Patent ID: 12253297

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

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.2and2, 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 tight 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 Of course, the door20may also be withdrawn to open and close each of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment.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 refrigerating compartment door201bmay be coupled to the cabinet10by hinge devices205, respectively. The hinge device205may include an upper hinge205and a lower hinge205, and the refrigerator compartment door201aand the refrigerating 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. In addition,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 liner42defining 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.

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, 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 portion431into which the upper protrusion343is inserted and mounted may be opened at an upper end of the front surface of the door body40. 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.

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 be provided with a lower protrusion473to which a screw (reference numeral475ofFIG.21) for restricting the lower end of the panel assembly30is coupled, and the lower protrusion473may be firmly mounted on the lower mounting portion451of the lower end of the door body40. For example, as illustrated inFIG.21, a rear end of the lower decoration47may be seated on the lower cap decoration45of the lower end of the door body40, and the screw475may be coupled to pass through the lower cap decoration45and the lower protrusion473, and thus, the lower end of the panel assembly30may be firmly fixed to the door body40.

Since the panel assembly30moves in the forward and backward direction, the upper protrusion343and the lower protrusion473may be coupled to the upper mounting portion431and the lower mounting portion451of the door body40, and thus, the upper and lower ends of the panel assembly30may be fixed.

In addition, a panel holder38may be further provided on the rear surface of the panel assembly30. The panel holder38may protrude backward from each of both left and right ends of the rear surface of the panel assembly30. The panel holder38may be provided in plurality in the vertical direction. For example, two pairs of panel holders38may be respectively provided at both the left and right sides of the rear surface of the panel assembly30and may be disposed at regular intervals.

The panel holder38may protrude through the back cover39defining the rear surface of the panel assembly30. That is, a portion of the panel holder38may be fixed inside the panel assembly30, and the remaining portion may protrude.

In addition, a holder case48coupled to the panel holder38may be disposed on the front surface of the door body40, which corresponds to the panel holder38. The holder case48may be provided inside the door body40, and the holder case48may be fixedly mounted in a case fixing hole412defined in the body plate41. In addition, at least a portion of the holder case48may be exposed through a plate opening411defined in the body plate41.

A vertical length L1of the plate opening411may be greater than a vertical length L3of the holder protrusion384to be described below. In addition, the vertical length L1of the plate opening411may be greater than a vertical distance L2up to an end of each of the holder mounting portions396disposed at upper and lower portions of the cover opening394. Thus, when the panel assembly30is mounted to the door body40, the holder protrusion384and the holder mounting portion396may be inserted inside the plate opening411, and thus, the panel assembly30may be mounted to be in close contact with the front surface of the door body40.

In addition, the panel assembly30may move backward to mount the panel assembly30so as to be coupled to the door body40. That is, when the panel assembly30moves backward, the panel holder38may pass through the plate opening411so as to be coupled to the holder case48. The panel holder38and the holder case48may be coupled to each other so that both the left and right ends of the panel assembly30are firmly fixed and coupled to the door body40.

As described above, the upper and lower ends and both the left and right ends of the panel assembly30may be fixed to the door body40through a single process in which the panel assembly30moves backward toward the front surface of the door body40. In addition, the panel assembly30may move forward so as to be separated from the door body40while the panel assembly30is mounted on the door body40. Thus, the panel assembly30may be easily separated from and mounted on the door body40for services and maintenance.

The structures of the panel holder38and the holder case48for fixing the left and right side ends of the panel assembly30will be described in more detail below.

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 and 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 an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly.

As illustrated in the drawings, the panel assembly30may further include a panel31defining an outer appearance of the front surface, a lighting device36emitting light to allow the panel31to shine, a back cover defining a rear surface of the panel assembly30, and a panel holder38that fixes the door body40to the panel assembly30.

In addition, the panel assembly30may include a light guide plate33that guides light irradiated from the lighting device36and a mounting member32on which both ends of the light guide plate are 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.

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 ABS, PMMA, or 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 panel. The color of the panel may 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 assembly.

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 panel31, or a coating or deposition layer having specific color and texture may be provided to define an outer appearance of the panel31.

The front panel31may be configured to transmit light emitted from the lighting device36but components behind the front panel31may 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 of the panel31, and the entire panel31may be brightly shine without being partially darkened.

In addition, a rear surface of the panel31may be mounted on a front surface of the mounting member32. Here, a horizontal width of the panel31may correspond to a horizontal width of the mounting member32. Thus, in the state in which the panel31is mounted, both left and right ends of the mounting 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 mounting member32, when viewed from the front, the components disposed behind the panel in addition to the mounting 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 shine 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 mounting member32.

In addition, a reflective layer (see reference numeral331inFIG.13) may 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 mounting member32.

The mounting member32may be disposed between the panel31and the light guide plate33. The mounting 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 mounting 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 mounting member32may be referred to as a support member because the panel31and the light guide plate33are mounted and may also be referred to as a transparent plate because light passes therethrough. In addition, the mounting member32may be referred to as a main frame because the mounting member32has a structure including the side surface of the panel assembly340.

The mounting 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 mounting member32may be made of a material having a property of allowing light to pass through and having moldability. For example, the mounting member32may be made of an optically transparent ABS material. In addition, the mounting 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 mounting member32means a degree to which light irradiated from the rear light guide plate33passes through the mounting member32to illuminate the panel31.

In addition, a light diffusing agent may be added when the mounting member32is molded. The light diffusing agent may diffuse the light passing through the mounting member32and may allow the light to be irradiated more evenly to the entire front panel31.

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

The upper bracket34may extend from an upper left end to a right end of the mounting member32and may shield the mounting 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 mounting 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 coupled to a lower end of the mounting member32and may extend from a left end to a right end of the lower end of the mounting 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 mounting 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 mounting 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.

In addition, a cover opening394through which the panel holder38passes may be defined along both left and right ends of the cover circumferential portion392, and each of upper and lower ends of the cover opening394may be provided with a holder mounting portion396configured to fix mount the panel holder38on upper and lower ends of the cover opening394. A plurality of cover openings394and holder mounting portions396may be disposed along both left and right ends of the back cover39.

The main components constituting the panel assembly30will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG.7is a rear perspective view illustrating the mounting member that is a component of the panel assembly.

As illustrated in the drawing, the mounting member32may be entirely made of a resin material. Also, the panel31may be mounted on the front surface of the mounting member32with respect to the mounting member32, and the light guide plate33may be disposed on the rear surface of the mounting member32.

The mounting member32may include a front surface portion321having a plate shape, and a side surface portion322that 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. In addition, the side surface portion322may provide a structure on which the light guide plate33is fixed, and the upper bracket34, the lower bracket35, and the back cover39are mounted.

In detail, 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 mounting 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 tight ends of the light guide plate33. The side surface portion322, may 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 mounting 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 bracket34, the lower bracket35, and the back cover39may be mounted through the structure of the side surface portion322.

In detail, the side surface portion322may include a first part322aextending backward from each of both left and right ends of the front surface portion321and a second part323bent from an end of the first part322a.

The first part322amay extend perpendicular to the front surface portion321from each of both the left and right ends of the front surface portion321and may define a side surface of the panel assembly30.

The second part322bmay be bent inward from the extending end of the first part322a. That is, the pair of second parts322bthat are disposed on the pair of the first parts322a, respectively, may extend to face each other.

The second part322bmay extend perpendicular to the first part322a. The second part322bmay be configured to restrict the light guide plate33and simultaneously restrict both the ends of the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35. In addition, the second part322bmay extend from an upper end to a lower end of the first part322aand may support both left and right ends of the back cover39.

A third part322cmay be disposed between the first part322aand the second part322b. The second part322band the third part322care disposed to correspond to a vertical length of the first part322aand may extend from the upper end to the lower end of the first part322a. In addition, the third part322cmay protrude from a front surface of the second part322b, that is, a surface facing the front surface portion321, and the front surface of the second part322bhas a stepped shape.

Thus, a first insertion space324and a second insertion space325may be defined in the side surface portion322by the first part322a, the second part322b, and the third part322c, respectively.

In detail, the third part322cmay be disposed parallel to the front surface portion321, and the first insertion space324may be defined between the front surface portion321and the third part322c, which are spaced apart from each other. Here, the third part322cmay extend from a rear end of the first part322a, and a distance between the front surface portion321and the third part322cmay be defined to correspond to a thickness of the light guide plate33so that the light guide plate33may be slidably inserted therein. Also, in the state in which the light guide plate33is inserted, both the left and right ends of the light guide plate33may be restricted to both the ends of the mounting member32. Here, the front surface of the light guide plate33may be in contact with a rear surface of the front surface portion321.

In addition, in the state in which the light guide plate33is inserted into the first insertion space324, the lower end of the light guide plate33may be disposed to face the lighting device36. In particular, the light guide plate33may be disposed on the same extension line as the light source362of the lighting device36, and in the state in which the light guide plate33is fixedly inserted into the first insertion space324, movement in forward and backward directions of the light guide plate33may be restricted.

That is, even if the door20is repeatedly opened and closed, the light guide plate33may be in contact with the front surface portion321, may be maintained at a predetermined interval from the panel31, and may not deviate from a position at which the light guide plate33is originally installed. The state in which the light guide plate33is disposed on the same extension line as the light source362included in the lighting device36may be maintained, and thus it may be possible to ensure that light emitted from the light source362is directed toward an end of the light guide plate33.

In addition, the second part322bmay be disposed on the extending end of the third part322c. The second part322bmay be disposed to be stepped with respect to the third part322cand may be disposed more backward than the third part322c. That is, the third part322cmay be disposed to protrude more forward than the front surface of the second part322b.

The second part322bmay be disposed parallel to the front surface portion321, and one side of each of the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be inserted into a space between the front surface portion321and the second part322b. Particularly, the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be slidably inserted from upper and lower sides of the mounting member32while the light guide plate33is mounted on the side surface portion322.

Here, a height of the stepped portion between the third part322cand the second part322bmay correspond to a portion into which the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35are inserted, that is, a thickness of the upper bracket mounting portion344and the lower bracket mounting portion352b. Thus, when the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35are mounted in the second insertion space325while the light guide plate33is mounted in the light guide plate insertion space, the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate33may be supported by the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35.

A portion of the panel holder38may be inserted into the second insertion space325between the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35to fix the panel holder38. Here, a base insertion portion381ato be described below may be inserted inside the second insertion space325. That is, a thickness of the base insertion portion381amay correspond to a width of the second insertion space325in the forward and backward direction, and the panel holder38may be inserted from the side of the second part322band then be mounted on the mounting member32.

In addition, a holder restriction groove326in which the panel holder38is restricted may be defined in an extending end of the second part322b. The holder restriction groove326may be defined in the extending end of the second part322band may be provided in a shape corresponding so that the holder restriction protrusion382, which will be described below, is inserted.

The holder restriction groove326may be disposed at a position corresponding to the mounted position of the panel holder38. That is, a plurality of holder restriction grooves326may be arranged at a set interval along the end of the second part322b. For example, the holder restriction grooves326may be respectively defined between the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35of the side surface portion322disposed on each of both the left and right sides of the mounting member32.

The upper end and the lower end of the side surface portion322may be disposed to be stepped with respect to the upper end of the front surface portion321. Here, the upper end of the front surface portion321may protrude further upward than the upper end of the side surface portion322, and the lower end of the front surface portion321may protrude further downward than the lower end of the side surface portion322.

In detail, an upper protrusion321band a lower protrusion321a, which protrude further than the upper and lower ends of the side surface portion322, may be respectively disposed on the upper and lower ends of the front surface portion321. Thus, the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35mounted on the upper and lower ends of the mounting member32may be assembled with directionality to prevent erroneous assembly, and thus, the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be more firmly fixed and mounted.

That is, when the upper bracket34is mounted, both the left and right ends of the upper bracket34may be supported on the upper end of the side surface portion322, and the front end of the upper bracket34may be supported on the upper protrusion321b. Thus, the upper bracket34may have a structure that is supported by the side surface portion322and the front surface portion321at the same time and may have a temporary fixing structure even before the screw399is coupled. In addition, in a state in which the upper bracket34is completely mounted, the upper bracket34may be coupled to the front surface portion321and the side surface portion322to prevent distortion or deformation from occurring.

In addition, when the lower bracket35is mounted, both the left and right ends of the lower bracket35may be supported by the lower end of the side surface portion322, and the front end of the lower bracket35may be supported by the lower protrusion321a. Thus, the lower bracket35may have a structure that is supported by the side surface portion322and the front surface portion321at the same time.

As described above, the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be inserted into the second insertion space325and simultaneously may be seated on the stepped portions of the upper and lower ends of the side surface portion322and the front surface portion321so as to be firmly coupled to the mounting member32. The upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may define top and bottom surfaces of the panel assembly30while being coupled to the mounting member32.

FIG.8is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the mounting member, the upper bracket, and the back cover, which constitute the panel assembly.

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 mounting 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 disposed to be stepped with respect to the upper bracket extension portion341and be disposed in front of the upper bracket extension portion341.

The upper bracket mounting portion344may have a thickness corresponding to a width of the second insertion space325and may be slidably inserted upward from a lower portion of the second insertion space325.

In the state in which the upper bracket34is mounted on the mounting member32, the upper bracket mounting portion344may be fixed in the second 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.

An 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 protrude from the upper bracket extension portion341by a predetermined length to be coupled to an upper mounting portion431of the upper cap decoration43.

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.

In addition, the cover opening394may be defined in the back cover39. The cover opening394may be opened at a position corresponding to the panel holder38and may have a size so that a portion of the panel holder38protruding to be coupled to the holder case48passes.

In addition, a holder mounting portion396may be disposed above and below the cover opening394, and a screw396amay be coupled to the holder mounting portion396. The holder mounting portion396may be formed to protrude rearward, and thus, a boss383of the panel holder38may be accommodated therein. Thus, the screw396acoupled to pass through the holder mounting portion396may be coupled to the boss383so that the panel holder38is firmly fixed to the back cover39. Thus, the panel holder38may have a structure that is doubly restricted with the mounting member32and the back cover39and may stably support the heavy panel holder38.

In addition, a plurality of cover openings394and holder mounting portions396may be disposed along both the left and right ends of the back cover39.

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.

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 support the upper end of the panel31and completely shield the upper ends of the mounting member32and the light guide plate33.

Thus, the upper bracket34may be fixedly coupled to the upper end of the mounting member32and be in the state of being coupled to the back cover39by the screw399to restrain 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 coupling structure of the mounting member, the lower bracket, and the back cover, which constitute the panel assembly. Also,FIG.10is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the lower bracket and a lighting device.

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 portion351, a lower bracket rear surface portion352, a lower bracket side surface portion353, and a lower bracket bottom surface portion354.

The lower bracket front surface portion351may define a shape of the front surface of the lower bracket35, and a panel support portion (reference numeral351ainFIG.18) may 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 device36from 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 slidably inserted upward from a lower side of the second insertion space325. In addition, 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 so that the lower bracket mounting portion352bis hooked and restricted inside the second insertion space325when the lower bracket35is mounted.

A lower bracket screw hole356to which a plurality of screws399are coupled may be defined in the lower bracket rear surface portion352. The lower bracket screw hole356may 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 hole356and then be coupled.

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 portion355protruding 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 this case, the light guide plate support portion355may extend to restrain the lighting device36at the upper side. The light guide plate support portion355and the lower bracket bottom surface portion354may restrain the lighting device36at the upper and lower sides to restrain upward and downward movement of the lighting device36. In addition, a top surface of the light guide plate support portion355may support a lower end of the light guide plate33.

The lighting device36may be provided within the lower bracket35. The lighting device36may include a substrate361and a light source362. 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 light sources362may be arranged at a constant interval on the substrate361.

The light source362may be disposed to emit light toward the lower end of the light guide plate33. The light source362may be disposed to emit light toward the lower end of the light guide plate33. 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 restrain right and left movement.

An example of the light source362may include an LED. The light source362may include an RGB LED for emitting light with various colors under control of the controller13. That is, the light source362may emit light with various colors under control of the controller13, and thus the panel31may shine with color 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 light source362may include an LED emitting light with specific color other than the RGB LED and may include a combination of a plurality of LEDs emitting light with different colors.

A light supporter37may be provided within the lower bracket35. The light supporter37may support the lighting device36within the lower bracket35.

In addition, the light supporter37may 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 light supporter37may 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 light supporter37so as to be dissipated.

Hereinafter, a structure of the panel holder38will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.11is a perspective view illustrating the panel holder according to an embodiment. Also,FIG.12is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the panel holder is mounted to the mounting member. Also,FIG.13is a cutaway perspective view taken along line XIII-XIII′ ofFIG.4. Also,FIG.14is a cutaway perspective view taken along line XIV-XIV′ ofFIG.4.

As illustrated in the drawings, the panel holder38may be injection-molded as a whole using a plastic material or may be molded as a single member. Of course, the panel holder38may be made of a metal or other material having sufficient strength and durability.

In addition, the panel holder38may be mounted on the mounting member32and include a base381disposed inside the panel assembly30and a holder protrusion384protruding from the base381to pass through the back cover39so as to be coupled to the holder case48.

The base381may be in contact with the rear surface of the light guide plate33when the one surface (front surface when viewed inFIG.12) of the base381is provided in a planar surface so that the mounting member32is mounted thereon. In addition, the holder protrusion384may protrude backward from an opposite surface (rear side when viewed inFIG.12) that is in contact with the light guide plate33.

The base381may include a base insertion portion381a. The base insertion portion381amay define one end of the base381and may be inserted into the second insertion space325of the mounting member32. The base insertion portion381amay extend from an upper end to a lower end of the base381and may define the entire one end of the base381. In addition, the base insertion portion381amay be disposed to be stepped with respect to other portions of the base381and may have a thickness corresponding to a width of the second insertion space325in the front and rear direction. That is, the thickness of the base insertion portion381amay correspond to a distance from the rear surface of the light guide plate33to the second part322bin the state in which the light guide plate33is mounted in the first insertion space324.

In addition, the holder restriction protrusion382may protrude from an approximately intermediate point of the base insertion portion381a. The holder restriction protrusion382may have a size corresponding to a position corresponding to the holder restriction groove326. Thus, when the base insertion portion381ais inserted into the second insertion space325, the holder restriction protrusion382may be inserted into the holder restriction groove326, and the panel holder38may be primarily fixed at an accurate position.

The base381may include a base exposed portion381b. The base exposed portion381bmay define a portion exposed to the outside of the second part322bwhile the panel holder38is mounted on the mounting member32. The base exposed portion381bmay define a remaining portion of the base381excluding the base insertion portion381a. In addition, a base stepped portion381cdisposed to be stepped may be disposed at a boundary between the base insertion portion381aand the base exposed portion381b. The base stepped portion381cmay have a height corresponding to a thickness of the end of the second part322band may be in close contact with the end of the second part322bwhen the panel holder38is mounted.

In addition, at least a portion from the end of the base exposed portion381bthat is in contact with the second part322bto an outer end of the base exposed portion381bmay be inclined or rounded to be gradually lowered. The holder protrusion384and the boss383may be disposed on the base exposed portion381b.

In detail, a base opening381dpassing through a center of the base381may be defined in the base381, and the holder protrusion384may extend backward inside the base opening381d.

The base opening381dmay be configured to dispose a mold during the injection molding of the panel holder38and may be opened to mold a shape of the holder protrusion384. The panel holder38may be disposed inside the base opening381d, and the holder protrusion384and the inner surface of the base opening381dmay be connected to each other by a connection rib384c. The connection ribs384cmay be disposed on left and right surfaces of the holder protrusion384.

A vertical length L3of the holder protrusion384may be slightly less than a vertical length L1of each of the cover opening394and the plate opening411. In addition, the vertical length L3of the holder protrusion384may be less than a vertical length L4of a holder accommodation space482ato be described below. Thus, when the panel assembly30is mounted, the holder protrusion384may pass through the plate opening411and then be inserted into the holder accommodation space482a.

In addition, the holder protrusion384may include a holder extension portion384aextending backward and a holder hook portion384bdisposed on an end of the holder extension portion384a. The holder extension portion384amay extend inside the base opening381dand have a predetermined thickness. Here, the holder extension portion384amay have a thickness less than a thickness D1of the holder hook portion384b. In addition, the holder extension portion384amay have a thickness equal to or slightly less than an interval D2from a case hook portions486bto be described below. In addition, a lower end of the holder extension portion384amay be connected to an inner surface of the base opening381dby the connection rib384c.

The holder hook portion384bmay be disposed on an upper end of the holder extension portion384aand serve as a substantial hook restriction inside the holder case48. The holder hook portion384bmay have a circular or elliptical cross-section to facilitate the insertion into and the restriction of the holder case48. Here, the thickness D1of the thickest cross-section of the holder hook portion384bmay be greater than the thickness of the holder extension portion384aand may be greater than a distance D2from the case hook portion486b.

An outer surface of the holder hook portion384bmay be provided in an inclined or rounded shape. In addition, a groove384dmay be defined at an intermediate point in the vertical direction of the holder hook portion384b. The groove384dmay be defined in the same extension line as the connection rib384c. The groove384dmay be provided to move the mold when the connection rib384cand the holder protrusion384are molded.

A boss383may be disposed on each of upper and lower portions of the base381. The boss383may be provided above and below the holder protrusion384and may protrude backward from the base exposed portion381b. The boss383may be inserted into the holder mounting portion396and may protrude so that an inner surface of the holder mounting portion396is supported. In addition, a screw hole383athrough which a screw396apassing through the holder mounting portion396is coupled may be defined in a rear surface of the boss383.

Referring to the coupled state of the panel holder38in more detail with reference toFIGS.13and14, the panel holder38may be fixedly mounted on the mounting member32. The base insertion portion381aof the panel holder38may be inserted into the second insertion space325. Here, a front surface of the base381may be in a state of being in close contact with the rear surface of the light guide plate33, and the front surface of the base381may be restricted by the second part322bof the side surface portion322. That is, the panel holder38may be primarily fixed while being inserted into the mounting member32and thus may be restricted in movement in the forward and backward direction. Here, the panel holder38may be fixed at an accurate position by the coupling between the holder restriction protrusion382and the holder restriction groove326.

In addition, the panel holder38may be fixed to the back cover39by mounting the back cover39. When the back cover39is mounted, the holder protrusion384may protrude backward through the cover opening394. Here, the boss383may be supported on an inner surface of the holder mounting portion396. In this state, a screw396amay pass through the holder mounting portion396and then be coupled to the boss383, and the upper and lower portions of the panel holder38may be firmly coupled to the back cover39and thus be secondarily fixed. In particular, the panel holder38and the back cover39may be coupled to each other to restrict movement of the panel holder in the forward and backward direction and in the vertical direction.

In addition, in the state in which the back cover39is coupled, the cover circumferential portion392of the back cover39may be in contact with the rear surface of the base381to additionally restrict the movement of the panel holder38in the forward and backward direction. Due to such the double fixing structure, the heavy panel assembly30may be firmly coupled to the door body40, and in particular, both the left and right ends of the panel assembly30may be maintained in the state of being in close contact with the door body40without being lifted.

Hereinafter, the holder case48will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.15is a front perspective view illustrating the holder case according to an embodiment. Also,FIG.16is a rear perspective view illustrating the holder case.

As illustrated in the drawings, the holder case48may be injection-molded using a plastic material, and the entire holder case48may be provided as a single component. Of course, if the holder case48has the same shape, the holder case48may be made of a metal or other materials.

The holder case48may be mounted on the rear surface of the body plate41and may be mounted at a position corresponding to the plate opening411. Thus, when the panel assembly30is mounted, the panel assembly30may be disposed at a position coupled to the panel holder38.

The holder case48may include a plate-shaped case body481that is in close contact with the body plate41. In addition, a holder accommodation space482arecessed backward may be defined in a substantially central portion of the case body481. The holder accommodation space482amay have a size that is enough to accommodate the panel holder38for coupling. In addition, the holder accommodation space482amay be referred to as a holder accommodation portion.

In detail, a vertical length L4of the holder accommodation space482amay be greater than a vertical distance L2up to each end of the holder mounting portion396disposed above and below the holder protrusion384. Thus, when the panel assembly30is mounted, the holder protrusion384as well as the holder mounting portion396disposed vertically may be inserted into the holder accommodation space482a. Due to such an insertion structure, the rear surface of the panel assembly30, that is, the back cover39may be in close contact with the body plate41to minimize an increase in volume of the door20.

In addition, the holder accommodation space482amay be recessed to a depth into which the holder protrusion384and the holder mounting portion396are completely inserted. In addition, a recessed bottom surface482of the holder accommodation space482amay be provided in a planar shape parallel to the case body481. In addition, a pair of case restriction portions486extending forward may be disposed on the bottom surface482. The case restriction portion486may be configured to so that the holder protrusion384is inserted and coupled, and the pair of case restriction portions486may be spaced apart from each other.

In addition, the case opening485may be defined in a center of the bottom surface482, and the case restriction portion486may extend along both ends of the bottom surface482. A protruding height of the case restriction portion486may not protrude more than the most front end of the holder case48and may be disposed behind the plate opening411. That is, the case restriction portion486may be disposed in an inner space of the door body40, which is filled with the insulator400, and the case restriction portion486may be exposed through the plate opening411.

The case restriction portion486may be disposed at a position corresponding to the plate opening411, and a space between the end extending to the plate opening411and the plate opening411may be exposed.

In addition, the case restriction portion486may include a case extension portion486aprotruding from the bottom surface482and a case hook portion486bdisposed at an end of the case extension portion486a. The case extension portion486amay be provided in a rib shape having a predetermined thickness and may extend from an end of the case opening485.

The case hook portion486bmay be disposed along the end of the case extension portion486aand may define a protruding front end of the case restriction portion486. The case hook portion486bmay have an inclined or rounded outer surface to facilitate the insertion of the holder protrusion384. For example, the case hook portion486bmay have a curved surface in a circular or elliptical cross-section, and a curved surface may be defined on a surface facing the pair of the case hook portions486b.

A thickness of the thickest portion of the case hook portion486bmay be greater than that of the case extension portion486aand may protrude into a space between the case extension portions486a. In addition, a distance D2between the pair of case hook portions486bmay be less than a thickness D1of the holder hook portion384b. In addition, a distance D3between the pair of case extension portions486amay be greater than the thickness D1of the holder hook portion384b. That is, when the panel assembly30is mounted, the holder hook portion384bmay pass while pressing the case hook portion486band may be inserted and restricted between the case extension portions486a.

A case fixing portion484configured to fix and mount the holder case48may be disposed on each of upper and lower portions of the case body481. The case fixing portion484may be disposed at a position corresponding to the case fixing hole412defined in the body plate41and have a hook-like shape so as to be hooked in the case fixing hole412. That is, when the holder case48is mounted on the rear surface of the body plate41, the case fixing portion484may be hooked by an end of the case fixing hole412. In addition, a fixing portion hole483may be defined in the case body481corresponding to the case fixing portion484. When the holder case48is injection-molded by the fixing portion hole483, the case fixing portion484may be molded.

A first case support portion481asupported on the rear surface of the body plate41may be disposed on one end of the case body481. The first case support portion481amay be disposed along a side end of the case body481and may protrude forward. That is, the first case support portion481amay be disposed to be stepped on the front surface of the case body481.

In addition, second case support portions481band481cmay be disposed on the other end of the case body481, which is opposite to the first case support portion481a. The second case support portions481band481cmay be provided in a multi-stage bent shape and may be in contact with one inner side surface of the door body40.

The second case support portions481band481cmay define one end of the case body481and include a front surface support portion481bdisposed to be stepped backward and a side surface support portion481cbent backward from the extending end of the front surface support portion481b. The front surface support portion481band the side support portion481cmay be supported by the side decoration44inside the door body40.

Hereinafter, the coupling structure of the panel holder38and the holder case48will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.17is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a state before the panel assembly and the door body are coupled to each other. Also,FIG.18is a cutaway perspective view illustrating a state after the panel assembly and the door body are coupled to each other. Also,FIG.19is a cutaway perspective view taken along line XIX-XIX′ ofFIG.3.

As illustrated in the drawings, before the panel assembly30is mounted on the door body40, the panel holder and the holder case48may be separated from each other as illustrated inFIG.17.

Here, the panel holder38may be in a state in which the holder mounting portion396protrudes backward, and the holder case48may be in a state of being mounted inside the door body40. In addition, the case restriction portion486coupled to the holder protrusion384may be exposed through the plate opening411.

The holder case48may be maintained in a state of being coupled to the rear surface of the body plate41and may be in close contact with the body plate41by an insulator400. In addition, the case fixing portion484may be locked while being inserted into the case fixing hole412. Here, the first case support portion481amay closely support the rear surface of the body plate41.

The second case support portions481band481cmay be supported by an inner surface of the side decoration44. Decoration supporting portions441and441aprotruding inward along the side surface of the side decoration44may be disposed on the side decoration44, and the ends of the decoration supporting portions441and441amay be coupled to a side end of the body plate41.

In detail, the door body40may be divided into a space, which is filled with the insulator, and a space, in which the panel assembly30is accommodated and mounted, by the combination of the decoration supporting portions441and441aand the body plate41.

In addition, the decoration supporting portions441and441amay include a first supporting portion441extending from the inner surface of the side decoration44and a second supporting portion441aextending in a stepped state from the first supporting portion441.

The first supporting portion441may support the second case support portions481band481cof the holder case48. Here, the first supporting portion441may be in contact with the front surface support portion481bof the second case support portions481band481c, and the side surface of the side decoration44and the side support portion481cmay be in contact with each other. Thus, one end of the holder case48may be stably supported by the side decoration44.

In addition, the second supporting portion441amay support an end of the body plate41. Here, a bent side end of the body plate41may be seated on the stepped ends of the first supporting portion441and the second supporting portion441a.

As described above, in a state in which the holder case48is firmly coupled to the inside of the door body40, the panel assembly30may be mounted on the front surface of the door body40. Here, when the holder protrusion384of the panel assembly30moves backward to match the plate opening411, the holder protrusion384may be inserted into the pair of case restriction portions486.

Here, the front end of the case restriction portion486, that is, the case hook portion486bmay be in contact with the rear end of the holder protrusion384, that is, the holder hook portion384b, and the pair of case extension portions486amay be elastically deformed outward while the holder protrusion384is press-fitted between the pair of case restriction portions486.

Then, when the panel assembly30completely moves backward toward the front surface of the door body40, as illustrated inFIG.18, the holder protrusion384is completely inserted into the holder case48.

Here, the holder hook portion384bmay pass through the case hook portion486band then be disposed between the case extension portions486a, and the holder hook portion384band the case hook portion486bmay be in a state of being hooked with each other. In addition, not only the holder protrusion384but also the protruding portion of the holder mounting portion396may pass through the plate opening411and be inserted into the holder accommodation space482a.

Thus, the rear surface of the panel assembly30, that is, the back cover39may be in contact with or adjacent to the front surface of the door body40, that is, the front surface of the body plate41. In addition, the upper protrusion343and the lower protrusion473may also be coupled to the upper mounting portion431and the lower mounting portion451of the door body40, and thus, an entire circumference of the panel assembly30may be in a state of being fixed to the door body40.

In the case in which the panel assembly30is to be separated, when the panel assembly30is strongly pulled forward after releasing the screw475coupled to the lower protrusion473, the holder protrusion384may be separated from the holder case48.

Hereinafter, the operations of the refrigerator1and the panel assembly30having the above structures will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.20is a block diagram illustrating a flow of a control signal of the refrigerator. Also,FIG.21is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an emission state of the panel assembly. Also,FIG.22is 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 machine8, the dryer, or the air conditioner5may 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. The communicator17may communicate with the remote device2using various methods. 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.19. 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 device36.

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 device36may 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.19, 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 mounting 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.

The lighting device36may be disposed at the lower end of the panel assembly30and may be fixed so as not to move inside the lower bracket35. In addition, the light guide plate33is maintained in a fixed state by the mounting member32. Thus, the light source362of the lighting device36and the lower end of the light guide plate33facing the light source362may be maintained to be aligned with each other to effectively irradiate the light of the light source362to the light guide plate33.

Particularly, even when the door20is repeatedly opened and closed, the lighting device36and the light guide plate33may be maintained at accurate positions, and the panel31may be secured to shine with a set brightness.

In particular, the light guide plate33may be supported from below by its own weight, and thus the set interval G may be maintained between the lower end of the light guide plate33and the upper end of the light source362. Thus, the light emitted from the light source362may be effectively incident on the lower end of the light guide plate33, and the brightness of the panel31may be ensured and the panel31may shine with uniform brightness.

The lighting device36may be disposed below the upper end of the lower bracket bottom surface portion354. Thus, viewed from the front, the lighting device36may be prevented from being exposed, and a lighting spot (a hot spot) may be prevented from being disposed adjacent to the light source362, thereby improving the quality of an outer appearance of the front surface of the door20and preventing glare of the user.

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.23is 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.24is 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.25is 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.26is 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.27is 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.23, 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 user.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.24, 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.25, 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.24, the controller13may instruct change in color of the front surface of the door20to shine with the third color different from the first color and the second color, and the lighting device36may irradiate light having the different color through the lighting device36.

When the light source362emits light having the different color, the light reflected by the light guide plate33may pass through the panel31, and the front surface of the door20, that is, the panel31may be expressed in the third 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.26, 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 some doors201aof 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 of.

The refrigerating compartment door201or the freezing compartment door202among the doors may be controlled to shine with the different color.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.27, 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.28is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment. Also,FIG.29is 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 panel assembly may be provided with the panel holder protruding backward from both the left and right ends of the rear surface thereof, and the holder case in which the panel holder are inserted and restricted may be disposed on the front surface of the door body. Thus, the panel assembly may move forward and backward to attach and detach the panel assembly from/to the door body, thereby improving the assembly and mounting operations.

In addition, the panel holder may be provided in plurality along both the left and right ends of the panel assembly, and the holder case may be provided in plurality along both the left and right ends of the door body. Thus, both the left and right ends of the panel assembly may be maintained in the state of being firmly coupled to both the sides of the door body without being lifted, thereby improving the outer appearance. In particular, when the panel assembly has the long length in the vertical direction, the more stable mounting structure may be provided, and the improvement of the quality of the outer appearance may be secured.

In addition, the upper protrusion and the lower protrusion, which protrude backward, may be disposed on the upper and lower ends of the panel assembly and then be fixed to the door body. Both the left and right ends of the panel assembly may be fixed to the door body by coupling the panel holder and the holder case. Thus, the entire circumference of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the door panel assembly may be coupled to the door body, and the firm and stable mounting between the door panel assembly and the door may be secured.

In particular, even when the panel assembly has the heavy weight and large size, the sagging or partial lifting may be prevented from occurring, and even when the door is repeatedly opened and closed, the movement and detachment of the panel assembly may be prevented from occurring.

In addition, the coupling structure may be distributed at the upper, lower, left, and tight ends of the panel assembly so as to be maintained in the overall restriction state of the panel assembly, and the load of the panel assembly may be distributed, and thus, the more stable mounting state may be maintained.

In addition, the panel holder may have the structure which is primarily fixed by inserting one end of the panel holder into the mounting member and is secondarily fixed to the back cover through the screw, and thus, the panel holder may be more firmly fixed. In addition, there may be the advantage in that the stable mounting is corrected even when the panel assembly is heavy due to the firm fixing structure.

In addition, to separate and mount the panel assembly, the panel assembly may move in the forward and backward direction after the screw of the lower end is separated, and thus, the panel assembly may be easily separated from and mounted on the door body. Thus, there may be the advantage in that the assemblability is improved, and the maintenance is easy.

In addition, the panel holder may have the structure that is inserted and fixed through the opening of the front surface of the door body, and the rear surface of the panel assembly may be in close contact with the front surface of the door body. Thus, there may be the advantage in that the increase of the overall thickness of the door is prevented, and the coupling structure with the door is sufficiently secured while maintaining the thickness of the door.

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.