Patent ID: 12215850

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, detailed embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is limited to the embodiments in which the spirit of the present invention is proposed, and other degenerate idea or other embodiments included in the scope of the present invention may be easily proposed by addition, changes, deletions, etc. of other elements.

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 inFIGS.1and2, 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.

FIG.1is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Also,FIG.2is 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 refrigerator1according to an embodiment may be defined by a cabinet10in which a storage space is defined, and a door20for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet10.

For example, the cabinet10may define the storage space partitioned in a vertical direction. Here, a refrigerating compartment11may be defined at an upper portion of the cabinet10, and a freezing compartment12may be defined at a lower portion of the cabinet10. The refrigerating compartment11may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezing compartment12may be referred to as a lower storage space. In addition, the freezing compartment12may be divided into left and right sides to define a left freezing chamber12aand a right freezing chamber12b. The left freezing compartment12amay be referred to as a left lower storage space, and the right freezing compartment12bmay be referred to as a right lower storage space.

The door20may be configured to open and close each of the refrigerating compartment11and the freezing compartment12. For example, the door20may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet10, and each of the refrigerating compartment11and the freezing compartment12may be opened and closed by the rotation. Of course, the door20may also be withdrawn to open and close each of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment.

The door20may include a refrigerating compartment door201that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment11and a freezing compartment door202that opens and closes the freezing compartment12. The refrigerating compartment door201may be referred to as an upper door, and the freezing compartment door202may be referred to as a lower door.

The refrigerating compartment door201may include a pair of a left refrigerating compartment door and a right refrigerating compartment door, which are arranged side by side. The left refrigerating compartment door201aand the right refrigerating compartment door201bmay be disposed adjacent to each other and may have the same size. In addition, the left refrigerating compartment door201aand the right refrigerating compartment door201bmay independently rotate to open and close the refrigerating compartment11.

Upper and lower ends of the refrigerating compartment door201aand the freezing compartment door201bmay be coupled to the cabinet10by hinge devices204and205, respectively. The hinge device204may include an upper hinge204and a lower hinge205, and the refrigerator compartment door201aand the freezing compartment door201bmay be rotatably mounted thereon.

In addition, the freezing compartment door202may include a pair of a left freezing compartment door202aand a right freezing compartment door202b, which are arranged side by side. In addition, the left freezing compartment door202aand the right freezing compartment door202bmay independently rotate to open and close the freezing compartment. The left freezing compartment door202aand the right freezing compartment door202bmay be disposed adjacent to each other and may have the same size. Of course, although the refrigerator having a structure in which a refrigerating compartment11is disposed at an upper side, and a freezing compartment12is 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.

An outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1may be defined in the state in which the door20is closed and may define the out appearance of the refrigerator1viewed from the front in the state in which the refrigerator1is installed. The door20may 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 change front color or brightness of the door20without separating or disassembling the door20and may change the overall outer appearance of the refrigerator1.

Hereinafter, the structure of the door20will be described in detail with reference to drawings. In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the left refrigerating compartment door201a, and other doors201b,202a, and202bmay also have the same structure.

FIG.3is a perspective view of the door. Also,FIG.4is 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. Also,FIG.5is a rear perspective view of the panel assembly.

As illustrated in the drawings, the door20may include a door body21defining the overall shape of the door20, and a panel assembly30defining an outer appearance of a front surface of the door20. That is, the door20may be configured so that the panel assembly30is mounted on a front surface of the door body40.

The door body40may include a body plate41defining a front surface and a door liner42,212defining a rear surface. The body plate41may be made of a metal material and disposed to face a rear surface of the panel assembly30. The door liner42may be made of a plastic material and may form a bottom shape of the door20.

The door body40may include a side decoration44defining right and left side surfaces of the door body21. The side decoration44may connect both right and left ends of the body plate41and both right and left ends of the door liner42.

The door body40may include an upper cap decoration43and a lower cap decoration45that form top and bottom surfaces of the door body40. The upper cap decoration43may be connected to an upper end of the side decoration44, an upper end of the body plate41, and an upper end of the door liner42. The lower cap decoration45may be connected to a lower end of the side decoration44, a lower end of the body plate41, and a lower end of the door liner42.

An outer appearance of the door body40may be defined by the body plate41, the door liner42, the side decoration44, the upper cap decoration43, and the lower cap decoration45. In addition, an insulator may be filled in an internal space of the door body40, which is defined by coupling the body plate41, the door liner42, the side decoration44, the upper cap decoration43, and the lower cap decoration45.

The panel assembly30may be inserted into and mounted on the front surface of the door body40. For example, the side decoration44may further protrude forward and may be in contact with both ends of the panel assembly30. In addition, a top surface of the panel assembly30may define the same plane as the upper cap decoration43to define the top surface of the door20, and the bottom surface of the panel assembly30has the lower cap decoration45to define the same plane as the bottom surface of the door20.

In addition, a wire369connected to the panel assembly30may be disposed on the door body40. The wire369may be provided as a plurality of wire-type electrical wires and may be connected to the lighting device36of the panel assembly30.

The wire369may be connected to the panel assembly30via the inside of the door body40. In detail, one end of the wire369may be connected to the lighting device36, lead into the door body40through a wire hole411defined in the front surface of the door body40, and lead out of the door body40through the hinge mounting portion431disposed on an upper end of the door body40.

The wire hole411may be opened to pass through the body plate41and may be disposed at a side that is farther from one side on which the upper hinge204is mounted among left and right sides. For example, the upper hinge204may be mounted at the left side of the door20, and thus, the wire hole411may be defined in the right side of the body plate41.

The upper hinge204may be mounted on the hinge mounting portion431, and the wire369may be guided to the cabinet10through the upper hinge204and be connected to the controller13disposed on the cabinet10. The wire369may have a structure connected between the panel assembly30and the door body40by a connector. Thus, when the panel assembly30is separated and mounted on the door body40, the wire369may be easily connected.

The panel assembly30may be provided in a plate shape and may define an outer appearance of the front surface of the door20while being mounted on the front surface of the door body40. Since the panel assembly30may form the outer appearance of the front surface of the door20, the panel assembly30may be referred to as a door panel, and since the panel assembly30may form the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1, the panel assembly30may also be referred to as an exterior panel.

The panel assembly30may be detachably mounted on the door body40. An upper protrusion343and a lower protrusion473,474, which protrude backward, may be disposed on upper and lower ends of the rear surface of the panel assembly30, respectively. In addition, an upper mounting portion412on which the upper protrusion343is inserted and mounted may be opened at the upper end of the front surface of the door body40, and the lower mounting portion into which the lower protrusions473and474are inserted and mounted may be disposed on the bottom surface of the door body40, i.e., the lower cap decoration45.

In addition, although not shown in detail, the upper protrusion343may be restricted by an upper cover46mounted on an opened top surface of the upper cap decoration43. In addition, a screw that restricts the lower end of the panel assembly30may be coupled through the lower cap decoration45, and thus, the panel assembly30may be firmly mounted to the door body40.

In addition, as necessary, the panel assembly30may have a structure that is detachably mounted on the door body40for services and maintenance. In the state in which the panel assembly30is separated, the substrate protrusion361bof the lighting device36may be exposed to the lower end of the rear surface of the panel assembly30, and the wire369may be connected thereto.

In this case, the substrate protrusion361bmay protrude backward and also may protrude more than the back cover39defining the rear surface of the panel assembly30. In addition, a cover opening398that is opened so that the substrate protrusion361band a protrusion guide357protrude may be further defined in an edge of a lower end of the back cover39. For example, the cover opening398may be provided by cutting edges of side and lower ends of the back cover39.

The substrate protrusion361b, the protrusion guide357and/or the cover opening398may be disposed at one end that is far from the mounting position of the upper hinge204and the lower hinge205among the left and right sides. Thus, when the panel assembly30is detached, an interference with the lower hinge205may be minimized. That is, the substrate protrusion361b, the protrusion guide357, and/or the cover opening398may be disposed at one side of the rotation shaft of the door20among the left and right sides. In addition, the substrate protrusion361bmay be disposed at a position facing the wire hole411, and the wire369may be more easily connected.

A front surface of the panel assembly30may be exposed forward in the state in which the panel assembly30is mounted on the door body40, and the panel assembly30may substantially form the outer appearance of the front surface of the door20. That is, a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the door20may be determined by a color of the front surface of the panel assembly30. In addition, the entire front surface of the panel assembly30may be configured to shine in a color specified by the user through the lighting device36and may be changed to various colors selected by the user to express the color of the front surface of the door20in various manners.

Hereinafter, the structure of the panel assembly30will be described in more detail with reference to drawings.FIG.6is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI′ ofFIG.4. Also,FIG.7is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly. As illustrated in the drawings, the panel assembly30may include a panel31forming an outer appearance of the front surface, the lighting device36emitting light to cause the panel31to shine, a light guide plate33guiding light emitted from the lighting device36, and a transmission member32on which the panel31is mounted.

The panel assembly30may include an upper bracket34forming a top surface of the panel assembly30and a lower bracket35forming a bottom surface of the panel assembly30. The lighting device36may be mounted on the lower bracket35. The panel assembly30may further include a back cover39forming a rear surface.

In more detail, the panel31may be provided in a rectangular plate shape and may be made of a material that transmits light therethrough. For example, the panel31may 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 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a polycarbonate (PC). In addition, the panel31may have a thickness set so as not to be easily broken due to characteristics of defining an outer appearance thereof. The panel31may have a thickness greater than that of the light guide plate33. For example, the panel31may have a thickness of approximately 3 mm to 5 mm. The panel31may be referred to as a transparent plate or an out plate.

The panel31may be transparent to allow light reflected by the light guide plate33to be transmitted. In this case, the transparency may be defined as a degree to which the light reflected from the light guide plate33is transmitted and irradiated to the outside to identify that the panel31shines in a specific color. In addition, 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 panel31.

In addition, the panel31may be provided to have a color. That is, in a state in which the lighting device36is turned off, a color of the front surface of the door20may be expressed by the color of the panel31. The color of the panel31may not be changed in a state in which the lighting device36is turned off, and the user may select and install a color desired by the user through replacement of the panel assembly30. In addition, the color of the panel31may be defined as a first color when the lighting device36is turned off. That is, the color of the panel31itself may be defined as the first color.

For example, a specific design or pattern may be printed on the panel31to have specific color. A film with a specific design or pattern printed thereon may be added to the panel31, surface treatment such as imprinting, etching, and glass printing may be performed on the panel21, or a coating or deposition layer having specific color and texture may be provided to define an outer appearance of the panel31.

The front plate31may be configured to transmit light emitted from the lighting device36but components behind the front plate31may not be seen therethrough. That is, in the state in which the lighting device36is turned off, components inside the panel assembly30may be prevented from being seen to the outside through the panel31due to the color of the panel31.

Here, the panel31may be provided with a color layer311having a color. Here, in an off state, the color layer311may have at least color having brightness equal to or greater than 0 other than black. That is, in a state in which the refrigerator1is installed, the front surface of the refrigerator1may be displayed in a color other than black, and the color of the front surface of the refrigerator may be changed according to an operation of the lighting device36.

The panel31may define the outer appearance of the front surface of the panel assembly30, which is exposed to the outside. The panel31may have a size less than that of the light guide plate33. Thus, the light emitted from the light guide plate33toward the panel31may be evenly irradiated to the entirety including an outer end the panel31, and the entire panel31may be brightly shine without being partially darkened.

A rear surface of the panel31may be mounted on a front surface of the transmission member32. Here, a horizontal width of the panel31may correspond to a horizontal width of the transmission member32. Thus, in the state in which the panel31is mounted, both left and right ends of the transmission member32and both left and right ends of the panel31may be disposed on the same plane and define both left and right surfaces of the panel assembly30. Thus, in the state in which the panel31is attached to the transmission member32, when viewed from the front, the components disposed behind the panel in addition to the transmission member32may not be exposed to the outside, and the outer appearance of the front surfaces of the panel assembly30and the door20may be defined.

The light guide plate33may be positioned at a rear spaced apart from the panel31and may be configured to guide light emitted from the lighting device36disposed below the light guide plate33forward toward the panel31. For example, the light guide plate33may be made of a transparent acrylic, plastic, or transparent polymer material. The light guide plate33may have a diffusing agent added thereto for diffusing light entrance on the light guide plate33or a pattern for diffusing light may be further formed on the light guide plate33. Thus, light may be transferred to the panel31by the light guide plate33, and in this case, a pattern of the light guide plate33may be set to cause the entire front surface of the panel31to glow with uniform brightness.

For example, the light guide plate33may have a pattern that increases in density upward from a center of the light guide plate33so as to have uniform brightness as a whole, and the density of the pattern may gradually increase from the center toward both left and right sides. In addition, the pattern may not be provided at a position closest to the lighting device36on the lower end of the light guide plate33, or the density of the pattern may be provided to be relatively low.

The light guide plate33may be entirely provided in a rectangular plate shape and may be formed with a size somewhat greater than that of the panel31. In detail, the light guide plate may have a width less than that of a left and right width of the panel31and greater than a vertical length of the panel31so as to be mounted on the transmission member32.

In addition, although not shown in detail, a reflective layer331may be disposed on a rear surface of the light guide plate33so that light inside the light guide plate33is directed forward. Thus, the light moving along the light guide plate33may be induced to be irradiated toward the panel31. In addition, the reflective layer may be disposed on each of both ends and an upper end of the light guide plate33except for the lower side, on which the lighting device36is mounted, so that all the light is directed to the inside of the light guide plate33without leaking around the light guide plate33, and thus, the panel31may shine more brightly and uniformly. The light guide plate33may be supported by the back cover39from the rear and may be fixed to be maintained at a predetermined interval from the panel31by the transmission member32.

The transmission member32may be disposed between the panel31and the light guide plate33. The transmission member32may be used to fixedly mount the light guide plate33and the panel31, and in particular, may maintain the light guide plate33at a predetermined interval from the panel31.

The transmission member32may have a front surface supporting the panel31and both left and right surfaces that restrict the light guide plate33disposed at a rear side thereof. The transmission member32may be referred to as a support member or a fixing member because the panel31and the light guide plate33are mounted thereon. In addition, since the transmission member32is provided to allow light to pass therethrough, the transmission member32may be referred to as a transparent plate. In addition, since the transmission member32may have a structure including the side surface of the panel assembly340, the transmission member32may be referred to as a panel frame.

The transmission member32may be made of a material capable of transmitting light therethrough and may be provided as a whole by injection or extrusion as a single component. That is, the transmission member32may be made of a material having a property of allowing light to pass through and having moldability. For example, the transmission member32may be made of an optically transparent ABS material. In addition, the transmission member32may be made of various transparent plastic materials, such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, or the like. The light reflected from the light guide plate33may be transmitted to pass through the panel31.

The light transmission performance and transparency of the transmission member32means a degree to which light irradiated from the rear light guide plate33passes through the transmission member32to illuminate the panel31. In addition, a light diffusing agent may be added when the transmission member32is molded. The light diffusing agent may diffuse the light passing through the transmission member32and may allow the light to be irradiated more evenly to the entire front panel31.

The transmission member32may be entirely made of a resin material. Also, the panel31may be mounted on the front surface of the transmission member32with respect to the transmission member32, and the light guide plate33may be disposed on the rear surface of the transmission member32.

The transmission member32may include a front surface portion (or front surface wall)321having a plate shape, and a side surface portion (or side surface wall)322that protrudes backward from each of both right and left ends of the front surface portion321. The front surface portion321may be disposed between the panel31and the light guide plate33, the front surface may support the panel31, and the rear surface may support the light guide plate33.

The front surface portion321may be provided in the plate shape having a size corresponding to that of the panel31, and an adhesive member313may be applied around the front surface portion321so that the panel31adheres to the transmission member32. Here, the adhesive member313may be made of a transparent material or a material capable of transmitting light, and the panel31may be configured so that the entire area including an area to which the adhesive member313is applied shines.

A left and right width of the front surface portion321may be the same as a left and right width of the panel31. In addition, the upper end of the front surface portion321may protrude more upward than the upper end of the panel31, and the lower end of the front surface portion321may protrude more than the lower end of the panel31. That is, the front surface portion321may have a size greater than that of the panel31, and in particular, may have a length greater than a vertical length of the panel31.

In addition, the front surface portion321may have a structure connecting the side surface portions322respectively disposed at both the left and right sides. That is, the front surface portion321may be continuously disposed between the side surface portion322and may extend from the side surface portion322at one side to the side surface portion322at the other side.

In the state in which the light guide plate33is mounted, the rear surface of the front surface portion321may be maintained in the state of being in contact with the front surface of the light guide plate33. Thus, the light guide plate33may be always maintained at a constant distance from the panel31. Here, the front surface portion321may be extruded to be maintained at set flatness, and thus, when the light guide plate33is mounted, the front surface portion321may be in contact with the entire front surface of the light guide plate33. Thus, the molding may be performed to prevent an irregular interval or gap from occurring between the front surface portion321and the light guide plate33.

The side surface portion322may be disposed along both the left and right ends of the light guide plate33. The side surface portion322may be stepped with respect to upper and lower ends of the front surface portion321and may be provided to match side ends of the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35.

The transmission member32may have the same cross-sectional structure in the vertical direction and thus may be simply molded by the extrusion. Simultaneously, a structure in which the panel31and the light guide plate33are mounted using the front surface portion321and the side surface portion322may be provided. In addition, the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be mounted through the structure of the side surface portion322.

The upper bracket34may be provided at an upper end of the panel assembly30. The upper bracket34may form a top surface of the panel assembly30. The upper bracket34may be injection-molded with a plastic material, and may provide a structure coupled to the transmission member32and a structure coupled to the back cover39.

The upper bracket34may extend from an upper left end to a right end of the transmission member32and may shield the transmission member32of the panel assembly30and an upper end of the light guide plate33so as not to be exposed. In addition, the upper bracket34may shield at least a portion of the upper end of the panel31. Thus, when viewed from above, a top surface of the panel31may be defined by the upper bracket34, and other components constituting the panel assembly30may be prevented from being exposed upward.

The back cover39may be coupled to the rear surface of the upper bracket34. That is, when the back cover39is coupled, the upper bracket34may support the upper end of the light guide plate33at the rear side.

The lower bracket35may be provided at the lower end of the panel assembly30. The lower bracket35may form a bottom surface of the panel assembly30. The lower bracket35may be injection-molded with a plastic material and may provide a structure coupled to the transmission member32and a structure coupled to the back cover39.

The lighting device36may be mounted on the lower bracket35. The lighting device36may be provided inside the lower bracket35to irradiate light toward the light guide plate33and may be assembled and mounted with the lower bracket35in the state of being mounted on the lower bracket35. The lower bracket35may be referred to as a light bracket or a bracket because the lighting device36is mounted thereon.

The lower bracket35may be coupled to a lower end of the transmission member32and may extend from a left end to a right end of the lower end of the transmission member32. The back cover39may be coupled to the rear surface of the lower bracket35. When the back cover39is coupled, the lower bracket35may support the light guide plate33at the rear side. Thus, during a process in which the panel assembly30is assembled, both right and left ends of the light guide plate33may be fixed by the transmission member32, and the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate33may be supported by the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35at the rear side.

The back cover39may form a rear surface of the panel assembly30and may be coupled to the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35. The back cover39may be made of a metal material such as stainless or aluminum. The back cover39may be formed with a size corresponding to the size of the panel assembly30and may form an entire shape of the rear surface of the panel assembly30.

The rear surface of the light guide plate33may be supported by a cover protrusion391protruding on the center of the back cover39, at the rear side. Thus, the light guide plate33may have a plate-shaped structure having a large size, but in the state in which the back cover39is mounted, the light guide plate33may have the overall stable support structure and may be maintained in the stably mounted state. The upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be provided at positions corresponding to an upper end and a lower end of the back cover39.

Right and left ends of a cover circumferential portion392, which form a circumference of the back cover39, may be in contact with the side surface portion322of the transmission member32, and upper and lower ends of the cover circumferential portion392may be in contact with the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35, respectively. A plurality of screws399may be coupled to the upper and lower ends of the cover circumferential portion392and may be coupled to the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35through the back cover39to fixedly mount the back cover39.

The structure of each of the component constituting the panel assembly30will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.FIG.8is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which the upper bracket, the transmission member, and the back plate, which are components of the panel assembly, are disassembled.

As illustrated in the drawings, the upper bracket34may have a length corresponding to a length of the panel assembly30in a right and left direction. In addition, the upper bracket34may define a top surface of the panel assembly30in a state of being mounted on the transmission member32.

In addition, the upper bracket34may include an upper bracket extension portion341and an upper bracket top surface portion342as a whole. The upper bracket extension portion341may be configured to the upper bracket34may be disposed in parallel with the panel31and the light guide plate33to extend in the vertical direction.

In addition, an upper bracket mounting portion344disposed to be stepped forward may be disposed on each of both left and right ends of the upper bracket extension portion341. The upper bracket mounting portion344may be provided to be stepped with respect to the upper bracket extension portion341and may be inserted into an opened space of the upper end of the side surface portion322of the transmission member32.

In the state in which the upper bracket34is mounted on the transmission member32, the upper bracket mounting portion344may be fixed in the bracket insertion space325, and the remaining upper bracket extension portion341may be exposed between both the side surface portions322to support the upper end of the back cover39and to be coupled to the upper end of the back cover39.

The upper protrusion343protruding backward may be disposed on a rear surface of the upper bracket extension portion341. The upper protrusion343may be configured to mount the panel assembly30and may be coupled to the upper mounting portion412of the front surface of the door body40.

In addition, the upper protrusion343may protrude from an upper end of the rear surface of the upper bracket extension portion341and be provided in plurality at regular intervals along the upper bracket34. In addition, the upper protrusion343may protrude to pass through the protrusion opening395of the back cover39when the back cover39is mounted.

An upper bracket screw hole345to be coupled to the screw399may be defined in the upper bracket extension portion341. The upper bracket screw hole345may be defined at a position corresponding to the cover screw hole397. Thus, when the back cover39is mounted, the screws399may be coupled to sequentially pass through the cover screw hole397and the upper bracket screw hole345.

The upper bracket top surface portion342may be disposed on an upper end of the upper bracket extension portion341. The upper bracket top surface portion342may define the top surface of the panel assembly30and may extend in a direction perpendicular to the upper bracket extension portion341.

In detail, the upper bracket top surface portion342may extend forward from the upper end of the upper bracket extension portion341. The front end of the upper bracket top surface portion342may extend to shield at least a portion of the upper end of the panel31and be disposed to shield upper ends of the transmission member32and the light guide plate33.

Thus, the upper bracket34may be fixedly coupled to the upper end of the transmission member32and be in the state of being fixed to the back cover39by the screw399to restrict upward movement of the light guide plate33and define a shape of the top surface of the panel assembly30.

FIG.9is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which the lower bracket, the transmission member, and the back plate, which are components of the panel assembly, are disassembled. As shown in the drawing, in the state in which the panel31is mounted on the front part321of the transmission member32, and the light guide plate33is mounted on the side surface portion322, the lower bracket35may be mounted on the lower end of the transmission member32.

Here, the left and right side ends of the lower bracket rear surface portion352may be inserted into the opened space of the side surface portion322, and thus, the lower bracket35may be fixedly mounted to the lower end of the transmission member32.

A lower bracket screw hole352cto which a plurality of screws397bare coupled may be defined in the lower bracket rear surface portion352. The lower bracket screw hole352cmay be defined at a position corresponding to a cover screw hole397, and when the back cover39is mounted, the screw399may sequentially pass through the cover screw hole397and the lower bracket screw hole352cand then be coupled.

The back cover39may be firmly coupled to the lower bracket35by coupling the screw399, and the lower bracket35may be inserted into the transmission member32and be primarily fixed and then may be secondarily firmly fixed by the screw399coupled to the back cover39. Since the lower bracket35is maintained in the firmly mounted state, the lower portion of the light guide plate33may be firmly supported by the lower bracket35. Therefore, even when the door20is repeatedly opened or closed, or the light guide plate33is contracted and expanded due to heat, the light guide plate33may be maintained at the mounting position so that the light emitted from the lighting device36is secured to be irradiated to an accurate position.

The back cover39connected to the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35by the screw399may have an upper end supported on the upper bracket extension portion341and a lower end coupled to the lower bracket rear surface portion352, and thus, both ends of the back cover39may be maintained in the state of being supported on the side surface portion322. Thus, the back cover39may shield a space between the side surface portion322, which is disposed at each of both left and right sides, the upper bracket34, and the lower bracket35and define the rear surface of the panel assembly30.

A cover bent portion396that is bent forward may be further disposed on a lower end of the back cover39. The cover bent portion396may be inserted into the bracket opening352aof the lower bracket rear surface portion352and may be in contact with a bottom surface of the heat dissipation member37that is in contact with the lighting device36. Thus, heat generated during an operation of the lighting device36may be conducted to the entire back cover39through the heat dissipation member37and the cover bent portion396and thus may be effectively dissipated.

In addition, the cover opening398may be defined in the back cover39. The cover opening398may be opened to expose the protrusion guide357and the substrate protrusion361b. For example, the cover opening398may be provided by cutting edges of the lower end and the side end of the back cover39.

The panel assembly30may include a lower decoration47. The lower decoration47may define an outer appearance of the lower end of the panel assembly30, and the lower end of the panel assembly30may be fixed to the door body40.

The lower decoration47may be made of a plastic material and may be coupled under the lower bracket35to shield the lower bracket35. That is, in the state in which the panel assembly30is mounted on the door body40, the lower bracket35may not be exposed by the lower decoration47and be coupled to the door body40.

The lower decoration47may have a length corresponding to that of the lower end of the panel assembly30. In addition, the lower decoration47may include a decoration front surface471and a decoration bottom surface472. A bracket mounting space470in which the lower bracket35is inserted and mounted may be defined by the decoration front surface471and the decoration bottom surface472.

The decoration front surface471may shield the front surface of the lower bracket35and may extend up to the lower end of the panel31. In addition, the decoration front surface471may be exposed to the lower end of the front surface of the panel assembly30.

The decoration bottom surface472may support the lower bracket35from the lower side. In addition, although not shown in detail, a restriction groove in which the restriction protrusion protruding from the bottom surface of the lower bracket35is hooked to be restricted may be further defined in the decoration bottom surface472. Thus, the lower decoration47may be coupled to the lower bracket35in the state of shielding the lower bracket35and may define the lower end of the panel assembly30.

In addition, the lower protrusion473protruding upward after extending backward may be provided on a rear end of the decoration bottom surface472. The lower protrusion473may be coupled to the lower portion of the door body40and may be maintained in the state in which the lower end of the panel assembly30is coupled to the door body40.

FIG.10is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the lighting device is mounted on the lower bracket that is one component of the panel assembly. In addition,FIG.11is an exploded perspective view illustrating the lower bracket, the lighting device, and the heat dissipation member.FIG.12is a perspective view of the lower bracket.

As illustrated in the drawings, the lower bracket35may have a corresponding to the right and left direction length of the panel assembly30. The lower bracket35may broadly include the lower bracket front surface portion (or lower bracket front surface)351, a lower bracket rear surface portion (or lower bracket rear surface)352, a lower bracket side surface portion (or lower bracket side surface)353, and a lower bracket bottom surface portion (or lower bracket bottom surface)354.

The lower bracket front surface portion351may define a shape of the front surface of the lower bracket35, and a panel support portion351amay be disposed on the upper end of the lower bracket front surface portion351to define the lower end of the panel31. That is, the panel support portion351amay protrude more upward than an upper end of a light source of the lighting device36and may protrude to a set height to prevent the lighting device36, i.e., an LED362from being exposed forward. The panel support portion351amay hide an area generated due to intensive light irradiation at the lower end of the light guide plate33and the lower end of the panel31, which are disposed more adjacent to the lighting device36, to prevent a lighting spot from being formed on the panel31.

The lower bracket rear surface portion352may define a rear surface of the lower bracket35and may protrude more upward than the lower bracket front surface portion351and the lower bracket side surface portion353to support the light guide plate33at the rear side and then may be coupled to the back cover39.

A lower bracket mounting portion352bthat is disposed to be stepped forward may be disposed on each of both left and right ends of the lower bracket rear surface portion352. The lower bracket mounting portion352bmay be inserted and mounted into the side surface portion322. One end of the lower bracket mounting portion352bmay be cut off, and an end of the lower bracket mounting portion352bmay be provided in a hook shape to be hooked and restricted in an inner space of the side surface portion322when the lower bracket35is mounted. A lower bracket screw hole352cto which a plurality of screws397bare coupled may be defined in the lower bracket rear surface portion352.

A bracket opening may be defined in the lower bracket rear surface portion352. The bracket opening352amay be defined at a position facing the lower bracket front surface portion351and may be defined to be opened in the rear surface of an accommodation space350in which the lighting device36is mounted. In addition, the lighting device36may be accessible through the bracket opening352a. The bracket opening352amay be shielded by the back cover39.

The lower bracket bottom surface portion354may define a bottom surface of the lower bracket35and may define a bottom surface of the space in which the lighting device36is mounted. A light guide plate support portion (or light guide plate supports)355protruding rearward may be disposed on the lower bracket front surface portion351. The plurality of light guide plate supports355may protrude backward at a constant interval along the lower bracket front surface portion351. In addition, a top surface of the light guide plate support portion355may support a lower end of the light guide plate33.

The light guide plate support portion355may extend to restrict the lighting device36at the upper side. The light guide plate support portion355may extend backward while passing between the plurality of LEDs362disposed on the lighting device36and may be in contact with a top surface of the substrate361of the lighting device36.

In addition, a substrate support portion protrusion (reference numeral354ainFIG.20) protruding upward may be disposed on the lower bracket bottom surface portion354. The substrate support portion protrusion354amay be in contact with the bottom surface of the substrate361. Thus, the top and bottom surfaces of the lighting device36may be restricted by the light guide plate support portion355and the substrate support portion protrusion354a, and vertical movement of the lighting device36may be restricted.

The lighting device36may be provided within the lower bracket35. The lighting device36may include a substrate361and an LED362. The substrate361may be formed in a plate shape to be accommodated within the lower bracket35and may extend from one end of the lower bracket35to the other end. The plurality of LEDs362may be continuously disposed at a predetermined interval on the substrate361.

In addition, a protrusion guide357may be disposed on one end of both the left and right ends of the lower bracket35. The protrusion guide357may be configured to so that a portion of the substrate361of the lighting device36disposed inside the lower bracket35is exposed, and the wire369may be connected to the substrate361through the protrusion guide357.

The protrusion guide357may be disposed on one end that is far from a rotation shaft of the door20among both the left and right ends and may protrude more backward than the lower bracket rear portion352. In addition, the protrusion guide357may have an opening357adefined in a rear surface of the protrusion guide357. In addition, the substrate protrusion361bmay be exposed through the opening357a. A space inside the protrusion guide357may communicate with the accommodation space350.

In addition, a lower support portion359supporting one end of the substrate361, on which the substrate protrusion361bis disposed, from the lower side may be disposed to protrude from the inside of the protrusion guide357. In addition, an upper support portion358extending below an upper end of the bracket opening352aand supporting the top surface of the substrate361on which the substrate protrusion361bis disposed may be provided. One end of the substrate361on which the substrate protrusion361bis disposed may have top and bottom surfaces that are stably supported by the upper support portion358and the lower support portion359, and thus, when the wire369is connected to the substrate361, the substrate361may be prevented from moving or being separated from the mounted position.

The heat dissipation member37may be provided within the lower bracket35. The heat dissipation member37may support the lighting device36within the lower bracket35. In addition, the heat dissipation member37may be made of a metal material to dissipate heat generated by the lighting device36by conduction and may be provided in a size that is enough to be accessible through the bracket opening352a.

The heat dissipation member37may include a first supporting portion372supporting the lighting device36and a second supporting portion371that is in contact with the back cover39. The first supporting portion372may be disposed on the lower bracket bottom surface portion354within the lower bracket35. The second supporting portion371may extend upward from a rear end of the first supporting portion372and be exposed backward through the bracket opening352aso that when the back cover39is mounted, the second supporting portion371is in contact with the back cover39. Thus, the heat generated by the lighting device36may be transferred to the back cover39through the heat dissipation member37so as to be dissipated.

Hereinafter a structure of the lighting device36will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.FIG.13is a plan view of the lighting device. Also,FIG.14is an enlarged view illustrating a portion A ofFIG.13. Also,FIG.15is an enlarged view illustrating an opposite surface of the portion A.

As illustrated in the drawings, the lighting device may include a plate-shaped substrate and a plurality of LEDs disposed along the substrate. The substrate361may have a length corresponding to a horizontal length of the light guide plate33or a length slightly greater than that of the light guide plate33and may have a size corresponding to that of the accommodation space350of the lower bracket35. Thus, the LEDs362may be disposed along an end of the light guide plate33to sufficiently irradiate light to both the ends of the light guide plate33.

In detail, the LEDs362may be disposed to irradiate light toward the lower end of the light guide plate33. The LEDs362may provide a space in which the LEDs362are continuously disposed from a left end to the other end of the light guide plate33. In addition, the left side end and the right side end of the substrate361may be in contact with the lower bracket side surface portion353within the lower bracket35and may restrict right and left movement.

Each of the LEDs362may be configured as an RGB LED, for example. The LED362may include an RGB LED for irradiating light with various colors under a control of the controller13. That is, the LED362may irradiate light with various colors by combining the colors of the irradiated light under the control of the controller13, and thus, the panel31may shine with various colors set by the controller13. According to color of the panel31, a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1may be determined.

The LED362may include an LED irradiating light with a specific color other than the RGB LED and may include a combination of a plurality of LEDs that irradiate light with different colors. In addition, in the light device, other light sources capable of performing the same operation in addition to the LED362may be disposed.

The LED362may be mounted at a constant interval on the substrate361, and the appropriate number of light sources362may be arranged to allow the panel31to shine with set brightness. For example, the LED362may be arranged at an interval of about 6.3 mm to about 7.0 mm, brightness thereof may reach target brightness of the panel31, and the entire surface of the panel31may shine with uniform brightness equal to or greater than about 80%. An interval between the LED362may be less than the right and left width of the light guide plate support portion355, and thus the light guide plate support portion355may be disposed between the light sources362.

When looking at the structure of the substrate361in more detail, the substrate361may include an LED mounting portion (or LED mounting region)361a, on which the LED362is mounted, and a substrate protrusion361bon which a soldering portion364, to which a wire369for an operation of the LED362is connected, is disposed. That is, the substrate361may extend to be elongated in the horizontal direction to mount the plurality of LEDs362thereon, and one side of the substrate361may have a shape protruding backward. Due to such a shape, the LED mounting portion361amay be disposed inside the panel assembly30, and the substrate protrusion361bmay have a structure that protrudes to pass through the rear surface of the panel assembly30, thereby minimizing 35hicken35hickenss of the panel assembly30.

The plurality of LEDs362may be mounted on the LED mounting portion361a, and the LED mounting portion361amay extend to be elongated with the same length L1in the front and rear direction along the extension direction. Here, the length L1of the LED mounting portion361ain the front and rear direction may have a size less than a distance D1between the front surface of the panel31and the back cover39. In addition, the length L1of the LED mounting portion361ain the front and rear direction may be determined to be a minimum length required for arranging the LEDs362.

In addition, the LED mounting portion361amay have an emission area365on which the plurality of the LEDs362are disposed. The emission area365may correspond to an entire top surface of the LED mounting portion361a, and the plurality of LEDs362may be arranged in a line on the emission area365. The emission area365may be referred to as a first substrate area.

Only the LEDs362may be disposed within the emission area365, and thus, the LEDs362may be sequentially disposed from both left and right ends of the LED mounting portion361a. In the emission area365, a soldering portion364or other elements365aand365bother than the LEDs362may not be disposed, and the LEDs362may be densely disposed. Particularly, the LEDs362may be disposed adjacent as possible to both left and right ends of the emission area365, i.e., to both left and right ends of the LED mounting portion361a, and thus, sufficient light may be irradiated up to both the left and right ends of the light guide plate33to prevent both the ends of the panel31from being darkened. Particularly, this arrangement of the LED362may be possible by disposing the soldering portion364connected to the wire369on the substrate361outside the emission area365, and the soldering portion364may be disposed on the substrate protrusion361bprotruding from the substrate361.

In addition, the LED362may be disposed on the top surface of the substrate361, and an LED element365bfor driving the LED362and elements365afor inputting a signal may be disposed on the bottom surface of the substrate361. Thus, in the emission area365, no other configuration other than the LED362and the circuit363connected to the LEDs362may be disposed.

That is, the LED element365bfor driving the LED362and the element365afor the signal processing may be disposed on a bottom surface of the LED mounting portion361a. Due to this arrangement, while minimizing the length L1of the LED mounting portion361ain the front and rear direction, the LED362may be protected against noise, overvoltage, or static electricity, which are caused by the elements365aand365b.

The LED362may be disposed at a somewhat eccentric position at a midpoint of the LED mounting portion361a. In detail, the LED362may be disposed more forward than a center line C of the midpoint of the LED mounting portion361ain the front and rear direction. For example, the midpoint of the LED362in the front and rear direction may be disposed more forward than the center line C.

Due to this arrangement, the LED362may be disposed vertically below the light guide plate33, and light may be effectively irradiated to the lower end of the light guide plate33. In addition, the LED362may be disposed adjacent to the lower bracket front surface portion351to prevent the lower end of the panel31from being excessively bright by the light irradiated from the LED362or prevent hot spots or light leaks in which light is condensed at the lower end of the panel31from occurring.

The substrate protrusion361bmay protrude backward from one end of both the left and right ends of the substrate361. The substrate protrusion361bmay protrude backward from an end of the LED mounting portion361a.

The substrate protrusion361bmay provide a terminal area366on which the soldering portion364for the connection of the wire369is disposed. The substrate protrusion361bmay protrude so that the soldering portion364extending in the front and rear direction is disposed. That is, the plurality of soldering portions364may be disposed inside the terminal area366. The terminal area366may be referred to as a second substrate area to be distinguished from the first substrate area.

The soldering portion364may be a portion connected to the wire369and be configured to supply power or transmit a signal to the substrate361and also be configured so that a plurality of wires369are connected by soldering. The soldering portion364may extend in the front and rear direction to facilitate the connection of the wire369. Of course, the wire369may be connected in other manners, and in this case, the soldering portion364may be expressed as a terminal portion or a connection portion.

A length L2of the substrate protrusion361bin the front and rear direction may be provided so that the soldering portion364is disposed and also is accommodated inside the protrusion guide357. For example, the length L2of the substrate protrusion361bin the front and rear direction may be less than the length L1of the LED mounting portion in the front and rear direction.

In addition, a width W of the substrate protrusion361bin the left and right direction may have a size that is enough so that all of the plurality of soldering portions364are disposed. To minimize the width W of the substrate protrusion361bin the left and right direction, the plurality of soldering portions364may extend in the front and rear direction and may be separately disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate protrusion361b.

For example, a ground soldering portion364aconnected to a ground line369amay be disposed on the top surface of the substrate protrusion361b. The ground soldering portion364amay be disposed on the top surface of the substrate protrusion361bbecause a ground line369acapable of being independently disposed is connected. In addition, a power soldering portion364cconnected to a power line369cand a signal soldering portion364bspaced apart from the power soldering portion364cand connected to a signal line369bmay be disposed on the bottom surface of the substrate protrusion361b.

Here, the signal soldering portion364bmay be disposed closer to the side end of the substrate361than the power soldering portion364c. An element365afor processing a signal may be disposed on the bottom surface of the substrate361at the outermost side of the LED mounting portion361a, and thus, the signal soldering portion364bto be connected to the element365amay be disposed outside the substrate361rather than the power soldering portion364cso as to be disposed closer to the element365a. Of course, the positions of the soldering portions364are not limited thereto, and the soldering portions may be disposed to be distributed on the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate protrusion361bso that a required size of the terminal area366is minimized, and a width W of the substrate protrusion361bin the left and right direction is minimized.

A slit361cpassing through the substrate361may be defined in the substrate protrusion361b. The slit361cmay be defined between the soldering portions364and may physically separate the adjacent soldering portions364from each other to prevent electrodes from being electrically short-circuited. For example, the soldering portion364may be disposed between the power soldering portion364cand the signal soldering portion364band may be further disposed along between the soldering portion364and the LED362.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the emission area365of the LED mounting portion361aand the terminal area366of the substrate protrusion361bmay be disposed in parallel with each other. That is, the emission area365and the terminal area366may be disposed independently of each other and may be disposed in two rows side by side. Thus, the length L1of the emission area365in the front and rear direction may be minimized, and both the ends of the emission area365may be disposed to be closest to both the left and right ends of the light guide plate33so as to shine brightly up to both the ends of the light guide plate33and the panel31.

The emission area365and the terminal area366may be disposed side by side and at least partially overlap with each other in the extending direction of the LED mounting portion361a. That is, one end of the emission area365and the terminal area366may be disposed at the same position as the one end of the substrate361to extend in the same direction. Thus, a portion of the emission area365and the terminal area366may be disposed on the same area in the extending direction of the substrate361as much as the width W of the terminal area366in the substrate361.

In addition, the LED362disposed at the outermost of the plurality of the LEDs362may be disposed side by side to overlap at least one of the soldering portions364of the substrate protrusion361bwithin the substrate361. The substrate361may have various structures according to other examples in addition to the above-described structure.

Hereinafter, another example of the lighting device will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as those of the above-described example, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.FIG.16is a partial enlarged view illustrating another example of the lighting device.

As illustrated in the drawing, a lighting device36according to another embodiment may include a substrate361and an LED362. In addition, the substrate361may include an LED mounting portion361a, on which a plurality of LEDs362are continuously disposed, and a substrate protrusion361b′ on which a soldering portion364is disposed. An emission area365′ providing a space in which the plurality of LEDs362are disposed may be provided on the LED mounting portion361a, and a terminal area366′ defining a space in which the soldering portion364is disposed may be provided on the substrate protrusion361b′.

The emission area365′ and the terminal area366′ may be disposed in parallel with each other or may be independently disposed. In addition, the emission area365′ and the terminal area366′ may have an arrangement structure in which at least a portion overlaps an entire substrate361.

The structure of the LED mounting portion361amay be the same as the structure of the LED mounting portion361ainFIGS.13to15described above except for only the structure of the substrate protrusion361b′. In detail, a ground soldering portion364a, a power soldering portion364c, and a signal soldering portion364bmay be disposed on the substrate protrusion361b′. All the ground soldering portion364a, the power soldering portion364c, and the signal soldering portion364bmay be disposed on a top surface of the substrate protrusion361b′ to extend in the front and rear direction

The ground soldering portion364a, the signal soldering portion364b, and the power soldering portion364cmay be spaced apart from each other, and a slit361c′ may be defined between the ground soldering portion364a, the signal soldering portion364b, and the power soldering portion364c. The slit361c′ may be defined between the ground soldering portion364aand the signal soldering portion364b, and between the signal soldering portion364band the power soldering portion364c, and also may be disposed between the whole of the plurality of soldering portions364and the LED362.

The substrate protrusion361b′ may be disposed so that all the plurality of soldering portions364and the slit361c′ are provided. Thus, a width W1of the substrate protrusion361b′ in the left and right direction may be slightly greater than the width W of the substrate protrusion361b, which is illustrated inFIGS.13to15, in the left and right direction. The lighting device may have various other examples in addition to the above-described structures.

Hereinafter, further another example of the lighting device will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as those of the above-described examples, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.FIG.17is a partial enlarged view illustrating further another example of the lighting device.

As illustrated in the drawing, a lighting device36according to further another embodiment may include a substrate361and an LED362. In addition, the substrate361may include an LED mounting portion361a″, on which a plurality of LEDs362are continuously disposed, and a substrate protrusion361b″ on which a soldering portion364is disposed. An emission area365″ providing a space in which the plurality of LEDs362are disposed may be provided on the LED mounting portion361a″, and a terminal area366″ defining a space in which the soldering portion364is disposed may be provided on the substrate protrusion361b″.

The emission area365″ and the terminal area366″ may be disposed in series with each other and may have an independently disposed arrangement structure. In detail, a plurality of LEDs362may be continuously disposed on the LED mounting portion361a″. In addition, the emission area365″ for continuously disposing the plurality of LEDs362may be defined on the LED mounting portion361a″. Here, the LEDs362may be disposed on a top surface of the LED mounting portion361a″ and may be disposed at a position more eccentric forward than a central part of the “D mounting portion361a”. In addition, only the LED362may be disposed on the top surface of the LED mounting portion361a″, and although not shown, elements for driving the LED362may be disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate361.

The substrate protrusion361b″ may protrude laterally from one end of the LED mounting portion361a″. In addition, a ground soldering portion364a, a signal soldering portion, and a power soldering portion364cmay be spaced apart from each other in the front and rear direction on the substrate protrusion361b″. All the ground soldering portion364a, the signal soldering portion364b, and the power soldering portion364cmay be disposed on a top surface of the substrate protrusion361b″ to extend in the left and right direction.

The ground soldering portion364a, the signal soldering portion364b, and the power soldering portion364cmay be spaced apart from each other, and a slit361c″ may be defined between the ground soldering portion364a, the signal soldering portion364b, and the power soldering portion364c. The slit361c″ may be defined between the ground soldering portion364aand the signal soldering portion364b, and between the signal soldering portion364band the power soldering portion364c, and also may be disposed between the whole of the plurality of soldering portions364and the LED362.

The substrate protrusion361b″ may be disposed so that all the plurality of soldering portions364and the slit361c″ are provided. Here, since the soldering portions364extend in the left and right direction and are spaced apart in the front and rear direction, a width W2of the substrate protrusion361b″ in the left and right direction may be minimized.

Thus, the width W2of the substrate protrusion361b″ in the left and right direction may be slightly less than the width W of the substrate protrusion361b, which is illustrated inFIGS.13to15, in the left and right direction and the width W1of the substrate protrusion361b′, which is illustrated inFIG.16.

Of course, if necessary, some of the soldering portions364may be disposed on the top surface of the substrate protrusion361b″, and other portions may be disposed on the bottom surface of the substrate protrusion361b″. With such a structure, the emission area365″ and the terminal area366″ may be continuously disposed in the extending direction of the substrate361. In addition, the emission area365″ and the terminal area366″ may be disposed side by side to at least partially overlap each other with respect to the front and rear direction. The lighting device may have various other examples in addition to the above-described structures.

Hereinafter, further another example of the lighting device will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same components as those of the above-described examples, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.FIG.18is a partial enlarged view illustrating further another example of the lighting device.

As illustrated in the drawing, a lighting device36according to another embodiment may include a substrate361and an LED362. In addition, the substrate361may include an LED mounting portion361a, on which a plurality of LEDs362are continuously disposed, and a substrate protrusion361b″′ on which a soldering portion364is disposed. An emission area365″′ providing a space in which the plurality of LEDs362are disposed may be provided on the LED mounting portion361a, and a terminal area366″′ defining a space in which the soldering portion364is disposed may be provided on the substrate protrusion361b″′.

The emission area365″′ and the terminal area366″′ may be disposed in parallel with each other or may be independently disposed. In addition, the emission area365″′ and the terminal area366″′ may have an arrangement structure in which at least a portion overlaps an entire substrate361.

The structure of the LED mounting portion361amay be the same as the structure of the LED mounting portion361ainFIGS.13to15described above except for only the structure of the substrate protrusion361b″′. In detail, the substrate protrusion361b″′ may have a structure extending downward from a rear end of the LED mounting portion361a. That is, the substrate protrusion361b″′ may protrude downward with respect to the LED mounting portion361a. In addition, due to the arrangement structure in which the substrate protrusion361b″′ extends downward, the terminal area366″′ may also be disposed in a direction crossing the emission area365″′.

A ground soldering portion364aconnected to the ground line369a, a signal soldering portion364bconnected to the signal line369b, and a power soldering portion364cconnected to the power supply line369cmay be disposed on the substrate protrusion361b″′. The ground soldering portion364aand the signal soldering portion364bmay be disposed on a rear surface of the substrate protrusion361b″′ to extend in the vertical direction.

In addition, the ground soldering portion364aand the signal soldering portion364bmay be spaced apart from each other, and a slit361c″′ may be defined between the ground soldering portion364aand the signal soldering portion364b. The slit361c″′ may be defined between the ground soldering portion364aand the signal soldering portion364band may also be defined between upper ends of the ground soldering portion364aand the signal soldering portion364band the LED362.

In addition, the power soldering portion364cmay be disposed on an entire surface of the substrate protrusion361b″′. Thus, the soldering portion364may be dispersedly disposed on front and rear surfaces of the substrate protrusion361b″′ to minimize a width W of the substrate protrusion361b″′ in the left and right direction.

Hereinafter, a mounting structure of the lighting device36will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.FIG.19is a plan view illustrating a state in which the lighting device is mounted on the door bracket. Also,FIG.20is a partial enlarged view illustrating a mounting state of the lighting device. Also,FIG.21is a cutaway perspective view taken along line XXI-XXI′ ofFIG.4. Also,FIG.22is a cutaway perspective view taken along line XXII-XXII′ ofFIG.5.

As shown in the drawings, the lighting device36may be mounted inside the lower bracket35, and in this case, the substrate361may be disposed inside the accommodation space350. All of the LED mounting portions361aand the LEDs362of the substrate361may be exposed upward through the opened top surface of the accommodation space350. In addition, among the plurality of LEDs362, the LEDs362disposed at both the left and right ends may be disposed at both the left and right ends in the accommodation space350so as to be adjacent to both the ends of the light guide plate33.

In addition, the LEDs362may be disposed at an eccentric forward position on the LED mounting portion361aand may be in contact with the rear surface of the lower bracket front portion351. Here, the lower bracket front surface portion351may extend more upward than the LED362. In addition, the LEDs362may be disposed vertically below the lower end of the light guide plate33to effectively irradiate light.

In the state in which the substrate361is mounted, the bottom surface of the LED mounting portion361amay be supported downward by the substrate support portion protrusion354a, and the top surface of the LED mounting portion361amay be supported upward by the light guide plate supporting part355. Thus, the LED mounting portion361amay be firmly fixed without moving inside the lower bracket35.

In addition, the LED mounting portion361amay be disposed within a distance D1between the panel31and the back cover39. That is, it is seen that the LED mounting portion361ais disposed inside the panel assembly30.

The substrate protrusion361bmay protrude backward and may protrude further backward beyond the distance D1between the panel31and the back cover39. That is, the substrate protrusion361band the protrusion guide357accommodating the substrate protrusion361bmay protrude further backward than the back cover39and also may further protrude backward by a distance D2set from the substrate protrusion361b.

The protrusion guide357may be disposed on one end of both the left and right ends of the lower bracket35. In addition, the protrusion guide357may protrude backward from the lower bracket rear surface portion352. Here, the protrusion guide357may protrude backward through the cover opening398of the back cover39.

In addition, an opening357amay be defined in the protruding rear surface of the protrusion guide357, the substrate protrusion361bmay be exposed backward through the opening357a, and the wire369may be connected to the soldering portion364. In addition, the substrate protrusion361bmay be more firmly fixed inside the protrusion guide357to prevent the mounting position of the lighting device36from being separated even when the panel assembly30is detached or prevent the wire369from being separated from the soldering portion364.

The substrate361may be fixedly mounted inside the lower bracket35to be maintained at the mounting position. Particularly, the substrate protrusion361bmay be restricted by a support portion disposed on the lower bracket35so that the mounting position thereof is firmly maintained even when the wires369a,369b, and369care disconnected.

The support portion may include the substrate protrusion361bor a lower support portion (or a lower support)359supporting the substrate361from the lower side. In addition, the support portion may include the substrate protrusion361bor an upper support portion (or upper support)358supporting the substrate361from the upper side. In addition, the support portion may include the substrate protrusion361bor a side support portion (or side support)356supporting one end of the substrate361. Of course, the support portion may include at least one of the lower support portion359, the upper support portion358, and the side support portion356.

When looking at this in more detail, the lower support portion359protruding upward may protrude from the bottom surface of the protrusion guide357. In addition, the lower support portion359may support a connection point of the LED mounting portion361aand the substrate protrusion361bfrom the lower side.

The lower support portion359may define one end (right end inFIG.20) among the left and right both ends of the protrusion guide357. In addition, the lower support portion359may protrude upward from the lower side to support the bottom surface of the substrate361. In addition, the lower support portion359may extend to cross the substrate361in the front and rear direction to simultaneously support and restrict the LED mounting portion361aand the substrate protrusion361b.

For example, the lower support portion359may include a support portion groove359athat supports the LED mounting portion361aand a support portion protrusion359bwhich is in contact with a side end of the substrate protrusion361bto restrict the substrate protrusion361b. The support portion groove359amay be recessed from an upper end of the lower support portion359and may be recessed to a size corresponding to a width of the LED mounting portion361ain the front and rear direction. Thus, the LED mounting portion361amay be inserted into the support portion groove359aand may support the bottom surface of the substrate361as well as restrict movement in the front and rear direction.

The support portion protrusion359bmay protrude upward from a rear end of the support portion groove359a. Thus, the support portion protrusion359band the support portion groove359amay be provided to be stepped with respect to each other, and the substrate361may be restricted by the stepped portion between the support portion protrusion359band the support portion groove359a. Thus, the support portion groove359amay be referred to as a first stepped portion, and the support portion protrusion359bmay be referred to as a second stepped portion.

In addition, the support portion protrusion359bmay support one end (right end inFIG.20) of the substrate protrusion361b. Thus, the movement of the substrate protrusion361bin the left and right direction and the movement of the substrate361in the left and right direction may be restricted. In addition, the LED mounting portion361aof the substrate361and an edge of the substrate protrusion361bmay be restricted by the support portion groove359aand the support portion protrusion359bto prevent the substrate361from moving.

In addition, the substrate protrusion361bmay be spaced apart from a bottom surface of an inner space of the protrusion guide357by the lower support portion359. That is, the inner space of the protrusion guide357with respect to the substrate361may be spaced apart in the vertical direction, and thus, the wires369a,369b, and369cmay be easily connected to top and bottom surfaces of the substrate protrusion361b, respectively.

In addition, the upper support portion358that supports a connection point between the LED mounting portion361aand the substrate protrusion361bfrom the upper side may be disposed above the substrate protrusion361b. The upper support portion358may be disposed above the lower support portion359and may be disposed at a position facing the lower support portion359. Thus, the substrate361may be restricted to be sandwiched between the upper support portion358and the lower support portion359. Thus, the upper support portion358may restrict the top surface of the substrate361from the upper side, and the lower support portion359may restrict the bottom surface of the substrate361from the lower side.

The upper support portion358may include a vertical extension portion358aextending downward from an upper end of the bracket opening352aand a horizontal extension portion358bextending forward from a lower end of the vertical extension portion358aso as to be in contact with the top surface of the substrate361.

The vertical extension portion358amay be disposed on an area corresponding to the substrate protrusion361b. More specifically, the vertical extension portion358amay be disposed above a point at which the side end of the substrate protrusion portion361band the LED mounting portion361aare connected to each other.

In addition, the horizontal extension portion358bmay extend backward in a state of being in contact with the top surface of the substrate361. The horizontal extension portion358bmay extend to pass between the LEDs362and may extend up to an end of the LED mounting portion361a. That is, a specific position of the substrate361from which the substrate protrusion361bstarts to protrude by the upper support portion358and the lower support portion359may be respectively pressed from the upper and lower sides and thus may be fixed.

A side support portion356extending inward may be further disposed on one side of the protrusion guide357. The side support portion356may protrude laterally from the inner side of the lower bracket side portion353and may be in contact with the top surface of the substrate361. Thus, the top surfaces of the LED mounting portion361aand the substrate protrusion361bmay be restricted by being pressed from the side ends.

In detail, the side support portion356may extend laterally (the right side inFIG.20) from one side of the protrusion guide357. For example, the side support portion356may be disposed at a height corresponding to the lower end of the upper support portion358. For example, the side support portion356may be disposed at a height corresponding to the lower end of the upper support portion358.

The side support portion356may restrict the left end of the substrate361and may include a first support portion (or first support surface)356arestricting the side end of the LED mounting portion361aand a second support portion (or second support surface)356brestricting the side end of the substrate protrusion361b.

The first support portion356amay be in contact with the top surface of the LED mounting portion361aand may extend from the left end to the right side of the LED mounting portion361a. Here, the first support portion356amay protrude to a position that does interfere with the first LED362.

In addition, the second support portion356bmay be in contact with the top surface of the substrate protrusion and may extend from the left end to the right side of the substrate protrusion361b. Here, the second support portion356bmay protrude to a position that does not interfere with the soldering portion364and may protrude less than the first support portion356a.

Thus, the second support portion356bmay have a structure, in which the side ends of the substrate361and the substrate protrusion361bare restricted by the side support portion356, but does not interfere with the light irradiation of the LED362and the connection of the wires369a,369b, and369cof the substrate protrusion361b. As described above, the substrate protrusion361bmay be maintained in the firmly mounted state by the lower support portion359, the upper support portion358, and the side support portion356, and the movement of the substrate361may be prevented to prevent the wire369from being disconnected from the substrate361.

Hereinafter, the operations of the refrigerator1and the panel assembly30having the above structures will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.FIG.23is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal of the refrigerator. Also,FIG.24is a cross-sectional view illustrating an emission state of the panel assembly. Also,FIG.25is a view illustrating an example of adjusting colors of home appliances to which the panel assembly using a remote device is applied.

As illustrated in the drawing, an outer appearance of the home appliance according to an embodiment may be defined by the panel assembly30, 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 device36. The panel assembly may be expressed in various colors by light irradiated from the rear side, and thus the panel assembly30or the panel31may be referred to as a screen.

The home appliance may be any one of a refrigerator1, an air conditioner5, a dishwasher6, a clothes manager7, a washing machine8, or a cooking appliance9, 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 assembly30according to an embodiment.

For example, in the above-described embodiment and in the refrigerator1, the panel assembly30may be provided on a front side of the door20that opens and closes the cabinet10. In addition, the panel assembly30may shine in a set color by user setting, and the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1may be changed in color.

As another example, an indoor unit of the air conditioner5may have a space in which a heat exchange device and a fan are provided inside a case51(or cabinet) that defines an outer appearance of the indoor unit. In addition, a front surface of the case51may be defined by a panel assembly511. The panel assembly511may have the same structure as the panel assembly30of the refrigerator1to emit light. Thus, the panel assembly511may 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 conditioner5may be changed into the set color.

As another example, in the dishwasher6, a space for washing dishes may be defined inside a case61or a cabinet that defines an outer appearance of the dishwasher6. In addition, the front surface of the case61may be opened and closed by the door62, and the front surface of the door62may be defined by the panel assembly621. The panel assembly621may have the same structure as the panel assembly30of the refrigerator1to emit light. Thus, the panel assembly621may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the dishwasher6may be changed into the set color.

As another example, in the clothes manager7, a space for storing clothes may be defined inside a case71or a cabinet that defines an outer appearance of the clothes manager7. In addition, the front surface of the case71may be opened and closed by the door72, and the front surface of the door72may be defined by the panel assembly721. The panel assembly721may have the same structure as the panel assembly30of the refrigerator1to emit light. Thus, the panel assembly721may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the clothes manager7may be changed into the set color.

As another example, in the washing machine8or a dryer, a space for washing or drying may be defined inside a case81(or cabinet) that defines an outer appearance of the washing machine8. In addition, a front of the case81may be opened and closed by the door82. The front surface of the case81may be defined by a panel assembly811. The panel assembly811may have the same structure as the panel assembly30of the refrigerator1to emit light. Thus, the panel assembly30may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the washing machine8or the dryer of the air conditioner8may be changed into the set color.

As another example, in the cooking appliance9, a space for cooking food may be defined inside a case91or a cabinet that defines an outer appearance of the cooking appliance. In addition, the front surface of the case91may be opened and closed by the door92, and the front surface of the door92may be defined by the panel assembly921. The panel assembly921may have the same structure as the panel assembly30of the refrigerator1to emit light. Thus, the panel assembly921may shine in a set color by the user setting, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the cooking appliance9may be changed into the set color.

A process of changing the color of the panel assembly30will be described below. In a state in which the lighting device36is turned off, a color of the outer appearance of the front surface may be expressed by the color of the panel31. A color displayed on the panel31in the state in which the lighting device36is turned off may be referred to as a first color.

When the lighting device36operates, the color of the panel31may be changed according to a color of light irradiated from the lighting device36, and a color of the outer appearance of the front surface of the door20may be expressed in the selected color. In this case, the color of the light irradiated from the lighting device36may be referred to as a second color, and the color of the panel that is changed when the lighting device36is turned on may be referred to as a third color.

The second color may be different from the third color, and the third color of the panel31selected by the user may be implemented by the second color corrected in consideration of the first color of the panel31itself. That is, the light having the second color irradiated from the lighting device36may be determined by the controller13in consideration of the first color of the panel31itself, and the light having the second color may pass through the panel having the first color, and thus, the panel31may be finally expressed in the third color that is selected by the user.

In detail, the color of the panel31may be determined by a selective operation of the lighting device36. For example, the lighting device36may also be manipulated and set through a remote device2spaced apart from the refrigerator1. The refrigerator1may communicate with the remote device2through a communicator17connected to a controller13, and the user may manipulate an operation of the lighting device36through the remote device2.

The communicator17may communicate with the remote device2using various methods. For example, the communication unit17may have a structure capable of communicating in at least one of wired, wireless and short-range communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, NFC, etc.). The remote device2may 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 device36, such as an operation time and an operation condition of the lighting device36and emission color through manipulation of the remote device2. For example, the lighting device36may be simply manipulated and set through an application or a dedicated program installed in a portable phone of the user.

The selection of the color change of the panel31through the remote device2will be described with reference toFIG.25. The user may select a desired color of the panel31through a screen2aof the remote device2such as a mobile phone or a terminal.

When the user manipulates the remote device2, the remote device first outputs a menu screen2band manipulates a panel color change menu2b1through the menu screen2b. When the user selects the panel color change menu2b1, the remote device2may output a color selection screen2cfrom the menu screen2b, and the user may select a position of the panel31to be changed and the color of the panel31to be changed on the color selection screen.

In detail, a panel position selection menu2c1may be displayed on the color selection screen2cto select the panel31mounted on the door20at a desired position among the plurality of doors20. In addition, the panel31of the door20selected by the user may be displayed on the panel position selection menu2c1.

After selecting the desired position of the panel31, the user may select and input color selection menus2c2and2c3displayed on the color selection screen2c. For example, in the color selection menus2c2and2c3, all of the colors to be displayed by the panel31may be displayed in the form of a color picker capable of confirming and extracting a color code. The color selection menus2c2and2c3may be referred to as a palette because combinations and selection of various colors are possible.

The color selection menus2c2and2c3may include a circular first selection portion2c2and a bar-shaped second selection portion2c3. The first selection portion2c2may select a color, and the second selection portion2c3may select an intensity of the selected color. The color selection menus2c2and2c3may include either one of the first selection portion2c2or the second selection portion2c3.

As described above, the user may select the color of the panel31, i.e., the third color, from among various colors through the color selection menus2c2and2c3. Of course, the color selection menus2c2and2c3may be configured to be capable of being input in the form of letters, codes, and numbers. In addition, according to the user's selection of the third color, the controller13may control the lighting device36to be turned on in the second color so that the panel31is displayed in the third color.

In addition, the user may input a color through a manipulation portion14provided in the refrigerator1without using the remote device2. In addition, each of the refrigerator1and the remote device2may be connected to a server in a network state, and thus, the color of the panel31of the refrigerator1may be input through the server3.

The operation of the lighting device36may be performed by the manipulation of the manipulation portion14by the user. The manipulation portion14may be disposed at one side of the refrigerator1, and for example, may be disposed at one side of the cabinet10. As necessary, the manipulation portion14may be provided in the door20, or the manipulation may be input by touching and manipulating the panel31such as knock. That is, the user may directly manipulate the manipulation portion14to set an operation of the lighting device36and may turn on or off the lighting device36.

In addition, the lighting device36may also operate by a sensor. The sensor may be, for example, a user detection sensor151for detecting proximity of the user. For example, the user detection sensor151may use various devices for detecting user approaching near the refrigerator, such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor.

The sensors15may be disposed at various positions for detecting proximity of the user, such as one side of the cabinet or one side of the door20, and may be disposed at various positions for detecting proximity of the user. A plurality of sensors may be disposed at different positions.

Thus, when the user approaches the refrigerator1by a set distance for use of the refrigerator1, the user detection sensor151may detect this and may transfer a signal to the controller13to turn on the lighting device36. When the user moves away from the refrigerator1, the user detection sensor151may detect this and may transfer a signal to the controller13to turn off the lighting device35.

In detail, when the user detection sensor151detects that the user is very close to the refrigerator1, the lighting device36may be turned off or the brightness may be gradually dimmed to prevent glare of the user. When the user moves away from the refrigerator1again, the lighting device35may be turned on again or may return to an original brightness.

The sensor may be an illumination sensor152. The illumination sensor152may detect illumination of an indoor space and may be disposed at the same position as a position at which the user detection sensor151is disposed.

The lighting device36may be operated according to a detected illumination of the illumination sensor152. For example, when the detected illumination of the illumination sensor152is equal to or less than a set illumination and the lighting device36is dimmed, the controller13may turn on the lighting device36, and when the detected illumination of the illumination sensor152is equal to or greater than the set illumination and the lighting device36becomes brighter, the controller13may turn off the lighting device36.

The sensor may include both the illumination sensor152and the user detection sensor151, and the illumination sensor152and the user detection sensor151may be operated in a complex way to cause the controller13to turn off the lighting device36.

The controller13may be connected to a microphone18. Thus, the LED362may shine with set color according to a voice signal received from the microphone18, and an input state of the voice signal or a setting state of a function may also be displayed through the front color of the door20. For example, when receiving a temperature control signal of the user through the microphone18, the controller13may adjust a set temperature inside the refrigerator, and may operate the lighting device36to change color of the front surface of the door20to color corresponding to the corresponding temperature.

The lighting device36may be turned off at a time set by a timer16. That is, the lighting device36may be turned on according to a time when the user is mainly active and may be maintained off outside the set time range. The lighting device36may be turned off during the day and on during night irrespective of actual illumination. Irrespective of an operation state of the refrigerator1, the brightness and color of the front surface of the door20may be adjusted only according to user settings.

The lighting device36may include the state in which brightness is adjusted in addition to an on state and an off state. That is, the controller13may control the output of the light irradiated through the lighting device36to change brightness of the panel31. In addition, the operation state of the refrigerator1may be indicated through the brightness of the panel31.

The operation state of the lighting device36operating by the controller13is now described. As shown inFIG.24, when the lighting device36is turned on according to an instruction of the controller13, light emitted from the LED362may be emitted toward the lower end of the light guide plate33. In this case, the light emitted from the LED362may be irradiated with the second color selected by the controller13. That is, the LED362may be an RGB LED and irradiates the light having the second color corrected by the controller13so that the surface of the panel31may shine in the third color selected by the user.

The light incident through the lower end of the light guide plate33may be diffused and reflected along the light guide plate33and then may move along the light guide plate33. In this case, the light guided by the light guide plate33may be reflected forward by the reflective layer331to pass through the panel31so as to be transmitted to the outside. Light directed forward through the light guide plate33may pass through the transmission member32to illuminate the panel31, and the front surface of the door20may shine with a set brightness or color. Here, the light guide plate33may irradiate light having sufficient brightness from the entire surface forward by the LED362disposed at each of both ends of an LED mounting portion361a, and thus, the whole including both the ends of the panel31may shine with uniform brightness.

Hereinafter, a change in outer appearance of the front surface of the door20according to the operation of the lighting device36will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG.26is a front view illustrating an outer appearance of a front surface of the refrigerator that is in a state in which the lighting device is turned off. Also,FIG.27is a front view illustrating an outer appearance of a front surface of the refrigerator that is in a state in which the lighting device is turned on. Also,FIG.28is a front view illustrating an outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator in which the lighting device is changed in color. Also,FIG.29is a front view illustrating an outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator in a state in which a portion of a plurality of doors emits light. Also,FIG.30is a front view illustrating the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator in a state in which each of a refrigerating compartment door and a freezing compartment door of the doors emits light. For example, in the state in which the lighting device36is turned off, as illustrated inFIG.26, a front surface of the door20may not shine, and an original color of the panel assembly30may appear.

The panel assembly30may have a structure that is separable from the door body40, and thus, the user may select a color of the first panel31by mounting the panel assembly30having a desired color. Of course, if necessary, the user may change the color of the panel31when the lighting device36is turned off by exchanging the panel assembly30itself. The color of the front surface of the door20may be seen as the color of the panel31, and the texture and pattern provided on the panel31may be seen. In this case, the color of the panel31may be color with brightness greater than 0 and may be provided in a color other than black.

Thus, the front surface of the door20may be seen with the first color that is the color of the panel31. In this case, components inside the panel assembly30may be seen through the panel31and may not be seen to the outside by the color of the panel31. In this state, the lighting device36may be turned on, and when the lighting device36is turned on, the front surface of the door20may shine with a color set by the controller13.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.27, the controller13may control the front surface of the door20to shine with a second color different from the first color, and the lighting device36may cause the LED362to shine with the second color according to the control of the controller13. Here, the third color may be selected by the user, and the color of the panel31may be selected by the manipulation of the remote device2or the manipulation of the manipulation portion14.

When the LED362shines in the second color, the light reflected by the light guide plate33may pass through the front of the panel31, and the front of the door20, that is, the panel31may be expressed in the third color. In the state in which the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1shines with the third color, when the controller13instructs change in color of the front surface of the refrigerator1, the front surface of the panel31may shine with a color that is reset by the controller13.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.28, the controller13may instruct change in color of the front surface of the panel31to shine with the second color different from the first color, and the lighting device36may irradiate light having a color different from that of the LED362according to the instruction of the controller13.

When the LED362shines in the different color, the light reflected by the light guide plate33may pass through the light through the panel31, and the front of the door20, that is, the panel31may be expressed in the fourth color. Some of the plurality of doors20forming the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1may emit light, or the panels31constituting the plurality of doors20may independently emit light to define the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1with the set color.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.29, the refrigerator1may operate so that some doors20of the plurality of doors20shine or shine with a specific color. That is, all the lighting devices36provided in the doors20may not operate, but instead, only some201aof all the doors20may shine. For example, any one door201aof the refrigerating compartment door201may shine. That is, the left refrigerating compartment door201aamong the left refrigerating compartment door201aand the right refrigerating compartment door201bmay shine. Of course, the door20may be any one of the freezing compartment doors202.

As necessary, the left refrigerating compartment door201aand the right refrigerating compartment door201bmay shine with a different color. At least two of the doors20may be sequentially changed in color and at least two of the doors20may be sequentially turned on or off.

The refrigerating compartment door20or the freezing compartment door20among the doors may be controlled to shine with the different color. For example, as illustrated inFIG.30, the controller13may control the lighting device36so that one pair of refrigerating compartment doors201are expressed in the first color. The controller13may control the lighting device36so that one pair of the refrigerating compartment doors201are expressed in a different color.

That is, the refrigerating compartment door201and the freezing compartment door202may be distinguished therebetween with colors, and according to a temperature change inside the refrigerator, the colors of the refrigerating compartment door201and the freezing compartment door202may also be changed. Thus, through the front color of the door20, the user may intuitively recognize an operation state of each storage space as well as may distinguish between the refrigeration compartment and the freezing compartment.

There may be various other embodiments other than the aforementioned embodiments. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage space may be partitioned into right and left sides, and the door includes a refrigerating compartment door and a freezing compartment door at right and left sides. Another embodiment of the present disclosure may have the same structure as the aforementioned embodiment except for arrangement of a storage space and a door, and thus the same components as in the aforementioned embodiment use the same reference numeral, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference drawings.FIG.31is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment. Also,FIG.32is a front view of a front appearance of a refrigerator in the state in which a lighting device of the refrigerator is turned on.

As shown in the drawings, an outer appearance of a refrigerator1′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be defined by the cabinet10in which a storage space is defined, and the door20for opening and closing an open front surface of the cabinet10. The cabinet10may be divided into right and left sides. Although not shown, a left space of the cabinet10may be configured by a freezing compartment, and a right space of the cabinet10may be configured by a refrigerating compartment.

The door20may include a freezing compartment door203for opening and closing the freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment door204for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment. The freezing compartment door203and the refrigerating compartment door204may be arranged in parallel to each other at right and left sides, and the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment may be configured to be opened and closed through rotation.

In the state in which the door20is closed, an outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1′ may be defined by the door20. The door20may include the door body40and the panel assembly30. A detailed structure of the door20may be the same as the aforementioned embodiment and may be different therefrom except for the size and arrangement thereof, and thus a detailed description or illustration thereof may be omitted, and unexplained reference numerals in the drawings may refer to the aforementioned embodiment.

Color of the panel assembly30may be determined by the panel31configuring the front surface of the panel assembly30. Thus, in the state in which the lighting device is turned off, the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1′ may be defined by color of the panel itself.

When the lighting device36is turned on under control of the controller13, light emitted by the lighting device36may be seen through the panel31to change the panel31in color or brightness. In this case, under control of the controller13, the lighting device36may emit light with various colors, and the panel31may be changed to various colors to shine. That is, in the state in which the door20is maintained to be assembled and mounted, color or brightness of the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1′ may be changed resulting in change in the outer appearance of the front surface.

As necessary, the refrigerating compartment door204and the freezing compartment door203may shine with different colors, and the refrigerating compartment door204and the freezing compartment door203may shine with color selected to harmonize with surrounding furniture or an installation environment to harmonize with a surrounding environment. When an installation or usage environment or a usage condition is change, the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator1′ may be freely changed according to the change.

The home appliance according to the proposed embodiments may have the following effects. According to the embodiments, the color of the light irradiated from the lighting device may be adjusted by the user's manipulation, and thus, the color of the panel defining the front surface of the door may be changed to the selected color. Thus, there may be the advantage in that the color of the front surface of the door is changed to the desired color without replacing the panel. Particularly, there may be the advantage in that the user is capable of quickly and easily changing the color of the outer appearance to the desired color at any time desired by the user in the state in which the panel is mounted, thereby improving the use convenience.

In addition, the state, the operation information, the information of the surrounding environment, and the like of the home appliance may be displayed by changing the color of the panel, and thus, the user may intuitively recognize the information to further improve the use convenience. In addition, the lighting device that irradiates light to the light guide plate may include the substrate and the plurality of LEDs, and the substrate may extend along the lower end of the light guide plate. In addition, the substrate may include the LED mounting portion on which the LED is mounted and the substrate protrusion protruding backward from one end of the LED mounting portion so that the wire is connected.

That is, the LED mounted on the substrate may be disposed along the LED mounting portion without the interference with the connection portion of the wire and may be sufficiently densely disposed up to both the ends of the substrate. Thus, the sufficient amount of light may be irradiated to the light guide plate, and also, the light may be effectively irradiated to both the ends of the light guide plate to prevent both the ends of the panel from being darkened due to the insufficient amount of light and allow the entire panel to shine with the uniform brightness.

Particularly, only the plurality of the LEDs may be disposed on the top surface of the LED mounting portion, and the elements for the operation of the LED may be disposed on the bottom surface of the LED mounting portion, and thus, the LEDs may be densely disposed on the substrate so that the panel shines with the sufficient amount of light.

In addition, the substrate protrusion to which the wire is connected may be exposed to the rear side of the panel assembly to reduce the space in which the lighting device is mounted by the protruding distance of the substrate protrusion, thereby reducing the thickness of the panel assembly.

The panel assembly may have the slim thickness to prevent the home appliance from increasing in thickness. For example, the overall thickness of the refrigerator door may be minimized to prevent the refrigerator door from being deteriorated in insulating performance.

In addition, since the substrate protrusion has the structure exposed through the rear surface of the panel assembly, the arrangement and connection of the wire may be facilitated. Particularly, the substrate protrusion and the opening of the back cover, through which the substrate protrusion is exposed, may be disposed on the one end that is away from the rotation shaft of the door to prevent the interference with the lower hinge device for the rotation of the door so as to facilitate the connection and arrangement of the wire.

In addition, the panel assembly may be detachably provided on the front side of the door body of the door, and the wire may be connected and disposed between the rear side of the panel assembly and the front side of the door body. Thus, there may be the advantage in that the panel assembly is detachably attached to facilitate the maintenance of the panel assembly.

In addition, the mounting position of the substrate may be fixed inside the panel assembly. Particularly, although the repeated impact is applied to the structure of the door that is repeatedly opened and closed, the installation position of the substrate may be maintained due to the stable fixing structure of the substrate by the plurality of supports. In addition, there may be the advantage in that the provision of the designed amount of light to the light guide plate may be secured due to the maintenance of the installation position of the substrate.

Particularly, the support portion may support the substrate protrusion to which the wire is connected or the substrate adjacent to the substrate protrusion, and the substrate protrusion may be intensively fixed by at least one of the upper support portion, the lower support portion, and the side support portion. Therefore, even if the wire is connected to or disconnected from the substrate protrusion during the assembly or maintenance of the panel assembly, the initial mounting position of the substrate protrusion may be maintained.

In addition, the substrate may be restricted in the vertical direction, the forward and backward direction, and the left and right direction by only inserting and mounting the substrate inside the lower bracket without detaching the coupling member such as the separate screw so as to be maintained in the stable mounting state.

Embodiments provide a home appliance in which a thickness of a panel assembly capable of changing a color of a panel is minimized. Embodiments also provide a home appliance in which an entire front surface of a panel assembly shines with uniform brightness. Embodiments also provide a home appliance in which power connection of a lighting device inside a panel assembly is easy. Embodiments also provide a home appliance in which a substrate of which a portion is exposed to the outside of a panel assembly is firmly fixed. Embodiments also provide a home appliance in which a lighting device is easily maintained and repaired.

In one embodiment, a home appliance includes: a cabinet in which a storage space is defined; and a door including a door body configured to open and close the storage space and a panel assembly mounted on a front surface of the door body, wherein the panel assembly includes: a panel which is configured to define an outer appearance of a front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted; a light guide plate provided behind the panel to guide the light toward the panel; a lighting device including a plurality of LEDs configured to irradiate light having a set color toward the light guide plate and a substrate on which the LEDs are mounted; and a bracket on which the lighting device is mounted, wherein a substrate protrusion which protrudes toward a front surface of the door body and to which a wire is connected is disposed on the substrate, and the bracket includes at least one or more support portions configured to support the substrate protrusion.

The substrate may include an LED mounting portion which is provided at a position facing an end of the light guide plate and on which the plurality of LEDs are continuously disposed, and the substrate protrusion may protrude from the LED mounting portion to pass through a rear surface of the panel assembly. The support portion may be configured to support the LED mounting portion and the substrate protrusion together.

The support portion may be configured to: extend from a lower side of the substrate so as to pass through the LED mounting portion; and support a bottom surface of the LED mounting portion and a side end of the substrate protrusion. The support portion may include a lower support portion which protrudes to support the substrate at a lower side and by which the substrate protrusion is spaced apart from a bottom of the bracket.

The lower support portion may include: a support portion groove recessed so that the LED mounting portion is inserted so as to restrict movement of the substrate in a front and rear direction; and a support portion protrusion protruding to support a side end of the substrate protrusion so as to restrict movement of the substrate in a left and right direction. The lower support portion may be configured to restrict the substrate that is in contact with a stepped portion between the LED mounting portion and the substrate protrusion.

The support portion may further include an upper support portion extending downward from an upper side of the lower support portion and in contact with a top surface of the substrate to restrict vertical movement of the substrate. The support portion may include an upper support portion extending downward from an upper side of the substrate to restrict a top surface of the substrate.

The upper support portion may include: a vertical extension portion extending downward toward the top surface of the substrate; and a horizontal extension portion bent from a lower end of the vertical extension portion to extend in a state of being in contact with the top surface of the substrate. The vertical extension portion may extend downward from an area corresponding to the substrate protrusion, and the horizontal extension portion may extend up to an area of the LED mounting portion.

The horizontal extension portion may pass between the LEDs that are continuously disposed. A protrusion guide extending backward to accommodate the substrate protrusion may be disposed on a rear surface of the bracket, wherein the protrusion guide may protrude backward to pass through a rear surface of the panel assembly.

The support portion may include: a lower support portion protruding upward from one side of the protrusion portion guide to allow the substrate protrusion to be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the protrusion guide; and a side support portion protruding from the other side of the protrusion guide toward the lower support portion to restrict a side end of the substrate protrusion.

The side support portion may include: a first support portion extending along a top surface of the LED mounting portion to restrict the LED mounting portion; and a second support portion extending along a top surface of the substrate protrusion to restrict the substrate protrusion, wherein the first support portion may further protrude than the second support portion.

A plurality of soldering portions connected to the wire may be disposed on the substrate protrusion, wherein the plurality of soldering portion are disposed top and bottom surfaces of the substrate, respectively, the LED may be mounted on a top surface of the LED mounting portion, and elements except for the LED may be mounted on a bottom surface of the LED mounting portion.

The bracket may include: a bracket front surface portion configured to define a front surface of the bracket and extend more upward than the LED; a bracket bottom surface portion which extends backward from a lower end of the bracket front surface and on which the lighting device is mounted; and a light guide plate support portion protruding backward from the front surface portion to support a lower end of the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate support portion may extend to pass between the plurality of LEDs so as to restrict a top surface of the substrate, and the support portion may protrude upward from the bracket bottom surface portion to restrict the substrate at a lower side.

The panel assembly may further include a transmission member which is made of a material through which light is transmittable and on which the panel and the light guide plate are mounted, wherein the transmission member may include: a front surface portion configured to partition the panel and the light guide plate from each other and having a front surface on which the panel is mounted; and a side surface portion protruding backward from both left and right ends of the front surface portion to restrict both ends of the light guide plate. The side surface portion may have opened upper and lower ends, and the bracket may be inserted and mounted in the opened end of the side surface portion.

The panel assembly may include: an upper bracket inserted into the upper end of the side surface portion; and a back cover provided behind the transmission member and configured to connect the upper bracket to the bracket inserted into the lower end of the side surface portion so as to define a rear surface of the panel assembly, wherein a cover opening through which the substrate protrusion is exposed may be defined in the back cover.

In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet in which a storage space is defined; and a door configured to open and close the storage space, wherein the door includes: a door body rotatably mounted on the cabinet; and a panel assembly mounted on a front surface of the door body, wherein the panel assembly includes: a panel which is configured to define an outer appearance of a front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted; a light guide plate provided behind the panel to guide the light toward the panel; a lighting device including a plurality of LEDs configured to irradiate light having a set color toward the light guide plate and a substrate on which the LEDs are mounted to change a display color of the panel; and a bracket on which the lighting device is mounted, wherein a substrate protrusion which protrudes toward a front surface of the door body and to which a wire is connected is disposed on the substrate, and the bracket includes at least one or more support portions configured to support the substrate protrusion.

In further another embodiment, a panel assembly for a home appliance includes: a panel which is configured to define an outer appearance of a front surface of the door and through which light is transmitted; a light guide plate provided behind the panel to guide the light toward the panel; a lighting device including a plurality of LEDs configured to irradiate light having a set color toward the light guide plate and a substrate on which the LEDs are mounted to change a display color of the panel; and a bracket on which the lighting device is mounted, wherein a substrate protrusion which protrudes to pass through a rear surface of the panel assembly and to which a wire is connected is disposed on the substrate, and the bracket includes at least one or more support portions configured to support the substrate protrusion.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.