Patent Publication Number: US-11378331-B2

Title: Refrigerator and out plate for refrigerator door

Description:
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. 
     The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view illustrating an example refrigerator according to a first implementation. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an example refrigerator door according to the first implementation. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view illustrating an example display part that is disposed on a front surface of the refrigerator door and that is configured to be turned on and off. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display part taken along line I-I′ of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example display assembly mounted at an example refrigerator door. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example out plate of the refrigerator door in a disassembled state. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display part taken along line  7 - 7 ′ of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8A  is a view illustrating an example display part that is turned off. 
         FIG. 8B  is a view illustrating an example display part that is turned on. 
         FIG. 9  is a view sequentially illustrating a process of defining the display part on the out plate. 
         FIGS. 10A to 10D  are perspective views illustrating a sequence of an example process of defining the display part. 
         FIGS. 11A to 11D  are cross-sectional views illustrating a sequence of an example process of defining the display part. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a second implementation. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a third implementation. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a fourth implementation. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a fifth implementation. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a sixth implementation. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a seventh implementation. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to an eighth implementation. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a ninth implementation. 
     
    
    
     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. 1  is a front view of an example refrigerator according to a first implementation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a refrigerator  1  includes a cabinet defining a storage space and a door  10  mounted on a front surface of the cabinet to open or close the storage space. Here, an outer appearance of the refrigerator  1  may be defined by the cabinet and the door  10 . 
     In some implementations, the storage space may be partitioned into both left/right sides or vertically partitioned. A plurality of doors  10  for opening/closing the spaces may be disposed on the opened spaces of the storage space. The doors  10  may open and close the storage space in a sliding or rotating manner. In a state in which the door  10  is closed, the door  10  may define a front outer appearance of the refrigerator  1 . 
     In some examples, a display part  11  and a manipulation part  12  may be disposed on one door  10  of the plurality of doors  10  at a height at which user&#39;s manipulation and distinguishment are easy. 
     The display part  11  may be configured to display an operation state of the refrigerator  1  to the outside. A symbol or figure may be expressed while light emitted from the inside of the door  10  passes through the display part  11  to allow a user to identify the operation information. 
     In some examples, if light is not emitted from the inside of the door  10 , the light may not be emitted through the display part  11  to the outside. Thus, when viewed from the outside, the display part  11  may not be visible. In some examples, if light is not emitted from the inside of the door  10 , an outer appearance may be realized as if a constituent for display information such as the display part  11  is not provided on the door  10 . 
     The manipulation part  12  may 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 door  10 . Here, the manipulation part  12  may be disposed at a position that is parallel or adjacent to the display part  11 . 
     The manipulation part  12  may 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 assembly  80  may be provided inside the door  10  to correspond to the manipulation part  12  so that the user&#39;s pressing operation on the manipulation part  12  is detected. 
     The manipulation part  12  may not be provided on the door on which the display part  11  is disposed but be provided on the other door  10  of the plurality of doors  10  or may be provided on one side of the cabinet, but on the door  10 . In some examples, as necessary, the manipulation part  12  may be configured to operate by a switch or a button rather than touch. 
     In some examples, the manipulation part  12  may not be visible from the outside like the display part  11  when the light is not emitted from the inside of the door  10 . Thus, all the display part  11  and the manipulation part  12  may not be visible from the outside. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an example refrigerator door according to the first implementation.  FIG. 3  is 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 door  10  may be defined by coupling an out plate defining an outer appearance of the front surface, a door liner  30  defining an outer appearance of a rear surface, and cap decors  41  and  42  provided on upper and lower ends of the door  10 . 
     In more details, the out plate  20  may define the outer appearance of the front surface of the door  10  and be made of a plate-shaped metal material. The out plate  20  may be provided as a color steel plate to realize texture such as stainless steel plate or stainless steel. 
     The out plate  20  may be bent to be provided on a portion of a circumferential surface of the door  10  in addition to the front surface of the door  10 . In some examples, the out plate  20  may have a predetermined curvature so that the front surface of the door  10  has a rounded shape. In some examples, anti-fingerprint processing may be performed on the out plate  20 , or a specific color, pattern, and design may be expressed on the out plate  20 . Alternatively, a hairline may be formed on the out plate  20  to realize metal texture. 
     The display part  11  may be visible by the plurality of light transmission parts  252  provided in a portion of an area of the out plate  20 . The display part  11  may be provided as an assembly of the plurality of light transmission parts  252  that are continuously disposed in a predetermined arrangement to indicate figures or symbols. For example, the plurality of light transmission parts  252  may 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 refrigerator  1 . 
     The light transmission part  252  is disposed to correspond to an arrangement of a plurality of through-holes  62  and  73  that will be described below so that light emitted from the light emitting member  74  of the display assembly  70  passes through the light transmission part  252 . The light emitting member  74  may be a light emitting diode (LED). 
     Light may be irradiated to pass through a portion of the light transmission parts  252  disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the light emitting member  74  to which the light is irradiated, and the light transmission parts  252  to which the light is irradiated may display a specific number, a character, or the like to transmit information to the user as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     That is, when at least a portion of the light emitting members  74  is turned on, the light transmission parts  252  of the plurality of light transmission parts, which corresponds to the light emitting member  74  that is turned on may be exposed to the outside while the light passes through the light transmission parts  252 . Here, the exposed light transmission parts  252  may be combined with each other to display a specific figures (for example, 4 or −12 as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) or display characters or pictures to transmit information to the user. 
     On the other hand, the light transmission part  252  disposed at a position that does not correspond to the position of the light emitting member  74 , to which the light is irradiated, of the light emitting members  74  may not transmit light and thus may not be visible from the outside. 
     Although the plurality of light transmission parts  252  are illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the light transmission parts  252  may not be substantially well visible when the user is located at a position that is away somewhat from the door  10  in the state in which the light transmission parts  252  are turned on. 
     In some examples, the manipulation part  12  may be disposed on a side of the display part  11 . The manipulation part  12  may simply display only the manipulated position so that the user recognizes the manipulation part  12  or display a manipulation function in the form of the characters as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In some examples, the manipulation state may be displayed on the display part  11  according to the manipulation of the manipulation part  12 . 
     Hereinafter, the out plate will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In  FIG. 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. 4  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display part taken along line I-I′ of  FIG. 3 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , since the out plate  20  defines the outer appearance of the door  10 , the out plate  20  may have a thickness at which sufficient strength is secured. In some examples, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate  21  that maintains strength and defines the whole shape. The steel plate  21  may be a stainless steel plate. 
     In some examples, a coating layer  22  may be disposed on a top surface of the steel plate. The coating layer  22  forms a surface of the out plate  20  and may include coating for forming an inner fingerprint or a color and coating for forming surface texture of the out plate. The coating layer  22  may include one or more layers. 
     The steel plate  21  may be a VCM or PCM steel sheet on which a color layer such as the coating layer  22  is disposed. Alternatively, the coating layer  22  may be further disposed on the top surface of the steel plate  21 . 
     A plate hole  210  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . The plate hole  210  may pass through the steel plate  21  and be configured so that the display part  11  is provided by a plurality of plate holes  210 . 
     The plurality of plate holes  210  may be combined with each other to display one figure, character, or design. For example, the plate hole  210  may have a shape such as a plurality of “88” shape segments to express a figure. For example, the plurality of plate holes  210  may 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 hole  210  may be configured to correspond to one unit configuration of 14 configurations having the same size, which constitute the “88” shape segments. Alternatively, the plate hole  210  is not limited to the shape of the “88” shape segments, but a plurality of the plate holes  210  may be combined with each other to express various characters or designs. 
     In some implementations, the plate hole  210  may be defined to have a larger size than the light transmission part  252  to be described in detail below, and a plurality of light transmission parts  252  may be positioned in an inner region of the plate hole  210 . 
     The plate hole  210  may be defined by etching or laser processing. The plate hole  210  may be defined to be larger than the size of the light transmission part  252  that 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 hole  210  may be covered by the coating layer  22 , and the coating layer  22  may be defined over the entire front surface of the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a hole filling member  23  may be filled into the plate hole  210 . The hole filling member  23  may fill the entire inner surface of the plate hole  210 . When the hole filling member  23  is filled, the front surface of the steel plate  21  and a front surface of the hole filling member  23  may be formed to be coplanar. Thus, when viewed from the outside of the door  10 , a circumference of the plate hole  210  may not be visible. 
     The hole filling member  23  is made of a material capable of transmitting light so that the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  pass through the plate hole  210 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of various materials capable of transmitting light. For example, the hole filling member  23  may be made of a urethane-based or acrylic urethane-based resin material. The hole filling member  23  filled in the plate hole  210  may be cured by ultraviolet rays or heat. Thus, the hole filling member  23  may have predetermined strength in the state of being filled in the plate hole  210  and thus prevent the out plate from moving even when the user manipulates the manipulation part  12 . The hole filling member  23  may have a color corresponding to that of the steel plate  21  or the coating layer so that the plate hole  210  is not well visible from the outside. 
     In some implementations, a covering layer  24  may be disposed on a bottom surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., a bottom surface of the hole filling member  23 . The covering layer  24  may cover the entire bottom surface of the steel plate  21  or at least the plurality of plate holes  210  to cover a rear surface of the hole filling member  23  and define a rear surface of the steel plate  21 . 
     When the covering layer  24  is partially disposed on the rear surface of the steel plate  21 , an attachment guide part  201  (see  FIG. 6 ) displaying a position at which the covering layer  24  will be attached may be disposed on the rear surface of the steel plate  21 . The covering layer  24  may be attached to the correct position of the rear surface of the steel plate  21  by the attachment guide part  201 , and a plurality of light transmission parts  252  defined in the covering layer  24  may be attached to the inside of the plate hole  210 . 
     The covering layer  24  may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or may be transparent or translucent so that light is transmitted. In some implementations, a printed layer  25  may be disposed on the covering layer  24  to partially block the light. 
     In detail, the printed layer  25  may be provided on the bottom surface of the covering layer  24  by a printing process such as silkscreen and may include a light blocking part  251  for blocking light and the light transmission part  252  for transmitting light. Alternatively, the printed layer  25  may be provided by a printing or transfer process in addition to the silkscreen printing as long as the light transmission part  252  having a minute size is formed. 
     The light blocking part  251  may be provided by the printing on a remaining region of the covering layer  24  except for the light transmission part  252  to block light emitted from the light emitting member  74 . In some implementations, the light blocking part  251  may be colored and have a color corresponding to at least one of the coating layer  22 , the hole filling member  23 , or the steel plate  21 . 
     The light transmission part  252  may be a portion of the printed layer  25  on which the light blocking part  251  is not disposed and may be provided in plurality at a position corresponding to the plate hole  210 . The light transmission part  252  may have a minute hole shape and may have a circular or polygonal shape. 
     The light transmission part  252  may have a size of several hundred micrometers (about 100 μm to about 900 μm) which is difficult to uniformly process all the light transmission parts  252  at once by etching. For example, the light transmission part  252  may have a diameter of about 500 μm and be provided by the printing process so that a plurality of light transmission parts  252  having the fine and uniform size are disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  210 . The light transmission part  252  may have a small size as small as possible within a range in which the identification of each of the light transmission parts  252  is possible as the shape of the light transmission part  252  is clearly and elegantly displayed through the display part. Alternatively, the size of the light transmission part  252  is 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 parts  252  may be disposed in one plate hole  210  constituting a unit structure of figures, characters, or a portion of a design on the display part  11 . 
     Thus, when the light emitting member  74  is turned on to emit light to an area of the plate hole  210 , the emitted light may pass through only the area of the light transmission part  252  and be visible from the outside of the plate hole  210 . Thus, the plurality of light transmission parts  252  may be seen like the plurality of holes passing through the out plate  20  in the state in which the light emitting member  74  is turned on when viewed from the outside of the door  10 . Here, the light transmission parts  252  may have the fine and uniform size, and the plurality of fine and uniform holes may be defined in the surface of the door  10  as if the user recognizes that the holes constitute the display part  11 . 
     Although the covering layer  24  and the printed layer  25  are described as separate layers, since the covering layer is attached to the steel plate  21  in the state in which the light blocking part  251  and the light transmission part  252  are printed on an outer surface of the covering layer  24 , the covering layer  24  and the printed layer  25  may be substantially provided as one layer. 
     That is, the light blocking part  251  may be provided on the surface of the covering layer  24  by the printing, and an area on which the light blocking part  251  is not provided may become the light transmission part  252 . 
       FIG. 5  is 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 in  FIG. 6 , the door liner  30  defining the rear surface of the door  10  may be coupled to the out plate  20  to define a surface facing the inside of the storage space. In some implementations, when the door liner  30  is coupled to the out plate  20 , a space may be defined between the door liner  30  and the out plate  20 . A foaming solution for forming an insulation material  202  may be filled into the space. 
     A frame  50  may be attached to the rear surface of the out plate  20 . The frame  50  may provide a separate space in which the foaming solution is not filled into the door  10  to accommodate a display cover  60 , the display assembly  70 , the touch sensor assembly  80 , and a display frame  90 . 
     The cap decors  41  and  42  may define outer appearances of upper and lower portions of the door  10 . The cap decors  41  and  42  may cover opened upper and lower ends of the door  10 , which are defied by coupling the out plate  20  to the door liner  30 . 
     An insertion hole  411  and an insertion hole cover  412  for opening/closing the insertion hole  411  may be disposed in/on the cap decor  41  of the cap decors  41  and  42 . The insertion hole  411  may pass through the cap decor  41  to communicate with the space that is defined by the frame  50 . In some implementations, the display assembly  70  may be inserted into the frame  50  through the insertion hole  411  while being coupled to the display frame  90  when the door  10  is assembled. For this, the insertion hole  411  may have a size in which the display frame  90  is insertable. In some implementations, the insertion hole  411  may be vertically defined above the display cover  60 . 
     The display cover  60  is attached to the rear surface of the out plate  20 . The display cover  60  may guide mounting of the display assembly  70 . The display cover  60  may be attached to the rear surface of the out plate  20  by a double-sided tape or an adhesion member  61  coated with primer. 
     A frame guide  64  for guiding the insertion of the display frame  90  may be disposed on each of both sides of the display cover  60 . In some implementations, a first through-hole corresponding to the plate hole  210  may be opened in the display cover  60  so that light is transmitted through the light emitting member  74  when the light emitting member  74  is turned on. The first through-hole  62  may have a size and shape corresponding to those of each of the plurality of plate holes  210  or may have a size that is enough to accommodate the plate holes  210 . Thus, when the display cover  60  is attached, the plate hole  210  and the first through-hole  62  may be aligned with each other to communicate with each other. 
     The display assembly  70  is inserted into the space within the frame  50  through the insertion hole  411  in the state where the display assembly  300  is mounted display frame  90 . When the display frame  90  is completely inserted, the display assembly  70  may be disposed inside the display cover  60  so that the plate hole  210 , the first through-hole  62 , and a second through-hole of the display assembly  70  are aligned with each other. Thus, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may pass through the display cover  60  and the display part  11  and then be emitted to the outside. 
     In some implementations, a sensor mounting part  63  on which the touch sensor assembly  80  is mounted may be opened at the other side of the display cover  60 . The touch sensor assembly  80  may contact the rear surface of the out plate  20  when the display cover  60  adheres to the out plate  20  in the state of being mounted on the sensor mounting part  63 . Here, the touch sensor assembly  80  may be disposed at a position corresponding to that of the manipulation part  12 . For example, the touch sensor assembly  80  may be located at the door at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the display part  11 . When the manipulation part  12  is manipulated, the touch sensor assembly  80  may recognize the user&#39;s manipulation. 
     The display assembly  70  may include a display PCB  71  on which the light emitting member  74  is mounted and a reflector  72  disposed on a front surface of the display PCB  71 . 
     The reflector  72  may have the second through-hole  73  for guiding light of the light emitting member  74 . The second through-hole  73  may be defined at a position corresponding to the first through-hole  62  and have a size corresponding to that of the first through-hole  62 . In some implementations, the light emitting member  74  may be disposed inside the second through-hole  73 . Thus, when the light emitting member  74  is turned on, light may sequentially pass through the corresponding second through-hole  73  and first through-hole  62  and then be emitted by passing through the light transmission part  252  in the inner region of the corresponding plate hole  210 . Thus, only the corresponding area of the entire display part  11  may be illuminated to display and transmit information. 
     The display frame  90  may have a plate shape on which the display assembly  70  is mounted, and a frame handle  91  extending upward may be disposed at a central portion of an upper end of the display frame  90 . The frame handle  91  may be a portion that is griped by the user when the display frame  90  is inserted into the display cover  60  or withdrawn from the display cover  60  and may extend up to a position adjacent to the insertion hole cover  412 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display part taken along line  7 - 7 ′ of  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the display cover  60  is attached to the rear surface of the out plate  20  by the adhesion member  61 , and the plate hole  210  may communicate with the second through-hole  73  and the first through-hole  62  in a state in which the display frame is completely inserted. Here, the light transmission part  252  may have a small size to be much smaller than that of each of the plate hole  210  and the first through-hole  62  and the second through-hole  73 , and the plurality of the light transmission parts  252  may be disposed in the inner region of the one plate hole  210 . 
     In some implementations, the plurality of light emitting members  74  provided in the display assembly  70  may be independently disposed in a region corresponding to each of the plate holes  210 . That is, each of the light emitting members  74  may be disposed inside the second through-hole  73  to illuminate the plurality of light transmission parts  252  disposed in the plate holes  210  of the corresponding region according to the turn on/off of the light emitting member  74 . 
     Thus, the second through-hole  73 , the first through-hole  62 , and the plate hole  210  may communicate with each other, and the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the second through-hole  73 , the first through-hole  62 , and the light transmission part  252  on the plate hole  210  and then be emitted to the outside of the door  10 . 
     Here, the light passing through the first through-hole  62  may pass through the plurality of light transmission parts  252  disposed on the rear surface of the plate hole  210  and thus may not pass through the region of the light blocking part. Thus, when viewed from the outside, the display part  11  may display the information by the plurality of light transmission parts  252  through 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 parts  252  may be seen to be shining. 
       FIG. 8A  is a view illustrating an example display part that is turned off, and  FIG. 8B  is a view illustrating an example display part that is turned on. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the display part  11  may be provided by the plurality of light transmission parts  252  and 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 member  74 . 
     In detail, as illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the display part  11  may be configured so that the light transmission part  252  is not exposed to the outside in the state in which the light emitting member  74  of the display assembly  70  is not turned on. 
     In detail, the coating layer  22  may 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 member  74  is not emitted from the inside of the door  10 , the inner region of the door  10 , in which the light transmission part  252  is disposed may become relatively dark and thus may not be visible from the outside. 
     As described above, the coating layer  22  of the color steel plate may cover the light transmission part  252  so that the light transmission part  252  is not visible from the outside in the state in which no light is emitted. Thus, the door  10  may be seen as having no display on the front surface thereof. 
     In this state, when the user touches the manipulation part  12 , or the light emitting member  74  is turned on by a preset operation, the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the first through-hole  62 , the second through-hole  73 , and the light transmission part  252  and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Here, a portion of the plurality of light transmission parts  252  may emit light according to the turn on/off state of the light emitting member  74 , and the remaining light transmission parts  252  may not emit light and thus be invisible by the user. As described above, the light transmission parts  252  through 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 in  FIG. 8B , when a specific light emitting member  74  of the plurality of light emitting members  74  is turned on, the light passing through the light transmission parts  252  disposed inside a portion of the plurality of plate holes  210  may be emitted to display the form of a figure having information such as 4° C. and −12° C. as illustrated in  FIG. 8B . That is, the information may be displayed through the front surface of the door  10  in various forms by the combination of the light transmission parts  252  that are turned on in the state in which a separate display is not visible on the front surface of the door  10 . 
     Hereinafter, an example method for manufacturing an exterior member having the above-described structure will be described. 
       FIG. 9  is a view sequentially illustrating an example process of defining the display part on the out plate.  FIGS. 10A to 10D  are perspective views illustrating a sequence of an example process of defining the display part.  FIGS. 11A to 11D  are cross-sectional views illustrating a sequence of an example process of defining the display part. 
     As illustrated in the drawings, to form the out plate  20  of the refrigerator  1 , a steel plate (for example, a stainless steel plate or VCM plate) used as a material for forming the out plate  20  may be additionally processed to be cut by an adequate length and bent. 
     Here, when the steel plate  21  to be supplied is the VMC steel plate, the coating layer  22  for forming a color on the surface may be further formed. In some implementations, even in the case of the stainless steel plate, the coating layer  22  for 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 layer  22  may be formed as needed after the etching, the formation of the hole filling member, or the formation of the covering layer  24  [S 110 ]. 
     The steel plate  21  processed in a specific size and shape may be etched. Here, the etching process may be performed through various manners. The plate hole  210  may be formed by a wet etching manner using ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ) as an etchant so as to pass through the steel plate  21  made of the metal material. 
     The plate hole  210  may have a size that is enough to be formed by a single etching process in the plate-shaped out plate  20 . In some implementations, the plate hole  210  may have a size that is enough to constitute a portion of figure or design displayed on the display part  11 . For example, one plate hole  210  may 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 holes  210  may be formed by a processing method other than the etching and may be formed through processing such as laser processing [S 120 ]. 
     In the state in which the plate hole  210  is formed, the hole filling member  23  may be formed in the plate hole  210 . The inside of the plate hole  210  may be filled with the hole filling member  23  to prevent corrosion inside the plate hole  210 . In some implementations, when the light emitting member  74  is not turned on, the plate hole  210  may not be visible from the outside. 
     The hole filling member  23  may be filled in the rear surface of the steel plate  21  by the silkscreen printing manner and may be processed to fill the plurality of the plate holes  210  at a time by a squeezing manner. In some implementations, an outer surface of the hole filling member  23  filled in the plate hole  210  may be uniformly formed without being uneven. In some implementations, the hole filling member  23  may be cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays or exposed to heat and may reinforce the strength of the portion at which the plate hole  210  is formed [S 130 ]. 
     The covering layer  24  may be formed on the rear surface of the steel plate  21  in the state in which the hole filling member  23  is formed. The covering layer  24  may be made of a resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and may be laminated on the rear surface of the steel plate  21  to adhere. 
     In some implementations, the covering layer  24  may have a size that is enough to cover at least the plurality of plate holes  210  in the region inside the display part  11  rather than the whole steel plate  21 . Here, the covering layer  24  may be attached according to the attachment guide part  201  displayed on the rear surface of the steel plate  21  so that the covering layer  24  is attached at an accurate position. The attachment guide part  201  may 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 layer  24  may be laminated to the steel plate  21  in the state in which the printed layer  25  is formed. The printed layer  25  may be formed on the rear surface of the covering layer  24  by the printing to form the light blocking part  251  and the light transmission part  252 . 
     Here, the plurality of light transmission parts  252  that are printed finely may be disposed in the inner region of one plate hole  210 , and the unit holes constituted by a multi-segment display such as the “88” shape segments formed in the plate hole  210  may be formed [S 140 ]. 
     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. 12  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a second implementation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , an out plate  20  according to a second implementation defines a front surface of a door  10 , and a display part  11  for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator  1  is disposed on the door  10 . 
     Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part  11  is disposed, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole  210  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a coating layer  22  may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., the top surface. The coating layer  22  may cover the plate hole  210  passing through the steel plate  21  at an upper side to define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate  20 . The front surface of the out plate  20  may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer  22 . 
     In some implementations, a back coating layer  26  may be disposed on a bottom surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., the rear surface. The back coating layer  26  protects the rear surface of the steel plate  21  and forms a thin film on the rear surface of the steel plate to realize chemical resistance and corrosion resistance. The surface of the steel plate  21  may be stabilized by the back coating layer  26 , and the corrosion may be prevented. 
     In some implementations, the back coating layer  26  may be removed by an area corresponding to the plate hole  210  when the plate hole  210  is defined. In some implementations, the plate hole  210  may be defined through etching in a region in which the back coating layer  26  is removed from the steel plate  21 . 
     A hole filling member  23  may be disposed in the plate hole  210 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured by ultraviolet ray or heat in the state in which the plate hole  210  is completely filled. 
     A covering layer  24  may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate  21  in the state in which the hole filling member  23  is filled in the plate hole  210 . A printed layer  25  may be disposed on a rear surface of the covering layer  24 . The printed layer  25  may include a light blocking part  251  and a light transmission part  252 . 
     Here, the light transmission part  252  may be provided by printing the light blocking part  251  and may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts  252  may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole  210  to allow light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part  252  may block the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part  251 . 
     When the light emitting member  74  disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole  210  is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the light transmission part  252  of the covering layer  24 , the hole filling member  23 , and the coating layer  22  and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Thus, the display part  11  may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part  252  disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  210  corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members  74 , which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a third implementation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , an out plate  20  according to a third implementation defines a front surface of a door  10 , and a display part  11  for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator  1  is disposed on the door  10 . 
     Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part  11  is disposed, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole  210  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a reinforcement layer  27  may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., the top surface. The reinforcement layer  27  may be made of a resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and be disposed on a top surface of the steel plate  21  to reinforce strength of an area of the display part  11  of the steel plate  21  in which a plurality of plate holes  210  are defined. 
     Particularly, when the manipulation part  12  is disposed at a position adjacent to the display part  11 , the plate hole  210  may be formed by repetitive manipulation of the manipulation part  12  to deform the area of the display part  11 . However, the reinforcement layer  27  may be provided to maintain the shape of the steel plate  21  without deforming the steel plate  21 . 
     The reinforcement layer  27  may be laminated on a surface of the steel plate  21  in the form of a film and may have a thickness of about 100 μm to about 150 μm. When the thickness of the reinforcement layer  27  is thinner than 100 μm, the reinforcement layer  27  may be contracted together with the hole filling member  23  and thus be deformed when the hole filling member  23  is contracted. In some implementations, when the thickness of the reinforcement layer  27  is thicker than 150 μm, a tolerance of a mold may be generated during a molding process of the steel plate  21 , such as bending of the steel plate  21 , and thus, it may be difficult to process the steel plate  21 . 
     Alternatively, the reinforcement layer  27  may 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 plate  21  and the coating layer  22 . 
     The coating layer  22  may be disposed on a front surface of the reinforcement layer  27 , i.e., the top surface. The coating layer  22  may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate  20 . The front surface of the out plate  20  may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer  22  and may include a functional coating layer having an anti-fingerprint property. 
     As necessary, the coating layer  22  may be omitted. Here, the reinforcement layer  27  may have a color or a pattern to serve as the coating layer  22 . 
     The plate hole  210  passing through the steel plate  21  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . The plate holes  210  are defined by etching or the like, and a plurality of the plate holes  210  may be defined to display figures, characters, or patterns constituting the display part  11 . 
     A hole filling member  23  may be disposed in the plate hole  210 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole  210  is completely filled. 
     A covering layer  24  may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate  21  in the state in which the hole filling member  23  is filled in the plate hole  210 . A printed layer  25  may be disposed on a rear surface of the covering layer  24 . The printed layer  25  may be provided with a light blocking part  251  and a light transmission part  252 . 
     Here, the light transmission part  252  may be provided by printing the light blocking part  251  and may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts  252  may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole  210  to allow light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part  252  may block the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part  251 . 
     When the light emitting member  74  disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole  210  is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the light transmission part  252  of the covering layer  24 , the hole filling member  23 , and the coating layer  22  and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Thus, the display part  11  may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part  252  disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  210  corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members  74 , which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user. 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a fourth implementation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , an out plate  20  according to a fourth implementation defines a front surface of a door  10 , and a display part  11  for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator  1  is disposed on the door  10 . 
     Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part  11  is disposed, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole  211  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . 
     A coating layer  22  may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., the top surface. The coating layer  22  may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate  20  and also cover the plate hole  211  defined to pass through the steel plate  21 . The front surface of the out plate  20  may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer  22  and may include a functional coating layer having an anti-fingerprint property. 
     The plate holes  211  are defined by etching or the like, and a plurality of the plate holes  210  may be defined to display figures, characters, or patterns constituting the display part  11 . In some implementations, the plate hole  211  may have a shape that gradually increases in width downward. That is, the plate hole  211  may have a circumference that is inclined or rounded. An opened bottom surface of the plate hole  211  may have the widest width and then be narrowed upward. 
     In some implementations, a hole filling member  23  may be disposed in the plate hole  211 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole  211  is completely filled. 
     The hole filling member  23  may be filled into the plate hole  211  defined in the rear surface of the steel plate  21 . Thus, the hole filling member  23  may be filled to prevent a non-filled region from occurring in the plate hole  211  due to the characteristics in shape of the plate hole  211  having a wide inlet at which the filling of the hole filling member starts. In some implementations, the plate hole  211  may be filled with the hole filling member  23  without generating bubbles during the process of forming the hole filling member  23 . 
     A covering layer  24  may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate  21  in the state in which the hole filling member  23  is filled in the plate hole  211 . A printed layer  25  may be disposed on a rear surface of the covering layer  24 . The printed layer  25  may include a light blocking part  251  and a light transmission part  252 . 
     Here, the light transmission part  252  may be provided by printing the light blocking part  251  and may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts  252  may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole  211  to allow light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part  252  may block the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part  251 . 
     When the light emitting member  74  disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole  211  is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the light transmission part  252  of the covering layer  24 , the hole filling member  23 , and the coating layer  22  and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Thus, the display part  11  may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part  252  disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  211  corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members  74 , which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user. 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a fifth implementation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , an out plate  20  according to a fifth implementation defines a front surface of a door  10 , and a display part  11  for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator  1  is disposed on the door  10 . 
     Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part  11  is disposed, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole  212  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . 
     A coating layer  22  may be disposed on a front surface, i.e., a top surface of the steel plate  21 . The coating layer  22  may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate  20  and also cover the plate hole  212  defined to pass through the steel plate  21 . The front surface of the out plate  20  may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer  22  and may include a functional coating layer having an anti-fingerprint property. 
     The plate holes  212  are defined by etching or the like, and a plurality of the plate holes  210  may be defined to display figures, characters, or patterns constituting the display part  11 . In some implementations, the plate hole  212  may have a shape that gradually increases in width upward. That is, the plate hole  212  may have a circumference that is inclined or rounded. An opened bottom surface of the plate hole  211  may have the narrowest width and then be widened upward. 
     In some implementations, a hole filling member  23  may be disposed in the plate hole  212 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole  212  is completely filled. 
     The hole filling member  23  may be filled into the plate hole  212  defined in the rear surface of the steel plate. Here, the hole filling member  23  may be filled into the plate hole  212  opened at the rear surface of the steel plate  21  in the same state as a fluid having fluidity. 
     Although the hole filling member  23  is injected into the plate hole  212  having a narrow inlet, the hole filling member  23  may be completely filled into the entire region of the plate hole  212  having the gradually increasing width due to low viscosity. 
     In some implementations, after the hole filling member  23  is completely filled, the hole filling member  23  may be cured by ultraviolet rays or heat and then be completely hardened in the plate hole  212 . 
     Since the plate hole  212  has a structure that is gradually narrowed downward, the hole filling member  23  cured in the plate hole  212  may not be delaminated through an opening of the plate hole  212  due to the structural characteristics of the hole filling member  23  and thus be maintained in the state of covering the plate hole  212 . 
     A covering layer  24  may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate  21  in the state in which the hole filling member  23  is filled in the plate hole  212 . A printed layer  25  may be disposed on a rear surface of the covering layer  24 . The printed layer  25  may include a light blocking part  251  and a light transmission part  252 . 
     Here, the light transmission part  252  may be provided by printing the light blocking part  251  and may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts  252  may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole  212  to allow light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part  252  may block the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part  251 . 
     When the light emitting member  74  disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole  212  is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the light transmission part  252  of the covering layer  24 , the hole filling member  23 , and the coating layer  22  and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Thus, the display part  11  may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part  252  disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  212  corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members  74 , which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user. 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a sixth implementation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , an out plate  20  according to a sixth implementation defines a front surface of a door  10 , and a display part  11  for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator  1  is disposed on the door  10 . 
     Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part  11  is disposed, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole  210  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a coating layer  22  may be disposed on a front surface, i.e., a top surface of the steel plate  21 . The coating layer  22  may cover the plate hole  210  passing through the steel plate  21  at an upper side to define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate  20 . The front surface of the out plate  20  may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer  22 . 
     A hole filling member  23  may be disposed in the plate hole  210 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole  210  is completely filled. 
     A covering layer  24  may be disposed on a lower surface of the steel plate  21  in the state in which the hole filling member  23  is filled in the plate hole  210 . A printed layer  25  may be disposed on a top surface of the covering layer  24 . The printed layer  25  may include a light blocking part  253  and a light transmission part  254 . 
     That is, the light blocking part  253  and the light transmission part  254  may be provided on a surface of the covering layer  24  through printing. In some implementations, the light transmission part  254  may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts  254  may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole  210  to allow light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part  254  may block the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part  253 . 
     The covering layer  24  may be attached to the steel plate  21  in a state in which a top surface of the covering layer  24 , on which the light blocking part  253  and the light transmission part  254  are disposed, contacts bottom surfaces of the steel plate  21  and the hole filling member  23 . That is, a film type covering layer  24  on which the light blocking part  253  and the light transmission part  254  are printed may be attached to the rear surface of the steel plate  21 . 
     When the light emitting member  74  disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole  210  is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the light transmission part  254  of the covering layer  24 , the hole filling member  23 , and the coating layer  22  and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Thus, the display part  11  may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part  254  disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  210  corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members  74 , which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user. 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a seventh implementation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , an out plate  20  according to a seventh implementation defines a front surface of a door  10 , and a display part  11  for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator  1  is disposed on the door  10 . 
     Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part  11  is disposed, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole  210  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a coating layer  22  may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., the top surface. The coating layer  22  may cover the top surface of the plate hole  210  and also define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate  20 . The front surface of the out plate  20  may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer  22 . 
     A hole filling member  23  may be disposed in the plate hole  210 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole  210  is completely filled. 
     In some implementations, a covering layer  28  may be disposed on a bottom surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., the rear surface. The covering layer  28  may cover the plate hole  210  and the hole filling member  23  at a lower side. 
     The covering layer  28  may be made of a light blocking material and have a light blocking color. For example, the covering layer  28  may be made of a black pigment film material and be attached to cover the plate holes  210 . In some implementations, a plurality of light transmission parts  281  may be disposed on an area of the covering layer  28 , which corresponds to the plate hole  210 . The light transmission parts  281  may have a hole shape to pass through the covering layer  28 . Thus, the light emitting member  74  may be configured so that light passes through the light transmission part  281 . 
     The light transmission part  281  may have a fine and uniform circular shape. An area outside the light transmission part  281  may block the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to prevent the light from being transmitted. 
     When the light emitting member  74  disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole  210  is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the light transmission part  281  of the covering layer  28 , the hole filling member  23 , and the coating layer  22  and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Thus, the display part  11  may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part  281  disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  210  corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members  74 , which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user. 
       FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to an eighth implementation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , an out plate  20  according to an eighth implementation defines a front surface of a door  10 , and a display part  11  for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator  1  is disposed on the door  10 . 
     Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part  11  is disposed, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole  210  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a covering layer  24  may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., the top surface. A printed layer  25  may be disposed on a bottom surface of the covering layer  24 . The printed layer  25  may include a light blocking part  255  and a light transmission part  256 . 
     That is, the light blocking part  255  and the light transmission part  256  may be provided on a surface of the covering layer  24  through printing. The light transmission part  256  may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts  256  may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole  210  to allow light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part  256  may block the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part  255 . 
     The covering layer  24  may be attached to the steel plate  21  in a state in which a top surface of the covering layer  24 , on which the light blocking part  255  and the light transmission part  256  are disposed, contacts top surfaces of the steel plate  21  and the hole filling member  23 . That is, a film type covering layer  24  on which the light blocking part  255  and the light transmission part  256  are printed may be attached to the front surface of the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a deposition layer  29  may be disposed on a top surface of the covering layer  24 . The deposition layer may be configured so that the area of the plate hole  210  is completely covered and has the same texture as the metal in the state in which the light emitting member  74  is turned off. 
     The deposition layer may be provided in a very thin metal layer by metal deposition. Thus, when the light emitting member  74  is turned off, the area of the plate hole  210  may be completely covered. On the other hand, when the light emitting member  74  is turned on, light may be transmitted so that the light transmission part  256  is seen to be shining. 
     When the deposition layer  29  is not made of the metal material, and the light emitting member  74  is not seen further in the state in which the light emitting member  74  is turned off. When the light emitting member  74  is turned on, the deposition layer  29  may have a different shape so that the light transmission part  256  is seen to be shining. Thus, the deposition layer  29  may be called a hole cover part. 
     In some implementations, a coating layer  22  may be disposed on a front surface of the deposition layer  29 , i.e., the top surface. The coating layer  22  may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate  20 . The front surface of the out plate  20  may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer  22 . 
     A hole filling member  23  may be disposed in the plate hole  210 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole  210  is completely filled. 
     When the light emitting member  74  disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole  210  is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the hole filling member  23 , the covering layer  24 , the light transmission part  256 , the deposition layer  29 , and the coating layer and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Thus, the display part  11  may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part  256  disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  210  corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members  74 , which are turned on, when viewed from the outside, thereby transmitting information to a user. 
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display part according to a ninth implementation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , an out plate  20  according to a ninth implementation defines a front surface of a door  10 , and a display part  11  for displaying an operation state of a refrigerator  1  is disposed on the door  10 . 
     Referring to a cross-section of an area on which the display part  11  is disposed, the out plate  20  may include a steel plate made of a metal material, and a plate hole  210  may be defined in the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a covering layer  24  may be disposed on a front surface of the steel plate  21 , i.e., the top surface. A printed layer  25  may be disposed on a bottom surface of the covering layer  24 . The printed layer  25  may include a light blocking part  257  and a light transmission part  258 . 
     That is, the light blocking part  257  and the light transmission part  258  may be provided on a surface of the covering layer  24  through printing. The light transmission part  258  may have a fine and uniform circular shape. A plurality of the light transmission parts  258  may be disposed in an inner region of the plate hole  210  to allow light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to pass therethrough. An area outside the light transmission part  258  may block the light emitted from the light emitting member  74  to prevent the light from being transmitted to the light blocking part  257 . 
     The covering layer  24  may be attached to the steel plate  21  in a state in which a top surface of the covering layer  24 , on which the light blocking part  257  and the light transmission part  258  are disposed, contacts top surfaces of the steel plate  21  and the hole filling member  23 . That is, a film type covering layer  24  on which the light blocking part  257  and the light transmission part  258  are printed may be attached to the front surface of the steel plate  21 . 
     In some implementations, a coating layer  22  may be disposed on a front surface of the covering layer  24 , i.e., the top surface. The coating layer  22  may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the out plate  20 . The front surface of the out plate  20  may have a texture and a color of an outer appearance thereof by the coating layer  22 . 
     A hole filling member  23  may be disposed in the plate hole  210 . The hole filling member  23  may be made of a light transmitting material and may be cured in the state in which the plate hole  210  is completely filled. 
     When the light emitting member  74  disposed at a position corresponding to the plate hole  210  is turned on, light emitted from the light emitting member  74  may sequentially pass through the hole filling member  23 , the covering layer  24 , the light transmission part  258 , and the coating layer and then be emitted to the outside. 
     Thus, the display part  11  may be shined in the form of a figure, character, or symbol by the light transmission part  258  disposed in the inner region of the plate hole  210  corresponding to the plurality of light emitting members  74 , 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&#39;s touch manipulation may be prevented by the reinforcement layer. 
     Although implementations have been described with reference to a number of illustrative implementations thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and implementations can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.