Patent Description:
In general, refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door. For this, refrigerators cool the inside of the storage space by using cool air generated by being heat-exchanged with a refrigerant circulated through a refrigeration cycle to store foods in an optimum state.

In recent years, refrigerators have become increasingly multi-functional with changes of dietary lives and gentrification of products, and refrigerators having various structures and convenience devices for convenience of users and for efficient use of internal spaces have been released.

The storage space of the refrigerator may be opened/closed by the door. Also, refrigerators may be classified into various types according to an arranged configuration of the storage space and a structure of the door for opening and closing the storage space.

The refrigerator door may be classified into a rotation-type door that opens and closes a storage space through rotation thereof and a drawer-type door that is inserted and withdrawn in a drawer type.

Also, the drawer-type door is often disposed in a lower region of the refrigerator. Thus, when the drawer-type door is disposed in the lower region of the refrigerator, a user has to turn its back to take out a basket or foods in the drawer-type door. If the basket or the foods are heavy, the user may feel inconvenient to use the basket or may be injured.

In order to solve such a limitation, various structures are being developed in which the drawer-type door is capable of being elevated.

Representatively, a structure provided with an elevatable storage container on a rear surface of a withdrawable door is disclosed in <CIT>. in this structure, a connection portion between the door and the storage container may be exposed, and electrical devices and structures for the elevation may be exposed to cause serious problems of safety in use.

Also, a structure in which a basket is elevated by an operation of a support member provided on a door is disclosed in <CIT>. In this structure, a support member is exposed directly from a rear surface and a bottom surface of the door to cause problems in safety in use. <CIT> discloses a refrigerator according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> discloses a further prior art refrigerator comprising a driving mechanism to move automatically a drawer.

As described above, in the related art, the constituents for elevating on the door side are disposed in an exposed state, which results in poor appearance and a safety limitation.

Also, there is a limitation that it is difficult to separate and install the structure for elevating the basket in which the food is accommodated, making service and cleaning management difficult.

Also, the basket having a structure in which substantially the entire basket is elevated during operation of the elevation structure. In this structure, when the food inside the basket is eccentric, it is difficult for the basket to vertically move stably due to the eccentric load. In addition, the basket may be severely deformed and damaged.

Also, the entire basket for elevation is withdrawn to the outside of the refrigerator body so that a draw-out distance is relatively long, and the structure for elevating the basket is additionally disposed on the door to be unstable when the door is withdrawn, there is a limitation of deformation and breakage of the door and the constituents for inserting and withdrawing the door.

The above mentioned inconveniences of the prior art are solved by a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>. Embodiments provide a refrigerator in which a portion of a door, which is withdrawn in a drawer type, is elevatable to improve convenience in use.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which a portion of a door, which is withdrawn in a drawer type, is elevatable and constituents for elevation are prevented from being exposed to the outside.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which a door part and a drawer part of a drawer-type door which is inserted and withdrawn in a drawer type and of which a portion is elevatable are separable from each other, and a driving device and an elevation device are separated from each other when the door part and the drawer part are separated from each other.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which constituents for elevation are separated from and coupled to each other together when a door part and a drawer part are separated from and closed to each other through simple manipulation without using a separate mechanism.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which a driving device and an elevation device, which are disposed to be spaced apart from each other, are capable of selectively receiving power through coupling and separation of a connection device and a power transmission member.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which a portion of constituents within a drawer part is elevatable in a stable state without being tilted to one side.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which a drawer door of a withdrawable drawer door is elevated in a state of being completely withdrawn to the outside of a cabinet to improve safety and durability in operation.

In an embodiment, a refrigerator includes a door opening and closing a storage space through insertion and withdrawal thereof and constituted by a door part and a drawer part; and a support member elevated by an elevation device inside the drawer part.

The support member may be disposed in a front part within the drawer part.

In an embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a driving device providing power to a withdrawable door part; an elevation device provided in a drawer part coupled to a rear surface of the door part to elevate at least a portion of the drawer part; and a connection device connecting the driving device to the elevation device so that the power is transmitted, wherein the connection device is selectively separated from the elevation device by user's manipulation.

At least a portion of the connection device may be exposed between the door part and the drawer part so as to be manipulated by a user.

A power transmission member connected to the elevation device in a direction crossing each other to transmit power may be provided on the elevation device, and the power transmission member may be detachably connected to the connection device.

The elevation device may be disposed on each of both side surfaces of the drawer part and coupled to both ends of the support member supporting the food and container within the drawer part to elevate the support member.

The driving device may include: a motor assembly; a driving shaft rotating by the motor assembly; and a connection device coupled to both ends of the driving shaft, wherein the elevation devices on both sides of the drawer part may be respectively connected to both the connection devices.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet in which an upper storage space and a lower storage space are defined; a door part opening and closing the lower storage space; a drawer part provided behind the door part and inserted and withdrawn together with the door part; a drawer-side device provided in the drawer part to elevate a food or a container within the drawer part; a door-side device provided in the door part to provide power for an operation of the drawer-side device; and a connection device provided in the door part to connect the door-side device to the drawer-side device so that the power of the door-side device is transmitted to the drawer-side device, wherein at least a portion of the connection device is exposed to a rear surface of the door part so that a user manipulates the connection device, and when the user manipulates the connection device, the connection device operates to separate the drawer-side device from the door-side device.

A recess part may be defined in the rear surface of the door part, and the door-side device and the connection device may be connected in the recess part.

A door cover covering the recess part may be disposed on the door part.

An opening through which a portion of the connection device is exposed may be defined in the door cover.

The opening and the connection device partially may be covered by a front surface of the drawer part.

The connection device may include: a connection device case mounted on the door part; a connection gear accommodated in the connection device case and gear-coupled to the door-side device to rotate; a connection member axially coupled to the connection gear to rotate together with the connection gear and selectively connected to the drawer-side device to transmit power; and an elastic member supporting the connection gear and the connection member, wherein the connection member is inserted into the connection device case to compress the elastic member, and the connection member is separated from the drawer-side device in a state in which the connection member and the connection gear are inserted into the connection device case.

The connection device may further include a push member exposed to the rear surface of the door part and manipulated by the user, and the push member may be connected to the connection member to move together with the connection member when the push member is manipulated.

The push member may include: a through-hole which is defined in one side that is covered by the drawer part and through which the connection member passes; and a push part exposed outward rather than the drawer part and manipulated by the user.

The connection device may further include a coupling member connecting the connection gear to a rotation center of the connection member so that the connection gear and the connection member rotate together with each other, the coupling member may be mounted to pass through an insertion hole of the connection member so that the connection member moves along the coupling member, and the elastic member may be disposed between the connection gear and the connection member.

A connection part connected to the drawer-side device may be disposed on an end of the connection member facing the insertion hole, and the inside of the connection part may be coupled to an end of the drawer-side device in a shape corresponding to that of the end of the drawer-side device so that the power is transmitted.

In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet in which an upper storage space and a lower storage space are defined; a door part opening and closing the lower storage space; a drawer part provided behind the door part and inserted and withdrawn together with the door part; a support member provided in the drawer part to support a food or a container; an elevation member provided on each of both side surfaces of the drawer part and coupled to both ends of the support member to elevate the support member; a power transmission member provided on each of both side surfaces of the drawer part and extending from a front surface of the drawer part facing the door part so as to be connected to the elevation device to transmit power; a driving device provided in the door part to provide the power for an operation of the drawer-side device; and a connection device exposed to a rear surface of the door part and connected to the driving device and the power transmission member to transmit the power of the driving device to the power transmission member, wherein at least a portion of the connection device is exposed to the rear surface of the door part so that a user manipulates the connection device, and when the user manipulates the connection device, the connection device operates to be separated from the power transmission member.

An end of the power transmission member may be disposed on each of both the sides of a front surface of the drawer part, and the connection device may be disposed at a position facing the power transmission member so that the connection device is connected to the power transmission member when the door part and the drawer part are coupled to each other.

The elevation device may include: a rail housing mounted on an inner surface of the drawer part; an elevation shaft disposed in the rail housing to rotate by the power transmitted from the door-side device; and a block holder penetrated by the elevation shaft and screw-coupled to the elevation shaft to move along the elevation shaft, wherein the block holder may be coupled to the support member.

The power transmission member may include: a shaft provided on each of both the sides of the drawer part; a transmission gear provided one end of the shaft and gear-coupled to a shaft gear provided on the elevation shaft to allow the elevation shaft to rotate; and a connection member provided on the other end of the shaft and coupled to the connection device to allow the connection member and the shaft to rotate together with each other.

The inside of the drawer part may be divided into a front space disposed in a direction in which the drawer part is withdrawn and a rear space defined at a rear side of the front space, and the support member and the elevation device may be disposed in the front space.

The drawer part may be withdrawn to become a state in which at least a portion of the rear space is disposed inside the lower storage space.

The driving device may include: a motor assembly disposed on the rear surface of the door part; a driving shaft passing through the motor assembly and rotating by the motor assembly; and a driving gear provided on each of both ends of the driving shaft, wherein the connection device may be provided on both ends of the driving shaft and connected to the driving gear.

The connection device may include: a connection device case mounted on the door part; a connection gear accommodated in the connection device case and gear-coupled to the driving gear in a direction crossing each other; a connection member moving to the inside of the connection.

device case by user's manipulation so as to be selectively connected to the power transmission member; an elastic member supporting the connection gear and the connection member; and a push member which is connected to the connection member and of which at least a portion is exposed to the rear surface of the door part so that the user manipulate the push member to allow the connection member to move.

The driving device and the power transmission member may be gear-coupled to each other in a direction crossing each other to transmit power, and the power transmission member and the elevation device may be gear-coupled to each other in a direction crossing each other.

A door frame may be coupled to both the sides of the drawer part to allow the door part and the drawer part to be inserted and withdrawn together with each other, and the connection device may be manipulated to separate the door part from the drawer part when the door frame and the drawer part are separated from each other.

<FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Also, <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a state in which a drawer door of the refrigerator is inserted and withdrawn and is elevated.

As illustrated in the drawing, the refrigerator <NUM> may have an outer appearance that is defined by a cabinet <NUM> defining a storage space and a door <NUM> covering an opened front surface of the cabinet <NUM>.

The storage space of the cabinet <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of spaces. For example, an upper space of the cabinet <NUM> may be provided as a refrigerating compartment <NUM>, and a lower space of the cabinet <NUM> may be provided as a freezing compartment <NUM>. Each of the upper space and the lower space may be provided as an independent space that is maintained at a different temperature, except for the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. The upper space and the lower space may be called an upper storage space <NUM> and a lower storage space <NUM>.

The door <NUM> may be constituted by a rotation door <NUM> opening and closing the upper space through rotation thereof and a drawer door <NUM> opening and closing the lower space by being inserted or withdrawn in a drawer type. The lower space may be vertically divided again. The drawer door <NUM> may be constituted by an upper drawer door <NUM> and a lower drawer door <NUM>. Also, an outer appearance of each of the rotation door <NUM> and the drawer door <NUM> may be made of a metal material and be exposed to the front side.

Although the refrigerator in which all of the rotation door <NUM> and the drawer door <NUM> are provided is described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to all refrigerators including a door that is inserted and withdrawn in the drawer type.

A display <NUM> may be disposed on one side of a front surface of the rotation door <NUM>. The display <NUM> may have a liquid crystal display structure or a <NUM> segment structure. Also, when the outer appearance of the door <NUM> is made of the metal material, a plurality of fine holes are punched in the display <NUM> to display information by using light passing therethrough.

Also, a manipulation part <NUM> that is capable of manipulating automatic rotation or withdrawal of the upper door <NUM> or the lower door <NUM> may be provided on one side of the rotation door <NUM>. The manipulation part <NUM> may be integrated with the display <NUM> and may operate in a touch manner or a button manner. The manipulation part <NUM> may input an overall operation of the refrigerator <NUM> and manipulate an insertion and withdrawal of the drawer door <NUM> or an elevation of a support member <NUM> within the drawer door.

A manipulation part <NUM> may also be provided on the drawer door <NUM>. The manipulation part <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the drawer door <NUM> that is disposed at the lowermost portion of the drawer door <NUM>. The manipulation part <NUM> may operate in a touch or button manner. The manipulation part <NUM> may be provided as a sensor detecting proximity or movement of a user or provided as an input unit that operates by a user's motion or voice.

As illustrated in the drawing, a manipulation device <NUM> may be disposed on a lower end of the lower drawer door <NUM> to illuminate an image on a bottom surface and thereby to output a virtual switch and to input an operation in such a manner that the user approaches a corresponding area.

The lower drawer door <NUM> may be automatically inserted and withdrawn according to the manipulation of the manipulation part <NUM>. Also, a food or container <NUM> within the lower drawer door <NUM> may be elevated in a state in which the drawer door <NUM> is withdrawn by the manipulation of the manipulation part <NUM>.

That is, the automatic insertion and withdrawal and/or automatic elevation of the lower drawer door <NUM> may be performed by at least one of a plurality of manipulation devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As necessary, only one of the plurality of manipulation devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be provided.

Hereinafter, the lower drawer door <NUM> will be described in more detail, and also, the lower drawer door <NUM> will be called a drawer door unless otherwise specified.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the container of the drawer door is separated. Also, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the drawer door.

As illustrated in the drawings, the drawer door <NUM> may include a door part <NUM> opening and closing the storage space and a drawer part <NUM> coupled to a rear surface of the door part <NUM> and inserted and withdrawn together with the door part <NUM>.

The door part <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet <NUM> to define an outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>, and the drawer part <NUM> may be disposed inside the cabinet <NUM> to define an storage space. Also, the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> may be coupled to each other and inserted and withdrawn forward and backward together with each other.

The drawer part <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the door part <NUM> to define a space in which the food or container <NUM> to be stored is accommodated. The inside of the drawer part <NUM> may have a box shape having an opened top surface to define the accommodation space therein.

The drawer part <NUM> may be constituted by both left and right surface parts for mounting of the elevation device <NUM> and a bottom surface part connecting both the left and right surface parts to each other to define a bottom surface and also may selectively include a front surface part and a rear surface part.

An outer appearance of the drawer part <NUM> may be defined by a plurality of plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Each of the plurality of plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be made of a metal material and provided inside and outside the drawer part <NUM> so that the entire drawer part <NUM> is made of stainless steel or a material having a texture such as stainless steel.

In the state in which the drawer door <NUM> is inserted, a machine room <NUM> in which a compressor and a condenser constituting a refrigeration cycle are provided may be disposed behind the drawer door <NUM>. Thus, a rear end of the drawer part <NUM> may have a shape of which an upper end further protrudes from a lower end, and an inclined surface <NUM> may be provided on a rear surface of the drawer part <NUM>.

Also, a draw-out rail <NUM> guiding the insertion and withdrawal of the drawer door <NUM> may be provided on each of both side surfaces of the drawer part <NUM>. The drawer door <NUM> may be mounted to be inserted into or withdrawn from the cabinet <NUM> by the draw-out rail <NUM>. The draw-out rail <NUM> may be covered by an outer side plate <NUM> and thus may not be exposed to the outside. The draw-out rail <NUM> may have a rail structure that is capable of extending in multistage.

Also, the draw-out rail <NUM> may be provided on a lower end of each of both the side surfaces of the drawer part <NUM>. Thus, it may be understood that the draw-out rail <NUM> is disposed on the bottom surface of the drawer part <NUM>. Thus, the draw-out rail <NUM> may be provided on the bottom surface of the drawer part <NUM> and called an under rail. The draw-out rail may be disposed on a lower portion or the bottom surface of the drawer part to prevent the draw-out rail from interfering with the elevation device <NUM> and secure independent operations of the draw-out rail <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM>.

A draw-out rack <NUM> may be disposed on the bottom surface of the drawer part <NUM>. The draw-out rack <NUM> may be disposed on each of both sides and be interlocked with an operation of a draw-out motor <NUM> mounted on the cabinet <NUM> to automatically insert and withdraw the drawer door <NUM>. That is, when an operation is inputted into the manipulation parts <NUM> and <NUM>, the draw-out motor <NUM> may be driven to insert and withdraw the drawer door <NUM> according to movement of the draw-out rack <NUM>. Here, the drawer door <NUM> may be stably inserted and withdrawn by the draw-out rail <NUM>.

The draw-out rack <NUM> may not be provided on the drawer part <NUM>. Here, the user may hold a side of the door part <NUM> to push and pull the door part <NUM> so that the drawer door <NUM> is directly inserted and withdrawn.

The inside of the drawer part <NUM> may be divided into a front space S1 and a rear space S2. The support member <NUM> that is vertically elevated and a container seated on the support member <NUM> to be elevated together with the support member <NUM> may be disposed in the front space S1. Although the container <NUM> is illustrated in the form of a basket having an opened upper portion, the container <NUM> may have a closed box structure such as a kimchi box. Also, a plurality of containers <NUM> may be stacked or arranged in parallel to each other.

Also, when the drawer door <NUM> is withdrawn, the entire drawer part <NUM> may not be withdrawn to the outside of the storage space due to a limitation in draw-out distance of the drawer door <NUM>. That is, at least the front space S1 is withdrawn to the outside of the storage space, and the whole or a portion of the rear space S2 is disposed inside the storage space within the cabinet <NUM>, i.e., in the lower storage space.

The draw-out distance of the drawer door may be limited by the draw-out rack <NUM> or the draw-out rail <NUM>. Also, when compared with a draw-out distance of the general drawer door <NUM> in which the drawer part <NUM> is completely withdrawn, the draw-out distance according to this embodiment may be relatively short. Thus, when compared with a case in which the drawer part <NUM> is completely withdrawn to the outside of the lower storage space, acting moment may be reduced to prevent the draw-out rail <NUM> or the draw-out rack <NUM> from being deformed or damaged by a load of the drawer door.

The support member <NUM> is accommodated in the front space S1. The support member <NUM> may be elevated together with the food or container <NUM> seated on the support member <NUM> inside the drawer part <NUM>. Also, constituents for the elevation of the support member <NUM> may be disposed on both left and right surfaces of the drawer part <NUM> and coupled to a central point of both side surfaces of the support member <NUM> to fix the support member <NUM> to be elevated without allowing the support member to be lean to one side.

A separate drawer cover <NUM> may be provided in the rear space S2. The front space S1 and the rear space S2 may be partitioned by the drawer cover <NUM>. In a state in which the drawer cover <NUM> is mounted, front and top surfaces of the rear space S2 may be covered.

Thus, the food or container <NUM> accommodated in the support member <NUM> that is elevated in the front space S1 may be prevented from dropping into the rear space. Particularly, in the elevation process, the food or container <NUM> seated on the support member <NUM> may be prevented from being separated from the front space S1.

When the drawer cover <NUM> is separated, the user may be accessible to the rear space S2, and thus, foods may be easily accommodated in the rear space S2. To utilize the rear space S2, a separate structure for accommodating may be provided in the rear space S2.

As illustrated in the drawings, the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> constituting the drawer door <NUM> may be coupled to be separated from each other. Thus, assembling workability and serviceability may be improved through the separable structure of the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM>.

A rear surface of the door part <NUM> and a front surface of the drawer part <NUM> may be coupled to each other. When the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are coupled to each other, power for the elevation of the support member <NUM> may be provided. The elevation assembly (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>) for the elevation of the support member <NUM> may be disposed on each of the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM>. When the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are coupled to or separated from each other, the elevation assembly may be selectively connected.

For this, the elevation assembly <NUM> may include a driving device (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>) provided in the door part <NUM> and a drawer-side device (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG> ) provided in the drawer part <NUM>. The driving device <NUM> may be provided in the door part <NUM>, and a connection device <NUM> that is one component of the driving device <NUM> may be exposed to the rear surface of the door part <NUM>. Also, the drawer-side device <NUM> may be provided in the drawer part <NUM>, and a second connection member <NUM> disposed at a position corresponding to the connection device <NUM> may be exposed to the front surface of the drawer part <NUM>. The connection device <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> may have shapes corresponding to each other and be coupled to be separated from each other. When the connection device <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> are coupled to each other, power may be transmitted. When the door part <NUM> is fixed to the drawer part <NUM>, the door connection member <NUM> and the drawer connection member <NUM> may be coupled to each other. When the door part <NUM> is separated from the drawer part <NUM>, the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> may be separated from each other.

That is, a protrusion and a groove may be provided on the connection device <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM>, respectively. The protrusion and the groove may have a polygonal shape or a shape that is capable of transmitting the power and be interlocked with each other. The connection device <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> may have a different coupling structure in which the power is capable of being transmitted and detachable.

The door cover <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the door part <NUM>. The door cover <NUM> may be assembled to be mounted so that the driving device <NUM> is covered after the driving device <NUM> is mounted behind the door part <NUM>. The door cover <NUM> may be configured to cover the entire rear surface of the door part <NUM> or cover only an area corresponding to the driving device <NUM>.

Also, a pair of door frames <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the door <NUM>. The coupled state of the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> may be maintained by the door frames <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> constituting the drawer door <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the door part of the drawer door. Also, <FIG> is a partial cutaway perspective view of the door part.

As illustrated in the drawings, the door part <NUM> may have an outer appearance that is defined by an outer case <NUM> defining a front surface and a portion of a circumferential surface, a door liner <NUM> defining a rear surface, and an upper deco <NUM> and a lower deco <NUM> which respectively define top and bottom surfaces. Also, an insulation material may be filled into the door part <NUM>.

The outer case <NUM> may be formed by bending a plate-shaped metal material, and an inclined part 311a may be provided on a lower end of a front surface of the outer case <NUM>. A manipulation device hole 311b is defined in one side of the inclined part 311a, and the manipulation device <NUM> for detecting an output of a virtual switch and user's manipulation may be disposed in the manipulation device hole 311b. The manipulation device <NUM> may be constituted by a projector light that outputs an image to be used as a virtual switch and a proximity sensor.

A manipulation part bracket 313a for the mounting of the manipulation device <NUM> and an arrangement of a line connected to electrical components within the door part <NUM> may be provided in the lower deco <NUM>.

The door liner <NUM> may be injection-molded by using a plastic material to define the rear surface of the door part <NUM>. Also, the door liner <NUM> may have a recess part 314a in which the driving device <NUM> is mounted. The door cover <NUM> may be mounted on the door liner <NUM> to cover the driving device <NUM> mounted on the door part <NUM> and the recess part 314a.

A cold air inflow hole 315b may be defined in an upper portion of the door cover <NUM>. At least a portion of the cold air inflow hole 315b may be exposed at a height higher than that of the upper end of the drawer part <NUM> when the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are coupled to each other. Thus, a portion of cold air supplied to the drawer part <NUM> may be introduced into the door cover <NUM> through the cold air inflow hole 315b. Also, a cold air discharge hole 315c may be defined in a lower portion of the door cover <NUM>. The cold air discharge hole 315c is opened downward between the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM>. Thus, the cold air introduced into the door cover <NUM> may flow up to a lower side of the drawer part <NUM>.

That is, the door cover <NUM> may provide a flow and circulating path of the cold air at the front of the drawer part <NUM> therein. In a state in which the drawer part <NUM> is inserted into the storage space of the cabinet <NUM>, the cold air may circulate around the drawer part <NUM> to more efficiently cool the drawer part <NUM>.

Also, a connection device hole 315a may be defined in the rear surface of the door part <NUM>. The connection device hole 315a may be defined in the door cover <NUM>. The connection device <NUM> may be exposed to the rear surface of the door part <NUM> through the connection device hole 315a. The connection device <NUM> may move forward and backward according to the user's manipulation. When the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are separated from each other by the user's manipulation, the connection device <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM> may be separated from each other.

The driving device <NUM> is provided on the door part <NUM>. The driving device <NUM> may be constitutes disposed in the door part <NUM> of the elevation assembly <NUM> and may be called a door-side device. The driving device <NUM> may include the motor assembly <NUM> configured to provide power and the door-side shaft <NUM> passing through the motor assembly <NUM>. Also, the driving device <NUM> may further include the connection device <NUM>. A configuration of each of the constituents of the driving device <NUM> will be described below in more detail.

Also, the motor assembly <NUM> may be disposed in parallel to the front surface of the door part <NUM> to minimize a recessed depth of the inside of the door part <NUM>, thereby securing insulation performance.

The pair of door frames <NUM> may be disposed on both left and right sides on the rear surface of the door part <NUM>. The door frames <NUM> may connect the door part <NUM> to the drawer part <NUM> so that the drawer part <NUM> is maintained in the state of being coupled to the door part <NUM>.

In detail, the door frames <NUM> may be constituted by a door frame part 316a fixed to the rear surface of the door part <NUM> and a drawer frame part 316b fixed to the bottom surface of the drawer part <NUM>. The door frame part 316a and the drawer frame part 316b may be vertically perpendicular to each other. Also, a frame reinforcement part 316c connecting the door frame part 316a to the drawer frame part 316b to prevent the door frames <NUM> from being deformed may be further provided.

The door frame part 316a may be mounted on the rear surface of the door part <NUM> and provided in the door part <NUM> so that the drawer frame part 316b extends to pass through the rear surface of the door part <NUM>. Also, the drawer frame part 316b may extend backward from a lower end of the door frame part 316a to support the drawer part <NUM> at a lower side.

Also, a gasket <NUM> contacting the front end of the cabinet <NUM> to seal the storage space may be disposed around the rear surface of the door liner <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the drawer part of the drawer door.

As illustrated in the drawings, the drawer part <NUM> may include a drawer body <NUM> defining an entire shape of the drawer part <NUM>, a drawer-side device <NUM> provided in the drawer body <NUM> to constitute the elevation assembly <NUM>, and a plurality of plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> defining an outer appearance of the drawer part <NUM>.

In more detail, the drawer body <NUM> may be injection-molded by using a plastic material and define an entire shape of the drawer part <NUM>. The drawer body <NUM> may have a basket shape having an opened top surface to define a food storage space therein. An inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed on a rear surface of the drawer body <NUM>. Thus, an interference with the machine room <NUM> may not occur.

The door frames <NUM> may be mounted on both sides of the drawer part <NUM>. The door frame <NUM> may be coupled to a lower portion of each of both sides of the bottom surface or both left and right surfaces of the drawer part <NUM>. The drawer part <NUM> and the door part <NUM> may be integrally coupled to each other and be inserted and withdrawn together with each other.

The draw-out rack <NUM> may be disposed on each of both the sides of the bottom surface of the drawer part <NUM>. The drawer part <NUM> may be inserted and withdrawn forward and backward by the draw-out rack <NUM>. In detail, in the state in which the drawer part <NUM> is mounted on the cabinet <NUM>, at least a portion of the rear space S2 is disposed in the lower storage space.

Also, the draw-out rack <NUM> may be coupled to a pinion gear <NUM> disposed on the bottom surface of the storage space. Thus, when the draw-out motor (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG> ) is driven, the pinion gear (see reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG> ) may rotate to allow the draw-out rack <NUM> to move, and the drawer door <NUM> may be inserted and withdrawn.

The drawer door <NUM> may not be automatically inserted and withdrawn. That is, the user may push or pull the drawer door <NUM> to be inserted and withdrawn. Here, the draw-out rack <NUM> may be omitted, and thus, the insertion and withdrawal may be performed through only the draw-out rail <NUM>.

A plurality of reinforcement ribs <NUM> may extend in vertical and horizontal directions on both left and right sides of the drawer body <NUM>. The reinforcement ribs <NUM> may prevent the drawer body <NUM> from being deformed by a load applied to both the left and right surfaces of the drawer body.

Particularly, the elevation device <NUM>, which is a main component for the elevation of the support member <NUM>, may be disposed on both side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>. Thus, when the support member <NUM> and the food or container seated on the support member <NUM> is elevated, a load may be concentrated into both the side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>. The reinforcement ribs <NUM> may maintain the shape of the drawer body <NUM>, particularly, the drawer part <NUM> even under the concentrated load.

A rail mounting part <NUM> on which the draw-out rail <NUM> for guiding the insertion and withdrawal of the drawer body <NUM> is mounted may be disposed on a lower portion of each of both the side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>. The rail mounting part <NUM> may extend from a front end to a rear end and provide a space in which the draw-out rail <NUM> is accommodated. The draw-out rail <NUM> may be a rail that extends in multistage. The draw-out rail <NUM> may have one end fixed to the storage space inside the cabinet <NUM> and the other end fixed to the rail mounting part <NUM> to more stably realize insertion and the withdrawal of the drawer door <NUM>. The rail mounting part <NUM> may be disposed in an inner region of the drawer flange <NUM>, which will be described below, and may be covered by the outer side plate <NUM>.

A mounting part <NUM> on which the elevation device <NUM> that is a main component is mounted may be recessed inside both the side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>. The mounting part <NUM> may be recessed outward from the inner surface of the drawer body <NUM> providing the drawer space.

The mounting part <NUM> may extend in the vertical direction. Here, the mounting part <NUM> may vertically extend from the upper end of the drawer body <NUM> to the bottom surface of the drawer body <NUM>. Here, a lower end of the mounting part <NUM> may be disposed above a lower end of each of both the side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>. The lower end of the mounting part <NUM> may extend up to the rail mounting part <NUM>. Thus, the mounting part <NUM> may not interfere with the draw-out rail <NUM> and the constitutes for the mounting of the draw-out rail.

Also, the inner surface of the mounting part <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to that of the outer surface of the elevation device <NUM>. Here, in the even state in which the load is applied, the stably mounted state of the elevation device <NUM> may be maintained.

In detail, the mounting part <NUM> may include a first mounting part 383c recessed at a central portion and a second mounting part 383d recessed at each of both sides of the first mounting part 383c. Here, the first mounting part 383c may be further recessed than the second mounting part 383d to form a stepped portion between the first mounting part 383c and the second mounting part 383d. Thus, the elevation device <NUM> having the corresponding shape may be restricted in the mounted state without rotating.

Also, the elevation device <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane as the inner surface of the drawer body <NUM> in the state of being mounted on the mounting part <NUM> to prevent the interference when the support member <NUM> is elevated and provide a sense of unity.

A bottom surface of the mounting part <NUM> may support a lower end of the elevation device <NUM>. Also, the top surface of the mounting part <NUM> may be opened so that the elevation device <NUM> is inserted through the opened upper side. Here, the elevation device <NUM> may be inserted to be slid from the upper side so that both ends of the elevation device <NUM> is restricted within the mounting part <NUM>.

A mounting part bracket <NUM> may be disposed on the opened top surface of the mounting part <NUM>. The mounting part bracket <NUM> may be made of a metal material and restrict the upper end of the elevation device <NUM>.

In detail, the mounting part bracket <NUM> may be mounted on the upper end of each of both the ends of the drawer body <NUM> to pass through the opened top surface of the mounting part <NUM>. Here, the mounting part bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the upper ends of both side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>, and simultaneously, the elevation device <NUM> mounted on the mounting part <NUM> may be restricted.

Also, the mounting part bracket <NUM> may extend from the front end to rear end of each of both the side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM> and be firmly fixed to the drawer body <NUM> by a plurality of fixing members. Thus, the elevation device may be maintained in the state of being more stably and firmly mounted on the drawer body <NUM>.

The elevation device <NUM> may be connected to both ends of the support member <NUM> by the connecting bracket <NUM>. Also, the elevation device <NUM> may operate to allow the support member <NUM> to vertically move and guide smooth vertical movement of the support member <NUM>.

The transmission member mounting part <NUM> may be opened outward from the upper end of each of both the side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM> to communicate with the mounting part <NUM>. Thus, the power transmission member <NUM> mounted on the transmission member mounting part <NUM> may be coupled to the elevation device <NUM> mounted on the mounting part <NUM> to transmit the power.

The mounting part <NUM> may have a shape that is recessed from the inner surface of the drawer body <NUM>, and the transmission member mounting part <NUM> may have a shape that is recessed from the outer surface of the drawer body <NUM>. Thus, when the drawer body <NUM> is molded, a mold may have a simple structure so that the drawer body <NUM> is easily molded.

The mounting part <NUM> and the transmission member mounting part <NUM> may be disposed inside a region of the drawer flange <NUM> that is bent outward from an upper end of each of both side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>. That is, the mounting part <NUM> and the transmission member mounting part <NUM> may be disposed below the region in which the drawer flange <NUM> is bent outward. Also, in addition to the mounting part <NUM>, the transmission member mounting part <NUM>, and the rail mounting part <NUM>, the elevation device <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM>, which are mounted on the mounting part <NUM> and the transmission member mounting part <NUM>, may not also protrude inward or outward from the drawer flange <NUM>. That is, all of the drawer-side device <NUM> constituting a portion of the elevation assembly <NUM> and the structure for mounting the drawer-side device <NUM> may be disposed in the region of the drawer flange <NUM>. Thus, a loss of the storage space inside the drawer body <NUM> may be prevented from occurring.

The support member <NUM> of the drawer-side device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> may be disposed on the inner surface of the drawer body <NUM>, and the power transmission member <NUM> may be disposed outside the drawer body <NUM>. Also, the mounting part <NUM> and the transmission member mounting part <NUM> may communicate with each other, and the power transmission member <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> may be connected to each other in the state of being mounted on the drawer body <NUM>.

Also, the plurality of plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> made of a plate-shaped metal material such as stainless steel to define at least portions of the inside and outside of the drawer body <NUM> may be provided on the drawer body <NUM>.

In detail, the outer side plate <NUM> may be disposed on each of both left and right surfaces of the outside of the drawer body <NUM>. The outer side plate <NUM> may be mounted on each of both the left and right surfaces of the drawer body <NUM> to define an outer appearance of each of both the side surfaces. Particularly, the constituents such as the power transmission member <NUM> and the draw-out rail <NUM>, which are mounted on both the sides of the drawer body <NUM> may not be exposed to the outside.

Also, an upper bent part 391a may be disposed on an upper end of the outer side plate <NUM>. The upper bent part 391a may cover the upper end of each of both the side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM> and the mounting part bracket <NUM>.

An inner side plate <NUM> may be disposed on each of both left and right surfaces of the inside of the drawer body <NUM>. The inner side plate <NUM> may be mounted on each of both the side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM> to define both the left and right surfaces of the inside thereof.

An extending end of the upper bent part 391a may contact the upper end of the inner side plate <NUM>. Thus, all of the inside and outside and the top surface of both the left and right surfaces of the drawer body <NUM> may be covered by the inner side plate <NUM> and the outer side plate <NUM>.

Also, a side opening <NUM> having a size corresponding to the mounting part <NUM> may be defined in the inner side plate <NUM>. Thus, in the state in which the inner side plate is mounted, the elevation device <NUM> mounted on the mounting part <NUM> may be exposed to the inside of the drawer body <NUM>, and since the connecting bracket <NUM> is mounted, the elevation device <NUM> may be coupled to the support member <NUM>.

An inner plate <NUM> may be disposed on each of front, bottom, and rear surfaces of the inside of the drawer body <NUM>. The inner plate <NUM> may be constituted by a front surface part 395a, a bottom surface part 395b, and a rear surface part 395c, which have sizes correspond to the front surface, the bottom surface, and the rear surface of the inside of the drawer body <NUM>. The inner plate <NUM> may be provided by bending the plate-shaped stainless material so that the inner plate <NUM> defines the inner surface of the remaining portion except for both the left and right surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>. Also, both left and right ends of the inner plate <NUM> may contact the inner side plate <NUM>. The front surface part 395a, the bottom surface part 395b, and the rear surface part 395c constituting the inner plate <NUM> may be separately provided and then coupled to or contact each other.

The entire inner surfaces of the drawer body <NUM> may be defined by the inner side plate <NUM> and the inner plate <NUM>, and the inner surface of the drawer body <NUM> may provide texture of the metal. Thus, the inner surface of the drawer part <NUM> may more easily transfer heat by the inner side plate <NUM> and the inner plate <NUM>, and thus, the entire drawer part <NUM> may be uniformly cooled by the surrounding cold air. Thus, the foods accommodated in the drawer part <NUM> may be more uniformly cooled and thus stored at a low temperature in the more uniform region. In addition, visually excellent cooling performance and storage performance may be provided to the user.

Also, upper bent parts 395d and 395e that are bent outward may be further disposed on the front surface part 395a and the rear surface part 395c of the inner plate <NUM> to cover the top surfaces of the front end and the rear end of the drawer body <NUM>, respectively. Also, the rear surface part 395c may have a shape corresponding to the inclined surface <NUM> of the rear surface of the drawer body <NUM> and thus be closely attached to the inclined surface <NUM>.

Also, a bottom surface opening 395f may be further defined in the rear end of the bottom surface part 395b adjacent to the lower end of the rear surface part 395c. The bottom surface opening 395f may be opened at a position corresponding to a cover support part <NUM> protruding from the bottom surface of the drawer body. Thus, the cover support part <NUM> may be exposed through the bottom surface opening 395f. The lower end of the drawer cover <NUM> may be coupled to the cover support part <NUM> so that the drawer cover <NUM> is mounted.

The drawer cover <NUM> may include a cover front part <NUM> that partitions the inside of the drawer body <NUM> into a front space S1 and a rear space S2 and a cover top surface part <NUM> bent from an upper end of the cover front part <NUM> to cover a top surface of the rear space S2.

That is, when the drawer cover <NUM> is mounted, only the front space S1, in which the support member <NUM> is disposed, may be exposed in the drawer body <NUM>, and the rear space S2 may be covered by the drawer cover <NUM>.

A lower end of the cover front part <NUM> may be coupled to the cover support part <NUM>. Also, a plurality of cover restriction parts <NUM> may be disposed along both the left and right ends of the drawer cover <NUM>. The cover restriction part <NUM> may be disposed at a position corresponding to a plurality of cover restriction protrusions <NUM> protruding inward from the inner surface of the drawer body <NUM>. Each of the cover restriction protrusions <NUM> may pass through a protrusion hole 392b defined in the inner side plate <NUM> to protrude.

Also, the cover restriction part <NUM> may be press-fitted into the cover restriction protrusion <NUM>. When the drawer cover <NUM> is mounted, the cover restriction protrusion <NUM> may be coupled to the cove restriction part <NUM> to fix the drawer cover <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> may be provided in the drawer body <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may include one component of the elevation assembly <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may have a size that is enough to be accommodated in the front space S1 of the bottom surface of the drawer body <NUM>.

Also, the support member <NUM> may have a plate shape as illustrated in <FIG>. Substantially, the support member <NUM> may include an elevation plate <NUM> supporting the food or container and an elevation frame <NUM> supporting the elevation plate <NUM> at a lower side and reinforcing strength of the elevation plate <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be a portion on which the food or container <NUM> is substantially seated and supported and thus may be called a seating member or a tray. Also, as necessary, the support member <NUM> may be provided as one of the elevation plate <NUM> or the elevation frame <NUM>.

The elevation plate <NUM> may have a rectangular plate shape and also protrude upward along the circumference and contact a circumference of the bottom surface of the container <NUM> to prevent the container <NUM> from moving.

The connecting bracket <NUM> may have one side fixed to the elevation frame <NUM> and the other side coupled to the elevation device <NUM>. Thus, when the elevation device <NUM> operates, the elevation frame <NUM> connected to the connecting bracket <NUM>, i.e., the support member <NUM> may vertically move together with the connecting bracket <NUM>.

The elevation device <NUM> extending in a direction that perpendicularly crosses the draw-out direction of the drawer part <NUM> may be mounted on the drawer body <NUM>. The elevation device <NUM> may include the support member <NUM> and an elevation device <NUM> disposed on each of both sides of the support member <NUM> to transmit power for the vertical movement of the support member <NUM> and guide the vertical movement of the support member <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a structure of the elevation assembly <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure between the elevation assembly and the support member of the refrigerator.

As illustrated in the drawing, the elevation assembly <NUM> may be constituted by the driving device <NUM> disposed in the door part <NUM> and the drawer-side device <NUM> disposed in the drawer part <NUM>. Also, the driving device <NUM> and the drawer-side device <NUM> may be coupled to each other by coupling the door part <NUM> to the drawer part <NUM> to transmit the power.

As described above, the driving device <NUM> may include the motor assembly <NUM> including a driving motor <NUM>, the driving shaft <NUM> coupled to the motor assembly to rotate and connected to the connection device, and the connection device <NUM> connected to transmit the power to the drawer-side device <NUM>.

Although one motor assembly <NUM> is provided in <FIG> as an example, when it is determined that a greater torque is required for elevating the support member <NUM>, a pair of motor assemblies may be provided, and the drive shafts <NUM> are disposed in the respective motor assemblies to individually transmit the power to the pair of elevation devices. The motor assembly <NUM> may be disposed in parallel to the front surface of the door part <NUM> to minimize an insulation space loss of the door part <NUM>.

Although one or two motor assembles <NUM> are provided, both the driving shafts <NUM> may rotate by the same rotation rate at the same time. Thus, the pair of elevation devices <NUM> may be elevated up to the same height by the same rotation force transmitted by the connection device <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM> to prevent the support member <NUM> from being tilted. For this, the driving shaft <NUM> may have a structure in which one shaft or a plurality of shafts passing through the motor assembly <NUM> rotates together with each other.

The drawer-side device <NUM> may include the support member <NUM> provided inside the drawer body <NUM>, the elevation device <NUM> and the connecting bracket <NUM>, which disposed on both the sides of the support member <NUM> to elevate the support member <NUM>, and the power transmission member <NUM> disposed outside the drawer body <NUM> to transmit the rotation force of the driving device <NUM> to the elevation device <NUM>.

When the motor assembly <NUM> is driven, the rotation force of the driving shaft <NUM> may be transmitted to the drawer-side device <NUM> by the connection device <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM>, which are coupled to each other.

Also, a connecting bracket <NUM> which moves vertically according to the operation of the elevation device <NUM> may be mounted on the elevation device <NUM>. Also, both ends of the elevation frame <NUM>, which is a component of the support member <NUM>, may be fixed to the connecting bracket <NUM>. Thus, the support member <NUM> may move vertically together with the connecting bracket <NUM> when the elevation device <NUM> operates.

Hereinafter, each of constituents of the elevation assembly <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the driving device of the elevation assembly. Also, <FIG> is a view illustrating a coupling structure of the motor assembly and the driving shaft of the driving device.

As illustrated in the drawings, the driving device <NUM> may include the motor assembly <NUM> disposed at a center of the door part <NUM>, the driving shaft passing through the motor assembly <NUM>, and the connection device <NUM> gear-coupled to both ends of the driving shaft <NUM>.

The motor assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of gears <NUM>, a motor case 412a, and a motor cover 412b.

In detail, the motor case 412a and the motor cover 412b may define an outer shape of the motor assembly <NUM> and are disposed between the motor case 412a and the motor cover 412b so that the driving motor <NUM> and the plurality of gears <NUM> are accommodated. Also, the plurality of gears <NUM> may be interlocked to rotate when the driving motor <NUM> is driven. Also, the driving shaft <NUM> passing the motor case 412a and/or the motor cover 412b may be disposed on an upper portion of the motor assembly <NUM>, and the driving shaft <NUM> may be coupled to the plurality of gears <NUM> to rotate.

The driving motor <NUM> may provide power for elevating the elevation device and may rotate forwardly and reversely. Thus, when an elevation signal of the elevation device <NUM> is inputted, the elevation device <NUM> may rotate forwardly and reversely to provide the power for elevating the elevation device <NUM>. Also, an input of a stop signal due to the load of the driving motor <NUM> or the detection of the sensor may be stopped.

The driving motor <NUM> may be fixed and mounted on a lower portion of the motor case 412a, and the rotation shaft of the driving motor <NUM> may be gear-coupled to the plurality of gears <NUM> to allow the plurality of gears <NUM> to rotate.

The plurality of gears <NUM> may be configured to decelerate the rotation force of the driving motor <NUM> and transmit the rotation force, and the plurality of gears <NUM> may be combined with each other and gear-coupled to each other to transmit set rotation force. The plurality of gears <NUM> may be variously combined according to the reduction ratio and the magnitude of the transmitted force. The plurality of gears <NUM> may include at least a gear coupled with the rotation shaft of the driving motor <NUM> and a gear coupled to the drive shaft <NUM>.

The gear <NUM> may include a power transmission part 416a and a power conversion part 416b. The power transmission part 416a is configured so as to be engaged with the neighboring gear <NUM> in the form of a spur gear. Also, the power conversion part 416b may be configured to be gear-coupled to the shaft driving gear <NUM> mounted on the driving shaft <NUM>.

The drive shaft <NUM> may pass through the motor assembly <NUM> in a lateral direction and may extend in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the driving motor <NUM> and the rotation axis of the gear <NUM>. Also, the shaft driving gear <NUM> is disposed inside the motor assembly <NUM> and may be gear-coupled perpendicularly to the power conversion part 416b. Thus, the power conversion part 416b may have the same shape as a bevel gear so that power transmission to the driving shaft <NUM> is performed. The power conversion part 416b and the shaft driving gear <NUM> may have other gear structures capable of transmitting the power.

The motor assembly <NUM> may be accommodated inside the recess part 314a defined in the door liner <NUM>, and the coupling member such as a screw may be fixed to the case fixing part 412c protruding on both sides of the motor assembly <NUM> to fix the motor case 412a.

Also, the driving shaft <NUM> passing through the motor case 412a may be accommodated in the recess part 314a on the door liner <NUM> and may rotate when the driving motor <NUM> is driven. Also, the connection device connected to both ends of the driving shaft <NUM> may be accommodated in the inside of the recess part 314a and may be fixed on the door cover <NUM>.

Thus, the driving device <NUM> may be fixedly mounted inside the door part <NUM>, and the rotation force of the driving motor <NUM> may be transmitted to the connection device <NUM>.

For this, the first connection gear <NUM> may be provided on both ends of the driving shaft <NUM>. The first connection gear <NUM> may be rotatable together with the driving shaft <NUM> and may be gear-coupled to the second connection gear <NUM> in the connection device <NUM>. Here, the first connection gear <NUM> and the second connection gear <NUM> may have the same shape as the bevel gear to transmit the gear coupling and the rotation force in a state in which the first connection gear <NUM> and the second connection gear <NUM> cross each other at right angles.

Hereinafter, a structure of the connection device will be described in more detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a connection device is coupled to the driving shat according to an embodiment. Also, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the connection device. Also, <FIG> is a view of a power transmission structure through the connection device.

As illustrated in the drawings, an outer appearance of the connection device <NUM> is defined by a connection device case <NUM> and a connection device cover <NUM>. Also, a second connection gear <NUM>, a coupling member <NUM>, an elastic member <NUM>, a first connection member <NUM>, and a push member <NUM> may be provided in a space defined by the connection device case <NUM> and the connection device cover <NUM>.

In more detail, the connection device case <NUM> may be opened toward the inside, i.e., the rear surface of the cabinet <NUM> to define a space in which the second connection gear <NUM>, the coupling member <NUM>, the elastic member, <NUM> and the push member <NUM> are disposed.

Also, as illustrated in <FIG> , a connection gear mounting part <NUM> providing a space in which the second connection gear <NUM> is accommodated may be provided in the space <NUM>. The connection gear mounting part <NUM> may extend from the inside of the connection device case <NUM> to contact the circumferential part <NUM> of the first connection gear <NUM>. Thus, the second connection gear <NUM> may be disposed inside the connection gear mounting part <NUM> after the connection device <NUM> is assembled and may be maintained in a position at which the second connection gear <NUM> is capable of being coupled to the first connection gear <NUM> in any state.

Also, a shaft hole <NUM> through which the drive shaft <NUM> passes may be defined in one surface of the connection device case <NUM>. A case opening <NUM> may be defined in one side of the connection device case <NUM> facing the shaft hole <NUM>, and the first connection gear <NUM> coupled to the driving shaft <NUM> may be exposed. A stepped part <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the connection device <NUM> in which the case opening <NUM> is defined, and the gear support member <NUM> may be coupled to the stepped part <NUM>.

The gear support member <NUM> may support a central portion of the first connection gear <NUM> exposed to the case opening <NUM>. Thus, the first connection gear <NUM> may support the connection device case <NUM> to rotate while maintaining the mounted position. The gear support member <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the stepped part <NUM> and may be coupled to the connection device case <NUM> by a screw.

A gear part <NUM> may be disposed on the second connection gear <NUM>, and the second connection gear <NUM> may be disposed to be gear-coupled to the first connection gear <NUM> in the connection device case <NUM>. The second connection gears <NUM> may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the first connection gear <NUM> and have a bevel gear shape so as to be coupled to each other.

Also, a planar gear support part <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the first connection gear <NUM> facing the gear part <NUM> to contact the elastic member <NUM>. The second connection gear <NUM> may be pressed by the elastic member <NUM> in a direction to be coupled to the first connection gear <NUM>, and the first connection gear <NUM> and the second connection gear may be maintained in the state of being always coupled to each other.

Also, as illustrated in <FIG> , a circumferential part <NUM> extending backward may be disposed on a circumference of the gear support part <NUM>. The circumferential part <NUM> may extend vertically toward the first connection member <NUM> and be disposed to contact the inner surface of the connection gear mounting part <NUM>. Thus, the second connection gear <NUM> may maintain its mounted position without moving inside the transmission member mounting part <NUM>.

Also, the elastic member <NUM> contacting the gear support part <NUM> may be maintained in contact with the gear support part <NUM> without being separated from the gear support part <NUM> by the circumferential part <NUM>. At least a portion of the gear support part <NUM> may be disposed on an inclined part having the form of an inclined surface so that the mounting of the elastic member <NUM> is more firmly maintained, and the stably mounted state may be maintained even when the elastic member <NUM> is compressed.

Also, a coupling member <NUM> may be inserted into the center of the second connection gear <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> may connect the second connection gear <NUM> and the first connection member <NUM>. Thus, one end of the coupling member <NUM> may be inserted into the center of the second connection gear <NUM>, and the other end of the coupling member <NUM> may be inserted into the center of the first connection member <NUM>. Also, the coupling member <NUM> may have a rod shape having a polygonal cross-section. When the second connection gear <NUM> rotates, the first connection member <NUM> may rotate together, and also, the first connection member <NUM> may move along the coupling member <NUM>.

Also, the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed between the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection gear <NUM>. Thus, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed according to the movement of the first connection member <NUM>, and the first connection member <NUM> may return to the initial position by restoring force of the elastic member <NUM>.

The first connection member <NUM> may have an insertion hole <NUM> in the center thereof for inserting the coupling member <NUM>. The screw <NUM> may be coupled to the end of the coupling member <NUM> disposed inside the insertion hole <NUM> to prevent the coupling member <NUM> and the first connection member <NUM> from being separated from each other. The screw <NUM> may pass through the first connection member <NUM> in a direction opposite to the direction in which the coupling member <NUM> is inserted.

Also, a support part <NUM> may be disposed on the first connection member <NUM>. The support part <NUM> may support one end of the elastic member <NUM> and be disposed at a position facing the gear support part <NUM> of the second connection gear <NUM>. Thus, the elastic member <NUM> having a coil spring may support the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection gear <NUM> and be compressed when the first connection member <NUM> moves.

A first connection part <NUM> may extends to the first connection member <NUM>. The first connection part <NUM> may be a portion to be connected to the second connection part 522a disposed on the power transmission member <NUM> and extend through the push member <NUM> to the outside of the connection device cover <NUM>. Also, an outer diameter of the first connection part <NUM> may be smaller than that of the support part <NUM> and may be provided to correspond to the through-hole <NUM> of the push member <NUM> at all times. Thus, the support part <NUM> may be supported around the through-hole <NUM> of the push member <NUM>.

That is, the first connection member <NUM> may maintain a state of being closely attached to the rear surface of the push member <NUM>. Thus, the first connection member <NUM> and the push member <NUM> may move together when the push member <NUM> is pressed or when the elastic member <NUM> returns to the initial position.

The insertion hole <NUM> may be defined in one side of the first connection member <NUM>, and a coupling hole <NUM> may be defined in the other side of the first connection member <NUM>.

The coupling hole <NUM> may be defined in the end of the first connection part <NUM> protruding to the outside of the connection device <NUM> and may communicate with the insertion hole <NUM>. Thus, the screw <NUM> may be coupled to the coupling member <NUM> through the coupling hole <NUM>. Also, an inner surface of the coupling hole <NUM> may have a concave/convex shape or a rounded shape that protrudes or is recessed. The second connection part 522a having a protrusion shape may be inserted to match the second connection member <NUM>. That is, the first connection part <NUM> and the second connection part 522a may be coupled to each other by the coupling hole <NUM>, and the rotation power of the first connection member <NUM> may be transmitted to the second connection member <NUM>, i.e., the power transmission member <NUM>.

The push member <NUM> may be provided inside the connection device case <NUM> and may be exposed through the opening <NUM> of the connection device cover <NUM> so that the push member <NUM> is pressed by the user. The push member <NUM> may include a push part <NUM> exposed through an opening <NUM> of the connection device cover <NUM> and a push guide surface <NUM> extending along a portion of the circumference of the push part <NUM>.

A through-hole <NUM> through which the first connection part <NUM> passes may be defined in the push part <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> may be larger than the outer diameter of the first connection part <NUM> and slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the support part <NUM>. Thus, when the push part <NUM> may be pushed to move the push member <NUM>, the first connection member <NUM> contacting the push member <NUM> may also move together to release the coupling between the first connection member and the second connection member of the power transmission member <NUM>.

Also, the circumference of the push part <NUM> may extend toward the connection device case <NUM> and then be bent outward to provide a push flange <NUM>. Thus, the push flange <NUM> may interfere with the opening <NUM> of the connection device cover <NUM> so that the push member <NUM> is restricted by the connection device cover <NUM> without being separated. For this, the opening of the connection device cover <NUM> may have a stepped part <NUM>, and the push flange <NUM> may be accommodated into the rear surface of the stepped part <NUM>.

A guide surface <NUM> extending along the circumference of the push part <NUM> and contacting an inner surface of the connection device case <NUM> and a guide boss <NUM> provided on both sides of the guide surface <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the push part <NUM>. Also, the guide boss <NUM> may be penetrated by a guide post <NUM> extending from the rear surface of the connection device cover <NUM>. Of course, the guide post <NUM> may pass through the guide boss <NUM> from the inside of the connection device cover <NUM>, but not pass through the connection device cover <NUM>.

Thus, when the push member <NUM> move forward and backward, the guide surface <NUM> may maintains the contact with the inner surface of the connection device case <NUM>, and the guide boss <NUM> may move along the guide post <NUM> on each of both sides. Thus, the push member <NUM> may move forward and backward in the stable state without moving.

The connection device cover <NUM> may be mounted on the opened front side of the connection device case <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> may be defined to expose the push part <NUM>. The connection device cover <NUM> may be firmly fixed to the connection device case <NUM> by the coupling member. Thus, the configuration of the connection device case <NUM> may be maintained in the mounted state.

Also, the push member guide part <NUM> may extend to a portion of the circumference of the opening <NUM>. The push member guide part <NUM> may extend toward the inside of the connection device case <NUM> and contact the circumferential surface of the push member <NUM> when the push member <NUM> to guide the movement of the push member <NUM>. The push member guide part <NUM> may contact the circumferential portion of the push member <NUM> on which the guide surface <NUM> is not provided.

Also, the connection device <NUM> may be fixedly mounted on the door cover <NUM> and be disposed at a position at which the push member <NUM> is exposed even when the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are coupled to each other. Thus, the user may manipulate the push part <NUM> in the state in which the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are coupled to each other.

<FIG> is a view of an inner structure before the connection device is manipulated. Also, <FIG> is a view of an inner structure during the manipulation of the connection device.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second connection gear <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM> may be supported by the elastic member <NUM> in the state in which the push member <NUM> is not depressed by the user.

In this state, one end of the elastic member <NUM> may elastically support the second connection gear <NUM> to maintain the coupled state between the second connection gear <NUM> and the first connection gear <NUM>. Also, the other end of the elastic member <NUM> may elastically support the first connection gear <NUM> to maintain the coupled state between the first connection gear <NUM> and the second connection gear <NUM>.

That is, the power transmission member <NUM> may be connected to the connection device to transmit the rotation force of the driving shaft <NUM> to the second connection gear through the first connection gear. When the second connection gear <NUM> and the first connection member <NUM> rotate, the second connection member <NUM> coupled to the first connection member <NUM> may rotate. Thus, the power of the driving device <NUM> may be transmitted to the power transmission member <NUM>, and eventually the power may be transmitted to the elevation device <NUM>.

The user may press the push member <NUM> to manipulate the separation of the elevation assembly <NUM> or the separation of the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM>. When the push member <NUM> is pushed to be manipulated, the connection device <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM> may be separated from each other as shown in <FIG>.

In detail, the user may push the push member <NUM> to manipulate the push member <NUM>. When the push member <NUM> is pushed, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed to allow the push member <NUM> to move into the connection device case <NUM>. Here, the push member <NUM> and the first connection member <NUM> may move together.

Thus, the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> may be separated from each other. Thus, the driving device <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM> may be separated from each other. In this state, the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> may be separated from each other through the release of the coupling of the door frame <NUM>. Also, the elevation assembly <NUM> may be naturally separated from the driving device <NUM> of the door part <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> of the drawer part <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a structure of the power transmission member <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a structure of the power transmission member and the elevation device of the elevation assembly. Also, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling relationship between the connection device, the power transmission member, and the elevation device.

As illustrated in the drawings, the drawer-side device <NUM> disposed in the drawer body <NUM> of the elevation assembly <NUM> may be mounted in the drawer body <NUM>. The drawer-side device <NUM> may include the elevation member <NUM>, the elevation device <NUM> disposed on each of both the sides of the elevation member <NUM> and mounted inside the elevation device <NUM>, and the power transmission member <NUM>.

When the motor assembly <NUM> is driven, the rotation force of the driving shaft <NUM> may be transmitted to the connection device <NUM> and then be transmitted to the power transmission member <NUM> by the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM>, which are coupled to each other. When the power transmission member <NUM> rotates by the transmitted power, the elevation shaft <NUM> inside of the elevation device <NUM> coupled to the power transmission member <NUM> may rotate.

A block holder coupled to the elevation shaft <NUM> may vertically move through the rotation of the elevation shaft <NUM>. The block holder <NUM> may be coupled to the connecting bracket <NUM> to elevate the connecting bracket <NUM>, and the connecting bracket <NUM> disposed each of both the left and right sides may elevate the elevation member <NUM> in the state of being coupled to the elevation frame <NUM>.

That is, the rotation force of the motor assembly <NUM> may be transmitted to the power transmission member <NUM> through the driving shaft <NUM>, and the elevation shaft <NUM> may rotate by the power transmission member <NUM>. The block holder <NUM> and the connecting bracket <NUM> may move vertically by the rotation of the elevation shaft <NUM>. The elevation member <NUM> coupled to the connecting bracket <NUM> may also move vertically.

The arranged position of the elevation device <NUM> may be a position corresponding to a center of the front space S1 in the front and rear direction and be disposed at a position corresponding to a central portion of each of both the side surfaces of the elevation member <NUM>. Thus, the elevation member <NUM> may be stably elevated without being tilted.

The elevation device <NUM> may include the rail housing <NUM> mounted on the mounting part <NUM> to define the inner space, the upper and lower caps <NUM> and <NUM> covering the upper and lower ends of the housing <NUM> and the block holder <NUM>, which move along the elevation shaft <NUM> within the housing <NUM>, and the rail cover <NUM> covering the opened one surface of the housing <NUM>.

When the rail cover <NUM> is mounted, the opened portion of the rail cover <NUM> may be covered. Also, the rail housing <NUM> and the rail cover <NUM> may include a pair of guide slits <NUM> extending in the vertical direction. The elevation block <NUM> and the block holder <NUM> may be elevated along the pair of guide slits <NUM>.

Also, the rail housing <NUM> may be made of a plate-shaped metal material and have a protruding central portion. Here, both side ends of the central portion may extend to be stepped. Also, the rail housing <NUM> may provide a space in which the elevation shaft <NUM> and the block holder <NUM> are accommodated.

Particularly, an inner space of the rail housing <NUM> may provide a space in which both ends of the block holder <NUM> are accommodated, and a central portion of the block holder <NUM> may protrude through a housing opening <NUM> that is opened in the rail housing <NUM>. Also, the block holder <NUM> may move along the housing opening <NUM>.

An opening may be defined in the upper portion of the rail housing <NUM> in a corresponding shape so that an end portion of the power transmission member <NUM> extending toward the elevation device <NUM> is accommodated.

The elevation shaft <NUM> may be accommodated in the rail housing <NUM> and disposed at the central portion of the rail housing. Also, a screw thread <NUM> may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the elevation shaft <NUM> so that the elevation block <NUM> vertically moves along the elevation shaft <NUM> when the elevation shaft <NUM> rotates.

The elevation shaft <NUM> may vertically extend inside the rail housing <NUM>, and upper and lower ends of the elevation shaft <NUM> may be rotatably supported inside the rail housing <NUM>. Also, the screw thread <NUM> may be disposed between the upper and lower ends of the elevation shaft <NUM>.

Also, a shaft gear <NUM> may be disposed on an upper portion of the elevation shaft <NUM>, i.e., an upper end of the screw thread <NUM>. The shaft gear <NUM> may be disposed above an end of the screw thread <NUM> and be integrally coupled to the elevation shaft <NUM> to rotate together with the elevation shaft <NUM>. Also, the shaft gear <NUM> may be gear-coupled to the power transmission member <NUM> in the state of perpendicularly crossing the transmission gear <NUM> mounted on the power transmission member <NUM>.

The block holder <NUM> may pass through the central portion of the shaft gear <NUM>. The shaft gear <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the inner space of the rail housing <NUM> so as to be guided vertically move along the rail housing <NUM> when the elevation shaft <NUM> rotates.

The outer shape of the block holder <NUM> may correspond to the inner shape of the rail housing <NUM>. Particularly, the central portion of the block holder <NUM> may protrude and be inserted into the central portion of the rail housing <NUM>. Both side surfaces of the block holder <NUM> may protrude laterally and be accommodated in both inner side surfaces of the rail housing <NUM>. Also, the inner surface of the block holder <NUM> may protrude through the housing opening <NUM> and be exposed to the inside of the drawer part <NUM> so as to be coupled to the elevation member <NUM> or the connecting bracket <NUM>.

As described above, the outer shape of the block holder <NUM> and the inner shape of the rail housing <NUM> corresponding to the outer shape of the block holder <NUM> may be formed in multistage or in a stepped shape. When the elevation member <NUM> is elevated, it may be possible to effectively distribute and support the load applied to the elevation direction or the forward and backward direction, thereby realizing the stable elevation.

Also, a rolling member <NUM> constituted by a plurality of ball bearings arranged in the vertical direction may be provided on both sides of the block holder <NUM>. The rolling member <NUM> may be disposed between both side surfaces of the block holder <NUM> and the inner surface of the elevation device <NUM> to smoothly elevate the block holder <NUM>.

That is, the block holder <NUM> may move upward and downward by the rotation of the elevation shaft <NUM>, and the block holder <NUM> may be connected to the elevation member <NUM> to provide power for the elevation of the elevation member <NUM>. Simultaneously, the elevation device <NUM> may be configured such that the block holder <NUM> having a multistage shape is guided along the rail assembly <NUM> from the inside of the elevation device <NUM> to guide the vertical movement of the elevation member <NUM>.

A hollow space may be defined in the inside of the block holder <NUM>, and the rail cover <NUM> may be accommodated in the inside of the block holder <NUM>. Also, the block holder <NUM> may vertically move along the guide slit <NUM> defined by the rail cover <NUM> and the rail housing <NUM>.

The rail cover <NUM> may cover the housing opening <NUM> and define the guide slit <NUM>. In detail, the rail cover <NUM> may be made of a plate-shaped metal material like the inner side plate <NUM>.

The rail cover <NUM> may cover the housing opening <NUM> to cover the constituents accommodated in the rail housing <NUM>. For this, the rail cover <NUM> may be disposed in the housing opening <NUM>. Each of both ends of the rail cover may be bent to the inside of the rail housing <NUM> and then bent outward to form the guide slit <NUM>. Also, the block holder <NUM> may vertically move along the guide slit <NUM>.

The rail cover <NUM> may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the hollow shape within the block holder <NUM> to pass through the hollow of the block holder <NUM>. Thus, the block holder <NUM> may vertically move in a state of being penetrated by the rail cover <NUM>.

A transmission member mounting part <NUM> on which the power transmission member <NUM> is mounted may be disposed on the upper left and right side surfaces of the drawer body <NUM>.

The power transmission member <NUM> may be disposed on the transmission member mounting part <NUM>. The power transmission member <NUM> includes the drawer shaft <NUM>, the second connection member <NUM> at the front end of the drawer shaft <NUM>, the transmission gear <NUM> at the rear end of the drawer shaft <NUM>, and the shaft fixing member allowing the drawer shaft <NUM> to rotate and fixed to the transmission member mounting part <NUM>.

In detail, the second connection member <NUM> may be coupled to the front end of the drawer shaft <NUM>, and the second connection member <NUM> may be exposed to both side surfaces of the front surface of the drawer part <NUM>. Here, the second connection member <NUM> may be coupled to the first connection member <NUM> when the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are coupled as described above. Here, the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> may be connected to each other and may rotate together with the driving of the door-side device <NUM>.

Also, the transmission gear <NUM> may be disposed on the rear end of the drawer shaft <NUM>. The transmission gear <NUM> may have a bevel gear shape and be coupled to the shaft gear <NUM> through the rail housing <NUM>. That is, the power transmission member <NUM> and the elevation shaft <NUM>, which are disposed to perpendicularly cross each other, may be connected to each other by the transmission gear <NUM> and the shaft gear <NUM> to transmit the power.

Also, the shaft fixing member <NUM> may be disposed on the power transmission member <NUM>. The shaft fixing member <NUM> may be provided on both right and left sides of the drawer part <NUM>. A shaft fixing member <NUM> may be mounted on the transmission member mounting part <NUM> to allow the power transmission member <NUM> to rotate without being tilted or moving.

In the door <NUM> having the structure described above, the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> may be coupled to and separated from each other. Here, the power transmission member <NUM> may be separated from the driving device <NUM> by manipulating the connection device <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a manipulation state of the connection device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the door before the connection device is manipulated. Also, <FIG> is a view illustrating a state before the connection device is manipulated. Also, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG>.

As illustrated in the drawings, in the door <NUM> is in being normally used, as illustrated in <FIG>, the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> of the door <NUM> may be in a state of being coupled to each other, the door <NUM> may be insertable and withdrawable by the user. Also, the door <NUM> may operate to be inserted and withdrawn by a predetermined distance by the draw-out rail <NUM> and the draw-out rack <NUM> and also be inserted and withdrawn by a distance at which the support member inside the drawer part <NUM> is elevated.

Also, in the state in which the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are coupled to each other, one side of the door cover <NUM> and a portion of the connection device <NUM> may be exposed through the rear surface of the door part <NUM> or a space between the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM>. At least a portion of the push member <NUM> for the user's manipulation may be disposed on one side of the door part <NUM> exposed between the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> or to the outside of the drawer part <NUM> so as to be manipulated by the user.

Also, the push member <NUM> may be disposed so as to be exposed through the outer surface of the door cover <NUM> in the state of protruding to the outside of the connection device cover <NUM>. Thus, the user may confirm the coupled state of the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> through the protruding state of the push member <NUM>.

Also, the elastic member <NUM> in the connection device <NUM> may be in the state in which both ends thereof support the second connection gear <NUM> and the first connection member <NUM>. If the external force due to the user's manipulation is not applied, the coupled state of the second connection gear <NUM> and the first connection gear <NUM> may be maintained, and the first connection member <NUM> may be in the state of being coupled to the second connection member <NUM>.

When the first connection gear <NUM> rotates by the rotation of the driving shaft <NUM>, the second connection gear <NUM> may rotate by being interlocked with the rotation of the driving shaft <NUM>, and the first connection member <NUM> coupled to the second connection gear <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> coupled to the first connection member <NUM> may rotate together. That is, the power of the driving device <NUM> may be transmitted to the power transmission member <NUM> through the connection device <NUM> to eventually become a state that is capable of being transmitted to the elevation device <NUM>.

In this state, the user may input an operation for manipulating the elevation device <NUM>, and the elevation of the support member <NUM> in the drawer part <NUM> may be performed.

The drawer part <NUM> and the door part <NUM> may be separated from each other when abnormality of the driving device <NUM> occurs, or cleaning of the drawer part <NUM> or maintenance of the entire elevation assembly <NUM> is required. Here, the connection device <NUM> may be manipulated.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the door during the manipulation of the connection device. Also, <FIG> is a view illustrating a communication state between the refrigerator and an oven. Also, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG>.

As illustrated in the drawings, the connection device <NUM> may be manipulated to separate the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> from each other. Of course, if there is another structure for restricting the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> before the manipulation of the connection device <NUM>, an operation of releasing the restriction before and after the manipulation of the connection device <NUM> may be additionally performed.

For example, when the door frame <NUM> is coupled to the drawer part <NUM>, the drawer part <NUM> and the door frame <NUM> may be separated from each other, and then the door part <NUM> may be manipulated by manipulating the connection device <NUM> to completely separating the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> from each other. Simultaneously, the elevation assembly <NUM> may also separate the door-side device <NUM> provided in the door part <NUM> and the drawer-side device <NUM> disposed in the drawer part <NUM> from each other.

The user may press the push member <NUM> on both sides exposed through the rear surface of the door part <NUM> as shown in F21. <NUM> and press the push member <NUM> to push the elastic member <NUM>, and the first connection member <NUM> may move together with the push member <NUM> to the inside of the connection device <NUM>.

Here, the first connection member <NUM> may move along the coupling member <NUM>, and the first connection part <NUM> and the second connection part 522a may be completely separated from each other by the movement of the first connection member <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> , and the first connection member <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM> may be completely separated from each other.

The door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> may be separated from each other through the above-described manipulation, and the user may clean or service the drawer part <NUM>. Particularly, the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> may be separated from each other, and all the structures of the elevation assembly <NUM> may be disposed inside the door part <NUM>. Thus, only the mechanical constituents which operate when the power is supplied may be disposed in the drawer part <NUM>.

Thus, the user may prevent electric shock by the electric device in the state in which the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are separated from each other and prevent the electric device from being damaged during the cleaning. In addition, there is an advantage that only the door part <NUM> is separated and serviced when the electric device fails.

The door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> may be coupled to each other when the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are separated from each other. Here, the first connection part <NUM> and the second connection part 522a may be aligned by the coupling of the door frame <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM>. When the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM> are coupled to each other, the connection device <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM> may be connected to each other without performing a separate manipulation process.

That is, the connection device <NUM> and the power transmission member <NUM> may be in the state as shown in Figs. <NUM> to <NUM> according to the assembly of the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a state in which the drawer door <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> is inserted and withdrawn and is elevated according to an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the drawer door is closed.

As illustrated in the drawing, in the state in which the food is stored, the refrigerator <NUM> may be maintained in a state in which all of the rotation door <NUM> and the drawer door <NUM> are closed. In this state, the user may withdraw the drawer door <NUM> to accommodate the food.

The drawer door <NUM> may be provided in plurality in a vertical direction and be withdrawn to be opened by the user's manipulation. Here, the user's manipulation may be performed by touching the manipulation part <NUM> disposed on the front surface of the rotation door <NUM> or the drawer door <NUM>. Alternatively, an opening command may be inputted on the manipulation device <NUM> provided on the lower end of the drawer door <NUM>. Also, the manipulation part <NUM> and the manipulation device <NUM> may individually manipulate the insertion and withdrawal of the drawer door <NUM> and the elevation of the support member <NUM>. Alternatively, the user may hold a handle of the drawer door <NUM> to open the drawer door <NUM>.

Hereinafter, although the lowermost drawer door <NUM> of the drawer doors <NUM>, which are disposed in the vertical direction, is opened and elevated as an example, all of the upper and lower drawer doors <NUM> may be inserted and withdrawn and elevated in the same manner.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the drawer door is completely opened. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the drawer door in the state of <FIG>.

As illustrated in the drawings, the user may manipulate the draw-out operation on the drawer door <NUM> to withdraw the drawer door <NUM> forward. The drawer door <NUM> may be withdrawn while the draw-out rail <NUM> extends.

The drawer door <NUM> may be configured to be inserted and withdrawn by the driving of the draw-out motor <NUM>, not by a method of directly pulling the drawer door <NUM> by the user. The draw-out rack <NUM> provided on the bottom surface of the drawer door <NUM> may be coupled to the pinion gear <NUM> rotating when the draw-out motor <NUM> provided in the cabinet <NUM> is driven. Thus, the drawer door <NUM> may be inserted and withdrawn according to the driving of the draw-out motor <NUM>.

The draw-out distance of the drawer door <NUM> may correspond to a distance at which the front space S1 within the drawer part <NUM> is completely exposed to the outside. Thus, in this state, the support member <NUM> may not interfere with the doors <NUM> and <NUM> disposed thereabove or the cabinet <NUM>.

Here, the draw-out distance of the drawer door <NUM> may be determined by a draw-out detection device <NUM> disposed on the cabinet <NUM> and/or the drawer door <NUM>. The draw-out detection device <NUM> may be provided as a detection sensor that detects a magnet <NUM> to detect a state in which the drawer door <NUM> is completely withdrawn or closed.

For example, as illustrated in the drawings, the magnet <NUM> may be disposed on the bottom of the drawer part <NUM>, and the detection sensor may be disposed on the cabinet <NUM>. The draw-out detection device <NUM> may be disposed at a position corresponding to a position of the magnet <NUM> when the drawer door <NUM> is closed and a position of the magnet <NUM> when the drawer door <NUM> is completely withdrawn. Thus, the draw-out state of the drawer door <NUM> may be determined by the draw-out detection device <NUM>.

Also, as necessary, a switch may be provided at each of positions at which the drawer door <NUM> is completely inserted and withdrawn to detect the draw-out state of the drawer door <NUM>. In addition, the draw-out state of the drawer door <NUM> may be detected by counting the rotation number of draw-out motor <NUM> or measuring a distance between the rear surface of the door part <NUM> and the front end of the cabinet <NUM>.

In the state in which the drawer door <NUM> is completely withdrawn, the driving motor <NUM> may be driven to elevate the support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be driven in an even situation in which the drawer door <NUM> is sufficiently withdrawn to secure safe elevation of the food or container <NUM> seated on the support member <NUM>.

That is, in the state in which the drawer door <NUM> is withdrawn to completely expose the front space to the outside, the support member <NUM> may ascend to prevent the container <NUM> or the stored food seated on the support member <NUM> from interfering with the doors <NUM> and <NUM> or the cabinet <NUM>.

The ascending of the support member <NUM> may start in a state in which the drawer door <NUM> is completely withdrawn. Also, to secure the user's safety and prevent the food from being damaged, the ascending of the support member <NUM> may start after a set time elapses after the drawer door <NUM> is completely withdrawn.

After the drawer door <NUM> is completely withdrawn, the user may manipulate the manipulation part <NUM> to input the ascending of the support member <NUM>. That is, the manipulation part <NUM> may be manipulated to withdraw the drawer door <NUM>, and the manipulation part <NUM> may be manipulated again to elevate the support member <NUM>. Also, the drawer door <NUM> may be manually inserted and withdrawn by a user's hand. After the drawer door <NUM> is withdrawn, the manipulation part <NUM> is manipulated to elevate the support member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the support member of the drawer door is completely elevated. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the drawer door in the state of <FIG>.

In the state of <FIG> and <FIG> , the elevation of the support member <NUM> may be performed in the state in which the drawer door <NUM> is withdrawn. The support member <NUM> may be elevated by the operation of the driving motor <NUM>. In the state in which the door-side device <NUM> of the door part <NUM> and the drawer-side device <NUM> of the drawer part <NUM> are coupled to each other, the power may be transmitted to elevate the support member <NUM>.

In more detail, when the driving motor <NUM> operates, the driving shafts <NUM> connected to the driving motor <NUM> may rotate, and also the first gear <NUM> and the second gear <NUM> connected to the driving shaft <NUM> may rotate.

The rotation force of the driving device <NUM> may be transmitted to the drawer-side device <NUM> by connection device <NUM> and the second member <NUM>, which are coupled to each other. Thus, the rotation force transmitted from the driving device <NUM> may allow the power transmission member <NUM> and the transmission gear <NUM> of the end of the power transmission member <NUM> to rotate.

The rotation force may be transmitted in the state in which the transmission gear <NUM> and the shaft gear <NUM> are connected to each other, and the rotation force of the power transmission member <NUM> may allow the elevation shaft <NUM> to rotate. Due to the rotation of the elevation shaft <NUM>, the elevation block <NUM> and the block holder <NUM> may move upward along the elevation shaft <NUM>. Here, all of the portions of the elevation device <NUM>, which is exposed to the inside of the drawer part <NUM>, may be covered by the rail cover <NUM>. Also, the block holder <NUM> may vertically move along the guide slit <NUM> defined by the rail cover <NUM>.

Here, the block holder <NUM> may vertically move together with the connecting bracket <NUM> in the state of being coupled to the connecting bracket <NUM> so as to be stably elevated without being tilted.

The support member <NUM> may continuously ascend by a sufficient height so that the user is accessible to the food or container <NUM> seated on the support member <NUM>. Thus, the user may easily lift the food or container.

The support member <NUM> may ascend until the block holder <NUM> is disposed at the upper end of the guide slit. When the ascending of the support member <NUM> is completed, the driving of the driving motor <NUM> is stopped.

When an ascending completion signal is inputted, the driving of the driving motor <NUM> may be stopped. For this, a height detection device <NUM> for detecting a position of the support member <NUM> may be provided. The height detection device <NUM> may be provided in the door part <NUM> at a height corresponding to the uppermost ascending position of the support member <NUM> and the lowermost descending position of the support member <NUM>.

The height detection device <NUM> may be provided as a detection sensor that detects a magnet <NUM>. The height detection device <NUM> may detect the magnet <NUM> disposed on the support member <NUM> to determine whether the ascending of the support member <NUM> is completed. Also, the height detection device <NUM> may be provided as a switch structure to turn on the switch when the support member <NUM> maximally ascends. Also, the height detection device <NUM> may be provided on the elevation rail <NUM> or the elevation shaft <NUM> to detect the maximally ascending position of the support member <NUM>. Also, whether the support member <NUM> maximally ascends may be determined according to a variation in load applied to the driving motor <NUM>.

The driving of the driving motor <NUM> is stopped in the state in which the support member <NUM> maximally ascends. In this state, although the support member <NUM> is disposed inside the drawer part <NUM>, the food or container <NUM> seated on the support member <NUM> may be disposed at a position higher than the opened top surface of the drawer part <NUM>. Thus, the user may easily access the food or container <NUM>. Particularly, it is not necessary to allow the waist excessively for lifting the container <NUM>, so that it is possible to perform safer and more convenient operation.

After the user's food storing operation is completed, the user may allow the support member <NUM> to descend by manipulating the manipulation part <NUM>. The descending of the support member <NUM> may be performed by reverse rotation of the driving motor <NUM> and may be gradually performed through the reverse procedure with respect to the above-described procedure.

Also, when the descending of the support member <NUM> is completed, i.e., in the state of <FIG> and <FIG> , the completion of the descending of the support member <NUM> may be performed by the height detection device <NUM>. The height detection device <NUM> may be further provided at a position that detects the magnet disposed on the support member <NUM> when the support member <NUM> is disposed at the lowermost descending position. Thus, when the completion of the descending of the support member <NUM> is detected, the driving of the driving motor <NUM> is stopped.

Also, after the driving of the driving motor <NUM> is stopped, the drawer door <NUM> may be inserted. Here, the drawer door <NUM> may be closed by the user's manipulation or by the driving of the draw-out motor <NUM>. When the drawer door <NUM> is completely closed, a state of <FIG> may become.

In addition to the foregoing embodiment, various embodiments may be exemplified.

Hereinafter, another embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the other embodiments of the present disclosure, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the above-described embodiments, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

As illustrated in the drawing, a refrigerator <NUM> according to another embodiment may include a cabinet <NUM> having a storage space that is vertically partitioned and a door <NUM> opening and closing the storage space.

The door <NUM> may include a pair of rotation doors <NUM> which are provided in an upper portion of a front surface of the cabinet <NUM> to open and close an upper storage space and a drawer door <NUM> disposed in a lower portion of the front surface of the cabinet <NUM> to open and close a lower storage space. The drawer door <NUM> may be inserted and withdrawn forward and backward like the foregoing embodiment. In the state in which the drawer door <NUM> is withdrawn, the support member <NUM> within the drawer door <NUM> may be vertically elevated.

A manipulation part <NUM> or a manipulation device <NUM> may be provided at one side of the door part <NUM>. The insertion and withdrawal of the drawer door <NUM> and/or the elevation of the support member <NUM> may be realized by manipulating the manipulation part <NUM> or the manipulation device <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> may be provided in the drawer part <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be elevated by driving the elevation assembly provided in the door part <NUM> and the drawer part <NUM>. Since the structure of the drawer door <NUM> and the structure of the elevation assembly <NUM> are the same as those according to the foregoing embodiment, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

A plurality of containers <NUM> may be provided in the support member <NUM>. The container <NUM> may be a sealed container such as a kimchi passage, and a plurality of the containers <NUM> may be seated on the support member <NUM>. The container <NUM> may be elevated together with the support member <NUM> when the support member <NUM> is elevated. Thus, in the state in which the container <NUM> ascends, at least a portion of the drawer part <NUM> may protrude, and thus, the user may easily lift the container <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> may interfere with the rotation door <NUM> in the rotation door <NUM> is opened even though the drawer door <NUM> is withdrawn. Thus, the support member <NUM> may ascend in a state in which the rotation door <NUM> is closed. For this, a door switch for detecting the opening/closing of the rotation door <NUM> may be further provided.

As illustrated in the drawings, a refrigerator <NUM> according to another embodiment includes a cabinet <NUM> defining a storage space therein and a door <NUM> opening and closing an opened front surface of the cabinet <NUM>, which define an outer appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The inside of the cabinet <NUM> may be divided into an upper space and a lower space. If necessary, the upper and lower storage spaces may be divided again into left and right spaces.

The door <NUM> may include a rotation door <NUM> which is provided in an upper portion of the cabinet <NUM> to open and close the upper storage space and a drawer door <NUM> disposed in a lower portion of the cabinet <NUM> to open and close the lower storage space.

Also, the lower space of the cabinet may be divided into left and right spaces. The drawer door <NUM> may be provided in a pair so that the pair of drawer doors <NUM> respectively open and close the lower spaces. The pair of drawer doors <NUM> may be disposed in parallel to each other at left and right sides. The drawer doors <NUM> may have the same structure.

The drawer door <NUM> may have the same structure as the drawer door according to the foregoing embodiment. Thus, the drawer door <NUM> may be inserted and withdrawn by user's manipulation. In the drawer door <NUM> is withdrawn, the support member <NUM> may ascend so that a user more easily accesses a food or container within the drawer door <NUM>.

The following effects may be expected in the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiments.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment, the portion of the storage space within the drawer door may be elevated in the state in which the drawer door is withdrawn. Thus, when the food is accommodated in the drawer door disposed at the lower side, the user may not excessively turn its back to improve the convenience in use.

Also, the support member on which the food or the container is seated may be disposed in the drawer door, and the elevation assembly may be provided on both the sides of the drawer door to elevate the support member. Thus, the support member may be elevated in the state in which both ends of the support member are supported. Thus, the support member may be prevented from being eccentric or tilted to secure the stable elevation and the operation reliability.

Also, the support member may constitute a portion of the space within the drawer part and be disposed in the front space of the drawer part to elevate the support member in the state in which the drawer part is withdrawn so that only the front space is disposed to the outside without withdrawing the entire drawer part. Thus, the instability due to the excessive withdrawal of the drawer part may be solved, and the additional constituent for supporting the load may be unnecessary, and also, the loss of the cold air to the outside due to the withdrawal of the entire drawer part may be prevented.

Also, the drawer door may include the door part defining the front surface of the door and the drawer part defining the accommodation space, and the door part and the drawer part may be coupled to be separated from each other.

Also, the elevation assembly may include the door-side device provided in the door part and the drawer-side device provided in the drawer part. When the door part and the drawer part are coupled to each other, the door-side device and the drawer-side device may be connected to each other to transmit the power. Thus, the assemblability and the service performance of the drawer door may be improved.

Also, in the door part and the drawer part are coupled to each other, the connection device on the rear surface of the door may be manipulated to simply separate the driving device of the door part from the elevation device of the drawer part, and the driving device and the elevation device may be separated from each other through the simple manipulation without using the separate mechanism or performing the separate separation process. Furthermore, the door part and the drawer part may be easily separated from each other.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator (<NUM>) comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) that defines a storage space (<NUM>,<NUM>);
a door part (<NUM>) opening and closing the storage space (<NUM>,<NUM>);
a drawer part (<NUM>) provided behind the door part (<NUM>) and inserted and withdrawn together with the door part (<NUM>);
an elevation device (<NUM>) provided in the drawer part (<NUM>) and configured to elevate an object stored in the drawer part (<NUM>);
a driving device (<NUM>) provided in the door part (<NUM>) to provide power for an operation of the elevation device (<NUM>);
a power transmission member (<NUM>) provided in the drawer part (<NUM>); and
a connection device (<NUM>) provided in the door part (<NUM>) to connect the driving device (<NUM>) to the power transmission member (<NUM>) so that power of the driving device (<NUM>) is transmitted to the elevation device (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
the power transmission member (<NUM>) includes a drawer shaft (<NUM>) extending in a front-rear direction, wherein one end of the drawer shaft (<NUM>) is connected to the elevation device (<NUM>), and
the connection device (<NUM>) includes a rod shaped coupling member (<NUM>) rotatably disposed in the front-rear direction,
one end of the rod shaped coupling member (<NUM>) is connected to the driving device (<NUM>), and
the other end of the rod shaped coupling member (<NUM>) is axially connected to the other end of the drawer shaft (<NUM>) to transmit the power of the driving device (<NUM>), and
the drawer shaft (<NUM>) is configured to transmit the power to the elevation device (<NUM>) based on rotating together with the rod shaped coupling member (<NUM>).