Home appliances

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a household appliance. The household appliance includes: a cabinet having a storage space formed therein; a door with an open front portion configured to open and close the cabinet; a panel assembly mounted on the front surface of the door; and a controller, wherein the panel assembly includes: a front panel forming the front outer portion of the door and transmitting light; and a lighting device emitting light of a predetermined color, wherein the front panel includes: a base layer; and a coloring layer formed on a surface of the base layer and having a first color, wherein the front surface of the door has the first color when the lighting device is turned off, and wherein the front surface of the door emits light in a color selected by the user when the lighting device is turned on.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to household appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, household appliances are installed indoors and designed to blend in with the surrounding space. To further improve the appearance of household appliances, a panel forming the exterior can be installed on the front surface of the appliance.

[0003] Typically, to coordinate with the environment in which the refrigerator is placed, the surrounding furniture, or other household appliances, the structure of the front and outer sides of the refrigerator is being developed, and this trend is spreading to a variety of household appliances.

[0004] Representatively, U.S. Patent No. 8,789,900 discloses a structure in which a decorative panel forming the front outer portion of a refrigerator door is mounted on the front surface of the refrigerator door, and the decorative panel is detachably configured to form the front outer portion of the door according to the user's preference.

[0005] However, in refrigerators with this structure, if the user wants to change the exterior, the entire decorative panel needs to be removed and replaced, and the decorative panel used before the replacement cannot be reused.

[0006] To solve this problem, a refrigerator has been developed that can change the front surface of the refrigerator door, i.e., the front outer side of the refrigerator, without removing the refrigerator door.

[0007] For example, Chinese Patent No. 103250018 discloses a refrigerator in which a reflective layer and a transparent panel are disposed on the front surface of the refrigerator door, and colored light-emitting components are installed on both sides of the reflective layer, so that the transparent panel can emit light in a set color.

[0008] However, there is a problem with refrigerators with this structure: when the light-emitting components are turned off, the internal structure is exposed to the user through the transparent panel.

[0009] Furthermore, when the light transmittance of a transparent panel is reduced to conceal the internal structure, it becomes difficult to achieve the desired color.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer side of the transparent panel is unsightly when the light-emitting components are turned off. Summary of the Invention

[0011] One object of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance, such as a kitchen appliance like a refrigerator, having a front surface configured to emit light.

[0012] One object of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance, such as a kitchen appliance like a refrigerator, that allows the entire front surface of the appliance, such as the front surface of a door, to emit light uniformly.

[0013] One object of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance, such as a kitchen appliance like a refrigerator, which can have different colors of appearance when the lighting is turned on and off, without the need to disassemble and reassemble the door.

[0014] One object of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance, such as a kitchen appliance like a refrigerator, having a front surface of the appliance, such as the front surface of a door, which is capable of displaying the same color as a color set by the user, even when light emitted from a lighting device passes through a front panel having a specific color.

[0015] One object of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance, such as a kitchen appliance like a refrigerator, having a front surface of the appliance, such as the front surface of a door, which is configured to display various colors set or selected by the user.

[0016] One object of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance, such as a kitchen appliance like a refrigerator, having a front surface, such as the front surface of a door, which is configured to change the color of the front surface to various colors set or selected by a user by utilizing colored light passing through the front surface.

[0017] One object of this disclosure is to provide a household appliance, such as a kitchen appliance like a refrigerator, having a rich appearance and texture.

[0018] One or more of these objectives are achieved through a number of features of this application.

[0019] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a household appliance includes: a cabinet having a (storage) space formed therein; a door with an open front portion configured to open and close the cabinet; a panel assembly mounted on the front surface of the door; and a controller, wherein the panel assembly includes: a front panel forming the front outer portion of the door and transmitting light; and a lighting device emitting light of a set color, wherein the front panel includes: a base layer; and a coloring layer formed on a surface of the base layer and having a first color, wherein the front surface of the door has the first color when the lighting device is turned off, and wherein the front surface of the door emits light in a color selected by the user when the lighting device is turned on.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the household appliance includes: a cabinet having a space formed therein; and a door configured to open and close the cabinet and including a panel assembly, wherein the panel assembly includes: a lighting device configured to emit light; and a front panel forming an outer portion of the door (e.g., a front outer portion or front surface) and configured to transmit the light emitted by the lighting device. The household appliance also includes a controller configured to control the lighting device, for example, based on user input. The front panel includes a base layer and a coloring layer formed on the base layer, the coloring layer having a first color.

[0021] Household appliances according to any of these schemes may include one or more of the following features:

[0022] The panel assembly, particularly the front panel, or the front surface of the door, can have a first color when the lighting fixture is off, and a second color different from the first color when the lighting fixture is on. The panel assembly, particularly the front panel, can be configured, disposed, or mounted on the front and / or outer surfaces of the door (or on the front and / or outer surfaces of the door). The panel assembly, particularly the front panel, can be configured to change its color according to the lighting fixture, i.e., the emission state of the lighting fixture. The front panel can form the front and / or outer surfaces of the door.

[0023] The lighting device can be located on the rear surface or rear side of the front panel. The lighting device can be configured to emit light of at least one color different from the first color of the colored layer. The lighting device can be configured to emit different colors of light.

[0024] The coloring layer can be formed on the inner surface of the base layer, that is, the surface of the base layer facing the cabinet space when the door is closed. In other words, the coloring layer can be formed on the rear surface of the base layer, that is, the surface of the base layer facing the lighting fixture and / or space when the door is closed.

[0025] The controller can be configured to receive information about a second color selected by the user, for example, from a remote control device and / or from the user interface of a home appliance. The second color can be selected from a variety of (different) colors.

[0026] The controller can be configured to control the lighting device to emit a third color of light, which is adjusted so that the front panel has a second color, for example, selected by the user, while taking into account the first color.

[0027] The first and second colors can be colors with different RGB values. The first, second, and third colors can all be colors with different RGB values.

[0028] The controller may be configured to receive information about the RGB value of a second color selected by the user, and to calculate the RGB value of the third color by taking into account the received RGB value of the third color and the previously stored RGB value of the first color.

[0029] The brightness of the first color can be greater than 0.

[0030] A lighting device may include multiple light sources. These light sources may be RGB LEDs. A lighting device may include multiple light sources configured to emit different colors of light.

[0031] The base layer can be made of transparent materials, glass, or transparent plastic materials.

[0032] The substrate can be deposited glass.

[0033] The base layer can be any of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), and PC (polycarbonate).

[0034] The brightness of the tinted layer can be greater than 0.

[0035] The coloring layer can be formed using the silk screen printing method.

[0036] The pattern layer can be disposed on or within a base layer (e.g., the front surface of the base layer). The pattern layer can be configured to define the texture of the front panel and / or door (i.e., the front surface of the door). That is, the front panel can also include a pattern layer disposed on other surfaces of the base layer to form a texture on the front panel.

[0037] The patterned layer may include a transparent film, such as a transparent film formed of a resin material. The patterned layer can be formed by imprinting a UV-curable resin composition applied to the film using a patterned forming roller, followed by UV curing. That is, the patterned layer may include an imprint of a UV-curable resin composition onto a transparent film. The patterned layer may cover a surface of a transparent plastic film layer with a UV-curable resin composition.

[0038] The pattern layer can be formed by UV embossing.

[0039] The front panel may also include a protective layer formed on one surface of the coloring layer and including an anti-splashing film.

[0040] The protective layer can be white or a white-based color.

[0041] The front panel may also include a coloring layer formed on the rear surface of the base layer, a pattern layer disposed on the front surface of the base layer to form a texture on the front panel, and a protective layer formed on the rear surface of the coloring layer and including an anti-splashing film.

[0042] The front panel may also include a deposited layer. The deposited layer may include metal.

[0043] Household appliances can be any of the following: refrigerator, washing machine, garment care machine, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, and cooking appliance.

[0044] The following effects can be expected in the household appliances according to the proposed embodiments.

[0045] According to this disclosure, a door panel forming the front surface of a household appliance includes a light-transmitting front panel and a lighting device that emits light so that the entire front surface of the door can emit light as needed by the user.

[0046] In particular, the multiple light sources that make up the lighting device can emit light of different colors, so that the front surface of the door can emit light in the color set by the user.

[0047] Furthermore, the front panel forming the outer front portion of the door includes a coloring layer that achieves the color of the front panel itself on a surface of the light-transmitting base layer. This allows the door panel to be formed as at least transparent, or a color with a brightness of 0 or higher, rather than black, even when the lighting is off. Consequently, a rich appearance can be achieved even when the lighting is off.

[0048] Furthermore, by reflecting the degree of color distortion of light emitted by the lighting device as it passes through the front panel, the color of the light source is controlled to adjust so that the outer side of the door can display the same color as the color set by the user. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 2 This is the front view of the refrigerator when the door is opened.

[0051] Figure 3 It is a 3D diagram of the door.

[0052] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view showing the panel assembly that makes up the door separated from the door body.

[0053] Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of the panel components.

[0054] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI' in the diagram.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the front panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the front panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the front panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating the flow of control signals for a refrigerator.

[0059] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the luminous state of the panel assembly.

[0060] Figure 12 This is a view showing an example of using a remote device to adjust the color of a home appliance with an applied panel component.

[0061] Figure 13 This is a view showing a flowchart describing the operation of controlling the lighting device in the controller.

[0062] Figure 14 This is a front view showing the front outer side of the refrigerator with the lighting off.

[0063] Figure 15 This is a front view showing the front outer side of the refrigerator with the lighting on.

[0064] Figure 16 This is a front view showing the front outer side of the refrigerator when the lighting device changes color.

[0065] Figure 17 This is a front view of the front outer side of the refrigerator, showing some of the doors emitting light.

[0066] Figure 18 This is a front view of the refrigerator's outer front section with the refrigerator and freezer doors illuminated. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting it to the exemplary embodiments set forth in this specification. Rather, the described solutions are intended to include all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure.

[0068] Before proceeding with the description, a direction should be defined. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, relative to... Figure 1 The direction the cabinet faces towards the door is defined as front, the direction relative to the door facing the cabinet is defined as rear, the direction towards the floor where the refrigerator is installed is defined as downward, and the direction away from the floor can be defined as upward.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is the front view of the refrigerator when the door is opened.

[0070] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has an appearance consisting of a cabinet 10 defining a storage space and a door 20 for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet 10.

[0071] Specifically, the cabinet 10 can define vertically divided storage spaces, including a refrigerator compartment 11 on the upper side and a freezer compartment 12 on the lower side. The refrigerator compartment 11 can be referred to as the upper storage space, and the freezer compartment 12 can be referred to as the lower storage space. Furthermore, the freezer compartment 12 can be divided into left and right sections to form a left freezer compartment 12a and a right freezer compartment 12b, respectively. The left freezer compartment 12a can be referred to as the lower left storage space, and the right freezer compartment 12b can be referred to as the lower right storage space.

[0072] Door 20 can be configured to open and close the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 separately. For example, door 20 can be rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10 and can be opened and closed separately by rotation of the door. It should be noted that door 20 can have a structure that allows it to be opened and closed by pulling it out.

[0073] Door 20 may include a refrigerator door 201 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 11, and a freezer door 202 for opening and closing the freezer compartment 12. The refrigerator door 201 may be referred to as the upper door, and the freezer door 202 may be referred to as the lower door.

[0074] Furthermore, the refrigerator compartment door 201 may include a pair of side-by-side left refrigerator compartment door 201a and right refrigerator compartment door 201b. The left refrigerator compartment door 201a and right refrigerator compartment door 201b may be configured to be adjacent to each other and may have the same size. In addition, the left refrigerator compartment door 201a and right refrigerator compartment door 201b may be rotated independently to open and close the refrigerator compartment 11.

[0075] The upper and lower ends of the refrigerator door 201a can be connected to the cabinet 10 via hinge devices 204 and 205, respectively. The hinge device 204 may include an upper hinge 204 and a lower hinge 205, so that the refrigerator door 201a and the freezer door 201b can be rotatably installed to the cabinet 10.

[0076] Furthermore, the freezer door 202 may include a pair of doors arranged side by side, including a left freezer door 202a and a right freezer door 202b. Additionally, the left freezer door 202a and the right freezer door 202b can be rotated independently to open and close the freezer. The left freezer door 202a and the right freezer door 202b may be configured to be adjacent to each other and may have the same dimensions.

[0077] Although for ease of description and understanding, a refrigerator with a structure having a refrigerator compartment 11 arranged on the upper side and a freezer compartment 12 arranged on the lower side is described, as an example of this embodiment, this disclosure is not limited to any type of refrigerator and can be applied to all types of refrigerators equipped with doors. In particular, although the description is made for a refrigerator with four doors, the construction proposed below for door 20 can be applied to any household appliance with any number of doors.

[0078] At the same time, the door 20 forms the front outer side of the refrigerator 1 when it is closed, and can form the outer side of the refrigerator 1 as seen from the front when the refrigerator 1 is installed.

[0079] The door 20 may have a structure in which the front surface can selectively emit light, and may be configured to emit light in a set color or brightness. Accordingly, the user can change the color or brightness of the front surface of the door 20 without removing or disassembling the door 20, thereby changing the overall appearance of the refrigerator 1.

[0080] The structure of door 20 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the left refrigerator door 201a, and other doors 201b, 202a, and 202b may also have the same structure.

[0081] The structure of door 20 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Figure 3 It is a 3D diagram of the door. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the panel assembly that makes up the door separated from the door body.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, door 20 may include a door body 40 defining the overall shape of door 20 and a panel assembly 30 forming the front outer side portion of door 20. That is, door 20 may be configured such that the panel assembly 30 is mounted on the front surface of door body 40.

[0084] The door 40 may include a body plate 41 forming the front surface and a door liner 42 forming the rear surface. The body plate 41 may be formed of a metal material and may be formed in a plate shape, having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the panel assembly 30. In addition, the door liner 42 may be formed of a plastic material and may form the appearance of the rear surface of the door 20.

[0085] The door body 40 may include side trim pieces 44 forming the left and right surfaces of the door body 40. The side trim pieces 44 may connect the left and right ends of the body panel 41 and the left and right ends of the door lining 42.

[0086] Furthermore, the door body 40 may include an upper cover trim 43 and a lower cover trim 45 forming the upper and lower surfaces of the door body 40, respectively. The upper cover trim 43 may be connected to the upper end of the side trim 44, the upper end of the body panel 41, and the upper end of the door lining 42. Furthermore, the lower cover trim 45 may be connected to the lower end of the side trim 44, the lower end of the body panel 41, and the lower end of the door lining 42.

[0087] The outer side of the door 40 can be formed by a body panel 41, a door lining 42, a side trim 44, an upper cover trim 43, and a lower cover trim 45. Furthermore, the space inside the door 40, formed by the connection of the body panel 41, door lining 42, side trim 44, upper cover trim 43, and lower cover trim 45, can be filled with heat-insulating material and can have a heat-insulating structure, preventing heat from being transferred through the door 20.

[0088] Furthermore, the upper cover trim 43 can be constrained by the upper cover 46 mounted on the open upper surface of the upper cover trim 43.

[0089] Simultaneously, a forward-opening panel receiving space 410 can be formed on the front surface of the door body 40. That is, the front ends of the side trim 44, the upper cover trim 43, and the lower cover trim 45 can protrude further than the front surface of the body panel 41, and the panel receiving space 410 thus has an open front portion, which can be formed in front of the body panel 41. The panel receiving space 410 is formed to have dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the panel assembly 30, and the panel assembly 30 can be inserted into the panel receiving space 410. Furthermore, the periphery of the panel assembly 30 is supported by the peripheral surface of the panel receiving space 410, that is, the protruding portions of the side trim 44, the upper cover trim 43, and the lower cover trim 45.

[0090] The panel assembly 30 can be formed in the shape of a plate and can have dimensions corresponding to the front surface of the door 40. Accordingly, when the panel assembly 30 is mounted on the front outer side of the door 40, the panel assembly 30 can cover the front surface of the door 40 to form the front appearance of the door 20. Since the panel assembly 30 forms the front outer side of the door 20, the panel assembly 30 can be referred to as a door panel. Alternatively, since the panel assembly 30 forms the front outer side of the refrigerator 1, the panel assembly 30 can also be referred to as an outer panel.

[0091] With the panel assembly 30 installed on the door body 40, the rear surface of the panel assembly 30 can be tightly fixed to the body plate 41.

[0092] On the other hand, in order to securely install the panel assembly 30, the lower end of the panel assembly 30 is held and constrained by the lower end of the lower cover trim 45, and the upper end of the panel assembly 30 is connected to the upper end of the front surface of the upper cover trim 43, so as to firmly connect the panel assembly 30 to the door body 40. In addition, the panel assembly 30 may have a structure that is detachable from the door body 40 for repair and maintenance.

[0093] With the panel assembly 30 mounted on the door 40, the front surface of the panel assembly 30 is exposed forward, and the panel assembly 30 can form approximately the front outer side of the door 20. Furthermore, the panel assembly 30 can be configured to emit light from its entire front surface, and can be configured to emit light in various colors.

[0094] For this purpose, a lighting device 36 can be provided in the panel assembly 30. The lighting device 36 can be connected to a wire (not shown) for power supply and control. The wire is exposed to the outside from the rear surface of the panel assembly 30, and a connector (not shown) can be provided at one end of the wire.

[0095] The structure of panel assembly 30 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of the panel components.

[0097] As shown in the figure, the panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31 forming the front outer side, an illumination device 36 for emitting light to make the front panel 31 emit light, a light guide plate 33 for guiding the light emitted from the illumination device 36, and a support member 32, wherein the light guide plate 33 and the front panel 31 are mounted on the support member 32.

[0098] Furthermore, the panel assembly 30 may also include an upper bracket 34 forming the upper surface of the panel assembly 30 and a lower bracket 35 forming the lower surface of the panel assembly 30. Additionally, the lighting device 36 may be mounted on the lower bracket 35. Furthermore, the panel assembly 30 may also include a rear cover 39 forming the rear surface of the panel assembly 30.

[0099] Specifically, the front panel 31 can be formed into a rectangular plate shape and can be made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the front panel 31 can be made of glass materials such as blue glass, white glass, and deposited glass, or of another light-transmitting material such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), or PC (polycarbonate). Furthermore, the front panel 31 can be referred to as a transparent plate, outer plate, or front panel.

[0100] The front panel 31 can be made transparent, allowing light reflected by the light guide plate 33 to be transmitted. In this case, transparency can be defined as the degree to which light reflected by the light guide plate is transmitted and emitted to the outside.

[0101] Furthermore, the front panel 31 can be formed to be colored, and can be formed to display different colors depending on the operation or on / off state of the lighting device 36. For example, a specific design or pattern can be printed on the front panel 31 to have a specific color. In addition, a film with a pattern of a specific design or color printed on it can be attached to the front panel 31, or a surface treatment such as embossing, etching, or glass printing can be performed on the front panel. Optionally, a coating or deposit layer with a specific color and texture can be formed to form the outer side of the front panel 31.

[0102] Furthermore, the front panel 31 can be configured such that light emitted from the lighting device 36 is transmitted, but components behind the front panel 31 are not reflected. That is, in the front panel 31, when the lighting device 36 is turned off, the color of the front panel 31 itself can prevent the internal components of the panel assembly 30 from being seen from the outside through the front panel 31.

[0103] In this case, when the front panel 31 is turned off, the front panel 31 can be formed to have a color with a brightness of 0 or higher, rather than black. That is, when the refrigerator 1 is installed, the front surface of the refrigerator 1 can be seen in a color other than black, and the color of the front surface of the refrigerator can be changed according to the operation of the lighting device 36.

[0104] The front panel 31 can be formed to correspond to the dimensions of the exposed front surface of the panel assembly 30. Specifically, the front panel 31 can be formed such that, except for the lower end, it has the same dimensions as the panel assembly 30 at the upper end and the left and right ends. Furthermore, when the panel assembly 30 is installed, the exposed portion of the lower bracket 35 can be covered by the lower cover trim 45. Accordingly, when the panel assembly 30 is installed, the entire exposed front surface of the front panel 31 can be formed by the front panel 31.

[0105] Meanwhile, the front panel 31 can be formed to be larger than the light guide plate 33. In addition, the rear surface of the front panel 31 can be connected to the front surface of the support member 32. Therefore, when the front panel 31 is mounted on the support member 32, there is no separate structure on the periphery of the front panel 31, and the front panel 31 forms the front outer side of the panel assembly 30.

[0106] The light guide plate 33 can be located at a rear position separated from the front plate 31, and can be configured to guide the light emitted by the lighting device 36 disposed below the light guide plate 31.

[0107] For example, the light guide plate 33 can be formed of a transparent polymer material such as acrylic acid. Furthermore, a diffusing agent for diffusing light incident on the light guide plate 33 can be disposed on the light guide plate 33, or a pattern for light diffusing can be formed on the light guide plate 33. Accordingly, light can be transmitted through the light guide plate 33 to the front panel 31, and the pattern of the light guide plate 31 is set such that the entire front surface of the front panel 31 can emit light with uniform brightness.

[0108] Furthermore, the light guide plate 33 can be supported from the rear by the rear cover 39, and can be fixed while the support member 32 is kept at a predetermined distance from the front plate 31.

[0109] Meanwhile, the support member 32 can be disposed between the front plate 31 and the light guide plate 33. The light guide plate 33 and the front plate 31 are fixedly mounted to the support member 32, and in particular, the light guide plate 33 can be spaced apart from the front plate 31 by a predetermined distance through the support member 33.

[0110] The support member 32 can be configured such that the front surface supports the front plate 31 and the two ends constrain the two ends of the light guide plate 33.

[0111] On the other hand, the support member 32 can be formed of a material capable of transmitting light and can be formed as a single component by injection or extrusion. For example, the support member 32 can be formed of a material such as ABC, PC or acrylic, and light reflected from the light guide plate 33 can be transmitted through the front plate 31.

[0112] Furthermore, the support member 32 can be formed entirely of a transparent or translucent material, and the support member 32 itself can be colored. Accordingly, the color, texture, or shape of the front surface of the panel assembly 30 when viewed from the front can be determined by the support member 32. Additionally, the front surface of the support member 32 through which light is transmitted can be formed with etching or a pattern, and can be formed to present etching or a pattern when viewed from the front of the panel assembly 30.

[0113] The upper bracket 34 can be disposed at the upper end of the panel assembly 30. The upper bracket 34 can form the upper surface of the panel assembly 30. In addition, the upper bracket 34 can be injection molded from plastic material and can be formed to have a structure connected to the support member 32 and a structure connected to the rear cover 39.

[0114] The lower bracket 35 can be disposed at the lower end of the panel assembly 30. The lower bracket 35 can form the lower surface of the panel assembly 30. In addition, the lower bracket 35 can be injection molded from plastic material and can be formed to have a structure connected to the support member 32 and a structure connected to the rear cover 39.

[0115] In addition, the panel assembly 30 may include a panel support 47. The panel support 47 may form the outer side of the lower end of the panel assembly 30 and may allow the lower end of the panel assembly 30 to be fixed to the door body 40.

[0116] The panel support 47 may include a decorative front surface and a decorative lower surface. In addition, a rearwardly extending and then upwardly projecting lower protrusion 473 is provided at the rear end of the decorative lower surface 472 and can be connected to the lower part of the door body 40.

[0117] Furthermore, since the plate support 47 is located at the lower end of the front plate 31, the plate support 47 can be referred to as the lower trim piece.

[0118] Furthermore, the rear cover 39 can be attached to the rear surface of the lower bracket 35. The rear cover 39 can be attached to the lower bracket 35 by fastening screws. In addition, the rear surface of the light guide plate 33 can be supported on the front surface of the lower bracket 35. That is, when the rear cover 39 is attached, the lower bracket 35 can support the light guide plate 33 from the rear.

[0119] Furthermore, the lighting device 36 can be installed in the lower bracket 35. The lighting device 36 is configured to emit light to determine the color and brightness of the front surface of the panel assembly and to emit light toward the light guide plate 33. The lighting device 36 can be disposed inside the lower bracket 35 and can be assembled and installed together with the lower bracket 35 while being installed in the lower bracket 35.

[0120] The rear cover 39 forms the rear surface of the panel assembly 30 and can be connected to the upper bracket 34 and the lower bracket 35. The rear cover 39 can be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. In addition, the rear cover 39 can be formed to have dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the panel assembly 30 and can form the entire rear surface of the panel assembly 30.

[0121] The structure of the front panel 31 will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0122] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI' in the diagram. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the front panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the front panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the front panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] As shown in the figure, the entire support member 32 can be injection molded from resin material and formed of transparent material, so that the light reflected forward through the light guide plate 33 is transmitted through the support member 32 and guided to the front plate 31.

[0124] The support member 32 may include a plate-shaped front portion 321 and side portions 322 protruding rearward from the left and right ends of the front portion 321. The front portion 321 may be disposed between the front plate 31 and the light guide plate 33, and the front surface of the front portion 321 may support the front plate 31, while the rear surface of the front portion 321 may support the light guide plate 33.

[0125] In addition, the side portion 322 includes a first surface 322a extending rearward from the left and right ends of the front portion 321 and a second surface 322b that curves at the end of the first surface 322a.

[0126] The first surface 322a can extend perpendicularly to the front portion 321 from both the left and right ends of the front portion 321 and is formed as a side surface constituting the panel assembly 30. That is, the extension length of the first surface 322a can correspond to the lateral width of the panel assembly 30. The internal space of the panel assembly 30 can be defined by the first surface 322a, and a space can be formed therein for at least the light guide plate 33, the upper bracket 34, and the lower bracket 35 to be installed.

[0127] The side rib 323 can divide the space formed by the side portion 322 in the front-back direction to form a space in which the light guide plate 33, the upper bracket 34 and the lower bracket 35 can be slidably inserted.

[0128] On the other hand, when the lighting device 36 is not in operation, the front panel 31 can achieve the color of the front outer side of the refrigerator 1 through the basic color of the front panel 31 itself.

[0129] When the lighting device 36 is in operation, the light reflected from the light guide plate can be transmitted through the front panel 31 to make the front outer side of the refrigerator 1 display the color selected by the user.

[0130] Furthermore, the base color of the front panel 31 may differ from the set color achieved through the lighting device 36.

[0131] That is, the front panel 31 can realize the basic color of the front outer side of the refrigerator 1, and when the lighting device 36 is running, the front panel 31 can be configured to make the front outer side of the refrigerator 1 display the color selected by the user.

[0132] The front panel 31 forms an overall outer side and may include a base layer 31a formed of a light-transmitting material and a coloring layer 31b disposed on a surface of the base layer 31a and realizing the overall color and image of the outer panel 30.

[0133] In addition, a pattern layer 31c forming the texture of the front outer side can be disposed on the base layer 31a.

[0134] In addition, the substrate 31a may also include a protective layer 31d, which is used to prevent the substrate 31a from being damaged and to prevent the substrate 31a from scattering when damaged.

[0135] At the same time, when describing the components constituting the front panel 31, the meaning of "upward direction" or "downward direction" is based on Figure 6 The direction indicated. As used herein, "upward direction" can be defined as the direction corresponding to the front surface (front side) of the front panel 31. Conversely, "downward direction" can be defined as the direction corresponding to the rear surface (rear side) of the front panel 31.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the front panel 31 has a pattern layer 31c disposed above a base layer 31a, and a coloring layer 31b and a protective layer 31d disposed below the base layer 31a to achieve a basic color.

[0137] In this case, the base layer 31a can be formed of glass material. In addition, the pattern layer 31c can be patterned by the above-described embossing method, and the protective layer 31d can include an anti-scattering film to prevent the base layer 31a from scattering due to damage to the base layer 31a made of glass material.

[0138] In another embodiment of the front panel 31 according to this disclosure, such as Figure 7 As shown, pattern layer 31c is disposed above base layer 31a, while color layer 31b is disposed below base layer 31a to achieve basic color.

[0139] The substrate 31a can be formed of a transparent plastic material that transmits light. Examples of such plastic materials include ABS, PMMA, or PC.

[0140] In addition, the pattern layer 31c can provide texture to the front panel 31 by embossing.

[0141] Meanwhile, when the base layer 31a is formed of plastic material, a separate protective layer 31d is not required.

[0142] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the front panel 31 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base layer 31a made of glass or plastic material, a pattern layer 31c disposed above the base layer 31a, and a coloring layer 31b disposed below the base layer 31a.

[0143] Furthermore, the deposited layer 31e can be further contained above or below the base layer 31a. The deposited layer 31e can make the texture of the metallic material more clearly realized.

[0144] In addition, the protective layer 31d can also be disposed below the coloring layer 31b.

[0145] Each of the multiple layers constituting the front panel 31 will be described in detail below.

[0146] The base layer 31a is formed of glass or a material that can transmit light to transmit light emitted by the lighting device 36.

[0147] When the base layer 31a is formed of glass, it may be formed of blue glass, white glass, or glass whose surface has been deposited. To prevent damage to the front panel 31, tempered glass may be included.

[0148] Here, "deposition treatment" can refer to the process of smoothing or flattening irregular surfaces on glass and achieving a predetermined color on the glass surface.

[0149] When the base layer 31a is made of deposited glass, the irregular surfaces present in the glass can be polished to make the outer panel appear richer.

[0150] The deposition process can be performed using an "evaporation" process, in which a metal source is heated, dissolved, and evaporated using high-temperature heat to deposit onto a wafer, i.e., glass. In particular, when SiO2 or TiO2 is deposited as the source on glass, various colors of the glass can be achieved, thus enriching the colors of the outer panel.

[0151] In addition, the deposition process can be performed by sputtering, in which plasma is generated by a high voltage generated by a voltage generator, and plasma ions collide with a target to attach metal atoms to the wafer, i.e., the glass surface, to form a metal film.

[0152] Furthermore, when the base layer 31a is formed of a transparent plastic material that allows light to pass through, the base layer 31a can be formed of ABS, PMMA, or PC resin.

[0153] On the other hand, unlike the deposition process on the substrate 31a, the deposition layer 31e is made of a film with deposited metal, which can be further disposed on a surface of the substrate 31a.

[0154] The deposited layer 31e can be a film deposited with a metal selected from aluminum, chromium, zinc, copper, stainless steel, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, iron, and tin. There are no particular limitations on the deposition method.

[0155] The deposition layer 31e can optionally be replaced by performing a deposition process directly on the substrate layer 31a as described above.

[0156] The deposition process can provide a metallic texture to the outer panel 30.

[0157] A coloring layer 31b for achieving the basic color of the front panel 31 is disposed on one surface of the base layer 31a. That is, the coloring layer 31b is configured to achieve a predetermined color, and can achieve the main color of the outer panel 30 when the lighting device 36 is turned off.

[0158] The coloring layer 31b can be formed in various colors and can be formed to be translucent.

[0159] When the lighting device 36 is turned on, the light emitted from the lighting device 36 passes through the substrate layer 31a, so that the color of the outer panel 30 is achieved by the light source provided by the lighting device 36. The lighting device 36 can be freely selected by the user, so that the overall color of the outer panel 30 can be changed according to the user's selection.

[0160] Furthermore, when the lighting device 36 is turned off, the color achieved by the coloring layer 31b can be seen through the transparent base layer 31a, thereby achieving the overall color of the outer panel 30. That is, the coloring layer 31b is used to set the basic color of the outer panel 30 when the lighting device 36 is turned off.

[0161] Furthermore, since the base layer 31a is made of a light-transmitting material, other structures disposed within the outer panel 30, such as the lighting device 36 and the support member 32, can be seen from the front. The coloring layer 31b implements the color or pattern behind the base layer 31a to conceal the structures disposed behind the base layer 31a. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the outer sides of other structures, such as the lighting device 36, from being exposed to the front of the outer panel 30.

[0162] The method of achieving color in the color layer 31b is not limited; instead, the color can be printed and achieved by applying a deposited film or a transferred film, or by performing screen printing, also known as screen printing.

[0163] Furthermore, at least one of organic components, inorganic components, and organic-inorganic composite components can be deposited. Moreover, the pigments used to achieve the color are not limited to these, and inorganic or organic pigments can be used.

[0164] As another example, the coloring layer 31b is preferably achieved by screen printing, which can be used on materials made of glass because screen printing can produce a variety of colors and can be performed regardless of size or material.

[0165] On the other hand, screen printing is a so-called screen process in which a non-image portion is covered with paper or glue while a fabric made of silk or chemical fibers is stretched to form a screen, and ink is then applied to it, with the ink only passing through the image portion of the screen and performing the printing.

[0166] Since screen printing does not require a separate high-temperature compression process, such as gravure printing, it is easy to form a colored layer 31b on the surface of a base layer 31a made of glass or translucent plastic material.

[0167] The pattern layer 31c can be disposed above the base layer 31a, that is, in front of the base layer 31a when the outer panel 30 is viewed from the front.

[0168] The pattern layer 31c can provide a beautiful appearance to the outer panel 30 by giving it texture and richness.

[0169] The pattern layer 31c may include, for example, multiple protrusions that protrude above the base layer 31a at a predetermined height, allowing the user to feel the unevenness or stone texture.

[0170] This texture can be achieved through methods such as film embossing, etching, screen printing, or glass printing. Preferably, a uniform pattern can be formed regardless of the length of the outer panel 30 in the longitudinal direction, and an embossing method capable of achieving various roughnesses can be used.

[0171] Specifically, the pattern layer 31c can be formed by performing an embossing process on at least one surface of the film to provide various patterns, such as matte patterns or hairline patterns, on at least one side of the film. Rich textures can be achieved on the entire surface of the outer panel 30 by the pattern layer 31c.

[0172] The film forming the pattern layer 31c can be a transparent film and can be formed from a resin material. In one example, the film may include at least one resin selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), and styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). Preferably, using a transparent PET film with excellent uniformity and transparency allows for a clearer presentation of the texture, but is not limited thereto.

[0173] The pattern layer 31c is formed by imprinting a UV-curable resin composition applied to the film using a patterned forming roller, and UV curing is performed to implement the pattern formed on the forming roller onto the film.

[0174] In this case, the UV-curable resin composition may include, but is not limited to, acrylate-based oligomers, monomers, photoinitiators, and additives. The acrylate-based oligomers may be selected, for example, from polyurethane-based, epoxy-based, ester-based, ether-based, and silicone-based groups. Preferably, a polyurethane acrylate prepared by reacting diisocyanate, polyol, and methacrylate can be used, but it is not necessarily limited to this.

[0175] Furthermore, a release liner coated with an adhesive can be further applied onto the pattern layer 31c. The adhesive is preferably a hot-melt adhesive bonded by heat and pressure.

[0176] The protective layer 31d protects the base layer 31a and prevents or slows down the scattering of the base layer 31a, which is made of glass, to reduce the risk of cuts if the base layer 31a is damaged. When the base layer 31a is made of plastic, the protective layer 31d can be omitted.

[0177] For example, even if the base layer 31a is damaged, debris can be prevented from scattering because the debris will adhere to the protective layer 31d. This protective layer 31d may include a debris-preventing membrane.

[0178] Furthermore, the protective layer 31d can be composed of a film containing a laminated polymer resin, together with the anti-scattering membrane. When the protective layer 31d includes the polymer resin in the anti-scattering membrane, the anti-scattering function and impact resistance can be improved.

[0179] The polymer resin is preferably formed of a material capable of transmitting light, and may include, for example, at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), but is not limited thereto.

[0180] The protective layer 31d may include an adhesive for strengthening the adhesion to the base layer 31a or the coloring layer 31b. The adhesive is not limited to this, but may be provided by an acrylic or silicone-based adhesive.

[0181] A protective layer 31d is disposed at the rear of the base layer 31a and is formed of a light-transmitting material, so that light emitted from the lighting device 36 can be transmitted to the base layer 31a, and the protective layer preferably has white or a white-based color.

[0182] When the substrate 31a is made of glass, the protective layer can be positioned behind the substrate 31a when the substrate 31a is viewed from above, that is, when the panel assembly 30 is viewed from the front.

[0183] The operation of the refrigerator 1 and panel assembly 30 having the above-described structure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0184] In the following text, the front panel 31 will be described as the panel 31.

[0185] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating the flow of control signals for the refrigerator. The controller 13 can be configured to control the lighting device 36 based on signals received from the refrigerator's operating unit 14, and / or from the refrigerator's user detection sensor 151 and / or the refrigerator's illuminance sensor 152, and / or from the refrigerator's microphone 18, and / or from the refrigerator's timer 16, and / or from a remote device or remote control device 2 (e.g., a mobile device, PDA, or mobile phone). Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the light-emitting state of the panel assembly. Additionally, Figure 12 This is a view of an example of using a remote device to adjust the color of a home appliance's application panel components.

[0186] As shown in the figure, the outer side of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be formed by a panel assembly 30, and its appearance can be changed to have a color set by the user according to the operation of the lighting device 36. The panel assembly can display various colors by light emitted from the rear side.

[0187] The household appliance can be any one of refrigerator 1, air conditioner 5, dishwasher 6, garment care machine 7, washing machine 8, or cooking appliance 9, and each of them can adopt the same structure as the panel assembly 30 of the present disclosure embodiment so that the color of its front outer side can be freely changed.

[0188] For example, as in the above embodiment, in the refrigerator 1, the panel assembly 30 can be disposed on the front surface of the door 20 of the cabinet 10 for opening and closing. Furthermore, the panel assembly 30 can emit light in a set color via user setting, and the color of the front outer side of the refrigerator 1 can be changed.

[0189] As another example, the indoor unit of the air conditioner 5 may have a space within a housing 51 (or cabinet) constituting the outer portion, in which a heat exchange device, a fan, and similar devices are disposed. Furthermore, the front surface of the housing 51 may be formed of a panel assembly 511. The panel assembly 511 may have the same structure as the panel assembly 30 of the refrigerator 1 to emit light.

[0190] Accordingly, the panel assembly 511 can emit light in a set color through user settings, and the color of the front outer side of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 5 can be changed to the set color.

[0191] As another example, the dishwasher 6 may have a space for washing dishes located within a housing 61 (or cabinet) forming the outer portion. Furthermore, the front surface of the housing 61 can be opened and closed via a door 62, and the front surface of the door 62 can be formed by a panel assembly 621. The panel assembly 621 may have the same structure as the panel assembly 30 of the refrigerator 1 to emit light.

[0192] Accordingly, the panel assembly 511 can emit light in a set color through user settings, and the color of the front outer side of the dishwasher 6 can be changed to the set color.

[0193] As another example, the garment care machine 7 may have a space for storing clothes located within a housing 71 (or cabinet) forming the outer portion. Furthermore, the front surface of the housing 71 can be opened and closed via a door 72, and the front surface of the door 72 may be formed by a panel assembly 721. The panel assembly 721 may have the same structure as the panel assembly 30 of the refrigerator 1 to emit light.

[0194] Accordingly, the panel assembly 721 can emit light in a set color through user settings, and the color of the front outer side of the garment care machine 7 can be changed to the set color.

[0195] As another example, the washing machine 8 or dryer may have a space for washing or drying located within a housing 81 (or cabinet) forming the outer portion. Furthermore, the front of the housing 81 can be opened and closed via a door 82. Simultaneously, the front of the housing 81 may be formed by a panel assembly 811. The panel assembly 811 may have the same structure as the panel assembly 30 of the refrigerator 1 to emit light.

[0196] Accordingly, the panel assembly 30 can emit light in a set color through user settings, and the color of the front outer side of the washer 8 or dryer can be changed to the set color.

[0197] As another example, the cooking appliance 9 may have a space for cooking food located within a housing 91 (or cabinet) forming the outer portion. Furthermore, the front surface of the housing 91 can be opened and closed via a door 92, and the front surface of the door 92 can be formed by a panel assembly 921. The panel assembly 921 may have the same structure as the panel assembly 30 of the refrigerator 1 to emit light.

[0198] Accordingly, the panel assembly 921 can emit light in a set color through user settings, and the color of the front outer side of the cooking appliance 9 can be changed to the set color.

[0199] The method for changing the color of panel component 30 will be described below.

[0200] When the lighting device 36 is off, the color of the front outer side can be displayed through the color of the panel 31. The color displayed on the panel 31 when the lighting device 36 is off can be referred to as the first color.

[0201] When the lighting device 36 is turned on, the color of the panel 31 changes according to the color of the light emitted from the lighting device 36, and the color of the front outer side of the door 20 can be the selected color. In this case, the color of the light emitted from the lighting device 36 can be referred to as the second color, and the color of the panel when the lighting device 36 is turned on can be referred to as the third color.

[0202] The second color can be different from the third color, and the third color of the panel 31 selected by the user can be achieved through the second color, which is adjusted taking into account the first color of the panel 31 itself. That is, the second color light emitted from the lighting device 36 can be determined by the controller 13 taking into account the first color of the panel 31 itself, and the panel 31 ultimately presents the third color selected by the user while the second color light passes through the first color panel.

[0203] In detail, the color of panel 31 can be determined by selective operation of lighting device 36. For example, lighting device 36 can be operated and set by remote device 2, which is separate from refrigerator 1. Refrigerator 1 can communicate with remote device 2 via communication device 17 connected to controller 13, and the user operates lighting device 36 via remote device 2.

[0204] The communication device 17 can communicate with the remote device 2 in various ways. For example, the communication device 17 may have a structure capable of communicating using at least one of the following communication methods: wired, wireless, and short-range communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, NFC, etc.). Furthermore, the remote device 2 can be various communication-enabled devices, such as dedicated terminals, mobile phones, tablets, portable PCs, desktop PCs, remote controls, and Bluetooth speakers.

[0205] Users can typically operate and set the operating status of the lighting device 36, such as operating time, operating conditions, and the color of the light source emitted by the lighting device 36, by operating the remote device 2. For example, the lighting device 36 can be easily operated and set by an application or dedicated program installed on the user's mobile phone.

[0206] Reference Figure 12 The description describes selecting the changed color of panel 31 via remote device 2. The user can select the desired color of panel 31 via remote device 2, such as the screen 2a of a mobile phone or terminal.

[0207] When a user operates the remote device 2, the remote device first outputs a menu screen 2b so that the user can change the panel color of the menu 2b1 through the menu screen 2b.

[0208] When the user selects the panel color change menu 2b1, the remote device 2 can output the color selection screen 2c on the menu screen 2b, and the user can select to change the position and color of the panel 31 to be changed on the menu screen 2b.

[0209] Specifically, a panel position selection menu 2c1 is displayed on the color selection screen 2c, allowing the user to select a panel 31 to be installed on a door 20 at a desired location among multiple doors 20. Furthermore, the panel 31 of the door 20 selected by the user can be displayed in the panel position selection menu 2c1.

[0210] After selecting the desired position on panel 31, the user can select and input color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 displayed on the color selection screen 2c. For example, on color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3, all colors that panel 31 can display can be displayed using a color identifier that can recognize and extract color codes. Color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 can be referred to as a color palette because they allow for various combinations and selections of colors.

[0211] Color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 may include a circular first selection section 2c2 and a bar-shaped second selection section 2c3. A color can be selected via the first selection section 2c2, while the intensity of the selected color can be selected via the second selection section 2c3. Color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 may include either the first selection section 2c2 or the second selection section 2c3.

[0212] As described above, users can select the color of panel 31, i.e., the third color, from a variety of colors via color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3. It should be noted that color selection menus 2c2 and 2c3 can be configured to accept input via letters, codes, and numbers.

[0213] Based on the third color selected by the user, the controller 13 can allow the lighting device 36 to emit light of the second color, so that the panel 31 displays the third color.

[0214] In addition, users can input colors through the operation unit 14 set in the refrigerator 1 without using the remote device 2.

[0215] Furthermore, refrigerator 1 and remote device 2 can be connected to a server via a network, and therefore the color of the panel 31 of refrigerator 1 can be input via server 3.

[0216] On the other hand, the operation of the lighting device 36 can be achieved through the operation of the user control unit 14. The control unit 14 can be located on one side of the refrigerator 1, such as on one side of the cabinet 10. It should be noted that the control unit 14 can be located on the door 20 as needed, and input can be performed through operations such as touching or tapping the panel 31. That is, the user can set the operation of the lighting device 36 by directly operating the control unit 14, and can turn the lighting device 36 on or off.

[0217] Furthermore, the lighting device 36 can be operated by a sensor. The sensor could be, for example, a user detection sensor 151 that detects the proximity of a user. For instance, the user detection sensor 151 can be implemented using various devices capable of detecting the proximity of a user to the refrigerator, such as infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or laser sensors.

[0218] Furthermore, the user detection sensor 151 can be installed on one side of the cabinet or door 20, and can be configured at various locations for detecting the user's proximity. Additionally, multiple sensors can be installed in different locations.

[0219] Therefore, when a user approaches the refrigerator 1 at a set distance to use the refrigerator 1, the user detection sensor 151 detects the user and sends a signal to the controller 13 to allow the lighting device 36 to be turned on. Furthermore, when the user moves away from the refrigerator 1, the user detection sensor 151 detects the user and sends a signal to the controller 13 to allow the lighting device 36 to be turned off.

[0220] Specifically, when the user detection sensor 151 detects that a user is very close to the refrigerator 1, the lighting device 36 can be turned off or its brightness can be gradually dimmed to prevent glare for the user. Furthermore, when the user moves away from the refrigerator 1 again, the lighting device 36 can be turned back on or restored to its original brightness.

[0221] The sensor can be an illuminance sensor 152. Illuminance sensor 152 detects the illuminance of the indoor space and can be configured in the same location as the user detection sensor 151.

[0222] Furthermore, the lighting device 36 can operate based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 152. For example, when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 152 is less than the set illuminance and is dark, the controller 13 can turn on the lighting device 36, and when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 152 is equal to or greater than the set illuminance and is bright, the controller 13 can turn off the lighting device 36.

[0223] On the other hand, the sensor may include both the illuminance sensor 152 and the user detection sensor 151, and the controller 13 may allow the lighting device 36 to be turned on and off in cooperation with the illuminance sensor 152 and the user detection sensor 151.

[0224] Furthermore, the controller 13 can be connected to the microphone 18. Therefore, the controller can allow the LED 362 to emit light in a set color based on the voice signal received from the microphone 18, and display the input status of the voice signal or the setting status of the function through the color on the front of the door 20.

[0225] For example, when a user’s temperature control signal is input through microphone 18, controller 13 can adjust the temperature in the refrigerator to the set temperature and operate lighting device 36 so that the color of the front surface of door 20 is changed to a color corresponding to the temperature.

[0226] On the other hand, the lighting device 36 can be turned on and off at the times set by the timer 16. That is, the lighting device 36 can be turned on according to the user's basically active time period, and can remain off outside the set time period. In addition, the lighting device 36 can be turned off during the day and turned on at night, regardless of the actual illuminance.

[0227] Furthermore, the brightness and color of the front surface of door 20 can be adjusted according to user settings, regardless of the operating status of refrigerator 1.

[0228] In addition to the on and off states, the lighting device 36 can also include a state where the brightness is adjusted. That is, the controller 13 can adjust the output of light emitted through the lighting device 36 to change the brightness of the panel 31. Furthermore, the operating status of the refrigerator 1 can be indicated by the brightness of the panel 31.

[0229] On the other hand, the specific description concerns the operating state of the lighting device 36, which is operated by the controller 13. When the lighting device 36 is turned on according to the instruction of the controller 13, the light emitted by the LED 362 can be emitted towards the lower end of the light guide plate 33. In this case, the light emitted from the LED 362 will be emitted in the second color selected by the controller 13. That is, the LED 362 is an RGB LED that can emit light of the second color adjusted by the controller 13, so that the surface of the panel 31 can emit light in the third color selected by the user.

[0230] Light incident through the lower end of the light guide plate 33 can be diffused and reflected along the light guide plate 33 and can move along the light guide plate 33. In this case, the light guided by the light guide plate 33 will be reflected forward by the reflective layer 331 and transmitted to the outside through the panel 31.

[0231] Light guided forward by the light guide plate 33 passes through the transmission member 32 to illuminate the panel 31, and the front surface of the door 20 emits light at a set brightness or color.

[0232] In this case, the light guide plate 33 can guide light of sufficient brightness forward from the entire surface through the LEDs 362 arranged at both ends of the LED mounting portion 361a, and thus the entire surface of the panel 31, including both ends of the panel 31, emits light with uniform brightness.

[0233] The following is a detailed description of the operation flowchart for controlling the lighting device in the controller.

[0234] Figure 13 This is a view showing a flowchart describing the control operations of the lighting device in the controller.

[0235] Before the description, the color of panel 31 itself is defined as the first color. Additionally, the color of the light emitted by the light source of the lighting device is defined as the second color. Furthermore, the color selected by the user is defined as the third color.

[0236] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel 31 may include a coloring layer 31b that achieves the color of the panel 31 itself. When the lighting device 36 is turned off, the coloring layer 31b can achieve the main color of the front surface of the door.

[0237] Furthermore, the panel 31 is formed of a light-transmitting material, so that when the lighting device 36 is turned on, the light emitted by the light source passes through the panel 31, so that the front surface of the door can be brightly illuminated.

[0238] On the other hand, the color of the panel 31 itself is formed as a color with a brightness of 0 or higher, rather than black. Therefore, as the light emitted by the light source passes through the panel 31, the color of the light source and the color of the panel itself are mixed, interfered with, or absorbed, causing the color of the light emitted by the light source to be distorted.

[0239] That is, even if the RGB LEDs constituting the light source realize the third color selected by the user and emit light toward the panel 31, the user will still see colors other than the third color because of the first color of the panel 31 itself.

[0240] Accordingly, in order to achieve the third color selected by the user on the panel 31, the degree to which the color of the light emitted by the light source is distorted due to the color of the panel 31 itself must be adjusted.

[0241] Accordingly, the controller can make adjustments so that the entire panel can display the third color selected by the user.

[0242] Specifically, the controller can receive third color information set by the user (S1). In this case, the user can select the desired color as the third color via a remote device or a control device. The third color can be freely set from a color palette, where various colors can be combined and selected.

[0243] The controller can receive the RGB value of a third color selected by the user.

[0244] In addition, the controller can take into account the first color presented on the panel 31 itself to calculate the second color information (S2).

[0245] Specifically, the controller can pre-store the RGB values ​​of the first color of panel 31. Then, the controller can calculate the adjusted second color by considering the RGB values ​​of the third color and the first color.

[0246] The second color information can be obtained, for example, by using a relational expression derived experimentally, to reflect the adjustment value calculated considering the first color in the RGB value of the third color.

[0247] The controller can control the light source of the lighting device to emit light with a calculated second color (S3).

[0248] When the light source emits light of the second color, the light passes through the panel 31 of the first color, causing the front surface of the panel 31 to emit light of the third color.

[0249] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes the changes in the front outer side of the door 20 according to the operation of the lighting device 36.

[0250] Figure 14 This is a front view showing the front outer side of the refrigerator with the lighting off. Figure 15 This is a front view showing the front outer side of the refrigerator with the lighting on. Figure 16 This is a front view showing the front outer side of the refrigerator when the lighting device changes color. Figure 17 This is a front view of the front outer side of the refrigerator, showing some of the doors emitting light. Figure 18 This is a front view of the refrigerator's outer front section with the refrigerator and freezer doors illuminated.

[0251] A household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a cabinet having a predetermined space; a door that opens and closes the space; a screen detachably mounted on the front surface of the door for changing from a first color perceived by a user in front of the door to a second color selected by the user and displaying the second color; a remote communication terminal that enables the user to recognize the second color after selecting the second color; and a plurality of RGB LEDs that display a color mixed between the plurality of light-emitting elements on the screen according to the second color selected by the remote communication terminal, wherein the first color may be the color when the plurality of RGB LEDs are turned off, and the first color may be changed.

[0252] Here, the screen can correspond to the panel 31 mentioned above.

[0253] Furthermore, a household appliance according to an embodiment of this disclosure may include: a cabinet having a predetermined space; a door that opens and closes the space; a screen detachably mounted on the front surface of the door for changing from a first color perceived by the user to a third color selected by the user in front of the door and performing display; an operation unit to enable the user to select the third color; and a plurality of RGB LEDs emitting light of a second color toward the screen, the second color being generated by mixing the light from a plurality of light-emitting elements. Furthermore, a controller may perform control to cause the third color to be displayed on the screen, the third color being generated by mixing the first color (when the plurality of RGB LEDs are off) with the second color (when the plurality of RGB LEDs are on).

[0254] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, a household appliance includes: a cabinet having a first space and a second space; a first door for opening and closing the first space; a second door for opening and closing the second space; a first screen mounted on the front surface of the first door for changing and displaying a third color selected by a user; a second screen mounted on the front surface of the second door for changing and displaying a fourth color selected by a user; a remote communication terminal for enabling a user to select the first door and subsequently set the third color, or select the second door and subsequently set the fourth color; a first RGB LED for emitting light of the same color generated by mixing light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the first screen according to the third color selected via the remote communication terminal; and a second RGB LED for emitting light of the same color generated by mixing light from multiple light-emitting elements toward the second screen according to the fourth color selected via the remote communication terminal.

[0255] Specifically, when the lighting device 36 is turned off, such as Figure 14 As shown, the front surface of the door 20 does not emit light, and the original color of the panel assembly 30, i.e., the first color, is visible.

[0256] The panel assembly 30 has a structure that allows it to be separated from the door 40, enabling the user to select the initial color of the panel 31 by installing the panel assembly 30 of the desired color. It should be noted that, if necessary, the user can change the color of the panel 31 by replacing the panel assembly 30 itself when the lighting device 36 is turned off.

[0257] The color of the front surface of the door 20 can be considered as the color of the panel 31, and the textures and patterns formed on the panel 31 can be seen. In this case, the panel 31 can be formed as a color with a brightness greater than 0, rather than black.

[0258] Accordingly, the color of the front surface of the door 20 is considered the first color (the color of the panel 31), and in this case, if the panel 31 is not visible through, the components inside the panel assembly 30 cannot be seen from the outside due to the color of the panel 31.

[0259] In this state, the lighting device 36 can be turned on, and when the lighting device 36 is turned on, the front surface of the door 20 emits light in the color selected by the user.

[0260] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the controller 13 can perform control to make the front surface of the door 20 emit light in a third color different from the first color, and the lighting device 36 can allow the LED 362 to emit light of a second color under the control of the controller 13. In this case, the third color can be selected by the user, and the color of the panel 31 can be selected by operating the remote device 2 or the operating unit 14.

[0261] When LED 362 emits light of the second color, the light reflected by light guide plate 33 passes through the front surface of panel 31 and the front surface of door 20, that is, panel 31 can be seen in the third color.

[0262] On the other hand, when the controller 13 instructs the lighting device 36 to change the color of the light emitted from the lighting device 36, and the front outer side of the refrigerator 1 emits light in a third color, the panel 31 can emit light in a different color that is reset by the controller 13.

[0263] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, the controller 13 can instruct the panel 31 to emit light in a fourth color different from the third color, and the lighting device 36 can allow the LED 362 to emit light of different colors under the control of the controller 13.

[0264] When LED 362 emits light of different colors, the light reflected by light guide plate 33 passes through panel 31, and the front surface of door 20, i.e. panel 31, can be seen to be the fourth color.

[0265] On the other hand, the panel 31 forming the front outer side of the refrigerator 1 (the panel 31 constitutes some of the doors 20) emits light, or the multiple panels 31 constituting the multiple doors 20 can emit light independently, thereby forming the front outer side of the refrigerator 1 with a set color.

[0266] For example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the refrigerator 1 can be operated such that the panels 31 of some of the doors 20 emit light or glow in a specific color. That is, not all the lighting devices 36 installed in these doors 20 are operated; instead, it can be configured so that only some of the doors 201a emit light. For example, any one of the refrigerator doors 201 can emit light. Specifically, the left refrigerator door 201a of the left refrigerator door 201a and the right refrigerator door 201b can emit light. It should be noted that, for the multiple doors 20, any one of the multiple freezer doors 202 can emit light.

[0267] If necessary, the left refrigerator door 201a and the right refrigerator door 201b can emit light in different colors. In addition, the colors of at least two or more of the multiple doors 20 can be changed sequentially, and at least two or more of the multiple doors 20 can emit light sequentially.

[0268] Meanwhile, the refrigerator door 20 or freezer door 20 in the multiple doors can be controlled to emit light in different colors.

[0269] For example, such as Figure 18 As shown, the controller 13 can control the lighting device 36 so that the panels of the pair of refrigerator doors 201 are seen in one color. Alternatively, the controller 13 can control the lighting device 36 so that the pair of refrigerator doors 201 are seen in different colors.

[0270] That is, the refrigerator door 201 and the freezer door 202 can be distinguished by color, and the colors of the refrigerator door 210 and the freezer door 202 can change according to the temperature of the refrigerator.

[0271] Accordingly, users can intuitively grasp the operating status of each storage space and distinguish between the refrigerator and freezer compartments by the color of the front surface of the door 20.

[0272] On the other hand, in addition to the embodiments described above, this disclosure can be implemented through various other embodiments. According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the storage space can be divided into left and right sides, and the multiple doors can include refrigerator and freezer doors on the left and right sides. Another embodiment of this disclosure, apart from the arrangement of the storage space and doors, has the same structure as the embodiments described above, and the same reference numerals are used for the same components; a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Claims

1. A household appliance, comprising: Cabinet (10), limiting storage space; A door (20), configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space, the door (20) including a panel assembly (30) comprising: (i) a lighting device (36), configured to emit light; and (ii) A front panel (31) defining the outer side of the door (20) and configured to transmit light; and The controller (13) is configured to control the lighting device (36) to selectively allow the user to see the front panel (31) in a first color and a second color, the second color being different from the first color. The lighting device (36) is located at the door (20) and configured to emit light of a third color, which is different from the first and second colors. The front panel (31) includes a base layer (31a) and a coloring layer (31b) disposed on the base layer (31a). The coloring layer (31b) has the first color and is configured to transmit light from the lighting device (36). The controller (13) is configured to: When the lighting device (36) is turned on, the user sees the front panel (31) as a second color based on the light transmitted through the coloring layer (31b) by the lighting device (36). The second color corresponds to a mixture of the first color of the coloring layer (31b) and the third color of the light emitted from the lighting device (36). The lighting device (36) is turned off, so that the user sees the front panel (31) in the first color.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting device includes multiple RGB LEDs.

3. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The base layer (31a) is made of at least one of the following: transparent material, glass, transparent plastic material, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), or PC (polycarbonate) resin.

4. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The brightness of the color layer (31b) is greater than 0.

5. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The coloring layer (31b) is formed on the base layer (31a) by screen printing.

6. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The coloring layer (31b) is formed on the back surface of the base layer (31a).

7. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The front panel (31) also includes a pattern layer (31c) formed on or in the front surface of the base layer (31a) to define the texture of the door (20).

8. The household appliance according to claim 7, wherein, The patterned layer (31c) includes a transparent film formed of a resin material.

9. The household appliance according to claim 7, wherein, The patterned layer (31c) is formed by imprinting a UV-curable resin composition.

10. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The front panel (31) also includes a protective layer (31d) formed on the surface of the coloring layer (31b) opposite to the base layer (31a).

11. The household appliance according to claim 10, wherein, The protective layer (31d) includes an anti-scattering membrane.

12. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a deposition layer (31e) located between the base layer (31a) and the coloring layer (31b).

13. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The household appliance is any one of the following: refrigerator, washing machine, garment care machine, washing machine, dishwasher, and cooking appliance.

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