KR20200141430A - Outplate for home appliance and manufacture method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an external member for a home appliance, and a method for manufacturing the same. A plurality of through-holes penetrating a remaining portion except a color layer is formed in the external member formed by a color steel plate so as to allow light to be transmitted to enable a display unit to be exposed to the outside when an LED light is turned on and allow the light to be hidden by the color layer to prevent the display unit and the through-holes constituting the display unit from being seen when the LED light is turned off.

Description

Outplate for home appliance and manufacture method thereof {Outplate for home appliance and manufacture method thereof}

The present invention relates to an exterior member for home appliances and a method of manufacturing the same.

In general, home appliances are provided with a display assembly for displaying an operating state of the home appliance. The display assembly may display various types of information according to the operation of the home appliance in the form of numbers, letters, symbols, or pictures.

Accordingly, the user can check the information output through the display assembly to determine the operation state of the home appliance and perform an operation for the operation of the home appliance.

In order to enhance the appearance of modern home appliances, an exterior member made of a metal material or an exterior member of a material coated so that the exterior has a steel-like texture is used, and the exterior member is equipped with a display as described above. To display the behavior of home appliances.

In Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2014-0121753, a display unit is provided on the rear surface of a front plate made of metal of a refrigerator door, and the display unit of the display unit can be seen by a user through a plurality of through holes formed on the front plate. A refrigerator having a structure is disclosed. In addition, the through hole is formed through etching or laser drilling so that it can be formed into a fine size.

However, no matter how fine the hole is processed, the through hole can be identified to the outside. In particular, when the display unit is viewed closely, the through hole through which light does not pass through is also seen, which is a problem in appearance.

In particular, even if a hole is processed with a fine size, a variation in hole size may occur, and there is a problem that may cause dissatisfaction of a user due to the variation in hole size.

In addition, even if the hole filling treatment is performed inside the through hole, an uneven shape may be formed on the front surface, and thus there is a problem that foreign matter may be soiled or contaminated.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of through holes are formed in an exterior member formed of a color steel sheet through the remaining portions excluding the color layer, so that when the LED is turned on, light is transmitted to the display portion, and the LED is An object of the present invention is to provide an exterior member for a home appliance and a method of manufacturing the same, which is covered by the color layer when it is turned off so that the display unit and the plurality of through holes constituting the display unit are not visible.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an exterior member for a home appliance that can improve productivity by forming the through hole by removing only a portion corresponding to the through hole among the back coating layer of the color steel sheet and then etching the removed area. It aims to provide.

An exterior member for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention covers a display assembly including a plurality of LEDs, and a color layer forming the color and texture of the home appliance and a back coating layer for preventing corrosion are formed on the front and rear surfaces. Colored steel plate; A plurality of first through holes formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of LEDs, and recessed from the rear surface of the color steel sheet to the color layer; And a hole filling member formed to fill each of the plurality of first through holes, through which light of the LED is transmitted, wherein the plurality of first through holes allow light to pass through the color layer when the LED is turned on. A display unit indicating operation information of the refrigerator is formed from the outside, and the first through hole is covered so that the first through hole is not exposed by the color layer when the LED is turned off.

The color steel sheet is characterized in that it is a VSM steel sheet or a PCM steel sheet.

The back coating layer is characterized in that it is removed to a corresponding size at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of first through holes.

The back coating layer may be removed by an area having a size including all of the plurality of first penetrations.

The hole filling member is characterized in that it is formed to cover all portions of the back surface of the color steel sheet from which the back coating layer has been removed.

The color layer is characterized in that it is formed in a film type or is formed by painting or coating a paint.

The first through hole is characterized in that the etching is formed using ferric chloride.

The hole filling member is characterized in that it is formed by a screen printing method on the back surface of the color steel sheet.

A method for manufacturing an exterior member for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of wearing a color steel sheet forming the exterior of the home appliance [S110]; Removing the back coating layer on the rear surface of the color steel sheet by a laser in an area corresponding to the display portion [S120]; Laminating a photosensitive resin film on the surface of the base metal layer exposed to the color steel sheet from which the back coating layer has been removed [S130]; Curing the photosensitive resin film by irradiating ultraviolet rays after disposing a masking film designed to form a hole at a position corresponding to the position where the first through hole is formed [S140]; Dissolving and removing the remaining portions of the photosensitive resin film excluding the cured portion [S150]; Spraying an etching solution to leave a color layer of the color steel sheet and corrode the base metal layer corresponding to the position of the first through hole to form the first through hole by etching [S160]; And forming a hole filling member to support the color layer with a material capable of transmitting light through the first through hole [S170].

The hole filling member is formed to cover the entire area of the display portion from which the back coating layer has been removed.

In addition, a method for manufacturing an exterior member for a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of wearing a color steel sheet forming the exterior of the home appliance [S210]; Removing the back coating layer on the back surface of the color steel sheet with a laser at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of first through holes [S220]; Spraying an etching solution to leave the color layer of the color steel sheet and corrode the base metal layer corresponding to the position of the first through hole to form the first through hole by etching [S230]; And forming a hole filling member to support the color layer with a material capable of transmitting light through the first through hole [S240].

According to an exterior member for a home appliance and a method of manufacturing the same according to an embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

First, the exterior member according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which the first through hole is shielded by a color layer forming the front surface of the color steel sheet. In addition, due to the structural characteristics of the color layer, when the LED is turned on, light may pass through and the display portion may appear to the outside. When the LED is turned off, the first through hole is not exposed to the outside. Accordingly, when the LED is turned off, the first through hole is not visible to the front of the exterior member, thereby improving the appearance and realizing a luxurious appearance.

Second, when the first through-hole is formed, an etching solution containing an iron dioxide component capable of reacting with the base metal of the color steel sheet is used. Accordingly, after removing the back coating layer, the first through hole can be easily formed by etching molding, and at this time, the first through hole can be formed while preventing damage to the color layer shielding the first through hole. .

Fourth, as the color steel sheet, a VSM steel sheet or a PM steel sheet may be used, and the first through hole can be formed by a simple method by removing the back coating on the color steel sheet supplied as a finished product, thereby improving productivity and reducing manufacturing cost. There is an advantage that can be saved.

Fifth, by making the back coating layer removed when the first through hole is formed with a hole-filling member filling the first through hole, corrosion of the color steel sheet can be prevented, and at the same time, the effect of supporting the color layer can be expected. May be.

Sixth, when forming the first through hole, the back coating layer may be formed to have a size corresponding to the size of the first through hole by laser marking, and the back coating layer is removed using an etching solution of iron dioxide component reacting with the base metal. Thus, the first through hole can be formed in the exposed base mechanical layer.

At this time, the back coating layer acts as a masking for etching, and therefore, since it is not necessary to perform a separate film laminating process or development for etching, workability and productivity are remarkably improved, and manufacturing cost can also be significantly reduced. You can expect a good effect.

1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view illustrating a display unit of a refrigerator door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention turned on.
3 is a rear view of the refrigerator door.
4 is a cutaway perspective view of a color steel plate constituting a front panel of the refrigerator door.
5 is a cross-sectional view of the color layer of the color steel sheet.
6 is a cross-sectional view of another color layer of the color steel sheet.
7 is a cut-away perspective view of another color steel plate constituting the front panel of the refrigerator door.
8 is a cross-sectional view 8-8' of FIG. 3.
9 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of the display assembly of the refrigerator door.
10 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerator door in which the front panel is separated.
11 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of a touch sensor assembly, a display cover, a display assembly, a frame display, and a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a cross-sectional view 12-12' of FIG. 2.
13 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 12.
14 is a diagram illustrating a state of a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flowchart sequentially showing a method of manufacturing an exterior member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process of the exterior member.
17 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a method of forming a hole filling member in the first through hole of the exterior member.
18 is a schematic view schematically illustrating a process of printing and molding a hole filling member in the first through hole.
19 is a view showing in more detail a state in which a screen printing process is performed on the rear surface of the front panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is an enlarged view showing the relationship between the mesh of the plate making for screen printing and the first through hole.
21 is a flowchart sequentially showing a method of manufacturing an exterior member according to another embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process of the exterior member.
23 is an exploded perspective view of an air conditioner provided with an exterior member having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
24 is an exploded perspective view of a washing machine provided with an exterior member having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
25 is an exploded perspective view of a dishwasher including an exterior member having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
26 is an exploded perspective view of a cooking appliance including an exterior member having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention cannot be said to be limited to the embodiments in which the spirit of the present invention is presented, and other inventions that are regressive by addition, change, deletion, etc. of other components, or other embodiments included within the scope of the present invention can be easily performed. Can be suggested.

In particular, the embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example that a display assembly is mounted on a door of a refrigerator for convenience of explanation and understanding, and the present invention provides a plurality of fine through holes formed in the exterior member and light passes through it. It should be noted in advance that it can be applied to home appliances including refrigerators of all types capable of displaying the operating state by a combination of through holes.

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

As shown in the drawings, the refrigerator 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have an external shape formed by a cabinet forming a storage space and a refrigerator door 10 mounted on the cabinet to open and close the storage space.

The storage space may be divided into left and right sides and/or vertically, and a plurality of refrigerator doors 10 for opening and closing each space may be provided on an opened front surface of the storage space. The refrigerator door 10 is configured to open and close the storage space in a sliding or rotating manner, and is configured to form a front exterior of the refrigerator 1 in a closed state.

In addition, a display unit 11 and a touch manipulation unit 12 are provided on a refrigerator door 10 on one side of the plurality of refrigerator doors 10 at a height that facilitates manipulation and identification by a user.

The display unit 11 is configured to display the operating state of the refrigerator 1 to the outside, and is configured so that light irradiated from the inside of the refrigerator door 10 can be transmitted and displayed as a symbol or number. Through this, it is possible to check the operation information of the refrigerator.

In addition, when light is not irradiated from the inside of the refrigerator door 10, the display unit 11 does not appear to the outside as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, when light is not irradiated from the inside of the refrigerator door 10, the refrigerator door 10 has the same appearance as that a configuration for displaying the same information as the display unit 11 is not provided.

The touch manipulation unit 12 is a part that a user touches for the operation of the refrigerator 1 and is provided on a partial area of the front surface of the refrigerator door 10, and a part where a pressing operation can be detected is printed or etched. It can be marked by the same method as surface processing.

Of course, the touch manipulation unit 12 may be provided on a refrigerator door 10 other than the refrigerator door 10 provided with the display unit 11 among the plurality of refrigerator doors 10, and the refrigerator door 10 ) May be provided on one side of the cabinet. And, if necessary, the touch manipulation unit 12 may be provided with a switch or button manipulation unit instead of a touch type.

*In addition, the touch manipulation unit 12 may also be configured in the same configuration as the display unit 11 so that light does not appear outside when no light is irradiated inside the refrigerator door 10.

2 is a perspective view illustrating a display unit of a refrigerator door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention turned on.

As shown in the drawing, the refrigerator door 10 has a front exterior entirely formed by the front panel 20. In the embodiment of the present invention, the front panel 20 is the same concept as the exterior member, and is referred to as the front panel 20 for convenience of explanation, and may be referred to as the same as the exterior member of other embodiments.

The refrigerator door 10 includes the front panel 20 forming a front exterior, a door liner 30 forming a rear exterior, and a decor member 40 provided at the top and bottom of the refrigerator door 10. The overall appearance can be formed by the combination of ,43).

Looking at this in more detail, the front panel 20 forms the front exterior of the refrigerator door 10 and may be formed of a plate-shaped color steel plate. In addition, the front panel 20 may further include a part of a side surface of the refrigerator door 10 as well as the entire front surface of the refrigerator door 10. In addition, the color steel sheet forming the front panel 20 may be subjected to an anti-fingerprint treatment, a specific pattern or pattern may be expressed, and a hairline may be formed to have a metal texture.

Meanwhile, the display unit 11 may be defined by a plurality of first through holes 21 formed in a partial area of the front panel 20. The display unit 11 may be configured as a set of a plurality of first through holes 21 perforated in a predetermined arrangement so as to represent numbers or symbols. For example, a set of the plurality of first through holes 21 may be arranged in a shape of 7 segments, and may be arranged to indicate a specific symbol or pattern that may indicate the state of the refrigerator 1, or letters. .

The display unit 11 is formed to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of second through holes 220 and third through holes 321 to be described below, so that the light irradiated from the LED 313 of the display assembly 300 is transmitted. It is structured to be.

That is, among the first through holes 21, light may be irradiated through at least some of the first through holes 21 formed at a position corresponding to the position of the LED 313 to which light is irradiated, The first through-holes 21 to which light is irradiated represent a specific number or letter shape, so that information can be transmitted to the user.

The first through hole 21 may be formed by etching processing on the rear surface of the front panel 20. In addition, the opened front surface of the first through hole 21 is shielded by the surface of the color steel plate. Therefore, when the LED 313 is not turned on, the first through hole 21 is shielded by the color layer 235 forming the surface of the color steel plate so that it is not exposed to the outside. The display portion 11 and the first through hole 21 forming the display portion 11 cannot be seen through the door 10.

However, when at least some of the LEDs 313 are lit, as disclosed in FIG. 2, the first through-hole 21 corresponding to the lighted LED 313 among the plurality of first through-holes 21 As light is transmitted, it can be exposed to the outside. At this time, it may be expressed as a specific number (for example, 4, -12 as in FIG. 2) by a combination of the exposed first through holes 21, and is displayed as a character or a picture, so that information can be delivered to the user .

3 is a rear view of the refrigerator door. And, FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of a color steel plate constituting a front panel of the refrigerator door.

As shown in the drawings, the front panel 20 may be formed in a plate shape, and may be bent to form at least a part of a side surface of the refrigerator door 10. In addition, since the front panel 20 forms the exterior of the refrigerator door 10, it may be formed to have a thickness capable of ensuring sufficient strength.

In addition, a plurality of first through holes 21 may be formed in the area of the display portion 11 of the front panel 20. The first through hole 21 is formed in a shape that is recessed from the rear surface of the front panel 20, and penetrates the rest of the color steel plate forming the front panel 20 except for the color layer 235 It can be formed as

When the LED 313 of the display assembly 300 is not turned on and is looking toward the refrigerator door 10, the first through hole 21 is covered by the color layer 235, Does not appear as. Accordingly, the user may recognize that the entire front surface of the refrigerator door 10 is formed of a smooth steel plate without a configuration such as a display.

In addition, the plurality of first through holes 21 may be arranged to transmit information in the form of a specific character or symbol when the LED 313 is turned on, thereby forming the display unit 11. The overall shape of the display unit 11 appears in a different shape depending on the LED 313 to be lit. Accordingly, the display unit 11 may be defined as representing the entire area in which the plurality of first through holes 21 are disposed.

Meanwhile, a hole filling member 22 is formed on the rear surface of the front panel 20. The hole filling member 22 may be formed on a portion of the rear surface of the front panel 20 where the display unit 11 is formed by a printing method.

That is, the display portion of the front panel 20 as well as the entire plurality of first through holes 21 by the hole filling member 22 formed by printing on the rear surface of the front panel 20 by screen printing 11) Part of the rear surface corresponding to the area can be covered.

Meanwhile, the front panel 20 may be formed of a color steel plate, and the color steel plate is a VCM steel plate 23 or a PCM steel plate having a color layer 235 through which light is transmitted. 23') may be used.

For example, the color steel sheet constituting the front panel 20 may be formed of the BC steel sheet 23. As shown in Fig. 4, the VSM steel sheet 23 is a pre-treatment layer treated with chemical cleaning or coating on the upper surface based on the base metal layer 231 formed of a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet (GI) or an electro-galvanized steel sheet (EGI) ( 233, a primer layer 234, and a color layer 235 for expressing colors and textures. And, based on the base metal layer 231, a back coating layer 232 treated to prevent corrosion of the back surface of the BC steel sheet 23 exposed to the rear is formed on the lower surface of the base metal layer 231 Can be.

The color layer 235 forming the uppermost surface of the VSM steel sheet 23 has a film-like structure and can form the front appearance of the front panel 20. In addition, the back coating layer 232 forms the rear surface of the front panel 20 and can come into contact with the heat insulating material 24 filled in the refrigerator door 10.

In order to form the first through hole 21 on the front panel 20, the etching is performed after peeling off a part of the back coating layer 232 formed on the lower surface of the BC steel plate 23. That is, the back coating layer 232 of the VCM steel sheet 23 is peeled off and the first through hole 21 is formed in the exposed base metal layer 231 by using an etching solution.

In addition, after the first through hole 21 is formed, a hole-filling member 22 made of a material capable of transmitting light may fill the first through hole 21. The hole filling member 22 may prevent corrosion of the inner surface of the first through hole 21 and support the color layer 235 that shields the opening of the first through hole 21. The hole filling member 22 may fill the first through hole 21 as well as cover a portion of the back surface of the base metal layer 231 from which the back coating layer 232 has been peeled off for etching. It can be formed to be in the same state.

The hole filling member 22 may be formed by a printing method to be described below, and may be formed in various forms such as coating, coating, attachment, etc. of a material capable of transmitting light as necessary.

Meanwhile, the exterior of the front panel 20, that is, the front exterior of the refrigerator door 10 may be formed by the color layer 235, and the color layer 235 may implement various colors and textures. . The color layer 235 has a film-like structure, and is composed of a PV type and a PV free type according to the type of the BC steel sheet 23, and may be adhered to the base metal layer 231 to which a primer is applied. .

5 is a cross-sectional view of the color layer of the color steel sheet.

As shown in the drawing, the color layer 235 may be formed in a PV-free type. To this end, in the color layer 235, a hot melt layer 235a is formed on the bottom, and a film color layer 235b, a primer layer 235c, a deposition layer 235d, a primer layer 235e, a PT layer ( 235f) can be placed in sequence.

The hot melt layer 235a is bonded to the primer layer 234 of the BC steel sheet 23 so that the color layer 235 can be positioned above the base metal layer 231. In addition, the film color layer 235b may determine the color of the color layer 235, and various colors including a transparent color may be possible. In addition, the deposition layer 235d allows the color layer 235 to have a specific texture, may be formed to have a metal-like texture, and may be positioned above the film color layer 235b. . In addition, the PT layer 235f is positioned on the uppermost surface of the color layer 235 to protect the color layer 235.

6 is a cross-sectional view of another color layer of the color steel sheet.

Meanwhile, the color layer 235 may be formed in a PV type. To this end, the color layer 235 has a PVC layer (235g) having a color as shown in FIG. 6 is formed on the bottom, a primer layer (235c), a deposition layer (235d), a primer layer (235e), The PT layers 235f may be sequentially disposed.

The PV layer 235g may be adhered to the primer layer 234 above the base metal layer 231. In addition, the PV layer 235g may determine the color of the color layer 235 and may be formed in various colors including a transparent color. In addition, the deposition layer 235d allows the color layer 235 to have a specific texture, may be formed to have a metal-like texture, and may be positioned above the film color layer 235b. . In addition, the PC layer 235f is positioned on the uppermost surface of the color layer 235 to protect the color layer 235.

As such, the color layer 235 of the VSM steel sheet 23 may be applicable to both a PV type and a PV free type, and may be formed of a film material capable of transmitting light.

Meanwhile, as the color steel plate forming the front panel 20 of the refrigerator door 10, a PCM steel plate 23 ′ may be used in addition to the VSM steel plate 23.

7 is a cut-away perspective view of another color steel plate constituting the front panel of the refrigerator door.

As shown in the drawing, the PM steel sheet 23' is chemically cleaned or coated on the upper surface based on the base metal layer 231 formed of a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet (GI) or an electro-galvanized steel sheet (EGI). A pretreatment layer 233, a primer layer 234, and a color layer 236 for expressing colors and textures are formed. In addition, a back coating layer 232 treated with a treatment such as corrosion prevention of the back surface of the exposed BC steel sheet 23 may be formed on a lower surface of the base metal layer 231 as a reference.

At this time, the color layer 235 forming the uppermost surface of the PM steel plate 23 ′ is formed by painting or coating using a paint capable of transmitting light, and the front appearance of the front panel 20 Can be formed. In addition, the back coating layer 232 forms the rear surface of the front panel 20 and may come into contact with the heat insulating material 24 filled in the refrigerator door 10.

Except for the color layer 236, the rest of the base metal layer 231, the back coating layer 232, the pretreatment layer 233, and the primer layer 234 have the same structure as the above-described VSM steel sheet 23, so the same drawing They are indicated by symbols and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In order to form the first through hole 21 on the front panel 20, the etching is performed after peeling off a part of the back coating layer 232 formed on the lower surface of the PM steel plate 23'. That is, the back coating layer 232 of the PM steel sheet 23 ′ is peeled off and the first through hole 21 is formed on the exposed base metal layer 231 using an etching solution.

In addition, after the first through hole 21 is formed, a hole-filling member 22 made of a material capable of transmitting light may fill the first through hole 21. In this case, the hole filling member 22 may fill the first through hole 21 as well as cover a portion of the base metal layer 231 from which the back coating layer 232 has been peeled off for etching. It can be formed to be in the same state as.

8 is a cross-sectional view 8-8' of FIG. 3.

As shown in the drawing, a plurality of first through holes 21 may be formed in the front panel 20. The plurality of first through holes 21 are perforated to have a uniform diameter, and may be formed by etching to have a design diameter of 0.5 mm. The first through holes 21 may be formed by etching the exposed base metal layer 231 by removing a part of the back coating layer 232 on the rear surface of the front panel 20.

In this case, the etchant used may be ferric chloride (FeCl ₃ ) that can be dissolved by reacting with the base metal layer 231. Accordingly, when the part from which the back coating layer 232 is removed is etched using an etching solution, the first through hole 21 may be formed to completely penetrate the base metal layer 231. In this case, over-etching may be performed so that the opening of the first through-hole 21 maintains a uniform size, and the diameter D of the opening of the first through-hole 21 formed by over-etching is It can be formed to a size between 0.5 and 0.7 mm slightly larger than the design diameter.

The size of the first through hole 21 is slightly larger than the design diameter by over-etching, but since the base metal layer 231 can be completely passed through the base metal layer 231 with the same diameter straight, the first through hole 21 ), the size of the openings are all uniform, and overlapping or interference does not occur between the plurality of first through holes 21. In addition, even if the size of the first through hole 21 is slightly increased, the first through hole 21 is covered by the color layer 235 in a situation where the LED 313 is not turned on. Because it is invisible, it does not affect the user.

The hole filling member 22 filling the first through hole 21 is formed on the rear surface of the front panel 20 by a printing method, and at this time, the display portion formed by the plurality of first through holes 21 It is formed to cover up to the (11) area. Accordingly, the plurality of first through holes 21 are filled with the hole filling member 22 and have a thickness of approximately 35 to 55 μm on the rear surface of the front panel 20 corresponding to the area of the display unit 11. To form a printed layer having

Looking at this in more detail, the hole filling member 22 is formed by a screen printing method, and completely fills the first through hole 21 and exposes the base metal layer 231 corresponding to the display unit 11. A printing layer having a predetermined thickness may be formed to cover all portions. If the thickness of the hole-filling member 22 is too thin, the degree of diffusion of transmitted light decreases. If the thickness of the hole-filling member 22 is too thick, the front panel 20 is bent by the hole-filling member 22 during sheet metal molding. ).

For the molding of the hole filling member 22, a thermal drying printing ink, that is, an acrylic resin ink may be used. The printing ink may have a viscosity of 20,000 cps to 40,000 cps. At this time, when the viscosity of the printing ink is lower than 20,000 cps, there is a problem that ink may leak even after drying of the ink, and when it is higher than 40,000 cps, the printing ink is inside the first through hole 21 having a fine size. Because it is not completely filled, defects may occur.

Therefore, in order to effectively fill the fine-sized first through-hole 21 with printing ink, it has an appropriate viscosity. In addition, the printing ink may have excellent kinematic viscosity due to the characteristics of the printing ink component, and thus, the first through holes 21 having a fine size can be uniformly filled through screen printing, which will be described below.

Looking at the main components of the resin ink for the arc forming the hole filling member 22 in detail, when the weight of the total coating solution is 100%, 33w% of silicone acrylic polyol and 34w% of acrylic polyol are mixed and used. do. By mixing such a main resin, a screen printing method can be implemented, and physical properties such as transparency and thermal stability are satisfied.

In addition, about 15w% of epoxy and melamine resin, which is a thermal curing agent, are mixed, and 8w% of a solvent, 2w% to 3w% of fumed silica as a thickener for controlling the kinematic viscosity, 1w% of a curing agent, and the remaining amount are defoamers and It may be composed of a leveling agent and an adhesion promoter.

On the other hand, the component ratio of some of the components constituting the hole filling member 22 may be changed according to circumstances, but the fumed silica may be determined between 2 to 3 w% to maintain a set viscosity.

By adjusting the kinematic viscosity by the fumed silica, the acrylic resin ink more effectively fills the first through hole 21 during screen printing, so that the hole filling member 22 can be formed. That is, the acrylic resin ink can easily flow into the inside of the first through hole 21 while its viscosity is lowered by an external force applied during screen printing, and when the external force is removed, the first through hole The attached state is maintained on the inside of (21). It is dried in such a state to form the hole filling member 22, and the inside of the first through hole 21 can be effectively filled.

In this way, the inside of the first through hole 21 may be filled by the hole filling member 22, and the hole filling member 22 prevents the first through hole 21 from being blocked by foreign substances. . In addition, since the inside of the first through hole 21 is filled by the hole filling member 22, it is possible to prevent the processing surface of the first through hole 21 from being corroded.

9 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of the display assembly of the refrigerator door. And, Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the front panel of the refrigerator door separated.

As shown in the drawing, the door liner 30 forming the rear surface of the refrigerator door 10 is coupled to the front panel 20 and forms a surface facing the inside of the storage space. The door liner 30 is injection-molded from a plastic material, and may provide a structure in which a gasket or a basket may be mounted along the periphery. In addition, the door liner 30 forms a space between the door liner 30 and the front panel 20 when it is combined with the front panel 20, and in this space is foamed to form an insulating material 24 Liquid can be filled.

A frame 100 may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel 20. The frame 100 is formed to provide a separate space not filled with a foaming liquid inside the refrigerator door 10, and the display cover 200, the display assembly 300, and the touch sensor assembly 500 ), a space for accommodating the frame display 400 and the like is provided.

The decor members 40 and 43 form the upper and lower exteriors of the refrigerator door 10, and the opened refrigerator door formed by the combination of the front panel 20 and the door liner 30 ( It is configured to shield the top and bottom of 10).

Among the decor members 40 and 43, the decor member 40 above the refrigerator door 10 is provided with an insertion opening 41 and an insertion opening cover 42 for opening and closing the insertion opening 41. The insertion hole 41 passes through the decor member 40 and communicates with the space formed by the frame 100. In addition, when the refrigerator door 10 is assembled, the display assembly 300 can be inserted into the frame 100 through the insertion hole 41 while being coupled to the frame display 400. To this end, the insertion hole 41 is formed in a size in which the frame display 400 can be inserted, and may be positioned vertically above the display cover 200.

Meanwhile, although not shown in detail, a hinge hole (not shown) in which a hinge serving as a rotation axis of the refrigerator door 10 is mounted is formed on one side of the decor member 40. In addition, an electric wire guided to the inside of the frame 100 is passed through the hinge hole to supply power to the front parts inside the frame 10 and to transmit and receive operation signals.

A door handle 44 may be provided on the decor member 43 under the refrigerator door 10. The door handle 44 is recessed in a pocket shape and is configured to rotate the refrigerator door 10. Further, a lever 45 for opening/closing the refrigerator door 10 is further provided on the decor member 43 under the refrigerator door 10, and the latch assembly 31 is moved by the operation of the lever 45. By driving, it is possible to select to keep the refrigerator door 10 open or closed.

A display cover 200 is attached to the rear side of the front panel 20. The display cover 200 is for guiding the mounting of the display assembly 300 on which the LED 313 is mounted, and the front panel 20 is formed by applying a double-sided tape or a primer. It is configured to be attached to the rear.

A touch sensor assembly 500 capable of detecting a user's pressing operation of the front panel 20 is mounted on one side of the display cover 200. The display cover 200 has a structure that can be attached to the front panel 20 in a state in which it is coupled to the touch sensor assembly 500.

In addition, the display assembly 300 is inserted into the space inside the frame 100 through the insertion hole 41 while being mounted on the frame display 400. When the frame display 400 is completely inserted, the display assembly 300 is located inside the display cover 200, and the light irradiated from the LED 313 is applied to the display cover 200 and the display unit 11 ) To be able to be investigated outside.

11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure of a touch sensor assembly, a display cover, a display assembly, a frame display, and a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the frame 100 is formed such that the front surface and the upper surface thereof are opened, and when attached to the front panel 20, the upper surface is formed to form a space 110 with an open upper surface. To this end, the circumference of the frame 100 other than the upper end is bent toward the front panel 20, and the end thereof is bent outward again to form the frame bonding portion 120. A double-sided tape or adhesive is provided on the frame adhesive part 120 so that the frame 100 can be attached to the rear surface of the front panel 20.

When the frame 100 is attached to the front panel 20, the upper end of the frame 100 is in contact with the lower surface of the decor member 40. In addition, the opened upper surface of the frame 100 may communicate with the insertion opening 41, and an independent space is formed inside the refrigerator door 10.

Accordingly, even when the foaming liquid for forming the heat insulating material 24 is injected into the refrigerator door 10, the foaming liquid is not introduced into the space inside the frame 100 and can be protected.

In addition, plate support portions 140 on which the support plates 141 are mounted are formed at both upper left and right sides of the frame 100. The support plate 141 is installed in an area of the upper space of the frame 100 above the display cover 200 in a state in which the display cover 200 is mounted, so that the front panel 20 is moved from the rear. It is configured to support. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the corresponding portion of the front panel 20 from being wobbled, and also to prevent the front panel 20 from being deformed by an external impact.

A wire entrance 150 is formed on the upper side of the frame 100. The electric wire entrance 150 forms a passage through which electric wires to be connected to the electric components provided in the frame 100 and the power supply on the cabinet are connected. The wire entrance 150 may be formed on an upper side of a side close to the hinge of the refrigerator door 10 and disposed at a close distance to a hinge hole of the refrigerator door 10. In addition, when the foaming liquid is injected into the refrigerator door 10, it is finished to prevent the foaming liquid from flowing into the frame 100.

Further, restraining grooves 160 are formed on both left and right sides of the frame 100. The constraining groove 160 is formed so that the constraining portions 230 protruding laterally from both left and right side ends of the display cover 200 are inserted.

A cover support part 170 supporting the display cover 200 is formed in a portion under the restraining groove 160 where the display cover 200 is positioned. The cover support part 170 protrudes from both left and right sides of the frame 100 and supports pressing the left and right ends of the display cover 200 from the rear.

The display cover 200 is formed of a plate-shaped plastic material, and is formed to be accommodated inside the frame 100 while attached to the front panel 20. In addition, restraining portions 230 protruding outwardly and inserted into the restraining grooves 160 are formed above the left and right ends of the display cover 200.

Meanwhile, the accommodating part 210 in which the touch sensor assembly 500 is mounted is formed on the display cover 200. In addition, a plurality of second through holes 220 are formed in the display cover 200 at a position corresponding to the display unit 11.

The second through hole 220 is formed at a position corresponding to the first through hole 21 when the display cover 200 is attached to the rear surface of the front panel. The second through hole 220 may be formed to be opened in a shape corresponding to the 7 segment, or may be formed in various hole shapes for displaying other information.

A blocking portion 221 is formed around the second through hole 220. The blocking part 221 is formed to surround the second through hole 220 from the outside of the second through hole 220 and is formed to protrude forward.

In addition, the adhesive member 25 for bonding the display cover 200 is attached only to the outer region of the blocking portion 221. Therefore, when the display cover 200 is attached, the gap between the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 220 caused by the thickness of the adhesive member 25 can be minimized, and this space Through this, light leakage can be prevented. The protruding height of the blocking part 221 is formed to a height that can block light leakage, and before compression of the adhesive member 25 in consideration that the adhesive member 25 attached to the front surface of the display cover 200 is compressed. It can be formed lower than the height.

The display assembly 300 may include a display PCB 310 on which the LED 313 is mounted and a reflector 320 disposed on the front surface of the display PCB 310.

The display PCB 310 includes a control unit for driving the LED 313, and a sensor control unit for driving the touch sensor assembly 500 is mounted. That is, the sensor control unit processes the manipulation signal of the front panel 20 sensed through the touch sensor assembly 500 on the display PCB 310. To this end, the sensor PCB (not shown) inside the touch sensor assembly 500 and the display PCB 310 may be connected through a cable connector 600.

The cable connector 600 includes a first cable connector 610 connected to a sensor PCB inside the touch sensor assembly 500 and a second cable connector 620 connected to the display PCB 310, The first cable connector 610 and the second cable connector 620 have a structure that can be connected to each other. In addition, while the display assembly 300 is mounted on the refrigerator door 10, the first cable connector 610 and the second cable connector 620 may be connected to each other outside the refrigerator door 10. Is composed.

That is, the entire length of the cable connector 600 is formed longer than the distance from the touch sensor assembly 500 to the insertion hole 41, so that the touch sensor assembly 500 is mounted on the display cover 200. It is formed so that the display assembly 300 can be mounted after being connected to each other outside the insertion hole 41 in the state.

In addition, a reflector 320 is provided on the front surface of the display PCB 310 to guide the light of the LED 313 to the first through hole 21. The reflector 320 not only guides the light of the LED 313 but also allows the display PCB 310 and the display terminal 311 to be spaced apart from the front panel 20 by a thickness of the reflector 320. So that the display PCB 310 can be protected from static electricity.

In particular, the front panel 20 may be vulnerable to static electricity generated during use due to the nature of the structure in which not only the front panel 20 is formed of a stainless steel material, but also the display assembly 300 is disposed adjacent to the display unit 11, the reflector By 320, the display PCB 310 is structurally spaced apart from the front panel 20, and light transmission is excellent, so that the display PCB 310 can be protected from static electricity.

The reflector 320 corresponds to the arrangement of the LED 313 mounted on the display PCB 310, and a third through hole capable of communicating with the second through hole 220 and the first through hole 21 321 is formed. When the display assembly 300 is mounted, the frame display 400 is mounted on the display cover 200, and the first through hole 21, the second through hole 220, and the third through hole ( All 321 are in close contact with each other and have a structure in communication with each other, so that light irradiated from the LED 313 can be irradiated to the outside through the display unit 11.

Meanwhile, the frame display 400 has the display PCB 310 mounted thereon, and is formed in a plate shape on which the display PCB 310 can be mounted. In addition, an edge 410 that is bent forward along the perimeter of the frame display 400 is formed to form a space in which the display PCB 310 is accommodated. In addition, sliding insertion portions 415 that are bent to both left and right are formed at both left and right side ends of the frame display 400. The sliding insertion part 415 is formed to be inserted into the guide rail 240 formed in the display cover 200. Accordingly, the frame display 400 can be mounted on the display cover 200 by the sliding insert 415.

In addition, a frame handle 420 extending upward is provided at a central portion of an upper end of the frame display 400. The frame handle 420 is formed to have a predetermined length by being gripped and manipulated by a user when the frame display 400 is coupled to the display cover 200.

When the insertion opening cover 42 is closed while the frame display 400 is completely inserted, the insertion opening cover 42 comes into contact with the frame handle 420.

* FIG. 12 is a sectional view of 12-12' of FIG. 2. And, FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 12.

Referring to these drawings, when the display cover 200 is attached to the rear surface of the front panel 20 by the adhesive member 25, the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 220 Has a structure that communicates with each other. At this time, the size of the first through hole 21 is formed very small and is much smaller than the size of the second through hole 220, It may be disposed in the inner region of the sphere 220.

Further, in a state in which the frame display 400 is completely inserted and the display assembly 300 is positioned inside the display cover 200, the third through-hole 321 is the second through-hole 220 ) And are connected to each other. The second through-hole 220 and the third through-hole 321 have the same size, and the reflector 320 is in close contact with the rear surface of the display cover 200, thereby The 3 through holes 321 may be completely overlapped with each other.

Accordingly, the third through-hole 321, the second through-hole 220, and the first through-hole 21 can all communicate, and the light irradiated from the LED 313 is the third through-hole 321 ), the second through-hole 220, and the first through-hole 21 are passed in sequence, so that the outside of the refrigerator door 10 can be irradiated.

A diffusion sheet 25 may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel 20 on which the first through hole 21 is formed. The diffusion sheet 25 diffuses the light irradiated from the LED 313 so that the light passing through the first through hole 21 is evenly distributed, and the light irradiated through the display 11 is evenly bright. Thus, a letter or number symbol expressed through the display unit 11 can be clearly identified.

14 is a diagram illustrating a state of a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the display unit 11 may be formed by a plurality of first through holes 21, and will be displayed in the form of 7-segment numbers and symbols according to the lighted LED 313. I can.

In detail, the first through hole 21 is not exposed to the outside of the display unit 11 when the LED 313 of the display assembly 300 is not turned on, as shown in FIG. 14A.

In detail, the color layer 235 is formed to have a color or a specific texture, and has a characteristic capable of transmitting light. Therefore, when the light from the LED 313 is not irradiated from the inside of the refrigerating door 10, the inner area of the refrigerator door 10 in which the first through hole 21 is formed becomes relatively darker, and the outside Will not be seen as. In particular, when the color of the color layer 235 is slightly darker or the deposition layer 235d is included in the configuration of the color layer 235, this phenomenon is more prominent.

As described above, since the color layer 235 of the color steel sheet has a structure to shield the first through hole 21, the first through hole 21 cannot be seen from the outside in a state where light is not irradiated. Accordingly, the refrigerator door 10 may appear as if the display is not provided on the front surface of the refrigerator door 10.

In such a state, when the user touches the touch manipulation unit 12 or the LED 313 is turned on by a predetermined operation, the light irradiated from the LED 313 is transmitted to the third through hole 321 It passes through the second through-hole 220 and the first through-hole 21 in order to be irradiated to the outside.

At this time, light is emitted from some of the first through holes 21 among the plurality of first through holes 21 according to the lighting state of the LED 313, and the remaining first through holes 21 Is not emitted, so it is not visible to the user. As described above, the first through holes 21 through which the light of the LED passes and emit light are combined with each other to display a specific number, letter, or symbol to the outside.

For example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 14, when a specific LED 313 among the LEDs 313 is lit, some of the first through holes 21 among the plurality of first through holes 21 By radiating light from the field, information can be expressed in the form of numbers such as 4℃ and -12℃ as shown. That is, information is transmitted through the front of the refrigerator door 10 in various forms by a combination of the first through holes 21 that are lit when a separate display is not visible on the front of the refrigerator door 10. Can be displayed.

Meanwhile, a method of manufacturing an exterior member according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above structure will be described.

15 is a flowchart sequentially showing a method of manufacturing an exterior member according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the manufacturing process of the exterior member.

As shown in the drawings, in order to mold the exterior member, that is, the front panel 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, a color steel sheet used as a material of the front panel 20 (for example, a BC steel sheet 23) ) Will be cut to the appropriate length and received.

The color steel plate is one of the VSM steel plate 23 or the PCM steel plate 23' having the color layer 235, and a product that is distributed is received to form the front panel 20 of the refrigerator door 10 as it is. Can be used to

In addition, the worn colored steel sheet may be washed using a solution containing sulfuric acid and caustic soda to remove foreign substances on the surface. The foreign matter on the surface of the color steel sheet can be completely removed through washing, and it is moved for processing leading to a state in which washing and drying are completed. Of course, the pretreatment process of cleaning the surface of the color steel sheet and removing foreign substances may be omitted. [Steel sheet warehousing step, S110]

As for the color steel sheet processed and supplied in a specific size, the back coating layer 232 on the back surface may be removed by the laser irradiation device 2. The back coating layer 232 forms the lower surface of the color steel sheet, that is, the lower surface of the base metal layer 231, and is removed to etching the base metal layer 231.

At this time, only the position of the display unit 11, that is, the region where the first through hole 21 is formed, of the back coating layer 232 formed on the entire rear surface of the color steel sheet, can be removed by the laser irradiation device 2 There will be. Accordingly, a portion of the back surface of the color steel sheet from which the back coating layer 232 is removed is in a state in which the base metal layer 231 is exposed. [Back coating removal step, S120]

Meanwhile, a photosensitive resin film 26 (Dry Film) is laminated and attached to a portion where the back coating layer 232 is removed and the base metal layer 231 is exposed. Accordingly, the entire rear surface of the color steel sheet may be formed by a portion where the back coating layer 232 is formed and a portion to which the photosensitive resin film 26 is attached. [DFR laminating step, S130]

In addition, a masking film 27 is disposed above the photosensitive resin film 26. At this time, the masking film 27 can be aligned at an accurate position by an automated facility. Then, the photosensitive resin film 26 is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays in a vacuum environment while the masking film 27 is attached. [Exposure step, S140]

After the photosensitive resin film 26 has been cured by exposure, the masking film 27 is removed and the exposed color steel sheet is placed in a developer solution, and the remaining parts excluding the cured part, that is, the masked part not receiving light Is dissolved in the developer solution and removed. Therefore, the rest of the parts except the hardened part can be removed, and can be moved for the next processing by washing with water. [Development step, S150]

In addition, both sides of the color steel sheet having been developed may be thermally dried to remove fine bubbles on the photosensitive resin film 26 and improve adhesion of the photosensitive resin film 26. The temperature at this time may be carried out for about 10 minutes at a temperature of about 180 ~ 200 ℃. By this heat treatment operation, the photosensitive resin film 26 attached to the color steel sheet can be completely in close contact with the base metal layer 231 in a state in which bubbles are removed. Of course, such heating and drying processes may be omitted if necessary.

When the development of the portion for etching on the photosensitive resin film 26 is completed, the color steel sheet is moved and etched. In this case, as the etching solution, ferric chloride (FeCl ₃ ) may be used. Therefore, the etchant may react only with the base metal layer 231 exposed by the removal of the photosensitive resin film 26 without reacting with the photosensitive resin film 26 and the back coating layer 232, and the base The metal layer 231 is corroded so that the first through hole 21 can be formed.

At this time, the color layer 235 is also formed of a resin material and thus is not corroded by the etching solution, so that the first through hole 21 may be formed to penetrate the base metal layer 231. In addition, the color layer 235 shields the first through hole 21 from the front.

In addition, during the etching for forming the first through hole 21, the etching time may be lengthened to over-etch, and the first through hole 21 penetrates to have the same diameter from the inlet to the outlet by over-etching. Is formed. Accordingly, the plurality of first through holes 21 do not have a large deviation in diameter, and all of the first through holes 21 may be formed to have a uniform size and position without interference between the neighboring first through holes 21. have. [Etching step, S160]

When the etching is completed and the first through hole 21 is molded, the photosensitive resin film 26 is removed, and the first through hole 21 is removed by the removal of the photosensitive resin film 26. Only the colored steel sheet formed remains. After the removal of the photosensitive resin film 26 is completed, an inspection process for confirming the state of the molded first through hole 21 may be performed.

In this way, the color steel plate in the state in which the first through hole 21 is formed may have a hole filling member 22 formed in the first through hole 21. The inside of the first through hole 21 is filled by the hole filling member 22, thus preventing corrosion inside the first through hole 21 and opening the first through hole 21 It is possible to support the color layer 235 to be shielded.

In addition, the hole filling member 22 is formed to cover the first through hole 21 as well as the back coating layer 232 peeled off for etching to prevent corrosion or damage to the back surface of the color steel sheet. Will be prevented. [Hole filling step, S170]

Hereinafter, the process of forming the hole filling member will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

17 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a method of forming a hole filling member in the first through hole of the exterior member. And, FIG. 18 is a schematic view schematically showing a process of printing and molding a hole filling member in the first through hole.

As shown in the drawing, the color steel sheet in a state in which the first through hole 21 has been formed is in a state in which one opened surface of the first through hole 21 is shielded by the color layer 235 The other side is exposed in an open state so that printing ink for molding the hole filling member 22 can be accommodated. In addition, the hole filling member 22 can be formed by screen printing using printing ink.

The color steel sheet in the state in which the first through hole 21 has been formed is first subjected to a preheating process, which is heated before screen printing. When the printing ink is printed on the base metal layer 231 of the color steel sheet while the color steel sheet is heated, the surface energy of the base metal layer 231 decreases and the surface tension decreases. It is possible to effectively fill the through hole 21. That is, the viscosity of the printing ink temporarily decreases due to the heat of the color steel sheet in a heated state, thereby facilitating inflow of the printing ink into the first through hole 21, and when the temperature decreases, the printing ink As the viscosity increases again, the filling of the first through hole 21 can be maintained. [Material preheating step, S171]

The printing ink can be printed on the back side of the color steel sheet, that is, on the opposite side of the side to which the color layer 235 is attached, by a screen printing method. By screen printing using the printing ink, printing ink is filled in the first through hole 21 and a part of the rear surface of the color steel plate is applied, thereby forming the hole filling member 22.

A method of forming the hole filling member 22 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

19 is a view showing in more detail a state in which a screen printing process is performed on the rear surface of the front panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 20 is an enlarged view showing the relationship between the mesh of the plate-making for screen printing and the first through hole.

As shown in the figure, the preheated color steel sheet is arranged for screen printing. At this time, the color steel plate is disposed such that the surface on which the color layer 235 is formed goes downward, and at this time, the rear surface of the color steel plate and the opened surface of the first through hole 21 can be exposed upward. .

In this state, the engraving plate 51 for screen printing is positioned on the rear surface of the color steel plate corresponding to the display unit 11. At this time, all of the first through holes 21 are located inside the area of the engraving plate 51, and printing ink can be filled in all of the first through holes 21 by screen printing.

The hole-filling member 22 formed by screen printing is screen-printed with a plate 51 of approximately 100 trees, and may be formed by printing 2 degrees in two strokes. In addition, the hole filling member 22 formed by screen printing fills the first through hole 21 and further forms a printing layer having a predetermined thickness on the rear surface of the color steel sheet. In this case, the printing layer may be formed in the area of the display unit 11 and may be formed to cover the second through hole 220 of the display cover 200 positioned behind the color steel plate.

In addition, when viewed from the rear, the shape of the hole filling member 22 printed by the engraving plate 51 has a shape as shown in FIG. 3. That is, the outline shape of the hole filling member 22 may be formed along the blocking portion 221 of the display cover 200.

Accordingly, all the first through holes 21 are disposed within the area of the hole filling member 22 formed by screen printing, and prevent interference when the display cover 200 is mounted, and the touch operation unit 12 It also prevents interference with.

On the other hand, the platen 51 for screen printing has the main purpose of filling the hole unlike the screen printing for pattern printing, so the first through hole 21 can be effectively filled in the first through hole 21. An engraving having a 45° elongation angle may be used so that the number of meshes for one can be formed more than that of the general screen engraving 51.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 20, the elongation angle of the mesh 55 of the plate 51 is formed at 45°, so that 13 meshes 55 may be disposed in one of the first through holes 21. By doing so, a larger number of meshes 55 can be disposed than in general screen printing, so that the printing ink can be effectively filled into the first through hole 21.

In addition, the engraving plate 51 is seated so as to be in contact with the rear surface of the color steel plate within about 5 mm, and prevents lifting of the engraving plate 51 to minimize a gap with the rear surface of the color steel plate, ) The effect of tension can be prevented, and a uniform filling amount can be maintained in the plurality of first through holes 21.

A squeeze 52 for filling the first through hole 21 with the printing ink may be provided above the engraving plate 51. In a state where printing ink is supplied to the engraving plate 51, the squeeze 52 may be moved while pressing the engraving plate 51, and the printing ink inside the engraving plate 51 is transferred to the first through hole 21. You will be able to push it inward.

In addition, the squeeze 52 is formed of a rubber material having elasticity, and can be pressed to press the plate 51 during movement while being in contact with the surface of the plate 51, and reciprocating movement is possible in a pressurized state. .

In addition, an end of the squeeze 52, that is, a lower end of the plate 51 in direct contact with the meshes 55 may be formed in a round shape. Accordingly, the amount of ink lowered during screen printing is increased compared to that of general printing, so that printing ink can be effectively filled inside the first through hole 21.

That is, in the case of the squeeze 52 used for general screen printing, the end is formed in a flat shape, but a rounded round portion 53 is formed at the end of the squeeze 52 according to an embodiment of the present invention, so that the squeeze ( When 52) is moved, a larger amount of the printing ink of the plate making 51 passes through the mesh 55 of the plate making plate 51 and can be filled inside the first through hole 21?

Meanwhile, a support member 54 may be further provided on the squeeze 52. The support member 54 is provided on one surface of the squeeze 52 and may extend along the longitudinal direction of the squeeze 52. The support member 54 is formed of a high-strength material such as steel so as to secure the same printing thickness and prevent reproducibility from being deteriorated in repetitive movement situations when the elastic material squeeze 52 is deformed by high pressure during movement. Can be. In addition, by not protruding from the round portion 53 at the end of the squeeze 52, it may be formed so as not to interfere with the pressing action of the printing ink by the round portion 53.

Accordingly, even if the squeeze 52 is moved while pressure is applied to the squeeze 52, the squeeze 52 can be prevented from being completely bent. The support member 54 may be inserted into the squeeze 52 if necessary, and may be formed of a material or shape other than an iron plate.

Meanwhile, after the hole filling member 22 is formed, an additional printing layer may be further formed on the surface of the hole filling member 22. The additional printing layer may be printed in black, and is formed along the boundary of the unit portion of the 7 segment formed as a set of the first through holes 21 to prevent light leakage to the outside of the first through holes 21. It can be prevented from occurring. And this print layer may be formed by a continuous screen printing process. [Screen printing step, S172]

When the printing of the hole-filling member 22 is completed, it is dried for 15 minutes at a temperature of 100 to 120°C, so that air bubbles are removed during the drying process and the hole-filling member 22 is stabilized. , S173]

After the heat drying step is completed, the front panel 20 may be molded to form the exterior of the refrigerator door 10 such that the left and right ends are bent by sheet metal. Of course, the molding of the front panel 20 may be performed before the etching of the first through hole 21 or before the formation of the hole filling member 22 by screen printing.

In addition, after the molding of the front panel 20 is completed, the display cover 200 is attached to the front panel 20. In this state, an adhesive member 25 is attached to the front surfaces of the display cover 200 and the housing cover 510, and the display cover 200 and the touch sensor assembly 500 are used by the adhesive member 25. ) Is attached to the rear side of the front panel 20 at the same time.

Meanwhile, before the display cover 200 is attached, a diffusion sheet 25 may be disposed in the display area of the rear surface of the front panel 20. The diffusion sheet 25 may be positioned between the first through hole and the second through hole 220 and may achieve even brightness by dispersing light irradiated from the LED 313.

When the attachment of the display cover 200 to the front panel 20 is completed, the frame 100 is fixedly mounted to the front panel 20 so as to accommodate the display cover 200. In addition, the door liner 30 and the decor member 40 are assembled to form the overall external shape of the refrigerator door 10. In this state, a foaming liquid is injected into the refrigerator door 10 to foam-molded the heat insulating material 24. The insulating material 24 fills the entire interior space of the refrigerator door 10 excluding the inner region of the frame 100, and stably fixes the frame 100.

The assembled touch sensor assembly 500 is seated on the receiving portion 210 of the display cover 200 and the housing coupling portion 511 is coupled to the receiving portion 210 so that the touch sensor assembly 500 is It remains fixed to the display cover 200.

When the outer shape of the refrigerator door 10 is assembled and the heat insulating material 24 is formed, the touch sensor assembly 500 is mounted on the frame display 400.

In a state in which the touch sensor assembly 500 is mounted on the frame display 400, the operator can use the first cable connector 610 connected to the sensor PCB 700 and the sensor mounted on the display PCB 310 The second cable connector 620 connected to the control unit 330 is connected.

Since the first cable connector 610 and the second cable connector 620 are connected after the molding of the insulating material 24 has already been completed, the sensor control unit due to static electricity generated during filling of the foaming liquid and molding the insulating material ( 330) is prevented.

After connecting the first cable connector 610 and the second cable connector 620 to each other, the frame display 400 is inserted through the insertion hole 41, and the frame handle 420 The frame display 400 can be completely inserted into the display cover 200.

When the frame display 400 is completely inserted, the display assembly 300 is completely in close contact with the rear surface of the display cover 200, and the first through hole 21, the second through hole 220, and the third through hole All 321 can be aligned and communicated in turn.

After the insertion of the frame display 400 is completed, the insertion hole cover 42 is mounted on the insertion hole 41 to close the insertion hole 41 and the upper end of the frame handle 420 is fixed to the refrigerator door 10. ) To complete the manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the exterior member according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.

An exterior member according to another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that only a portion of the back coating layer corresponding to the first through hole is hole-marked with the laser irradiation device 2 so that etching can be performed simply.

Therefore, the exterior member according to another embodiment of the present invention has a difference in the peeling position and shape of the back coating layer and the etching process compared to the above-described embodiment, and the other structures are all the same, so the same reference numerals are used for the same structure. And a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

21 is a flowchart sequentially showing a method of manufacturing an exterior member according to another embodiment of the present invention. And, Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process of the exterior member.

As shown in the drawings, in order to mold the exterior member, that is, the front panel 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a color steel sheet, which is a material of the front panel 20, is first cut to an appropriate length and then received.

The color steel plate is one of the VSM steel plate 23 or the PCM steel plate 23' having the color layer 235, and a product that is distributed is received to form the front panel 20 of the refrigerator door 10 as it is. Can be used to

In addition, the worn colored steel sheet may be washed using a solution containing sulfuric acid and caustic soda to remove foreign substances on the surface. The foreign matter on the surface of the color steel sheet can be completely removed through washing, and it is moved for processing leading to a state in which washing and drying are completed. Of course, the pretreatment process of cleaning the surface of the color steel sheet and removing foreign substances may be omitted. [Steel sheet warehousing step, S210]

As for the color steel sheet processed and supplied in a specific size, the back coating layer 232 on the back surface may be removed by the laser irradiation device 2. The back coating layer 232 forms the lower surface of the color steel sheet, that is, the lower surface of the base metal layer 231, and is removed to etching the base metal layer 231.

In this case, only the size corresponding to the opening of the first through hole among the back coating layer 232 formed on the entire rear surface of the color steel sheet may be removed by laser. Compared to the above-described embodiment, in the above-described embodiment, the back coating layer 232 is removed for the entire area of the display unit 11 including the plurality of first through holes 21, whereas in this embodiment It can be seen that the back coating layer 232 is removed by a hole marking method in each of the portions corresponding to the first through holes 21.

That is, the back coating layer 232 may be removed in the shape of a plurality of holes corresponding to each of the plurality of first through holes 21. In addition, the diameter of the hole from which the back coating layer 232 is removed may be formed to correspond to the diameter of the first through hole 21.

Accordingly, when the back coating layer 232 is removed by the laser irradiation device 2, the base metal layer 231 can be exposed through the opened hole. In addition, the remaining back coating layer 232 may serve as a mask for separating a processed portion from an unprocessed portion during subsequent etching processing. [Back coating removal step, S230]

When the removal of the back coating layer 232 is completed, the color steel sheet is moved and etched. In this case, as the etching solution, ferric chloride (FeCl ₃ ) may be used. Therefore, the etchant may react only with the base metal layer 231 exposed by the removal of the back coating layer 232 without reacting with the back coating layer 232 covered on the back surface of the color steel sheet, and the base metal The first through hole 21 can be formed by corroding the layer 231 layer.

At this time, the color layer 235 is also formed of a resin material and thus is not corroded by the etching solution, so that the first through hole 21 may be formed to penetrate the base metal layer 231. In addition, the color layer 235 shields the first through hole 21 from the front.

In addition, during the etching for forming the first through hole 21, the etching time may be lengthened to over-etch, and the first through hole 21 penetrates to have the same diameter from the inlet to the outlet by over-etching. Is formed. Accordingly, the plurality of first through holes 21 do not have a large deviation in diameter, and all of the first through holes 21 may be formed to have a uniform size and position without interference between the neighboring first through holes 21. have. [Etching step, S240]

In this way, the color steel plate in the state in which the first through hole 21 is formed may have a hole filling member 22 formed in the first through hole 21. The inside of the first through hole 21 is filled by the hole filling member 22, thus preventing corrosion inside the first through hole 21 and opening the first through hole 21 It is possible to support the color layer 235 to be shielded.

In addition, the hole filling member 22 is formed to cover the first through hole 21 as well as the back coating layer 232 peeled off for etching to prevent corrosion or damage to the back surface of the color steel sheet. Will be prevented. [Hole filling step, S240]

Meanwhile, the exterior member according to the embodiment of the present invention is not provided only in the refrigerator door according to the above-described embodiments, but may be provided in various types of home appliances. Since the exterior member and the display assembly described below have the same structure as the display and exterior member described above, a detailed description of the same configuration will be omitted.

23 is an exploded perspective view of an air conditioner provided with an exterior member having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawings, the indoor unit 60 of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention has an overall appearance formed by a case. The case may include a base 61, a rear cabinet 62 disposed above the rear portion of the base 61, and a front cabinet 63 disposed above the front portion of the base 61, and the An exterior member 64 may be disposed on the front side of the front cabinet 63.

The base 61, the rear cabinet 62, and the front cabinet 63 are combined to form a predetermined space therein. Inside the space, a blower fan and a flow path for intake and discharge of air are provided, and a filter assembly for filtering intake air, a heat exchanger for heat exchange of intake air, and a configuration for driving a refrigeration cycle are accommodated. In addition, the base 61, the rear cabinet 62, and the front cabinet 63 are provided with a plurality of intake ports for inhaling external air and a plurality of discharge ports for discharging heat exchanged air.

Meanwhile, the exterior member 64 is formed of a color steel plate and may be mounted on the front cabinet 63. Accordingly, the front of the front cabinet 63 can be opened by rotation or detachment of the exterior member 64 or the exterior member 64 mounted, and provided on the inside and outside of the front cabinet 63 It is configured to enable the operation and maintenance of the existing components. Of course, the exterior member 64 may be configured to be fixedly mounted on one side of the case as a configuration constituting the exterior of the indoor unit 60.

A display unit 65 for displaying an operating state of the air conditioner may be formed on the exterior member 64. The display unit 65 may be formed as a set of fine through-holes as in the above-described embodiment, and the through-holes are formed by the method of forming a hole by the above-described etching, but have a structure shielded by a color layer, The through holes can be filled by the hole filling member. Further, if necessary, a touch manipulation unit 66 may be formed on one side of the display unit 65 by printing or surface processing.

In addition, a display assembly 67 is provided at the rear of the display unit 65, and operation information of the air conditioner may be expressed by irradiating light to the display unit 65 by the display assembly 67. The display assembly 67 may be configured as a combination of LEDs and may provide information in the form of numbers or symbols.

That is, when the LED of the display assembly 67 is turned on, the display portion may appear on the front surface of the exterior member 64 by light passing through the through holes, and when the LED is turned off, the through holes become the exterior member. The state is shielded by the color layer of 64, so that the through hole itself is not visible as well as the display portion.

In addition, a touch sensor assembly 500 may be attached to a rear surface of the exterior member 64 corresponding to the touch manipulation unit 66. The touch sensor assembly 500 is adhered by an adhesive member such as an adhesive or double-sided tape, and the touch sensor assembly 500 is in close contact with the touch manipulation unit 66 to recognize a user's touch manipulation.

24 is an exploded perspective view of a washing machine provided with an exterior member having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawings, the washing machine 70 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a washing machine body 71 forming an exterior, a tub storing washing water, and a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub to accommodate laundry. And, a driving device for transmitting rotational force for rotation of the drum, a washing water supply device for supplying washing water to the tub, and a discharge device for discharging washing water are provided.

On the other hand, a part of the front surface of the washing machine body 71 is opened to allow laundry to be put into the drum, and the opening of the washing machine body 71 can be opened and closed by a door 72. To this end, the door 72 is rotatably mounted to the main body 71.

An exterior member 73 formed of a color steel plate may be provided on the front and upper surfaces of the washing machine body 71 except for the door 72. In addition, a display portion 74 and a touch manipulation portion 75 may be formed on at least a portion of the exterior member 73.

The display unit 74 displays an operating state of the washing machine 70 and may be formed as a set of fine through holes as in the above-described embodiment. The through holes are formed by the above-described method of forming a hole by etching, but have a structure that is shielded by a color layer, and the through holes can be filled by a hole filling member.

In addition, the touch manipulation unit 75 enables the washing machine 70 to be operated or operated by a user's touch manipulation. Of course, a knob 76 in the form of a dial for operating the washing machine 70 may be provided.

In addition, a display assembly 77 is provided at the rear of the display unit 74, and operation information of the washing machine 70 may be expressed by irradiating light to the display window 74 by the display assembly 77. . The display assembly 77 may be configured as a combination of LEDs and may provide information in the form of numbers or symbols.

That is, when the LED of the display assembly 77 is turned on, the display portion may appear on the front surface of the exterior member 73 by light passing through the through holes. When the LED is turned off, the through holes are The state is shielded by the color layer of 73, so that the through hole itself is not visible as well as the display portion.

In addition, a touch sensor assembly 500 may be attached to a rear surface of the exterior member 73 corresponding to the touch manipulation unit 75. The touch sensor assembly 500 is adhered by an adhesive member such as an adhesive or double-sided tape, and the touch sensor assembly 500 is in close contact with the touch manipulation unit 75 to recognize a user's touch manipulation.

25 is an exploded perspective view of a dishwasher including an exterior member having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

* Referring to the drawings, a dishwasher 80 equipped with a touch sensor assembly 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed by a dishwasher body 81 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

Although not shown in detail, the inside of the dishwasher body 81 includes a cavity in which dishes for washing are accommodated, a rack member with which dishes are placed in and out of the cavity, and water for washing into the cavity. It includes a water supply device to supply and a discharge device for discharging the washed water.

Further, the dishwasher body 81 is provided with a door 82. The door 82 is configured to selectively shield the opened front surface of the dishwasher body 81, and when the door 82 is closed, it forms the front appearance of the dishwasher 80.

The door 82 is composed of an upper door and a lower door, and may be formed to have a structure in which the upper door can be opened and closed by interlocking when the lower door is operated. In addition, a handle 83 for opening and closing the door 82 may be provided on the lower door.

An exterior member 84 forming an exterior is attached to the front surfaces of the door 82, that is, the front surfaces of the upper door and the lower door. The exterior member 84 may be formed of a color steel plate material, and forms at least a part of the front surface of the door 82.

A display unit 85 for displaying an operating state of the dishwasher 80 may be formed on the exterior member 84. As in the above-described embodiment, the display window 85 may be formed as a set of fine through holes. In addition, the display unit 85 may be formed as a set of fine through-holes as in the above-described embodiment, and the through-holes are formed by the method of forming a hole by etching, but are shielded by a color layer. And the through holes can be filled by the hole filling member.

Further, a display assembly 87 is provided behind the display unit 85, and operation information of the dishwasher 80 may be expressed by irradiating light to the display unit 85 by the display assembly 87. The display assembly 87 may be configured as a combination of LEDs and may provide information in the form of numbers or symbols.

That is, when the LED of the display assembly 87 is turned on, the display portion can appear on the front surface of the exterior member 84 by light passing through the through holes. When the LED is turned off, the through holes are The state is shielded by the color layer of 84, so that the through hole itself is not visible as well as the display portion.

A touch manipulation unit 86 may be formed on one side of the display unit 85 by printing or surface processing. In addition, a touch sensor assembly 500 may be attached to a rear surface of the exterior member 84 corresponding to the touch manipulation unit 86. The touch sensor assembly 500 is adhered by an adhesive member such as an adhesive or double-sided tape, and the touch sensor assembly is in close contact with the touch manipulation unit to recognize a user's touch manipulation.

26 is an exploded perspective view of a cooking appliance including an exterior member having a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the cooking appliance 90 provided with the touch sensor assembly 500 according to the embodiment of the present invention is formed by a cooking appliance main body 91 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

Although not shown in detail, the cooking appliance main body 91 includes a cavity in which food for cooking is accommodated, a heating means or magnetron for cooking food in the cavity, and a pan assembly for convection inside the cavity. Can be provided.

Further, the cooking appliance main body 91 is provided with a door 92. The door 92 is configured to selectively shield the opened front surface of the cooking appliance main body 91, and when the door 92 is closed, it forms the front exterior of the cooking appliance 90.

The door 92 is hinge-coupled to the cooking appliance main body 91 to be rotatably provided, and is rotated in a horizontal direction or an up-down direction to selectively open and close the opened front surface of the cooking appliance 90.

Further, the door 92 is provided with a handle 93 for opening and closing the door 92. In addition, an exterior member 94 forming a front exterior of the door 92 may be provided on the front of the door 92. The exterior member 94 may be formed of a color steel plate, and may form one side of the cooking appliance main body 91 without being limited to the door 92.

Meanwhile, a display unit 95 for displaying an operating state of the cooking appliance 90 may be formed on the exterior member 94. As in the above-described embodiment, the display unit 95 may be formed as a set of fine through holes. In addition, the through holes are formed by the above-described method of forming a hole by etching, but have a structure shielded by a color layer, and the through holes can be filled by a hole filling member.

In addition, a display assembly 97 is provided behind the display unit 95, and operation information of the cooking appliance may be expressed by irradiating light to the display window 95 by the display assembly 97. The display assembly 97 may be configured as a combination of LEDs and may provide information in the form of numbers or symbols.

That is, when the LED of the display assembly 97 is turned on, the display portion may appear on the front surface of the exterior member 94 by light passing through the through holes. When the LED is turned off, the through holes are The state is shielded by the color layer of 94, so that the through hole itself is not visible as well as the display portion.

In addition, a touch manipulation unit 96 may be formed on one side of the display unit 95 by printing or surface processing.

In addition, a touch sensor assembly 500 may be attached to a rear surface of the exterior member 94 corresponding to the touch manipulation unit 96. The touch sensor assembly 500 is adhered by an adhesive member such as an adhesive or double-sided tape, and the touch sensor assembly 500 is in close contact with the touch manipulation unit 96 to recognize a user's touch manipulation.

Claims (22)

A panel that forms an exterior of a home appliance and has a display portion provided in a partial area for displaying operation information of the home appliance; And
As an exterior member of a home appliance including; a display assembly installed on the rear side of the panel and in which a light source for irradiating light toward the display is disposed,
The panel,
A base metal layer made of a metal material;
A plurality of first through-holes penetrating the base metal layer at a position corresponding to the light source in the area where the display unit is provided; And
A hole filling member provided to fill each of the plurality of first through holes and transmitting light irradiated by the light source;
Including,
The hole filling member covers at least a portion of the back surface of the base metal layer while filling the first through hole,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method according to claim 1,
A display cover is attached to the back side of the panel,
The display assembly is accommodated inside the display cover,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method according to claim 2,
A diffusion sheet is provided between the panel and the display cover to diffuse light irradiated from the light source,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method according to claim 2,
The display cover includes a plurality of second through holes provided at positions corresponding to the display unit,
The second through-hole communicates with the first through-hole,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method of claim 4,
A plurality of first through holes are arranged in the inner region of the second through hole,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method of claim 5,
The hole filling member is positioned between the plurality of first through holes and the second through holes,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method of claim 4,
A blocking part protruding forward is provided around the second through hole,
The display cover is attached to the rear surface of the panel via an adhesive member attached to the outer region of the blocking unit,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method of claim 7,
The protruding height of the blocking portion is lower than the height before compression of the adhesive member,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method of claim 4,
The display assembly,
Display PCB on which the light source is mounted; And
It is disposed on the surface of the display PCB, and includes a reflector for guiding the light irradiated by the light source to the first through hole,
The reflector is provided with a third through hole in communication with the first through hole and the second through hole,
Exterior member of home appliance
The method of claim 9,
The first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole are in close contact with each other to communicate,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method according to claim 1,
The panel is provided on the surface of the base metal layer, further comprising a color layer for forming a color and texture of the surface appearance of the exterior member of the home appliance,
The first through hole is etched from the back surface of the base metal layer to the surface of the base metal layer in contact with the color layer,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method of claim 11,
The diameter of the first through hole is a shape that narrows in a region adjacent to the surface of the base metal layer in contact with the color layer,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method according to claim 1,
The panel is provided on the surface of the base metal layer, further comprising a color layer for forming a color and texture of the surface appearance of the exterior member of the home appliance,
The color layer transmits light irradiated by the light source to the outside when the light source is turned on, but does not expose the first through hole to the outside when the light source is turned off,
The color layer is a film, painting or coating layer representing the color and texture of the surface appearance of the exterior member of the home appliance,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method of claim 13,
The color layer,
A film color layer or a PVC layer provided on the surface of the base metal layer and representing the color of the surface appearance of the exterior member of the home appliance;
A deposition layer provided on the surface of the film color layer or the PCB layer and representing the color of the surface appearance of the exterior member of the home appliance; And
A PC layer provided on the deposition layer;
Containing,
Exterior member of home appliance.
The method of claim 14,
The deposition layer transmits the light irradiated by the light source to the outside when the light source is turned on, but does not expose the first through hole to the outside when the light source is turned off,
Exterior member of home appliance.
Forming an exterior member of a home appliance and preparing a panel in which a display unit displaying operation information of a refrigerator is provided in a partial area;
Installing a display cover on the back side of the panel;
Inserting a display assembly in which a light source for irradiating light toward the display unit is disposed into the rear surface of the display cover;
Including,
The step of preparing the panel,
Wearing a panel including a base metal layer made of a metal material;
Forming a first through hole from the rear surface of the base metal layer to the surface of the base metal layer; And
Filling a light-transmitting hole filling member in the first through hole;
Including,
The hole filling member is formed to cover at least a portion of the back surface of the base metal layer while filling the first through hole,
A method of manufacturing an exterior member of a home appliance.
The method of claim 16,
The first through hole is formed by etching,
A method of manufacturing an exterior member of a home appliance.
The method of claim 17,
The panel to be worn further includes a color layer provided on the surface of the base metal layer and forming a color and texture of the surface appearance of the exterior member of the home appliance,
The etching solution used for etching the first through hole selectively reacts with only the base metal layer of the color layer and the base metal layer,
A method of manufacturing an exterior member of a home appliance.
The method of claim 18,
Using ferric chloride as the etching solution,
A method of manufacturing an exterior member of a home appliance.
The method of claim 16,
The hole filling member is filled in the first through hole through screen printing using printing ink,
A method of manufacturing an exterior member of a home appliance.
The method of claim 20,
The printing ink has a viscosity of 20,000 cps ~ 40,000 cps,
A method of manufacturing an exterior member of a home appliance.
The method of claim 20,
The printing ink contains 2w% to 3w% of fumed silica based on the total weight,
A method of manufacturing an exterior member of a home appliance.

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