Patent ID: 12235036

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Prior to a description, directions are defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction toward a door is defined as a front direction with respect to a cabinet shown inFIGS.1and2, a direction toward the cabinet with respect to the door is defined as a rear direction, a direction toward a bottom on which a refrigerator is installed is defined as a downward direction, and a direction away from the bottom is defined as an upward direction.

FIG.1is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in the drawings, an outer appearance of a refrigerator1according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed by a cabinet10forming a storage space, and a door20for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet10.

For example, the cabinet10may form the storage space partitioned in a vertical direction, a refrigerating compartment may be formed at an upper part, and a freezing compartment may be formed at a lower part. The refrigerating compartment may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezing compartment may be referred to as a lower storage space.

The door20may be configured to open and close each of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. For example, the door may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet, and the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment may each be opened and closed by rotation. Needless to say, the door may also be withdrawn to open and close each of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment.

The door may include a refrigerating compartment door201for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment, and a freezing compartment door202for opening and closing the freezing compartment. 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 that are arranged side by side. The left refrigerating compartment door and the right refrigerating compartment door may open and close the refrigerating compartment while being independently rotated. The left refrigerating compartment door and the right refrigerating compartment door may be disposed adjacent to each other and may have the same size.

The freezing compartment door202may include a pair of a left freezing compartment door and a right freezing compartment door that are arranged side by side. The left freezing compartment door and the right freezing compartment door may open and close the freezing compartment while being independently rotated. The left freezing compartment door and the right freezing compartment door may be disposed adjacent to each other and may have the same size.

Needless to say, although a refrigerator having a structure in which a refrigerating compartment is disposed at an upper part and a freezing compartment is disposed at a lower part 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 a type of a refrigerator.

A front appearance of the refrigerator1may be formed in the state in which the door20is closed and may form 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 glow 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.

FIG.2is a perspective view of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment present disclosure.FIG.3is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerator door.

As shown in the drawings, the door20may include a door body21forming the overall shape of the door20, and a panel assembly30forming a front appearance of the door20. That is, the door20may be configured in such a way that the panel assembly30is mounted on a front surface of the door body40.

The door body40may include a body plate41forming a front surface and a door liner42forming a rear surface. The body plate41may be formed of a metal material and may be formed in a plate shape having a size corresponding to the panel assembly30. The door liner42may be formed of a plastic material and may form a bottom shape of the door20.

The door body40may include a side deco44forming right and left side surfaces of the door body21. The side deco44may connect right and left side ends of the body plate41and right and left side ends of the door liner42.

The door body40may include an upper cap deco43and a lower cap deco45that form upper and lower surfaces of the door body40. The upper cap deco43may be connected to an upper end of the side deco44, an upper end of the body plate41, and an upper end of the door liner42. The lower cap deco45may be connected to a lower end of the side deco44, a lower end of the body plate41, and a lower end of the door liner42.

An outer appearance of the door body40may be formed by the body plate41, the door liner42, the side deco44, the upper cap deco43, and the lower cap deco45. An insulator may be filled in an internal space of the door body40, which is formed by coupling the body plate41, the door liner42, the side deco44, the upper cap deco43, and the lower cap deco45, and may provide an insulation structure to prevent heat from being transferred through the door20.

An opened forward may be formed on a front surface of the door body40. That is, a front end of the side deco44and front ends of the upper cap deco43and the lower cap deco45may protrude more forward than a front surface of the body plate41, and thus the panel receiving space410with an open front side may be formed in front of the body plate41. The panel receiving space410may be formed with a size corresponding to the size of the panel assembly30and the panel assembly30may be inserted into the panel receiving space410. A perimeter of the panel assembly30may be supported by a peripheral surface of the panel receiving space410, that is, protruding portions of the side deco44, the upper cap deco43, and the lower cap deco45.

The panel assembly30may be formed in a plate shape and may be formed with a size corresponding to a front surface of the door body40. Thus, when the panel assembly30is mounted on the front surface of the door body40, the panel assembly30may shield the front surface of the door body40and may form a front appearance of the door20. Since the panel assembly30may form the front appearance of the door20, the panel assembly30may be referred to as a door panel, and since the panel assembly30may form the front appearance of the refrigerator1, the panel assembly30may also be referred to as an exterior panel.

In the state in which the panel assembly30is mounted on the door body40, a rear surface of the panel assembly30may be fixed in contact with the body plate41. To fixedly mount the panel assembly30, a lower end of the panel assembly30may be caught and restrained with a lower end of the lower cap deco45, and an upper end of the panel assembly30may be coupled to an upper end of a front surface of the upper cap deco43to firmly couple the panel assembly30to the door body40. The panel assembly30may be detachably mounted from the door body40for services and maintenance.

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 front appearance of the door20. The panel assembly30may be configured to emit light from an entire front thereof and may be configured to glow with various colors.

To this end, a lighting device36may be provided inside the panel assembly30. A wire381may be connected to the lighting device36in order to supply and control power. The wire381may be exposed outside the rear surface of the panel assembly30, and a connector382may be provided on an end of the wire381.

Although not illustrated in detail, a structure connected to the connector382of the wire381to supply power to the lighting device36may be provided on a front surface of the door body40.

The wire381and the connector382may be configured to supply power to the lighting device36and thus may be referred to as a power supply. In addition to the wire381and the connector382, the power supply may also have a structure that is exposed in the form of a terminal and comes into smooth contact with a mating terminal disposed on the door body40to supply power to the lighting device36.

Hereinafter, the structure of the panel assembly30will be described in more detail with reference to drawings.

FIG.4is a perspective view of a panel assembly viewed from the rear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly viewed from the front.FIG.6is an exploded perspective view of the panel assembly viewed from the rear.

As shown in the drawings, the panel assembly30may include a panel31forming a front appearance, the lighting device36for emitting light to cause the panel31to glow, a light guide plate33for guiding light emitted from the lighting device36, and a member32on which the panel31is mounted.

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

In more detail, the panel31may be formed in a rectangular plate shape and may be formed of a material that transmits light therethrough. For example, the panel31may be formed of a glass material such as blue glass, white glass, and vapor deposition glass or may be formed of other materials for transmitting light therethrough, such as ABS, PMMA, or PC. The panel31may be formed with a set thickness for preventing the panel31from breaking easily due to the features of the panel31that forms an outer appearance. The panel31may be formed with a larger thickness than the light guide plate33. For example, the panel31may be formed with a thickness of about 3 mm to 5 mm. The panel31may be referred to as a transparent plate or an out plate.

The panel31may be formed to 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 by the light guide plate33is transmitted and irradiated to the outside to identify that the panel31glows with specific color.

Throughout the embodiments of the present disclosure, the “transparency” and “transmittance” may be defined as the state in which it is possible to cause light to pass through the panel31and to represent set color through the panel31.

The panel31may be formed to have color and may be formed to represent different colors depending on an operation or on and off states of the lighting device36. For example, a specific design or pattern may be printed on the panel31to have specific color. A film with a specific design or pattern printed thereon may be added to the panel31, surface treatment such as imprinting, etching, and glass printing may be performed on the panel21, or a coating or deposition layer having specific color and texture may be formed to form an outer appearance of the panel31.

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

In this case, a color layer311having color may be formed on the panel31. In an off state, the color layer311may be formed to 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 front color of the refrigerator may be changed according to an operation of the lighting device36.

The panel31may be formed to correspond to a size of a portion of a front surface of the panel assembly30, which is exposed to the outside. In detail, an upper end and right and left side ends of the panel31except for a lower end may be formed to have the same size as those of the panel assembly30. The lower end of the panel31may be positioned somewhat higher than the lower end of the panel assembly30, that is, the lower end of the lower bracket35, but the exposed portion of the lower bracket35may be shielded by the lower cap deco45in the state in which the panel assembly30is mounted. Thus, the entire front surface of the panel31which is exposed to the outside in the state in which the panel assembly30is mounted may be formed by the panel31.

The panel31may be formed to be larger than the light guide plate33. A rear surface of the panel31may be coupled to a front surface of the member32. Thus, in the state in which the panel31is mounted on the member32, a separate component is not present at the perimeter of the panel31, and the panel31may form the front appearance of the panel assembly30.

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 at the upper end of the light guide plate33forward.

For example, the light guide plate33may be formed of transparent acrylic, plastic, or a transparent polymer material. The light guide plate33may have a light diffuser added thereto for diffusing light incident on the light guide plate33or a pattern for diffusing light may be further formed on the light guide plate33. Thus, light may be transferred to the panel31by the light guide plate33, and in this case, a pattern of the light guide plate33may be set to cause the entire front surface of the panel31to glow with uniform brightness.

The light guide plate33may be entirely formed in a rectangular plate shape and may be formed with a somewhat smaller size than that of the panel31. 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 member32.

The light guide plate33may be formed with a set thickness to reflect light emitted from the lighting device36toward the panel31. In this case, the light guide plate33may have a thickness for providing the amount of light to cause the entire panel31to sufficiently glow. For example, when the panel31is formed with a thickness of about 3.2 mm, the light guide plate33may be formed with a thickness of about 2 mm.

The member32may be disposed between the panel31and the light guide plate33. The 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 front surface of the member32may support the panel31and opposite side surfaces of the member32may restrain both ends of the light guide plate33. The front surface of the member32may be somewhat larger than the size of the light guide plate33, and in the state in which the light guide plate33is mounted, the front surface of the member32and the light guide plate33may be maintained in the state of surface-contacting each other.

In detail, the member32may include a front part321shaped like a plate on which the panel31is mounted, and a side part322that is formed at right and left side ends of the front part321and on which the light guide plate33is mounted. The front part321may be formed like a plate corresponding to the panel31, and a front surface of the light guide plate33may be disposed on a rear surface of the front part321. The side part322may extend rearward from right and left side ends of the front part321and may be formed to restrain right and left side ends of the light guide plate33. The member32may be used to mount the panel31and the light guide plate33thereon and may be referred to as a support member, the member32may transmit light therethrough and may be referred to as a transmissive plate, and the member32may form a structure containing a side surface of the panel assembly340and may also be referred to as a frame.

The member32may be formed of a material for transmitting light therethrough and may be entirely formed by injection or extrusion as a single component. That is, the member may be formed of a material having a property of transmitting light and having moldability. For example, the member32may be formed of an optically transparent ABS material. The member may be formed of various transparent plastic materials, that is, a material such as polycarbonate (PC), or acrylic. The member may transmit light reflected by the light guide plate33therethrough to make the light pass through the panel31.

The light transmission capability and transparency of the member32may refer to a degree to which light emitted from the light guide plate33at the rear is capable of passing through the member32to illuminate the panel31.

The member32may have corrosion or a pattern formed on the front part321through which light is transmitted, and such corrosion or pattern may be formed when viewed from the front of the panel assembly30.

A light diffuser may be added during molding of the member32. The light diffuser may diffuse light passing through the member32and may allow the light to be emitted more evenly to the entire front of the panel31. In particular, it may be possible to prevent a lower portion of the panel31, adjacent to the lighting device36, from locally brightening or a hot spot from appearing.

Due to addition of the light diffuser, the member32may make the entire panel31brighter through light diffusion, but the transparency of the member32may be slightly lowered, and transmission of light reflected from the light guide plate33may be sufficient. When the transparency of the member32is slightly lowered due to the light diffuser, an outline of the light guide plate33disposed behind the member32, a boundary of the side part322of the member32, and the like may be hidden and may not be exposed to the outside. That is, due to the member32, a rear appearance of the panel assembly30may be formed by the panel31and an internal boundary or hidden parts may not be seen to the outside.

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

The upper bracket34may be coupled to the upper end of the member32and may extend from a left end of the upper end of the member32to a right end thereof. The upper bracket34may be exposed through the upper surface of the panel assembly30in the state of being mounted.

The back cover39may be coupled to the rear surface of the upper bracket34. The back cover39may be coupled to the upper bracket34by fastening a screw. The rear surface of the light guide plate33may be supported by the front surface of the upper bracket34. That is, when the back cover39is coupled, the upper bracket34may support the light guide plate33from the rear.

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

The lower bracket35may be coupled to the lower end of the member32and may extend from a left end of the lower end of the member32to a right end thereof. The lower bracket35may be exposed through a lower surface of the panel assembly30in the state of being mounted.

The back cover39may be coupled to the rear surface of the lower bracket35. The back cover39may be coupled to the lower bracket35by fastening a screw. The rear surface of the light guide plate33may be supported by the front surface of the lower bracket35. That is, when the back cover39is coupled, the lower bracket35may support the light guide plate33from the rear.

Thus, during a process in which the panel assembly30is assembled, right and left side ends of the light guide plate33may be fixed by the member32, and the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate33may be supported by the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35from the rear.

The lighting device36may be mounted on the lower bracket35. The lighting device36may be configured to emit for determining the front color and brightness of the panel assembly and to emit light toward the light guide plate33. The lighting device36may be provided inside the lower bracket35and may be assembled and mounted with the lower bracket35in the state of being mounted on the lower bracket35.

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 formed 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, from the rear. Thus, the light guide plate33may have the overall stable support structure and may be maintained in a stable mounting state in the state of being mounted the back cover39. 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 side ends of a cover perimeter part392, which form a perimeter of the back cover39, may be in contact with the side part322of the member32, and upper and lower ends of the cover perimeter part392may 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 perimeter part392and may be coupled to the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35through the back cover39to fixedly mount the back cover39.

The structures of the light guide plate33, the member32, the back cover39, the upper bracket34, and the lower bracket35will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.7is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of a light guide plate, a reflective sheet, and a reflective member as one component of the panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, the light guide plate33may be formed in a rectangular plate shape. The light guide plate33may be formed with a size corresponding to or somewhat smaller than the size of the front part321of the panel31and the member32.

The light guide plate33may be formed with a thickness to be inserted into a side surface of the member32, and in the state in which the light guide plate33is mounted on the member32, a front surface of the light guide plate33may be in completely in contact with a rear surface of the front part321of the member32, and thus a gap may not be generated therebetween.

The light guide plate33may be formed to reflect light of the lighting device36, emitted from below, along the light guide plate33and to uniformly transfer the light forward, that is, to an entire surface of the panel31.

To this end, a pattern for reflecting light emitted along the light guide plate33forward may be formed on the light guide plate33. For example, the light guide plate33may be formed in such a way that the density of the pattern increases upward based on the center of the light guide plate33and the density of the pattern increases to the right and left sides from the center, and thus the overall brightness may be uniform.

In the lower end of the light guide plate33, the pattern may not be formed to a position closest to the lighting device36or the density of the pattern may be formed relatively low. A pattern part333in which the density of the pattern is relatively high may be formed at a perimeter of the light guide plate33except for the lower end of the light guide plate33.

Thus, it may be possible to have uniform brightness across the panel31by preventing a perimeter part of the panel31, on which an adhesive member313is disposed, or a perimeter part of the panel31, on which a coupling structure inside the panel assembly30is disposed, from being darkened due to increase in reflectance in the pattern part333. For example, the pattern may be formed with a width of about 10 mm to 20 mm at an upper end and both side ends of the light guide plate33except for a lower end thereof. Pattern of a perimeter of the light guide plate33may have a different shape from a pattern of a central part of the light guide plate33, thereby further improving light collection capability at the perimeter of the light guide plate33.

Thus, light may be relatively focused at a perimeter of the panel31, on which the adhesive member313is dispose, and thus the perimeter of the panel31may be prevented from darkening and the panel31may be entirely seen in color with the same brightness.

A reflective sheet331may be disposed on the rear surface of the light guide plate33. The reflective sheet331may be formed with the same size of the size of the light guide plate33and may be formed like a sheet. The reflective sheet331may be in close contact with the rear surface of the light guide plate33, and as necessary, may also be adhered to the rear surface of the light guide plate33.

The reflective sheet331may be coated or patterned to cause a front surface thereof to reflect light, and the front surface of the reflective sheet331may be in contact with the rear surface of the light guide plate33. Thus, light moved along the reflective sheet331may be reflected by the front surface of the reflective sheet331to be directed forward and may be reflected to the panel31.

An edge reflector331amay be further formed on the reflective sheet331. The edge reflector331amay be formed along a position corresponding to the adhesive member313. In detail, the edge reflector331amay be formed along the right and left side ends and the upper end of the reflective sheet331, and the adhesive member313may be disposed in a region of the edge reflector331a.

The region of the edge reflector331amay have higher reflectance than the other part of the reflective sheet331. For example, a pattern with higher density or a pattern with higher reflectance than the other part of the reflective sheet331may be formed on the edge reflector331a.

Thus, the edge reflector331aof the reflective sheet331may have higher light collection capability and reflectance than the other part and may allow light to be transmitted through the adhesive member313to illuminate the panel31. That is, although the adhesive member313is provided, the panel31may entirely glow with uniform brightness.

Needless to say, the edge reflector331aand the pattern part333may be formed together, and in this case, the edge reflector331aand the pattern part333may have the same arrangement and the same width. As necessary, only any one of the edge reflector331aand the pattern part333may be formed.

The reflective sheet331may be slidably inserted into the member32in the state of being in contact with the light guide plate33and may be maintained in the state of being in contact with the reflective sheet331. To this end, the reflective sheet331may be configured to be maintained in the state of being in contact with the light guide plate33by static electricity or friction force.

A reflective member332may be further provided along an outer perimeter of the light guide plate33. The reflective member332may be formed of the same material as that of the reflective sheet331and may direct light leaking through a perimeter surface of the light guide plate33again into the light guide plate33to further increase the reflection efficiency of the light guide plate33.

Light leaking to the outside through a perimeter of the light guide plate33may be blocked by the reflective member332, and thus light may also be prevented from leaking to the outside through the side part322of the member32formed of a transparent or translucent material, which is adjacent to an end of the light guide plate33.

The reflective member332may be adhered to a perimeter of an outer surface of the light guide plate33by a tape or an adhesive, and a surface on which a pattern for reflecting light into the light guide plate33is formed may be adhered to a perimeter surface of the light guide plate33.

The reflective member332may be provided on a part of the entire perimeter surface of the light guide plate33. In detail, the reflective member332may be provided along an upper surface and right and left side surfaces of the perimeter of the light guide plate33except for a lower surface of the perimeter of the light guide plate33, which faces the lighting device36. The light guide plate33may be mounted on the member32in the state in which the reflective sheet331and the reflective member332are in contact with each other.

FIG.8is an exploded perspective view showing the case in which the front plate and the support member are dissembled, viewed from the front.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view of the panel assembly.FIG.10is a perspective view of a component as one member of the panel assembly viewed from the rear.FIG.11is an enlarged view of a part “A” ofFIG.10.FIG.12is an enlarged view of a part “B” ofFIG.10.FIG.13is an enlarged view of a part “C” ofFIG.10.FIG.14is an enlarged view of a part “D” ofFIG.10.

As shown in the drawings, the member32may be entirely formed by injection molding of a resin material and may be formed of a transparent material, and thus light reflected forward through the light guide plate33may be transmitted and directed toward the panel31.

The member32may include the front part321shaped like a plate, and the side part322that protrudes rearward from the right and left side ends of the front part321. The front part321may be disposed between the panel31and the light guide plate33, the front surface may support the panel31, and the rear surface may support the light guide plate33.

The front part321may be formed like a plate having a size corresponding to the panel31, and the adhesive member313may be coated on the perimeter of the front part321to adhere the panel31to the member32. In this case, the adhesive member313may be formed of a transparent or light-transmissive material, and the entire region of the panel31, which contains a region on which the adhesive member313is coated, may glow.

For example, the right and left width of the front part321may be formed to have the same width as the right and left width of the panel31. An upper end of the front part321may be positioned at a position corresponding to an upper end of the panel31, and a lower end of the front part321may be positioned at a higher position than a lower end of the panel31. That is, the remaining end of the front part321except for a lower end may be formed to correspond to a shape of the panel31and thus may entirely correspond to the size and shape of the panel31.

The sealant313may be formed of a transparent or light-transmissible material, and the panel31may be configured in such a way that an entire area including an area to which the sealant313is applied shines.

Hereinafter, the sealant313for bonding the panel31and the member32will be described in detail.

The sealant313may be provided along an edge of a rear surface of the panel31or a front surface of the member32, and the panel31and the member32may be fixed by the sealant313.

The sealant313may be formed of a polyurethane resin having excellent thermal insulation performance as a main resin. Here, the main resin means that the polyurethane resin exceeds 50% by weight based on the total weight of components forming the sealant as 100% by weight.

The sealant313may have a density measured according to ASTM D 972 of 0.5 to 1.5 g/cm3, in detail, 1.1 to 1.3 g/cm3.

The sealant313may have a viscosity of 6,000 to 12,000 mPa·s measured using a Brookfield viscometer according to ASTM D 3236. Within this range, the sealant313may bond the panel31and the member32more firmly.

When the urethane resin is coated on the panel31or the member32as a main material and is cured, the urethane resin may be cured for at least 14 days at a temperature of 16 to 38° C. and a humidity of 30 to 60%. When the urethane resin is cured under these conditions, adhesion between the panel31and the member32may be enhanced. When the urethane resin is cured under these conditions, a tensile shear strength of at least 2.1 N/mm2 or more may be realized. The tensile shear strength may be measured according to ASTM D638.

The sealant313may be coated on the panel31or the member32, and may be transparent or opaque in a cured state, and a color may also use a white series or a black series, but is not limited thereto.

Since the sealant313is provided along an edge of the panel31, even if the sealant313uses an opaque or black series, a portion, light transmittance of which is lowered by the sealant313, may be minimized.

The panel31may be formed to implement a specific color or pattern. That is, the panel31may be formed in such a way that light emitted from the lighting device36passes through the panel31to realize a color and that a specific color is also realized even when the lighting device36is turned off.

In this case, even if the sealant313is colored, the sealant313may be advantageously hidden by the color of the panel31.

The sealant313may be discharged by a sealant discharging device equipped with a nozzle, and may be coated on the panel31or the member32.

In this case, the sealant313may be coated spaced apart from an edge of the panel31or the member32by a set interval. The set interval may be about 3 to 6 mm from the outermost edge of the front plate or the support member in a state in which an outer edge of the sealant313is pressed against the panel31and the member32.

In the process in which the panel31and the member32are coupled, the sealant313may be compressed. That is, the sealant313may be uniformly distributed on a surface of the panel31in a state in which the panel31and the member32are coupled, and thus light emitted from the lighting device36may be uniformly transmitted.

As the sealant313is uniformly spread in a state in which the panel31and the member32are coupled, a boundary between the applied sealant313and the panel31may become unclear.

In detail, when an adhesive tape is used to fix the panel31and the member32, the thickness of the center and edge of the tape may be maintained constant, and thus a boundary with the front plate formed on the edge of the tape may define a line. In this case, there may be a problem in that the boundary line of the tape is transmitted by light and is visually recognized from the front of the panel31.

However, in the case of the sealant313, a liquefied sealant may be compressed and spread while the front plate and the support member are fixed, and a boundary between the sealant313and the panel31may become unclear. Accordingly, advantageously, a boundary line between the sealant313and the panel31may not be visible from the front of the panel31.

After the sealant313is coated on the panel31in a liquid state, the sealant313may be cured in a state of being coupled to the member32.

In a state in which the panel31and the member32are fixed, the sealant313may be formed with a width W of about 4 to 9 mm, in detail, 5 to 7 mm. Here, the width may refer to a distance W between outer and inner edges of the sealant313.

When the width of the sealant313is less than 4 mm, coupling force between the panel31and the member32by the sealant313is lowered, and thus it may be possible to prevent the panel31from being separated from the member32or to prevent the panel31from flowing and being provided in a correct position.

When the width of the sealant313is greater than 9 mm, the amount of light transmitted through the panel31may be reduced by the sealant313, and a portion coated with the sealant313may be darker than a portion that is not coated with the sealant313.

The sealant313may be coated on an area of about 1 to 5%, in detail, 2 to 4% based on 100% of the total area of a rear surface of the panel31or a front surface of the member32. Within this range, it may be possible to prevent the panel31and the member32from being separated and to prevent light transmission from being blocked by the sealant313.

For example, a difference in light transmission between a portion of the panel31, which is coated with the sealant313, and a portion of the panel31, which is not coated with the sealant313, may be less than 10%, in detail, less than 5%, in more detail, less than 3%.

A difference in brightness between a portion of the panel31, which is coated with the sealant313, and a portion of the panel31, which is coated with the sealant313, may be less than 10%, in detail, less than 5%, in more detail, less than 3%.

An inner end of the sealant313coated on both side surfaces of the panel31or the member32may be positioned between a second part323and a third part322bof the member32.

In detail, in the state in which the panel31and the member32are adhered, the inner end of the sealant313may extend more inward than the inner end of the second extension323. The inner end of the sealant313may be positioned outside the inner end of the third extension322bof the member32.

Here, the term ‘inner’ may refer to an end corresponding to a direction in which the sealant313extends from the member32based on a view of the member32from the front.

That is, a horizontal length of the sealant313coated on both side surfaces of the panel31or the member32may be approximately larger than a length by which the second extension323of the member32extends more inward than a first part322a.

In addition, a horizontal length of the sealant313coated on both side surfaces of the panel31or the member32may be approximately shorter than a length by which the third extension322bof the member32extends more inward than the first extension322a.

In this structure, while the panel31and the member32are adhered more firmly without separating from each other, the front of the door20may glow uniformly when the lighting device36is turned on.

For example, from the front of the panel31, a difference in light transmittance between a portion coated with the sealant313and a portion that is not coated with the sealant313may be 10% or less.

The sealant313may be coated along upper and lower ends of the member32.

In the state in which the panel31and the member32are adhered, the sealant313coated on an upper end of the member32may be positioned above an upper end of a support rib347.

An upper end of the sealant313coated along the upper end of the member32may be positioned below the upper end of the upper bracket34and may be positioned below an upper end of the panel31.

The sealant313coated on a lower end of the member32may be coated up to, for example, a position at which the lower end of the sealant313corresponds to the lower end of the lower bracket35.

The sealant313coated on the lower end of the panel31may be positioned above, for example, an upper end of the light source.

The lighting device36may be provided behind the lower end of the member32, and in order to prevent the lighting device36from being damaged due to impact caused by frequent door opening, the sealant313may be further coated between the panel31and the lower bracket35.

At this position, the panel31and the upper end of the member32may be firmly adhered while an area coated with the sealant313is minimized.

In this structure, the sealant313according to the present disclosure may be directly attached to an edge of the panel31or the member32.

In detail, the panel31or the member32may not require a concave groove for guiding a position to which the sealant313is applied or for preventing the sealant313from being moved after being attached to the panel31or the member32. Thus, an operation of assembling the panel31and the member32may be advantageously simplified.

Because the sealant313is coated only on the rear surface of the panel31, a separate member and coupling structure such as a screw may not be required in order to mount the panel31on the door body40.

Because the panel31is adhered to the member32by the sealant313, there is no need for a separate trim member covering both side surfaces or edges of upper and lower ends of the panel31.

That is, the panel31may be formed to correspond to an area of a front area of the panel assembly30, which is exposed to the outside. A separate configuration from the panel31on an outer surface of the panel31may not define the front surface of the panel assembly30.

Thus, an entire front surface of the panel31, which is exposed to the outside in the state in which the panel assembly30is mounted, may be defined by the panel31.

In other words, an edge of the front surface of the panel assembly30may be positioned to correspond to an edge of the panel31. That is, the panel31may define a front appearance of the door20, and when a user views the door20from the front, there is no portion covering a periphery of the door20, and thus an improved outer appearance may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, although an example in which the sealant313is coated between the panel31and the member32has been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the sealant313may be directly coated between the panel31and the light guide plate33.

The front part321may have a structure for connecting the side parts322at right and left sides. That is, the front part321may be continuously formed between the side parts322, and the side part322at one side may extend to the side part322at the other side.

In the state in which the light guide plate33is mounted, the rear surface of the front part321may be maintained in the state of being in contact with the front surface of the light guide plate. Thus, the light guide plate33may always be maintained at a predetermined interval and may direct light of an entire part of the light guide plate33toward the panel31without being interfered.

In this case, the front part321may be molded to maintain a set flatness, and thus when the light guide plate33is mounted, the front part321may be in contact with the entire front surface of the light guide plate33. Thus, it may be important to mold the front part321and the light guide plate33to prevent an irregular interval or gap from being formed therebetween.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the panel31may be adhered to the front part321by the adhesive member313. Thus, the panel31may be indirectly coupled to the front part321by the front part321and the adhesive member313, and this may be considered as the state of being spaced apart from the front part321. The light guide plate33may be disposed to be in contact with the rear surface of the front part321. The front surface of the light guide plate33and the rear surface of the front part321may be in contact with each other, but may be in simple contact with each other rather than being completely adhered or attached to each other.

The side part322may be formed along the right and left side ends of the light guide plate33. The side part322may be stepped with upper and lower ends of the light guide plate33and may be formed to match with side ends of the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35.

The side part322may include a first part322aextending rearward from the right and left side ends of the front part321and a second part323protruding to face each other in an internal surface of the first extension322aat both ends. The side part322may further include a third part322bat an end of the first extension322a. That is, the side part322may include the first extension322aand the second extension323, and as necessary, may further include the third extension322b.

The first extension322amay extend perpendicularly to the front part321from the right and left side ends of the front part321and may form a side surface of the panel assembly30. An internal space of the panel assembly30may be defined by the first extension322aand may form a space for mounting at least the light guide plate33therein. In addition, the side part322may further form a space for mounting the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35therein.

The third extension322bmay be bent inward from an extending end of the first extension322a. That is, one pair of the third extensions322bthat are formed on one pair of the first extensions322a, respectively, may extend to face each other.

The third extension322bmay extend perpendicularly to the first extension322aand may be formed to restrain both ends of the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35. The third extension322bmay extend from an upper end of the first extension322ato a lower end thereof and may support right and left side ends of the back cover39.

A second part323may be further formed on an internal surface of the first extension322a. The second extension323may be formed between the front part321and the third extension322band may extend perpendicularly to the first extension322a. The second extension323may extend from an upper end of the first extension322ato a lower end thereof. The right and left width of the second extension323may be shorter than that of the third extension322b.

The second extension323may be positioned between the right and left side ends of the light guide plate33and the right and left side ends of the lower bracket35. That is, the second extension323may be provided at the rear based on the light guide plate33and may be positioned at the front based on the right and left side ends of the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35.

Thus, the second extension323may divide a space formed by the side part322into front and rear sides to form a space into which the light guide plate33, the upper bracket34, and the lower bracket35are slidably inserted.

In detail, the second extension323may be positioned between the front part321and the third extension322band may be formed in parallel to the front part321and the third extension322b. The second extension323may partition a space between the front part321and the third extension322bto form a first space324into which the light guide plate33is inserted, and a second space325into which the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35are inserted.

The first space324may be formed between the front part321and the second extension323. A front-to-rear distance of the first space324may be formed with a size corresponding to the thickness of the light guide plate33. Thus, the light guide plate33may be slidably moved into the first space324, and the right and left side ends of the light guide plate33may be restrained at both side ends of the member32. In this case, the front surface of the light guide plate33may be in contact with the rear surface of the front part321.

Needless to say, the light guide plate33may be slidably inserted along the side part322, and thus may not be in close contact with the rear surface of the front part321, and accordingly, a fine gap may be formed and the light guide plate33may be slidably inserted thereinto. That is, the front part321and the light guide plate33may be in contact with each other without being limited thereto, and at least a portion of the light guide plate33may be spaced apart from the front part321.

In the state in which the light guide plate33is inserted into the first space324, the lower end of the light guide plate33may be positioned 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 space324, movement in forward and backward directions of the light guide plate33may be restrained.

That is, even if the door20is repeatedly opened and closed, the light guide plate33may be in contact with the front part321, 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.

The second space325may be formed between the second extension323and the third extension322b. The front-to-rear distance of the second space325may correspond to the thickness of an upper bracket front part341and a lower bracket front part351. Thus, the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be inserted into the second space325from above and below and may be fixedly mounted on the upper and lower ends of the member32.

The upper and lower ends of the side part322may be formed lower than the upper and lower ends of the front part321, and the upper and lower ends of the side part322may be stepped based on the upper end of the front part321.

In detail, an upper end protrusion321band a lower end protrusion321athat further protrude compared with the upper and lower ends of the side part322may be formed on the upper and lower ends of the front part321. Thus, the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35that are mounted on the upper and lower ends of the member32may be assembled with directivity to prevent misassembly, and the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be more firmly and fixedly mounted.

That is, when the upper bracket34is mounted, right and left sides of the upper bracket34may be supported by the upper end of the side part322, and a front end of the upper bracket34may be supported by the upper end protrusion321b. Thus, the upper bracket34may be simultaneously supported by the side part322and the front part321and may also have a temporary fixed structure even before the screws399is coupled. In the state in which the upper bracket34is completely mounted, the upper bracket34may be coupled to the front part321and the side part322to be prevented from being distorted or deformed.

When the lower bracket35is mounted, the right and left side ends of the lower bracket35may be supported by the lower end of the side part322, and the front surface of the lower bracket35may be supported by the lower end protrusion321a. Thus, the lower bracket35is simultaneously supported by the side part322and the front part321and may have a temporary fixed structure even before the screws399is coupled. In the state in which the lower bracket35is completely mounted, the lower bracket35may be coupled to the front part321and the side part322to be prevented from being distorted and deformed.

As such, the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be inserted into the second space325, and simultaneously, may be accommodated on a stepped portion of the upper and lower ends of the side part322and the front part321to be firmly coupled to the member32. In the state in which the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35are coupled to the member32, the upper and lower ends of the panel assembly30may be formed.

Hereinafter, the aforementioned coupling structure of the member32, the panel31, and the light guide plate33will be described.

FIG.15is a diagram showing a coupling structure of the member, the panel, and the light guide plate.FIG.16is an enlarged view of a part “E” ofFIG.15.FIG.17is an exploded perspective view taken along XVII-XVII′ ofFIG.3.

As shown in the drawings, the member32may be used to mount the panel31on the front part321and to mount the light guide plate33on the side part322. That is, it may be possible to mount the panel31and the light guide plate33by a single component of the member32. The panel31and the light guide plate33may be spaced apart in forward and rearward directions across the member32therebetween, and in this case, an interval between the panel31and the light guide plate may be maintained by as much as the thickness of the front part321.

In detail, the member32may be formed of a light-transmissive material to transmit light reflected from the light guide plate33at the rear to the panel31in the front. The member32may be formed of a transparent or translucent material for transmitting light therethrough and may have color for transmitting light.

The member32may have the same cross-sectional structure in a vertical direction and thus may be simply molded by extrusion. Simultaneously, provided may be a structure for mounting the panel31and the light guide plate33using the front part321and the side part322that are formed by extrusion. Through the structure of the side part322, even the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be mounted.

The front part321may have a size corresponding to the panel31, and at least an upper end and a right and left side ends of the front part321may be formed in a plate shape corresponding to the right and left side ends of the panel31. The adhesive member313for adhering the panel31to the front part321may be provided on a perimeter of a bottom surface of the panel31. The adhesive member313may be formed along an entire perimeter of the panel31, and the panel31may be firmly fixed to the front surface of the front part321.

Thus, the front surface of the panel assembly30may be formed by the panel31, and any structure for fixing the panel31and the light guide plate33may not be exposed. That is, the front surface of the panel assembly30may be formed by the panel31, and the entire portion of the panel31may glow without a bezel or fixed structure to form an outer appearance of the entire front surface of the panel assembly30or the door20.

The adhesive member313may be formed of a transparent or translucent material to transmit light reflected from the light guide plate33therethrough. For example, the adhesive member313may be formed by coating a transparent or translucent sealant and may be formed by an adhesive such as a transparent or translucent double-side tape.

The side part322may protrude rearward from the right and left side ends of the front part321, and one pair of the side parts322may be opened to face each other. The side part322may be opened in a vertical direction, and the light guide plate33may be inserted into the side part322through an insertion space while being slidably moved in a vertical direction.

In this case, the insertion space of the light guide plate33may be formed between the rear surface of the front part321and the third extension. Thus, the light guide plate33may be inserted into the side part322in the state being in contact with the rear surface of the front part321, and in the state in which the light guide plate33is in completely contact with the rear surface, the front surface of the light guide plate33may be in contact with the rear surface of the front part321.

The reflective sheet331may be disposed on a rear surface of the light guide plate33, and in the state in which the reflective member332is attached to the remaining perimeter surface except for a bottom surface, the light guide plate33may be inserted into the first space324.

That is, both ends of the reflective sheet331may be accommodated inside the first space324, and the reflective sheet331at right and left side surfaces of the light guide plate33may be accommodated therein. In particular, the reflective sheet331may prevent light from leaking the outside through the side part322.

In the state in which the panel assembly30is assembled, the pattern part333of the light guide plate33and the edge reflector331aof the reflective sheet331may be arranged at a position corresponding to a region in which the adhesive member313is disposed. That is, at least the adhesive member313may be positioned in an internal region of the pattern part333and/or the edge reflector331a. Thus, light emitted forward through the light guide plate33may be transmitted more intensively to the adhesive member313, and thus the panel31may glow with uniform brightness and color without shadow due to the adhesive member313.

FIG.16is a perspective view of a back cover as one component of the panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, the back cover39may be formed in a rectangular plate shape to form a rear surface of the panel assembly30. The back cover39may be formed of a metal material such as steel or aluminum and may form the overall shape by a foaming process.

The back cover39may include the cover protrusion391that entirely protrudes forward, and the cover perimeter part392formed along a perimeter of the cover protrusion391.

The cover protrusion391may form most of the area of the back cover39except for the cover perimeter part392and may protrude forward to support the light guide plate33from the rear. In this case, a protruding front surface of the cover protrusion391may be formed in a flat shape with a uniform height to support most of the area of the light guide plate33. The cover protrusion391may protrude when the back cover39is molded and may be formed to be recessed forward viewed from the rear.

Thus, in the state in which the panel assembly30is mounted on the door body40, a space may be formed between a rear surface of the panel assembly30and a front surface of the door body40. That is, when heat generated during an operation of the lighting device36conducted along the rear surface of the panel assembly30, i.e., the back cover39is transferred through the back cover39, a space for heat dissipation through the rear surface of the panel assembly30may be formed.

A buffer member393may be further provided on the cover protrusion391. The buffer member393may be formed of an elastically deformable material and may be formed in the form of a sheet to be attached to the cover protrusion391. For example, the buffer member393may be formed of an expandable material or a foaming material and may be in close contact with the light guide plate33to support the light guide plate33.

Even if impact is applied in a process in which the door20is opened and opened, the buffer member393may prevent the light guide plate33from shaking and alleviate impact transferred to the light guide plate33to protect the light guide plate33. Even when the light guide plate33is deformed while being compressed or expanded by heat, a space in which the light guide plate33is deformable may be provided.

A wire entrance398through which the wire381connected to the lighting device36enters and exits may be formed at one corner of the cover protrusion391.

The cover perimeter part392may be formed along the perimeter of the cover protrusion391. The cover perimeter part392may form a perimeter surface of the back cover39, that is, upper and lower ends and right and left side ends of the back cover39.

A width of the cover perimeter part392may be formed to be longer than at least a width of the third extension322band lengths of the upper bracket front part341and the lower bracket front part351. Thus, right and left side ends of the cover perimeter part392may be supported by the third extension322bof the member32, and the upper end and the lower end may be coupled to the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35, respectively.

The cover perimeter part392and the cover protrusion391may be conned to each other by a cover connector394. The cover connector394may be inclined or rounded in a forward direction from the cover perimeter part392toward the cover protrusion391. Load applied to the cover protrusion391may be distributed by the cover connector394.

A cover screw hole397may be formed in upper and lower ends of the cover perimeter part392. The cover screw holes397may be coupled to fasten the screws399for mounting the back cover39, and the plurality of cover screw holes397may formed at a predetermined interval along the upper and lower ends of the cover perimeter part392. The cover screw holes397may be formed at positions corresponding to bracket screw holes346and356formed in the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35.

A protrusion opening395may be formed on an upper end of the cover perimeter part392, that is, an upper end of the back cover39. The protrusion opening395may be formed to cause a mounting protrusion343protruding on the upper bracket34to pass therethrough in order to mount the panel assembly30. The protrusion opening may be formed to be recessed downward from the upper end of the back cover39and may be cut to cause the mounting protrusion343to pass therethrough. The protrusion openings395may be formed with the number corresponding to the positions of the mounting protrusions343, and the plurality of protrusion openings395may be arranged at a predetermined interval along the upper end of the back cover39.

A cover bent part396may be formed on a lower end of the cover perimeter part392, that is, a lower end of the back cover39. The cover bent part396may be inserted into the lower cap deco45and may be in contact with a right supporter37that supports the lighting device36. Heat of the lighting device36transferred through the right supporter37may be transferred to the entire of the back cover39.

The cover bent part396may extend forward vertically from the lower end of the cover perimeter part392and may extend from a left side end of the back cover39to a right side end thereof. The cover bent part396may extend with an extension length to be in contact with a lower surface of the right supporter37.

FIG.19is a perspective view of an upper bracket as one component of the panel assembly viewed from the front.FIG.20is a perspective view of the upper bracket viewed from the rear.FIG.21is a partial enlarged view showing a shape of an upper part of a panel assembly in the state in which the upper bracket is coupled to the panel assembly.FIG.22is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the member, an upper bracket, and a back cover.FIG.23is a perspective view taken along XXIII-XXIII′ ofFIG.21.FIG.24is an exploded perspective view taken along XXIV-XXIV′ ofFIG.3.FIG.25is an exploded perspective view taken along XXV-XXV′ ofFIG.4.FIG.26is an exploded perspective view taken along XXVI-XXVI′ ofFIG.3.

As shown in the drawings, the upper bracket34may have a length corresponding to the right and left direction length of the panel assembly30. The upper bracket34may broadly include the upper bracket front part341and an upper bracket upper part342.

The upper bracket front part341may be formed with a shape corresponding to the front surface of the upper bracket34and may be formed in parallel to the panel31and the light guide plate33to extend vertically.

An upper side part344stepped forward may be formed on right and left side ends of the upper bracket front part341. The upper side part344may be stepped with a front part of the upper bracket and may be positioned at the front based on the upper bracket front part341.

The upper side part344may be formed with a thickness corresponding to the width of the second space325and may be slidably inserted downward from an upper part of the second space325.

The mounting protrusion343protruding rearward may be formed on the rear surface of the upper bracket front part341. The mounting protrusion343may be used to mount the panel assembly30and may protrude by a predetermined length on the upper bracket front part341to be coupled to a protrusion mount431of the upper cap deco43.

The plurality of mounting protrusions343may be formed at a predetermined interval along the upper bracket34and may be formed at positions corresponding to the protrusion openings395. The mounting protrusion343may protrude from an upper end of the rear surface of the upper bracket front part341. Thus, when the back cover39is mounted, the mounting protrusion343may protrude through the protrusion opening395of the back cover39.

A plurality of upper bracket bosses346may be formed on the front surface of the upper bracket front part341. The upper bracket boss346may be used to couple the screws399and may have an upper bracket screw hole345formed in a central part thereof, to which the screws399is coupled. The upper bracket screw hole345may be formed through the upper bracket front part341and may be formed at a position corresponding to the cover screw hole397. Thus, when the back cover39is mounted, the screws399may be coupled to sequentially pass through the cover screw hole397and the upper bracket screw hole345.

The upper bracket boss346may protrude forward and may protrude to a position that is in contact with the rear surface of the light guide plate33. Thus, when the upper bracket34is mounted, a protruding end of the upper bracket boss346may support the light guide plate33from the rear. That is, when the panel assembly30is assembled, the upper bracket34may support the upper end of the light guide plate33from the rear.

Support ribs347for connecting the plurality of upper bracket bosses346may be formed on the front surface of the upper bracket front part341. One pair of the support ribs347may be disposed vertically, and the plurality of upper bracket bosses346may be positioned between one pair of the support ribs347.

In detail, the support rib347at an upper part among one pair of the support ribs347may extend to connect upper ends of the plurality of upper bracket bosses346, and the support rib347at a lower part among one pair of the support ribs347may extend to connect lower ends of the plurality of upper bracket bosses346.

The support ribs347may protrude with the same height as a protruding height of the upper bracket boss346. Thus, when the panel assembly30is assembled, the support ribs347may support the light guide plate33from the rear with the upper bracket boss346.

The upper bracket upper part342may be formed on the upper end of the upper bracket front part341. The upper bracket upper part342may extend in a direction perpendicular to the upper bracket front part341.

In detail, the upper bracket upper part342may extend forward on the upper end of the upper bracket front part341. The front end of the upper bracket upper part342may extend to be in contact with the front part321of the member32. The right and left side ends of the upper bracket upper part342may be accommodated on the stepped upper end of the side part322of the member32.

Thus, the upper bracket34may be fixedly coupled to the upper end of the member32and may be fixed to the back cover39by the screws399to restrain upward movement of the light guide plate33and may form a shape of an upper surface of the panel assembly30.

As shown inFIG.20, in the state in which the upper bracket34is mounted, the upper end of the upper bracket34may be positioned at the same height L2as the upper end of the member32. In this case, upper ends of the upper bracket34and the member32may be formed lower than a height L1of the upper end of the panel31. When viewed from the front of the refrigerator1, components behind the panel31may not protrude toward the upper end of the panel31and an front appearance may be formed by the panel31. That is, an outer appearance of the entire front surface of the door20may be formed by color represented by the panel31.

In the state in which the upper bracket upper part342is accommodated on the upper end of the side part322of the member32, an upper surface of the upper bracket34may have the same height L2as the upper end of the member32. Thus, the height L3of the upper end of the side part322may be formed lower than the height L2of the upper end of the member32. In this case, a difference between a height L3of the upper end of the side part322and the height L2of the upper end of the member32may correspond to the thickness of the upper bracket upper part342.

A height L4of the upper end of the light guide plate33may lower than the upper bracket upper part342. The light guide plate33may be disposed below the upper bracket upper part342to be spaced apart from the upper part342and may be formed to have a set gap G1with the light guide plate33not to be interfered with the light guide plate33when the light guide plate33extends. Thus, the height L4of the upper end of the light guide plate33may be lower than the height L3of the upper bracket upper part342and the side part322.

The upper bracket34may be inserted downward from an upper part through an open upper surface of the bracket insertion space325. In this case, the upper bracket front part341may be positioned inside the member32and may be positioned between the side parts322at both left and right sides. In particular, both left and right ends of the upper bracket front part341, that is, the upper side parts344may be inserted into the bracket insertion space325to fixedly mount the upper bracket34to the upper end of the member32.

In the state in which the upper side part344is fully inserted into the bracket insertion space325, the upper bracket upper part342may be accommodated on the upper end of the side part322. The front end of the upper bracket upper part342may be hidden by the upper end protrusion321bprotruding upward from the upper end of the front part321.

Because the upper side part344is inserted into the bracket insertion space325positioned behind the light guide plate33, no shading may be generated on the panel31when light is reflected by the light guide plate33. That is, the upper bracket34may not be exposed out of the panel31in the state of being fixedly mounted on the member32and may not block light reflected by the light guide plate33.

When the upper bracket34is inserted, the upper support347protruding on the front surface of the upper bracket front part341may support an upper end of a rear surface of the light guide plate33or an upper part close to the upper end.

The upper support347may be formed to connect the plurality of upper bracket bosses346, and thus may entirely support the upper end of the light guide plate33. In particular, the upper support347may be formed as a pair of ribs spaced apart up and down to more stably support the light guide plate33from the rear. The upper support347may connect the plurality of upper bracket bosses346to reinforce the strength of the upper bracket34.

The upper bracket boss346may protrude at the same height as the upper support347, and thus the upper bracket boss346may support the upper end of the light guide plate33from the rear with the upper support347. As such, the upper part of the light guide plate33may be supported only by the structure in which the upper bracket34is inserted into the member32.

The screw399passing through the upper end of the back cover39may be coupled to the upper bracket boss346to firmly fix the upper bracket34. The upper bracket34may be inserted into the member32to be primarily fixed thereto, and may be connected to the lower bracket35by the back cover39to be secondarily fixed thereto by the screw399.

The upper bracket34may be maintained to be firmly mounted, and thus it may be ensured to maintain the state in which the upper part of the light guide plate33is supported by the upper bracket34, in more detail, the upper support347. Thus, in a process in which the door20is repeatedly opened and closed or the light guide plate33contracts and expands due to heat, the light guide plate33may also be maintained at a mounting position and in a state of being aligned with the light source362.

FIG.27is a perspective view in which a lower bracket, a lighting device, and a right supporter as components of panel assembly are coupled.FIG.28is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the lower bracket, the lighting device, and the right supporter viewed from the rear.FIG.29is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the lower bracket, the lighting device, and the right supporter from the front.FIG.30is a partial exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the member, a lower bracket, and a back cover.FIG.31is an exploded perspective view taken along XXXI-XXXI′ ofFIG.3.FIG.32is an exploded perspective view taken along XXXII-XXXII′ ofFIG.4.FIG.33is an exploded perspective view taken along XXXIII-XXXIII′ ofFIG.3.FIG.34is a perspective view taken along XXXIV-XXXIV′ ofFIG.4.

As shown 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 part351, a lower bracket rear part352, a lower bracket side part353, and a lower bracket lower part354.

The lower bracket front part351form a shape of the front surface of the lower bracket35and may support the panel31. A portion of the lower bracket front part351may protrude below the panel31and may be inserted into the lower end of the door body40, that is, the lower cap deco45to fix the lower bracket35.

The lower bracket front part351may include a bracket stepped part. The bracket stepped part may include a first stepped part351afor supporting a lower end of the panel31and a second stepped part351bfor supporting the panel31from the rear.

The first stepped part351amay be stepped rearward on the front surface of the lower bracket front part351, and the second stepped part351bmay extend upward from the rear end of the first stepped part351a. In the state in which the panel31is mounted, the adhesive member313may be coated on the second stepped part351b, and thus the panel31may be firmly fixed.

The upper end of the second stepped part351bmay be coupled to the lower end of the member32, and thus the front surface of the second stepped part351band the front part321of the member32may be positioned on the same plane.

The second stepped part351bmay support the panel31, and simultaneously, may prevent the lighting device36or a lighting spot (which may also be referred to as light formation or a hot spot) generated by the lighting device36from being exposed.

That is, the second stepped part351bmay protrude above an upper end of a light source of the lighting device36and may protrude with a set height to prevent the lighting device36from being exposed forward. The second stepped part351bmay hide a region generated due to intensive light irradiation at the lower end of the light guide plate33and the lower end of the panel31, which are very adjacent to the lighting device36, to prevent a lighting spot from being formed on the panel31. The second stepped part351bmay be formed to be transparent or translucent, and as necessary, may be formed with specific color. Thus, the second stepped part351bmay also be referred to as a shield.

The lower bracket side part353may form a side surface of the lower bracket35and may protrude above the lower bracket front part351. The lower bracket side part353may protrude above the second stepped part351b, and thus a stepped portion of a lower end of the side surface of the member32may be coupled to engage each other with the lower bracket front part351and the lower bracket side part353.

The lower bracket rear part352may be formed on a rear end of the lower bracket side part353. The lower bracket rear part352may form a rear surface of the lower bracket35and may fixedly mount the lower bracket35on the member32. The lower bracket rear part352may be formed in parallel to the panel31and the light guide plate33and may extend in a vertical direction. A rear surface part of the lower bracket35may protrude above the lower bracket front part351and the lower bracket side part353.

A lower side part352bstepped forward may be formed on right and left side ends of the lower bracket rear part352. The lower side part352bmay be stepped with the lower bracket rear part352and may be positioned in the front of the lower bracket front part351.

The lower side part352bmay be formed with a thickness corresponding to the width of the second space325and may be slidably inserted upward from a lower part of the second space325.

In the state in which the light guide plate33is mounted on the side part322, the lower bracket35may be mounted at a lower end of the member32. In detail, the lower bracket35may be inserted upward from a lower part through an open lower surface of the bracket insertion space325.

In this case, the lower bracket rear part352may be disposed inside the member32and may be disposed between the side parts322at both left and right sides. In particular, both left and right ends of the lower bracket rear part352, that is, the lower side parts352bmay be inserted into the bracket insertion space325to fixedly mount the lower bracket35on the upper end of the member32.

In the state in which the lower side part352bis fully inserted into the bracket insertion space325, the lower bracket side part353may be accommodated on the lower end of the side part322. The lower bracket35may be stepped with a shape corresponding to a lower stepped surface of the member32, and the lower bracket35and the member32may be coupled to each other.

Because the lower side part352bis inserted into the bracket insertion space325positioned behind the light guide plate33, no shading may be generated on the panel31when light is reflected by the light guide plate33. That is, the lower bracket35may not be exposed out of the panel31in the state of being fixedly mounted on the member32and may not block light reflected by the light guide plate33.

When the lower bracket35is inserted, the lower support358protruding on the front surface of the lower bracket rear part352may support a lower end of the rear surface of the light guide plate33or a lower part close to the lower end.

A plurality of lower bracket bosses357may be formed on the front surface of the lower bracket rear part352. The lower bracket bosses357may be used to couple the screws399thereto, and a lower bracket screw hole356to which the screw399is coupled may be formed at the center of the lower bracket boss357. The lower bracket screw hole356may be formed through the lower bracket rear part352and may be formed 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 lower bracket screw hole356.

The lower bracket boss357may protrude forward and may protrude to be in contact with the rear surface of the light guide plate33. Thus, when the lower bracket35is mounted, a protruding end of the lower bracket boss357may support the light guide plate33from the rear. That is, when the panel assembly30is assembled, the lower bracket35may support the upper end of the light guide plate33from the rear.

The lower support358may be formed to connect the plurality of lower bracket bosses357, and thus may entirely support the lower end of the light guide plate33. In particular, the lower support358may be formed as a pair of ribs spaced apart up and down to more stably support the light guide plate33from the rear. The lower support358may connect the plurality of lower bracket bosses357to reinforce the strength of the lower bracket35.

The lower bracket boss357may protrude at the same height as the lower support358, and thus the lower bracket boss357may support the lower end of the light guide plate33from the rear with the lower support358. As such, the lower part of the light guide plate33may be supported only by the structure in which the lower bracket35is inserted into the member32.

The screw399passing through the lower end of the back cover39may be coupled to the lower bracket boss357to firmly fix the lower bracket35. The lower bracket35may be inserted into the member32to be primarily fixed thereto, and may be connected to the upper bracket34by the back cover39to be secondarily fixed thereto by the screw399.

The lower bracket35may be maintained to be firmly mounted, and thus it may be ensured to maintain the state in which the lower part of the light guide plate33is supported by the lower bracket35, in more detail, the lower support358. Thus, in a process in which the door20is repeatedly opened and closed or the light guide plate33contracts and expands due to heat, the light guide plate33may also be maintained at a mounting position and in a state of being aligned with the light source362.

An upper end of the back cover39connected to the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35by the screw399may be maintained to be supported by the upper bracket front part341, a lower end of the back cover39may be maintained to be supported by the lower bracket rear part352, and both left and right ends of the back cover39may be maintained to be supported by a second surface322B of the side part322. Thus, the back cover39may shield a space between the side parts322at both left and right sides, and the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35and may define the rear surface of the panel assembly30.

A support rib358for connecting the plurality of lower bracket bosses357may be formed on the front surface of the lower bracket rear part352. One pair of the support ribs358may be disposed in a vertical direction, and the plurality of the lower bracket bosses357may be positioned between one pair of the support ribs358.

In detail, the support rib358at an upper part of one pair of the support ribs358may extend to connect upper ends of the plurality of lower bracket bosses357, and the support rib358at a lower part of one pair of the support ribs358may extend to connect lower ends of the plurality of lower bracket bosses357.

The support rib358may protrude with the same height as a protruding height of the lower bracket boss357. Thus, when the panel assembly30is assembled, the support rib358may support the light guide plate33from the rear with the lower bracket boss357.

Thus, the lower bracket35may be fixedly coupled to the upper end of the member32and may be in the state of being fixed to the back cover39by the screw399, and thus may restrain downward movement of the light guide plate33and may form the shape of a lower surface of the panel assembly30.

A bracket opening may be formed in the lower bracket rear part352. The bracket opening352amay extend from a left side end of the lower bracket rear part352to a right side end and may be formed at a position facing the lower bracket front part351.

The bracket opening352amay be positioned below the support rib358. The bracket opening352amay be formed to be opened in a rear surface of a space in which the lighting device36is mounted. The lower end of the bracket opening352amay be positioned at the lower bracket lower part354. Thus, the lighting device36may enter and exit through the bracket opening352aand the right supporter37for supporting the lighting device36may also enter and exit therewith. The bracket opening352amay be shielded by the back cover39.

The lower bracket lower part354may form a lower surface of the lower bracket35and may be connected to a lower end of the lower bracket front part351, a lower end of the lower bracket side part353, and a lower end of the lower bracket rear part352. The lower bracket lower part354may form a bottom surface of a space in which the lighting device36is mounted.

A bracket rib354afor supporting the lighting device36or the right supporter37from below may be formed on the lower bracket lower part354. The bracket rib354amay extend rearward from the lower bracket front part351and may protrude upward to support the right supporter37on which the lighting device36is mounted.

A light guide plate support355protruding rearward may be formed on the lower bracket front part351. The plurality of light guide plate supports355may protrude rearward at a constant interval along the lower bracket front part351.

In this case, the light guide plate support355may extend to restrain the lighting device36from above. The light guide plate support355and the lower bracket lower part354may restrain the lighting device36from above and below to restrain upward and downward movement of the lighting device36.

An upper surface of the light guide plate support355may protrude to support a lower end of the light guide plate33and may protrude rearward at a height corresponding to the first stepped part351aof the bracket stepped part.

The lighting device36may be provided within the lower bracket35. The lighting device36may include a substrate361and the 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 substrate361may provide a space in which the light source362extends from a left side end of the light guide plate33to the other side end. The left side end and the right side end of the substrate361may be in contact with the lower bracket side part353within the lower bracket35and may restrain right and left movement.

The light source362may be disposed in a forward biased position based on the center of the substrate361. In this case, the light source362may be positioned below the lower end of the light guide plate33in a vertical direction, that is, may be positioned to face the lower end of the light guide plate33.

A circuit363of the substrate361may be concentrated in a position biased to the rear based on the center of the substrate361. The circuit363may be used for an operation of the lighting device36, and the light source362may be disposed at a rearward biased position to face the light guide plate33.

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 glow with color set by the controller13. According to color of the panel31, color of the front appearance of the refrigerator1may be determined.

The light source362may include an LED for emitting light with specific color other than the RGB LED and may include a combination of a plurality of LEDs for emitting light with different colors. For example, the plurality of light sources362may include red, green, and blue LEDs and may sequentially and repeatedly arranged. Under control of the controller13, operations of the light sources362may be combined to cause the panel31to glow with desired color.

The light sources362may be mounted at a constant interval on the substrate361and an appropriate number of light sources362may be arranged to cause the panel31to glow with set brightness. For example, the light sources362may be arranged at an interval of 6.3 mm to 7.0 mm, brightness thereof may reach a target brightness of the panel31, and an entire surface of the panel31may glow with uniform brightness equal to or greater than 80%. An interval between the light sources362may be smaller than the right and left width of the light guide plate support355, and thus the light guide plate support355may be disposed between the light sources362.

Devices364protruding downward may be further provided on the lower surface of the substrate361.

The right supporter37may be provided within the lower bracket35. The right supporter37may support the lighting device36within the lower bracket35. The right supporter37may dissipate heat generated by the lighting device36by conduction.

The right supporter37may be formed of a metal material and may be molded by extrusion to have the same cross-sectional structure in a longitudinal direction, and may be formed with a size to enter and exit through the bracket opening352a.

The right supporter37may include a first supporting part372for supporting the lighting device36and a second supporting part371in contact with the back cover39.

The first supporting part372may be disposed on the lower bracket lower part354within the lower bracket35. The first supporting part372may be supported by the bracket rib354afrom below. Substrate supports373for supporting a front end and a rear end of the substrate361may be formed on a front end and a rear end of the first supporting part372.

A supporter recess374may be formed on the first supporting part372. The supporter recess374may be recessed between one pair of the substrate supports373and may provide a space in which devices of the lower surface of the substrate361are accommodated when the substrate361is supported by the first supporting part372.

The second supporting part371may extend upward from the rear end of the first supporting part372. A substrate accommodation groove375may be formed on the lower end of the second supporting part371. The substrate accommodation groove375may be recessed to accommodate the rear end of the substrate361. In the state in which the substrate361is mounted on the right supporter37, the rear end of the substrate361may be in close contact with an internal side of the substrate accommodation groove375.

In the state in which the panel assembly30is assembled, the back cover39may be coupled to the lower bracket35by fastening the screws399. In this case, the cover bent part396of the lower end of the back cover39may be inserted into the bracket opening352a. Thus, in the state in which the back cover39is mounted, the cover bent part396may surface-contact the entire lower surface of the first supporting part372, and the lower end of the cover perimeter part392of the back cover39may surface-contact the entire rear surface of the second supporting part371, and thus heat of the lighting device36, transferred through the right supporter37, may be dissipated through the back cover39.

The lower bracket35may have a structure in which the shield, that is, the second stepped part351bis not formed, and hereinafter, another example of the lower bracket35will be described with reference to drawings.

FIG.25is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the lower bracket.

As shown in the drawing, the lower bracket35may be provided on a lower end of the panel assembly30. The lower bracket35may be mounted on a lower end of the member32and may protrude below the lower end of the panel31.

The lighting device36including the substrate361and the light source362may be provided within the lower bracket35. The lighting device36may be supported by the right supporter37, and the lighting device36may be fixed to the inside of the lower bracket35to emit light to an end of the light guide plate33. Thus, the light source362may be positioned below the lower end of the panel31, thereby preventing the lower end of the panel31, adjacent to the light source362, from being excessively brightened.

The upper end of the lower bracket front part351may be supported by the lower end of the front part321of the member32. That is, the upper end of the lower bracket front part351may be bent rearward to support the lower end of the front part321. In this case, the lower end of the front part321may correspond to the lower end of the panel31or may be somewhat high.

The panel31may be mounted on the front surface of the front part321. The panel31may be adhered by the adhesive member313, and the adhesive member313may be coated along a perimeter of the panel31to be adhered to a perimeter of the front part321.

The light guide plate33may be disposed behind the front part321. The light guide plate33may be in contact with a rear surface of the front part321. Needless to say, the light guide plate33may be inserted along the side part322of the member32, and thus may be spaced apart from the front part321at a fine gap rather than being in close contact with the front part321.

The lower end of the light guide plate33may be supported by the light guide plate support355protruding rearward from the lower bracket front part351. Thus, the lower end of the light guide plate33may be maintained to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the light source362by a set interval G.

The rear surface of the panel assembly30may be formed by the back cover39. The lower end of the back cover39may be formed by the cover bent part396, and the cover bent part396may be inserted into the lower bracket35through the bracket opening352ato support the right supporter37from below.

The screws399may be coupled to the back cover39and may be coupled to the lower bracket screw hole356through the cover screw hole397. Components of the panel assembly30as well as the back cover39may be maintained to be firmly coupled by fastening the screws399.

Hereinafter, the structure of the panel assembly30in the state of being assembled will be described in more detail with reference to drawings.

FIG.36is a partial perspective view of an upper part of the panel assembly.FIG.37is a partial perspective view of a structure of an upper corner of the panel assembly.FIG.38is a partial perspective view of a lower part of the panel assembly.FIG.39is a partial perspective view of a structure of a lower corner of the panel assembly.

As shown in the drawings, the panel31may be adhered to a front surface of the member32to form a front surface of the panel assembly30. In this case, an upper end and right and left side ends of the member32may positioned at positions corresponding to an upper end and right and left side ends of the panel31to be prevented from being exposed to the outside viewed from the front.

In the state in which the panel assembly30is completely assembled, an outer appearance of the front surface may be formed by the panel31viewed from the front. There may be no component exposed forward other than the panel31among components of the panel assembly30, and thus the entire panel assembly30may be seen as formed by the panel31. In this state, the front appearance of the refrigerator1or a home appliance may be formed by color of the panel31or color glowing on the panel31.

The upper bracket34may be mounted on the upper end of the member32. A side surface of the upper bracket34may be accommodated on the upper end of the front part321and the upper end of the side part322. The upper surface of the upper bracket34may be formed with a height corresponding to the upper end protrusion321b. Thus, the upper surface of the upper bracket34may form an upper surface of the panel assembly30with the upper end protrusion321b. Viewed from the front, the upper bracket34may not be exposed to the outside by being hidden by the panel31and the upper end protrusion321b.

The side part322may be exposed in a side direction to form a side appearance of the panel assembly30. The side part322may shield the light guide plate33disposed therein to prevent the light guide plate33from being exposed to the outside.

The lower bracket35may be mounted on the lower end of the member32. The lower bracket35may extend downward based on the panel31. Thus, as shown inFIG.24, the lighting device36may be disposed inside the lower bracket35, and the upper end of the lighting device36may be disposed below the panel31. The lighting device36may be disposed below the panel31, thereby preventing a light source from being exposed or preventing a lighting spot from being formed on the panel31.

The lower bracket35exposed downward may be shielded by a deco member451mounted on the lower cap deco45or the lower cap deco45when the panel assembly30is mounted on the door body40. Thus, the lower bracket35may not be exposed forward based on the panel assembly30, and a front appearance of the panel assembly30may be formed by the panel31.

A side surface of the lower bracket35may be supported by the lower end of the side part322and the lower end protrusion321a. The first stepped part351aand the second stepped part351bof the lower bracket35may support the panel31. The lower bracket35may be in contact with both the member32and the panel31.

In this case, the upper end of the lower bracket front part351on which the second stepped part351bis formed may protrude upward based on the lower end of the panel31. Thus, the second stepped part351b, i.e., the shield may block light emitted from the lighting device36mounted inside the lower bracket35from being directly directed to the panel31.

The back cover39may be coupled to the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35by fastening the screws399, and the right and left side ends of the back cover39may be in contact with a rear end of the side part to be supported thereby.

In the state in which the back cover39is mounted, a rear surface of the panel assembly30may be formed, and the back cover39may shield the right supporter37exposed through the bracket opening352aand the bracket opening352a.

Viewed from the front, an outer appearance of the panel assembly30may be formed by the panel31, and a side appearance of the panel assembly30may be formed by the member32. The upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be accommodated on the upper and lower ends of the member32to be shielded by the panel31. Thus, an outer appearance of the panel assembly30may be entirely determined by the panel31, and in particular, color of the panel assembly30may be determined according to a color change of the panel31.

The light guide plate33may be disposed within the member32, and the lighting device36may be accommodated inside the lower bracket35, and thus the panel assembly30may have a slim overall structure.

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

FIG.40is a block diagram showing a flow of a control signal of the refrigerator.FIG.41is a cross-sectional view showing a lighting state of the panel assembly.FIG.42is an enlarged view of a part “F” ofFIG.41.FIG.43is an enlarged view of a part “G” ofFIG.41.FIG.44is an enlarged view of a part “H” ofFIG.41.

As shown in the drawings, in the refrigerator1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a front surface of the door20may glow via an operation of the lighting device36. The front surface of the door20may be turned on or off and may glow with any one of a plurality of colors under control of the controller13.

The operation of the lighting device36may be performed by manipulation of a manipulator14of a user. The manipulator14may be disposed at one side of the refrigerator1, and for example, may be disposed at one side of the cabinet10. Needless to say, as necessary, the manipulator14may be included in the door20or manipulation may be input by touching and manipulating the panel31. That is, the user may directly manipulate the manipulator14to set an operation of the lighting device36and may turn on or off the lighting device36.

The user may set the overall operation state of the lighting device36, such as an operation time and an operation condition of the lighting device36and emission color of the light source362through manipulation of the manipulator14. As necessary, the manipulator14may be configured as a display for information display and manipulation.

The lighting device36may also be manipulated and set through a remote device2spaced apart from the refrigerator1. The refrigerator1may communicate with the remote device2through a communicator17connected to a controller13, and the user may manipulate an operation of the lighting device36through the remote device2.

The communicator17may communicate with the remote device2using various methods. For example, the communicator17may have a communicable structure using at least one method such as wired, wireless, or short distance communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and NFC). 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 lighting device36may also be operated by a sensor. The sensor may be, for example, a user detection sensor151for detecting proximity of the user. For example, the user detection sensor151may use various devices for detecting user approaching near the refrigerator, such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example, in the state in which the illumination sensor152is detected to be equal to or greater than the set illumination, the lighting device36may be maintained in an off state irrespective of whether the user detection sensor151detects this. In the state in which the illumination sensor152is detected to be equal to or less than the set illumination, when the user detection sensor151detects proximity of the user, the lighting device36may be turned on.

The sensor may be an inside temperature sensor153. The controller13may be connected to the inside temperature sensor153. The inside temperature sensor153may detect a temperature inside the refrigerator and may transfer the detected temperature to the controller13, and the controller13may cause the light source362to glow with set color according to the temperature inside the refrigerator and may intuitively display the temperature and state inside the refrigerator through front color of the door20.

The lighting device36may include the state in which brightness is adjusted in addition to an on state and an off state. That is, according to an operation state of the refrigerator1, the controller13may adjust the operation state of the refrigerator1by changing brightness of the lighting device36.

The controller13may be connected to a microphone18. Thus, the light source362may glow 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. In another example, when music is input through the microphone18, the lighting device36may also be controlled to change the front color of the door20in response to play of music, and the front surface of the refrigerator the door20may be continuously changed in color with an equalizer while interacting with the played music.

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. In addition, 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 operation state of the lighting device operated by the controller is now described. As shown inFIG.30, when the lighting device36is turned on according to an instruction of the controller13, light emitted from the light source362may be directed toward the lower end of the light guide plate33. In this case, light emitted from the light source362may glow with color selected by the controller13. That is, the light source362may be an RGB LED and may emit light with color determined by the controller13to cause a surface of the panel31to glow with specific color.

Light incident through the lower end of the light guide plate33may be diffused and reflected along the light guide plate33and may be moved along the light guide plate33. In this case, light guided by the light guide plate33may be reflected forward by the reflective sheet331and may be transmitted to the outside through the panel31. Light may also be reflected by a perimeter surface the light guide plate33to maximize the reflection efficiency of the inside of the light guide plate33due to the reflective member332disposed on the perimeter of the light guide plate33.

Through reflection of the reflective sheet331and the reflective member332, light guided through the light guide plate33may be entirely emitted forward to cause the panel31to entirely glow, and the front surface of the door20may glow with set brightness or color.

The lighting device36may be disposed on the lower end of the panel assembly30, and the light source362may emit light upward. The lighting device36may be fixed to be prevented from being moved inside the lower bracket35. Thus, even if the door20is repeatedly opened and closed, the lighting device36may be maintained at an exact position, and the panel31may be ensured to glow with set brightness by directing light emitted from the light source362toward the lower end of the light guide plate33.

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, 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 glow with uniform brightness.

The lighting device36may be positioned below the upper end of the lower bracket35. 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 formed adjacent to the light source362, thereby improving the quality of a front appearance of the door20and preventing glare of the user.

In the state in which the light guide plate33is in contact with the front part321of the member32, the lower end may be restrained by the light guide plate support355and right and left sides may be retrained by the side part322. The upper end of the light guide plate may be maintained to be spaced apart from the upper bracket upper part342by the set gap G1.

Thus, when the lighting device36is turned on for a long time and heats up, the light guide plate33may be restrained not to extend downward and right and left, but may extend upward within the set gap G1. Thus, in the state in which the lighting device36is turned on for a long time, a constant interval with the panel31may also be maintained. An interval between the light guide plate33and the panel31, and thus uniform and constant brightness of the panel31may be ensured.

When the lighting device36is turned on, the front surface of the door20may glow brightly. A difference in light transmittance between a portion of the panel31, which is not coated with the sealant313, and a portion coated with the sealant313may not be recognized by a user.

The sealant313may maintain a transparent or opaque state in the state in which the panel31and the member32are adhered. The sealant313may be spread thinly between the panel31and the member32. Due to this spreadability, the sealant313may transmit light guided through the light guide plate33.

Thus, when the lighting device36is turned on, light may also be transmitted through the portion coated with the sealant313, and the front surface of the door20may be implemented with set color.

The light guide plate33may be formed with a pattern for guiding the light to a position corresponding to a position at which the sealant313is coated rather than a central portion. In this case, on a front surface of the door20, the user may not recognize a color difference implemented by the lighting device36between a position at which the sealant313is coated and a position at which the sealant313is not coated.

FIG.45is a diagram sequentially showing an assembling process of the panel assembly.

As shown in the drawing, in order to assemble the panel assembly30, the member32may be first molded. For example, the member32may be extrusion-molded. In addition, the member32may be disposed to position the front part321to face forward. [(a) ofFIG.45]

In the state in which the member32is disposed, the light guide plate33may be mounted on the member32. The reflective sheet331may be disposed on the rear surface of the light guide plate33and may be mounted on the member32in a state in which the reflective member332is disposed on an upper surface and both left and right side surfaces except for a lower surface of a peripheral surface.

In this case, left and right ends of the light guide plate33may be fixed to the side parts322at both left and right side surfaces of the member32. The left and right both ends of the light guide plate33may be slidably inserted into the light guide plate insertion space324to constrain the light guide plate33. In this case, the front surface of the light guide plate33may be in close contact with the rear surface of the front part321. [(b) ofFIG.45]

In the state in which the light guide plate33is mounted on the member32, the lower bracket35may be mounted at the lower end of the member32. The lower bracket35may be assembled in the state in which the lighting device36and the right supporter37are mounted. Needless to say, in the state in which the lower bracket35is mounted on the member32, the lighting device36and the right supporter37may also be assembled on the lower bracket35.

In the state in which the lighting device36and the right supporter37are mounted inside the lower bracket35, the lighting device36may be positioned at a set position, and the light source362may be positioned to face the lower end of the light guide plate33. [(c) ofFIG.45]

The upper bracket34may be mounted at the upper end of the member32. The upper bracket34and the lower bracket35may be mounted in any order from each other, but the lower bracket35may be first mounted according to the characteristics of a structure in which the light guide plate33is supported by the lower bracket35. [(d) ofFIG.45]

In the state in which the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35are inserted into the member32and is primarily fixed, the back cover39may be mounted. The back cover39may be in contact with the upper bracket34, the lower bracket35, and the side parts322at both left and right sides of the member32and may define the rear surface of the panel assembly30. [(e) ofFIG.45]

In the state in which the back cover39is disposed, the screw399may be coupled to fixedly mount the back cover39. The screw399may be coupled along the upper bracket34and the lower bracket35to constrain the upper end of the back cover39and the lower end of the back cover39. [(f) ofFIG.45]

In the state in which the back cover39is completely fixed and mounted, the panel31may be finally mounted on the front surface of the member32, that is, the front part321. The panel31may be supported by the front part321and a portion of a front surface of the lower bracket35. The panel31may have a rear surface adhered to the member32and the lower bracket35in such a way that an entire front surface of the panel31is exposed.

To this end, the sealant313may be coated around the rear surface of the panel31, and the panel31may be adhered the member32and the lower bracket35by the sealant313. Needless to say, if necessary, the sealant313may be coated on the entire surface rather than the peripheral surface of the panel31, or may be partially provided at a plurality of points.

The sealant313may be formed of a transparent or translucent material, and thus light reflected forward from the light guide plate33may pass through the sealant313to illuminate the end of the panel31.

When the panel31is completely adhered, the panel assembly30may be completely assembled. Since the panel31is mounted at a final stage of an assembly process, the panel31with a high weight may be easily managed. Since movement and processing of the panel31may be minimized, the panel31may also be prevented from being damaged. Handling of other components under assembly may be easily performed by assembling the panel31last. [(g) ofFIG.45]

When the panel assembly30needs to be dissembled, the panel assembly30may be dissembled in a reverse order of the above-described process.

Hereinafter, a change in a front appearance of the door20according to an operation of the lighting device36will be described with reference to drawings.

FIG.46is a front view showing a front appearance of a refrigerator in the state in which the lighting device is turned off.FIG.47is a front view showing a front appearance of a refrigerator in the state in which the lighting device is turned on.FIG.48is a front view showing a front appearance of a refrigerator in the state in which color of the lighting device is changed.FIG.49is a front view showing a front appearance of a refrigerator in the state in which some of a plurality of doors emits light.FIG.50is a front view showing a front appearance of a refrigerator in the state in which each of a refrigerating compartment door and a freezing compartment door emits light among the doors.

The lighting device36may be turned on to cause the front surface of the door20to glow brightly, and the front surface of the door20may glow with set color by light emitted from the plurality of light sources362. In this case, the front color of the door20may be different color or brightness from in the state in which the lighting device36is turned off

For example, as shown inFIG.46, in the state in which the lighting device36is turned off, the front surface of the door may not glow and may be seen with original color of the panel assembly30.

That is, the front color of the door20may be seen as color of the panel31, and the texture and pattern formed on the panel31may be seen. In this case, the color of the panel31may be color with a brightness greater than 0 and may be formed in a color other than black. The color of the front surface of the door20in the state in which the lighting device36is turned may also be referred to as a first color.

Thus, the front surface of the door20may be seen with color of the panel31, and 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 glow with color set by the controller13.

For example, as shown inFIG.47, the controller13may instruct the front surface of the door20to glow with a second color different from the first color, and the lighting device36may cause the light source362to glow with the second color according to the instruction of the controller13.

When the light source362glows with the second color, light of the second color may be transmitted through the front surface of the panel31by light reflected by the light guide plate33, and the front surface of the door20, that is, the front appearance of the refrigerator1may have the second color.

In the state in which the front appearance of the refrigerator1glows with the second color, when the controller13instructs change in color of the front surface of the refrigerator1, and the front surface of the door20may glow with color that is reset by the controller13.

For example, as shown inFIG.48, the controller13may instruct the front surface of the door20to glow with a third color different from the first color and the second color, and the lighting device36may cause the light source362to glow with the third color according to the instruction of the controller13.

When the light source362glows with the third color, light with the third color may be transmitted through the front surface of the panel31by light reflected by the light guide plate33, and the front appearance of the front surface of the door20, that is, front appearance of the refrigerator1may have the third color.

Some of the plurality of doors20forming the front appearance of the refrigerator1may emit light or the plurality of doors20may independently emit light to form the front appearance of the refrigerator1with set color.

For example, as shown inFIG.49, the refrigerator1may be operated to cause some doors20of a plurality of doors to glow or glow with specific color. That is, all the lighting devices36included in the doors20may not be operated, but instead, only some of all the doors20may glow. For example, any one door201aof the refrigerating compartment door201may glow. That is, the left refrigerating compartment door201aamong the left refrigerating compartment door201aand the right refrigerating compartment door201bmay glow. Needless to say, any one of the freezing compartment doors202may glow.

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

In this case, the lighting device36included in the panel assembly30may be controlled by the controller13according to the aforementioned various conditions.

The refrigerating compartment door or the freezing compartment door among the doors may be controlled to glow with different colors.

For example, as shown inFIG.50, the controller13may control the lighting device36to cause one pair of the refrigerating compartment doors201to be seen with the first color. The controller13may control the lighting device36to cause one pair of the refrigerating compartment doors201to be seen with the second 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.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to drawings.

FIG.51is a schematic diagram showing an extrusion manufacturing method of a member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.52is a schematic perspective view of a cooling device in the extrusion manufacturing method.FIG.53is a perspective view of a shape of a cooling mold included in the cooling device.

As shown in the drawings, the member32may be formed of an ABS material and may be formed by extrusion.

Needless to say, the member32may be formed by injection, but in the case of injection molding, the structure of the mold becomes complicated due to the shape of the side part322of the right and left side ends of the member32, and thus productivity may be degraded.

In the member32, the planarity of the front part321may be very important, and thus, when the planarity of the front part321does not satisfy a predetermined level, the light guide plate33or the panel31may interfere with the front part321or may be defected when being installed. In particular, in the case of a component forming the exterior of a home appliance, such as the door20of the refrigerator, many products may have a long vertical length or a large right and left width, and in this case, it may be difficult to achieve high planarity of the front part321.

To overcome the problem, the member32may be extrusion-molded using an extrusion molding device3according to the embodiment. The member32may have a cross-sectional structure that facilitates extrusion molding due to the structures of the front part321and the side parts322at both sides of the front part321.

A manufacturing method of the member32is now described. First, the extrusion molding device3for molding the member32may include a material feeding device301, a primary mold302a, a secondary mold302b, a tertiary mold303, a cooling device304, and a cutting device306.

In detail, a material for molding the member32may be fed to the material feeding device301. In this case, the used material may be, for example, a transparent ABS material. The material feeding device301may include a screw301afor moving the fed material, and a heater301bfor heating the material, and may continuously feed the material toward a mold after melting the material. [S100]

First, the melted material may be fed to the primary mold302athrough the material feeding device301. A plurality of flow channels for feeding the material to mold the melted material into a wide plate shape may be formed on the primary mold302a.

The secondary mold302bmay be placed consecutively with the primary mold302a. Thus, the material uniformly distributed and fed through the primary mold302amay be injected into the secondary mold302band may primarily form an overall shape of the outer appearance of the member32while passing through the secondary mold302b.

That is, the shape of the inside of the secondary mold302bmay be entirely similar to the shape of a cross-sectional shape of the member32, and shapes of the front part321and the side part322may be formed while the material passes through the secondary mold302b.

The primary mold302aand the secondary mold302bmay be in contact with each other, and the material passing through the primary mold302amay be input to the secondary mold302bto pass through the secondary mold302b. Needless to say, as necessary, the primary mold302aand the secondary mold302bmay also be formed as a single mold302. [S200]

The material passing through the secondary mold302bmay pass through the tertiary mold303after being molded to have a similar basic shape and size to the member32. The shape of the inside of the tertiary mold303may be close to the size and shape of the member32compared with the secondary mold302b. Thus, a dimension of the material molded while passing through the tertiary mold303may be corrected and may be almost similar to a dimension of the member32.

In this case, the tertiary mold303may be configured in a plural number, and a dimension of the material may be more precisely corrected while the material passes through the plurality of tertiary molds303. Needless to say, as necessary, only one secondary mold302bmay be provided or two or more secondary molds302bmay be provided. According to the present embodiment, it may be possible to mold the member32having required precision by configuring the two tertiary molds303. [S300]

The material molded while passing through the tertiary mold303may be cooled while passing through the cooling device304. In this case, the inside of the cooling device304may be filled with cooling water W and may be in a vacuum state. A plurality of cooling molds305may be further provided inside the cooling device304.

In detail, a water inlet304aand a water outlet304bmay be connected to the cooling device304, cooling water W may be injected into the cooling device304from the outside, and an extruded material320passing through the cooling device304may be cooled with the cooling water W filled in the cooling device304.

In this case, the inside of the cooling device304in which the cooling water W is filled may be in a vacuum state. Thus, the extruded material320passing through the cooling device304may not deflect due to gravity, and thus it may be possible to minimize deformation of the material while the material passes through the cooling device. Needless to say, the vacuum state may not be an ideal vacuum state but may refer to the state in which gravity acts to a degree to minimize deformation of the extruded material320to satisfy the planarity of the member.

The plurality of cooling molds305may be provided inside the cooling device304. The plurality of cooling molds305may be arranged along a moving direction of the extruded material320. The cooling mold305may partition the inside of the cooling device304, and the water inlet304aand the water outlet304bmay be connected to the cooling mold305to inject and discharge the cooling water W to and from each partitioned space.

The extruded material320moving along the cooling device304may sequentially pass through the plurality of cooling molds305. A dimension of the extruded material320may be precisely corrected again while the extruded material320passes through the cooling molds305, and when the extruded material320passes through the lastly placed cooling mold305among the plurality of cooling molds305, the extruded material320may be molded with the same dimension as the dimension of the last member32.

The cooling mold305may be formed in a plate shape with a predetermined thickness, and an opening may be formed in the cooling mold305to have a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the member32. Thus, a dimension of the extruded material320may be corrected while the extruded material320passes through the opening.

The opening may be formed to correspond to the dimension and shape of the member32. That is, the opening may include a front part opening305aforming the front part321, and a first part opening305b, a second part opening305c, and a third part opening305dthat form a first part322a, the third extension322b, and the second extension323of the side part322. Thus, when passing through all the plurality of cooling molds305, the extruded material320may have the same cross-sectional shape as the member32.

The plurality of cooling molds305may be consecutively arranged in parallel to each other, and the plurality of cooling molds305may be formed with the same shape. Thus, the extruded material320inside the cooling device304may be supported by the plurality of cooling molds305, and thus, it may be possible to prevent deflection of the extruded material320and to further prevent deformation thereof. Thus, the number of the cooling molds305may be determined to satisfy an interval of a degree in which deformation of the extruded material320does not occur within the cooling device304.

Since the extruded material320passing through the tertiary mold303passes through the cooling mold305, the cooling mold305may be referred to as a quaternary mold, and since the cooling mold305is formed in a plate shape and is supported within the cooling device304to prevent the extruded material320from being deformed, the cooling mold305may also be referred to as a disk or a support disk. [S400]

The extruded material320passing through the cooling device304may have the same cross-sectional shape as the member32, and the extruded material320may be cooled while passing through the cooling device304and the shape of the extruded material320may be completed actually.

The extruded material320passing through the cooling device304may be cut to a length corresponding to one member32by the cutting device306. Thus, the member32may be continuously molded.

As necessary, a cut surface cut by the cutting device306may be further processed or a part of the upper and lower ends of the side part322may be further cut.

The member32cut by the cutting device306may be completely molded and may be ready to be used for assembling the panel assembly30. [S500]

There may be various other embodiments other than the aforementioned embodiments. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel assembly may be shield an open front surface of the door body. Another embodiment of the present disclosure may have the same structure as the aforementioned embodiment except for some components of the door body, 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.43is an exploded perspective view of a refrigerator door according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in the drawing, the door20of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include the panel assembly30and a door body40′. The panel assembly30may be coupled to the door body40′ to form a front surface of the door20.

The overall structure of the panel assembly30may be the same as the aforementioned embodiment. That is, the panel assembly30may include the panel31, the member32, the light guide plate33, the upper bracket34, the lower bracket35, the lighting device36, the right supporter37, and the back cover39, which are the same as those of the aforementioned embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted and may refer to the drawings of the aforementioned embodiments.

The door body40′ may include the door liner42forming a bottom surface of the door20, the upper cap deco43disposed on upper and lower ends of the door liner42, and the side deco44disposed on right and left side ends of the door liner42. The upper cap deco43and the lower cap deco45may form upper and lower surfaces of the door20, and the side deco44may form right and left side surfaces of the door20.

In the state in which the door liner42, the upper cap deco43, the lower cap deco45, and the side deco44are coupled to each other, a body space100with an open front surface may be formed. The body space100may be shielded by the panel assembly30.

That is, the panel assembly30may be coupled to the upper cap deco43, the lower cap deco45, and a front end of the side deco44, and a space in which an insulator is filled may be formed with the door liner42inside the door20.

In the state in which the panel assembly30and the door body40′ are coupled to each other, an insulator may be filled in the door20, and the insulating capability of the door20may be satisfied by filling the insulator in the body space100.

In the state in which the door20is completely assembled, a bottom surface of the panel assembly30, i.e., a rear surface of the back cover39may be in contact with the insulator. Thus, the insulator may not penetrate into a space inside the panel assembly30and may be protected by the back cover39. The rear surface of the back cover39may be in contact with the insulator, and the panel assembly30may be firmly fixed to the door20.

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.55is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.56is 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 formed by the cabinet10in which a storage space is formed, 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 via rotation.

In the state in which the door20is closed, a front appearance of the refrigerator1′ may be formed 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 front appearance of the refrigerator1′ may be formed 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 glow. That is, in the state in which the door20is maintained to be assembled and mounted, color or brightness of the front appearance of the refrigerator1′ may be changed resulting in change in the front appearance.

As necessary, the refrigerating compartment door204and the freezing compartment door203may glow with different colors, and the refrigerating compartment door204and the freezing compartment door203may glow 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 front appearance of the refrigerator1′ may be freely changed according to the change.

There may be various other embodiments other than the aforementioned embodiments. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a panel assembly forming the exterior may be applied to other home appliances other than a refrigerator to change color of an outer appearance of the home appliance. Another embodiment of the present disclosure may have the same structure as the aforementioned embodiment except for the size and shape of a panel and an application target of the panel, and thus the same components as in the aforementioned embodiment use the same reference numeral, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The following embodiments are the same as the aforementioned embodiments in terms of components of a panel assembly, and thus for detailed components, reference may be made to the description and drawings of the aforementioned embodiment, and a detailed description thereof is omitted to avoid repetition.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference drawings.

FIG.57is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.58is an exploded perspective view showing a dissembled panel assembly of the indoor unit.

As shown in the drawings, an indoor unit5of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case51forming an outer shape, and a panel assembly52mounted on a front surface of the case51to form a front appearance of the indoor unit5.

Although not shown in detail, in general, the case51may accommodate therein components making up a refrigeration cycle as well as a heat exchanger and a blower fan, and an absorption port for absorbing indoor air and a discharge port for discharging heat-exchanged air into a room may be formed at one side of the case51.

A case border512may be formed at a perimeter of a case front surface511. The case border512may be formed to correspond to a shape of the panel assembly52and may protrude forward from the case front surface511to form a panel accommodation space511afor accommodating the panel assembly52therein.

The case border512may include one pair of side borders512aforming both side surfaces, an upper border512bfor connecting upper ends of the pair of side borders512a, and a lower border512cfor connecting lower ends of the pair of side borders512a.

The panel assembly52may form a front appearance of the indoor unit5and may be accommodated on an internal surface of the panel receiving space410. A perimeter surface of the panel assembly52may be supported by the case border512. In particular, a lower end of the panel assembly52may be caught and restrained by the lower border512c, and an upper end of the panel assembly52may be coupled to the upper border512bto fixedly mount the panel assembly52on the front surface of the case51.

The panel assembly52may have the same structure as the panel assembly30according to the aforementioned embodiment, and thus the front surface of the panel assembly52may glow with various colors under control of the controller13.

The panel assembly52may include a panel521forming a front surface, a member522on which the panel521is mounted, an upper bracket523mounted on an upper end of the member522to form an upper surface of the panel assembly52, and a lower bracket524mounted on a lower end of the member522to form a lower surface of the panel assembly52.

Although not shown, the light guide plate33may be mounted on the member522, and the lighting device36for emitting light to the light guide plate33may be provided on the lower bracket524. The back cover39may be provided on a rear surface of the panel assembly52.

As shown inFIG.57, in the indoor unit5as configured above, when the lighting device36is turned on, the entire panel521may glow due to light emitted from the lighting device36, and the front appearance of the indoor unit5may be formed by color corresponding to the color of the light emitted from the lighting device36.

An operation of the lighting device36may be controlled according to control of the controller13. Thus, the panel521may glow with various colors, and thus the front appearance of the indoor unit5may also correspond to various colors.

That is, outer color of the front surface of the indoor unit5may be freely changed under control of the lighting device36in the state in which the panel assembly52is maintained to be assembled and mounted without replacement of the panel assembly52. Thus, the outer appearance of the indoor unit5may be changed according to surrounding furniture or environments, and according to an operation state of the indoor unit5, the operation state may be intuitively represented by changing the outer appearance of the indoor unit5.

FIG.59is a perspective view of a clothing manager according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.60is an exploded perspective view of a door of the clothing manager.

As shown in the drawings, an outer appearance of a clothing manager6according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed by a case61forming a clothing accommodation space, and a door62for opening and closing an open front surface of the case61.

Although not shown in detail, in general, the case61may include a clothing accommodation space for accommodating clothing, and a heat pump, a water tank, a steam generator, and an air circulation fan may be provided within a machine room separately formed from the clothing accommodation space.

A discharge port for discharging steam generated from the steam generator and dried air heated by the heat pump, and an absorption port for absorbing air from the clothing accommodation space may be formed inside the clothing accommodation space.

The door62may be rotatably mounted on the case61, and in the state in which the door62is closed, the door62may form a front appearance of the clothing manager6. The door62may include a door body63for opening and closing the clothing accommodation space, and a panel assembly64mounted on the door body63to form a front surface of the door62.

A body plate631may be provided on a front surface of the door body63to form a front surface of the door body63. A side deco632extending in a vertical direction may be provided along right and left side ends of the door body63, and right and left side surfaces of the door body63may be formed by the side deco632. An upper surface of the door body63may be formed by an upper cap deco633for connecting upper ends of the side deco632at right and left sides, and a lower surface of the door body63may be formed by a lower cap deco634for connecting lower ends of the side deco632at right and left sides.

The side deco632, the upper cap deco633, and the lower cap deco634may protrude compared with the front surface of the body plate631, and a panel accommodation space631ain which the panel assembly64is accommodated may be formed in front of the body plate631.

A lower end of the panel assembly64may be inserted into the lower cap deco634, and an upper end of the panel assembly64may be coupled to the upper cap deco633to be fixedly mounted inside the panel accommodation space631a. A perimeter of the panel assembly64may be supported by the side deco632, the upper cap deco633, and the lower cap deco634.

The panel assembly64may have the same structure as the panel assembly30according to the aforementioned embodiment, and thus the front surface of the panel assembly64may glow with various colors under control of the controller13.

The panel assembly64may include a panel541forming a front surface thereof, a member642on which the panel541is mounted, an upper bracket643mounted on an upper end of the member642to form an upper surface of the panel assembly64, and a lower bracket644mounted on a lower end of the member642to form a lower surface of the panel assembly64.

Although not shown, the light guide plate33may be mounted on the member642, and the lighting device36for emitting light to the light guide plate33may be provided on the lower bracket644. The back cover39may be provided on a rear surface of the panel assembly64.

As shown inFIG.59, in the clothing manager6as configured above, when the lighting device36is turned on, the entire panel541may glow due to light emitted from the lighting device36, and the front appearance of the clothing manager6may be formed by color corresponding to the color of the light emitted from the lighting device36.

An operation of the lighting device36may be controlled according to control of the controller13. Thus, the panel541may glow with various colors, and thus the front appearance of the clothing manager6may also correspond to various colors.

That is, outer color of the front surface of the clothing manager6may be freely changed under control of the lighting device36in the state in which the panel assembly64is maintained to be assembled and mounted without replacement of the panel assembly64. Thus, the outer appearance of the clothing manager6may be changed according to surrounding furniture or environments, and according to an operation state of the clothing manager6, the operation state may be intuitively represented by changing the outer appearance of the clothing manager6.

FIG.61is a perspective view of a washer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.62is an exploded perspective view of a dissembled panel assembly of the washer.

As shown in the drawings, a washer7according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case71forming an outer shape, and a panel assembly73mounted on a front surface of the case71to form a front appearance of the washer7.

Although not shown in detail, in general, the case71may accommodate therein a drum and a tub that accommodate laundry therein, and a motor for rotation of the drum, and an opening connected to the drum may be formed in a front surface of the case71.

A manipulator711for manipulating an operation of the washer7may be formed on an upper end of a front surface of the case71. The manipulator711may include a plurality of buttons or knobs and may include a display.

A door74for opening and closing the opening may be mounted on the front surface of the case71. The door74may be rotatably mounted, and in the state in which the door74is closed, the drum may be formed to see the inside of the drum.

A case border72may be formed on a perimeter of a case front surface712. The case border72may be formed to correspond to a shape of the panel assembly73and may protrude forward from the case front surface712to form a panel accommodation space712ain which the panel assembly73is accommodated.

The case border72may include one pair of side borders721forming both side surfaces, an upper border722for connecting upper ends of the pair of side borders721, and a lower border723for connecting lower ends of the pair of side borders721.

The panel assembly73may form a front appearance of the washer7and may be mounted inside the panel accommodation space712a. A perimeter surface of the panel assembly73may be supported by the case border72. In particular, a lower end of the panel assembly73may be caught and restrained by the lower border723, and an upper end of the panel assembly73may be coupled to the upper border722to fixedly mount the panel assembly73on the front surface of the case71.

A panel opening735may be formed in the panel assembly73. The panel opening735may be formed with a size corresponding the door74, and the panel opening735may be formed through the door74when the panel assembly73. Thus, the front surface of the door74may be exposed through the panel assembly73when the panel assembly73is mounted.

The panel assembly73may have the same structure except for the panel opening735compared with the panel assembly30according to the aforementioned embodiment, and thus the front surface of the panel assembly73may glow with various colors under control of the controller13.

The panel assembly73may include a panel731forming a front surface, a member732on which the panel731is mounted, an upper bracket733mounted on an upper end of the member732to form an upper surface of the panel assembly73, and a lower bracket734mounted on a lower end of the member732to form a lower surface of the panel assembly73.

Although not shown, the light guide plate33may be mounted on the member732, and the lighting device36for emitting light to the light guide plate33may be provided on the lower bracket734. The back cover39may be provided on a rear surface of the panel assembly73.

As shown inFIG.61, in the washer7as configured above, when the lighting device36is turned on, the entire panel731may glow due to light emitted from the lighting device36, and the front appearance of the washer7may be formed by color corresponding to the color of the light emitted from the lighting device36.

An operation of the lighting device36may be controlled according to control of the controller13. Thus, the panel731may glow with various colors, and thus the front appearance of the washer7may also correspond to various colors.

That is, color of the front appearance of the washer7may be freely changed under control of the lighting device36in the state in which the panel assembly73is maintained to be assembled and mounted without replacement of the panel assembly73. Thus, the outer appearance of the washer7may be changed according to surrounding furniture or environments, and according to an operation state of the washer7, the operation state may be intuitively represented by changing the outer appearance of the washer7.

Although not shown, a drier having the same structure of the outer appearance of the washer7may also have the same structure of the panel assembly thereof. A structure configured by the drier and the washer are vertically stacked and a structure configured by disposing the drier and the washer in one case may also have the same panel assembly.

FIG.63is a perspective view of a dish washer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.64is an exploded perspective view of a door of the dish washer.

As shown in the drawings, an outer appearance of a dish washer8according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed by a case81forming a space for accommodating and washing dishes, and a door82for opening and closing an open front surface of the case81.

Although not shown in detail, in general, a washing space may be formed inside the case81, and a rack which is to be drawn in and out and on which dishes are accommodated, a nozzle for spraying water for washing dishes, and a pump and water tank for supplying washing water may be provided within the washing space.

A lower end of the door82may be rotatably mounted on the case81, and in the state in which the door82is closed, the door82may form the front appearance of a dish washer8. The door82may include a door body83for opening and closing the washing space, and a panel assembly84mounted on the door body83to form a front surface of the door82.

A body plate831may be provided on a front surface of the door body83to form a front surface of the door body83. A side deco832extending in a vertical direction may be provided along right and left side ends of the door body83, and right and left side surfaces of the door body83may be formed by the side deco832. An upper cap deco833for connecting upper ends of the side deco832at right and left sides, and a lower cap deco834for connecting lower ends of the side deco832at right and left sides may be provided.

A handle835for manipulation to open and close the door82may be recessed on the door body83. A manipulator for manipulation of the dish washer8may also be formed at the upper end of the door body83.

The side deco832, the upper cap deco833, and the lower cap deco834may further protrude compared with a front surface of the body plate831, and a panel accommodation space831ain which the panel assembly84is accommodated may be formed in front of the body plate831.

A lower end of the panel assembly84may be inserted into the lower cap deco834, and an upper end of the panel assembly84may be coupled to the upper cap deco833to be fixedly mounted inside the panel accommodation space831a. A perimeter of the panel assembly84may be supported by the side deco832, the upper cap deco833, and the lower cap deco834.

The panel assembly84may have the same structure as the panel assembly30according to the aforementioned embodiment, and thus the front surface of the panel assembly84may glow with various colors under control of the controller13.

The panel assembly84may include a panel841forming a front surface thereof, a member842on which the panel841is mounted, an upper bracket843mounted on an upper end of the member842to form an upper surface of the panel assembly84, and a lower bracket844mounted on a lower end of the member842to form a lower surface of the panel assembly84.

Although not shown, the light guide plate33may be mounted on the member842, and the lighting device36for emitting light to the light guide plate33may be provided on the lower bracket844. The back cover39may be provided on a rear surface of the panel assembly84.

As shown inFIG.63, in the dish washer8as configured above, when the lighting device36is turned on, the entire panel841may glow due to light emitted from the lighting device36, and the front appearance of the dish washer8may be formed by color corresponding to the color of the light emitted from the lighting device36.

An operation of the lighting device36may be controlled according to control of the controller13. Thus, the panel841may glow with various colors, and thus the front appearance of the dish washer8may also correspond to various colors.

That is, outer color of the front surface of the dish washer8may be freely changed under control of the lighting device36in the state in which the panel assembly84is maintained to be assembled and mounted without replacement of the panel assembly84. Thus, the outer appearance of the dish washer8may be changed according to surrounding furniture or environments, and according to an operation state of the dish washer8, the operation state may be intuitively represented by changing the outer appearance of the dish washer8.

FIG.65is a perspective view of a cooking device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.66is an exploded perspective view of the cooking device.

As shown in the drawings, an outer appearance of a cooking device9according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed a case91forming a space in which food is accommodated and cooking is performed, and a door92for opening and closing an open front surface of the case91.

Although not shown in detail, in general, a cooking space may be formed inside the case91, and a heater or a magnetron for cooling food, a fan for air circulation inside the cooking device, or a turntable that accommodated food and rotates may be provided inside the cooking space.

The door92may be rotatably mounted on the case91, and in the state in which the door92is closed, the door92may form the front appearance of the cooking device9. The door92may include a door body93for opening and closing the cooking space, and a panel assembly94mounted on the door body93to form a front surface of the door92.

A body plate931may be provided on a front surface of the door body93to form a front surface of the door body93. A side deco932extending in a vertical direction may be provided along right and left side ends of the door body93, and right and left side surfaces of the door body93may be formed by the side deco932. An upper cap deco933for connecting upper ends of the side deco932at right and left sides to form an upper surface of the door body93, and a lower cap deco934for connecting lower ends of the side deco932at right and left sides to form a lower surface of the door body93may be provided.

A manipulator for manipulating an operation of the cooking device9may be formed above the door body93. The manipulator may include a display936, and a knob936or a button for manipulation. A sight window935for seeing the cooking space therethrough may be formed almost at the center of the door body93.

The side deco932, the upper cap deco933, and the lower cap deco934may further protrude compared with a front surface of the body plate931, and a panel accommodation space931ain which the panel assembly94is accommodated may be formed in front of the body plate931.

A lower end of the panel assembly94may be inserted into the lower cap deco934, and an upper end of the panel assembly94may be coupled to the upper cap deco933to be fixedly mounted inside the panel accommodation space931a. A perimeter of the panel assembly94may be supported by the side deco932, the upper cap deco933, and the lower cap deco934.

A plurality of panel openings945,946, and947may be formed on the panel assembly94. The panel openings945,946, and947may include a display opening946formed with a corresponding size to the display936at a position corresponding thereto, a knob opening947formed with a corresponding size to the knob936at a position corresponding thereto, and a sight window opening945formed with a corresponding size to the sight window935at a position corresponding thereto.

Thus, when the panel assembly94is mounted, the display936, the knob936, and the sight window935may be exposed forward through the panel assembly94.

Components of the panel assembly94may have the same structure as the panel assembly30according to the aforementioned embodiment except for the panel openings945,946, and947, and thus the front surface of the panel assembly94may glow with various colors under control of the controller13.

The panel assembly94may include a panel941forming a front surface thereof, a member942on which the panel941is mounted, an upper bracket943mounted on an upper end of the member942to form an upper surface of the panel assembly94, and a lower bracket944mounted on a lower end of the member942to form a lower surface of the panel assembly94.

Although not shown, the light guide plate33may be mounted on the member942, and the lighting device36for emitting light to the light guide plate33may be provided on the lower bracket944. The back cover39may be provided on a rear surface of the panel assembly94.

A handle95for manipulation to open and close the door92may be further provided on a front surface of the panel assembly94.

As shown inFIG.65, in the cooking device9as configured above, when the lighting device36is turned on, the entire panel941may glow due to light emitted from the lighting device36, and the front appearance of the cooking device9may be formed by color corresponding to the color of the light emitted from the lighting device36.

An operation of the lighting device36may be controlled according to control of the controller13. Thus, the panel941may glow with various colors, and thus the front appearance of the cooking device9may also correspond to various colors.

That is, outer color of the front surface of the cooking device9may be freely changed under control of the lighting device36in the state in which the panel assembly94is maintained to be assembled and mounted without replacement of the panel assembly94. Thus, the outer appearance of the cooking device9may be changed according to surrounding furniture or environments, and according to an operation state of the cooking device9, the operation state may be intuitively represented by changing the outer appearance of the cooking device9.

The refrigerator according to the proposed embodiments may have the following effects.

Outer appearances of the refrigerator according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be formed by a panel assembly forming a front appearance. In particular, in the state in which a lighting device is turned off, color of the panel assembly itself may be represented to the outside, and the refrigerator and the home appliance may have an outer appearance with a first color. When the lighting device is turned on according to user selection or already set settings, the panel assembly may have an outer appearance with a second color by changing the color of the panel assembly by the lighting device.

Accordingly, in the state in which the panel assembly is mounted, the outer appearance of the refrigerator, in particular, color thereof may be freely changed without replacement of panel assembly, and dramatic improvement in the outer appearance of the refrigerator may be expected.

In particular, the lighting device may emit light with various colors, and thus outer color of the refrigerator and the home appliance may be advantageously changed.

In the panel assembly, a panel forming an outer appearance of a front surface of the panel assembly may be simply adhered to a member via an adhesive member, and thus an outer appearance of the entire door as well as an outer appearance of the panel assembly may be formed by a front plate without exposure of a separate fixing structure to expect improvement in an entire outer appearance of the refrigerator and the home appliance.

In particular, there may be no component for hiding the panel, color of which is changed while light is emitted, and thus an effect of change in an outer appearance due to color change may be maximized, and the outer appearance may be advantageously further improved.

The member may include a front part to which the panel is to be adhered, and a perimeter of the panel may be adhered to the front part of the member via an adhesive member. In this case, the adhesive member may be formed of a material for transmitting light therethrough, and thus, light may also be transmitted in a region of the panel, in which the adhesive member is disposed, to cause the entire panel to glow.

A pattern part having patterns with higher density may be further formed on a portion of the light guide plate, which corresponds to a position of the adhesive member. Thus, light may be more concentrated on a portion in which the adhesive member is disposed, and thus even if the panel is adhered by an adhesive member, the entire front surface of the panel may glow with uniform brightness without shadow on the panel.

An edge reflector with higher reflectance may be formed on a portion of a reflective sheet, which corresponds to a position of the adhesive member. Thus, light may be more concentrated on a portion in which the adhesive member is disposed, and thus even if the panel is adhered by an adhesive member, the entire front surface of the panel may glow with uniform brightness without shadow on the panel.

Side surface parts may be formed on both side surfaces of the member, and the light guide plate may be slidably inserted through the side part. In the state in which the light guide plate is slidably inserted along the side part, the light guide plate may be in contact with a front part of the member. In this case, the member may be formed of a material for transmitting light therethrough to simultaneously support the member and the light guide plate.

Thus, even when the door is opened and closed, the light guide plate may be maintained to be spaced apart from the panel by a constant interval, and thus the panel may glow with uniform brightness. In particular, even when the light guide plate is deformed by heat, the light guide plate may be maintained to be in contact with the front part of the member, thereby preventing a dark part such as stain from being formed on the panel.

The first space may be formed on the side part, and thus the light guide plate may be slidably inserted and mounted without adding a separate component for coupling the light guide plate. In this case, since the member may be formed of a transparent material, light reflected by the light guide plate may not be hidden, and accordingly, light may be emitted through the entire panel to represent color desired by a user.

A second space into which an upper bracket and a lower bracket are inserted may be further formed on the side part, and thus the upper bracket and the lower bracket may be simply assembled and mounted, thereby improving assembly workability. As necessary, the upper bracket, the lower bracket, and the light guide plate may be decoupled without a separate coupling and dissembling operation, thereby advantageously improving serviceability.

The member may be integrally formed with the front part, and a structure for mounting the panel and the light guide plate may be advantageously provided by simply molding the member. In particular, the member may be formed with the same or similar cross-sectional shape in a vertical direction to be molded by extrusion, and thus the formability of the member and the productivity of the entire panel assembly may be advantageously improved.

Because a light diffuser may be added to the member, light that is transmitted through the member and is directed toward the panel may be diffused to cause the panel to glow brightly, and accordingly, the entire surface of the panel may glow uniformly and brightly.

Since the light diffuser is added to the member, the transparency of the member may be lowered in the state in which the lighting device is turned off to prevent components disposed behind the member from being exposed to the outside, thereby advantageously preventing an outer appearance from being adversely affected in the state in which the lighting device is turned off

In addition, because components exposed through the panel may be hidden by the member, a separate component of a border region such as a bezel may be not required in the panel assembly, and thus improvement in an entire outer appearance may be expected.

The front plate and the support member may be fixedly adhered by the sealant. The sealant may be coated along a periphery of the rear surface of the front plate or the front surface of the support member. Thus, a separate component for coupling the front plate and the support member may not be required, and in particular, another component may not be coupled along an edge of the front surface of the front plate. Thus, the front plate may define an entire outer appearance of the front surface of the door. That is, a bezel may not be visible to advantageously provide a refined aesthetic.

The sealant may be formed of a transparent or light-transmissible material. The sealant may be spread with a larger thickness than a thickness by which the sealant is initially coated by pressing the front plate and the support member. Accordingly, the sealant may not define an interface with the support member. When the lighting device is operated, the front plate may uniformly glow, and the sealant may not be exposed from the front, advantageously.

The front plate and the support member may be adhered by the sealant and may be firmly fixed, thereby advantageously simplifying an assembly operation.

In the panel assembly, a light guide plate disposed behind the panel may be fixed by a simple coupling structure of a member, an upper bracket, and a lower bracket. A component for fixing the light guide plate may be prevented being exposed to the front of the panel assembly.

In particular, there may be no component that hides the panel emitting light, and thus an effect of changing the exterior color may be maximized. The components supporting the light guide plate may not hide the front end of the light guide plate. Accordingly, the entire panel may shine, and the outer appearance may be further improved.

The both left and right ends of the light guide plate may be constrained by side parts of the member, and the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate may be constrained by the upper and lower brackets, and thus upper, lower, left, and right peripheries of the light guide plate may entirely fixed. Therefore, even if the door is repeatedly opened and closed, the light guide plate may be stably maintained at an initial mounting position, and the panel may glow with uniform brightness.

The upper bracket and the lower bracket may have a simple coupling structure by being inserted into the upper and lower ends of the member, and the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate may also be advantageously supported through such a coupling structure.

In particular, the light guide plate may be fixed and the upper bracket and the lower bracket may also be fixed using the side part, and an entire assembly structure of the panel assembly may be very simplified. The upper bracket, the lower bracket, and the light guide plate may be separately and simply dissembled, thereby advantageously improving maintenance performance.

A support for supporting the light guide plate may be formed between a plurality of screw bosses for coupling the back cover on the upper bracket and the lower bracket. Thus, the panel assembly may be advantageously thinner and more compact.