Refrigerator

A refrigerator includes a rack gear assembly on a lower surface of a drawer, and the rack gear assembly has a first rack member and a second rack member moved forward sequentially while moving forward such that an opening distance of the drawer is maximized. In addition, a noise reduction part is provided between a stopper member and a confining protrusion part constituting the rack gear assembly. Accordingly, although the stopper member collides with the confining protrusion part, impact noise is reduced and damage caused by the collision is prevented.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0084450, filed in Korea on Jul. 12, 2019, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND

The present relates to a refrigerator having a drawer automatically moved forward and backward.

A refrigerator is an appliance that includes a cabinet defining an interior storage chamber that is maintained at a relatively cool temperature. For example, the refrigerator may generate cold air to cool the storage chamber by circulation of a refrigerant according to a refrigeration cycle.

The refrigerator may include various types of mechanisms that provide access to the storage chamber via an opening in the cabinet and seal the opening. For example, the refrigerator may include a swinging door and/or a sliding drawer. A hybrid-type refrigerator may include both a door and a drawer. The hybrid-type refrigerator may include, for example, at least one swinging door positioned at an upper portion of the cabinet and a drawer positioned at a lower portion of the cabinet.

The drawer may include a front panel and a storage bin. The front panel may form a portion of a front surface of the refrigerator and may provide a handling surface to receive a user-applied force to slide the drawer in or out of an interior of the cabinet. The storage bin may be provided at a rear of the front panel to be selectively inserted into or removed from the interior of the cabinet based on the user-applied force to the front panel.

A refrigerator may include a drawer that automatically opens or closes. For example, as described in Korean Patent Application Publication Nos. 10-2009-0102577, 10-2009-0102576, 10-2013-0071919, and 10-2018-0138083, a combination of rack and a pinion may be used to automatically apply a force to move a drawer. For example, a guide rack having a rack gear may be provided on opposite inner side wall surfaces of the cabinet, and a pinion may be provided on opposite side wall surfaces or opposite sides of a rear surface of the storage bin to engage the guide racks.

However, an opening distance of the drawer in the conventional refrigerators may be limited due an engagement between the rack and the pinion such that user access to an interior of the storage bin is restricted. Furthermore, one or more walls of the storage bin may be deformed due to a weight of items stored in the storage bin, and this deformation of the storage bin may move a guide rack relative to a pinion such that the pinion may run idly or gear teeth of the pinion and the guide rack do not engage correctly and collide.

Furthermore, the drawer of a conventional refrigerator may have impact noise caused by contact with a structure of preventing the drawer from being excessively moved backward when closing of the drawer. For example, a drawer with the guide rack and the pinion may include a structure preventing an excessive backward movement of the guide rack or allowing the guide rack to be fixed to a predetermined portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinbelow, a refrigerator is described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 32. As illustrated in the drawings, a refrigerator according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include a cabinet100, a drawer200, a driving part (or driving module)400, and one or more rack gear assemblies600. In certain examples, the rack gear assemblies600may extend in multiple steps such that the drawer200may be completely moved forward out of a lower storage chamber3in the cabinet100. Impact noise occurring during operation of each of the rack gear assemblies600can be reduced by a noise reduction part (or pad)660(SeeFIG. 21).

The cabinet100may constitute an outer surface of the refrigerator. The cabinet100may include an upper wall or roof110, a lower wall or bottom120constituting, and opposite side walls130. For example, the cabinet may be configured as a box body, which is opened forward. An inner space of the cabinet100may provide a storage space.

In addition, one or more partition walls140may be provided in the cabinet100. The partition walls140may be divide the storage space of an inner part of the cabinet100into a two or more spaces. In certain implementations, the partition walls140may extend vertically to partition the storage space in the cabinet100to form, for example, a plurality of storage chambers1,2, and3, which are vertically positioned. This is illustrated inFIG. 3.

In other implementations, the partition walls140may extend vertically to partition the storage space in the cabinet100into storage chambers that are horizontally positioned.

In the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure depicted inFIGS. 1-3, a storage space in the cabinet100may be vertically divided into three chambers (e.g., upper storage chamber1, middle storage chamber2, and lower storage chamber3). The storage space may be divided, for example, such that the upper storage chamber1may be used as a refrigerating compartment, and the center storage chamber2and the lower storage chamber3may be used one or more of a refrigerating compartment, a freezer compartment, or as an independent space.

Each storage chamber1,2, and3of the cabinet100may be separately opened and closed. For example, the upper storage chamber1may be accessed by a swinging door4, and the center storage chamber2and the lower storage chamber3may be accessed by the drawer200. In another example, the center storage chamber2may be configured to be accessed via the swinging door4.

The swinging door4may be hingedly coupled to the cabinet100, and the swinging door4may rotate to open or close an opening to the upper storage chamber1. In certain examples, a display part (or display)5may be provided on a front surface of the swinging door4to output information. As used herein, a “front” direction may refer to a direction in which the door4, the display part5, and/or the drawer200are provided with respect to the cabinet100. The display part5may output visual content, such as information related to an operation state of the refrigerator, temperatures the storage chambers1,2, and3, etc. The display part5may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or a light emitting diode (LED).

The drawer200is a structure that slides to open or close an opening in the cabinet100, and in certain embodiments, the drawer200may be provided in the lower storage chamber3. The drawer200may include a front panel210and a storage bin220. In one example, the front panel210closes an open front of the lower storage chamber3and has an installation space therein. The front panel210includes one or more wall surfaces (e.g., an upper surface, opposite side surfaces, a front surface, and a lower surface) that may be formed by bending a thin metal plate, and may include an inner frame of a resin material to reduce weight. In another example, the front panel210may be formed of a non-metal material that approximates the feel of metal.

The storage bin220may be provided at a rear of the front panel210and may be received in the lower storage chamber3. For example, the storage bin220may be configured as a box body, which is open upward. A front surface of the storage bin220may be fixed to a rear surface of the front panel210while the front surface of the storage bin220is in close contact with the rear surface of the front panel210. The storage bin220may be coupled to the front panel210using various connectors, such as hooks, bolts, or screws, or the front panel210may include one or more sections the engage or otherwise fit against the storage bin.

Guide rails230may be provided on opposite outer surfaces of the storage bin220and on opposite inner wall surfaces of the inner part of the lower storage chamber33to oppose each other such that the guide rails230engage each other to support stable forward and backward movements of the storage bin220. Although not shown in the drawings, one or more guide rails230may be provided on each of a lower surface of the storage bin220and on an opposing bottom surface of the interior of the lower storage chamber3such that the guide rails230may engage each other. In addition, the guide rail230may be configured to extend in multiple steps.

In addition, a container240may be further provided in the storage bin220. Although various kinds of food may be stored in the storage bin220, the container240may be received into the storage bin220such that one or more kinds of food may be stored in the container240. The container240may be, for example, a kimchi container or a container having an open upper part.

When the storage bin220is opened from the lower storage chamber3, the container240may be configured to move upward in the storage bin220. For example, a sufficient gap is provided for a user's finger to enter a gap between the storage bin220and the container240such that the user can lift the container240received in the storage bin220. Accordingly, a size of the container240may decrease to provide sufficient space for the gap between the storage bin220and the container240. Accordingly, to maximize the size of the container240, the container240may be automatically removed from the storage bin220. For example, the container240may be automatically removed from the storage bin220, such that a withdrawal of the container240by the user is not needed.

To automatically removed the container240from the storage bin220, the storage bin220may further include a lift module300(SeeFIGS. 4 and 5) that automatically raises and lowers the container240. The lift module300may be implemented in various forms. For example, the lift module300may be configured to have a scissor-type link structure such that when the lift module300is folded, a height thereof is minimized and when the lift module300is spread, the height thereof is maximized.

In addition, electric components310, such as a driving motor to provide a driving force for lifting and lowering the lift module300, may be provided in the installation space inside the front panel210.

If the lift module300operates before the storage bin220of the drawer200is completely opened (e.g., within the cabinet100), the container240and/or the cabinet100may be damaged. Accordingly, a controller (not shown) to manage the operation of the lift module300may be program to operate only when the storage bin220is completely opened.

The driving part400may provide a driving force to allow the drawer200to automatically move forward and backward. As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the driving part400may be positioned at the bottom120of the cabinet100and may include the pinion410and the driving motor420. In one configuration, the pinion410may be positioned to expose at least a portion of the pinion410to the inner region of the lower storage chamber3, such as the pinion410being upward formed through a bottom surface of the lower storage chamber3(e.g., from an upper surface of the bottom120of the cabinet), and the driving motor420may be fixed to the bottom120of the cabinet100so as to transmit power to the pinion410.

In one embodiment, pinions410may be positioned, respectively, on opposite sides of the bottom surface of the interior of the lower storage chamber3. In this example, each of the pinions410may be connected to a power transmission shaft411, and the driving motor420may be connected to the power transmission shaft411by a belt, a chain, a gear, etc. to transmit power thereto. In this configuration, each of the pinions410may be simultaneously rotated at a same speed and in a same direction by driving force of the driving motor420. Additional components, such as a reduction gear (not shown), may be further provided at a connection interface of the power transmission shaft411and the driving motor420. In one configuration, the pinions410may be preferably positioned at a front side of a bottom surface of the lower storage chamber3to allow the drawer200to be maximally opened.

The driving motor420may be activated to provide a driving force to the power transmission shaft420based on detecting a proximity of a user or when a user manipulate a button6or other input device on the refrigerator. For example, the button6may be a touch-type button provided on the display part5of the swinging door4. In other examples, the button6may be a press button provided at a position separate from the display part5.

A cable guide module (or cable guide)500may be connected to the bottom surface (the upper surface of the bottom) of the inner part of the lower storage chamber3and the front panel210. Various kinds of power lines or cables may extend along an inner part of the bottom120, and the cable guide module500may be configured to protect power lines or cables (hereinbelow, referred to as “cable”) connected to electrical components in the front panel210. For example, the cable guide module500may be configured to prevent a power cable from being damaged by being twisted or scratched during the forward or backward movement of the drawer200.

To this end, the cable guide module500may include a cover plate510, a guiding head520, multiple connecting members (or connecting segments)530, a swinging connection member (or swinging connection base)540and a mounting plate550, as shown inFIGS. 6 to 10. The cable guide module500will be described in greater detail below.

The cover plate510of the cable guide module500may be combined with the upper surface of the bottom120of the cabinet100. A front portion of the upper surface of the bottom120may be configured to be open, and the cover plate510may be combined with the bottom120so as to cover the open portion of the bottom120. This is shown inFIG. 9.

A pinion exposure holes511may be provided on opposite sides of the cover plate510such that the pinions410included in the driving part400may be exposed to the interior of the lower storage chamber3via the pinion exposure holes511. (SeeFIGS. 7 and 8).

In addition, a motor receiving part (or motor mount)512, into which the driving motor420included in the driving part400may be received, may be positioned on the cover plate510. The motor receiving part512may be formed, for example, by protruding a portion of the cover plate510upward or may be manufactured independently in other method and in other shapes and coupled to the cover plate510.

In addition, protrusion passing holes (or protrusion receiving hole)513may be provided on a rear of opposite sides of the cover plate510(seeFIG. 10) and may receive a confining protrusion part650therein, which will be described later. The confining protrusion part650may be positioned so that an upper end thereof is exposed to the inner part of the lower storage chamber3while another portion of the confining protrusion part650is received in the protrusion passing hole513. The confining protrusion part650will be described with respect to the rack gear assembly600.

In addition, an open/close sensing part (or sensor)514amay be provided on any one side of the cover plate510so as to detect closing and opening of the drawer200. (SeeFIGS. 4 and 5). The open/close sensing part514amay be provided as a Hall sensor, and in this case, magnets514band514c, which can be detected by the Hall sensor, may be provided on the lower surface of the storage bin220or the rack gear assembly600. In other implementations, the open/close sensing part514may also include various other structures, such as optical sensors and switches, and a position thereof may also be provided at location on the cabinet100and/or the drawer200

Next, the guiding head520of the cable guide module500may be coupled to the front panel210. For example, an installation hole212may be provided on the front panel210, such at a center lower portion of a rear surface of the front panel210, and the guiding head520may pass through a portion of the installation hole212and be coupled to the rear surface or other portion of the front panel210. This is illustrated inFIG. 10.

The connecting members530of the cable guide module500may flexibly connect the swinging connection member540to the guiding head520. Each of the connecting members530may be configured as a tube body having a substantially hollow inner core and may be continuously connected to each other such that at least one cable may sequentially pass through the inner core of each of the connecting members530.

In one implementation, the connecting members530have a chain-type connection structure. For example, a connection portion between each of the connecting members530may be configured to be rotatable in a horizontal direction. A first end of the connecting member530may be rotatably connected to the swinging connection member540, and a second end of the connecting member530may be rotatably connected to the guiding head520. When the drawer200moves forward or backward, the connecting members530move the cable together therewith by operating in cooperation with each other.

The swinging connection member540of the cable guide module500may be rotatably connected to the cover plate510. A cable through hole515may be provided in the cover plate510so as to allow the cable to pass therethrough, and the swinging connection member540may have a pipe structure with an end position in close contact with an upper surface of the cover plate510when the swinging connection member540is coupled to the cover plate510.

An extension end541having a dome structure may be provided at an end portion of the swinging connection member540, and the extension end541gradually extending toward the end thereof. For example, an extension hole516may be provided to extend from a circumference surface of the cable through hole515, and a confining protrusion542may be provided on a circumference of the extension end541of the swinging connection member540and may pass through the extension hole516to couple the swinging connection member540to the cover plate. For example, the confining protrusion542may protrude radially outward from a circumference surface of the extension end541.

In this case, the extension hole516may be formed to have a sufficiently narrow width to allow the confining protrusion542to pass therethrough. After the confining protrusion542passes through the extension hole516, the swinging connection member540may be slightly rotated to be prevented from being removed from the cable through hole515of the cover plate510. This example is illustrated inFIG. 7.

The mounting plate550of the cable guide module500is provided to prevent a movement deviation of the swinging connection member540when connected to the cover plate510. The mounting plate550may be fixed to the cover plate510, and may include a communicating hole551that is positioned to correspond to the cable through hole515. The mounting plate550may also include a covering end552that protrudes vertically from a circumference surface of the communicating hole551to cover a portion of the extension end541of the swinging connection member540. An inner surface of the covering end552may have the same surface curvature (e.g., be a spherical surface) as an outer surface of the extension end541so as to be in close contact therewith.

Next, the rack gear assembly600of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The rack gear assembly600is a device to automatically move the drawer200forward and backward due to a driving force of the driving part400provided in the cabinet100.

As illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, the rack gear assemblies600may be provided on opposite sides of the lower surface of the storage bin220included in the drawer200. In other examples, a single rack gear assembly is included and positioned at a center or side of the drawer200. In another example, three or more of each of the pinion410and the rack gear assembly600may be provided and paired with each other, such as positioning rack gear assemblies600at a center and at opposite sides of the drawer200.

The rack gear assembly600may have rack gears611and621provided on a lower surface thereof such that gear teeth of the pinion410may be exposed to the inner part of the lower storage chamber3and engage the rack gears611and621. In addition, the rack gears611and621of the rack gear assembly600may extend between a front side of the lower surface of the storage bin220to a rear side thereof. Accordingly, the drawer200provided with the rack gear assembly600can moved away from or moved close to the lower storage chamber3while the drawer200is moved forward and rearward by a rotating movement of the pinion410.

Meanwhile, as a distance that the drawer200moves when automatically opening increases, convenience of use thereof improves. For example, as the storage bin220is maximally moved away from the lower storage chamber3by the drawer200, it becomes easy to house the container240in the storage bin220or to store items or food in the storage bin. Furthermore, since the container240is automatically raised by the lift module300when the drawer200is opened, it is preferable for the storage bin220to maximally move away from the lower storage chamber3.

To maximize a movement distance of the drawer200, each of the opposite pinions410may be located at a front portion of the lower storage chamber3, and each of the rack gears611and621may be configured to be able to maximally extend. For example, as each of the opposite pinions410may be located close to a front end of the lower storage chamber3and the rack gears611and621extend, an opening distance of the storage bin220may increase. However, in certain implementations, a bottom surface of the storage bin220may be configured to be shorter in length from front to rear than an open upper surface of the storage bin220(see, for example,FIGS. 4 and 5), there is a limit to extending the rack gears611and621.

Accordingly, according to the embodiment, the rack gear assembly600may be configured to extend such that the opening distance of the storage bin220increases. For example, although a length between the front to rear of the storage bin220may be relatively short, the rack gear assembly600may extend such that the storage bin220is opened farther.

To this end, in an embodiment, the rack gear assembly600may include a first rack member (or first rack)610, the second rack member (or second rack)620, a first rack cover614, a second rack cover624, the confining protrusion part (or protrusion)650, the confining module (or latch)670, the noise reduction part (or noise reduction pad)660. The rack gear assemblies600will be described in detail with respect toFIGS. 13 to 20.

As illustrated in the drawings, the first rack member610is configured to allow the storage bin220to be moved forward and backward by rotation of the pinion410, wherein the first rack member610includes the rack gear (or first rack gear)611. The first rack member610may be fixed to the storage bin220while an upper surface of the first rack member610may be in close contact with the lower surface of the storage bin220. For example, a plurality of coupling holes612are provided in the first rack member610such that the first rack member610may be screwed or otherwise coupled to the storage bin220. In addition, the first rack member610may include a movement guiding groove613provided in the lower surface thereof by being recessed therefrom, the movement guiding groove supporting a sliding movement of the second rack member620while the second rack member620is received in the movement guiding groove613(SeeFIG. 15).

The movement guiding groove613may be configured to be recessed from a front end portion of the first rack member610and to be formed through a rear surface of the first rack member610. For example, the second rack member620may be received in the movement guiding groove613may be exposed to the rear of the movement guiding groove613.

In addition, the rack gear611of the first rack member610may be provided at any one side of the movement guiding groove613(an opposing direction side of each of the opposite rack gear assemblies) in a longitudinal direction of the first rack member610. For example, the rack gear611may be formed to a portion located at a further front side compared to the movement guiding groove613.

Meanwhile, the first rack member610is further include a first rack cover614. For example, an inner portion of the movement guiding groove613provided in the first rack member610may be configured to be open upward and downward. Accordingly, the movement guiding groove613may be configured to allow a holder672and a locking member (or latch)673of the confining module670, which will be described later, to pass therethrough. The first rack cover614may be coupled to the first rack member610to cover the upper surface of the first rack member610, and a lower surface of the first rack cover614may be configured to cover the open portion of the movement guiding groove613provided in the first rack member610and to form an upper surface of the movement guiding groove613. In one implementation, the first rack cover614is provided to be a metal plate so as to reinforce an insufficient rigidity of the first rack member610.

In addition, a lower surface (an upper surface of an inner part of the movement guiding groove) of the first rack cover614may include receiving grooves614aand614bprovided thereon. The holder672and the locking member673of the confining module670, to be described later, may be received into the receiving grooves614aand614b, respectively. This feature is illustrated inFIG. 15.

The receiving grooves614aand614bmay include a first receiving groove614areceiving the holder672and a second receiving groove614breceiving the locking member673. The two receiving grooves614aand614bmay be spaced apart from each other along a moving direction of the first rack member610. For example, a distance between a rear surface of the first receiving groove614aand a rear surface of the second receiving groove614bmay be longer than a distance defined between a rear surface of the holder672and a rear surface of the locking member673. After the holder672is first received into the first receiving groove614a, the locking member673may be received into the second receiving groove614b.

Accordingly, the first rack member610and the first rack cover614may be manufactured independently of each other and then coupled together. In another embodiment, the first rack cover614and the first rack member610may be provided as a single body, such forming the two components in a single body by injection molding. However, when the first rack member610and the first rack cover614are formed as the single body, the injection molding may be difficult to perform since a recessed shape or direction of each portion of the first rack member610and the first rack cover614may be different.

The second rack member620may move the storage bin220forward and backward in cooperation with the first rack member610. For example, when the first rack member610receives a rotational force of the pinion410and moves forward by a predetermined distance while the second rack member620is received into the movement guiding groove613of the first rack member610, the second rack member620may also be moved forward by being pulled by the first rack member610. Subsequently, the second rack member620is moved forward by the rotational force of the pinion410. Accordingly, although the rack gear611of the first rack member610moves away from the pinion410, the first rack member610may be further extended.

In certain configurations, the first rack member610may be configured to pull and move the second rack member620in cooperation with a linkage part680. The linkage part680may include a linkage protrusion681(SeeFIG. 15) provided on a lower surface (the upper surface of the inner part of the movement guiding groove) of the first rack cover614, which will be described later, and a linkage step682(SeeFIG. 13) provided on an upper surface of the second rack member620. When the first rack member610moves forward by a predetermined distance, the linkage protrusion681and the linkage step682are configured to collide with each other and move the second rack member620forward. Operation of the linkage part680is illustrated inFIGS. 26 and 28.

In other examples, although not shown, the linkage protrusion681may be provided in the first rack member610. In addition, although not shown, the linkage protrusion681may be provided on the upper surface of the second rack member620and the linkage step682may be provided on a lower surface of the first rack member610.

Furthermore, while the second rack member620is completely received into the movement guiding groove613of the first rack member610, a distance defined between the linkage step682and the linkage protrusion681may be set such that the first rack member610moves forward without influencing the second rack member620. This set distance may be determined in consideration of a size of the storage bin220and/or the entire opening distance of the storage bin220.

In addition, the rack gear (or second rack gear)621may be provided in the second rack member620. The rack gear621may be positioned in parallel with the rack gear611of the first rack member610at a side portion thereof. For example, a front end of the rack gear621may be positioned at a rear side compared to a front end of the rack gear611of the first rack member610, and a rear end of the rack gear621may be configured to extend to a further rear side compared to a rear end of the rack gear611of the first rack member610.

For example, the rack gears611and621of the first rack member610and the second rack member620may be configured to receive the driving force generated by the pinion410. For example, the pinion410may be configured to have a width corresponding to a size of the rack gear611of the first rack member610and the rack gear621of the second rack member620when overlapped together such that each of the rack gears611and621accurately receives the driving force from the pinion410.

In addition, a motion groove622may be formed to be recessed in a lower surface of a front end of the second rack member620. The motion groove622may provide a moving space allowing a stopper member (or stopper frame)671of the confining module670, which will be described later, to move forward and backward while the stopper member671is received in and mounted in the motion groove622.

In addition, a plurality of through holes622aand622bmay be provided in the motion groove622by being formed through an upper part thereof. The through holes622aand622bmay include a first through hole622athrough which the holder672of the confining module670, which will be described later, passes and a second through hole622b, through which the locking member673passes. For example, the second through hole622bmay be formed to be a longitudinal hole in forward and backward directions such that the locking member673may move forward and backward within the second through hole622b.

Meanwhile, may be provided on a lower surface of the second rack member620. For example, the second rack cover624may be configured to cover the lower surface of the second rack member620. The second rack cover624may prevent the stopper member671mounted to the motion groove622of the second rack member620from deviating to the outside.

The second rack cover624may be a plate made of a metal or other substantially strong material and is positioned to cover the lower surface of the second rack member620. Accordingly, the second rack member620can be prevented from being deformed, e.g. twisting or bending, by the second rack cover624. In some examples, at least one partial open portion may be provided on the second rack cover624to reduce weight thereof.

In one example, second rack cover624may include a folded end (or vertical walls)624aon each of opposite side surfaces and a rear surface of the second rack cover624so as to cover a portion of each of the opposite side surfaces and the rear surface of the second rack member620, thereby preventing twisting of the second rack member620. In addition, a stopper exposure hole624bmay be provided at a front end portion of the second rack cover624and may allow a portion of the stopper member671, which will be described later, to be exposed therethrough.

The confining protrusion part650may be provided to confine the second rack member620. The confining protrusion part650may have an upper surface of which is closed and a lower part of which is open, and may be provided at a front of the upper surface (e.g., the bottom surface of the inner part of the storage chamber) of the bottom120of the cabinet100.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 21, the confining protrusion part650may be installed in the protrusion passing hole513formed through the cover plate510. If the cover plate510is omitted, the protrusion passing hole513may be provided on an upper surface (e.g., the bottom surface of the inner part of the storage chamber) of the bottom120of the cabinet100by being spaced therefrom, and the confining protrusion part650may be installed in the protrusion passing hole513.

A width of an inner part of the protrusion passing hole513may be larger than a width of an outer surface of the confining protrusion part650, and external exposure of a gap caused by difference between the width of the protrusion passing hole513and the width of the confining protrusion part650may be covered by the confining holder654.

The confining holder654may be combined with the upper surface (or the upper surface of the bottom) of the cover plate510. For example, a protrusion through hole654a, through which the confining protrusion part650passes, may be formed in a center portion of the confining holder654, and an outer portion of the confining holder654may be combined with the cover plate510by covering the gap between the protrusion passing hole513and the confining protrusion part650.

In addition, a combination end656may be provided on the outer surface of the confining protrusion part650and may protrude outward therefrom. A lift guide654bvertically passing through the combination end656may be provided on a lower surface of the confining holder654and may protrude therefrom. For example, the combination ends656may be provided on opposite sides of the confining protrusion part650to protrude therefrom, and lift guides (or guide bosses)654bmay be provided on opposite sides of the confining holder654so as to pass through respective ones of the combination ends656.

Each of the lift guides654bmay support a vertical movement of the confining protrusion part650. Furthermore, the confining protrusion part650may be installed to be elastically moved upward and downward in the protrusion passing hole513by an elastic member651. For example, when the confining protrusion part650is pressed, the confining protrusion part650may be moved downward into the protrusion passing hole513. Conversely, when the confining protrusion part650is not pressed, the confining protrusion part may be moved upward in the protrusion passing hole513, and a portion of the confining protrusion part650may extend into a inner part of the lower storage chamber3.

In some examples, the elastic member651may be configured as a coil spring. A spring engagement protrusion652may be provided on the confining protrusion part650and may protrude downward therefrom (SeeFIG. 27). The elastic member651may be combined at an upper end thereof with the spring engagement protrusion652in the confining protrusion part650by passing through a lower part of the confining protrusion part650.

In one example, the confining protrusion part650may be positioned at a rear side of the pinion410and may be be substantially adjacent to the pinion410. For example, the confining protrusion part650may be positioned less than a threshold distance (e.g., 10 cm) from the pinion410.

A slope (or sloped surface)653may be provided at a middle of an upper surface of the confining protrusion part650. The slope653may be gradually inclined upward toward a rear of the confining protrusion part650from a front thereof. As the locking member673of the confining module670moves backward on the slope653, the confining protrusion part650may be configured to move downward.

In addition, a front surface of the confining protrusion part650may have flat portions or flat surfaces655. In this case, the flat portions655may be opposite side portions associated of the slope653, and a confining hook671aof the stopper member671, which will be described hereinbelow, may contact the flat portions655such that a backward movement of the stopper member671is selectively prevented.

The confining module670may confine and limit a motion of the second rack member620until the first rack member610has moved forward by a prescribed distance. For example, the confining module670may include the stopper member (or latch)671, the holder672, and the locking member (or locking frame)673.

The stopper member671may be provided in the motion groove622of the second rack member620and may restrict a backward movement of the second rack member620. A length of the stopper member671from a front of the stopper member671to a rear thereof may be shorter than a length of the motion groove622from a front of the motion groove622to a rear thereof. Accordingly, the stopper member671may be installed to slide to move in forward and backward directions in the motion groove622.

In addition, the confining hook671amay be provided on a lower surface of the front end of the stopper member671by protruding downward therefrom. For example, when the drawer200is moved backward by a predetermined distance, the confining hook671amay contact the flat portion655of the front surface of the confining protrusion part650such that the stopper member671and the first rack member610may not move further backward.

In addition, a holder groove671bmay be provided on an upper surface of the front of the stopper member671, and a locking member through hole671cmay be provided on a rear portion of the stopper member671. For example, the locking member through hole671cmay be vertically formed through the rear portion of the stopper member671.

The holder groove671bmay gradually incline downward toward a rear thereof. For example, when the holder672is received into the holder groove671band moves forward, the holder672can move away from the holder groove671b.

The holder672may restrict forward and backward movements of the stopper member671. A lower end of the holder672may be received into the holder groove671bof the stopper member671, and an upper end of the holder672may pass through the first through hole622aof the second rack member. When the first rack member610moves forward by a predetermined distance and pulls the second rack member620, the holder672may escape from the holder groove671bwhile moving forward together with the second rack member620and may be received into the first receiving groove614aof the first rack cover614.

In some implementations, each of a front upper edge of the holder672and a front lower edge may be inclined. The inclination of the front lower edge of the holder672may corresponds to the inclination of the holder groove671b. Accordingly, the holder672may efficiently escape from the holder groove671b.

The holder672may include a cut groove672aprovided in an upper surface thereof and extended in forward and backward directions. An insert protrusion614creceived into the cut groove672amay be provided on a lower surface of the first rack cover614facing the upper surface of the holder672. For example, the insert protrusion614cmay be provided from a front end of the first rack cover614to extend into an interior of the first receiving groove614a. Due to a structure of the cut groove672aand the insert protrusion614c, while the first rack member610moves, leftward and rightward movements of the holder672are prevented such that the insert protrusion614cmay be accurately received into the first receiving groove614a. In some examples, multiple pairs of the cut groove672aand the insert protrusion614cmay be provided.

The locking member673may be positioned at a rear of the confining protrusion part650and may be held by the confining protrusion part650until the first rack member610is moved forward by a predetermined distance to prevent a forward movement of the second rack member620. When the second rack member620and the second rack cover624move together with the first rack member610and the first rack cover614by the predetermined distance, the locking member673may move upward and may be received in the second receiving groove614bof the first rack cover614that is positioned to correspond to an upper part of the locking member673. Accordingly, the locking member673confined by the confining protrusion part650may be released due to the motion of the movement of first rack member610.

An extending step673amay be provided at an upper end of the locking member673, such as to extend to opposite sides thereof, and lifting guide steps623(seeFIG. 14) having a round (or inclined) shape may be provided at opposite sides of the second through hole622bon an upper surface of the front end of the second rack member620. The extending step673amay be lifted while the first rack member610and the first rack cover614are moved forward by a predetermined distance and move together with the second rack member620and the second rack cover624.

For example, when the first rack member610and the first rack cover614are moved forward by a predetermined distance and move together with the second rack member620and the second rack cover624, the lifting guide step623in the second rack member620may allow the extending step673aof the locking member673to be lifted. Accordingly, the locking member673may move upward to a height at which the locking member673does not contact the confining protrusion part650.

The lifting guide step623may be gradually inclined or rounded upward toward a rear thereof. For example, the lifting guide step623may be gradually incline upward toward a rear of the second through hole622bfrom a middle portion of each of opposite sides thereof. When the locking member673is positioned at the front of the second through hole622b, the locking member673may not be influenced by the lifting guide step623. As the locking member673is moved to the rear of the second through hole622bby a forward movement of the second rack member620, the locking member673may be influenced by the lifting guide step623and may be gradually moved upward.

In certain implementations, the extending step673aof the locking member673may be configured to have a round or inclined shape correspond to a shape of a corresponding surface of the lifting guide step623. In addition, a lower surface of the locking member673may gradually incline upward toward a rear thereof. Inclination of the lower surface of the locking member673may correspond to the inclination of the slope653provided at the middle of the upper surface of the confining protrusion part650.

The noise reduction part660may reduce the impact noise when the stopper member671collides with the confining protrusion part650. Furthermore, the noise reduction part660may also help prevent the stopper member671or the confining protrusion part650from being damaged by reducing impact between the stopper member671and the confining protrusion part650.

The noise reduction part660may be provided on at least one of a rear surface of the confining hook671aof the stopper member671or an opposing front surface of the confining protrusion part650. Accordingly, when the confining hook671acontacts with the confining protrusion part650, the noise reduction part may help prevent impact associated with a direct contact of the opposing surfaces of the confining hook671aand the confining protrusion part650. This configuration is illustrated inFIG. 21.

The noise reduction part660is made of a material having a cushioning effect. For example, noise reduction part660may be made of a rubber material, a pliable plastic material, a fabric, cork, or other deformable material.

According to an embodiment, the noise reduction part660may be provided on the front surface of the confining protrusion part650and may block a contact between the confining protrusion part650and the confining hook671aincluded in the stopper member671. For example, the noise reduction part660may be installed on each of the flat portions655of the front surface of the confining protrusion part650. Since the slope653of the confining protrusion part650may be gradually inclined upward toward a rear thereof, the slope650may not contact the confining hook671a. Accordingly, the noise reduction part660may be installed only on the flat portion655that the confining hook671amay contact.

The noise reduction part660may be installed on the flat portion655using an adhesive or an adhesive tape or he noise reduction part660may be screwed to the flat portion655. However, long term use may cause the noise reduction part660to fall from the flat portion655due to deterioration of adhesion or as the noise reduction part660may be torn. Furthermore, installing the noise reduction part at a correct position is difficult. Accordingly, workability may be deteriorated.

Accordingly, according to an exemplary embodiment, the noise reduction part660may be fitted onto and coupled to the flat portion655. The noise reduction part660can be fitted onto the flat portion such that the noise reduction part660is not removed from the flat portion655even after long-term use. Various types of structures fit together the flat portion655and the noise reduction part660may be used.

For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22, a fitting groove657may be provided on each of the flat portions655of the confining protrusion part650by being recessed therefrom, and a fitting protrusion661may be provided on the noise reduction part660by protruding therefrom. The fitting protrusion661may be fitted into and coupled to the fitting groove657.

In another example illustrated inFIG. 23, the fitting protrusion661may be provided on each of the flat portions655of the confining protrusion part650by protruding therefrom, and the fitting groove657may be provided in the noise reduction part660by being recessed therefrom. Accordingly, the fitting protrusion661may be fitted into the fitting groove657may be combined with each other to coupled together the flat portion655and the noise reduction part660.

In another example illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 25, the noise reduction part660may be positioned on an inner surface (e.g., a contact surface of the confining hook671awith the confining protrusion part) of the confining hook671aof the stopper member671. For example, the noise reduction part660may be positioned on a surface of the confining hook671athat faces a front surface of the confining protrusion part650.

Furthermore, the fitting groove657may have a trapezium structure gradually extending to opposite sides thereof toward an inner part thereof. Accordingly, the fitting protrusion661fitted into the fitting groove in a vertical may be prevented from being unintentionally removed from the fitting groove in a horizontal direction (e.g., in a travel direction of the rack assembly600).

In addition, the fitting groove657may be configured to be open to an upper part of the confining protrusion part650, and the fitting protrusion661may be configured to be vertically fitted into and combined with the fitting groove. Consequently, although the confining protrusion part650would not removed from the protrusion passing hole513by disassembling the confining holder654from the confining protrusion part, the noise reduction part660can be easily replaced.

Hereinbelow, operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with respect toFIGS. 26 to 32. When the drawer200is not manipulated, the drawer200may be maintained in a closed state, as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27. While the drawer200is in the closed state and an input to open the drawer200is performed, power may be supplied to the driving part400, and the driving motor420may operate. For example, the input to open the drawer200may include a user manipulation of a button6(e.g., a touching or pressing type button). Alternatively, a controller may control the drawer to open based on detecting a proximity of a user.

When the driving motor420is operated, the pinions410may be simultaneously rotated due to the driving force from the motor420. The rack gears611and621of the rack gear assemblies600engaged with the opposite pinions410may be operated based on the rotation of the pinions400, and the drawer200is moved forward.

After the first rack member610and the first rack cover614are first moved forward simultaneously, the second rack member620and the second rack cover624may be moved forward. While the first rack member610and the first rack cover614are moved forward simultaneously, the locking member673may be confined by the confining protrusion part650. Accordingly, the second rack member620and the second rack cover624maintain initial positions thereof.

When the first rack member610and the first rack cover614are moved forward by a preset first distance and the linkage protrusion681comes into contact with the linkage step682, the second rack member620and the second rack cover624may move forward together with the first rack member610from the contact of the linkage protrusion681with the linkage step682, as shown inFIGS. 28 and 29.

Since the locking member673is confined by the confining protrusion part650, the stopper member671through which the locking member673passes maintains an initial position, and the second rack member620moves forward. As the extending step673aof the locking member673gradually climbs on the lifting guide step623provided in the second rack member620, the locking member673moves upward and moves away from the confining protrusion part650, as shown inFIGS. 30 and 31.

As the stopper member671moves forward together with the second rack member620while the stopper member671contacts an inner rear surface of the motion groove622, the stopper member671passes the confining protrusion part650. This features is also illustrated inFIGS. 30 and 31.

Subsequently, when the second rack member620and the second rack cover624move to follow the first rack member610and the first rack cover614, the rack gear621of the second rack member620may engage the pinion410as the rack gear611of the first rack member610moves away from the pinion410. When the rack gear611of the first rack member610moves away from the pinion410and the rack gear621of the second rack member620engages the pinion410, the rack gear621receives a driving force from the pinion410so as to further move the drawer200forward, as shown inFIG. 32.

When the forward movement of the second rack member620is completed, as described above, the storage bin220of the drawer200may be positioned at a maximum open state. When a maximum open state of the storage bin220is detected (for example, detected by the open/close sensing part514a,514b), the lift module300may operate to move the container240in the storage bin220upward so that a user can efficiently take out the container240or items stored in the container240or store items into the container240.

When an input to close the drawer200is received after the user has completed the use of the drawer200, the driving motor420include in the driving part400operates and the pinion410may rotate in closing direction (e.g., counterclockwise). Accordingly, the rack gear621of the second rack member620engaged with the pinion410operates and moves the second rack member620backward. The first rack member610may be pulled by the second rack member620due to the linkage part680, and the first rack member610may move backward together with the second rack member620.

When the front end of the rack gear621of the second rack member620is positioned to be engaged with the pinion410, the rear end of the rack gear611of the first rack member610may also be positioned to engage the pinion410. Subsequently, as the rack gear621of the second rack member620completes a rear movement and moves away from and no longer contacts the teeth of the pinion410, and the first rack member610continues to move backward as the rack gear611engages the pinion410.

For example, as described above, immediately before the second rack member620completely moves backward, the confining hook671aof the stopper member671may engage the confining protrusion part650and does not move backward any further. While the stopper member671is blocked and the second rack member620additionally moves by a distance by which the stopper member671is provided to move in the motion groove622, the extending step673aof the locking member673is removed from the lifting guide step623, and the locking member673moves downward.

When the second rack member620is prevented from moving further backward by the stopper member671, the confining protrusion part650is positioned between the confining hook671aof the stopper member671and the locking member673and engages to confine the second rack member620. The first rack member610continues to move backward until the first rack member610returns to an initial position thereof (e.g., a position at which the storage bin is completely received). When completion of such a restoring movement is detected, the operation of the driving motor stops and the closing movement of the drawer stops.

Meanwhile, when the confining hook671aof the stopper member671hits the confining protrusion part650and is blocked thereby while the above-mentioned closing movement of the drawer is performed, impact and impact noise occur due to the hitting. When speed of the backward movement of the drawer becomes faster, the impact and the resulting impact noise may also increase. When the noise reduction part660is provided on the flat portion655of the front surface of the confining protrusion part650, the impact and the impact noise may be reduced or removed by the noise reduction part660. Accordingly, damage to the components (e.g., the confining protrusion part650or the confining hook671a) due to impact may be prevented and reliability may be improved while impact noise is reduced.

Accordingly, the refrigerator of the present disclosure includes the rack gear assembly600that is configured to extend sequentially such that the storage bin220of the drawer200may be completely opened. For example, the storage bin220may be configured to be opened and closed by being guided by a guide rail230provided at opposite sides thereof, and a lower part of the storage bin may be configured to be moved with the lower part supported by the rack gear assembly600. Accordingly, although the storage bin may be heavy when storing items, an operation malfunction of the storage bin is prevented.

In addition, a noise reduction part660may be provided between a stopper member671and a confining protrusion part650. Accordingly, although the stopper member671and the confining protrusion part650may collide with each other, impact noise may be reduced and damage caused by impact may be minimized. Additionally, he confining protrusion part650may elastically move upward and downward. Accordingly, although the locking member673may impact the confining protrusion part650during a backward movement of the second rack member620, damage of the confining protrusion part650or the locking member673may be prevented.

In addition, the protrusion passing hole513may be provided on the bottom surface of the inner part of the lower storage chamber3to receive the confining protrusion part650, and the confining protrusion part650is positioned in the protrusion passing hole513to ease maintenance of the confining protrusion part650. Furthermore, the protrusion passing hole513may be provided in the cover plate510of the cable guide module500. Accordingly, the cable guide module500and the confining protrusion part650may be assembled with each other.

Additionally, since an elastic member651may be provided in the protrusion passing hole513such that the confining protrusion part650is elastically moved upward and downward, the confining protrusion part650may be prevented from being damaged by hitting the locking member673. In addition, the confining protrusion part650may have an open lower part, and the elastic member651may be positioned in the confining protrusion part650. Accordingly, the confining protrusion part650is efficiently moved upward and downward.

In addition, since the elastic member651may be configured as the coil spring, assembling thereof may be relatively easy. Furthermore, since the spring engagement protrusion652may be provided on the upper surface of the inner part of the confining protrusion part650by protruding downward therefrom and the elastic member651may be combined with the spring engagement protrusion652, the elastic member651is stably installed.

In addition, since the front surface of the confining protrusion part650may include flat portions655, the confining hook671aof the stopper member671may collides with the confining protrusion part650without slanting to a side (e.g., left to right).

Furthermore, since the noise reduction part660may be provided on the at least one surface of opposing contact surfaces of the confining hook and the confining protrusion part, the noise reduction part660is easily installed, removed, or replaced. Additionally, since the noise reduction part660may be made of a material having a cushioning effect, the noise reduction part may provide noise reduction and impact absorption. In addition, since the noise reduction part660is made of a rubber material, the noise reduction part660may provide improved noise reduction and impact absorption. Furthermore, since the noise reduction part660may be positioned to block a contact between the confining hook671aand the confining protrusion part650, the refrigerator may have improved impact absorption and noise reduction.

Additionally, since the fitting groove657may be provided in the confining protrusion part650by being recessed therefrom such that the noise reduction part660may be fitted into the fitting groove, the noise reduction part660may be easily inserted into the fitting groove657and or removed from the fitting groove657to be replaced. Furthermore, since the fitting groove657may have a trapezium structure that gradually extends in opposite sides thereof toward an inner part thereof, the fitting protrusion is prevented from being unintentionally removed from the fitting groove. In addition, since the fitting groove657may be open to the upper part of the confining protrusion part650, the fitting protrusion661may be vertically fitted into and combined with the fitting groove, such that maintenance may be easily performed.

Additionally, a confining holder654is provided, to prevent deviation of the confining protrusion part650and to cover a gap between the protrusion passing hole513and the confining protrusion part650. In addition, since the lift guide654bmay be provided on the lower surface of the confining holder654, an exact vertical movement of the confining holder654is performed. Furthermore, since the lift guide654bmay be provided on each of opposite sides of the lower surface of the confining holder654, the confining protrusion part650may be moved substantially vertically (e.g., upward and downward) without slanting.

Accordingly, certain aspects provide a refrigerator having a drawer with an opening distance that may be maximized such that items stored in a storage bin can be easily stored or taken out. In addition, certain aspects provide a type of refrigerator in which an impact noise occurring in when closing the drawer may be prevented. Furthermore, certain aspects provide a new type of refrigerator, wherein components provided to prevent impact noise occurring in the process of closing of the drawer are can be assembled and replaced. Additionally, the certain aspects provide a refrigerator in which impact mitigation performance of each of components provided to prevent impact noise occurring when closing a drawer is improved.

In order to achieve the and other aspect, a refrigerator may include a noise reduction part provided between a stopper member and a confining protrusion part. Accordingly, although the stopper member and the confining protrusion part collide with each other, impact noise is reduced and damage, which may be caused by impact, is prevented. Additionally, the confining protrusion part may be provided to elastically move upward and downward. Accordingly, although the locking member hits the confining protrusion part during a backward movement of a second rack member, damage of the confining protrusion part or the locking member may be prevented.

In addition, a protrusion passing hole may be provided on a bottom surface of an inner part of the storage chamber to receive the confining protrusion part, and the confining protrusion part may be positioned in the protrusion passing hole. Accordingly, maintenance of the confining protrusion part is easy. Furthermore, the protrusion passing hole may be provided in a cover plate of the cable guide module. Accordingly, the cable guide module and the confining protrusion part are assembled with each other.

Additionally, an elastic member may be provided in the protrusion passing hole such that the confining protrusion part is elastically moved upward and downward so that the confining protrusion part may be prevented from being damaged by hitting the locking member. In addition, the confining protrusion part may be provided as a body having an open lower part, and the elastic member may be positioned in the confining protrusion part so that the confining protrusion part may be efficiently moved upward and downward.

Furthermore, the elastic member may be provided as a coil spring. Accordingly, manufacturing thereof may be easy. Additionally, a spring engagement protrusion may be provided on an upper surface of an inner part of the confining protrusion part by protruding downward therefrom, and the elastic member may be engaged with the spring engagement protrusion to allow the elastic member to be stably installed.

In addition, a front surface of the confining protrusion part may be provided to have flat portions so that a confining hook of the stopper member may exactly collide with the confining protrusion part without slanting left to right. Furthermore, the noise reduction part may be provided on at least one surface of opposing contact surfaces of the confining hook and the confining protrusion part so that the noise reduction part may be easily installed, removed, or replaced. In addition, the noise reduction part may be made of a material having a cushioning effect so that the noise reduction part may advantageously reduce reduction and absorb impact. In addition, the noise reduction part may be made of a rubber material to improve noise reduction and impact absorption.

Furthermore, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the noise reduction part may be configured to block a contact between the confining hook and the confining protrusion part to improve impact absorption and noise reduction. Additionally, a fitting groove may be configured on the confining protrusion part by being recessed therefrom such that the noise reduction part is fitted into the fitting groove such that the noise reduction part may be easily assembled and replaced.

In addition, the fitting groove may be configured to have a trapezium structure gradually extending to opposite sides thereof toward an inner part thereof so that the noise reduction part may be prevented from being unintentionally removed from the fitting groove. Furthermore, the fitting groove may be configured to be open to an upper end of the confining protrusion part so that a fitting protrusion may be vertically fitted into and combined with the fitting groove.

Additionally, a confining holder may be provided, preventing deviation of the confining protrusion part and covering a gap between the protrusion passing hole and the confining protrusion part. In addition, a lift guide may be provided on a lower surface of the confining holder so that an exact vertical movement of the confining holder may be performed. Furthermore, the lift guide may be provided on each of opposite sides of the lower surface of the confining holder so that the confining protrusion part may be exactly vertically moved upward and downward without slanting.

As described above, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the storage bin constituting the drawer may be completely moved forward by the rack gear assembly configured to extend sequentially. Particularly, the storage bin is configured to be guided and moved forward by a guide rail at opposite sides thereof, and a lower part of the storage bin is moved while being supported by the rack gear assembly. Accordingly, although the storage bin is heavy, operation malfunction of the storage bin is prevented.

In addition, the noise reduction part is provided between a stopper member and a confining protrusion part. Accordingly, although the stopper member and the confining protrusion part collide with each other, impact noise is reduced and damage, which may be caused by impact, is prevented. Additionally, the confining protrusion part may be provided to elastically move upward and downward so that even if the locking member hits the confining protrusion part during the backward movement of the second rack member, damage of the confining protrusion part or the locking member may be prevented.

In addition, the protrusion passing hole is provided on a bottom surface of an inner part of the storage chamber to receive the confining protrusion part, and the confining protrusion part is positioned in the protrusion passing hole, so that ease of maintenance of the confining protrusion part may improve. Furthermore, the protrusion passing hole may be provided in a cover plate of the cable guide module to allow the cable guide module and the confining protrusion part to be assembled with each other.

Additionally, an elastic member is provided in the protrusion passing hole such that the confining protrusion part is elastically moved upward and downward, so the confining protrusion part is prevented from being damaged by hitting the locking member. In addition, the confining protrusion part is provided as a body having the open lower part, and the elastic member may be positioned in the confining protrusion part, so the confining protrusion part is efficiently moved upward and downward.

Furthermore, the elastic member is provided as a coil spring. Additionally, the spring engagement protrusion is provided on the upper surface of the inner part of the confining protrusion part by protruding downward therefrom, and the elastic member may engaged the spring engagement protrusion, so that the elastic member may be stably installed.

In addition, the front surface of the confining protrusion part is provided to have flat portions, so the confining hook of the stopper member exactly collides with the confining protrusion part without slanting left to right. Furthermore, the noise reduction part is provided on the at least one surface of opposing contact surfaces of the confining hook and the confining protrusion part, so the noise reduction part may be easily installed, removed, or replaced. In addition, the noise reduction part is made of a material having a cushioning effect, so the noise reduction part improves noise reduction and impact absorption.

Furthermore, the noise reduction part is made of a rubber material, so the noise reduction part is advantageous in noise reduction and impact absorption. Furthermore, the noise reduction part is configured to block the contact portion between the confining hook and the confining protrusion part, so the refrigerator is advantageous in impact absorption and noise reduction.

Additionally, the fitting groove is configured on the confining protrusion part by being recessed therefrom such that the noise reduction part is fitted into the fitting groove, so the noise reduction part is easily assembled and replaced. In addition, the fitting groove may have a trapezium structure gradually extending to opposite sides thereof toward an inner part thereof, so the noise reduction part is prevented from being unintentionally removed from the fitting groove. In addition, the fitting groove is configured to be open to an upper part of the confining protrusion part, and the fitting protrusion is vertically fitted into and combined with the fitting groove.

Additionally, a confining holder is provided, preventing deviation of the confining protrusion part and covering the gap between the protrusion passing hole and the confining protrusion part. In addition, the lift guide is provided on the lower surface of the confining holder, so an exact vertical movement of the confining holder is performed. Furthermore, the lift guide may be provided on each of opposite sides of the lower surface of the confining holder, so that the confining protrusion part is exactly moved upward and downward without slanting.