Patent Description:
In general, home appliances are disposed in an indoor space and may be disposed to be harmonized with the surrounding space. To further improve the appearance of the home appliance, a panel defining an outer appearance on a front surface of the home appliance may be provided.

Typically, structures that variously modify the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator so as to be harmonized with environments 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.

<CIT> discloses a structure in which a decoration panel defining an outer appearance is installed on a door front of a refrigerator. The outer appearance of the door front is defined according to a user's preference by detachably configuring the decoration panel.

However, the refrigerator having this structure has a problem in that, when a user wants to change the outer appearance, the entire decoration panel needs to be removed and replaced, and it is not possible to use the decoration panel before replacement any longer.

To solve this limitation, <CIT> discloses a refrigerator having a reflective layer and a transparent panel on a door front and colored light emitting members on both side ends of the reflective layer to cause the transparent panel to shine with set color.

<CIT> provides a panel assembly, a refrigerator, and home appliance according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. The panel assembly comprises: a first panel formed of a glass material; a second panel spaced apart from the first panel and formed of a glass material; a plurality of spacers provided between the first panel and the second panel so as to maintain a gap between the first panel and the second panel, and arranged to be spaced apart from each other; a sealing member disposed between the first panel and the second panel for sealing a space between the first panel and the second panel; an exhaust hole provided in at least one of the first panel and the second panel so as to discharge air such that the space between the first panel and the second panel becomes a vacuum insulation space; and a cover member covering the exhaust hole.

<CIT> presents a refrigerator that comprises: a cabinet for forming a storage space; and a door for opening/closing the storage space. The door comprises: a frame assembly in which a thermal insulation material is filled; and a panel assembly which is separably-coupled to the frame assembly and forms the front exterior of the door, wherein, in a state where the lower side of the panel assembly is supported on the lower side of the frame assembly, the upper side of the panel assembly is fixed to the upper side of the frame assembly.

It is an object to provide a home appliance having a light source, wherein light is prevented from leaking through a circumference of a panel assembly to improve quality of an outer appearance.

It is an object to also provide a home appliance in which light is prevented from leaking through an exposed portion of a side surface of a panel assembly to improve quality of an outer appearance.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a home appliance includes: a cabinet having a storage space; and a door including a door body configured to open and close the storage space and a panel assembly mounted on the door body, wherein the panel assembly includes: a panel which is configured to define a front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted; a lighting device provided behind the panel; an upper bracket at an upper end of the panel; and a lower bracket at a lower end of the panel, wherein the upper bracket and/or the lower bracket comprise a bracket protrusion protruding toward the panel to support an upper end of the panel and/or a lower end of the panel.

The upper bracket is configured to support the panel from above to thereby support the upper end of the panel.

The lower bracket is configured to support the panel from below to thereby support the lower end of the panel.

The bracket protrusion is in contact with an upper end and/or a lower end of the panel.

The bracket protrusion protrudes from the upper bracket and/or the lower bracket toward the panel.

Thus, the bracket protrusion may protrude to cover the upper end and/or the lower end of the panel to fix the panel and/or so as to prevent the light from leaking from the lighting device.

By using the upper and/or lower bracket protrusion, which protrude further onto the rear surface of the panel than the support portion of the upper and/or lower bracket, a leaking of light between the upper and/or lower end of the panel and the upper and/or lower bracket is further prevented.

So, the upper and/or lower bracket protrusion, is at least overlapping with a portion of the edge at the upper end and/or lower end of the panel. Due to the overlap, light generated by the lighting device might not easily escape. Thus, the light can be only provided to the rear surface pf the panel to illuminate the panel without creating a bright edge at the circumference of the panel.

Prior to a description, directions are defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction toward a door is defined as a front direction with respect to a cabinet shown in <FIG>, a direction toward the cabinet with respect to the door is defined as a rear direction, a direction toward a bottom on which a refrigerator is installed is defined as a downward direction, and a direction away from the bottom is defined as an upward direction.

The invention is described in view of a refrigerator as example. However, the invention might be applied to any kind of home appliance having a plate shaped door or plate shaped panel at the front surface thereof or at any surface viewable for the user.

<FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator of a first embodiment. Also, <FIG> is a front view illustrating a state in which a door of the refrigerator is opened.

As illustrated in the drawings, an outer appearance of a refrigerator <NUM> of an embodiment may be defined by a cabinet <NUM> in which a storage space is defined, and a door <NUM> for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet <NUM>.

For example, the cabinet <NUM> may define the storage space partitioned in a vertical direction. Here, a refrigerating compartment <NUM> may be defined at an upper portion of the cabinet <NUM>, and a freezing compartment <NUM> may be defined at a lower portion of the cabinet <NUM>. The refrigerating compartment <NUM> may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezing compartment <NUM> may be referred to as a lower storage space. It is possible to partition the storage space in horizontal direction or in vertical and horizontal direction.

The door <NUM> may be configured to open and close each of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> and the freezing compartment <NUM>. For example, the door <NUM> may be connected to the cabinet by hinge devices <NUM> and <NUM> and then rotatably mounted to the cabinet <NUM>, and each of the refrigerating compartment <NUM> and the freezing compartment <NUM> may be opened and closed by the rotation.

The door <NUM> may include a refrigerating compartment door <NUM> that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment <NUM> and a freezing compartment door <NUM> that opens and closes the freezing compartment <NUM>. The refrigerating compartment door <NUM> may have pair of doors arranged side by side at both left and right sides, and each of the refrigerating compartment doors <NUM> may partially open and close the refrigerating compartment <NUM>. The freezing compartment door <NUM> may be disposed in a pair side by side at both left and right sides. Each of the freezing compartments <NUM> partitioned to the left and right sides may be opened and closed.

Of course, although the refrigerator having a structure in which a refrigerating compartment <NUM> is disposed at an upper side, and a freezing compartment <NUM> is disposed at a lower side is described as an example in the embodiment, the present disclosure may be applied to all types of refrigerators equipped with a door without being limited to types of refrigerators.

The invention might be also applied to refrigerators or home appliances in generals having a drawing type door.

An outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM> may be defined in the state in which the door <NUM> is closed and may define the out appearance of the refrigerator <NUM> viewed from the front in the state in which the refrigerator <NUM> is installed.

The door <NUM> may have a structure in which a front surface selectively emits light and may be configured to shine with set color or brightness. Thus, a user may manipulate the refrigerator <NUM> so that the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM> is changed in color or brightness of the door <NUM> without separating or disassembling the door <NUM> and may change the overall outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the structure of the door <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to drawings. An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the refrigerator compartment door <NUM> disposed at the left side, and other doors may have the same structure with only a difference in mounting position.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the door. Also, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which a panel assembly and a door body, which are components of the door, are separated from each other.

As illustrated in the drawings, the door <NUM> includes a door body <NUM> defining the overall shape of the door <NUM> and configured to open and close the storage space and a panel assembly <NUM> defining an outer appearance of a front surface of the door <NUM>. That is, the door <NUM> is configured so that the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted on a front surface of the door body <NUM>.

The door body <NUM> may include a body plate <NUM> defining a front surface of the door body <NUM> and a door liner <NUM> defining a rear surface. The body plate <NUM> may be made of a metal material and disposed to face a rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. The door liner <NUM> may be made of a plastic material and may form at least a bottom shape of the door <NUM>.

The door body <NUM> may include a side decoration <NUM> defining right and left side surfaces of the door body <NUM>. The side decoration <NUM> may connect both right and left ends of the body plate <NUM> and both right and left ends of the door liner <NUM>.

The door body <NUM> may include an upper cap decoration <NUM> and a lower cap decoration <NUM> that form top and bottom surfaces of the door body <NUM>. The upper cap decoration <NUM> may be connected to an upper end of the side decoration <NUM>, an upper end of the body plate <NUM>, and an upper end of the door liner <NUM>. The lower cap decoration <NUM> may be connected to a lower end of the side decoration <NUM>, a lower end of the body plate <NUM>, and a lower end of the door liner <NUM>.

An insulator <NUM> may be filled in an internal space of the door body <NUM>.

The internal space of the door body <NUM> may bedefined by coupling the body plate <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, the side decoration <NUM>, the upper cap decoration <NUM>, and the lower cap decoration <NUM>.

The panel assembly <NUM> may be provided in a plate shape and may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the door <NUM> while being mounted on the front surface of the door body <NUM>. The panel assembly <NUM> may have a size corresponding to that of the front surface of the door body <NUM>. Therefore, in a state in which the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted, an outer appearance of the front surface of the door <NUM> may be defined by the panel assembly <NUM>. At least a portion of the circumference of the panel assembly <NUM> may protrude further forward than the door body <NUM> and may define a circumference of the outer appearance of the door <NUM>.

The panel assembly <NUM> may be detachably mounted on the door body <NUM>.

For example, the lower end of the panel assembly <NUM> may be supported by the lower cap decoration <NUM>, and an upper protrusion <NUM> may be disposed on an upper end of the rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM> and be inserted and mounted into an upper mounting portion <NUM> on the front surface of the door body <NUM>. The upper protrusion <NUM> may be restricted by an upper cover <NUM> mounted on an opened top surface of the upper cap decoration <NUM>.

As described above, the panel assembly <NUM> may be detachably mounted from the door body <NUM> for services and maintenance.

A front surface of the panel assembly <NUM> may be exposed forward in the state in which the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted on the door body <NUM>, and the panel assembly <NUM> may substantially form the outer appearance of the front surface of the door <NUM>. That is, a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the door <NUM> may be determined by a color of the front surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. The entire front surface of the panel assembly <NUM> may be configured to shine in a color specified by the user, and in the state in which the door <NUM> and the panel assembly <NUM> are mounted, various colors selected by the user may be changed to variously express the color of the front surface of the door <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the structure of the panel assembly <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded front perspective view of the panel assembly. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of <FIG>.

As illustrated in the drawings, the panel assembly <NUM> includes a panel <NUM> defining an outer appearance of the front surface, a lighting device <NUM> irradiating light to allow the panel <NUM> to shine, a light guide plate <NUM> guiding light irradiated from the lighting device <NUM>, and a mounting member <NUM> on which the panel <NUM> is mounted.

The panel assembly <NUM> includes an upper bracket <NUM> forming a top surface of the panel assembly <NUM> and a lower bracket <NUM> forming a bottom surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> may be mounted on the lower bracket <NUM>.

The panel assembly <NUM> may further include a back cover <NUM> defining an outer appearance of a rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM>.

In more detail, the panel <NUM> may be provided in a rectangular plate shape and may be made of a transparent material that transmits light therethrough. For example the panel <NUM> may be made of a glass material such as blue glass, white glass, and vapor deposition glass or may be made of other materials for transmitting light therethrough, such as ABS, PMMA, or PC. In all embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "transparent" and "transmission" may be defined as a state in which the light passes to display a set color through the panel <NUM>.

The panel <NUM> may be provided to have a color. The front plate <NUM> may be configured to transmit light emitted from the lighting device <NUM> but components behind the front plate <NUM> may not be seen therethrough.

The panel <NUM> may be mounted on a front surface of the mounting member <NUM>. In the state in which the panel <NUM> is attached to the mounting member <NUM>, when viewed from the front, the components <NUM> disposed behind the panel in addition to the mounting member <NUM> may not be exposed to the outside, and the outer appearance of the front surfaces of the panel assembly <NUM> and the door <NUM> may be defined.

The light guide plate <NUM> may be positioned at a rear spaced apart from the panel <NUM> and may be configured to guide light emitted from the lighting device <NUM> disposed below the light guide plate <NUM> forward toward the panel <NUM>. A reflective layer <NUM> may be disposed on a rear surface of the light guide plate <NUM> so that light inside the light guide plate <NUM> is directed forward.

The mounting member <NUM> may be disposed between the panel <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM>. The mounting member <NUM> may be configured so that the light guide plate <NUM> and the panel <NUM> are fixedly mounted thereon. The mounting member <NUM> may be made of a material that allows light to be transmitted.

The mounting member <NUM> may include a front surface portion <NUM> having a plate shape, and a side surface portion <NUM> that protrudes backward from each of both right and left ends of the front surface portion <NUM>. The front surface portion <NUM> may be disposed between the panel <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM>, and also, the front surface may be in contact with the panel <NUM>, and the rear surface may be in contact with the light guide plate <NUM>. The side surface portion <NUM> may provide a structure on which the light guide plate <NUM> is fixed, and the upper bracket <NUM>, the lower bracket <NUM>, and the back cover <NUM> are mounted.

In detail, the front surface portion <NUM> may be provided in the plate shape having a size corresponding to that of the panel <NUM>, and an adhesive member <NUM> may be applied around the front surface portion <NUM> so that the panel <NUM> adheres to the mounting member <NUM>.

A horizontal width W2 of the front surface portion <NUM> may be slightly less than a horizontal width W1 of the panel <NUM>. That is, in a state in which the panel <NUM> is mounted on the front surface portion <NUM>, a side end of the panel <NUM> may protrude further than a side end of the front surface portion <NUM> by a predetermined distance G1.

Thus, when the panel assembly <NUM> is viewed from the front side, the width W1 of the panel <NUM> may be greater than the width W2 of the mounting member <NUM>, and thus, the mounting member <NUM> may not be exposed forward.

Particularly, the side surface portions <NUM> disposed at both left and right ends of the front portion <NUM> are disposed more inside than both the ends of the panel <NUM>. Thus, the side surface portion <NUM> may be exposed laterally to define the outer appearance of the door <NUM>, but may be obscured by the panel <NUM> when viewed from the front side. Thus, even if light is irradiated through the mounting member <NUM>, the side surface portion <NUM> is not seen forward.

The side surface portions <NUM> may be disposed along both left and right ends of the light guide plate <NUM> to restrict both the ends of the light guide plate <NUM>. The upper bracket <NUM>, the lower bracket <NUM>, and the back cover <NUM> may also be mounted on the side surface portion <NUM>.

In detail, the side surface portion <NUM> may include a first part 322a extending backward from each of both left and right ends of the front surface portion <NUM> and a second part <NUM> bent from an end of the first part 322a.

The first part 322a may extend perpendicular to the front surface portion <NUM> from each of both the left and right ends of the front surface portion <NUM> and may define a side surface of the panel assembly <NUM>.

A restriction groove <NUM> may be defined in the first part 322a. The restriction groove <NUM> may be defined so that the side restriction portion 393a of the back cover <NUM> is inserted when the back cover <NUM> is mounted.

The second part 322b may extend perpendicular to the first part 322a. The second part 322b may be configured to restrict the light guide plate <NUM> and simultaneously restrict both the ends of the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM>.

In detail, the front surface of the second part 322b may be defined to have a stepped shape. Thus, a light guide plate insertion space <NUM> and a bracket insertion space <NUM> may be defined in the side surface portion <NUM> by the first part 322a, the second part 322b, and the front surface part <NUM>, respectively.

In a state in which the light guide plate <NUM> is inserted into the light guide plate insertion space <NUM>, both left and right ends of the light guide plate <NUM> may be restricted, and movement of the light guide plate <NUM> in the front and rear direction may be restricted. The lower end of the light guide plate <NUM> may be disposed to face the lighting device <NUM>.

The upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM> may be inserted into the bracket insertion space <NUM> so as to be firmly coupled to the mounting member <NUM>. The upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM> may define top and bottom surfaces of the panel assembly <NUM> in the state of being coupled to the mounting member <NUM> and may be coupled to the back cover <NUM>.

The mounting bracket <NUM> may be inserted into the bracket insertion space <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> may allow the panel assembly <NUM> to be fixedly mounted to the door body <NUM> and may pass through a bracket opening 392b of the back cover <NUM> in the state of being mounted on the side surface portion <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> may be provided between the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM> and may be provided in plurality along the side surface portions <NUM> on both the sides thereof.

In detail, the mounting bracket <NUM> may include a fixing portion <NUM> fixed to the side surface portion <NUM> and a protrusion <NUM> passing through the back cover <NUM> so as to be restricted on the front surface of the door body <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> may be provided in a plate shape that is in close contact with the rear surface of the light guide plate <NUM>, and at least a portion of the fixing portion <NUM> may be inserted and fixed inside the bracket insertion space <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may extend backward from the fixing portion <NUM> to pass through the bracket opening 392b. An end of the protrusion <NUM> may be provided in a hook shape to be hooked in the state of being inserted into the bracket opening 392b. Thus, the panel assembly <NUM> may provide an additional fixing structure to the door body <NUM> by the mounting bracket <NUM>.

The back cover may be coupled to the upper bracket and the lower bracket, and the assembly structure of the panel assembly may be completed by the coupling of the back cover.

The back cover <NUM> may be provided in the form of a plate made of a metal material and may define the rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. The back cover <NUM> may include a cover protrusion <NUM> at the center of the back cover <NUM> and a cover circumferential portion <NUM> disposed along a circumference of the cover protrusion <NUM>, and the cover protrusion <NUM> and the cover circumferential portion <NUM> may be provided through forming.

The cover protrusion <NUM> may be disposed inside the cover circumferential portion <NUM>, that is, at the center of the back cover <NUM> and may protrude more forward than the cover circumferential portion <NUM>. When the back cover <NUM> is mounted, the rear surface of the light guide plate <NUM> may be supported by the cover protrusion <NUM>.

The cover circumferential portion <NUM> may define the circumference of the back cover <NUM> and may be disposed along the circumference of the cover protrusion <NUM>. The bracket opening 392b through which the mounting bracket <NUM> passes may be defined at each of both left and right sides of the cover circumferential portion <NUM>.

A cover side surface <NUM> bent forward may be disposed at each of both left and right ends of the cover circumferential portion <NUM>. The side restriction portion 393a inserted into the restriction groove <NUM> may be disposed on an end of the cover side surface <NUM>. Thus, both the left and right ends of the back cover may be coupled to the side surface portions of the mounting member, respectively.

A screw 397a may be coupled to each of the upper and lower ends of back cover <NUM>, and then, the upper and lower ends of the back cover may be coupled to the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM>, respectively. The coupling structure of the back cover <NUM> and the upper and lower brackets <NUM> and <NUM> will be described in more detail below.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the mounting member, the upper bracket, and the back cover, which constitute the panel assembly. Also, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII' of <FIG>.

As illustrated in the drawings, the upper bracket <NUM> may include an upper bracket extension portion <NUM> and an upper bracket top surface portion <NUM>. The upper bracket extension portion <NUM> may be configured to the upper bracket <NUM> may be disposed in parallel with the panel <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM> to extend in the vertical direction.

An upper bracket mounting portion <NUM> may be disposed on each of both left and right ends of the upper bracket extension portion <NUM>. The upper bracket mounting portion <NUM> may be inserted by being slid downward from an upper side of the bracket insertion space <NUM>.

In the state in which the upper bracket <NUM> is mounted on the mounting member <NUM>, the upper bracket mounting portion <NUM> may be fixed in the bracket insertion space <NUM>, and the remaining upper bracket extension portion <NUM> may be exposed between both the side surface portions <NUM> to support the upper end of the back cover <NUM> and to be coupled to the upper end of the back cover <NUM>.

An upper protrusion <NUM> protruding backward may be disposed on a rear surface of the upper bracket extension portion <NUM>. The upper protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the upper bracket extension portion and be coupled to the upper mounting portion <NUM> of the upper cap decoration <NUM>.

The upper protrusions <NUM> may be provided at regular intervals along the upper bracket <NUM>. The upper protrusion <NUM> may protrude to pass through the protrusion opening <NUM> of the back cover <NUM> when the back cover <NUM> is mounted.

An upper bracket screw hole <NUM> to be coupled to the screw 397a may be defined in the upper bracket extension portion <NUM>. When the back cover <NUM> is mounted, the screw 397a may be coupled to sequentially pass through a cover screw hole <NUM> defined in the back cover <NUM> and an upper bracket screw hole <NUM>. Thus, he upper bracket <NUM> and the back cover <NUM> may be coupled to each other, and the mounting member <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM> inside the mounting member <NUM> may also be fixed.

The upper bracket top surface portion <NUM> may be disposed on an upper end of the upper bracket extension portion <NUM>. The upper bracket top surface portion <NUM> may include a first top surface portion 342a and a second top surface portion 342b.

The first top surface portion 342a may extend forward from an upper end of the extension portion <NUM> and define a portion of the top surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. The first top surface portion 342a may be provided perpendicular to the extension portion <NUM> and may extend further forward than the front surface of the mounting member <NUM>. Thus, the upper ends of the mounting member <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM> may be shielded by the first top surface portion 342a in the state in which the upper bracket <NUM> is mounted.

The second top surface portion 342b may further extend forward from a front end of the first top surface portion 342a and may define a front end of the top surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. The front end of the second top surface portion 342b may overlap at least a portion of the top surface of the panel <NUM>. Thus, the front end of the upper bracket top surface portion <NUM> may support the upper end of the panel <NUM>.

The second top surface portion 342b may be provided to be gradually lowered downward as the second top surface portion 342b extends forward. A top surface of the second top surface portion 342b may be provided to be inclined or rounded, and thus, the second top surface portion 342b may be referred to as an inclined portion or a rounded portion. A front end of the second top surface portion 342b may be disposed at the rear side rather than the front side of the panel <NUM>, and a height thereof may also be the lowest level. Thus, the second top surface portion 342b may be prevented from being exposed to the outside of the panel <NUM> when viewed from the front side.

A bracket protrusion <NUM> extending downward is disposed on the front end of the upper bracket top surface portion <NUM>, that is, on the lower end of the second top surface portion 342b. The bracket protrusion <NUM> supports the upper end of the panel <NUM> and prevents light irradiated from the rear side from leaking between the upper end of the panel <NUM> and the upper bracket <NUM>.

In detail, as illustrated in <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM> may be provided in a round shape having a predetermined curvature. The top surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM> may be referred to as an upper round portion. The top surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM> may have a round which has the most protruding center and front and rear surfaces that are gradually lowered. An impact or load applied to the upper end of the panel <NUM> may be dispersed through the top surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM> having a curved shape, and thus the panel <NUM> may be prevented from being damaged.

The bracket protrusion <NUM> may protrude downward from the front end of the upper bracket top surface <NUM>. The bracket protrusion <NUM> may extend further downward than the upper end of the mounting member <NUM> and the upper end of the light guide plate <NUM>. Thus, the upper ends of the mounting member <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM> may be prevented from being exposed. The bracket protrusion <NUM> may extend downward to support the upper end of the panel <NUM>.

The bracket protrusion <NUM> includes an upper support portion 346a and an upper blocking portion 346b. The upper support portion 346a may extend backward from the front end of the upper bracket top surface portion <NUM>. The upper support portion 346a may extend to be in contact with the most protruding portion of the top surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM>. Here, the upper support portion 346a may be provided in a planar shape and may define a surface crossing the front surface of the panel <NUM>.

The upper blocking portion 346b may extend backward and downward from the rear end of the upper support portion 346a. The upper blocking portion 346b may protrude downward as the upper blocking portion 346b extends rearward and may have a curvature or inclination corresponding to the top surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM>.

Here, the upper blocking portion 346b is disposed at a height lower than the upper ends of the mounting member <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM> and extend further downward than a bottom surface of the upper support portion 346a by a set height H1. The upper blocking portion 346b extends further downward than the upper end of the panel <NUM> on the basis on the panel <NUM>.

Accordingly, the upper blocking portion 346b blocks the light irradiated from the rear side from passing between the upper end of the panel <NUM> and the upper support portion 346a. When the panel assembly <NUM> is viewed in the state in which the lighting device <NUM> is turned on, the light may be prevented from leaking between the upper end of the panel <NUM> and the upper bracket <NUM>.

Also, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the mounting member, the lower bracket, and the back cover, which constitute the panel assembly. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the lower bracket, a lighting device, and a light supporter. Also, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI' of <FIG>.

As illustrated in the drawings, the lower bracket <NUM> may include a lower bracket front surface portion <NUM>, a lower bracket rear surface portion <NUM>, a lower bracket side surface portion <NUM>, and a lower bracket bottom surface portion <NUM>.

The lower bracket front surface portion <NUM> may define a shape of the front surface of the lower bracket <NUM> and may support the lower end of the panel <NUM> and also cover the lighting device <NUM>.

The lower bracket <NUM> may include a lower support portion 351a. In detail, the lower support portion 351a protruding upward to support the bottom surface of the panel <NUM> may be disposed on the upper end of the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM>. Here, the lower support portion 351a may be disposed at a position higher than the lighting device <NUM> and may protrude higher than the lower end of each of the mounting member <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM>. Thus, the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM> may strongly irradiate light at a position adjacent to the lighting device <NUM> to prevent the light from flashing at the lower end of the panel <NUM>. Since the lower support portion 351a may support the panel <NUM>, the lower support portion 351a may be referred to as a support portion.

The lower end of the panel <NUM> may include a panel bottom surface 312b and a panel inclined surface 312a. The panel bottom surface 312b may define a surface crossing the front surface of the panel <NUM> and may be in contact with the lower support portion 351a. The panel bottom surface 312b may be provided in a planar shape to be in surface contact with the lower support portion 351a and may ensure stable support of the panel <NUM>.

The panel inclined surface 312a may be disposed on each of front and rear ends of the panel bottom surface 312b. The panel inclined surface 312a may extend forward and rearward from the front and rear ends of the panel bottom surface 312b and may be provided to increase in height as being extends forward and rearward. An impact or load applied to an edge of the panel <NUM> may be dispersed by the panel inclined surface 312a. The panel inclined surface 312a may be provided in a rounded shape or may be disposed only on the rear end of the front and rear ends of the panel bottom surface 312b.

The lower bracket <NUM> may include a lower blocking portion 351c. The lower blocking portion 351c may be disposed at a rear side spaced apart from the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM> and may extend in the vertical direction. The lower blocking portion 351c may be provided in a rib shape extending in the vertical direction and thus may be referred to as a shielding rib. The lower blocking portion 351c may be provided in a rib shape extending in the vertical direction and thus may be referred to as a shielding rib. Since the lower blocking portion 351c blocks light from leaking between the lower end of the panel <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM>, the lower blocking portion 351c may also be called a blocking portion.

Both the lower support portion 351a and the lower blocking portion 351c may protrude upward from the lower bracket <NUM>. Thus, both the lower support portion 351a and the lower blocking portion 351c may be referred to as a lower bracket protrusion <NUM>. The lower bracket protrusion <NUM> may be referred to as a bracket protrusion.

The bracket protrusion may be disposed on both the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM>. The bracket protrusion may be disposed only on one of the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM>.

A space 351b may be defined between the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM> and the lower blocking portion 351c. That is, the lower support portion 351a and the lower blocking portion 351c may be defined by a space recessed downward from a top surface of the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM>. That is, the lower support portion 351a and the lower blocking portion 351c may be disposed on the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM>.

The lower blocking portion 351c may extend upward from a rear side of the lower support portion 351a and may extend further than the lower support portion 351a so as to be in contact with the panel inclined surface 312a. The top surface 351d of the lower blocking portion 351c may be inclined and may have an inclination that is in surface contact with the panel inclined surface 312a.

The lower blocking portion 351c may be disposed behind the lower support portion 351a and may protrude upward more by a set height h2 than the lower support portion 351a. An upper end of the lower support portion 351a may protrude up to a position higher than a lower end of the lighting device <NUM> as well as a lower end of the mounting member <NUM> and a lower end of the light guide plate <NUM>. The lower blocking portion 351c may extend upward more than the lower end of the panel <NUM> on the basis of the panel <NUM>.

Thus, the lower blocking portion 351c may block the light irradiated from the rear side from passing between the lower end of the panel <NUM> and the lower support portion 351a. When the panel assembly <NUM> is viewed in the state in which the lighting device <NUM> is turned on, the light may be prevented from leaking between the lower end of the panel <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM>.

The lower bracket <NUM> may include a light guide plate restriction portion 351e. The light guide plate restriction portion 351e may be disposed at a rear side that is away from the lower blocking portion 351c. The light guide plate restriction portion 351e may be disposed in front of a light source <NUM> of the lighting device <NUM> and may be disposed lower than the lower support portion 351a and the lower blocking portion 351c. Forward and backward movement of the light guide plate <NUM> may be restricted by being in contact with the lower end of the front surface of the light guide plate <NUM>.

A lower connection portion 351f protruding backward may be disposed on the rear surface of the lower bracket front portion <NUM>. The lower connection portion 351f may extend into an inner space of the lower bracket <NUM>, in which the lighting device <NUM> is accommodated, and may connect the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM>, the lower blocking portion 351c, and the light guide plate restriction portion 351e to each other. The lower connection portion 351f may restrict the lighting device <NUM> at the upper side to restrict vertical movement of the lighting device <NUM>.

The lower bracket rear surface portion <NUM> may be disposed at a position spaced backward from the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM>. The lower bracket rear surface portion <NUM> may define a rear surface of the lower bracket <NUM> and may protrude more upward than the lower bracket front surface portion <NUM> and the lower bracket side surface portion <NUM> to support the light guide plate <NUM> at the rear side and then may be coupled to the back cover <NUM>.

A lower bracket mounting portion 352b that is disposed to be stepped forward may be disposed on each of both left and right ends of the lower bracket rear surface portion <NUM>. The lower bracket mounting portion 352b may be inserted from a lower side of the bracket insertion space <NUM>.

A lower bracket screw hole 352c to which a plurality of screws 397a are coupled may be defined in the lower bracket rear surface portion <NUM>. When the back cover <NUM> is mounted, the screw 397a may be coupled to sequentially pass through the cover screw hole 397a and the lower bracket screw hole <NUM>.

A bracket opening 352a may be defined in the lower bracket rear surface portion <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> may be accessible through the bracket opening 352a. The bracket opening 352a may be shielded by the back cover <NUM>.

The lower bracket bottom surface portion <NUM> may define a bottom surface of the lower bracket <NUM> and may define a bottom surface of the space in which the lighting device <NUM> is mounted. The bracket support portion <NUM> protruding backward may be disposed on a rear end of the lower bracket bottom surface portion <NUM>. The bracket support portion <NUM> may protrude further backward than the lower bracket rear portion <NUM>, and the cover support portion <NUM> protruding from the lower end of the back cover <NUM> may be seated on the bracket support portion <NUM>. Thus, the bracket support portion <NUM> and the cover support portion <NUM> may be supported on or inserted in a lower end of the lower cap decoration <NUM> when the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted to fix the lower end of the panel assembly <NUM>.

The light guide plate support portion <NUM> supporting the lower end of the light guide plate <NUM> may be provided in plurality on the lower bracket <NUM>. The lower end of the light guide plate <NUM> may be supported by the light guide plate support portion <NUM> to maintain a distance from the lighting device <NUM>.

The lighting device <NUM> may be provided within the lower bracket <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> may include a substrate <NUM> and a light source <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> may be accommodated in the lower bracket <NUM>, and a plurality of light sources <NUM> may be continuously disposed at regular intervals on the substrate <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> may be disposed to emit light toward the lower end of the light guide plate <NUM>. An example of the light source <NUM> may include an LED. The light source <NUM> may include an RGB LED for emitting light with various colors under the control of the controller. That is, the light source <NUM> may emit light of various colors according to a user's manipulation, and thus the panel <NUM> may shine in a color set by the user. A color of an outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM> may be determined according to the color of the panel <NUM>.

A substrate connection portion <NUM> protruding backward may be disposed at one side of the substrate <NUM>, and an electric wire may be connected to the substrate connection portion <NUM>. The substrate connection portion <NUM> may protrude to be exposed through a wire entrance <NUM> defined in the back cover <NUM>, and the wire may enter and exit through the wire entrance <NUM>.

A light supporter <NUM> may be provided under the substrate <NUM>. The light supporter <NUM> may include a horizontal portion <NUM> and a vertical portion <NUM>. The horizontal portion <NUM> may define a bottom surface of the light supporter <NUM> and may be disposed below the substrate <NUM> to support the substrate <NUM>. Here, a supporting groove <NUM> in which at least a portion of the substrate <NUM> is accommodated may be defined in the horizontal portion <NUM>.

When the back cover <NUM> is mounted on the lower bracket <NUM>, the vertical portion <NUM> exposed through the bracket opening 352a may be in contact with the front surface of the back cover <NUM>. Thus, heat from the substrate <NUM> may be transferred to the back cover <NUM> through the light supporter <NUM> and may be radiated through the entire rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the operations of the refrigerator <NUM> and the panel assembly <NUM> having the above structures will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of adjusting colors of home appliances to which the panel assembly using a remote device is applied. Also, <FIG> is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an emission state of the panel assembly. Also, <FIG> is a front view illustrating an outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator that is in a state in which the lighting device is turned on.

As illustrated in the drawing, an outer appearance of the home appliance of an embodiment may be defined by the panel assembly <NUM>, and also, a color of the outer appearance of the home appliance may be changed to a color that is set by the user according to the operation of the lighting device <NUM>. The panel assembly may be expressed in various colors by light irradiated from the rear side, and thus the panel assembly <NUM> or the panel <NUM> may be referred to as a screen.

The home appliance may be any one of a refrigerator <NUM>, an air conditioner <NUM>, a dishwasher <NUM>, a clothes manager <NUM>, a washing machine <NUM>, or a cooking appliance <NUM>, each of which has a front surface of which a color of an outer appearance is freely changed by applying the same structure as the panel assembly <NUM> of an embodiment.

For example, in the above-described embodiment and in the refrigerator <NUM>, the panel assembly <NUM> may be provided on a front side of the door <NUM> that opens and closes the cabinet <NUM>. The panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by user setting, and the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM> may be changed in color.

As another example, an indoor unit of the air conditioner <NUM> may have a space in which a heat exchange device and a fan are provided inside a case <NUM> (or cabinet) that defines an outer appearance of the indoor unit. A front surface of the case <NUM> may be defined by a panel assembly <NUM>. The panel assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the panel assembly <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> to emit light.

Thus, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the indoor unit of the air conditioner <NUM> may be changed into the set color.

As another example, in the dishwasher <NUM>, a space for washing dishes may be defined inside a case <NUM> or a cabinet that defines an outer appearance of the dishwasher <NUM>. The front surface of the case <NUM> may be opened and closed by the door <NUM>, and the front surface of the door <NUM> may be defined by the panel assembly <NUM>. The panel assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the panel assembly <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> to emit light.

Thus, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the dishwasher <NUM> may be changed into the set color.

As another example, in the clothes manager <NUM>, a space for storing clothes may be defined inside a case <NUM> or a cabinet that defines an outer appearance of the clothes manager <NUM>. The front surface of the case <NUM> may be opened and closed by the door <NUM>, and the front surface of the door <NUM> may be defined by the panel assembly <NUM>. The panel assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the panel assembly <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> to emit light.

Thus, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the clothes manager <NUM> may be changed into the set color.

As another example, in the washing machine <NUM> or a dryer, a space for washing or drying may be defined inside a case <NUM> (or cabinet) that defines an outer appearance of the washing machine <NUM>. A front of the case <NUM> may be opened and closed by the door <NUM>. The front surface of the case <NUM> may be defined by a panel assembly <NUM>. The panel assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the panel assembly <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> to emit light.

Thus, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the washing machine <NUM> or the dryer of the air conditioner <NUM> may be changed into the set color.

As another example, in the cooking appliance <NUM>, a space for cooking food may be defined inside a case <NUM> or a cabinet that defines an outer appearance of the cooking appliance. The front surface of the case <NUM> may be opened and closed by the door <NUM>, and the front surface of the door <NUM> may be defined by the panel assembly <NUM>. The panel assembly <NUM> may have the same structure as the panel assembly <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> to emit light.

Thus, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the cooking appliance <NUM> may be changed into the set color.

A process of changing the color of the panel assembly <NUM> will be described below.

In a state in which the lighting device <NUM> is turned off, a color of the outer appearance of the front surface may be expressed by the color of the panel <NUM>. A color displayed on the panel <NUM> in the state in which the lighting device <NUM> is turned off may be referred to as a first color.

When the lighting device <NUM> operates, the color of the panel <NUM> may be changed according to a color of light irradiated from the lighting device <NUM>, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the door <NUM> may be expressed in the selected color. Here, the color displayed through the panel by the light irradiated from the lighting device <NUM> may be referred to as a second color.

The color of the panel <NUM> may be determined by an operation of the lighting device <NUM>. For example, the lighting device <NUM> may also be manipulated and set through a remote device <NUM> spaced apart from the refrigerator <NUM>. The refrigerator <NUM> may communicate with the remote device <NUM> through a communicator <NUM> connected to a controller <NUM>, and the user may manipulate an operation of the lighting device <NUM> through the remote device <NUM>.

The communicator <NUM> may communicate with the remote device <NUM> using various methods. For example, the remote device <NUM> may be various devices that are capable of communicating, such as a dedicated terminal, a mobile phone, a tablet, a portable PC, a desktop PC, a remote control, or a Bluetooth speaker.

The user may manipulate and set the overall operation state of the lighting device <NUM>, such as an operation time and an operation condition of the lighting device <NUM> and emission color through manipulation of the remote device <NUM>. For example, the lighting device <NUM> may be simply manipulated and set through an application or a dedicated program installed in a portable phone of the user. The user may input a color through a manipulation portion provided in the refrigerator <NUM> without using the remote device <NUM>.

Each of the refrigerator <NUM> and the remote device <NUM> may be connected to a server in a network state, and thus, the color of the panel <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> may be input through the server <NUM>.

The operation state of the lighting device <NUM> is now described. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the lighting device <NUM> is turned on according to the control of the controller, light emitted from the LED <NUM> may be emitted toward the lower end of the light guide plate <NUM>.

The light incident through the lower end of the light guide plate <NUM> may be diffused and reflected along the light guide plate <NUM> and then may move along the light guide plate <NUM>. In this case, the light guided by the light guide plate <NUM> may be reflected forward by the reflective layer <NUM> to pass through the panel <NUM> so as to be transmitted to the outside.

Light directed forward through the light guide plate <NUM> may pass through the mounting member <NUM> to illuminate the panel <NUM>, and the front surface of the door <NUM> may shine with a set brightness or color.

For example, in the state in which the lighting device <NUM> is turned off, as illustrated in <FIG>, a front surface of the door <NUM> may not shine, and an original color of the panel assembly <NUM> may appear.

The panel assembly <NUM> may have a structure that is separable from the door body <NUM>, and thus, the user may select a color of the first panel <NUM> by mounting the panel assembly <NUM> having a desired color. Of course, if necessary, the user may change the color of the panel <NUM> when the lighting device <NUM> is turned off by exchanging the panel assembly <NUM> itself.

Thus, the front surface of the door <NUM> may be seen with the first color that is the color of the panel <NUM>. In this case, components inside the panel assembly <NUM> may be seen through the panel <NUM> and may not be seen to the outside by the color of the panel <NUM>.

In this state, the lighting device <NUM> may be turned on, and when the lighting device <NUM> is turned on, the front surface of the door <NUM> may shine with a color set by the user.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the controller may control the front surface of the door <NUM> to shine with a second color different from the first color, and the lighting device <NUM> may cause the LED <NUM> to shine with the set color according to the control of the controller. Here, the color of the panel <NUM> may be selected by the user, and the color of the panel <NUM> may be selected by the manipulation of the remote device <NUM> or the manipulation of the manipulation portion <NUM>.

In the state in which the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM> shines with the set color, when the controller instructs change in color of the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM>, the front surface of the panel <NUM> may shine with a color that is reset by the controller.

The panels <NUM> constituting some of the plurality of doors <NUM> defining the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM> may emit light, or the panels <NUM> constituting the plurality of doors <NUM> may independently emit light with different colors to define the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM>.

When the lighting device <NUM> is turned on, and the panel <NUM> shines with a set color, the entire front surface of the panel <NUM> shines with uniform brightness and color. That is, the quality of the outer appearance may be prevented from being deteriorated when the light leaks through the gap of the circumference of the panel <NUM> without passing through the panel <NUM>, and thus, the light has a color different from that of the front surface of the panel <NUM> or have brightness different from that of the front surface of the panel <NUM>.

In detail, the upper blocking portion 346b of the upper bracket <NUM> may block the light irradiated from the rear side at a portion at which the upper end of the panel <NUM> and the upper bracket <NUM> are in contact with each other. The upper blocking portion 346b may extend further downward than the upper support portion 346a to prevent the light from leaking into a gap between the upper end of the panel <NUM> and the upper support portion 346a. Here, the upper blocking portion 346b may not extend further downward beyond the rounded top surface <NUM> of the panel to prevent the light from leaking without darkening the brightness of the circumference of the front surface of the panel <NUM>.

The lower blocking portion 351c of the lower bracket <NUM> may block the light irradiated from the rear side at a portion at which the lower end of the panel <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM> are in contact with each other. The lower blocking portion 351c may extend upward more than the lower support portion 351a to prevent the light from leaking through the gap between the lower panel surface 312b and the lower support portion 351a. Here, the lower blocking portion 351c may not extend upward beyond the inclined panel inclined surface 312a to prevent the light from leaking without darkening the brightness of the circumference of the front surface of the panel <NUM>.

That is, an upper blocking portion 346b and a lower blocking portion 351c, which extend inward (vertical direction) from the rear side of the panel <NUM> may be disposed on the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM> on the basis of the panel <NUM>, respectively, to prevent the light from shining on the upper and lower ends of the panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of a panel assembly of an example not forming part of this invention.

As illustrated in the drawing, a panel assembly may have the same structure as in the foregoing embodiment and may have a structure including a panel <NUM>, a mounting member <NUM>, a light guide plate <NUM>, a lighting device <NUM>, an upper bracket <NUM>, a lower bracket <NUM>, and a back cover <NUM>.

In a state in which the mounting member <NUM> is assembled, a front surface portion <NUM> may be covered by the panel <NUM>, and a side surface portion <NUM> may be exposed to a side of the panel assembly <NUM>. Particularly, a first part 322a of the side surface portion <NUM> may be exposed to both left and right sides of the panel assembly <NUM> to define left and right surfaces of the panel assembly <NUM>.

Here, left and right ends of the first part 322a may protrude up to the same extension line as left and right ends of the panel <NUM>. The left and right ends of the first part 322a may protrude more than the left and right side ends of the panel <NUM>.

The mounting member <NUM> may be made of a material that allows light to be transmitted therethrough, and thus, some of the light irradiated forward by the light guide plate <NUM> may leak to a side of the panel assembly <NUM> through the side surface portion <NUM>.

Thus, in this state, a side blocking portion <NUM> may be further disposed on the side surface portion <NUM> to block the light from leaking through the side surface portion <NUM>. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be opaquely provided on a surface of the side surface portion <NUM> to prevent the light from being transmitted through the side surface portion <NUM>.

The side blocking portion <NUM> may prevent the light from leaking by being printed, deposited, or applied with an opaque paint. The side blocking portion <NUM> may prevent the light from being transmitted through the surface treatment. Since the side blocking portion <NUM> provides a separate layer on the mounting member <NUM>, the side blocking portion <NUM> may be referred to as a blocking layer.

The side blocking portion <NUM> may be disposed on only the first part 322a of the side surface portion <NUM>. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be disposed on only a portion exposed to the outside in the state in which the panel assembly <NUM> is assembled. That is, the side blocking portion <NUM> may be partially disposed on an area excluding the cover restriction groove <NUM> rather than the entire first part 322a and may also be disposed on portions of the upper and lower ends of the side surface portion <NUM>, which are not covered when the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM> are coupled.

A color of the side blocking portion <NUM> may be expressed as a color different from that of the mounting member <NUM> and may have the same as a first color of the panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of a panel assembly of another example not forming part of this invention.

Thus, in this state, a side blocking portion <NUM> may be further disposed on the side surface portion <NUM> to block the light from leaking through the side surface portion <NUM>. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be attached to an outer surface of the side surface portion <NUM> to prevent light from being transmitted through the side surface portion <NUM>.

The side blocking portion <NUM> may be made of an opaque material, may be provided in a sheet or plate shape, and may be attached to the side surface portion <NUM>. Since the side blocking portion <NUM> has a structure attached to the mounting member <NUM> in a separately molded state, the side blocking portion <NUM> may be called a blocking member or a blocking sheet.

The side blocking portion <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to the first part 322a of the side surface portion <NUM>. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to a portion exposed to the outside in the state in which the panel assembly <NUM> is assembled. That is, the side blocking portion <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to that of the remaining portion excluding the cover restriction groove <NUM> rather than the entire first part 322a and may also be provided in a shape that is also capable of shielding portions of upper and lower ends of the side surface portion <NUM>, which are not covered when the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM> are coupled.

As illustrated in the drawing, a panel assembly may have the same structure as in the foregoing embodiment and may have a structure including a panel <NUM>, a mounting member <NUM>, a light guide plate <NUM>, a lighting device <NUM>, an upper bracket <NUM>, a lower bracket <NUM>, and a back cover <NUM>.

In a state in which the mounting member <NUM> is assembled, a front surface portion <NUM> may be covered by the panel <NUM>, and a side surface portion <NUM> may be exposed to a side of the panel assembly <NUM>. Particularly, a first part 322a of the side surface portion <NUM> may be exposed to both left and right sides of the panel assembly <NUM> to define left and right surfaces of the panel assembly <NUM>.

Thus, in this state, a side blocking portion <NUM> may be further disposed on the side surface portion <NUM> to block the light from leaking through the side surface portion <NUM>. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be opaquely provided on an inner surface of the side surface portion <NUM> to prevent the light from being transmitted through the side surface portion <NUM>.

The side blocking portion <NUM> may prevent the light from leaking by being printed with opaque paint or provided by deposition, coating, or the like. The side blocking portion <NUM> may prevent the light from being transmitted through the surface treatment. Since the side blocking portion <NUM> provides a separate layer on the mounting member <NUM>, the side blocking portion <NUM> may be referred to as a blocking layer.

The side blocking portion <NUM> may be disposed on an inner surface of the side surface portion <NUM>. That is, the side blocking portion <NUM> may be disposed on an inner surface of a light guide plate insertion space <NUM> of the mounting member <NUM>. Thus, light transmitted through the side surface portion <NUM> may be blocked inside the mounting member <NUM>. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be disposed on only an inner surface of the side surface portion <NUM> facing both ends of the light guide plate <NUM>.

Thus, in this state, a side blocking portion <NUM> may be further disposed on the side surface portion <NUM> to block the light from leaking through the light guide plate <NUM>. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be disposed along both left and right surfaces of the light guide plate <NUM> and may shield the entire left and right surfaces of the light guide plate <NUM>.

The side blocking portion <NUM> may be printed with an opaque paint or provided to block light by deposition, coating, or the like. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be provided in a sheet or plate shape and attached to a side surface of the light guide plate <NUM>.

The side blocking portion <NUM> may be made of the same material as a reflective layer <NUM> and may be attached to the side surface of the light guide plate <NUM> to prevent light from being irradiated to a side of the light guide plate <NUM> and also prevent the light from being reflected again to the inside of the light guide plate <NUM>. The side blocking portion <NUM> may be referred to as a side reflection layer.

The light guide plate <NUM> may be irradiated only forward by the side blocking portion <NUM>, and thus, the light may be prevented from leaking laterally through the side surface of the panel assembly <NUM>, i.e., the side surface portion <NUM>.

The home appliance of the proposed embodiments may have the following effects.

According to the embodiment, when the lighting device is turned on, and thus, the panel shines with the set color, the light may be prevented from leaking through the circumference other than the front surface of the panel, and the entire panel may uniformly shine to improve the quality of the outer appearance.

Particularly, there may be the advantage of preventing the quality of the outer appearance from being deteriorated when the light leaks through the circumference of the panel without passing through the panel, and thus, the light has a color different from that of the front surface of the panel or have brightness different from that of the front surface of the panel.

The upper bracket and the lower bracket may provide the upper blocking portion and the lower blocking portion, respectively, which extend inward (vertically) from the rear side of the panel, based on the panel, respectively. Thus, the light irradiated from the rear side of the panel may be prevented from leaking through the gap between the upper end the lower end of the panel.

Here, although each of the upper blocking portion and the lower blocking portion extends by the appropriate length to block the gap, the brightness of the circumference of the front surface of the panel may be prevented from being darken.

Even in the structure in which the horizontal width of the front surface portion of the mounding member to which the panel is attached is less than the horizontal width of the panel so that the side surface of the mounting member is exposed to the side of the panel assembly, the panel may be prevented from being deteriorated in quality of the outer appearance by the light passing through the side surface portion of the mounting member.

Claim 1:
A home appliance comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) with a storage space defined therein; and
a door (<NUM>) configured to open and close the storage space, the door (<NUM>) comprises a door body (<NUM>) and a panel assembly (<NUM>) disposed on the door body (<NUM>), wherein the panel assembly (<NUM>) comprises:
a panel (<NUM>) defining a front surface of the door (<NUM>) and configured to transmit light therethrough;
a lighting device (<NUM>) provided behind the panel (<NUM>) for emitting light through the panel (<NUM>);
an upper bracket (<NUM>) at an upper end of the panel (<NUM>); and
a lower bracket (<NUM>) at a lower end of the panel (<NUM>),
wherein
the upper bracket (<NUM>) and/or the lower bracket (<NUM>) comprise a bracket protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>) protruding toward the panel (<NUM>) to support an upper end of the panel and/or a lower end of the panel (<NUM>), characterized in that
the bracket protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
- a support portion (346a, 351a) configured to support and in contact with the upper end and/or the lower end of the panel (<NUM>); and
- a blocking portion (346b, 351c) protruding more than the support portion (346a, 351a) at a rear side of the support portion (346a, 351a) to block a portion of a rear surface of the panel (<NUM>), wherein the blocking portion (346b, 351c) extends further downward and/or upward than the support portion (346a, 351c) to prevent the light from leaking into a gap between the upper and/or the lower end of the panel (<NUM>) and the support portion (346a, 351a).