Patent Description:
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, <CIT> 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'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, <CIT> 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. <CIT> relates to a refrigerator, which includes a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, and a door assembly. The freezing compartment is adjacent to the refrigerating compartment. The door assembly selectively opens the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. The door assembly includes a glass member defining a frontal exterior thereof and allowing an inside of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment to be seen therethrough when the door assembly is closed, a deposition treated layer formed on a rear surface of the glass member to allow light to partially pass through the glass member, and a transparent plate spaced a predetermined distance from the glass member. Gas for insulation is injected in a space formed between the glass member and the transparent plate, and the space is sealed. <CIT> relates to a handle lighting assembly for an appliance including features that allow a consumer to readily change the color of a light emitted from the handle lighting assembly as desired. Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance, comprises: a cabinet; a door rotatably hinged with the cabinet; a handle assembly connected with or integrally formed with the door and having a handle body defining a recess, the handle assembly further comprising: a lighting assembly connected to the handle body and disposed within the recess, the lighting assembly comprising: an elongated body having a length extending between a first end and a second end and having a lens extending along at least a portion of the length; a light source; an end cap integral with or operatively connected to the elongated body at one of the first end and the second end, the end cap defining a slit; a film removably insertable into the slit; wherein when the film is inserted into the slit, the film is positioned between the light source and the lens. <CIT> relates to a refrigerator provided with: a refrigerator body having an open front surface; heat-insulating doors attached to the front surface opening part of the refrigerator body; door-opening devices for performing a forcible door-opening action on the doors, the door-opening devices being attached to the refrigerator body; a control operation unit for performing an operation to change the specifics of refrigerator cooling control; door-opening operation units for operating the door-opening action performed by the door-opening devices; and a controller for inputting an operation signal from the control operation unit and the door-opening operation units and performing the corresponding cooling control and door-opening control. The portion at which a door-opening operation input is applied to each of the door-opening operation units is a part of the front surface plate of each of the doors and is integrally continuous from the front surface plates. The operation performed on the control operation unit and the operation performed on the door-opening operation units are performed using different operation methods. <CIT> relates to a refrigerator including a door body comprising a front panel, a rear panel, side panels, a light source assembly, and a control unit, wherein the side panels are connected with the front panel and the rear panel to form a foaming space; the front panel is made of a light transmitting material; the light source assembly is arranged in the foaming space and comprises a composite light source for emitting composite light and a chromatic dispersion piece arranged between the composite light source and the front panel; and the control unit is used for controlling the composite light source to be turned on and off. When at least one part of the composite light source is turned on, light rays emitted by the composite light source are refracted on the front panel through the chromatic dispersion piece and form a color light band on the front wall surface of the front panel. According to the refrigerator, the color light band is formed on the front panel of the door body through matching of the composite light source and the chromatic dispersion piece, and a dynamic color light band is further formed on the front panel of the door body through the position, on and off of the composite light source. <CIT> relates to a refrigerator including a cabinet forming a storage space, a main door that opens and closes the storage space while defining an opening part that is in communication with the storage space, a sub-door mounted to the main door and configured to open and close the opening part, the sub-door including a panel assembly for allowing selective viewing of an inside of the opening part, an injection port is provided at a lower side of the sub-door to direct an insulating foaming solution to a space in the sub-door, a detection device for detecting an operation of a user, a lighting unit inside the refrigerator that turns on based on user operation to allow selective viewing of the inner side of the opening part, and a display unit inside the refrigerator at a position corresponding to the panel. <CIT> relates to an integrated control system for use with various home appliances, such as washing machine, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and the like, wherein integrated controls are incorporated into a polycarbonate clear door panel, and proximity switches and controls are incorporated to provide control and operation of the appliance. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are optionally incorporated into a door handle for the appliance in an area out of sight such that only the light produced by the LEDs is seen and illuminates a handle for opening the door of the appliance. Additionally, opaque glass technology may be incorporated into one or more surfaces of the appliance which enables an opaque panel to become transparent to view the content of the interior of the appliance, such as a refrigerator. <CIT> relates to a refrigerator including a cabinet defining a storage space, a main door for opening and closing the cabinet, the main door defining an opening part that is in communication with the storage space, a sub-door rotatably mounted on the main door and configured to open and close the opening part, a panel assembly forming a front surface of the sub-door and made of a half glass material, a detection device provided to the sub-door and configured to detect a user's operation, and a door lighting unit provided to the main door and configured to, based on the sub-door being closed, turn on and off according to a signal from the detection device to allow selective viewing of an inside of the opening part through the panel assembly.

Further relevant prior art is disclosed in documents <CIT> and <CIT>.

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.

The present invention is disclosed in the independent claim.

According to claim <NUM> 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.

The home appliance according to claim <NUM> includes the following features:.

The front plate of the door has the first color when the lighting device is turned off, and a another color different from the first color when the lighting device is turned on. The front plate is 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 forms an 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 is 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 is configured to receive information about the third color selected by a user, e.g. from a remote control device and/or from a user interface of the home appliance. The third color is selectable from a plurality of (different) colors.

The controller is configured to control the lighting device to emit light in a second color adjusted such that the front plate has the third 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 third color selected by the user, and to calculate a RGB value of the second color in consideration of the received RGB value of the second color and a previously stored RGB value of the first color.

The first color may have a lightness greater than <NUM>.

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 <NUM>.

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'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 of <NUM> 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.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. <FIG> show embodiments being useful only for understanding the invention, whereas <FIG> show embodiments according to the present invention, which disclose a home appliance according to claim <NUM>.

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>, 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> is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a front view of the refrigerator when a refrigerator door is opened.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has an external appearance defined by a cabinet <NUM> defining a storage space, and a door <NUM> for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet <NUM>.

Specifically, the cabinet <NUM> may define the storage space partitioned vertically, and include a refrigerating chamber <NUM> positioned on an upper side, and a freezing chamber <NUM> positioned on a lower side. The refrigerating chamber <NUM> may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezing chamber <NUM> may be referred to as a lower storage space. In addition, the freezing chamber <NUM> may be divided into left and right portions to form a left freezing chamber 12a and a right freezing chamber 12b, respectively. The left freezing chamber 12a may be referred to as a lower left storage space, and the right freezing chamber 12b may be referred to as a lower right storage space.

The door <NUM> may be configured to open and close the refrigerating chamber <NUM> and the freezing chamber <NUM>, individually. For example, the door <NUM> may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet <NUM>, and may open and close the refrigerating chamber <NUM> and the freezing chamber <NUM> individually by rotation. It is noted that the door <NUM> may have a structure that is opened and closed by a pull-out.

The door <NUM> may include a refrigerating chamber door <NUM> for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber <NUM> and a freezing chamber door <NUM> for opening and closing the freezing chamber <NUM>. The refrigerating chamber door <NUM> may be referred to as an upper door, and the freezing refrigerating chamber door <NUM> may be referred to as a lower door.

In addition, the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> may include a pair of a left refrigerating chamber door 201a and a right refrigerating chamber door 201b arranged side by side. The left refrigerating chamber door 201a and the right refrigerating chamber door 201b may be disposed adjacent to each other and may have the same size. In addition, the left refrigerating chamber door 201a and the right refrigerating chamber door 201b may be independently rotated to open and close the refrigerating chamber <NUM>.

The upper and lower ends of the refrigerating chamber door 201a and the freezing chamber door 201b may be coupled to the cabinet <NUM> by hinge devices <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The hinge device <NUM> may include an upper hinge <NUM> and a lower hinge <NUM>, to enable the refrigerating chamber door 201a and the freezing chamber door 201b to be rotatably mounted to the cabinet <NUM>.

In addition, the freezing chamber door <NUM> may include a pair including a left freezing chamber door 202a and a right freezing chamber door 202b arranged side by side. In addition, the left freezing chamber door 202a and the right freezing chamber door 202b may be independently rotated to open and close the freezing chamber. The left freezing chamber door 202a and the right freezing chamber door 202b may be disposed adjacent to each other and may have the same size.

Although a refrigerator having a structure in which the refrigerating chamber <NUM> is disposed on an upper side and the freezing chamber <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be applied to a door of any home appliance, having any number of doors.

Meanwhile, the door <NUM> forms the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM> in a closed state, and may form the exterior of the refrigerator <NUM> viewed from the front when the refrigerator <NUM> is installed.

The door <NUM> 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 <NUM> without removing or disassembling the door <NUM>, thus enabling a change in the overall exterior of the refrigerator <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the structure of the door <NUM> 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 201a, and other doors 201b, 202a, and 202b may also have the same structure.

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

<FIG> is a perspective view of the door. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing the panel assembly constituting the door and the door body are separated.

As shown in <FIG>, the door <NUM> may include a door body <NUM> defining the overall shape of the door <NUM> and a panel assembly <NUM> forming the front exterior of the door <NUM>. That is, the door <NUM> may be configured such that the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted on the front surface of the door body <NUM>.

The door body <NUM> may include a body plate <NUM> forming a front surface and a door liner <NUM> forming a rear surface. The body plate <NUM> 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 <NUM>. In addition, the door liner <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material, and may form the appearance of the rear surface of the door <NUM>.

The door body <NUM> may include side decorations <NUM> forming left and right-side surfaces of the door body <NUM>. The side decoration <NUM> may connect the left and right-side ends of the body plate <NUM> and the left and right-side ends of the door liner <NUM>.

In addition, the door body <NUM> may include an upper cap decoration <NUM> and a lower cap decoration <NUM> forming an upper surface and a lower surface of the door body <NUM>, respectively. 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>. In addition, 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>.

The exterior of the door body <NUM> may be formed by the body plate <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, the side decoration <NUM>, the upper cap decoration <NUM>, and the lower cap decoration <NUM>. In addition a space inside the door body <NUM> formed by the coupling of the body plate <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, the side decoration <NUM>, the upper cap decoration <NUM>, and the lower cap decoration <NUM>. 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 <NUM>.

In addition, the upper cap decoration <NUM> may be constrained by an upper cover <NUM> mounted on the opened upper surface of the upper cap decoration <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a panel accommodating space <NUM> opened to the front may be formed on the front surface of the door body <NUM>. That is, the front ends of the side decoration <NUM>, the upper cap decoration <NUM>, and the lower cap decoration <NUM> may protrude more forward than the front surface of the body plate <NUM>, and thus a panel accommodating space <NUM> having an open front may be formed in front of the body plate <NUM>. The panel accommodating space <NUM> is formed to have a size corresponding to the size of the panel assembly <NUM>, and the panel assembly <NUM> may be inserted into the panel accommodating space <NUM>. In addition, the periphery of the panel assembly <NUM> is supported by the peripheral surface of the panel accommodating space <NUM>, that is, the protruding portions of the side decoration <NUM>, the upper cap decoration <NUM> and the lower cap decoration <NUM>.

The panel assembly <NUM> may be formed in a plate shape, and may have a size corresponding to the front surface of the door body <NUM>. Accordingly, when the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted on the front exterior of the door body <NUM>, the panel assembly <NUM> may shield the front surface of the door body <NUM> to form the front appearance of the door <NUM>. Since the panel assembly <NUM> forms the front exterior of the door <NUM>, the panel assembly <NUM> may be referred to as a door panel. Alternatively, since the panel assembly <NUM> forms the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM>, the panel assembly <NUM> may also be referred to as an exterior panel.

In a state in which the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted on the door body <NUM>, a rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM> may be closely fixed to the body plate <NUM>.

On the other hand, for fixed mounting of the panel assembly <NUM>, the lower end of the panel assembly <NUM> is caught with and constrained by the lower end of the lower cap decoration <NUM>, and the upper end of the panel assembly <NUM> is coupled to the upper end of the front surface of the upper cap decoration <NUM> to firmly couple the panel assembly <NUM> to the door body <NUM>. In addition, the panel assembly <NUM> may have a structure detachable from the door body <NUM> for service and maintenance.

The front surface of the panel assembly <NUM> is exposed to the front in a state in which the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted on the door body <NUM>, and the panel assembly <NUM> may form a substantially front exterior of the door <NUM>. In addition, the panel assembly <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be provided in the panel assembly <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> 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 <NUM>, and a connector (not shown) may be provided at an end of the electric wire.

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

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly;.

As shown in the drawing, the panel assembly <NUM> may include a front plate <NUM> forming a front exterior, a lighting device <NUM> for emitting light such that the front plate <NUM> shines, a light guide plate <NUM> for guiding light emitted from the light guide plate <NUM>, and a support member <NUM> on which the light guide plate <NUM> and the front plate <NUM> are mounted.

In addition, the panel assembly <NUM> may further include an upper bracket <NUM> forming an upper surface of the panel assembly <NUM> and a lower bracket <NUM> forming a lower surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. In addition, the lighting device <NUM> may be mounted on the lower bracket <NUM>. In addition, the panel assembly <NUM> may further include a back cover <NUM> forming a rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM>.

Specifically, the front plate <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular plate shape, and may be formed of a material capable of transmitting light. For example, the front plate <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be called a transparent plate, an out plate, or a panel.

The front plate <NUM> may be formed to be transparent such that light reflected by the light guide plate <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>. For example, a specific design or pattern may be printed on the front plate <NUM> 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 <NUM>, 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 <NUM>.

In addition, the front plate <NUM> may be configured such that the light emitted from the lighting device <NUM> is transmitted but the components behind the front plate <NUM> are not reflected. That is, in the front plate <NUM>, the internal components of the panel assembly <NUM> may be prevented from being seen from the outside through the front plate <NUM>, by the color of the front plate <NUM> itself when the lighting device <NUM> is turned off.

In this case, the front plate <NUM> may be formed to have at least a color with a lightness of <NUM> or more, not black, when the front plate <NUM> is turned off. That is, in a state in which the refrigerator <NUM> is installed, the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

The front plate <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the size of the front surface of the panel assembly <NUM> exposed to the outside. Specifically, the front plate <NUM> may be formed to have the same size as the panel assembly <NUM> 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 <NUM> is mounted, the exposed portion of the lower bracket <NUM> may be shielded by the lower cap decoration <NUM>. Accordingly, the entire front surface of the front plate <NUM> exposed to the outside in a state in which the panel assembly <NUM> is mounted may be formed by the front plate <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the light guide plate <NUM>. In addition, the rear surface of the front plate <NUM> may be coupled to the front surface of the support member <NUM>. Therefore, in a state in which the front plate <NUM> is mounted on the support member <NUM>, a separate configuration does not exist on the periphery of the front plate <NUM>, and the front plate <NUM> forms the front exterior of the panel assembly <NUM>.

The light guide plate <NUM> may be positioned at a rear position spaced apart from the front plate <NUM>, and may be configured to guide light emitted from the lighting device <NUM> disposed below the light guide plate <NUM>.

For example, the light guide plate <NUM> may be formed of a transparent polymer material such as acrylic. In addition, the light guide plate <NUM> may be provided with a diffusion agent for diffusing the light incident on the light guide plate <NUM>, or a pattern for light diffusion may be formed in the light guide plate <NUM>. Accordingly, light can be transmitted to the front plate <NUM> by the light guide plate <NUM>, and the pattern of the light guide plate <NUM> is set such that the entire front surface of the front plate <NUM> may shine with uniform brightness.

In addition, the light guide plate <NUM> may be supported from the rear by the back cover <NUM>, and may be fixed in a state of being maintained by the support member <NUM> at a predetermined distance from the front plate <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the support member <NUM> may be provided between the front plate <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM>. The light guide plate <NUM> and the front plate <NUM> are fixedly mounted to the support member <NUM>, and in particular, the light guide plate <NUM> may be spaced apart from the front plate <NUM> at a predetermined distance by the support member <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> may be formed such that a front surface supports the front plate <NUM>, and both ends constrain both ends of the light guide plate <NUM>.

On the other hand, the support member <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be formed of a material such as ABC, PC, or acryl, and the light reflected from the light guide plate <NUM> may be transmitted through the front plate <NUM>.

In addition, the support member <NUM> may be formed entirely of a transparent or translucent material, and the support member <NUM> itself may be formed to have a color. Accordingly, when viewed from the front of the panel assembly <NUM>, the color, texture, or shape of the front of the panel assembly <NUM> may be determined by the support member <NUM>. In addition, the front surface of the support member <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

The upper bracket <NUM> may be provided at an upper end of the panel assembly <NUM>. The upper bracket <NUM> may form an upper surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. In addition, the upper bracket <NUM> may be injection-formed from a plastic material, and may be formed to have a structure coupled to the support member <NUM> and a structure coupled to the back cover <NUM>.

A lower bracket <NUM> may be provided at a lower end of the panel assembly <NUM>. The lower bracket <NUM> may constitute a lower surface of the panel assembly <NUM>. In addition, the lower bracket <NUM> may be injection-formed from a plastic material, and may be formed to have a structure coupled to the support member <NUM> and a structure coupled to the back cover <NUM>.

In addition, the panel assembly <NUM> may include a plate supporter <NUM>. The plate supporter <NUM> may form the exterior of the lower end of the panel assembly <NUM>, and may allow the lower end of the panel assembly <NUM> to be fixed to the door body <NUM>.

The plate supporter <NUM> may include a decorative front surface and a decorative lower surface. The lower bracket <NUM> may be inserted and mounted by the decorative front surface and the decorative lower surface. In addition, a lower protrusion <NUM> extending rearward and then protruding upward is provided at the rear end of the decorative lower surface <NUM>, and is coupled to a lower portion of the door body <NUM>.

In addition, the plate supporter <NUM> may be referred to as a lower decoration in that the plate supporter <NUM> is disposed at the lower end of the front plate <NUM>.

In addition, the back cover <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surface of the lower bracket <NUM>. The back cover <NUM> may be coupled to the back cover <NUM> by fastening a screw. In addition, the rear surface of the light guide plate <NUM> may be supported on the front surface of the lower bracket <NUM>. That is, when the back cover <NUM> is coupled, the lower bracket <NUM> may support the light guide plate <NUM> from the rear side.

In addition, a lighting device <NUM> may be mounted in the lower bracket <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> 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 <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> may be provided inside the lower bracket <NUM>, and may be assembled and mounted together with the lower bracket <NUM> while being mounted in the lower bracket <NUM>.

The back cover <NUM> forms a rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM>, and may be coupled to the upper bracket <NUM> and the lower bracket <NUM>. The back cover <NUM> may be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. In addition, the back cover <NUM> may be formed to have a size corresponding to the size of the panel assembly <NUM>, and may form the entire rear surface of the panel assembly <NUM>.

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

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the front plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the front plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, <FIG> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> transmits through the support member <NUM> and directs the front plate <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> may include a plate-shaped front portion <NUM> and side portions <NUM> protruding rearward from both left and right-side ends of the front portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> may be disposed between the front plate <NUM> and the light guide plate <NUM>, and a front surface of the front portion <NUM> may support the front plate <NUM>, and a rear surface of the front portion <NUM> may support the light guide plate <NUM>.

In addition, the side portions <NUM> include first surfaces 322a extending rearward from both left and right-side ends of the front portion <NUM> and a second surface 322b bent at the end of the first surface 322a.

The first surfaces 322a may extend from both left and right-side ends of the front portion <NUM> to be perpendicular to the front portion <NUM> and may be formed to form side surfaces of the panel assembly <NUM>. That is, the extended length of the first surface 322a may correspond to the side width of the panel assembly <NUM>. An inner space of the panel assembly <NUM> may be defined by the first surfaces 322a, and a space in which at least the light guide plate <NUM>, the upper bracket <NUM>, and the lower bracket <NUM> are mounted may be formed.

A side rib <NUM> may divide the space formed by the side portions <NUM> in a front-rear direction to form spaces into which the light guide plate <NUM>, the upper bracket <NUM>, and the lower bracket <NUM> are slidably inserted.

On the other hand, in the state in which the lighting device <NUM> is not operated, the front plate <NUM> may implement the color of the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM> by the basic color of the front plate <NUM> itself.

In a state in which the lighting device <NUM> is operated, the light reflected from the light guide plate may transmit through the front plate <NUM> to implement the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM> in a color selected by the user.

In addition, the basic color of the front plate <NUM> may be different from a set color implemented by the lighting device <NUM>.

That is, the front plate <NUM> may implement the basic color of the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM>, and when the lighting device <NUM> is operated, the front plate <NUM> may be configured such that the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM> has a color set by the user.

The front plate <NUM> forms an overall exterior, and may include a base layer 31a formed of a material capable of transmitting light, and a colored layer 31b provided on one surface of the base layer 31a and implementing the overall color and image of the exterior panel <NUM>.

In addition, a pattern layer 31c forming a texture of the front exterior may be provided on the base layer 31a.

In addition, a protective layer 31d for preventing the base layer 31a from being damaged and from scattering when the base layer 31a is damaged may be further included on the base layer 31a.

Meanwhile, in describing the components constituting the front plate <NUM>, "upward direction" or "downward direction" means directions based on directions shown in <FIG>. As used herein, "upward direction" may be defined as a direction corresponding to the front surface (front) of the front plate <NUM>. Conversely, "downward direction" may be defined as a direction corresponding to the rear surface (rear) of the front plate <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the front plate <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a pattern layer 31c provided above the base layer 31a, and a colored layer 31b and a protective layer 31d provided below the base layer 31a to implement a basic color.

In this case, the base layer 31a may be formed of a glass material. In addition, the pattern layer 31c may be formed with a pattern by the imprinting method described above, and the protective layer 31d may include an anti-shattering film to prevent the base layer 31a from scattering due to damage to the base layer 31a made of a glass material.

In the front plate <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, the pattern layer 31c is provided above the base layer 31a, and the colored layer 31b is provided below the base layer 31a to implement a basic color.

The base layer 31a 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 31c may provide a texture to the front plate <NUM> by an imprinting method.

Meanwhile, when the base layer 31a is formed of a plastic material, a separate protective layer 31d may not be required.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the front plate <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base layer 31a made of a glass or plastic material, and a pattern layer 31c provided above the base layer 31a, and the colored layer 31b provided below the base layer 31a.

In addition, a deposition layer 31e may be further included above or below the base layer 31a. The deposition layer 31e may make it possible to more clearly realize the texture of the metal material.

In addition, a protective layer 31d may be further provided below the colored layer 31b.

Hereinafter, each of layers constituting the front plate <NUM> will be described in detail.

The base layer 31a is formed of glass or a material capable of transmitting light to transmit light emitted by the lighting device <NUM>.

When the base layer 31a is formed of glass, the base layer 31a 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 <NUM>, 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 31a 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 31a is formed of a transparent plastic material capable of transmitting light, the base layer 31a may be formed of ABS, PMMA, or PC resin.

On the other hand, unlike the deposition process on the base layer 31a, a deposition layer 31e made of a film deposited with a metal may be further provided on one surface of the base layer 31a.

The deposition layer 31e 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 31e may optionally be replaced by directly performing a deposition process on the base layer 31a as described above.

By the deposition process, it is possible to provide a metallic texture to the exterior panel <NUM>.

The colored layer 31b for implementing the basic color of the front plate <NUM> is provided on one surface of the base layer 31a. That is, the colored layer 31b is provided to implement a predetermined color, and may implement the main color of the exterior panel <NUM> when the lighting device <NUM> is turned off.

The colored layer 31b may be formed in various colors and may be formed to have light transmittance.

When the lighting device <NUM> is turned on, the light emitted from the lighting device <NUM> passes through the base layer 31a, so that the color of the exterior panel <NUM> is realized by the light sources of the lighting device <NUM>. The lighting device <NUM> may freely select the color of the light source by the user's operation, so that the overall color of the exterior panel <NUM> may be be changed according to the user's selection.

Further, when the lighting device <NUM> is turned off, the color implemented by the colored layer 31b is seen through the transparent base layer 31a, thereby realizing the overall color of the exterior panel <NUM>. That is, the colored layer 31b serves to set the basic color of the exterior panel <NUM> when the lighting device <NUM> is turned off.

In addition, since the base layer 31a is made of a material capable of transmitting light, other structures such as the lighting device <NUM> and the support member <NUM> disposed inside the exterior panel <NUM> may be seen from the front. The colored layer 31b implements a color or pattern behind the base layer 31a to conceal structures disposed behind the base layer 31a. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the exterior of other structures such as the lighting device <NUM> from being exposed to the front of the exterior panel <NUM>.

A method of implementing a color in the colored layer 31b 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 31b 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 31b on the surface of the base layer 31a made of a glass material or a light-transmitting plastic material.

The pattern layer 31c may be provided above the base layer 31a, that is, in front of the base layer 31a when the exterior panel <NUM> is viewed from the front.

The pattern layer 31c may provide the exterior panel <NUM> with a beautiful appearance by providing texture and a sense of luxury to the exterior panel <NUM>.

The pattern layer 31c may include, for example, a plurality of protrusions protruding to an upper side of the base layer 31a 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 <NUM> in the longitudinal direction, and an imprinting method capable of implementing various roughnesses may be used.

Specifically, the pattern layer 31c 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 <NUM> by the pattern layer 31c.

The film forming the pattern layer 31c 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 31c 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 31c. The adhesive is preferably a hot-melt type adhesive that is adhered by heat and pressure.

The protective layer 31d may protect the base layer 31a, and when the base layer 31a made of a glass material is damaged, prevent or alleviates scattering of the base layer 31a to reduce the risk of cuts. When the base layer 31a is made of a plastic material, the protective layer 31d may be omitted.

For example, even when the base layer 31a is damaged, scattering of the fragments may be prevented because the fragments are attached to the protective layer 31d. This protective layer 31d may include a scattering prevention film.

In addition, the protective layer 31d may be formed of a film in which a polymer resin is laminated, together with the scattering prevention film. When the protective layer 31d 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 31d may include an adhesive for strengthening adhesion to the base layer 31a or the colored layer 31b. The adhesive is not limited thereto, but may be provided by an acrylic or silicone-based adhesive.

The protective layer 31d is provided at the rear of the base layer 31a, and is formed of a light-transmitting material such that the light emitted from the lighting device <NUM> can be transmitted to the base layer 31a, and the protective layer preferably has a white or white-based color.

In a case where the base layer 31a is made of a glass material, the protective layer 31d may be disposed behind the base layer 31a when the base layer 31a is viewed from the upper side, that is, the panel assembly <NUM> is viewed from the front.

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

Hereinafter, the front plate <NUM> will be described as a panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal of a refrigerator. The controller <NUM> may be configured to control the lighting device <NUM> based on a signal received from an operation part <NUM> of the refrigerator and/or from a user detection sensor <NUM> of the refrigerator and/or of an illuminance sensor <NUM> of the refrigerator and/or from a microphone <NUM> of the refrigerator and/or from a timer <NUM> of the refrigerator and/or from a remote device or remote control device <NUM>, e.g. a mobile device, PDA or mobile phone. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a light emitting state of the panel assembly. Further, <FIG> 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 claim <NUM> is formed by the panel assembly <NUM>, and the appearance is changed to have a color set by the user according to the operation of the lighting device <NUM>. The panel assembly is expressed in various colors by light emitted from the rear side.

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 may employ the same structure as that of the panel assembly <NUM> of the embodiment of the present invention such that the color of the front exterior thereof can be freely changed.

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

As another example, the indoor unit of the air conditioner <NUM> may have a space, in which a heat exchange device, a fan and the like are provided, inside a case <NUM>(or a cabinet) that forms an exterior. In addition, the front surface of the case <NUM> may be formed 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.

Accordingly, the panel assembly <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be changed to the set color.

As another example, the dishwasher <NUM> may have a space for washing of dishes inside a case <NUM> (or a cabinet) that forms an exterior. In addition, 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 formed 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.

Accordingly, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the dishwasher <NUM> may be changed to the set color.

As another example, the clothes manager <NUM> may have a space for storing clothes inside a case <NUM> (or a cabinet) that forms an exterior. In addition, 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 formed 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.

Accordingly, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the clothes manager <NUM> may be changed to the set color.

As another example, the washing machine <NUM> or the dryer may have a space for washing or drying inside a case <NUM> (or cabinet) forming the exterior. In addition, the front of the case <NUM> may be opened and closed by the door <NUM>. Meanwhile, the front of the case <NUM> may be formed 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.

Accordingly, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the washing machine <NUM> or the dryer may be changed to the set color.

As another example, the cooking appliance <NUM> may have a space for cooking food may be formed inside a case <NUM> (or a cabinet) that forms an exterior. In addition, 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 formed 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.

Accordingly, the panel assembly <NUM> may shine in a set color by the user setting, and the color of the front exterior of the cooking appliance <NUM> may be changed to the set color.

Meanwhile, 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 front exterior is expressed by the color of the panel <NUM>. A color displayed on the panel <NUM> when the lighting device <NUM> is turned off is referred to as a first color.

When the lighting device <NUM> is turned on, the color of the panel <NUM> is changed according to the color of the light emitted from the lighting device <NUM>, and the color of the front exterior of the door <NUM> is expressed in the selected color. In this case, the color of the light emitted from the lighting device <NUM> is referred to as a second color, and the color of the panel that is changed when the lighting device <NUM> is turned on is referred to as a third color.

The second color may be different from the third color, and the third color of the panel <NUM> selected by the user is implemented by a second color adjusted in consideration of the first color of the panel <NUM> itself. That is, the light of the second color emitted from the lighting device <NUM> is determined by the controller <NUM> in consideration of the first color of the panel <NUM> itself, and the panel <NUM> 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 <NUM> is determined by the selective operation of the lighting device <NUM>. For example, the lighting device <NUM> may be operated and set through a remote device <NUM> separated from the refrigerator <NUM>. The refrigerator <NUM> may communicate with the remote device <NUM> through the communication device <NUM> connected to the controller <NUM>, and the user operates the lighting device <NUM> through the remote device <NUM>.

The communication device <NUM> may communicate with the remote device <NUM> in various ways. For example, the communication device <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> by operating the remote device <NUM>, such as the operating time, operating conditions, and luminous color of the light source of the lighting device <NUM>. For example, a simple operation and setting of the lighting device <NUM> may be possible through an application installed on the user's mobile phone or a dedicated program.

The selection of a changed color of the panel <NUM> through the remote device <NUM> will be described as follows. The user may select a desired color of the panel <NUM> through the screen 2a of the remote device <NUM> such as a mobile phone or a terminal.

When the user operates the remote device <NUM>, the remote device first outputs a menu screen 2b to enable the user to operate a panel color change menu 2b1 through the menu screen 2b.

When the user selects the panel color change menu 2b1, the remote device <NUM> may output a color selection screen 2c on the menu screen 2b, and the user may select change a position of the panel <NUM> to be changed and the color of the panel <NUM> to be changed on the menu screen 2b.

Specifically, a panel position selection menu 2c1 is displayed on the color selection screen 2c to enable the user to select the panel <NUM> mounted on the door <NUM> at a desired position among the plurality of doors <NUM>. In addition, the panel <NUM> of the door <NUM> selected by the user may be displayed in the panel position selection menu 2c1.

After selecting a desired position of the panel <NUM>, the user may select and input color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 displayed on the color selection screen 2c. For example, on the color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3, all colors displayable by the panel <NUM> may be displayed in the form of a color picker capable of identifying and extracting a color code. The color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 may be referred to as a palette because combinations and selection of various colors are possible.

The color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 may include a circular-shaped first selection part 2c2 and a bar-shaped second selection part 2c3. A color may be selected through the first selection part 2c2, and an intensity of the selected color may be selected through the the second selection part 2c3. The color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 may include either one of the first selection part 2c2 and the second selection part 2c3.

As described above, the user can select the color of the panel <NUM>, that is, the third color, from among various colors through the color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3. It is noted that the color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 may be configured to be inputable in the form of letters, codes, and numbers.

According to the user's selection of the third color, the controller <NUM> allows the lighting device <NUM> to emit light in the second color such that that the panel <NUM> appears in the third color.

In addition, the user may input a color through an operation part <NUM> provided in the refrigerator <NUM> without using the remote device <NUM>.

In addition, the refrigerator <NUM> and the remote device <NUM> may be connected to a server via a network, and thus, the color of the panel <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> may be input through the server <NUM>.

On the other hand, the operation of the lighting device <NUM> may be controlled through the user's operation of the operation part <NUM>. The operation part <NUM> may be provided at one side of the refrigerator <NUM>, for example, at one side of the cabinet <NUM>. It is noted that the operation part <NUM> may be provided on the door <NUM> as needed, and an input may be performed by operation such as touching or knocking on the panel <NUM>. That is, the user may set the operation of the lighting device <NUM> by directly operating the operation part <NUM>, and may turn the lighting device <NUM> on or off.

Also, the lighting device <NUM> may be operated by a sensor. The sensor may be, for example, a user detection sensor <NUM> that detects a user's proximity. For example, the user detection sensor <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be provided on one side of the cabinet or door <NUM>, 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 <NUM> by a set distance for use of the refrigerator <NUM>, the user detection sensor <NUM> detects it and transmits a signal to the controller <NUM> to allow the lighting device <NUM> to be turned on. In addition, when the user moves away from the refrigerator <NUM>, the user detection sensor <NUM> detects it and transmits a signal to the controller <NUM> to allow the lighting device <NUM> to be turned off.

Specifically, when it is detected that the user is very close to the refrigerator <NUM> through the user detection sensor <NUM>, the lighting device <NUM> 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 <NUM> again, the lighting device <NUM> may be turned on again or may return to the original brightness.

The sensor may be an illuminance sensor <NUM>. The illuminance sensor <NUM> detects the illuminance of an indoor space and may be disposed at the same location as the user detection sensor <NUM>.

In addition, the lighting device <NUM> may be operated according to the detected illuminance of the illuminance sensor <NUM>. For example, when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor <NUM> is less than a set illuminance and it is dark, the controller <NUM> may turn on the lighting device <NUM>, and when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor <NUM> is equal to or greater than the set illuminance and it is bright, the control unit <NUM> may turn off the lighting device <NUM>.

On the other hand, the sensor may include both the illuminance sensor <NUM> and the user detection sensor <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may allow the lighting device <NUM> to be turned on and off in cooperation with the illuminance sensor <NUM> and the user detection sensor <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may be connected to a microphone <NUM>. Therefore, the controller may allow the LED <NUM> to emit light in a set color according to a voice signal received from the microphone <NUM>, and display the input state of the voice signal or the setting state of the function through the front color of the door <NUM>.

For example, when a temperature control signal of a user is input through the microphone <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may adjust a temperature in the refrigerator to a set temperature, and operate the lighting device <NUM> such that the color of the front surface of the door <NUM> is changed to a color corresponding to the temperature.

On the other hand, the lighting device <NUM> may be turned on and off at a time set by a timer <NUM>. That is, the lighting device <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be adjusted according to a user's settings regardless of the operating state of the refrigerator <NUM>.

In addition, the lighting device <NUM> may include a state in which brightness is adjusted in addition to an on state and an off state. That is, the controller <NUM> may adjust the output of the light emitted through the lighting device <NUM> to change the brightness of the panel <NUM>. Also, the operating state of the refrigerator <NUM> may be indicated through the brightness of the panel <NUM>.

On the other hand, the operating state of the lighting device <NUM> operated by the controller <NUM> is described specifically. When the lighting device <NUM> is turned on according to the instruction of the controller <NUM>, the light emitted by the LED <NUM> may be emitted toward the lower end of the light guide plate <NUM>. In this case, the light emitted from the LED <NUM> is emitted in the second color selected by the controller <NUM>. That is, the LED <NUM> is an RGB LED and emits light of the second color adjusted by the controller <NUM> such that the surface of the panel <NUM> is able to shine in the third color selected by the user.

Light incident through the lower end of the light guide plate <NUM> may be diffused and reflected along the light guide plate <NUM>, and 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> and be transmitted to the outside by passing through the panel <NUM>.

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

In this case, the light guide plate <NUM> may direct light of sufficient brightness from the entire surface forward by the LEDs <NUM> disposed to both ends of an LED mounting portion 361a, and thus the entire surface of the panel <NUM> including both ends of the panel <NUM> shines with uniform brightness.

Hereinafter, an operational flowchart of controlling the lighting device in the controller will be described in detail.

<FIG> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> according to the present invention includes a colored layer 31b that implements the color of the panel <NUM> itself. The colored layer 31b implements the main color of the front surface of the door when the lighting device <NUM> is turned off.

In addition, the panel <NUM> is formed of a material capable of transmitting light, so that when the lighting device <NUM> is turned on, the light emitted by the light sources passes through the panel <NUM> to enable the front surface of the door to brightly shine.

On the other hand, the color of the panel <NUM> itself is formed to have a color with a lightness of <NUM> 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 <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, a color other than the third color is seen due to the first color of the panel <NUM> itself.

Accordingly, in order to implement the third color selected by the user on the panel <NUM>, 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 <NUM> itself.

Accordingly, the controller performs adjustment such that the entire panel is able to appear in the third color selected by the user.

In detail, the controller receives third color information set by the user (S1). 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 calculates the second color information in consideration of the first color of the panel <NUM> itself appearing on the panel <NUM> (S2).

Specifically, the controller may store the RGB values of the first color of the panel <NUM> 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 controls the light sources of the lighting device to emit light with the calculated second color (S3).

When the light sources emit light in the second color, the light passes through the panel <NUM> of the first color, so that the front surface of the panel <NUM> shines in the third color.

Hereinafter, a change in the front exterior of the door <NUM> according to the operation of the lighting device <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a front view showing the front exterior of a refrigerator in a state in which the lighting device is turned off. <FIG> is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator in a state in which the lighting device is turned on. <FIG> 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> 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> 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 <NUM>.

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 <NUM> is turned off, as shown in <FIG>, the front surface of the door <NUM> does not shine, and the original color of the panel assembly <NUM>, that is, the first color is visible.

The panel assembly <NUM> has a structure that is separable from the door body <NUM>, so that a user can select an initial color of the panel <NUM> by mounting the panel assembly <NUM> of a desired color. It is noted that, 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.

The color of the front surface of the door <NUM> is seen as the color of the panel <NUM>, and the texture and pattern formed on the panel <NUM> may be seen. In this case, the panel <NUM> may be formed to have a color having a lightness greater than <NUM>, other than black.

Accordingly, the surface of the front surface of the door <NUM> is seen in the first color that is the color of the panel <NUM>, and in this case, the components inside the panel assembly <NUM> cannot be seen from the outside by the color of the panel <NUM> without seeing through 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> shines in a color selected by the user.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> performs control such that the front surface of the door <NUM> shines in a third color different from the first color, and the lighting device <NUM> allows the LED <NUM> to emit light of the second color under the control of the controller <NUM>. In this case, the third color is selected by the user, and the color of the panel <NUM> may be selected by the operation of the remote device <NUM> or the operation of the operation part <NUM>.

When the LED <NUM> emits light in the second color, the light reflected by the light guide plate <NUM> passes through the front surface of the panel <NUM>, and the front surface of the door <NUM>, that is, the panel <NUM> is seen in the third color.

On the other hand, when the controller <NUM> instructs the lighting device <NUM> to change the color of the light emitted from the lighting device <NUM> while the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM> shines in the third color, the panel <NUM> may shine in a different color reset by the controller <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may instruct the panel <NUM> to shine in a fourth color different from the third color, and the lighting device <NUM> may allow the LED <NUM> to emit light of a different color under the control of the controller <NUM>.

When the LED <NUM> emits light in the different color, the light reflected by the light guide plate <NUM> passes through the panel <NUM>, and the front surface of the door <NUM>, that is, the panel <NUM> may be seen in the fourth color.

On the other hand, the panel <NUM> constituting some doors <NUM> of the plurality of doors <NUM> forming the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM> emits light or the panels <NUM> constituting the plurality of doors <NUM> may independent emit light to form the front exterior of the refrigerator <NUM> in set colors.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the refrigerator <NUM> may be operated such that the panel <NUM> of some doors <NUM> among the plurality of doors <NUM> shines or shines in a specific color. That is, not all of the lighting devices <NUM> provided in the doors <NUM> are operated, but may be configured such that only some doors 201a of all doors <NUM> shine. For example, any one door 201a of the refrigerating chamber doors <NUM> may shine. That is, the left refrigerating chamber door 201a among the left refrigerating chamber door 201a and the right refrigerating chamber door 201b may shine. It is noted that, as for the doors <NUM>, any one of the freezing chamber doors <NUM> may shine.

If necessary, the left refrigerating chamber door 201a and the right refrigerating chamber door 201b may shine in different colors. In addition, colors of at least two or more of the doors <NUM> may be sequentially changed, and at least two or more of the doors <NUM> may be sequentially turned on and off.

Meanwhile, the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> or the freezing chamber door <NUM> among the doors may be controlled to shine in different colors.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may control the lighting device <NUM> such that the panels of the pair of refrigerating chamber doors <NUM> are seen in one color. In addition, the controller <NUM> may control the lighting device <NUM> such that the pair of refrigerating chamber doors <NUM> are seen in different colors.

That is, the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> and the freezing chamber door <NUM> may be distinguished by colors, and the colors of the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> and the freezing chamber door <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A home appliance comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) having a space formed therein;
a door (<NUM>) configured to open and close the cabinet (<NUM>) and including a panel assembly (<NUM>), wherein the panel assembly (<NUM>) includes a lighting device (<NUM>) configured to emit light and a front plate (<NUM>) forming an exterior of the door (<NUM>), the front plate (<NUM>) being configured to transmit the light from the lighting device (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to control the lighting device (<NUM>),
wherein the front plate (<NUM>) includes a base layer (31a) and a colored layer (31b) formed on the base layer (31a), the colored layer (31b) having a first color,
wherein the front plate (<NUM>) has the first color when the lighting device (<NUM>) is turned off, and a third color selectable by a user from a plurality of different colors and different from the first color when the lighting device (<NUM>) is turned on, and
characterized in that the controller (<NUM>) is configured to control the lighting device (<NUM>) to emit light in a second color adjusted depending on the first color such that the front plate (<NUM>) has the third color.