the door10and be made of a plate-shaped metal material. The out plate20may be provided as a color steel plate to realize texture such as stainless steel plate or stainless steel.

The out plate20may be bent to be provided on a portion of a circumferential surface of the door10in addition to the front surface of the door10. In some examples, the out plate20may have a predetermined curvature so that the front surface of the door10has a rounded shape. In some examples, anti-fingerprint processing may be performed on the out plate20, or a specific color, pattern, and design may be expressed on the out plate20. Alternatively, a hairline may be formed on the out plate20to realize metal texture.

The display part11may be visible by the plurality of light transmission parts252provided in a portion of an area of the out plate20. The display part11may be provided as an assembly of the plurality of light transmission parts252that are continuously disposed in a predetermined arrangement to indicate figures or symbols. For example, the plurality of light transmission parts252may be arranged in a seven segment shape and also be arranged to indicate a specific symbol, pattern, or character that is capable of indicating a state of the refrigerator1.

The light transmission part252is disposed to correspond to an arrangement of a plurality of through-holes62and73that will be described below so that light emitted from the light emitting member74of the display assembly70passes through the light transmission part252. The light emitting member74may be a light emitting diode (LED).

Light may be irradiated to pass through a portion of the light transmission parts252disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the light emitting member74to which the light is irradiated, and the light transmission parts252to which the light is irradiated may display a specific number, a character, or the like to transmit information to the user as illustrated inFIG. 2.

That is, when at least a portion of the light emitting members74is turned on, the light transmission parts252of the plurality of light transmission parts, which corresponds to the light emitting member74that is turned on may be exposed to the outside while the light passes through the light transmission parts252. Here, the exposed light transmission parts252may be combined with each other to display a specific figures (for example, 4 or −12 as illustrated inFIG. 3) or display characters or pictures to transmit information to the user.

On the other hand, the light transmission part252disposed at a position that does not correspond to the position of the light emitting member74, to which the light is irradiated, of the light emitting members74may not transmit light and thus may not be visible from the outside.

Although the plurality of light transmission parts252are illustrated inFIG. 2, the light transmission parts252may not be substantially well visible when the user is located at a position that is away somewhat from the door10in the state in which the light transmission parts252are turned on.

In some examples, the manipulation part12may be disposed on a side of the display part11. The manipulation part12may simply display only the manipulated position so that the user recognizes the manipulation part12or display a manipulation function in the form of the characters as illustrated inFIG. 3. In some examples, the manipulation state may be displayed on the display part11according to the manipulation of the manipulation part12.

Hereinafter, the out plate will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. InFIG. 4, for convenience of explanation and understanding, the outside of the door is referred to as a top surface or a front surface, and the inside of the door is referred to as a bottom surface or a rear surface.

FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display part taken along line I-I′ ofFIG. 3.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, since the out plate20defines the outer appearance of the door10, the out plate20may have a thickness at which sufficient strength is secured. In some examples, the out plate20may include a steel plate21that maintains strength and defines the whole shape. The steel plate21may be a stainless steel plate.

In some examples, a coating layer22may be disposed on a top surface of the steel plate. The coating layer22forms a surface of the out plate20and may include coating for forming an inner fingerprint or a color and coating for forming surface texture of the out plate. The coating layer22may include one or more layers.

The steel plate21may be a VCM or PCM steel sheet on which a color layer such as the coating layer22is disposed. Alternatively, the coating layer22may be further disposed on the top surface of the steel plate21.

A plate hole210may be defined in the steel plate21. The plate hole210may pass through the steel plate21and be configured so that the display part11is provided by a plurality of plate holes210.

The plurality of plate holes210may be combined with each other to display one figure, character, or design. For example, the plate hole210may have a shape such as a plurality of “88” shape segments to express a figure. For example, the plurality of plate holes210may define one or more multi-segment displays, where each multi-segment display may include a plurality of segments that are configured to indicate a figure, a character, a pattern, or a number. One example of the multi-segment display is a seven-segment display including seven segments configured to indicate a single digit number. In some examples, one plate hole210may be configured to correspond to one unit configuration of 14 configurations having the same size, which constitute the “88” shape segments. Alternatively, the plate hole210is not limited to the shape of the “88” shape segments, but a plurality of the plate holes210may be combined with each other to express various characters or designs.

In some implementations, the plate hole210may be defined to have a larger size than the light transmission part252to be described in detail below, and a plurality of light transmission parts252may be positioned in an inner region of the plate hole210.

The plate hole210may be defined by etching or laser processing. The plate hole210may be defined to be larger than the size of the light transmission part252that will be described below and also have a size that is capable of being processed within an error range by single etching or laser processing.

A front surface of the plate hole210may be covered by the coating layer22, and the coating layer22may be defined over the entire front surface of the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a hole filling member23may be filled into the plate hole210. The hole filling member23may fill the entire inner surface of the plate hole210. When the hole filling member23is filled, the front surface of the steel plate21and a front surface of the hole filling member23may be formed to be coplanar. Thus, when viewed from the outside of the door10, a circumference of the plate hole210may not be visible.

The hole filling member23is made of a material capable of transmitting light so that the light emitted from the light emitting member74pass through the plate hole210. The hole filling member23may be made of various materials capable of transmitting light. For example, the hole filling member23may be made of a urethane-based or acrylic urethane-based resin material. The hole filling member23filled in the plate hole210may be cured by ultraviolet rays or heat. Thus, the hole filling member23may have predetermined strength in the state of being filled in the plate hole210and thus prevent the out plate from moving even when the user manipulates the manipulation part12. The hole filling member23may have a color corresponding to that of the steel plate21or the coating layer so that the plate hole210is not well visible from the outside.

In some implementations, a covering layer24may be disposed on a bottom surface of the steel plate21, i.e., a bottom surface of the hole filling member23. The covering layer24may cover the entire bottom surface of the steel plate21or at least the plurality of plate holes210to cover a rear surface of the hole filling member23and define a rear surface of the steel plate21.

When the covering layer24is partially disposed on the rear surface of the steel plate21, an attachment guide part201(seeFIG. 6) displaying a position at which the covering layer24will be attached may be disposed on the rear surface of the steel plate21. The covering layer24may be attached to the correct position of the rear surface of the steel plate21by the attachment guide part201, and a plurality of light transmission parts252defined in the covering layer24may be attached to the inside of the plate hole210.

The covering layer24may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or may be transparent or translucent so that light is transmitted. In some implementations, a printed layer25may be disposed on the covering layer24to partially block the light.

In detail, the printed layer25may be provided on the bottom surface of the covering layer24by a printing process such as silkscreen and may include a light blocking part251for blocking light and the light transmission part252for transmitting light. Alternatively, the printed layer25may be provided by a printing or transfer process in addition to the silkscreen printing as long as the light transmission part252having a minute size is formed.

The light blocking part251may be provided by the printing on a remaining region of the covering layer24except for the light transmission part252to block light emitted from the light emitting member74. In some implementations, the light blocking part251may be colored and have a color corresponding to at least one of the coating layer22, the hole filling member23, or the steel plate21.

The light transmission part252may be a portion of the printed layer25on which the light blocking part251is not disposed and may be provided in plurality at a position corresponding to the plate hole210. The light transmission part252may have a minute hole shape and may have a circular or polygonal shape.

The light transmission part252may have a size of several hundred micrometers (about 100 μm to about 900 μm) which is difficult to uniformly process all the light transmission parts252at once by etching. For example, the light transmission part252may have a diameter of about 500 μm and be provided by the printing process so that a plurality of light transmission parts252having the fine and uniform size are disposed in the inner region of the plate hole210. The light transmission part252may have a small size as small as possible within a range in which the identification of each of the light transmission parts252is possible as the shape of the light transmission part252is clearly and elegantly displayed through the display part. Alternatively, the size of the light transmission part252is not limited to the several hundred micrometers, but may be various sizes that are capable of being uniformly formed by the printing manner.

That is, the plurality of light transmission parts252may be disposed in one plate hole210constituting a unit structure of figures, characters, or a portion of a design on the display part11.

Thus, when the light emitting member74is turned on to emit light to an area of the plate hole210, the emitted light may pass through only the area of the light transmission part252and be visible from the outside of the plate hole210. Thus, the plurality of light transmission parts252may be seen like the plurality of holes passing through the out plate20in the state in which the light emitting member74is turned on when viewed from the outside of the door10. Here, the light transmission parts252may have the fine and uniform size, and the plurality of fine and uniform holes may be defined in the surface of the door10as if the user recognizes that the holes constitute the display part11.

Although the covering layer24and the printed layer25are described as separate layers, since the covering layer is attached to the steel plate21in the state in which the light blocking part251and the light transmission part252are printed on an outer surface of the covering layer24, the covering layer24and the printed layer25may be substantially provided as one layer.

That is, the light blocking part251may be provided on the surface of the covering layer24by the printing, and an area on which the light blocking part251is not provided may become the light transmission part252.

FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example display assembly mounted at the refrigerator door. FIG. is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example out plate of the refrigerator door in a disassembled state.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the door liner30defining the rear surface of the door10may be coupled to the out plate20to define a surface facing the inside of the storage space. In some implementations, when the door liner30is coupled to the out plate20, a space may be defined between the door liner30and the out plate20. A foaming solution for forming an insulation material202may be filled into the space.

A frame50may be attached to the rear surface of the out plate20. The frame50may provide a separate space in which the foaming solution is not filled into the door10to accommodate a display cover60, the display assembly70, the touch sensor assembly80, and a display frame90.

The cap decors41and42may define outer appearances of upper and lower portions of the door10. The cap decors41and42may cover opened upper and lower ends of the door10, which are defied by coupling the out plate20to the door liner30.

An insertion hole411and an insertion hole cover412for opening/closing the insertion hole411may be disposed in/on the cap decor41of the cap decors41and42. The insertion hole411may pass through the cap decor41to communicate with the space that is defined by the frame50. In some implementations, the display assembly70may be inserted into the frame50through the insertion hole411while being coupled to the display frame90when the door10is assembled. For this, the insertion hole411may have a size in which the display frame90is insertable. In some implementations, the insertion hole411may be vertically defined above the display cover60.

The display cover60is attached to the rear surface of the out plate20. The display cover60may guide mounting of the display assembly70. The display cover60may be attached to the rear surface of the out plate20by a double-sided tape or an adhesion member61coated with primer.

A frame guide64for guiding the insertion of the display frame90may be disposed on each of both sides of the display cover60. In some implementations, a first through-hole corresponding to the plate hole210may be opened in the display cover60so that light is transmitted through the light emitting member74when the light emitting member74is turned on. The first through-hole62may have a size and shape corresponding to those of each of the plurality of plate holes210or may have a size that is enough to accommodate the plate holes210. Thus, when the display cover60is attached, the plate hole210and the first through-hole62may be aligned with each other to communicate with each other.

The display assembly70is inserted into the space within the frame50through the insertion hole411in the state where the display assembly300is mounted display frame90. When the display frame90is completely inserted, the display assembly70may be disposed inside the display cover60so that the plate hole210, the first through-hole62, and a second through-hole of the display assembly70are aligned with each other. Thus, light emitted from the light emitting member74may pass through the display cover60and the display part11and then be emitted to the outside.

In some implementations, a sensor mounting part63on which the touch sensor assembly80is mounted may be opened at the other side of the display cover60. The touch sensor assembly80may contact the rear surface of the out plate20when the display cover60adheres to the out plate20in the state of being mounted on the sensor mounting part63. Here, the touch sensor assembly80may be disposed at a position corresponding to that of the manipulation part12. For example, the touch sensor assembly80may be located at the door at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the display part11. When the manipulation part12is manipulated, the touch sensor assembly80may recognize the user's manipulation.

The display assembly70may include a display PCB71on which the light emitting member74is mounted and a reflector72disposed on a front surface of the display PCB71.

The reflector72may have the second through-hole73for guiding light of the light emitting member74. The second through-hole73may be defined at a position corresponding to the first through-hole62and have a size corresponding to that of the first through-hole62. In some implementations, the light emitting member74may be disposed inside the second through-hole73. Thus, when the light emitting member74is turned on, light may sequentially pass through the corresponding second through-hole73and first through-hole62and then be emitted by passing through the light transmission part252in the inner region of the corresponding plate hole210. Thus, only the corresponding area of the entire display part11may be illuminated to display and transmit information.

The display frame90may have a plate shape on which the display assembly70is mounted, and a frame handle91extending upward may be disposed at a central portion of an upper end of the display frame90. The frame handle91may be a portion that is griped by the user when the display frame90is inserted into the display cover60or withdrawn from the display cover60and may extend up to a position adjacent to the insertion hole cover412.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display part taken along line7-7′ ofFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 7, the display cover60is attached to the rear surface of the out plate20by the adhesion member61, and the plate hole210may communicate with the second through-hole73and the first through-hole62in a state in which the display frame is completely inserted. Here, the light transmission part252may have a small size to be much smaller than that of each of the plate hole210and the first through-hole62and the second through-hole73, and the plurality of the light transmission parts252may be disposed in the inner region of the one plate hole210.

In some implementations, the plurality of light emitting members74provided in the display assembly70may be independently disposed in a region corresponding to each of the plate holes210. That is, each of the light emitting members74may be disposed inside the second through-hole73to illuminate the plurality of light transmission parts252disposed in the plate holes210of the corresponding region according to the turn on/off of the light emitting member74.

Thus, the second through-hole73, the first through-hole62, and the plate hole210may communicate with each other, and the light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the second through-hole73, the first through-hole62, and the light transmission part252on the plate hole210and then be emitted to the outside of the door10.

Here, the light passing through the first through-hole62may pass through the plurality of light transmission parts252disposed on the rear surface of the plate hole210and thus may not pass through the region of the light blocking part. Thus, when viewed from the outside, the display part11may display the information by the plurality of light transmission parts252through which the light passes. In some implementations, the figure, the character, or the design displayed through the minute holes defined by the plurality of light transmission parts252may be seen to be shining.

FIG. 8Ais a view illustrating an example display part that is turned off, andFIG. 8Bis a view illustrating an example display part that is turned on.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the display part11may be provided by the plurality of light transmission parts252and may display the form of a figure and symbol constituted by a multi-segment display such as the “88” shape segments according to the turn on/off of the light emitting member74.

In detail, as illustrated inFIG. 8A, the display part11may be configured so that the light transmission part252is not exposed to the outside in the state in which the light emitting member74of the display assembly70is not turned on.

In detail, the coating layer22may have a color or a specific texture and also have a property of transmitting light. Thus, in the state in which the light of the light emitting member74is not emitted from the inside of the door10, the inner region of the door10, in which the light transmission part252is disposed may become relatively dark and thus may not be visible from the outside.

As described above, the coating layer22of the color steel plate may cover the light transmission part252so that the light transmission part252is not visible from the outside in the state in which no light is emitted. Thus, the door10may be seen as having no display on the front surface thereof.

In this state, when the user touches the manipulation part12, or the light emitting member74is turned on by a preset operation, the light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the first through-hole62, the second through-hole73, and the light transmission part252and then be emitted to the outside.

Here, a portion of the plurality of light transmission parts252may emit light according to the turn on/off state of the light emitting member74, and the remaining light transmission parts252may not emit light and thus be invisible by the user. As described above, the light transmission parts252through which light emitted from the LED passes to be emitted may be combined with each other to display the form of a specific figure, character, or symbol to the outside.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8B, when a specific light emitting member74of the plurality of light emitting members74is turned on, the light passing through the light transmission parts252disposed inside a portion of the plurality of plate holes210may be emitted to display the form of a figure having information such as 4° C. and −12° C. as illustrated inFIG. 8B. That is, the information may be displayed through the front surface of the door10in various forms by the combination of the light transmission parts252that are turned on in the state in which a separate display is not visible on the front surface of the door10.

Hereinafter, an example method for manufacturing an exterior member having the above-described structure will be described.

FIG. 9is a view sequentially illustrating an example process of defining the display part on the out plate.FIGS. 10A to 10Dare perspective views illustrating a sequence of an example process of defining the display part.FIGS. 11A to 11Dare cross-sectional views illustrating a sequence of an example process of defining the display part.

As illustrated in the drawings, to form the out plate20of the refrigerator1, a steel plate (for example, a stainless steel plate or VCM plate) used as a material for forming the out plate20may be additionally processed to be cut by an adequate length and bent.

Here, when the steel plate21to be supplied is the VMC steel plate, the coating layer22for forming a color on the surface may be further formed. In some implementations, even in the case of the stainless steel plate, the coating layer22for preventing the surface from being damaged, preventing fingerprints from being formed, and forming a specific color or pattern may be further formed. Alternatively, the coating layer22may be formed as needed after the etching, the formation of the hole filling member, or the formation of the covering layer24[S110].

The steel plate21processed in a specific size and shape may be etched. Here, the etching process may be performed through various manners. The plate hole210may be formed by a wet etching manner using ferric chloride (FeCl3) as an etchant so as to pass through the steel plate21made of the metal material.

The plate hole210may have a size that is enough to be formed by a single etching process in the plate-shaped out plate20. In some implementations, the plate hole210may have a size that is enough to constitute a portion of figure or design displayed on the display part11. For example, one plate hole210may have a size and shape corresponding to those of one unit constituting a multi-segment display such as the “88” shape segments including fourteen pieces or segments.

Alternatively, the plate holes210may be formed by a processing method other than the etching and may be formed through processing such as laser processing [S120].

In the state in which the plate hole210is formed, the hole filling member23may be formed in the plate hole210. The inside of the plate hole210may be filled with the hole filling member23to prevent corrosion inside the plate hole210. In some implementations, when the light emitting member74is not turned on, the plate hole210may not be visible from the outside.

The hole filling member23may be filled in the rear surface of the steel plate21by the silkscreen printing manner and may be processed to fill the plurality of the plate holes210at a time by a squeezing manner. In some implementations, an outer surface of the hole filling member23filled in the plate hole210may be uniformly formed without being uneven. In some implementations, the hole filling member23may be cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays or exposed to heat and may reinforce the strength of the portion at which the plate hole210is formed [S130].

The covering layer24may be formed on the rear surface of the steel plate21in the state in which the hole filling member23is formed. The covering layer24may be made of a resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and may be laminated on the rear surface of the steel plate21to adhere.

In some implementations, the covering layer24may have a size that is enough to cover at least the plurality of plate holes210in the region inside the display part11rather than the whole steel plate21. Here, the covering layer24may be attached according to the attachment guide part201displayed on the rear surface of the steel plate21so that the covering layer24is attached at an accurate position. The attachment guide part201may be laser-marked at the correct position, the attachment site may be displayed by the etching during the etching process, and may be marked by a tool capable of displaying a line.

The covering layer24may be laminated to the steel plate21in the state in which the printed layer25is formed. The printed layer25may be formed on the rear surface of the covering layer24by the printing to form the light blocking part251and the light transmission part252.

Here, the plurality of light transmission parts252that are printed finely may be disposed in the inner region of one plate hole210, and the unit holes constituted by a multi-segment display such as the “88” shape segments formed in the plate hole210may be formed [S140].

The implementations of the present disclosure may be variously modified in addition to the above-described implementations. Hereinafter, the implementations will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In some implementations, the same reference numeral is used for the same component as those of the foregoing first implementation among the components of the other implementations, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a second implementation.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, an out plate20according to a second implementation defines a front surface of a door10, and a display part11for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator1is disposed on the door10.

Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part11is disposed, the out plate20may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole210may be defined in the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a coating layer22may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate21, i.e., the top surface. The coating layer22may cover the plate hole210passing through the steel plate21at an upper side to define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate20. The front surface of the out plate20may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer22.

In some implementations, a back coating layer26may be disposed on a bottom surface of the steel plate21, i.e., the rear surface. The back coating layer26protects the rear surface of the steel plate21and forms a thin film on the rear surface of the steel plate to realize chemical resistance and corrosion resistance. The surface of the steel plate21may be stabilized by the back coating layer26, and the corrosion may be prevented.

In some implementations, the back coating layer26may be removed by an area corresponding to the plate hole210when the plate hole210is defined. In some implementations, the plate hole210may be defined through etching in a region in which the back coating layer26is removed from the steel plate21.

A hole filling member23may be disposed in the plate hole210. The hole filling member23may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured by ultraviolet ray or heat in the state in which the plate hole210is completely filled.

A covering layer24may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate21in the state in which the hole filling member23is filled in the plate hole210. A printed layer25may be disposed on a rear surface of the covering layer24. The printed layer25may include a light blocking part251and a light transmission part252.

Here, the light transmission part252may be provided by printing the light blocking part251and may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts252may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole210to allow light emitted from the light emitting member74to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part252may block the light emitted from the light emitting member74to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part251.

When the light emitting member74disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole210is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the light transmission part252of the covering layer24, the hole filling member23, and the coating layer22and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, the display part11may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part252disposed in the inner region of the plate hole210corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members74, which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user.

FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a third implementation.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, an out plate20according to a third implementation defines a front surface of a door10, and a display part11for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator1is disposed on the door10.

Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part11is disposed, the out plate20may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole210may be defined in the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a reinforcement layer27may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate21, i.e., the top surface. The reinforcement layer27may be made of a resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and be disposed on a top surface of the steel plate21to reinforce strength of an area of the display part11of the steel plate21in which a plurality of plate holes210are defined.

Particularly, when the manipulation part12is disposed at a position adjacent to the display part11, the plate hole210may be formed by repetitive manipulation of the manipulation part12to deform the area of the display part11. However, the reinforcement layer27may be provided to maintain the shape of the steel plate21without deforming the steel plate21.

The reinforcement layer27may be laminated on a surface of the steel plate21in the form of a film and may have a thickness of about 100 μm to about 150 μm. When the thickness of the reinforcement layer27is thinner than 100 μm, the reinforcement layer27may be contracted together with the hole filling member23and thus be deformed when the hole filling member23is contracted. In some implementations, when the thickness of the reinforcement layer27is thicker than 150 μm, a tolerance of a mold may be generated during a molding process of the steel plate21, such as bending of the steel plate21, and thus, it may be difficult to process the steel plate21.

Alternatively, the reinforcement layer27may be made of a different transparent material, i.e., a material that is capable of transmitting light and being maintained in adhesion with the steel plate21and the coating layer22.

The coating layer22may be disposed on a front surface of the reinforcement layer27, i.e., the top surface. The coating layer22may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate20. The front surface of the out plate20may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer22and may include a functional coating layer having an anti-fingerprint property.

As necessary, the coating layer22may be omitted. Here, the reinforcement layer27may have a color or a pattern to serve as the coating layer22.

The plate hole210passing through the steel plate21may be defined in the steel plate21. The plate holes210are defined by etching or the like, and a plurality of the plate holes210may be defined to display figures, characters, or patterns constituting the display part11.

A hole filling member23may be disposed in the plate hole210. The hole filling member23may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole210is completely filled.

A covering layer24may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate21in the state in which the hole filling member23is filled in the plate hole210. A printed layer25may be disposed on a rear surface of the covering layer24. The printed layer25may be provided with a light blocking part251and a light transmission part252.

Here, the light transmission part252may be provided by printing the light blocking part251and may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts252may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole210to allow light emitted from the light emitting member74to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part252may block the light emitted from the light emitting member74to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part251.

When the light emitting member74disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole210is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the light transmission part252of the covering layer24, the hole filling member23, and the coating layer22and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, the display part11may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part252disposed in the inner region of the plate hole210corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members74, which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user.

FIG. 14is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a fourth implementation.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, an out plate20according to a fourth implementation defines a front surface of a door10, and a display part11for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator1is disposed on the door10.

Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part11is disposed, the out plate20may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole211may be defined in the steel plate21.

A coating layer22may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate21, i.e., the top surface. The coating layer22may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate20and also cover the plate hole211defined to pass through the steel plate21. The front surface of the out plate20may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer22and may include a functional coating layer having an anti-fingerprint property.

The plate holes211are defined by etching or the like, and a plurality of the plate holes210may be defined to display figures, characters, or patterns constituting the display part11. In some implementations, the plate hole211may have a shape that gradually increases in width downward. That is, the plate hole211may have a circumference that is inclined or rounded. An opened bottom surface of the plate hole211may have the widest width and then be narrowed upward.

In some implementations, a hole filling member23may be disposed in the plate hole211. The hole filling member23may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole211is completely filled.

The hole filling member23may be filled into the plate hole211defined in the rear surface of the steel plate21. Thus, the hole filling member23may be filled to prevent a non-filled region from occurring in the plate hole211due to the characteristics in shape of the plate hole211having a wide inlet at which the filling of the hole filling member starts. In some implementations, the plate hole211may be filled with the hole filling member23without generating bubbles during the process of forming the hole filling member23.

A covering layer24may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate21in the state in which the hole filling member23is filled in the plate hole211. A printed layer25may be disposed on a rear surface of the covering layer24. The printed layer25may include a light blocking part251and a light transmission part252.

Here, the light transmission part252may be provided by printing the light blocking part251and may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts252may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole211to allow light emitted from the light emitting member74to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part252may block the light emitted from the light emitting member74to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part251.

When the light emitting member74disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole211is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the light transmission part252of the covering layer24, the hole filling member23, and the coating layer22and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, the display part11may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part252disposed in the inner region of the plate hole211corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members74, which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user.

FIG. 15is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a fifth implementation.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, an out plate20according to a fifth implementation defines a front surface of a door10, and a display part11for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator1is disposed on the door10.

Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part11is disposed, the out plate20may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole212may be defined in the steel plate21.

A coating layer22may be disposed on a front surface, i.e., a top surface of the steel plate21. The coating layer22may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate20and also cover the plate hole212defined to pass through the steel plate21. The front surface of the out plate20may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer22and may include a functional coating layer having an anti-fingerprint property.

The plate holes212are defined by etching or the like, and a plurality of the plate holes210may be defined to display figures, characters, or patterns constituting the display part11. In some implementations, the plate hole212may have a shape that gradually increases in width upward. That is, the plate hole212may have a circumference that is inclined or rounded. An opened bottom surface of the plate hole211may have the narrowest width and then be widened upward.

In some implementations, a hole filling member23may be disposed in the plate hole212. The hole filling member23may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole212is completely filled.

The hole filling member23may be filled into the plate hole212defined in the rear surface of the steel plate. Here, the hole filling member23may be filled into the plate hole212opened at the rear surface of the steel plate21in the same state as a fluid having fluidity.

Although the hole filling member23is injected into the plate hole212having a narrow inlet, the hole filling member23may be completely filled into the entire region of the plate hole212having the gradually increasing width due to low viscosity.

In some implementations, after the hole filling member23is completely filled, the hole filling member23may be cured by ultraviolet rays or heat and then be completely hardened in the plate hole212.

Since the plate hole212has a structure that is gradually narrowed downward, the hole filling member23cured in the plate hole212may not be delaminated through an opening of the plate hole212due to the structural characteristics of the hole filling member23and thus be maintained in the state of covering the plate hole212.

A covering layer24may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate21in the state in which the hole filling member23is filled in the plate hole212. A printed layer25may be disposed on a rear surface of the covering layer24. The printed layer25may include a light blocking part251and a light transmission part252.

Here, the light transmission part252may be provided by printing the light blocking part251and may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts252may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole212to allow light emitted from the light emitting member74to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part252may block the light emitted from the light emitting member74to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part251.

When the light emitting member74disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole212is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the light transmission part252of the covering layer24, the hole filling member23, and the coating layer22and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, the display part11may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part252disposed in the inner region of the plate hole212corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members74, which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user.

FIG. 16is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a sixth implementation.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, an out plate20according to a sixth implementation defines a front surface of a door10, and a display part11for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator1is disposed on the door10.

Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part11is disposed, the out plate20may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole210may be defined in the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a coating layer22may be disposed on a front surface, i.e., a top surface of the steel plate21. The coating layer22may cover the plate hole210passing through the steel plate21at an upper side to define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate20. The front surface of the out plate20may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer22.

A hole filling member23may be disposed in the plate hole210. The hole filling member23may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole210is completely filled.

A covering layer24may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate21in the state in which the hole filling member23is filled in the plate hole210. A printed layer25may be disposed on a top surface of the covering layer24. The printed layer25may include a light blocking part253and a light transmission part254.

That is, the light blocking part253and the light transmission part254may be provided on a surface of the covering layer24through printing. In some implementations, the light transmission part254may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts254may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole210to allow light emitted from the light emitting member74to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part254may block the light emitted from the light emitting member74to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part253.

The covering layer24may be attached to the steel plate21in a state in which a top surface of the covering layer24, on which the light blocking part253and the light transmission part254are disposed, contacts bottom surfaces of the steel plate21and the hole filling member23. That is, a film type covering layer24on which the light blocking part253and the light transmission part254are printed may be attached to the rear surface of the steel plate21.

When the light emitting member74disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole210is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the light transmission part254of the covering layer24, the hole filling member23, and the coating layer22and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, the display part11may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part254disposed in the inner region of the plate hole210corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members74, which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user.

FIG. 17is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a seventh implementation.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, an out plate20according to a seventh implementation defines a front surface of a door10, and a display part11for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator1is disposed on the door10.

Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part11is disposed, the out plate20may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole210may be defined in the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a coating layer22may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate21, i.e., the top surface. The coating layer22may cover the top surface of the plate hole210and also define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate20. The front surface of the out plate20may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer22.

A hole filling member23may be disposed in the plate hole210. The hole filling member23may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole210is completely filled.

In some implementations, a covering layer28may be disposed on a bottom surface of the steel plate21, i.e., the rear surface. The covering layer28may cover the plate hole210and the hole filling member23at a lower side.

The covering layer28may be made of a light blocking material and have a light blocking color. For example, the covering layer28may be made of a black pigment film material and be attached to cover the plate holes210. In some implementations, a plurality of light transmission parts281may be disposed on an area of the covering layer28, which corresponds to the plate hole210. The light transmission parts281may have a hole shape to pass through the covering layer28. Thus, the light emitting member74may be configured so that light passes through the light transmission part281.

The light transmission part281may have a fine and uniform circular shape. An area outside the light transmission part281may block the light emitted from the light emitting member74to prevent the light from being transmitted.

When the light emitting member74disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole210is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the light transmission part281of the covering layer28, the hole filling member23, and the coating layer22and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, the display part11may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part281disposed in the inner region of the plate hole210corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members74, which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user.

FIG. 18is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to an eighth implementation.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, an out plate20according to an eighth implementation defines a front surface of a door10, and a display part11for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator1is disposed on the door10.

Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part11is disposed, the out plate20may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole210may be defined in the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a covering layer24may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate21, i.e., the top surface. A printed layer25may be disposed on a bottom surface of the covering layer24. The printed layer25may include a light blocking part255and a light transmission part256.

That is, the light blocking part255and the light transmission part256may be provided on a surface of the covering layer24through printing. The light transmission part256may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts256may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole210to allow light emitted from the light emitting member74to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part256may block the light emitted from the light emitting member74to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part255.

The covering layer24may be attached to the steel plate21in a state in which a top surface of the covering layer24, on which the light blocking part255and the light transmission part256are disposed, contacts top surfaces of the steel plate21and the hole filling member23. That is, a film type covering layer24on which the light blocking part255and the light transmission part256are printed may be attached to the front surface of the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a deposition layer29may be disposed on a top surface of the covering layer24. The deposition layer may be configured so that the area of the plate hole210is completely covered and has the same texture as the metal in the state in which the light emitting member74is turned off.

The deposition layer may be provided in a very thin metal layer by metal deposition. Thus, when the light emitting member74is turned off, the area of the plate hole210may be completely covered. On the other hand, when the light emitting member74is turned on, light may be transmitted so that the light transmission part256is seen to be shining.

When the deposition layer29is not made of the metal material, and the light emitting member74is not seen further in the state in which the light emitting member74is turned off. When the light emitting member74is turned on, the deposition layer29may have a different shape so that the light transmission part256is seen to be shining. Thus, the deposition layer29may be called a hole cover part.

In some implementations, a coating layer22may be disposed on a front surface of the deposition layer29, i.e., the top surface. The coating layer22may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate20. The front surface of the out plate20may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer22.

A hole filling member23may be disposed in the plate hole210. The hole filling member23may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole210is completely filled.

When the light emitting member74disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole210is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the hole filling member23, the covering layer24, the light transmission part256, the deposition layer29, and the coating layer and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, the display part11may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part256disposed in the inner region of the plate hole210corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members74, which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user.

FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a ninth implementation.

As illustrated inFIG. 19, an out plate20according to a ninth implementation defines a front surface of a door10, and a display part11for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator1is disposed on the door10.

Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part11is disposed, the out plate20may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole210may be defined in the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a covering layer24may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate21, i.e., the top surface. A printed layer25may be disposed on a bottom surface of the covering layer24. The printed layer25may include a light blocking part257and a light transmission part258.

That is, the light blocking part257and the light transmission part258may be provided on a surface of the covering layer24through printing. The light transmission part258may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts258may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole210to allow light emitted from the light emitting member74to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part258may block the light emitted from the light emitting member74to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part257.

The covering layer24may be attached to the steel plate21in a state in which a top surface of the covering layer24, on which the light blocking part257and the light transmission part258are disposed, contacts top surfaces of the steel plate21and the hole filling member23. That is, a film type covering layer24on which the light blocking part257and the light transmission part258are printed may be attached to the front surface of the steel plate21.

In some implementations, a coating layer22may be disposed on a front surface of the covering layer24, i.e., the top surface. The coating layer22may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate20. The front surface of the out plate20may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer22.

A hole filling member23may be disposed in the plate hole210. The hole filling member23may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole210is completely filled.

When the light emitting member74disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole210is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member74may sequentially pass through the hole filling member23, the covering layer24, the light transmission part258, and the coating layer and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, the display part11may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part258disposed in the inner region of the plate hole210corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members74, which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user.

The refrigerator and the out plate for the refrigerator door may have the following effects.

In this implementation, the covering layer, in which the light transmission part having the fine hole shape is defined, may be substantially provided inside the plate hole having the large size without processing the fine hole in the out plate made of the metal material to realize the phenomenon in which the fine hole shape emits light to visualize the information of the refrigerator through the display part.

Thus, since it is unnecessary to repeatedly perform the etching process for processing the fine hole in the out plate, the manufacturing cost and the productivity may be significantly improved.

In some implementations, since the out plate is attached in the state in which the light transmission parts having the size of the several hundred micrometers is defined in the covering layer, the light transmission parts that emit light through the display part may have the uniform size. Thus, the defective incidence rate may be remarkably lowered, and the appearance quality and the information recognition performance may be improved in the operation of the display part.

Particularly, the light transmission part may be formed on the covering layer in the printing manner to improve the workability and the productivity as well as precisely forming the light transmission part having the fine size.

In some implementations, the hole filling member may be disposed in the plate hole so that the boundary of the plate hole is not visible when the light emitting member is turned off. In addition, the light transmission part and the light blocking part may be prevented from being exposed to the outside to improve the outer appearance of the door in the state in which the light emitting member is turned off, and the light emitting portion and the non-emission portion may be clearly distinguished from each other.

In some implementations, the coating layer may be formed on the surface of the out plate to realize the surface property, color, or texture of the refrigerator door, and also, in the state in which the light emitting member is turned off, the plate hole and the light transmission part may be more concealed.

In addition, the reinforcement layer made of a resin material may be further formed on the out plate. Thus, the deformation of the out plate due to the formation of the through-hole and the user's touch manipulation may be prevented by the reinforcement layer.