Patent Publication Number: US-2023152504-A1

Title: Home appliance

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. 10-2021-0157921, filed on Nov. 16, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to home appliances. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     In general, a home appliance is arranged indoors, and may be arranged to harmonize with a surrounding space. To further improve the appearance of the home appliance, a panel forming an exterior may be provided on the front surface of the home appliance. 
     Typically, structures for varying the front exterior of a refrigerator in order to harmonize with an environment in which the refrigerator is placed, surrounding furniture, or other home appliances are being developed, and this trend is being made throughout the home appliances. 
     Representatively, U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,900 discloses a structure in which a decor panel forming the front exterior of a refrigerator door is mounted on the front surface of the refrigerator door, and the decor panel is detachably provided to form the front exterior of the door according to a user&#39;s preference. 
     However, in a refrigerator having such a structure, if a user wants to change the exterior, the entire decor panel needs be removed and replaced, and the decor panel used before replacement cannot be used anymore. 
     In order to solve such a problem, a refrigerator capable of changing the front surface of a refrigerator door, that is, the front exterior of a refrigerator without disassembling the refrigerator door, has been developed. 
     Representatively, Chinese Patent No. 103250018 discloses a refrigerator in which a reflective layer and a transparent panel are provided on the front surface of a refrigerator door, and a light emitting member having a color is mounted on both side ends of the reflective layer so that the transparent panel is able to shine in a set color. 
     However, in the refrigerator having such a structure, there is a problem in that the internal configuration is exposed to a user due to the transparent panel when the light emitting member is turned off. 
     In addition, when the transmittance of light of the transparent panel is lowered to conceal the internal configuration, it is difficult to implement a set color. 
     In addition, in a state in which the light emitting member is turned off, the exterior of the transparent panel is also poor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a home appliance, e.g. a kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator, having a front surface configured to emit light. 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a home appliance, e.g. a kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator, that allow the entire front surface of the appliance, e.g. a front surface of a door, to shine evenly. 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a home appliance, e.g. a kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator, capable of having different color appearances when the lighting device is turned on and off without disassembling and assembling the door. 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a home appliance, e.g. a kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator, having a front surface of the appliance, e.g. a front surface of the door, that is able to be expressed in the same color as the color set by a user, even when the light emitted by a lighting device passes through the front plate having a specific color. 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a home appliance, e.g. a kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator, having a front surface, e.g. a front surface of a door, that is configured to express various colors set or selected by a user. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a home appliance, e.g. a kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator, having a front surface, e.g. a front surface of a door, that is configured to change its color to various colors set or selected by a user using colored light passing through the front surface. 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a home appliance, e.g. a kitchen appliance such as a refrigerator, having a luxurious appearance and texture. 
     One or more of these objects are solved by the features of the independent claim. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a home appliance includes a cabinet having a (storage) space formed therein; a door configured to open and close an open front of the cabinet; a panel assembly mounted on a front surface of the door; and a controller, wherein the panel assembly includes: a front plate forming a front exterior of the door and transmitting light; and a lighting device emitting light of a set color, wherein the front plate includes: a base layer; and a colored layer formed on one surface of the base layer and has a first color, wherein the front surface of the door has the first color when the lighting device is turned off, and wherein the front surface of the door shines in a color selected by a user when the lighting device is turned on. 
     According to a further aspect, a home appliance includes a cabinet having a space formed therein; and a door configured to open and close the cabinet and including a panel assembly, wherein the panel assembly includes a lighting device configured to emit light and a front plate forming an exterior (e.g. a front exterior or front surface) of the door and configured to transmit light emitted by the lighting device. The home appliance includes further a controller configured to control the lighting device, e.g. based on a user input. The front plate includes a base layer and a colored layer formed on the base layer, the colored layer having a first color. 
     The home appliance according to any one of these aspects may include one or more of the following features: 
     The panel assembly, in particular the front plate, or the front surface of the door may have the first color when the lighting device is turned off, and a second color different from the first color when the lighting device is turned on. The panel assembly, in particular the front plate, may be disposed or arranged or mounted on (or at) a front surface and/or exterior surface of the door. The panel assembly, in particular the front plate, may be configured to change its color depending on a state of the lighting device, i.e. an emission state of the lighting device. The front plate may form a front surface and/or exterior surface of the door. 
     The lighting device may be disposed at a rear surface or rear side of the front plate. The lighting device may be configured to emit light of at least one color that is different from the first color of the colored layer. The lighting device may be configured to emit light of different colors. 
     The colored layer may be formed on an inner surface of the base layer, i.e. on a surface of the base layer facing the space of the cabinet in a closed state of the door. That is, the colored layer may be formed on a rear surface of the base layer, i.e. on a surface of the base layer facing the lighting device and/or the space in a closed state of the door. 
     The controller may be configured to receive information about the second color selected by a user, e.g. from a remote control device and/or from a user interface of the home appliance. The second color may be selectable from a plurality of (different) colors. 
     The controller may be configured to control the lighting device to emit light in a third color adjusted such that the front plate has the second color, e.g. selected by the user, in consideration of the first color. 
     The first color and the second color may be colors having different RGB values. The first color, the second color, and the third color may be colors all having different RGB values. 
     The controller may be configured to receive information on a RGB value of the second color selected by the user, and to calculate a RGB value of the third color in consideration of the received RGB value of the third color and a previously stored RGB value of the first color. 
     The first color may have a lightness greater than 0. 
     The lighting device may include a plurality of light sources. The light sources may be RGB LEDs. The lighting device may include a plurality of light sources configured to emit light of different colors. 
     The base layer may be made of a transparent material, a glass or a transparent plastic material. 
     The base layer may be a deposited glass. 
     The base layer may be any one of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), and PC (polycarbonate) resin. 
     The colored layer may have a lightness greater than 0. 
     The colored layer may be formed by a silk screen printing method. 
     A pattern layer may be provided on or in the base layer, e.g. a front surface of the base layer. The pattern layer may be configured to define a texture of the front plate and/or of the door, i.e. a front surface of the door. That is, the front plate may further include a pattern layer provided on the other surface of the base layer to form a texture on the front plate. 
     The pattern layer may include a transparent film, e.g. a transparent film formed of a resin material. The pattern layer may be formed by imprinting of UV curable resin composition applied on the film with a molding roller having a pattern on the film, and UV curing. That is, the pattern layer may include an imprint of UV cured resin composition on a transparent film. The pattern layer may be covered with UV curable resin composition on one surface of a transparent plastic film layer. 
     The pattern layer may be formed by a UV imprinting method. 
     The front plate further may include a protective layer formed on one surface of the colored layer and including an anti-scattering film. 
     The protective layer may have a white or white-based color. 
     The front plate may further include the colored layer formed on a rear surface of the base layer, the front plate may further include a pattern layer provided on a front surface of the base layer to form a texture on the front plate, and the front plate may further include a protective layer formed on a rear surface of the colored layer and including an anti-scattering film. 
     The front plate may further include a deposition layer. The deposition layer may include a metal. 
     The home appliance may be any one of a refrigerator, a laundry machine, a clothing manager, a washing machine, a drier, a dishwasher, and a cooking appliance. 
     The following effects can be expected in the home appliance according to the proposed embodiment. 
     According to the present disclosure, the door panel forming the front surface of the home appliance includes a light-transmissive front plate and a lighting device that emits light, so that the entire front surface of the door can emit light according to the user&#39;s needs. 
     In particular, a plurality of light sources constituting the lighting device can emit light of different colors, so that the front surface of the door can shine in a color set by the user. 
     In addition, the front plate forming the front exterior of the door includes a colored layer implementing the color of the front plate itself on one surface of the base layer capable of transmitting light, so that even when the lighting device is turned off, the door panel may be formed to be at least transparent or have a color with a lightness of 0 or more other than black. Accordingly, it is possible to implement a luxurious appearance even when the lighting device is turned off. 
     In addition, by reflecting the degree of distortion of the color of the light as the light emitted from the lighting device passes through the front plate, the color of the light source is controlled to be adjusted, so that the exterior of the door can be expressed in the same color as the color set by the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of the refrigerator when a refrigerator door is opened. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the door. 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a panel assembly constituting the door and a door body are separated. 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI′ of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the front plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the front plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the front plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal of the refrigerator. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view showing a light emitting state of the panel assembly. 
         FIG.  12    is a view showing an example of adjusting colors of home appliances to which the panel assembly is applied using a remote device. 
         FIG.  13    is a view showing a flowchart for describing operation of controlling a lighting device in a controller. 
         FIG.  14    is a front view showing the front exterior of a refrigerator in a state in which the lighting device is turned off 
         FIG.  15    is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which the lighting device is turned on. 
         FIG.  16    is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which the color of the lighting device is changed. 
         FIG.  17    is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which some of the plurality of doors shine. 
         FIG.  18    is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which the refrigerating chamber door and the freezing chamber door are luminous. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the described aspect is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope and novel idea of the present disclosure. 
     Before making a description, directions are defined. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction toward the door is the front with respect to the cabinet shown in  FIG.  1   , the direction toward the cabinet with respect to the door is the rear, the direction toward the floor where the refrigerator is installed is downward, and the direction toward the door is farther from the floor. The direction can be defined as upward. 
       FIG.  1    is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  2    is a front view of the refrigerator when a refrigerator door is opened. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a refrigerator  1  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has an external appearance defined by a cabinet  10  defining a storage space, and a door  20  for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet  10 . 
     Specifically, the cabinet  10  may define the storage space partitioned vertically, and include a refrigerating chamber  11  positioned on an upper side, and a freezing chamber  12  positioned on a lower side. The refrigerating chamber  11  may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezing chamber  12  may be referred to as a lower storage space. In addition, the freezing chamber  12  may be divided into left and right portions to form a left freezing chamber  12   a  and a right freezing chamber  12   b,  respectively. The left freezing chamber  12   a  may be referred to as a lower left storage space, and the right freezing chamber  12   b  may be referred to as a lower right storage space. 
     The door  20  may be configured to open and close the refrigerating chamber  11  and the freezing chamber  12 , individually. For example, the door  20  may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet  10 , and may open and close the refrigerating chamber  11  and the freezing chamber  12  individually by rotation. It is noted that the door  20  may have a structure that is opened and closed by a pull-out. 
     The door  20  may include a refrigerating chamber door  201  for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber  11  and a freezing chamber door  202  for opening and closing the freezing chamber  12 . The refrigerating chamber door  201  may be referred to as an upper door, and the freezing refrigerating chamber door  202  may be referred to as a lower door. 
     In addition, the refrigerating chamber door  201  may include a pair of a left refrigerating chamber door  201   a  and a right refrigerating chamber door  201   b  arranged side by side. The left refrigerating chamber door  201   a  and the right refrigerating chamber door  201   b  may be disposed adjacent to each other and may have the same size. In addition, the left refrigerating chamber door  201   a  and the right refrigerating chamber door  201   b  may be independently rotated to open and close the refrigerating chamber  11 . 
     The upper and lower ends of the refrigerating chamber door  201   a  and the freezing chamber door  201   b  may be coupled to the cabinet  10  by hinge devices  204  and  205 , respectively. The hinge device  204  may include an upper hinge  204  and a lower hinge  205 , to enable the refrigerating chamber door  201   a  and the freezing chamber door  201   b  to be rotatably mounted to the cabinet  10 . 
     In addition, the freezing chamber door  202  may include a pair including a left freezing chamber door  202   a  and a right freezing chamber door  202   b  arranged side by side. In addition, the left freezing chamber door  202   a  and the right freezing chamber door  202   b  may be independently rotated to open and close the freezing chamber. The left freezing chamber door  202   a  and the right freezing chamber door  202   b  may be disposed adjacent to each other and may have the same size. 
     Although a refrigerator having a structure in which the refrigerating chamber  11  is disposed on an upper side and the freezing chamber  12  is disposed on a lower side is described for convenience of description and understanding, as an example in the present embodiment, the present disclosure is limited to the type of the refrigerator and may be applied to all types of refrigerators equipped with doors. In particular, although description is made for a refrigerator having four doors, the configuration set out below for the door  20  may be applied to a door of any home appliance, having any number of doors. 
     Meanwhile, the door  20  forms the front exterior of the refrigerator  1  in a closed state, and may form the exterior of the refrigerator  1  viewed from the front when the refrigerator  1  is installed. 
     The door  20  may have a structure in which the front surface is able to selectively emit light, and may be configured to shine in a set color or brightness. Accordingly, the user can change a color or brightness of the front surface of the door  20  without removing or disassembling the door  20 , thus enabling a change in the overall exterior of the refrigerator  1 . 
     Hereinafter, the structure of the door  20  will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the left refrigerating chamber door  201   a,  and other doors  201   b,    202   a,  and  202   b  may also have the same structure. 
     Hereinafter, the structure of the door  20  will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the door.  FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view showing the panel assembly constituting the door and the door body are separated. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the door  20  may include a door body  40  defining the overall shape of the door  20  and a panel assembly  30  forming the front exterior of the door  20 . That is, the door  20  may be configured such that the panel assembly  30  is mounted on the front surface of the door body  40 . 
     The door body  40  may include a body plate  41  forming a front surface and a door liner  42  forming a rear surface. The body plate  41  may be formed of a metal material, and may be formed in a plate shape having a size corresponding to that of the panel assembly  30 . In addition, the door liner  42  may be formed of a plastic material, and may form the appearance of the rear surface of the door  20 . 
     The door body  40  may include side decorations  44  forming left and right-side surfaces of the door body  40 . The side decoration  44  may connect the left and right-side ends of the body plate  41  and the left and right-side ends of the door liner  42 . 
     In addition, the door body  40  may include an upper cap decoration  43  and a lower cap decoration  45  forming an upper surface and a lower surface of the door body  40 , respectively. The upper cap decoration  43  may be connected to an upper end of the side decoration  44 , an upper end of the body plate  41 , and an upper end of the door liner  42 . In addition, the lower cap decoration  45  may be connected to a lower end of the side decoration  44 , a lower end of the body plate  41 , and a lower end of the door liner  42 . 
     The exterior of the door body  40  may be formed by the body plate  41 , the door liner  42 , the side decoration  44 , the upper cap decoration  43 , and the lower cap decoration  45 . In addition a space inside the door body  40  formed by the coupling of the body plate  41 , the door liner  2 , the side decoration  44 , the upper cap decoration  43 , and the lower cap decoration  45 . May be filled with an insulating material, and may have a structure capable of heat insulation so that heat is not transmitted through the door  20 . 
     In addition, the upper cap decoration  43  may be constrained by an upper cover  46  mounted on the opened upper surface of the upper cap decoration  43 . 
     Meanwhile, a panel accommodating space  410  opened to the front may be formed on the front surface of the door body  40 . That is, the front ends of the side decoration  44 , the upper cap decoration  43 , and the lower cap decoration  45  may protrude more forward than the front surface of the body plate  41 , and thus a panel accommodating space  410  having an open front may be formed in front of the body plate  41 . The panel accommodating space  410  is formed to have a size corresponding to the size of the panel assembly  30 , and the panel assembly  30  may be inserted into the panel accommodating space  410 . In addition, the periphery of the panel assembly  30  is supported by the peripheral surface of the panel accommodating space  410 , that is, the protruding portions of the side decoration  44 , the upper cap decoration  43  and the lower cap decoration  45 . 
     The panel assembly  30  may be formed in a plate shape, and may have a size corresponding to the front surface of the door body  40 . Accordingly, when the panel assembly  30  is mounted on the front exterior of the door body  40 , the panel assembly  30  may shield the front surface of the door body  40  to form the front appearance of the door  20 . Since the panel assembly  30  forms the front exterior of the door  20 , the panel assembly  30  may be referred to as a door panel. Alternatively, since the panel assembly  30  forms the front exterior of the refrigerator  1 , the panel assembly  30  may also be referred to as an exterior panel. 
     In a state in which the panel assembly  30  is mounted on the door body  40 , a rear surface of the panel assembly  30  may be closely fixed to the body plate  41 . 
     On the other hand, for fixed mounting of the panel assembly  30 , the lower end of the panel assembly  30  is caught with and constrained by the lower end of the lower cap decoration  45 , and the upper end of the panel assembly  30  is coupled to the upper end of the front surface of the upper cap decoration  43  to firmly couple the panel assembly  30  to the door body  40 . In addition, the panel assembly  30  may have a structure detachable from the door body  40  for service and maintenance. 
     The front surface of the panel assembly  30  is exposed to the front in a state in which the panel assembly  30  is mounted on the door body  40 , and the panel assembly  30  may form a substantially front exterior of the door  20 . In addition, the panel assembly  30  may be configured to emit light from the entire front surface, and may be configured to shine in various colors. 
     To this end, a lighting device  36  may be provided in the panel assembly  30 . The lighting device  36  may be connected to an electric wire (not shown) for supply and control of power. The electric wire is exposed to the outside from the rear surface of the panel assembly  30 , and a connector (not shown) may be provided at an end of the electric wire. 
     Hereinafter, the structure of the panel assembly  30  will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG.  5    is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly; 
     As shown in the drawing, the panel assembly  30  may include a front plate  31  forming a front exterior, a lighting device  36  for emitting light such that the front plate  31  shines, a light guide plate  33  for guiding light emitted from the light guide plate  33 , and a support member  32  on which the light guide plate  33  and the front plate  31  are mounted. 
     In addition, the panel assembly  30  may further include an upper bracket  34  forming an upper surface of the panel assembly  30  and a lower bracket  35  forming a lower surface of the panel assembly  30 . In addition, the lighting device  36  may be mounted on the lower bracket  35 . In addition, the panel assembly  30  may further include a back cover  39  forming a rear surface of the panel assembly  30 . 
     Specifically, the front plate  31  may be formed in a rectangular plate shape, and may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light. For example, the front plate  31  may be formed of a glass material such as blue glass, white glass, and deposition glass, or another material capable of transmitting light such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), or the like. In addition, the front plate  31  may be called a transparent plate, an out plate, or a panel. 
     The front plate  31  may be formed to be transparent such that light reflected by the light guide plate  33  may be transmitted. In this case, transparency may be defined to an extent that light reflected from the light guide plate is transmitted and emitted to the outside. 
     In addition, the front plate  31  may be formed to have a color, and may be formed to appear in a different color according to the operation or on/off state of the lighting device  36 . For example, a specific design or pattern may be printed on the front plate  31  to have a specific color. In addition, a film on which a pattern having a specific design or color is printed is attached to the front plate  31 , or a surface treatment such as imprinting, etching, or glass printing is performed on the front plate. Alternatively, a coating or deposition layer having a specific color and texture may be formed to form the exterior of the front plate  31 . 
     In addition, the front plate  31  may be configured such that the light emitted from the lighting device  36  is transmitted but the components behind the front plate  31  are not reflected. That is, in the front plate  31 , the internal components of the panel assembly  30  may be prevented from being seen from the outside through the front plate  31 , by the color of the front plate  31  itself when the lighting device  36  is turned off. 
     In this case, the front plate  31  may be formed to have at least a color with a lightness of 0 or more, not black, when the front plate  31  is turned off. That is, in a state in which the refrigerator  1  is installed, the front surface of the refrigerator  1  may be seen in a color other than black, and the color of the front surface of the refrigerator may be changed according to the operation of the lighting device  36 . 
     The front plate  31  may be formed to correspond to the size of the front surface of the panel assembly  30  exposed to the outside. Specifically, the front plate  31  may be formed to have the same size as the panel assembly  30  at the upper end and the left and right-side ends except for the lower end. In addition, in a state in which the panel assembly  30  is mounted, the exposed portion of the lower bracket  35  may be shielded by the lower cap decoration  45 . Accordingly, the entire front surface of the front plate  31  exposed to the outside in a state in which the panel assembly  30  is mounted may be formed by the front plate  31 . 
     Meanwhile, the front plate  31  may be formed to be larger than the light guide plate  33 . In addition, the rear surface of the front plate  31  may be coupled to the front surface of the support member  32 . Therefore, in a state in which the front plate  31  is mounted on the support member  32 , a separate configuration does not exist on the periphery of the front plate  31 , and the front plate  31  forms the front exterior of the panel assembly  30 . 
     The light guide plate  33  may be positioned at a rear position spaced apart from the front plate  31 , and may be configured to guide light emitted from the lighting device  36  disposed below the light guide plate  33 . 
     For example, the light guide plate  33  may be formed of a transparent polymer material such as acrylic. In addition, the light guide plate  33  may be provided with a diffusion agent for diffusing the light incident on the light guide plate  33 , or a pattern for light diffusion may be formed in the light guide plate  33 . Accordingly, light can be transmitted to the front plate  31  by the light guide plate  33 , and the pattern of the light guide plate  33  is set such that the entire front surface of the front plate  31  may shine with uniform brightness. 
     In addition, the light guide plate  33  may be supported from the rear by the back cover  39 , and may be fixed in a state of being maintained by the support member  32  at a predetermined distance from the front plate  31 . 
     Meanwhile, the support member  32  may be provided between the front plate  31  and the light guide plate  33 . The light guide plate  33  and the front plate  31  are fixedly mounted to the support member  32 , and in particular, the light guide plate  33  may be spaced apart from the front plate  31  at a predetermined distance by the support member  33 . 
     The support member  32  may be formed such that a front surface supports the front plate  31 , and both ends constrain both ends of the light guide plate  33 . 
     On the other hand, the support member  32  may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light, and may be formed by injection or extruding as a single component. For example, the support member  32  may be formed of a material such as ABC, PC, or acryl, and the light reflected from the light guide plate  33  may be transmitted through the front plate  31 . 
     In addition, the support member  32  may be formed entirely of a transparent or translucent material, and the support member  32  itself may be formed to have a color. Accordingly, when viewed from the front of the panel assembly  30 , the color, texture, or shape of the front of the panel assembly  30  may be determined by the support member  32 . In addition, the front surface of the support member  32  through which light is transmitted may be formed to have corrosion or pattern, and may be formed such that the corrosion or pattern appears when viewed from the front of the panel assembly  30 . 
     The upper bracket  34  may be provided at an upper end of the panel assembly  30 . The upper bracket  34  may form an upper surface of the panel assembly  30 . In addition, the upper bracket  34  may be injection-formed from a plastic material, and may be formed to have a structure coupled to the support member  32  and a structure coupled to the back cover  39 . 
     A lower bracket  35  may be provided at a lower end of the panel assembly  30 . The lower bracket  35  may constitute a lower surface of the panel assembly  30 . In addition, the lower bracket  35  may be injection-formed from a plastic material, and may be formed to have a structure coupled to the support member  32  and a structure coupled to the back cover  39 . 
     In addition, the panel assembly  30  may include a plate supporter  47 . The plate supporter  47  may form the exterior of the lower end of the panel assembly  30 , and may allow the lower end of the panel assembly  30  to be fixed to the door body  40 . 
     The plate supporter  47  may include a decorative front surface and a decorative lower surface. The lower bracket  35  may be inserted and mounted by the decorative front surface and the decorative lower surface. In addition, a lower protrusion  473  extending rearward and then protruding upward is provided at the rear end of the decorative lower surface  472 , and is coupled to a lower portion of the door body  40 . 
     In addition, the plate supporter  47  may be referred to as a lower decoration in that the plate supporter  47  is disposed at the lower end of the front plate  31 . 
     In addition, the back cover  39  may be coupled to the rear surface of the lower bracket  35 . The back cover  39  may be coupled to the back cover  39  by fastening a screw. In addition, the rear surface of the light guide plate  33  may be supported on the front surface of the lower bracket  35 . That is, when the back cover  39  is coupled, the lower bracket  35  may support the light guide plate  33  from the rear side. 
     In addition, a lighting device  36  may be mounted in the lower bracket  35 . The lighting device  36  is configured to emit light to determine the color and brightness of the front surface of the panel assembly, and to emit light toward the light guide plate  33 . The lighting device  36  may be provided inside the lower bracket  35 , and may be assembled and mounted together with the lower bracket  35  while being mounted in the lower bracket  35 . 
     The back cover  39  forms a rear surface of the panel assembly  30 , and may be coupled to the upper bracket  34  and the lower bracket  35 . The back cover  39  may be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. In addition, the back cover  39  may be formed to have a size corresponding to the size of the panel assembly  30 , and may form the entire rear surface of the panel assembly  30 . 
     Hereinafter, the structure of the front plate  31  will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI′ of  FIG.  4   .  FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the front plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the front plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Further,  FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the front plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in the drawings, the entire support member  32  may be injection-molded of a resin material, and is formed of a transparent material such that light reflected forward through the light guide plate  33  transmits through the support member  32  and directs the front plate  31 . 
     The support member  32  may include a plate-shaped front portion  321  and side portions  322  protruding rearward from both left and right-side ends of the front portion  321 . The front portion  321  may be disposed between the front plate  31  and the light guide plate  33 , and a front surface of the front portion  321  may support the front plate  31 , and a rear surface of the front portion  321  may support the light guide plate  33 . 
     In addition, the side portions  322  include first surfaces  322   a  extending rearward from both left and right-side ends of the front portion  321  and a second surface  322   b  bent at the end of the first surface  322   a.    
     The first surfaces  322   a  may extend from both left and right-side ends of the front portion  321  to be perpendicular to the front portion  321  and may be formed to form side surfaces of the panel assembly  30 . That is, the extended length of the first surface  322   a  may correspond to the side width of the panel assembly  30 . An inner space of the panel assembly  30  may be defined by the first surfaces  322   a,  and a space in which at least the light guide plate  33 , the upper bracket  34 , and the lower bracket  35  are mounted may be formed. 
     A side rib  323  may divide the space formed by the side portions  322  in a front-rear direction to form spaces into which the light guide plate  33 , the upper bracket  34 , and the lower bracket  35  are slidably inserted. 
     On the other hand, in the state in which the lighting device  36  is not operated, the front plate  31  may implement the color of the front exterior of the refrigerator  1  by the basic color of the front plate  31  itself. 
     In a state in which the lighting device  36  is operated, the light reflected from the light guide plate may transmit through the front plate  31  to implement the front exterior of the refrigerator  1  in a color selected by the user. 
     In addition, the basic color of the front plate  31  may be different from a set color implemented by the lighting device  36 . 
     That is, the front plate  31  may implement the basic color of the front exterior of the refrigerator  1 , and when the lighting device  36  is operated, the front plate  31  may be configured such that the front exterior of the refrigerator  1  has a color set by the user. 
     The front plate  31  forms an overall exterior, and may include a base layer  31   a  formed of a material capable of transmitting light, and a colored layer  31   b  provided on one surface of the base layer  31   a  and implementing the overall color and image of the exterior panel  30 . 
     In addition, a pattern layer  31   c  forming a texture of the front exterior may be provided on the base layer  31   a.    
     In addition, a protective layer  31   d  for preventing the base layer  31   a  from being damaged and from scattering when the base layer  31   a  is damaged may be further included on the base layer  31   a.    
     Meanwhile, in describing the components constituting the front plate  31 , “upward direction” or “downward direction” means directions based on directions shown in  FIG.  6   . As used herein, “upward direction” may be defined as a direction corresponding to the front surface (front) of the front plate  31 . Conversely, “downward direction” may be defined as a direction corresponding to the rear surface (rear) of the front plate  31 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the front plate  31  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a pattern layer  31   c  provided above the base layer  31   a,  and a colored layer  31   b  and a protective layer  31   d  provided below the base layer  31   a  to implement a basic color. 
     In this case, the base layer  31   a  may be formed of a glass material. In addition, the pattern layer  31   c  may be formed with a pattern by the imprinting method described above, and the protective layer  31   d  may include an anti-shattering film to prevent the base layer  31   a  from scattering due to damage to the base layer  31   a  made of a glass material. 
     In the front plate  31  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the pattern layer  31   c  is provided above the base layer  31   a,  and the colored layer  31   b  is provided below the base layer  31   a  to implement a basic color. 
     The base layer  31   a  may be formed of a light-transmitting transparent plastic material. As an example of such a plastic material, ABS, PMMA, or PC may be used. 
     In addition, the pattern layer  31   c  may provide a texture to the front plate  31  by an imprinting method. 
     Meanwhile, when the base layer  31   a  is formed of a plastic material, a separate protective layer  31   d  may not be required. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the front plate  31  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base layer  31   a  made of a glass or plastic material, and a pattern layer  31   c  provided above the base layer  31   a,  and the colored layer  31   b  provided below the base layer  31   a.    
     In addition, a deposition layer  31   e  may be further included above or below the base layer  31   a.  The deposition layer  31   e  may make it possible to more clearly realize the texture of the metal material. 
     In addition, a protective layer  31   d  may be further provided below the colored layer  31   b.    
     Hereinafter, each of layers constituting the front plate  31  will be described in detail. 
     The base layer  31   a  is formed of glass or a material capable of transmitting light to transmit light emitted by the lighting device  36 . 
     When the base layer  31   a  is formed of glass, the base layer  31   a  may be formed of a blue glass, a white glass, or a glass whose surface has been subjected to deposition treatment. In order to prevent damage to the front plate  31 , a tempered glass may be included. 
     Here, the “deposition treatment” may refer to a process in which, when an irregular surface is present on a glass, the irregular surface is treated to be smooth or flat, and a predetermined color is implemented on the surface of the glass. 
     When the base layer  31   a  is made of a deposited glass, an irregular surface present in the glass may be polished, so that the exterior panel may be made more luxurious. 
     The deposition process may be performed by an “evaporation” process in which a metal source is heated, dissolved, and evaporated using high-temperature heat to be deposited on a wafer, that is, the glass. In particular, when depositing, on a glass, SiO2 or TiO2 as a source, various colors of the glass may be realized, making the color of the exterior panel luxurious. 
     In addition, the deposition process may be performed by a sputtering process in which plasma is formed by a high voltage generated by a voltage generator and the plasma ions collide with a target to attach metal atoms to the wafer, that is, the glass surface to form a metal film. 
     In addition, when the base layer  31   a  is formed of a transparent plastic material capable of transmitting light, the base layer  31   a  may be formed of ABS, PMMA, or PC resin. 
     On the other hand, unlike the deposition process on the base layer  31   a,  a deposition layer  31   e  made of a film deposited with a metal may be further provided on one surface of the base layer  31   a.    
     The deposition layer  31   e  may be a film deposited with one metal selected from aluminum, chromium, zinc, copper, stainless steel, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, iron, and tin. Here, the deposition method is not particularly limited. 
     The deposition layer  31   e  may optionally be replaced by directly performing a deposition process on the base layer  31   a  as described above. 
     By the deposition process, it is possible to provide a metallic texture to the exterior panel  30 . 
     The colored layer  31   b  for implementing the basic color of the front plate  31  is provided on one surface of the base layer  31   a.  That is, the colored layer  31   b  is provided to implement a predetermined color, and may implement the main color of the exterior panel  30  when the lighting device  36  is turned off. 
     The colored layer  31   b  may be formed in various colors and may be formed to have light transmittance. 
     When the lighting device  36  is turned on, the light emitted from the lighting device  36  passes through the base layer  31   a,  so that the color of the exterior panel  30  is realized by the light sources of the lighting device  36 . The lighting device  36  may freely select the color of the light source by the user&#39;s operation, so that the overall color of the exterior panel  30  may be be changed according to the user&#39;s selection. 
     Further, when the lighting device  36  is turned off, the color implemented by the colored layer  31   b  is seen through the transparent base layer  31   a,  thereby realizing the overall color of the exterior panel  30 . That is, the colored layer  31   b  serves to set the basic color of the exterior panel  30  when the lighting device  36  is turned off 
     In addition, since the base layer  31   a  is made of a material capable of transmitting light, other structures such as the lighting device  36  and the support member  32  disposed inside the exterior panel  30  may be seen from the front. The colored layer  31   b  implements a color or pattern behind the base layer  31   a  to conceal structures disposed behind the base layer  31   a.  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the exterior of other structures such as the lighting device  36  from being exposed to the front of the exterior panel  30 . 
     A method of implementing a color in the colored layer  31   b  is not limited, but a deposition film or a film subjected to transfer printing is applied, or a silk screen printing method, so-called screen process may be performed to print and implement the color. 
     In addition, at least one of an organic component, an inorganic component, and an organic-inorganic composite component may be deposited. In addition, the pigment for realizing the color is not limited thereto, but an inorganic or organic pigment may be used. 
     As another example, the colored layer  31   b  is preferably implemented by a silk screen printing method that can be used for a material made of glass because the silk screen printing method can express a variety of colors and can be performed regardless of size or material. 
     On the other hand, the silk screen printing is so-called a screen process in which, when a fabric made of silk or chemical fiber is stretched to make a screen, a non-image portion is covered with paper or glue, and then ink is applied thereon, the ink passes through only the screen of an image portion and printing is performed. 
     Since the silk screen printing method does not require a separate high-temperature compression process such as the gravure printing method, it is possible to easily form the colored layer  31   b  on the surface of the base layer  31   a  made of a glass material or a light-transmitting plastic material. 
     The pattern layer  31   c  may be provided above the base layer  31   a,  that is, in front of the base layer  31   a  when the exterior panel  30  is viewed from the front. 
     The pattern layer  31   c  may provide the exterior panel  30  with a beautiful appearance by providing texture and a sense of luxury to the exterior panel  30 . 
     The pattern layer  31   c  may include, for example, a plurality of protrusions protruding to an upper side of the base layer  31   a  by a predetermined height so that the user can feel the unevenness or the stone texture. 
     Such texture implementation may be implemented through imprinting on a film, etching, silk screen or glass printing method. Preferably, a uniform pattern may be formed irrespective of the length of the exterior panel  30  in the longitudinal direction, and an imprinting method capable of implementing various roughnesses may be used. 
     Specifically, the pattern layer  31   c  may be formed by performing an imprinting process on at least one surface of a film to provide various patterns such as a matte pattern or a hairline pattern to the at least one surface of the film. A luxurious texture may be implemented on the entire surface of the exterior panel  30  by the pattern layer  31   c.    
     The film forming the pattern layer  31   c  may be a transparent film, and may be formed of a resin material. In one example, the film may include at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), acrynitrilebutadienestyrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), and styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). Preferably, the use of a transparent PET film having excellent uniformity and transparency may enable texture to be more clearly expressed, but is not limited thereto. 
     The pattern layer  31   c  is formed by imprinting of UV curable resin composition applied on the film with a molding roller having a pattern on the film, and UV curing is performed to implement the pattern formed on the molding roller on the film. 
     In this case, the UV curable resin composition may include, but is not limited to, an acrylate-based oligomer, a monomer, a photoinitiator, and an additive. The acrylate-based oligomer may be, for example, one selected from urethane-based, epoxy-based, ester-based, ether-based, and silicone-based. Preferably, a polyurethane acrylate prepared by reacting diisocyanate, polyol and methacrylate may be used, but is not necessarily limited thereto. 
     In addition, a release paper coated with an adhesive may be further provided on the pattern layer  31   c.  The adhesive is preferably a hot-melt type adhesive that is adhered by heat and pressure. 
     The protective layer  31   d  may protect the base layer  31   a,  and when the base layer  31   a  made of a glass material is damaged, prevent or alleviates scattering of the base layer  31   a  to reduce the risk of cuts. When the base layer  31   a  is made of a plastic material, the protective layer  31   d  may be omitted. 
     For example, even when the base layer  31   a  is damaged, scattering of the fragments may be prevented because the fragments are attached to the protective layer  31   d.  This protective layer  31   d  may include a scattering prevention film. 
     In addition, the protective layer  31   d  may be formed of a film in which a polymer resin is laminated, together with the scattering prevention film. When the protective layer  31   d  includes a polymer resin in the scattering prevention film, the scattering prevention function and the impact resistance may be improved. 
     The polymer resin is preferably formed of a material capable of transmitting light, and may include, for example, at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) but is not limited thereto. 
     The protective layer  31   d  may include an adhesive for strengthening adhesion to the base layer  31   a  or the colored layer  31   b.  The adhesive is not limited thereto, but may be provided by an acrylic or silicone-based adhesive. 
     The protective layer  31   d  is provided at the rear of the base layer  31   a,  and is formed of a light-transmitting material such that the light emitted from the lighting device  36  can be transmitted to the base layer  31   a,  and the protective layer preferably has a white or white-based color. 
     In a case where the base layer  31   a  is made of a glass material, the protective layer  31   d  may be disposed behind the base layer  31   a  when the base layer  31   a  is viewed from the upper side, that is, the panel assembly  30  is viewed from the front. 
     Hereinafter, the operation of the refrigerator  1  and the panel assembly  30  having the above structure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. 
     Hereinafter, the front plate  31  will be described as a panel  31 . 
       FIG.  10    is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal of the refrigerator. The controller  13  may be configured to control the lighting device  36  based on a signal received from an operation part  14  of the refrigerator and/or from a user detection sensor  151  of the refrigerator and/or of an illuminance sensor  152  of the refrigerator and/or from a microphone  18  of the refrigerator and/or from a timer  16  of the refrigerator and/or from a remote device or remote control device  2 , e.g. a mobile device, PDA or mobile phone.  FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view showing a light emitting state of the panel assembly. Further,  FIG.  12    is a view showing an example of adjusting colors of home appliances to which the panel assembly is applied using the remote device. 
     As shown in the drawings, the exterior of the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed by the panel assembly  30 , and the appearance may be changed to have a color set by the user according to the operation of the lighting device  36 . The panel assembly may be expressed in various colors by light emitted from the rear side. 
     The home appliance may be any one of a refrigerator  1 , an air conditioner  5 , a dishwasher  6 , a clothes manager  7 , a washing machine  8 , or a cooking appliance  9 , each of which may employ the same structure as that of the panel assembly  30  of the embodiment of the present disclosure such that the color of the front exterior thereof can be freely changed. 
     For example, as in the above-described embodiment, in the refrigerator  1 , the panel assembly  30  may be provided on the front surface of the door  20  that opens and closes the cabinet  10 . In addition, the panel assembly  30  may shine in a set color by a user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the refrigerator  1  may be changed. 
     As another example, the indoor unit of the air conditioner  5  may have a space, in which a heat exchange device, a fan and the like are provided, inside a case  51  (or a cabinet) that forms an exterior. In addition, the front surface of the case  51  may be formed by a panel assembly  511 . The panel assembly  511  may have the same structure as the panel assembly  30  of the refrigerator  1  to emit light. 
     Accordingly, the panel assembly  511  may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the indoor unit of the air conditioner  5  may be changed to the set color. 
     As another example, the dishwasher  6  may have a space for washing of dishes inside a case  61  (or a cabinet) that forms an exterior. In addition, the front surface of the case  61  may be opened and closed by the door  62 , and the front surface of the door  62  may be formed by the panel assembly  621 . The panel assembly  621  may have the same structure as the panel assembly  30  of the refrigerator  1  to emit light. 
     Accordingly, the panel assembly  511  may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the dishwasher  6  may be changed to the set color. 
     As another example, the clothes manager  7  may have a space for storing clothes inside a case  71  (or a cabinet) that forms an exterior. In addition, the front surface of the case  71  may be opened and closed by the door  72 , and the front surface of the door  72  may be formed by the panel assembly  721 . The panel assembly  721  may have the same structure as the panel assembly  30  of the refrigerator  1  to emit light. 
     Accordingly, the panel assembly  721  may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the clothes manager  7  may be changed to the set color. 
     As another example, the washing machine  8  or the dryer may have a space for washing or drying inside a case  81  (or cabinet) forming the exterior. In addition, the front of the case  81  may be opened and closed by the door  82 . Meanwhile, the front of the case  81  may be formed by a panel assembly  811 . The panel assembly  811  may have the same structure as the panel assembly  30  of the refrigerator  1  to emit light. 
     Accordingly, the panel assembly  30  may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the washing machine  8  or the dryer may be changed to the set color. 
     As another example, the cooking appliance  9  may have a space for cooking food may be formed inside a case  91  (or a cabinet) that forms an exterior. In addition, the front surface of the case  91  may be opened and closed by the door  92 , and the front surface of the door  92  may be formed by the panel assembly  921 . The panel assembly  921  may have the same structure as the panel assembly  30  of the refrigerator  1  to emit light. 
     Accordingly, the panel assembly  921  may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the cooking appliance  9  may be changed to the set color. 
     Meanwhile, a process of changing the color of the panel assembly  30  will be described below. 
     In a state in which the lighting device  36  is turned off, a color of the front exterior may be expressed by the color of the panel  31 . A color displayed on the panel  31  when the lighting device  36  is turned off may be referred to as a first color. 
     When the lighting device  36  is turned on, the color of the panel  31  is changed according to the color of the light emitted from the lighting device  36 , and the color of the front exterior of the door  20  may be expressed in the selected color. In this case, the color of the light emitted from the lighting device  36  may be referred to as a second color, and the color of the panel that is changed when the lighting device  36  is turned on may be referred to as a third color. 
     The second color may be different from the third color, and the third color of the panel  31  selected by the user may be implemented by a second color adjusted in consideration of the first color of the panel  31  itself. That is, the light of the second color emitted from the lighting device  36  may be determined by the controller  13  in consideration of the first color of the panel  31  itself, and the panel  31  finally appears in the third color selected by the user while the light with the second color passing through the panel of the first color. 
     In detail, the color of the panel  31  may be determined by the selective operation of the lighting device  36 . For example, the lighting device  36  may be operated and set through a remote device  2  separated from the refrigerator  1 . The refrigerator  1  may communicate with the remote device  2  through the communication device  17  connected to the controller  13 , and the user operates the lighting device  36  through the remote device  2 . 
     The communication device  17  may communicate with the remote device  2  in various ways. For example, the communication device  17  may have a structure capable of communicating in at least one communication method of wired, wireless and short-range communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, NFC, or the like) methods. In addition, the remote device  2  may be various devices capable of communication, such as a dedicated terminal, a mobile phone, a tablet, a portable PC, a desktop PC, a remote control, and a Bluetooth speaker. 
     The user may generally operate and set an operating state of the lighting device  36  by operating the remote device  2 , such as the operating time, operating conditions, and luminous color of the light source of the lighting device  36 . For example, a simple operation and setting of the lighting device  36  may be possible through an application installed on the user&#39;s mobile phone or a dedicated program. 
     The selection of a changed color of the panel  31  through the remote device  2  will be described with reference to  FIG.  25   . The user may select a desired color of the panel  31  through the screen  2   a  of the remote device  2  such as a mobile phone or a terminal. 
     When the user operates the remote device  2 , the remote device first outputs a menu screen  2   b  to enable the user to operate a panel color change menu  2   b   1  through the menu screen  2   b.    
     When the user selects the panel color change menu  2   b   1 , the remote device  2  may output a color selection screen  2   c  on the menu screen  2   b,  and the user may select change a position of the panel  31  to be changed and the color of the panel  31  to be changed on the menu screen  2   b.    
     Specifically, a panel position selection menu  2   c   1  is displayed on the color selection screen  2   c  to enable the user to select the panel  31  mounted on the door  20  at a desired position among the plurality of doors  20 . In addition, the panel  31  of the door  20  selected by the user may be displayed in the panel position selection menu  2   c   1 . 
     After selecting a desired position of the panel  31 , the user may select and input color selection menus  2   c   2  and  2   c   3  displayed on the color selection screen  2   c.  For example, on the color selection menus  2   c   2  and  2   c   3 , all colors displayable by the panel  31  may be displayed in the form of a color picker capable of identifying and extracting a color code. The color selection menus  2   c   2  and  2   c   3  may be referred to as a palette because combinations and selection of various colors are possible. 
     The color selection menus  2   c   2  and  2   c   3  may include a circular-shaped first selection part  2   c   2  and a bar-shaped second selection part  2   c   3 . A color may be selected through the first selection part  2   c   2 , and an intensity of the selected color may be selected through the the second selection part  2   c   3 . The color selection menus  2   c   2  and  2   c   3  may include either one of the first selection part  2   c   2  and the second selection part  2   c   3 . 
     As described above, the user can select the color of the panel  31 , that is, the third color, from among various colors through the color selection menus  2   c   2  and  2   c   3 . It is noted that the color selection menus  2   c   2  and  2   c   3  may be configured to be inputable in the form of letters, codes, and numbers. 
     According to the user&#39;s selection of the third color, the controller  13  may allow the lighting device  36  to emit light in the second color such that that the panel  31  appears in the third color. 
     In addition, the user may input a color through an operation part  14  provided in the refrigerator  1  without using the remote device  2 . 
     In addition, the refrigerator  1  and the remote device  2  may be connected to a server via a network, and thus, the color of the panel  31  of the refrigerator  1  may be input through the server  3 . 
     On the other hand, the operation of the lighting device  36  may be controlled through the user&#39;s operation of the operation part  14 . The operation part  14  may be provided at one side of the refrigerator  1 , for example, at one side of the cabinet  10 . It is noted that the operation part  14  may be provided on the door  20  as needed, and an input may be performed by operation such as touching or knocking on the panel  31 . That is, the user may set the operation of the lighting device  36  by directly operating the operation part  14 , and may turn the lighting device  36  on or off. 
     Also, the lighting device  36  may be operated by a sensor. The sensor may be, for example, a user detection sensor  151  that detects a user&#39;s proximity. For example, the user detection sensor  151  may be implemented by various devices capable of detecting the proximity of the user to the vicinity of the refrigerator, such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor. 
     In addition, the user detection sensor  151  may be provided on one side of the cabinet or door  20 , and may be disposed in various positions for detecting the proximity of the user. Further, a plurality of the sensors may be provided at different positions. 
     Therefore, when the user approaches the refrigerator  1  by a set distance for use of the refrigerator  1 , the user detection sensor  151  detects it and transmits a signal to the controller  13  to allow the lighting device  36  to be turned on. In addition, when the user moves away from the refrigerator  1 , the user detection sensor  151  detects it and transmits a signal to the controller  13  to allow the lighting device  36  to be turned off. 
     Specifically, when it is detected that the user is very close to the refrigerator  1  through the user detection sensor  151 , the lighting device  36  may be turned off or the brightness may be gradually dimmed to prevent glare of the user. In addition, when the user moves away from the refrigerator  1  again, the lighting device  36  may be turned on again or may return to the original brightness. 
     The sensor may be an illuminance sensor  152 . The illuminance sensor  152  detects the illuminance of an indoor space and may be disposed at the same location as the user detection sensor  151 . 
     In addition, the lighting device  36  may be operated according to the detected illuminance of the illuminance sensor  152 . For example, when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor  152  is less than a set illuminance and it is dark, the controller  13  may turn on the lighting device  36 , and when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor  152  is equal to or greater than the set illuminance and it is bright, the control unit  13  may turn off the lighting device  36 . 
     On the other hand, the sensor may include both the illuminance sensor  152  and the user detection sensor  151 , and the controller  13  may allow the lighting device  36  to be turned on and off in cooperation with the illuminance sensor  152  and the user detection sensor  151 . 
     In addition, the controller  13  may be connected to a microphone  18 . Therefore, the controller may allow the LED  362  to emit light in a set color according to a voice signal received from the microphone  18 , and display the input state of the voice signal or the setting state of the function through the front color of the door  20 . 
     For example, when a temperature control signal of a user is input through the microphone  18 , the controller  13  may adjust a temperature in the refrigerator to a set temperature, and operate the lighting device  36  such that the color of the front surface of the door  20  is changed to a color corresponding to the temperature. 
     On the other hand, the lighting device  36  may be turned on and off at a time set by a timer  16 . That is, the lighting device  36  may be turned on according to the time period during which the user is mainly active, and may be maintained in an off state outside the set time period. In addition, the lighting device  36  may be turned off during the day and turned on during the night, regardless of actual illuminance. 
     In addition, the brightness and color of the front surface of the door  20  may be adjusted according to a user&#39;s settings regardless of the operating state of the refrigerator  1 . 
     In addition, the lighting device  36  may include a state in which brightness is adjusted in addition to an on state and an off state. That is, the controller  13  may adjust the output of the light emitted through the lighting device  36  to change the brightness of the panel  31 . Also, the operating state of the refrigerator  1  may be indicated through the brightness of the panel  31 . 
     On the other hand, the operating state of the lighting device  36  operated by the controller  13  is described specifically. When the lighting device  36  is turned on according to the instruction of the controller  13 , the light emitted by the LED  362  may be emitted toward the lower end of the light guide plate  33 . In this case, the light emitted from the LED  362  may be emitted in the second color selected by the controller  13 . That is, the LED  362  is an RGB LED and may emit light of the second color adjusted by the controller  13  such that the surface of the panel  31  is able to shine in the third color selected by the user. 
     Light incident through the lower end of the light guide plate  33  may be diffused and reflected along the light guide plate  33 , and may move along the light guide plate  33 . In this case, the light guided by the light guide plate  33  may be reflected forward by the reflective layer  331  and be transmitted to the outside by passing through the panel  31 . 
     Light directed forward through the light guide plate  33  passes through the transmitting member  32  to illuminate the panel  31 , and the front surface of the door  20  may shine with a set brightness or color. 
     In this case, the light guide plate  33  may direct light of sufficient brightness from the entire surface forward by the LEDs  362  disposed to both ends of an LED mounting portion  361   a , and thus the entire surface of the panel  31  including both ends of the panel  31  shines with uniform brightness. 
     Hereinafter, an operational flowchart of controlling the lighting device in the controller will be described in detail. 
       FIG.  13    is a view showing a flowchart for describing operation of controlling a lighting device in a controller. 
     Prior to description, a color of the panel  31  itself is defined as a first color. Further, a color of light emitted by light sources of the lighting device is defined as a second color. In addition, a color selected by a user is defined as a third color. 
     The panel  31  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a colored layer  31   b  that implements the color of the panel  31  itself. The colored layer  31   b  may implement the main color of the front surface of the door when the lighting device  36  is turned off. 
     In addition, the panel  31  is formed of a material capable of transmitting light, so that when the lighting device  36  is turned on, the light emitted by the light sources passes through the panel  31  to enable the front surface of the door to brightly shine. 
     On the other hand, the color of the panel  31  itself is formed to have a color with a lightness of 0 or more rather than black. Therefore, in the process in which the color of the light emitted by the light source passes through the panel  31 , the color of the light source and the color of the panel itself are mixed, interfered, or absorbed, so that the color of the light emitted by the light source is distorted. 
     That is, even if the RGB LEDs constituting the light source implement the third color selected by the user and emit light toward the panel  31 , a color other than the third color may be seen due to the first color of the panel  31  itself. 
     Accordingly, in order to implement the third color selected by the user on the panel  31 , it is necessary to adjust the degree to which the color of the light emitted from the light source is distorted by the color of the panel  31  itself 
     Accordingly, the controller may perform adjustment such that the entire panel is able to appear in the third color selected by the user. 
     In detail, the controller may receive third color information set by the user (S 1 ). In this case, a user may select a desired color through a remote device or a manipulation device as the third color. The third color may be freely set from a palette in which combinations and selections for various color are possible. 
     The controller may receive the RGB value of the third color selected by the user. 
     In addition, the controller may calculate the second color information in consideration of the first color of the panel  31  itself appearing on the panel  31  (S 2 ). 
     Specifically, the controller may store the RGB values of the first color of the panel  31  in advance. Then, the controller may calculate a second color adjusted in consideration of the RGB value of the third color and the RGB value of the first color. 
     The second color information may be calculated by, for example, reflecting an adjustment value calculated in consideration of the first color to the RGB value of the third color using a relational expression derived through an experiment. 
     The controller may control the light sources of the lighting device to emit light with the calculated second color (S 3 ). 
     When the light sources emit light in the second color, the light may pass through the panel  31  of the first color, so that the front surface of the panel  31  shines in the third color. 
     Hereinafter, a change in the front exterior of the door  20  according to the operation of the lighting device  36  will be described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG.  14    is a front view showing the front exterior of a refrigerator in a state in which the lighting device is turned off.  FIG.  15    is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which the lighting device is turned on.  FIG.  16    is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which the color of the lighting device is changed.  FIG.  17    is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which some of the plurality of doors emit light.  FIG.  18    is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which the refrigerating chamber door and the freezing chamber door are luminous. 
     The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet having a predetermined space, a door that opens and closes the space, a screen that is detachably installed on the front surface of the door to change from a first color recognized by a user at the front of the door to a second color selected by the user and display the second color; a remote communication terminal that enables the user to identify the second color after selecting the second color, and RGB LEDs that display a color mixed between light emitting elements on the screen according to the selection of the second color by the remote communication terminal, wherein the first color may be a color in a state in which the RGB LEDs are turned off, and the first color may be changeable. 
     Here, the screen may correspond to the aforementioned panel  31 . 
     In addition, a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet having a predetermined space; a door that opens and closes the space; a screen installed on the front surface of the door to change from a first color recognized by the user to a third color selected by the user at the front of the door and perform display; an operation part that enables the user to select third color; and RGB LEDs that emit light with a second color toward the screen, the second color being generated by mixing light of the light emitting elements. In addition, the controller may perform control such that the third color is displayed on the screen, the third color being generated by mixing the first color when the RGB LEDs are turned off and the second color when the RGB LEDs are turned on. 
     In addition, a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet having a first space and a second space; a first door for opening and closing the first space; a second door for opening and closing a second space; a first screen installed on the front surface of the first door to perform change to a third color selected by the user and display the third color; a second screen installed on the front surface of the second door to perform change to a fourth color selected by the user and display the fourth color; a remote communication terminal for enabling the user to select the first door and then set the third color or select the second door and then set the fourth color; a first RGB LED for emitting light of a color generated by mixing light from light emitting elements toward the first screen according to selection of the third color through the remote communication terminal; and a second RGB LED for emitting light of a color generated by mixing light from light emitting elements toward the second screen according to selection of the fourth color through the remote communication terminal. 
     Specifically, in a state in which the lighting device  36  is turned off, as shown in  FIG.  14   , the front surface of the door  20  does not shine, and the original color of the panel assembly  30 , that is, the first color is visible. 
     The panel assembly  30  has a structure that is separable from the door body  40 , so that a user can select an initial color of the panel  31  by mounting the panel assembly  30  of a desired color. It is noted that, if necessary, the user may change the color of the panel  31  when the lighting device  36  is turned off, by exchanging the panel assembly  30  itself. 
     The color of the front surface of the door  20  may be seen as the color of the panel  31 , and the texture and pattern formed on the panel  31  may be seen. In this case, the panel  31  may be formed to have a color having a lightness greater than 0, other than black. 
     Accordingly, the surface of the front surface of the door  20  is seen in the first color that is the color of the panel  31 , and in this case, the components inside the panel assembly  30  cannot be seen from the outside by the color of the panel  31  without seeing through the panel  31 . 
     In this state, the lighting device  36  may be turned on, and when the lighting device  36  is turned on, the front surface of the door  20  shines in a color selected by the user. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  15   , the controller  13  may perform control such that the front surface of the door  20  shines in a third color different from the first color, and the lighting device  36  may allow the LED  362   s  to emit light of the second color under the control of the controller  13 . In this case, the third color may be selected by the user, and the color of the panel  31  may be selected by the operation of the remote device  2  or the operation of the operation part  14 . 
     When the LED  362  emits light in the second color, the light reflected by the light guide plate  33  passes through the front surface of the panel  31 , and the front surface of the door  20 , that is, the panel  31  may be seen in the third color. 
     On the other hand, when the controller  13  instructs the lighting device  36  to change the color of the light emitted from the lighting device  36  while the front exterior of the refrigerator  1  shines in the third color, the panel  31  may shine in a different color reset by the controller  13 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  16   , the controller  13  may instruct the panel  31  to shine in a fourth color different from the third color, and the lighting device  36  may allow the LED  362  to emit light of a different color under the control of the controller  13 . 
     When the LED  362  emits light in the different color, the light reflected by the light guide plate  33  passes through the panel  31 , and the front surface of the door  20 , that is, the panel  31  may be seen in the fourth color. 
     On the other hand, the panel  31  constituting some doors  20  of the plurality of doors  20  forming the front exterior of the refrigerator  1  emits light or the panels  31  constituting the plurality of doors  20  may independent emit light to form the front exterior of the refrigerator  1  in set colors. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  17   , the refrigerator  1  may be operated such that the panel  31  of some doors  20  among the plurality of doors  20  shines or shines in a specific color. That is, not all of the lighting devices  36  provided in the doors  20  are operated, but may be configured such that only some doors  201   a  of all doors  20  shine. For example, any one door  201   a  of the refrigerating chamber doors  201  may shine. That is, the left refrigerating chamber door  201   a  among the left refrigerating chamber door  201   a  and the right refrigerating chamber door  201   b  may shine. It is noted that, as for the doors  20 , any one of the freezing chamber doors  202  may shine. 
     If necessary, the left refrigerating chamber door  201   a  and the right refrigerating chamber door  201   b  may shine in different colors. In addition, colors of at least two or more of the doors  20  may be sequentially changed, and at least two or more of the doors  20  may be sequentially turned on and off. 
     Meanwhile, the refrigerating chamber door  20  or the freezing chamber door  20  among the doors may be controlled to shine in different colors. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  18   , the controller  13  may control the lighting device  36  such that the panels of the pair of refrigerating chamber doors  201  are seen in one color. In addition, the controller  13  may control the lighting device  36  such that the pair of refrigerating chamber doors  201  are seen in different colors. 
     That is, the refrigerating chamber door  201  and the freezing chamber door  202  may be distinguished by colors, and the colors of the refrigerating chamber door  201  and the freezing chamber door  202  may be changed according to a change in temperature of the refrigerator. 
     Accordingly, the user can intuitively grasp the operating state of each storage space as well as distinguish between the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber through colors of the front surface of the door  20 . 
     On the other hand, the present disclosure may be implemented in various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiment. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage space may be partitioned on left and right sides, and the doors may include a refrigerating chamber door and a freezing chamber door on the left and right sides. The another embodiment of the present disclosure has the same structure as the above-described embodiment except for the arrangement of the storage spaces and the doors, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.