Home appliance

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator according to one embodiment comprises: a cabinet having an inner space formed therein; and a door configured to open and close the inner space and including a door body connected to the cabinet and a panel assembly mounted on the door body. The panel assembly comprises: a front panel forming the front appearance of the door; a color panel disposed behind the front panel; and a back cover disposed behind the color panel and forming a rear surface of the panel assembly, wherein the color panel comprises a color layer comprising a color capsule including pigment particles, and electrode layers disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the color layer and in surface contact with the color capsule.

Description

home appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to a home appliance.

[0002] Typically, home appliances are placed indoors and can be arranged to blend in with the surrounding space. To further enhance the appearance of these appliances, a panel that forms the exterior may be installed on the front of the appliance.

[0003] For example, refrigerators are being developed with structures that vary the appearance of the front surface to ensure harmony with the environment in which they are placed, surrounding furniture, or other home appliances, and this trend is being implemented across home appliances.

[0004] Chinese Patent No. 103250018 discloses a refrigerator having a reflective layer and a transparent panel on the front of the refrigerator door, and having colored light-emitting members mounted on both ends of the reflective layer so that the transparent panel can shine in a set color.

[0005] However, in this type of structure, there is a problem in terms of product reliability of the home appliance because high power consumption is required to operate the light-emitting element, and damage to the light-emitting element causes the door to appear unsightly.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a home appliance having an exterior formed using an electrophoretic display panel.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a home appliance with improved product reliability, including an electrophoretic display panel with improved color uniformity.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a home appliance with improved product productivity, including an electrophoretic display panel having a structure capable of mass production.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem, a home appliance comprises: a cabinet having an internal space; and a door configured to open and close the internal space, the door including a door body connected to the cabinet and a panel assembly mounted on the door body, wherein the panel assembly comprises: a front panel forming a front exterior of the door; a color panel disposed at the rear of the front panel; and a back cover disposed at the rear of the color panel and forming a rear surface of the panel assembly, wherein the color panel comprises: a color layer including color capsules including pigment particles; and electrode layers disposed on front and rear surfaces of the color layer, the color capsules being in surface contact with each other.

[0010] The color capsule has a first length in the extension direction of the color panel and a second length in the thickness direction of the color panel, wherein the second length may be smaller than the first length.

[0011] The diameter of the circular structure formed by the color capsule being in surface contact with the electrode layer has a third length, and the third length may be greater than the second length.

[0012] The electrode layer may include a first electrode layer disposed on the front surface of the color layer, and a second electrode layer disposed on the back surface of the color layer, and the color capsule may include a capsule portion that accommodates the pigment particles and is in surface contact with each of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0013] The capsule portion may include a front portion that makes surface contact with the first electrode layer, a rear portion that makes surface contact with the second electrode layer, and a side portion that connects the front portion and the rear portion.

[0014] The separation distance between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may be smaller than the maximum diameter of the side portion.

[0015] The front portion has a circular planar structure, and the maximum diameter of the side portion may be larger than the diameter of the front portion.

[0016] The front portion and the rear portion may include flat surfaces.

[0017] The above color panel may further include a moisture-proof member arranged to surround the color layer and the electrode layer.

[0018] The color panel includes a color area on which the color layer is arranged; and a sealing area arranged around the color area, and the moisture-proof member can be arranged across the color area and the sealing area.

[0019] The color panel further includes a first moisture-proof film layer disposed on the front surface of the moisture-proof member; and a second moisture-proof film layer disposed on the rear surface of the moisture-proof member, wherein in the sealing region, the moisture-proof member may be disposed between the first moisture-proof film layer and the second moisture-proof film layer.

[0020] The above front panel can be placed on the front surface of the above moisture-proof member.

[0021] The above color panel can be configured so that the position of the pigment particles of the color capsule moves and the color changes according to an electrical signal applied to the electrode layer.

[0022] The above color layer may further include a binder in which the color capsules are dispersed and which fixes the positions of the color capsules.

[0023] The above back cover is made of a metal material, and the panel assembly further includes a fixing member attached to the rear of the color panel to fix the color panel to the back cover, wherein the fixing member may include a magnetic material.

[0024] The above color panel may include electrode layers respectively disposed on the front and back surfaces of the color layer, and wires electrically connected to the electrode layers to transmit electrical signals and extending toward the door body.

[0025] The above panel assembly further includes a lower bracket that supports the lower end of the color panel and constitutes a lower surface of the panel assembly, wherein the lower bracket may include a bracket opening through which the wire passes.

[0026] The above color panel may further include a color area where the color layer is arranged; and a wire connection area arranged around the color area, where the electrode layer and the wire overlap.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance equipped with an electrophoretic display panel can reduce power consumption required to maintain a colorful appearance of the home appliance.

[0028] According to a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reliability of the product can be improved by providing high color uniformity through an electrophoretic display panel including a color capsule having flat front and rear surfaces.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance can improve product productivity by including an electrophoretic display panel including a color capsule.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance can improve product reliability through an electrophoretic display panel including a color capsule fixed in position between a pair of electrode layers.

[0031] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a front view of a refrigerator with the door open according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a door according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a door according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a door body according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the joint structure of the lower bracket and back cover in the panel assembly.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 4.

[0039] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 6.

[0040] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 6.

[0041] Figures 11 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing a process for manufacturing a color panel according to one embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the flow of control signals of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a panel assembly according to one embodiment displays color.

[0044] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing an example of controlling the color of home appliances to which a panel assembly using a remote device is applied.

[0045] Figure 17 is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator with the panel assembly showing the first color.

[0046] Figure 18 is a front view showing the front exterior of the refrigerator with the panel assembly showing the second color.

[0047] Figure 19 is a front view showing the front exterior of a refrigerator with the refrigerator door and the freezer door each showing different colors.

[0048] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to another embodiment.

[0049] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to another embodiment.

[0050] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to another embodiment.

[0051] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments that present the spirit of the present invention, and other regressive inventions or embodiments within the scope of the present invention can be easily proposed by adding, modifying, or deleting other components.

[0052] In the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted in order to clearly and briefly explain the present invention, and the same drawing reference numerals are used for the same or extremely similar parts throughout the specification.

[0053] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are given solely for the convenience of writing this specification and do not impart any particularly significant meaning or role to the components themselves. Therefore, the terms "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.

[0054] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0055] Additionally, while terms such as "first" and "second" may be used in this specification to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0056] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0057] Fig. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of a refrigerator with the door open according to one embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may have an exterior formed by a cabinet (10) forming a storage space and a door (20) opening and closing the storage space (11, 12) of the cabinet (10).

[0059] For example, the cabinet (10) may form storage spaces (11, 12) that are partitioned vertically. The storage spaces (11, 12) may include a refrigerator (11) formed at the top and a freezer (12) formed at the bottom. Meanwhile, the refrigerator (11) may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezer (12) may be referred to as a lower storage space.

[0060] The door (20) may be configured to open and close the refrigerator compartment (11) and the freezer compartment (12), respectively. The door (20) may be connected to the cabinet (10). For example, the door (20) may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet (10) by a hinge device (not shown). The door (20) may open and close the refrigerator compartment (11) and the freezer compartment (12), respectively, by rotation.

[0061] The door (20) can form the front exterior of the refrigerator (1) when closed. For example, the door (20) can form the exterior of the refrigerator (1) that is visible from the front when the refrigerator (1) is installed.

[0062] The door (20) may include a refrigerator door (201) configured to open and close the refrigerator compartment (11), and a freezer door (202) configured to open and close the freezer compartment (12). The refrigerator door (201) may be referred to as an upper door since it is provided at the upper part of the cabinet (10), and the freezer door (202) may be referred to as a lower door since it is provided at the lower part of the cabinet (10).

[0063] The refrigerator doors (201) can be arranged in pairs on the left and right sides. For example, each refrigerator door (201) can partially open and close the refrigerator (11).

[0064] The freezer doors (202) can be arranged in pairs on the left and right sides. For example, each freezer door (202) can open and close the freezer (12) partitioned on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0065] In this embodiment, for the convenience of explanation and understanding, a refrigerator (1) having a structure in which a refrigerator compartment (11) is arranged at the top and a freezer compartment (12) is arranged at the bottom is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the shape of the refrigerator (1) and can be applied to all types of refrigerators (1) equipped with a door (20).

[0066] Meanwhile, the door (20) can be configured to display a color set on the front. Accordingly, the user can change the color of the front of the door (20) without disassembling or disassembling the door (20). Accordingly, the user can easily change the overall appearance of the refrigerator (1).

[0067] Hereinafter, the structure of the door (20) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator door (201) will be described as a reference, and other doors may also have the same structure with only differences in the mounting position.

[0068] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a door according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a door according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a door body according to one embodiment.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the door (20) may include a door body (40) forming the overall exterior of the door (20) and a panel assembly (30) forming the front exterior of the door (20). The panel assembly (30) may be mounted on the front of the door body (40). The panel assembly (30) may have a structure that allows it to be detachably mounted from the door body (40).

[0070] The door body (40) can be connected to the cabinet (10). The door body (40) can be a part that opens and closes the storage space (11, 12) of the cabinet (10) from the door (20). The door body (40) can include a body plate (41) forming the front, a door liner (42) forming the rear, an upper cap deco (43) forming the upper surface of the door body (40), a lower cap deco (45) forming the lower surface of the door body (40), and a side deco (44) forming the left and right sides of the door body (40).

[0071] The body plate (41) may be positioned facing the rear of the panel assembly (30). For example, the body plate (41) may be formed of a metal material.

[0072] The door liner (42) can form the rear of the door (20). For example, the door liner (42) can be formed of a plastic material.

[0073] The upper cap deco (43) can be connected to the upper part of the side deco (44), the upper part of the body plate (41), and the upper part of the door liner (42). The lower cap deco (45) can be connected to the lower part of the side deco (44), the lower part of the body plate (41), and the lower part of the door liner (42). The upper cap deco (43) and the lower cap deco (45) can be combined with the panel assembly (30).

[0074] The lower cap deco (45) may include a lower cap deco lower portion (451) forming the lower surface of the door body (40) and a lower cap deco front portion (452) forming a portion of the front surface of the door body (40). The lower cap deco lower portion (451) may protrude further forward than the lower cap deco front portion (452). The lower cap deco lower portion (451) may support the lower end of the panel assembly (30).

[0075] A connector hole (452a) may be formed on the front side (452) of the lower cap deco, through which a wire ('328' in FIG. 6) connected to the color panel (32) of the panel assembly (30) passes. For example, a power connector (455) connected to the wire (328) may be placed inside the connector hole (452a). Accordingly, by mounting the panel assembly (30), the color panel (32) may be electrically connected to the power connector (455), enabling power supply and transmission of control signals.

[0076] The side deco (44) may have a shape extending vertically. The upper end of the side deco (44) may be combined with the upper cap deco (43), and the lower end of the side deco (44) may be combined with the lower cap deco (45). The side deco (44) may be formed of a metal material. For example, the side deco (44) may be formed of an aluminum material. In addition, the side deco (44) may be formed by bending a metal plate-shaped material multiple times.

[0077] That is, the door body (40) can have an exterior formed by a body plate (41), a door liner (42), a side deco (44), an upper cap deco (43), and a lower cap deco (45). The space inside the door body (40) formed by the combination of the body plate (41), the door liner (42), the side deco (44), the upper cap deco (43), and the lower cap deco (45) can be filled with an insulating material.

[0078] The panel assembly (30) can be mounted on the front of the door body (40) to form the front exterior of the door (20). For example, the panel assembly (30) can be formed in a plate shape. Since the panel assembly (30) forms the front exterior of the door (20), it can be called a door panel, and since it forms the front exterior of the refrigerator (1), it can also be called an exterior panel.

[0079] The panel assembly (30) can be configured to have a structure that can be detachably mounted from the door body (40), so that service and maintenance can be easily performed.

[0080] When the panel assembly (30) is mounted on the door body (40), the front of the panel assembly (30) can be exposed forward. That is, the front of the panel assembly (30) can form the actual front appearance of the door (20). Accordingly, the color of the front appearance of the door (20) can be determined by the color appearing on the front of the panel assembly (30). That is, a color specified by the user can appear on the front of the panel assembly (30).

[0081] Below, the structure of the panel assembly (30) will be examined in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0082] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the joint structure of the lower bracket and the back cover in the panel assembly.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the panel assembly (30) may include a front panel (31) forming a front appearance, a color panel (32) positioned at the rear of the front panel (31) and indicating a color, and a back cover (39) forming a rear appearance of the panel assembly (30).

[0084] The front panel (31) may be formed in a rectangular plate shape. The front panel (31) may be mounted on the front of the color panel (32). The front panel (31) may prevent the front of the color panel (32) from being exposed. The front panel (31) may be referred to as a cover panel because it covers the front of the color panel (32).

[0085] The front panel (31) may be formed of a transparent material that allows light to pass through. For example, the front panel (31) may be formed of a glass material such as blue glass, white glass, or deposited glass, or another material that allows light to pass through, such as ABS, PMMA, or PC. In this specification, “transparent” and “transmittance” may be defined as a state in which light passes through and a set color can be displayed through the front panel (31).

[0086] The front panel (31) can be formed to have a predetermined color. The front panel (31) can be configured so that the color displayed by the color panel (32) is visible, but the components behind the front panel (31) are not visible.

[0087] The color panel (32) can display the color displayed on the panel assembly (30). The color panel (32) can be provided as an electrophoretic display panel. That is, the color displayed on the color panel (32) can change depending on the applied electrical signal.

[0088] The color panel (32) may include a plurality of polar pigment particles (3215 in FIG. 8). The color panel (32) may be configured to change the positions of the pigment particles (3215) according to an applied electrical signal, thereby displaying a color expressed by the pigment particles positioned close to the color display surface. For example, the color display surface of the color panel (32) may refer to the front surface of the color panel (32) positioned toward the front panel (31).

[0089] Meanwhile, in the case of a color panel (32) composed of an electrophoretic display panel, when an electrical signal is applied, the position of the pigment particles (3215) changes, but when an electrical signal is not applied, the position of the pigment particles (3215) may not change. Therefore, according to the color panel (32) according to one embodiment, since an electrical signal only needs to be applied when changing color, a panel assembly (30) including a color panel (32) composed of an electrophoretic display panel has the advantage of being able to reduce power consumption.

[0090] The color panel (32) may include a color area (32a) representing a color, a sealing area (32b) arranged around the color area (32a), and a wire connection area (32c) arranged at one end of the color area (32a).

[0091] The color area (32a) is a portion representing a color on the color panel (32), and may correspond to most of the area of ​​the color panel (32). A color capsule (see 3211 of FIG. 8) may be placed in the color area (32a). Meanwhile, the color area (32a) may be defined as an area on the color panel (32) where a color capsule (3211) is placed.

[0092] The sealing area (32b) may be arranged around the color area (32a). The sealing area (32b) may be formed on any end of the color panel (32) except for one end where the wire connection area (32c) is arranged. For example, the sealing area (32b) may be formed on the upper end and both side ends of the color panel (32).

[0093] The wire connection area (32c) may be positioned around the color area (32a). The wire connection area (32c) may be formed at an end of the color panel (32) where the sealing area (32b) is not positioned. For example, the wire connection area (32c) may be formed at the lower end of the color panel (32).

[0094] The detailed structure of the color panel (32) according to one embodiment will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0095] The panel assembly (30) may further include a fixing member (33) attached to the rear of the color panel (32). The fixing member (33) may fix the color panel (32) to the back cover (39).

[0096] The fixing member (33) is attached to the back of the color panel (32), and can attach the color panel (32) to the back cover (39). The fixing member (33) can be provided in a size and shape corresponding to the color panel (32). For example, the fixing member (33) can be attached to the back of the color panel (32) through an adhesive member.

[0097] The fixing member (33) may be provided as a magnet. For example, the fixing member (33) may be a rubber magnetic plate. As will be described later, since the back cover (39) is formed of a metal material, the fixing member (33) attached to the rear surface of the color panel (32) can be attached to the back cover (39) through magnetic force, thereby fixing the color panel (32) to the back cover (39).

[0098] The back cover (39) forming the rear of the panel assembly (30) can be combined with the color panel (32) by a fixing member (33). The back cover (39) can form a fixing structure between the components included in the panel assembly (30).

[0099] The back cover (39) may be formed in a plate shape of a metal material. The back cover (39) may include a cover protrusion (391) at the center of the back cover (39) and a cover periphery (392) formed along the periphery of the cover protrusion (391). For example, the cover protrusion (391) and the cover periphery (392) may be formed by forming.

[0100] The cover protrusion (391) may be formed on the inner side of the cover periphery (392). For example, the cover protrusion (391) may be formed at the center of the back cover (39) and may be formed to protrude forward from the cover periphery (392). When the back cover (39) is mounted, the cover protrusion (391) may support the rear side of the fixing member (33). The cover protrusion (391) may support most of the area including the center of the fixing member (33) from the rear. Therefore, the fixing member (33) supported on both ends may have a large plate-like structure, but may be supported more stably by the cover protrusion (391).

[0101] The back cover (39) may further include a wire entry / exit portion (393) formed at the lower end of the circumference (392). For example, the wire entry / exit portion (393) may be formed by cutting the lower end of the back cover (39). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the wire entry / exit portion (393) may also be formed by opening the circumference (392). For example, the wire entry / exit portion (393) may be formed at a position corresponding to the connector hole (452a).

[0102] A wire (see 328 in FIG. 8) connected to an electrode layer (see 322 in FIG. 8) of a color panel (32) can be introduced through the wire entry / exit portion (393). That is, the wire (328) of the color panel (32) can be guided toward the door body (40) through the wire entry / exit portion (393). For example, the wire (328) guided toward the door body (40) through the wire entry / exit portion (393) can be guided to the connector hole (452a) of the lower cap deco (45) and connected to the power connector (455).

[0103] The panel assembly (30) may further 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). The upper bracket (34) may be coupled to the upper surface of the back cover (39), and the lower bracket (35) may be coupled to the lower surface of the back cover (39).

[0104] The lower bracket (35) may include a lower bracket front part (351) forming the front, a lower bracket rear part (352) forming the rear, a lower bracket side part (353) forming both side surfaces, and a lower bracket lower part (354) forming the lower surface.

[0105] The lower bracket front portion (351) can form the front of the lower bracket (35). The upper portion of the lower bracket front portion (351) can support the lower portion of the color panel (32). In addition, the upper portion of the lower bracket front portion (351) can support the lower portion of the front panel (31) and the fixing member (33).

[0106] The lower bracket rear portion (352) may be formed at a position spaced from the rear of the lower bracket front portion (351). The lower bracket rear portion (352) may form the rear of the lower bracket (35). The lower bracket rear portion (352) may protrude further upward than the lower bracket front portion (351) and the lower bracket side portion (353) to support the fixing member (33) from the rear. The lower bracket rear portion (352) may be combined with the back cover (39).

[0107] As will be described later, a bracket opening (see 352a in FIG. 8) may be formed on the rear portion (352) of the lower bracket. The bracket opening (352a) may guide the wire (328) rearward. The wire (328) guided rearward through the bracket opening (352a) may be guided to the wire entry / exit port (393) of the back cover (39).

[0108] The lower bracket lower portion (354) can form the lower surface of the lower bracket (35). The lower bracket lower portion (354) can form the bottom surface of the space where the lower portion of the color panel (32) is placed.

[0109] Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the color panel (32) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0110] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 6. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 6.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a color panel (32) according to one embodiment may include a color layer (321), an electrode layer (322) disposed on the front and back surfaces of the color layer (321), a substrate layer (323) disposed on the front and back surfaces of the electrode layer (322), a moisture-proof member (324) disposed to surround the substrate layer (323), and a moisture-proof film layer (325) disposed on the front and back surfaces of the moisture-proof member (324).

[0112] The color layer (321) may include a plurality of color capsules (3211) including pigment particles (3215) and a binder (3212) that fixes the positions of the color capsules (3211).

[0113] The color capsule (3211) may be positioned so as to make surface contact with the electrode layer (322). The color capsule (3211) may change the color displayed by the color panel (32) according to an applied electrical signal. The color panel (32) according to one embodiment can be mass-produced using the color capsule (3211) as a color implementation means, thereby improving product productivity.

[0114] A color capsule (3211) may include a capsule portion (3213), a fluid portion (3214) disposed inside the capsule portion (3213), and a plurality of pigment particles (3215) dispersed in the fluid portion (3214). The pigment particles (3215) may change their positions inside the fluid portion (3214) depending on an applied electrical signal.

[0115] As described above, a fluid portion (3214) and pigment particles (3215) may be placed inside the capsule portion (3213). The capsule portion (3213) may define a movement space for the pigment particles (3215) to move by an electrical signal.

[0116] The encapsulation portion (3213) may be disposed between a pair of electrode layers (322). The encapsulation portion (3213) may be in surface contact with each of the pair of electrode layers (322). As will be described later, the electrode layers (322) may include a first electrode layer (3221) disposed on the front surface of the color layer (321) and a second electrode layer (3222) disposed on the back surface of the color layer (321). The encapsulation portion (3213) may be disposed between the first electrode layer (3221) and the second electrode layer (3222).

[0117] The capsule portion (3213) can be fixed in position by the first electrode layer (3221) and the second electrode layer (3222). Therefore, in the color panel (32) according to one embodiment, since the color capsule (3211) is fixed in position by the first electrode layer (3221) and the second electrode layer (3222), product reliability can be improved.

[0118] The capsule portion (3213) can form the appearance of the color capsule (3211). That is, the shape of the color capsule (3211) can be defined by the shape of the capsule portion (3213).

[0119] The capsule portion (3213) may include a front portion (3213a) arranged toward the first electrode layer (3221), a rear portion (3213b) arranged toward the second electrode layer (3222), and a side portion (3213c) connecting the front portion (3213a) and the rear portion (3213b). The capsule portion (3213) may be in surface contact with the first electrode layer (3221) through the front portion (3213a) and in surface contact with the second electrode layer (3222) through the rear portion (3213b).

[0120] The front part (3213a) of the capsule part (3213) may have a circular structure when viewed from the front of the color panel (32). That is, the front part (3213a) of the capsule part (3213) may have a circular flat structure.

[0121] The front portion (3213a) of the capsule portion (3213) may include a flat surface. Accordingly, when viewed from the front of the panel assembly (30), the distribution of pigment particles (3215) of a specific color adjacent to the front portion (3213a) becomes uniform, thereby improving the uniformity of the color displayed on the color panel (32). For example, the front portion (3213a) of the capsule portion (3213) may be in contact with the first electrode layer (3221).

[0122] The rear portion (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213) may have a circular structure when viewed from the rear of the color panel (32). That is, the rear portion (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213) may have a circular flat structure.

[0123] The rear surface (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213) may include a flat surface. Therefore, as an example of a panel, the rear surface (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213) may be in contact with the second electrode layer (3222).

[0124] The side surface (3213c) of the capsule portion (3213) may be positioned toward the adjacent capsule portion (3213). The side surface (3213c) of the capsule portion (3213) may include a rounded surface.

[0125] Pigment particles (3215) are dispersed in the fluid portion (3214), and their positions can be freely changed within the capsule portion (3213). The positions of the pigment particles (3215) within the capsule portion (3213) can be changed according to an applied electrical signal.

[0126] The plurality of pigment particles (3215) may exhibit different colors. For example, the pigment particles (3215) may include a first pigment particle (3215a) exhibiting a first color, a second pigment particle (3215b) exhibiting a second color, a third pigment particle (3215c) exhibiting a third color, and a fourth pigment particle (3215d) exhibiting a fourth color.

[0127] The plurality of pigment particles (3215) may each have a positive or negative charge. Meanwhile, among the plurality of pigment particles (3215), pigment particles (3215) having the same charge may have different sizes and masses. In other words, among the plurality of pigment particles (3215), different types of pigment particles (3215) having the same charge may have different responsiveness to an electrical signal.

[0128] For example, the first pigment particle (3215a) and the third pigment particle (3215c) may have the same charge and different sizes and masses. The first pigment particle (3215a) may have a larger size and mass than the third pigment particle (3215c). Therefore, when an electrical signal is applied to the color panel (32), the movement speed of the third pigment particle (3215c) may be faster than the movement speed of the first pigment particle (3215a).

[0129] The second pigment particle (3215b) and the fourth pigment particle (3215d) may have the same charge and different sizes and masses. The second pigment particle (3215b) may have a larger size and mass than the fourth pigment particle (3215d). Therefore, when an electrical signal is applied to the color panel (32), the movement speed of the fourth pigment particle (3215d) may be faster than the movement speed of the second pigment particle (3215b).

[0130] For example, the first pigment particle (3215a) and the third pigment particle (3215c) may have a positive charge, and the second pigment particle (3215b) and the fourth pigment particle (3215d) may have a negative charge. In this case, the first pigment particle (3215a) and the third pigment particle (3215c) may move in response to a negative voltage, and the second pigment particle (3215b) and the fourth pigment particle (3215d) may move in response to a positive voltage. As another example, the first pigment particle (3215a) and the third pigment particle (3215c) may have a negative charge, and the second pigment particle (3215b) and the fourth pigment particle (3215d) may have a positive charge.

[0131] When an electrical signal is applied to the color panel (32), the position of the pigment particles (3215) may change. At this time, the color displayed by the pigment particles (3215) positioned close to the front, which is the color display surface positioned toward the front panel (31), may appear on the color panel (32).

[0132] Meanwhile, a plurality of color capsules (3211) may be provided in a monolayer structure. That is, the color capsules (3211) in the color layer (321) may be provided as a single layer in the thickness direction. Accordingly, when an electrical signal is applied to the color panel (32), the position of the pigment particles (3215) within the color capsules (3211) may be uniformly changed. Accordingly, a uniform color may be expressed in each area of ​​the color panel (32).

[0133] The shape of a color capsule (3211) included in a color panel (32) according to one embodiment will be described. The color capsule (3211) of the color panel (32) according to one embodiment can be formed by pressing a spherical color capsule precursor (see 3211' of FIG. 11) in the thickness direction. Accordingly, the color capsule (3211) according to one embodiment can have different lengths (a, b, c) depending on the position and direction. As described above, the shape of the color capsule (3211) can be defined by the shape of the capsule portion (3213).

[0134] The color capsule (3211) may have a first length (a) in a first direction. Here, the first direction may refer to the extension direction of the color panel (32). In addition, the first direction may refer to the direction in which adjacent color capsules (3211) are arranged. That is, the first direction may refer to the direction from one color capsule (3211) toward the adjacent color capsule (3211). That is, the first length (a) may be defined as the maximum diameter formed by the side portion (3213c) of the capsule portion (3213). In addition, the first length (a) may be defined as the diameter of the color capsule (3211). For example, the first length (a) may be 40 μm to 50 μm.

[0135] The color capsule (3211) may have a second length (b) in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Here, the second direction may refer to the front-back direction of the color panel (32). In addition, the second direction may refer to the thickness direction of the color panel (32). In addition, the second direction may refer to the direction in which a pair of electrode layers (322) face each other. In addition, the second direction may refer to the direction in which the front portion (3213a) and the rear portion (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213) face each other. That is, the second length (b) may be defined as the distance between the outer surface of the front portion (3213a) and the outer surface of the rear portion (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213). In addition, the second length (b) may also be defined as the distance in which a pair of electrode layers (322) are spaced apart.

[0136] The second length (b) may be less than the first length (a). For example, the second length (b) may be 22 μm to 28 μm.

[0137] A portion of the color capsule (3211) that makes surface contact with the electrode layer (322) may have a third length (c). Here, the third length (c) may be defined as the diameter of a circular structure formed by a portion where the color capsule (3211) and the electrode layer (322) make surface contact. In other words, the third length (c) may be defined as the maximum length formed by a structure formed by a portion where the color capsule (3211) and the electrode layer (322) make surface contact. For example, a portion where the color capsule (3211) makes contact with the first electrode layer (3221) and a portion where the color capsule (3211) makes contact with the second electrode layer (3222) may have substantially the same shape.

[0138] Additionally, the third length (c) of the color capsule (3211) may be defined as the diameter of the front portion (3213a) of the capsule portion (3213). Additionally, the third length (c) of the color capsule (3211) may be defined as the diameter of the rear portion (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213).

[0139] The third length (c) may be smaller than the first length (a). The third length (c) may be larger than the second length (b). For example, the second length (b) may be 25 μm to 30 μm.

[0140] A plurality of color capsules (3211) may be arranged spaced apart from each other with a fourth length (d). Here, the fourth length (d) may refer to a distance between the front portions (3213a) of the capsule portions (3213) included in neighboring color capsules (3211). Specifically, the fourth length (d) may be defined as an average value of the distance between the front portions (3213a) of the capsule portions (3213) included in neighboring color capsules (3211).

[0141] The fourth length (d) may be smaller than the third length (c). That is, the distance between the front portions (3213a) of the capsule portions (3213) included in the adjacent color capsules (3211) may be smaller than the diameter of the front portions (3213a) of the capsule portions (3213).

[0142] The positions of the plurality of color capsules (3211) can be fixed by a binder (3212). The binder (3212) can fix the positions of the plurality of color capsules (3211) to form the outer shape of the color layer (321). For example, the binder (3212) can be composed of a resin material.

[0143] The electrode layer (322) may include a first electrode layer (3221) disposed on the front surface of the color layer (321) and a second electrode layer (3222) disposed on the back surface of the color layer (321). An electrical signal may be applied to the first electrode layer (3221) and the second electrode layer (3222). An electric field may be formed in the color layer (321) due to a potential difference of the electrical signal applied to the first electrode layer (3221) and the second electrode layer (3222). That is, the pigment particles (3215) may move and change their positions within the capsule portion (3213) through the electric field formed in the color layer (321).

[0144] As described above, the first electrode layer (3221) can be in surface contact with the color capsule (3211) through the front portion (3213a) of the capsule portion (3213). In addition, the second electrode layer (3222) can be in surface contact with the color capsule (3211) through the rear portion (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213).

[0145] For example, the electrode layer (322) may be arranged across the color region (32a) and the wire connection region (32c). In the color region (32a), the electric field formed by the electrode layer (322) may change the position of the pigment particles (3215) of the color layer (321).

[0146] In the wire connection area (32c), the electrode layer (322) can be connected to the electrode connection portion (329) of the wire (328) to receive an electrical signal. The electrode layer (322) arranged in the wire connection area (32c) can be electrically connected to the electrode connection portion (329) through a conductive adhesive layer (329a). Meanwhile, the wire (328) connected to the electrode layer (322) can be connected to the control unit (13) to receive an electrical signal. For example, the control unit (13) can apply an electrical signal to the power connector (455), and the wire (328) can receive an electrical signal from the power connector (455).

[0147] Meanwhile, the lower bracket rear portion (352) of the lower bracket (35) may include a bracket opening (352a) that is open in the front-back direction. The bracket opening (352a) may be partially shielded by a back cover (39). The wire (328) may be introduced and exited through the bracket opening (352a). That is, the wire (328) extending rearward from the lower portion of the color panel (32) may be guided toward the control unit (13) through the bracket opening (352a).

[0148] The first electrode layer (3221) may be provided as a transparent electrode. Accordingly, the color expressed in the color layer (321) may be recognized from the front. For example, the first electrode layer (3221) may be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0149] The substrate layer (323) may include a first substrate (3231) disposed on the front surface of the first electrode layer (3221) and a second substrate (3232) disposed on the back surface of the second electrode layer (3222). The substrate layer (323) may be disposed across the color region (32a) and the wire connection region (32c).

[0150] The first substrate (3231) can support the first electrode layer (3221). That is, the first electrode layer (3221) can be formed on the first substrate (3231). The first substrate (3231) can be configured as a transparent substrate so that the color expressed in the color layer (321) can be recognized from the front of the panel assembly (30). For example, the first substrate (3231) can be provided as a transparent plastic substrate. The first substrate (3231) can be configured as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0151] The second substrate (3232) can support the second electrode layer (3222). That is, the second electrode layer (3222) can be formed on the second substrate (3232). For example, the second substrate (3232) can be made of the same transparent material as the first substrate (3231). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and since the second substrate (3232) is positioned behind the color layer (321), it can also be made of an opaque material.

[0152] The substrate layer (323) may be arranged to be surrounded by a moisture-proof member (324). In the color region (32a), the moisture-proof member (324) may be arranged on the front surface of the first substrate (3231) and the back surface of the second substrate (3232). In the sealing region (32b), the moisture-proof member (324) may be arranged between a pair of moisture-proof film layers (325). In the sealing region (32b), the moisture-proof member (324) may be arranged on the side surfaces of the color layer (321), the electrode layer (322), and the substrate layer (323). That is, the moisture-proof member (324) may be arranged to surround a laminated structure composed of the color layer (321), the electrode layer (322), and the substrate layer (323). Due to the moisture-proof member (324), the substrate layer (323) and the moisture-proof film layer (325) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The moisture-proof member (324) is arranged to surround the outer side of the substrate layer (323) to more effectively block moisture from penetrating into the color layer (321). For example, the moisture-proof member (324) may be composed of UV resin.

[0153] A moisture-proof film layer (325) may be disposed on the front and back surfaces of the moisture-proof member (324), respectively. For example, the moisture-proof film layer (325) may include a first moisture-proof film layer (3251) disposed on the front surface of the moisture-proof member (324) and a second moisture-proof film layer (3252) disposed on the back surface of the moisture-proof member (324). Although not illustrated, the moisture-proof film layer (325) may be attached to the moisture-proof member (324) via an adhesive member (not illustrated). Without being limited thereto, the moisture-proof film layer (325) may also be directly attached to the moisture-proof member (324).

[0154] The moisture-proof film layer (325) can prevent moisture from penetrating into the color layer (321). The moisture-proof film layer (325) can be provided in the form of a film. The moisture-proof film layer (325) can be arranged across the color area (32a) and the wire connection area (32c). For example, the moisture-proof film layer (325) can be composed of a polystyrene (PS) film.

[0155] The moisture-proof film layer (325) may constitute the outer surface of the color panel (32). For example, the first moisture-proof film layer (3251) may be attached to the front panel (31), and the second moisture-proof film layer (3252) may be attached to the fixing member (33). For example, the first moisture-proof film layer (3251) may be formed of a transparent film so that the color expressed in the color layer (321) can be recognized from the front. Meanwhile, the second moisture-proof film layer (3252) may also be formed of the same transparent film as the first moisture-proof film layer (3251), but is not limited thereto and may also be formed of an opaque film.

[0156] In one embodiment, the color layer (321), the electrode layer (322), and the substrate layer (323) may not be arranged in the sealing area (32b) of the color panel (32). The sealing area (32b) may be provided for sealing the color panel (32). The sealing of the color panel (32) in the sealing area (32b) may be achieved by mutually adhering the first moisture-proof film layer (3251) and the second moisture-proof film layer (3252).

[0157] In the sealing area (32b), a moisture-proof member (324) may be placed between the first moisture-proof film layer (3251) and the second moisture-proof film layer (3252). The moisture-proof member (324) placed in the sealing area (32b) may cover the side of the color layer (321) to prevent moisture from penetrating into the color layer (321).

[0158] The wire (328) can be electrically connected to the electrode layer (322). Through this, the wire (328) can receive an electrical signal from the control unit (13) and transmit it to the electrode layer (322). The wire (328) can include a first wire portion (3281) connected to the first electrode layer (3221) and a second wire portion (3282) connected to the second electrode layer (3222).

[0159] The wire (328) may include an electrode connection portion (329) arranged to overlap with the electrode layer (322). The electrode connection portion (329) may be arranged in the wire connection area (32c). That is, in the wire connection area (32c), the electrode layer (322) may be connected to the electrode connection portion (329) of the wire (328).

[0160] The electrode connection portion (329) may include a first electrode connection portion (3291) overlapping the first electrode layer (3221) and a second electrode connection portion (3292) overlapping the second electrode layer (3221). The first electrode connection portion (3291) may be included in the first wire portion (3281), and the second electrode connection portion (3292) may be included in the second wire portion (3282).

[0161] A conductive adhesive layer (329a) may be disposed between the electrode layer (322) and the electrode connection portion (329). The conductive adhesive layer (329a) may include a material having adhesive properties and electrical conductivity. Specifically, the conductive adhesive layer (329a) may be disposed between the first electrode layer (3221) and the first electrode connection portion (3291). Additionally, the conductive adhesive layer (329a) may be disposed between the second electrode layer (3221) and the second electrode connection portion (3292).

[0162] Hereinafter, the manufacturing process of a color panel (32) capable of mass production will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0163] Figures 11 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing a process for manufacturing a color panel according to one embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, first, a first electrode layer (3221) is formed on a first substrate (3231), and then a color capsule precursor (3211') and a binder (3212) can be applied on the first electrode layer (3221).

[0165] The color capsule precursor (3211') may refer to a particle in a form before being pressurized of the color capsule (3211) included in the color panel (32) according to one embodiment. The color capsule precursor (3211') is a spherical particle and may include a capsule portion (3213'), a fluid portion (3214) disposed inside the capsule portion (3213'), and pigment particles (3215) dispersed in the fluid portion (3214).

[0166] After applying a color capsule precursor (3211') and a binder (3212) on the first electrode layer (3221), a second substrate (3232) on which a second electrode layer (3222) is formed on the applied color capsule precursor (3211') and binder (3212) can be placed.

[0167] Thereafter, the second substrate (3232) may be pressed toward the first substrate (3231) to form a color layer (321). In this case, the shape of the color capsule precursor (3211') may be deformed to form a color capsule (3211). In addition, the gap between the first electrode layer (3221) and the second electrode layer (3222) may be reduced. The binder (3212) may be placed in the space between the color capsules (3211). Through this process, the shape of the spherical capsule portion (3213') of the color capsule precursor (3211') may be deformed to change into the capsule portion (3211) of the color capsule (3211).

[0168] That is, the spherical capsule portion (3213') of the color capsule precursor (3211') can be changed into a capsule portion (3213) of a color capsule (3211) including a front portion (3213a) arranged toward the first electrode layer (3221), a rear portion (3213b) arranged toward the second electrode layer (3222), and a side portion (3213c) connecting the front portion (3213a) and the rear portion (3213b).

[0169] The front portion (3213a) of the capsule portion (3213) may have a circular structure as a flat structure when viewed from the front of the color panel (32). The rear portion (3213b) of the capsule portion (3213) may have a circular structure as a flat structure when viewed from the rear of the color panel (32). Meanwhile, the side portion (3213c) of the capsule portion (3213) may be configured as a rounded surface as part of a spherical structure.

[0170] Meanwhile, although the present specification has been described based on pressing the second substrate (3232) toward the first substrate (3231), the color layer (321) can be formed in the same manner even when the first substrate (3231) is pressed toward the second substrate (3232) or when the first substrate (3231) and the second substrate (3232) are pressed toward each other.

[0171] A color panel (32) according to one embodiment is formed by placing a color capsule precursor (3211') and a binder (3212) between a first electrode layer (3221) and a second electrode layer (3222), and then applying pressure, so that mass production can be easily achieved. Accordingly, a home appliance equipped with a panel assembly (30) including a color panel (32) according to one embodiment can have improved product productivity.

[0172] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance includes a color panel (32) composed of an electrophoretic display panel, so that power consumption required to maintain a colorful appearance can be reduced.

[0173] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance can provide high color uniformity through a color panel (32) including a color capsule (3211) having flat front and rear surfaces, thereby improving product reliability.

[0174] According to an embodiment of the present invention, product productivity can be improved by including a color panel (32) including a color capsule (3211).

[0175] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance may include a color panel (32) comprising an electrophoretic panel including a color capsule (3211) fixed in position between a pair of electrode layers (322), thereby improving product reliability.

[0176] Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of control signals of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a panel assembly according to one embodiment displays color. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling the color of home appliances to which a panel assembly is applied using a remote device.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, an electrical appliance according to one embodiment may have an exterior formed by a panel assembly (30), and the exterior may be changed to a color set by a user by a color panel (32).

[0178] The home appliance may be any one of a refrigerator (1), an air conditioner (5), a dishwasher (6), a clothes manager (7), a washing machine (8), or a cooking appliance (9), each of which may have a structure similar to the panel assembly (30) of the embodiment of the present invention so that the color of the front surface can be freely changed.

[0179] For example, in a refrigerator (1), a panel assembly (30) may be provided on the front of a door (20) that opens and closes a cabinet (10). The panel assembly (30) may be changed to a set color according to user settings. That is, the front exterior color of the refrigerator (1) may be set to a color set by the user.

[0180] As another example, the indoor unit of the air conditioner (5) may have a space formed inside a case (51, or cabinet) forming the exterior, in which a heat exchange device and a fan, etc. are provided. The front of the case (51) may be formed by a panel assembly (511). The panel assembly (511) of the indoor unit of the air conditioner (5) may have the same structure as the panel assembly (30) of the refrigerator (1) described above and may be colored.

[0181] Accordingly, the panel assembly (511) can be changed to a set color by user settings. That is, the front exterior color of the indoor unit of the air conditioner (5) can be set to a color set by the user.

[0182] As another example, a dishwasher (6) may have a space for washing dishes formed inside a case (61, or cabinet) forming the exterior. The front of the case (61) may be opened and closed by a door (62), and the front of the door (62) may 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) described above and may have different colors.

[0183] Accordingly, the panel assembly (621) can be changed to a set color by user settings. That is, the front exterior color of the dishwasher (6) can be set to a color set by the user.

[0184] As another example, the clothing manager (7) may have a space for storing clothing formed inside a case (71, or cabinet) forming the exterior. The front of the case (71) may be opened and closed by a door (72), and the front 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) described above and may be colored.

[0185] Accordingly, the panel assembly (721) can be changed to a set color by user settings. That is, the front appearance color of the garment manager (7) can be set to a color set by the user.

[0186] As another example, a washing machine (8) or dryer may have a space for washing or drying formed inside a case (81, or cabinet) forming an exterior. The front of the case (81) may be opened and closed by a door (82). Meanwhile, the front of the case (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) described above and may be colored.

[0187] Accordingly, the panel assembly (30) can be changed to a set color by user settings. The front exterior color of the washing machine (8) or dryer can be set to a color set by the user.

[0188] As another example, a cooking appliance (9) may have a space for cooking food formed inside a case (91, or cabinet) that forms the exterior. The front of the case (91) may be opened and closed by a door (92), and the front of the door (92) may 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) described above and may have different colors.

[0189] Accordingly, the panel assembly (921) can be changed to a set color by user settings. The front exterior color of the cooking appliance (9) can be set to a color set by the user.

[0190] Meanwhile, the process of changing the color of the panel assembly (30) will be examined below.

[0191] The front appearance color of the panel assembly (30) may be determined by the color panel (32). In particular, the front appearance color of the panel assembly (30) may be determined by a combination of pigment particles (3215) arranged adjacent to the front surface of the color panel (32). For example, the front appearance color of the panel assembly (30) may be expressed by light irradiated from the outside being reflected on the front surface of the color panel (32). Therefore, the front surface of the color panel (32) may be referred to as a color display surface.

[0192] As described above, the arrangement of pigment particles (3215) on the color panel (32) can be changed by an electrical signal applied to the color panel (32). In the following description, controlling the color panel (32) may mean changing the arrangement of pigment particles (3215) by applying an electrical signal to the color panel (32).

[0193] If no electrical signal is applied to the color panel (32), the front appearance color of the panel assembly (30) can be maintained. On the other hand, if an electrical signal is applied to the color panel (32), the front appearance color of the panel assembly (30) can be changed depending on the arrangement of the pigment particles (3215).

[0194] The front exterior color of the panel assembly (30) can be determined by the arrangement of pigment particles (3215) of the color panel (32) that change according to an applied electrical signal. For example, the electrical signal applied to the color panel (32) can be controlled and set through a remote device (2) located away from the refrigerator (1). The refrigerator (1) can communicate with the remote device (2) through a communication unit (17) connected to the control unit (13), and a user can control the color of the color panel (32) through the remote device (2).

[0195] The communication unit (17) can communicate with the remote device (2) in various ways. For example, the communication unit (17) can have a structure capable of communicating in at least one of wired, wireless, and short-range communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, NFC, etc.). The remote device (2) can be a variety of devices capable of communication, such as a dedicated terminal, a mobile phone, a tablet, a portable PC, a desktop PC, a remote control, a Bluetooth speaker, etc.

[0196] The user can manipulate and set the overall state of the color panel (32), including color and color change conditions, through the operation of the remote device (2). For example, the color panel (32) can be easily manipulated and set through an application or dedicated program installed on the user's mobile phone.

[0197] Let us examine the selection of a color change of a panel assembly (30) via a remote device (2) with reference to Fig. 16. A user can select a desired color of the panel assembly (30) via the screen (2a) of a remote device (2), such as a mobile phone or terminal.

[0198] When a user operates a remote device (2), the remote device first displays a menu screen (2b), and the panel color change menu (2b1) is operated through the menu screen (2b).

[0199] When the user selects the panel color change menu (2b1), the remote device (2) outputs a color selection screen (2c) on the menu screen (2b), and the user can select the position of the panel assembly (30) to be changed and the color to be changed on the color selection screen.

[0200] In detail, the color selection screen (2c) displays a panel position selection menu (2c1) so that a panel assembly (30) mounted on a door (20) at a desired position among multiple doors (20) can be selected. The panel assembly (30) of the door (20) selected by the user can be displayed in the panel position selection menu (2c1).

[0201] The user can select the location of the desired panel assembly (30) and then input the color selection menu (2c2, 2c3) displayed on the color selection screen (2c). For example, the color selection menu (2c2, 2c3) may be in the form of a color picker that allows confirmation and extraction of color codes, and may display all colors that the panel assembly (30) can display. The color selection menu (2c2, 2c3) may be called a palette because it allows for the combination and selection of various colors.

[0202] The color selection menu (2c2, 2c3) may include a circular first selection section (2c2) and a bar-shaped second selection section (2c3). A color can be selected from the first selection section (2c2), and the intensity of the selected color can be selected from the second selection section (2c3). The color selection menu (2c2, 2c3) may be composed of either the first selection section (2c2) or the second selection section (2c3).

[0203] In this way, the user can select the color of the panel assembly (30) from among various colors through the color selection menu (2c2, 2c3). Of course, the color selection menu (2c2, 2c3) can also be configured to allow input in the form of characters, codes, numbers, etc.

[0204] The control unit (13) can apply an electrical signal to the color panel (32) so that a color selected by the user appears on the panel assembly (30). That is, the control unit (13) controls the color panel (32) so that a color selected by the user appears.

[0205] The user can also input the color through the control unit (14) provided in the refrigerator (1) without using the remote device (2).

[0206] The refrigerator (1) and the remote device (2) can be connected to the server in a network state, and therefore, the color of the panel assembly (30) of the refrigerator (1) can also be input through the server (3).

[0207] Meanwhile, the color panel (32) may be controlled by the user's manipulation of the control unit (14). The control unit (14) may be provided on one side of the refrigerator (1), for example, on one side of the cabinet (10). Of course, the control unit (14) may also be provided on the door (20) as needed, and input may be received by manipulation such as touching or knocking on the panel assembly (30). That is, the user may directly manipulate the control unit (14) to control the color panel (32).

[0208] Additionally, the color panel (32) may be controlled by a sensor. The sensor may be, for example, a user detection sensor (151) that detects the proximity of a user. For example, the user detection sensor (151) may be any of a variety of devices capable of detecting the proximity of a user to the refrigerator, such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor.

[0209] A user detection sensor (151) may be provided on one side of a cabinet or door (20) and may be positioned at various locations to detect the proximity of a user. A plurality of sensors may be provided at different locations.

[0210] Accordingly, when a user approaches the refrigerator (1) at a set distance to use the refrigerator (1), the user detection sensor (151) detects this and transmits a signal to the control unit (13) so that the color panel (32) can be controlled to display the set color. In addition, when the user moves away from the refrigerator (1), the user detection sensor (151) detects this and transmits a signal to the control unit (13) so that the color panel (32) can be controlled to display the set color.

[0211] The sensor may be a light sensor (152). The light sensor (152) detects the light level of an indoor space and may be placed at the same location as the user detection sensor (151).

[0212] The color panel (32) can be controlled according to the detected illuminance of the illuminance sensor (152). For example, when the detected illuminance of the illuminance sensor (152) becomes darker than the set illuminance, the control unit (13) controls the color panel (32) to display the set color, and when the detected illuminance of the illuminance sensor (152) becomes brighter than the set illuminance, the control unit (13) controls the color panel (32) to display the set color.

[0213] Meanwhile, the sensor may include both a light sensor (152) and a user detection sensor (151), and the light sensor (152) and the user detection sensor (151) may work in combination to control the color panel (32) through the control unit (13).

[0214] The control unit (13) may also be connected to a microphone (18). Accordingly, the color panel (32) may be made to glow in a set color according to a voice signal received from the microphone (18), and the input status of the voice signal or the setting status of the function may be displayed through the front color of the door (20).

[0215] For example, when a user's temperature control signal is input through a microphone (18), the control unit (13) can control the temperature inside the room to a set temperature and control the color panel (32) so that the color of the front of the door (20) changes to a color corresponding to the temperature.

[0216] Meanwhile, the color panel (32) can be controlled at a time set by a timer (16). That is, the color panel (32) can be set to display a set color according to the time when the user is mainly active, and the color panel (32) can be set to display a different set color outside of the set time range.

[0217] Meanwhile, the color panel (32) can be configured to allow color adjustment according to the user's settings regardless of the operating status of the refrigerator (1).

[0218] Below, the change in the front appearance of the door (20) according to the control of the color panel (32) will be examined with reference to the drawings.

[0219] Fig. 17 is a front view showing the front exterior of a refrigerator with the panel assembly displaying a first color. Fig. 18 is a front view showing the front exterior of a refrigerator with the panel assembly displaying a second color. Fig. 19 is a front view showing the front exterior of a refrigerator with the refrigerator door and the freezer door displaying different colors.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 17, the color panel (32) of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may display a first color. Here, the first color may be a color displayed by the color panel (32) at any point in time when no electrical signal is applied to the color panel (32).

[0221] At this time, the first color indicated by the color panel (32) appears on the front of the door (20), and the texture and pattern formed on the panel assembly (30) may be visible. Due to the first color of the color panel (32), the internal components of the panel assembly (30) are not visible to the outside.

[0222] In this state, an electrical signal can be applied to the color panel (32) by the control unit (13). When an electrical signal is applied to the color panel (32), the front of the door (20) can be changed to a color selected by the user.

[0223] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the control unit (13) can control the color panel (32) so that the front of the door (20) displays a second color different from the first color. That is, the color panel (32) can be controlled by the control unit (13) to display the second color. At this time, the second color can be selected by the user. For example, the user can select the second color by operating the remote device (2) or the operation unit (14).

[0224] In addition, when the control unit (13) controls the color of the color panel (32) to change while the front exterior of the refrigerator (1) is showing the second color, the panel assembly (30) shows a different color reset by the control unit (13).

[0225] For example, the control unit (13) may instruct the panel assembly (30) to display a third color different from the second color. The color panel (32) may be controlled according to the instructions of the control unit (13).

[0226] Meanwhile, the front exterior color of the panel assemblies (30) constituting some of the doors (20) among the plurality of doors (20) forming the front exterior of the refrigerator (1) may be changed. For example, the front exterior colors of the panel assemblies (30) constituting the plurality of doors (20) may be independently changed to form the front exterior of the refrigerator (1) with a set color.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 19, among the plurality of doors (20), the panel assemblies (30) of some doors (201) of the refrigerator (1) may be set to a first color, and the panel assemblies (30) of other doors (202) may be set to a second color different from the first color. That is, the front exterior colors of the panel assemblies (30) provided on the doors (20) are not all set to the same color, but the front exterior colors of the doors (20) may be set to different colors.

[0228] For example, among the doors (20), the refrigerator door (201) and the freezer door (202) can be controlled to display different colors. That is, the color panel (32) included in the panel assembly (30) of the refrigerator door (201) and the color panel (32) included in the panel assembly (30) of the freezer door (202) can be controlled independently.

[0229] The control unit (13) can control the color panel (32) so that the panel assembly (30) of a pair of refrigerator doors (201) displays a first color. The control unit (13) can control the color panel (32) so that the pair of freezer doors (202) displays a second color different from the first color.

[0230] That is, the refrigerator door (201) and the freezer door (202) can be distinguished by color, and the colors of the refrigerator door (201) and the freezer door (202) can also be changed according to the temperature change inside the refrigerator.

[0231] Accordingly, the user can intuitively identify the difference between the refrigerator and freezer through the front color of the refrigerator door (201) and the freezer door (202), as well as the operating status of each storage space.

[0232] Meanwhile, the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the aforementioned embodiments. Below, other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components of other embodiments that are identical to those of the aforementioned embodiments may be omitted from description and illustration, and may be described using the same drawing references. In other words, only structures that differ from the aforementioned embodiments will be described below, and other components not described may be identical to those of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0233] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to another embodiment.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 20, the panel assembly (30) according to the present embodiment is different from the panel assembly (30) according to the first embodiment in that the moisture-proof film layer (325) is omitted in front of the moisture-proof member (324) disposed on the front surface of the first substrate (3231).

[0235] In the present embodiment, a front panel (31) may be placed on the front surface of a moisture-proof member (324) disposed on the front surface of the first substrate (3231). Although not shown, the front panel (31) may be attached to the moisture-proof member (324) via an adhesive member (not shown). Without being limited thereto, the front panel (31) may also be directly attached to the moisture-proof member (324).

[0236] In this embodiment, the front panel (31) may be formed of a transparent material that allows light transmission, similar to the front panel (31) included in the panel assembly (30) according to one embodiment. For example, the front panel (31) may be formed of a glass material such as blue glass, white glass, or deposited glass, or another material that allows light transmission, such as ABS, PMMA, or PC. Accordingly, the front panel (31) of this embodiment may perform a moisture-proof function that prevents moisture from penetrating into the color panel (32).

[0237] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, the power consumption required to maintain a colorful appearance can be reduced by providing a color panel (32) composed of an electrophoretic display panel.

[0238] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, the reliability of the product can be improved by providing high color uniformity through a color panel (32) including a color capsule (3211) having flat front and rear surfaces.

[0239] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, product productivity can be improved by including a color panel (32) including a color capsule (3211).

[0240] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to another embodiment.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 21, the color panel (32'') included in another panel assembly (30) in this embodiment may have a different structure from the color panel (32) included in the panel assembly (30) according to one embodiment.

[0242] The color panel (32'') according to the present embodiment may include a first moisture-proof film layer (3251) disposed on the front surface of a first substrate (3231) and a second moisture-proof film layer (3252) disposed on the back surface of a second substrate (3232).

[0243] A first adhesive layer (324'') may be placed between the first substrate (3231) and the first moisture-proof film layer (3251). That is, the first substrate (3231) and the first moisture-proof film layer (3251) may be mutually attached by the first adhesive layer (324'').

[0244] Meanwhile, the first moisture-proof film layer (3251) can be attached to the front panel (31) via the second adhesive layer (326). That is, the front side of the first moisture-proof film layer (3251) can be attached to the back side of the front panel (31) via the second adhesive layer (326).

[0245] A second adhesive layer (324'') may be placed between the second substrate (3232) and the second moisture-proof film layer (3251). That is, the second substrate (3232) and the second moisture-proof film (3252) may be mutually attached by the first adhesive layer (324'').

[0246] Meanwhile, the second moisture-proof film layer (3252) can be attached to the fixing member (33) via the second adhesive layer (326). That is, the back surface of the second moisture-proof film layer (3252) can be attached to the front surface of the fixing member (33) via the second adhesive layer (326).

[0247] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, the power consumption required to maintain a colorful appearance can be reduced by providing a color panel (32'') composed of an electrophoretic display panel.

[0248] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, the reliability of the product can be improved by providing high color uniformity through a color panel (32'') including a color capsule (3211) having flat front and rear surfaces.

[0249] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, product productivity can be improved by including a color panel (32) including a color capsule (3211).

[0250] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to another embodiment.

[0251] Referring to FIG. 22, the color panel (32''') according to the present embodiment is different from the color panel (32''') according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 in that the first moisture-proof film layer (3251) is omitted in front of the first adhesive layer (324''') disposed on the front surface of the first substrate (3231).

[0252] In this embodiment, a front panel (31) may be placed on the front surface of the first adhesive layer (324''') placed on the front surface of the first substrate (3231).

[0253] In the present embodiment, the front panel (31) may be formed of a transparent material that allows light transmission, similar to the front panel (31) included in the panel assembly (30) according to one embodiment. For example, the front panel (31) may be formed of a glass material such as blue glass, white glass, or deposited glass, or another material that allows light transmission, such as ABS, PMMA, or PC. Accordingly, the front panel (31) of the present embodiment may perform a moisture-proof function that prevents moisture from penetrating into the color panel (32''').

[0254] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, the power consumption required to maintain a colorful appearance can be reduced by providing a color panel (32''') composed of an electrophoretic display panel.

[0255] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, the reliability of the product can be improved by providing high color uniformity through a color panel (32''') including a color capsule (3211) having flat front and rear surfaces.

[0256] According to the home appliance according to the present embodiment, product productivity can be improved by including a color panel (32''') including a color capsule (3211).

[0257] According to a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, the power consumption required to maintain the colorful appearance of the home appliance can be reduced by providing an electrophoretic display panel, and thus, the industrial applicability is recognized.

[0258] According to a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reliability of the product can be improved by providing high color uniformity through an electrophoretic display panel including a color capsule having flat front and rear surfaces, and thus, the possibility of industrial application is recognized.

[0259] According to the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, the productivity of the product can be improved by including an electrophoretic display panel including a color capsule, and thus, the industrial applicability is recognized.

[0260] According to a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, product reliability can be improved through an electrophoretic display panel including a color capsule fixed in position between a pair of electrode layers, and thus, industrial applicability is recognized.

Claims

1. A cabinet with an internal space; and A door configured to open and close the internal space, comprising a door body connected to the cabinet and a panel assembly mounted on the door body, The above panel assembly, A front panel forming the front exterior of the above door; A color panel placed at the rear of the front panel; and A back cover is disposed at the rear of the color panel and forms the rear of the panel assembly, The above color panel is, A color layer comprising color capsules containing pigment particles; and A home appliance comprising an electrode layer disposed on each of the front and rear surfaces of the color layer, and in which the color capsule is in surface contact.

2. In paragraph 1, The above color capsules are, having a first length in the extension direction of the above color panel, Having a second length in the thickness direction of the above color panel, A home appliance wherein the second length is shorter than the first length.

3. In paragraph 2, The diameter of the circular structure formed by the above color capsules making surface contact with the electrode layer has a third length, A home appliance wherein the third length is greater than the second length.

4. In paragraph 1, The above electrode layer is, A first electrode layer disposed on the front surface of the color layer, and A second electrode layer is disposed on the back surface of the color layer, The above color capsules are, A home appliance comprising a capsule portion that accommodates the pigment particles and is in surface contact with the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, respectively.

5. In paragraph 4, The above capsule part, The front surface in surface contact with the first electrode layer, A rear surface in surface contact with the second electrode layer, and A home appliance including a side portion connecting the front portion and the rear portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A home appliance in which the distance between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is smaller than the maximum diameter of the side surface.

7. In paragraph 5, The front part and the rear part include a flat surface, The above front part has a circular flat structure, A home appliance in which the maximum diameter of the side portion is larger than the diameter of the front portion.

8. In paragraph 1, The above color panel is, Further comprising a moisture-proof member arranged to surround the color layer and the electrode layer, A home appliance in which the front panel is arranged on the front surface of the above moisture-proof member.

9. In paragraph 8, The above color panel is, A color area in which the above color layer is placed; and Includes a sealing area placed around the above color area, The above moisture-proof member is a home appliance arranged across the color area and the sealing area.

10. In paragraph 9, The above color panel is, A first moisture-proof film layer disposed on the front surface of the above moisture-proof member; and Further comprising a second moisture-proof film layer disposed on the rear surface of the above moisture-proof member, In the above sealing area, A home appliance in which the above moisture-proof member is placed between the first moisture-proof film layer and the second moisture-proof film layer.

11. In paragraph 1, The above color layer is, An electrical appliance further comprising a binder that disperses the color capsules and fixes the positions of the color capsules.

12. In paragraph 1, The above back cover is made of metal material, The above panel assembly, Further comprising a fixing member attached to the rear of the color panel to fix the color panel to the back cover, The above-mentioned fixing member is a home appliance including a magnetic material.

13. In paragraph 1, The above color panel is, A home appliance further comprising a wire that is electrically connected to the electrode layer to transmit an electrical signal and extends toward the door body.

14. In paragraph 13, The above panel assembly, Further comprising a lower bracket that supports the lower part of the color panel and constitutes the lower surface of the panel assembly, The above lower bracket is a home appliance including a bracket opening through which the above wire passes.

15. In paragraph 13, The above color panel is, A color area in which the above color layer is placed; and A home appliance further comprising a wire connection area arranged around the color area and in which the electrode layer and the wire overlap.

Images