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door that opens and closes a storage space through rotation thereof and a drawer-type door that is inserted and withdrawn in a drawer type.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 refrigerator including a lifting mechanism for moving up or down a bin disposed in a refrigerating compartment has been disclosed in <CIT>.

However, in such a related art, the lifting mechanism for lifting has a structure disposed and exposed outside of the bin, which may cause a severe problem with safety. Further, there is a problem in that the external appearance is deteriorated by the exposed structure of the lifting mechanism.

Since a driving unit has a structure exposed outside, when the driving unit is operated, noise can be wholly transmitted to the outside, which may cause complaint of users.

The lifting mechanism is disposed in the refrigerator, so the storage capacity of the refrigerator may be remarkably decreased, which results in a loss of storage capacity of the entire refrigerator, thus, causing a problem in that the storage efficiency is considerably decreased.

The lifting mechanism is fully provided in the refrigerator, so it is required to separate the door and the lifting mechanism in order to provide services for the lifting mechanism, and accordingly, it is difficult to provide the services.

The driving unit of the lifting mechanism has a structure being able to lift the bin by pushing an end of a scissor supporting assembly. Accordingly, when a bin has a large size or a bin is filled with heavy objects, there is a problem in that it is difficult to provide sufficient force for lifting. Obviously, it may be possible to increase the motor of the driving unit in order to solve this problem, but in this case, there is another problem in that the loss of volume in the refrigerator and noise are further increased and the manufacturing cost is also increased.

The lifting mechanism supports a side of the entire bottom of the bin due to the position of the driving unit, so an eccentric load is unavoidably generated when objects are stored in the bin. A severe problem with safety may be caused by an eccentric load that is applied with the door drawn out, and there is also a problem in that elevation cannot be smoothly performed.

The lifting mechanism has a structure in which the whole bin is elevated. In order to elevate the bin, the bin has to be fully drawn out of the storage space of the refrigerator and has to be drawn out to a position where it does not interfere with an upper door and the refrigerator main body to prevent interference with elevation.

<CIT> relates to refrigerators with a lift mechanism including a scissor support assembly.

<CIT> relates to a shelf mounting structure of a refrigerator. Further relevant prior art is disclosed in documents <CIT> and <CIT>.

A refrigerator according to claim <NUM> includes:
a cabinet having a storage space; a door including a door unit configured to open or close the storage space and a drawer unit configured to provide a receiving space; a driving device disposed at the door unit and including a driving motor configured to provide power; and an elevation device disposed at the drawer unit, connected with the driving device, and configured to move up or down.

According to claim <NUM>, each of the pair of elevation devices includes: a lower frame; an upper frame positioned over the lower frame; a scissor assembly configured to connect the lower frame and the upper frame; and a screw rotatably supported on the lower frame, configured to be rotated by driving force transmitted from the driving device disposed at the door unit, and connected with the scissor assembly.

The driving device may include: a motor assembly including the driving moor and a power transmission unit configured to transmit power of the driving motor; and a transmission unit configured to transmit power of the motor assembly to the elevation device.

For example, a pair of transmission units may be disposed at both sides of the motor assembly, and the elevation device may be connected to each of the pair of transmission units.

The elevation device may further include a supporting plate seated on a plurality of upper frames.

In this embodiment, the power transmission unit may include: a plurality of transmission gears configured to transmit the power of the driving motor; a shaft driving gear connected to a final gear of the plurality of transmission gears; and a plurality of shafts connected to the shaft driving gear and extending to both sides of the shaft driving gear.

An extension direction of an axial line of the driving motor may cross an extension direction of an axial line of the shaft driving gear.

The transmission unit may include: a first unit gear connected with the shaft; and a second unit gear connected with the first unit gear. An axial line of the first unit gear may cross an axial line of the second unit gear.

The transmission unit may further include a connector configured to connect the second unit gear and the screw to each other.

The connector may be connected to the screw through the lower frame.

According to claim <NUM>, the drawer unit includes a drawer opening for passing a connector at the supporting plate, the connector connecting the door unit and the drawer unit.

According to claim <NUM>, the scissor assembly includes a plurality of first rods; and a plurality of second rods disposed across the plurality of first rods.

An end of the screw may be rotatably supported on a first wall of the lower frame, and another end of the screw may be connected to the motor assembly through a second wall positioned opposite the first wall.

The elevation device may further include a movable unit through which the screw is coupled, and first ends of the plurality of second rods may be rotatably connected to the movable unit.

Second ends of the plurality of second rods may be rotatably connected to the lower frame.

Guide protrusions may be disposed on both sides of the movable unit, and the guide protrusions may pass the plurality of second rods, respectively.

First slots in which the guide protrusions are inserted may be formed at a pair of third walls connecting the first wall and the second wall of the lower frame.

The first slots may be elongated in a longitudinal direction of the screw.

The elevation device may further include a supporting shaft positioned adjacent to the second wall and rotatably supporting first ends of the plurality of first rods.

The screw may pass through the supporting shaft.

The elevation device may further include a movable shaft rotatably supporting second ends of the plurality of first rods and movably connected to the upper frame.

The upper frame may include a second slot in which the movable shaft is inserted and that extends in a longitudinal direction of the screw.

The upper frame may be seated on a top surface of the lower frame, with the upper frame moved to a lowermost position.

The scissor assembly includes a connection shaft configured to connect the plurality of first rods and the plurality of second rods.

An accommodating groove in which the connection shaft is accommodated in a state in which the upper frame is seated on the top surface of the lower frame may be formed on each of the upper frame and the lower frame.

It is possible to expect the following effects from refrigerators according to proposed embodiments.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a portion of a receiving space in a drawer door can be moved up and down with the drawer door drawn out. Accordingly, a user does not need to excessively bend over when putting food into the drawer door disposed at a lower position, so convenience in use can be improved.

In particular, in order to pick up heavy food or a container with food therein, a user has to apply large for to pick up the food or the container, but the elevation device in the drawer door is moved up to a position where use is convenient by the driving device. Accordingly, there in an advantage in that it is possible to prevent an injury on a user and remarkably improve convenience in use.

The driving device that is configured as an electric device for providing power is disposed in the door unit and the elevation device has a structure disposed in the drawer unit, so both of the driving device and the elevation device are not exposed to the outside. Accordingly, safety in use can be secured and the external appearance can be improved.

In particular, since the driving device that is configured as an electric device is disposed in the door unit, it is possible to preclude of approach of a user. Accordingly, it is possible to expect an effect that can prevent occurrence of a safety accident.

Further, since the driving device is disposed in the door, noise is blocked, so there is an advantage in that it is possible to reduce noise in use.

Since the driving device that occupies a considerable part of the entire configuration is disposed at the door unit, it is possible to minimize a loss of storage capacity of the drawer unit. The elevation device has a structure that is folded in compact size and accommodated when it is moved down, so there is an advantage in that it is possible to secure a storage capacity in the refrigerator.

Further, a screw that rotates exists in the elevation device and the elevation device can be moved up and down by a movable unit that moves along the screw when the screw rotates, so there is an advantage that the structure of the elevation device is simplified and the volume of the elevation device can be minimized.

Since the elevation device can be provided at a portion of the front porting of the drawer unit, it is possible to move up and down the elevation device without interference by the upper door or the cabinet even though the drawer unit is not drawn out such that it is fully exposed to the outside. Accordingly, and there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent sinking due to excessive drawing-out of a heavy drawer door or a problem with durability and it is possible to prevent a loss of cold air due to excessive drawing-out of a drawer.

Further, since a structure in which not the entire, but a portion of the drawer is moved up and down is taken, it is possible to make the entire moving-up and down structure compact and to use a light structure. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize a loss of storage capacity and maintain a simple configuration.

<FIG> show embodiments according to the present invention, which disclose a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>, whereas <FIG> show embodiments being useful only for understanding the invention.

<FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>, <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a state in which a lower drawer door of the refrigerator is inserted and withdrawn and is elevated, and <FIG> is a perspective view when a container of the lower drawer door is separated.

Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerator <NUM> according to claim <NUM> has 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 comprise 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 comprise an upper drawer door 30a and a lower drawer door 30b.

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.

The rotation door <NUM> is disposed at an upper position, so it can be referred to as an upper door, and the drawer door <NUM> is disposed at a lower position, so it can be referred to as a lower door.

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 door <NUM> to display information by using light passing therethrough.

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 container 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 lower drawer door 30b 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 30b 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 30b 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 30b 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 30b may be performed by at least one of a plurality of manipulation devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As necessary, only one of the plurality of manipulation devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be provided in the refrigerator.

In particular, an inclined portion 311a is formed at an angle at the lower portion of the front surface of the lower drawer door 30b and manipulation device <NUM> may be mounted on the inclined portion 311a. The manipulation device <NUM> includes a projector light, which can output image, a proximity sensor, etc., so it can project a virtual switch in an image type on a floor and can sense whether a user has selected the virtual switch through the proximity sensor.

Obviously, the manipulation device <NUM> may simply include only a proximity sensor. Automatic drawing-in and out and/or elevation of the lower drawer door 30b can be manipulated by manipulation of the manipulation device <NUM>.

A manipulation device <NUM> may be provided on the top surface of the lower drawer door 30b. When a manipulation device <NUM> is provided on the top surface of the lower drawer door 30b, the manipulation device is not exposed to the outside when the lower drawer door 30b is closed, so the manipulation device cannot be manipulated. Accordingly, the manipulation device <NUM> can be used to move up and down the lower drawer door 30b.

Meanwhile, since there are provided the manipulation devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and they can be used for drawing in and out and moving up and down the lower drawer door 30b, and drawing-in and out and moving-up and down can be manipulated in accordance with manipulation combination of sequential manipulation of the plurality of manipulation devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In order to receive food received in the lower drawer door 30b, it is possible to draw out forward the lower drawer door 30b and then move up the container <NUM> in the lower drawer door 30b.

On the other hand, the container <NUM> may have a predetermined height. Since the container <NUM> is seated on an elevation device <NUM> to be described below, when the elevation device <NUM> is moved up, the height of the container <NUM> can be added to the height of the elevation device <NUM>. Accordingly, when the elevation device <NUM> is moved up, it may be positioned at a point where a user easily approaches the container <NUM> or lifts the container <NUM>.

Accordingly, the container <NUM> can be fully received in the drawer unit <NUM> when the lower drawer door 30b is drawn in and out, and when the elevation device <NUM> is moved up, it may be positioned at a higher position than the lower space <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the shape of the container <NUM> is not limited, but may be a shape corresponding to the size of a front space S1. Further, it may be preferable that the container <NUM> is configured to have a predetermined height such that food received therein is not separated even though the elevation device <NUM> is moved up.

According to this manipulation, it is possible to more easily lift and use the food or the container <NUM> in the drawer door <NUM> disposed at the lowermost position.

The lower drawer door 30b may be automatically drawn in and out forward and rearward by a drawing motor <NUM> and a pinion <NUM> disposed in the cabinet <NUM>, and a drawing rack <NUM> disposed on the bottom surface of the lower drawer door 30b.

The container in the lower drawer door 30b can be moved up and down by the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> disposed at the lower drawer door 30b.

Hereafter, the lower drawer door 30b and the configuration for operation of the lower drawer door 30b of the present invention are described in more detail, and unless specifically stated, the lower drawer door 30b is referred to as a "drawer door" or a "door".

Meanwhile, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the number and shape of drawer doors and can be applied to all of refrigerators having a door that is drawn in and out in a drawer type in a lower storage space.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view seen from the front when a drawer unit and a door unit of the lower drawer door are separated.

Referring to <FIG>, the door 30b includes a door unit <NUM> opening and closing the storage space and a drawer unit <NUM> coupled to the rear surface of the door unit <NUM> to be drawn in and out together with the door unit <NUM>.

The door unit <NUM> is exposed outside the cabinet <NUM> and can form the external appearance of the refrigerator <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> is disposed in the cabinet <NUM> and can form a receiving space. The door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> are combined with each other, so they can be drawn in and out forward and rearward together.

The drawer unit <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface of the door unit <NUM> and is configured to form a space where food or a container to be stored is received. The inside of the drawer unit <NUM> forms a receiving space that is open upward, and the external appearance of the drawer unit <NUM> may be formed by several plates (see <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>).

The several plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel and are disposed not only outside, but also inside the drawer unit <NUM> such that the entire drawer unit <NUM> has the texture of stainless steel or a texture like stainless steel.

A machine room <NUM> where a compressor, a condenser, etc. constituting a refrigeration cycle are disposed may be disposed behind the door 30b when the door 30b is drawn in. Accordingly, the rear portion of the drawer unit <NUM> may be formed in a shape in which the upper end protrudes rearward further than the lower end, and the rear surface of the drawer unit <NUM> may include an inclined surface <NUM>.

Drawing rails <NUM> that can guide the door 30b being drawing in and out may be disposed on both sides of the drawer unit <NUM>. The door 30b can be mounted on the cabinet <NUM> to be able to be drawn in and out by the drawing rails <NUM>. The drawing rails <NUM> are covered by an outer side plate <NUM>, whereby they cannot be exposed to the outside. The drawing rails <NUM> may be configured in a rail structure that can be stretched in multiple stages.

The drawing rails <NUM> may have a rail bracket <NUM> and the rail bracket <NUM> may extend to both sides of the drawer unit <NUM> from sides of the drawing rails <NUM>. The rail bracket <NUM> may be coupled and fixed to a wall in the refrigerator. Accordingly, the drawer unit <NUM>, that is, the door 30b can be mounted on the cabinet <NUM> to be able to be drawn in and out by the drawing rails <NUM>.

Further, the drawing rails <NUM> may be disposed on the lower ends of both sides of the drawer unit <NUM>, and accordingly, the drawing rails <NUM> may be understood as being disposed on the bottom surface of the drawer unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the drawing rails <NUM> are disposed on the lower ends of both sides of the drawer unit <NUM> and may be referred to as under rails.

A drawing rack <NUM> may also be disposed on the bottom surface of the drawer unit <NUM>. The drawing rack <NUM> may be disposed on both left and right sides, and enables the door <NUM> to be automatically drawn in and out in cooperation with the drawing motor <NUM> mounted in the cabinet <NUM>. That is, when manipulation is input through the manipulation parts <NUM> and <NUM>, the drawing motor <NUM> is driven, so the door 30b can be drawn in and out along the drawing racks <NUM>. In this case, the door <NUM> can be stably drawn in and out by the drawing rails <NUM>.

Obviously, the drawing rack <NUM> may not be disposed on the drawer unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> may be configured such that a user draws in and out the door 30b in person by holding and pushing or pulling a side of the door unit <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the inside of the drawer unit <NUM> may be divided into a front space S1 and a rear space S2. The elevation device <NUM> that is moved up and down and the container <NUM> that is seated on the elevation device <NUM> and moved together with the elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in the front space S1.

The container <NUM> is shown in a basket shape with an open top, but may have a closed box structure such as a Kimchi container, and several containers may be stacked or disposed in parallel.

When the door 30b is drawn out, the entire drawer unit <NUM> cannot be drawn out of the storage space due to a limitation in the drawing-out distance of the door <NUM>. Further, at least the front space S1 is drawn out of the storage space and the entire or a portion of the rear space S2 is positioned in the storage space in the cabinet <NUM>.

The larger the drawing-out distance of the door <NUM>, the lager the moment that is applied to the door <NUM> when the door <NUM> has been drawn out, so it is difficult to maintain a stable state and the drawing rails <NUM> or the drawing racks <NUM> may be caused to be deformed or damaged. Accordingly, it is required to limit the drawing-out distance of the door <NUM>.

The drawing-out distance of the door <NUM> may be limited by the drawing racks <NUM> or the drawing rails <NUM>.

The elevation device <NUM> and the container <NUM> are accommodated in the front space S1 and the elevation device <NUM> can move up and down food or the container <NUM> seated on the elevation device <NUM> while vertically moving up and down. The elevation device <NUM> may be disposed under the container <NUM>, and when the container <NUM> is mounted, the elevation device <NUM> can be covered by the container <NUM>. Accordingly, even any component of the elevation device <NUM> is not exposed to the outside.

A separate drawer cover <NUM> may be disposed in the rear space S2. The front space S1 and the rear space S2 can be divided by the drawer cover <NUM>. When the drawer cover <NUM> is mounted, the front surface and the top surface of the rear space S2 are covered such that a space that is not used is not exposed to the outside.

However, when the drawer cover <NUM> is separated, it is possible to approach the rear space S2 and to put food into the rear space S2. In order to use the rear space S2, a separate pocket or a container corresponding to the shape of the rear space may be disposed in the rear space S2.

In order to use the entire space in the drawer unit <NUM>, the elevation device <NUM> in the drawer unit <NUM> can be simply separated and mounted, and it may be possible to use the entire internal space of the drawer unit <NUM> by separating the elevation device <NUM> and the drawer cover <NUM>.

The external appearances of the inner side and the outer side of the drawer unit <NUM> may be formed by the plates (see <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>) and it may be possible to cover the components mounted in the drawer unit <NUM> so that the external appearances of the inside and outside can be shown clean. There may be provided several plates (see <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>) and may be made of a stainless material, thereby being able to provide a more luxurious and clean external appearance.

On the other hand, the door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> that constitute the door 30b may have structures that can be combined with and separated from each other. It is possible to improve workability and to more conveniently provide services through the separable structure of the door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM>.

The rear surface of the door unit <NUM> and the front surface of the drawer unit <NUM> are coupled to each other, and the door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> are configured to be able to provide power for moving up and down the elevation device <NUM> when they are combined.

The driving device (see <NUM> in <FIG>) for moving up and down the elevation device <NUM> is disposed on the door unit <NUM>, and the door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> may be selective connected.

In particular, the driving unit (see <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on the door unit <NUM> is composed of components that are operated by input power and components for transmitting power to the elevation device <NUM>. Accordingly, when a service for the driving unit (see <NUM> in <FIG>) is required, it is possible to take measures by separating the door unit <NUM> and it is possible to easily take measures by replacing only the door unit <NUM>.

The door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> may be combined by a pair of door frames <NUM> disposed on both sides.

The door frame <NUM> may include a door coupling part 316a vertically extending and coupled to the door unit <NUM>, and a drawer coupling part 316b extending rearward from the lower end of the door coupling part 316a.

The door coupling part 316a may be coupled to the door unit <NUM> by a separate coupling member and may be coupled to a side of the door unit <NUM> by a simple coupling structure. The drawer coupling part 316b is inserted in both sides of the drawer unit <NUM> and may be disposed adjacent to the drawing rails <NUM>.

With the door coupling part 316a is coupled to the door unit <NUM>, the drawer coupling part 316b can support the drawer unit <NUM> by being inserted in the drawer unit <NUM>. The drawer coupling part 316b may be coupled to the drawer unit <NUM> by a separate coupling member or may be coupled by a shape-fitting structure.

In order that the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> are connected when the door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> are combined, a drawer opening <NUM> exposing a portion of the elevation device <NUM> is formed at a supporting plate of the drawer unit <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the door unit <NUM> is formed to be able to substantially open and close the storage space of the cabinet <NUM> and simultaneously form the front external appearance of the refrigerator <NUM>.

The external appearance of the door unit <NUM> may be formed by an outer case <NUM> that forms the front surface and a portion of the circumferential surface, a door liner <NUM> that forms the rear surface, and an upper deco <NUM> and a lower deco <NUM> that form the top surface and the bottom surface. The inside of the door unit <NUM> between the outer case <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> may be filled with an insulator (not shown).

Hereafter, the door unit <NUM> constituting the door 30b and the driving assembly are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view of the door unit, <FIG> is a perspective view showing the state when an elevation device is connected to the driving device, <FIG> and <FIG> are views showing the structure of a motor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a view showing a transmission unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the front surface of the door unit <NUM> is formed by the outer case <NUM> and rear surface may be formed by the door liner <NUM>.

The driving device <NUM> for operating the elevation device <NUM> is disposed at the door unit <NUM>. The driving device <NUM> is disposed at the door unit <NUM>, but is not embedded in the insulator and is disposed in a space formed by the door liner <NUM>, and may be covered by the door cover <NUM> not to be exposed to the outside.

In detail, an insulator may be disposed between the out case <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> and insulates the inside of the storage space <NUM>.

The driving device <NUM> may include a motor assembly <NUM> and a pair of transmission units <NUM> connected to the motor assembly <NUM>. The elevation device <NUM> may be connected to each of the transmission units <NUM>. That is, a pair of elevation devices <NUM> are disposed and spaced apart from each other at the left and right side from the drawer unit <NUM>.

The motor assembly <NUM> may include a driving motor <NUM> and a transmission unit that transmits power of the driving motor <NUM> to the transmission units <NUM>.

The driving motor <NUM> provides power for moving up and down the elevation device <NUM> and can rotate forward and backward. Accordingly, when an elevation signal of the elevation device <NUM> is input, it is possible to provide power for moving up and down the elevation device <NUM> by rotating forward or backward. It can be stopped when a load of the driving motor <NUM> or a stop signal by sensing of a sensor is input.

The power transmission unit may include a first gear <NUM> connected to a shaft of the driving motor <NUM>.

The power transmission unit may further include a second gear <NUM> engaged with the first gear <NUM> under the first gear <NUM>. The second gear <NUM> may be a multistage gear having two parts having different diameters.

The part having a larger diameter of the second gear <NUM> may be engaged with the first gear <NUM>.

The power transmission unit may further include a third gear <NUM> engaged with the part having a smaller diameter of the second gear <NUM>.

The third gear <NUM> may be a multistage gear having two parts having different diameters. The part having a larger diameter of the third gear <NUM> may be engaged with the second gear <NUM>.

The power transmission unit may further include a fourth gear <NUM> engaged with the third gear <NUM>. The fourth gear <NUM> may be engaged with the part having a smaller diameter of the third gear <NUM>.

The power transmission unit may further include a fifth gear <NUM> engaged with the fourth gear <NUM>.

The fifth gear <NUM> may include a first part 56a and a second part 56b having a gear shape different from the first part 56a.

The first part 56a, for example, may be a spur gear and the second part 56b may be a bevel gear, a helical gear, or a worm gear.

The power transmission unit may further include a shaft driving gear <NUM> engaged with the second part 56b.

In the present embodiment, the first gear to fifth gear <NUM> to <NUM> may be referred to as transmission gears. In this configuration, the fifth gear <NUM> may be referred to as a final gear.

In the present embodiment, power of the driving motor <NUM> is transmitted to the shaft driving gear <NUM> through the first gear to fifth gear <NUM> to <NUM>, but it should be noted that the number and the kinds of gears for transmitting the power of the diving motor <NUM> to the shaft driving gear <NUM> are not limited in the present embodiment.

However, the extension direction of the driving motor <NUM> and the extension direction of the shaft driving gear <NUM> may be different, and for example, may cross each other.

The shaft driving gear <NUM> may be connected a shaft sleeve <NUM>. The shaft sleeve <NUM>, for example, may be coupled through the shaft driving gear <NUM> to rotate with the shaft driving gear <NUM>.

A shaft <NUM> may be coupled to both sides of the shaft sleeve <NUM>.

The other components except for the shafts <NUM> of the power transmission unit may be accommodated in the housing 50a. The shafts <NUM> may protrude and extend from both sides of the housing 50a and may be connected with the transmission units <NUM>.

The transmission unit <NUM> may include a first unit gear <NUM> connected with the shaft <NUM>, a second unit gear <NUM> engaged with the first unit gear <NUM>, and a unit housing <NUM> accommodating the first unit gear <NUM> and the second unit gear <NUM>.

The first unit gear <NUM> and the second unit gear <NUM> can change a power transmission direction. To this end, the first unit gear <NUM> and the second unit gear <NUM> may be bevel gears, worm gears, or helical gears.

The axial line of the first unit gear <NUM>, for example, may extend in the left-right direction (or a first direction) and the axial line of the second unit gear <NUM> may extend in the front-rear direction (or a second direction). That is, the axial line of the first unit gear <NUM> may cross the axial line of the second unit gear <NUM>.

A connector <NUM> is connected to a shaft 63a of the second unit gear <NUM> and a screw <NUM> of the elevation device <NUM> to be described below may be coupled to the connector <NUM>.

Accordingly, the screw <NUM> can rotate with the second unit gear <NUM> by the connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> passes through the drawer opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the driving force of the driving device <NUM> in the door unit <NUM> can be transmitted to the elevation device <NUM> in the drawer unit <NUM> by the connector <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an elevation device according to an embodiment of the present invention and <FIG> is a view showing the state when an upper frame of the elevation device of <FIG> is moved up at a predetermined height.

Referring to <FIG>, the elevation device <NUM> includes a lower frame <NUM>, an upper frame <NUM> positioned over the lower frame <NUM>, and a scissor assembly <NUM> connecting the lower frame <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM>.

The lower frame <NUM>, for example, may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top. The lower side of the lower frame <NUM> may be open or closed.

The lower frame <NUM> may be elongated in the front-rear direction of the drawer unit <NUM>.

The screw <NUM> is accommodated in the lower frame <NUM>. An end of the screw <NUM> may be rotatably supported on a first wall 81c of the lower frame <NUM> and the other end may be connected to the connector <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may be inserted inside the lower frame <NUM> and connected with the screw <NUM> through a second wall 81d disposed to face the first wall 81c. Alternatively, a portion of the screw <NUM> may be connected with the connector <NUM> through the second wall 81d.

The elevation device <NUM> may further include a movable unit <NUM> that can move along the screw <NUM>. The screw <NUM> is coupled through the movable unit <NUM> and the movable unit <NUM> can move in the longitudinal direction of the screw <NUM> when the screw <NUM> is rotated. The longitudinal direction of the screw <NUM>, for example, may be the front-rear direction of the drawer unit <NUM>.

Guide protrusions 85a may be disposed at both sides of the movable unit <NUM>. In the lower frame <NUM>, first slots 81a in which the guide protrusions 85a are inserted may be formed at a pair of third walls 81e connecting the first wall 81c and the second wall 81d.

In order that the guide protrusions 85a can move in the first slots 81a, the first slots 81a may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the screw <NUM>.

The scissor assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> rotatably connected to the lower frame <NUM> and a plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> rotatably supported by the upper frame <NUM>.

The plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced apart in parallel from each other and connected to the lower frame <NUM>.

The lower frame <NUM> may have a supporting shaft <NUM> rotatably supporting the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM>.

The supporting shaft <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to the second wall 81d of the lower frame <NUM> and both ends thereof may be fixed to the pair of third walls 81e.

The screw <NUM> may pass through the supporting shaft <NUM>. In this configuration, the inner diameter of the supporting shaft <NUM> is larger than the outer diameter of the screw <NUM>, so the supporting shaft <NUM> can keep fixed to the lower frame <NUM> regardless of rotation of the screw <NUM>.

The plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the supporting shaft <NUM> in a space of the lower frame <NUM>.

For example, first ends of the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the supporting shaft <NUM>.

The gap between the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> may be larger than the outer diameter of the screw <NUM>. Accordingly, at least a portion of the screw <NUM> may be positioned between with the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> with the upper frame <NUM> moved down.

A movable shaft <NUM> may be connected to second ends positioned opposite the first ends of the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this configuration, the movable shaft <NUM> may be movably coupled to the upper frame <NUM>. A second slot 82a in which the movable shaft <NUM> is inserted may be formed at the upper frame <NUM>.

For example, the movable shaft <NUM> may be accommodated in the second slot 82a through the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM>.

In order that the movable shaft <NUM> can move in the second slot 82a, the second slot 82a may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the screw <NUM>.

The plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced apart in parallel from each other and connected to the upper frame <NUM>.

The plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned in the region between the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM>. Obviously, in the other way, the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned in the region between the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM>.

First ends of the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the guide protrusion 85a of the movable unit <NUM>.

For example, the movable shaft <NUM> may be accommodated in the first slots 81a through the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM>.

The gap between the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> may be larger than the outer diameter of the screw <NUM>. Accordingly, at least a portion of the screw <NUM> may be positioned between with the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> with the upper frame <NUM> moved down.

A fixed shaft <NUM> may be connected to second ends positioned opposite the first ends of the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM>.

The fixed shaft <NUM> is fixed to the upper frame <NUM> and the second ends of the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the fixed shaft <NUM>.

The plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> and the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> are connected by a connection shaft <NUM>.

The connection shaft <NUM> may pass through the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> and the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM>, with the plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> and the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> crossing each other.

When the upper frame <NUM> is moved to the lowermost position (the elevation device <NUM> is moved to the lowermost position), the upper frame <NUM> may be seated on the top surface of the lower frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the height of the elevation device <NUM> can be minimum.

In order to prevent interference with the connection shaft <NUM> with the upper frame <NUM> seated on the top surface of the lower frame <NUM>, the lower frame <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM> may respectively include accommodating grooves 81b and 82b in which the connection shaft <NUM> is accommodated.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the drawer unit <NUM> may include a drawer main body <NUM> forming the entire shape of the drawer unit <NUM>, the elevation device <NUM> disposed in the drawer main body <NUM> and being able to move up and down the container and food, and several plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> forming the internal and external appearances of the drawer unit <NUM>.

In detail, the drawer main body <NUM> may be made of a plastic material by injection molding and forms the entire shape of the drawer unit <NUM>. The drawer main body <NUM> has a basket shape with an open top and has a receiving space therein for food. The rear surface of the drawer main body <NUM> may be an inclined surface <NUM>, thereby being able to prevent interference with the machine room <NUM>.

The door frames <NUM> may be mounted on both sides of the drawer unit <NUM>. The door frames <NUM> may be coupled to frame mounts <NUM> on both sides of the bottom surface or at the lower portions of both left and right sides of the drawer unit <NUM>. When the door frames <NUM> are coupled to the drawer unit <NUM>, the drawer unit <NUM> and the door unit <NUM> are integrally combined to be able to be drawn in and out together.

The door frame <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> may be coupled to each other by a coupling structure using a separate coupling member or a shape-fitting structure between the door frame <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM>.

The drawing racks <NUM> may be disposed on both left and right sides of the bottom surface of the drawer unit <NUM>. The drawer unit <NUM> can be drawn in and out in the front-rear direction by the drawing racks <NUM>. In detail, when the drawer unit <NUM> is mounted on the cabinet <NUM>, at least a portion thereof is positioned in the storage space. The drawing racks <NUM> may be coupled to the pinion gears <NUM> disposed on the floor surface of the storage space. Accordingly, when the drawing motor <NUM> is driven, the pinion gears <NUM> are rotated, so the drawing racks <NUM> can be moved and the door <NUM> can be drawn in and out.

Obviously, the door <NUM> may not be automatically drawn in and out and a user can draw the door <NUM> in and out by pushing and pulling it, and in this case, the drawing racks <NUM> are omitted and drawing-in and out may be guided only by the drawing rails <NUM>.

The rail mounts <NUM> where the drawing rails <NUM> for guiding the drawer main body <NUM> being drawn in and out may be formed at the lower portions of both sides of the drawer main body <NUM>. The rail mounts <NUM> extend from the front end to the rear end and may have a space therein in which the drawing rails <NUM> can be accommodated.

The drawing rails <NUM>, which are multi-stage stretching rails, may have an end fixed in the storage space in the cabinet <NUM> and the other end fixed to the rail mount <NUM> such that the door <NUM> can be more stably drawn in and out.

The several plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> made of a metal material having a plate shape such as stainless steel and forming at least a portion of the internal and external appearances of the drawer main body <NUM>.

In detail, outer side plates <NUM> may be disposed on both left and right outer sides of the drawer main body <NUM>. The outer side plates <NUM> are mounted on both left and right sides of the drawer main body <NUM>, thereby forming the external appearance of the both sides, and particularly, being able to prevent exposure of components such as the door frames <NUM> and the drawing rails <NUM> mounted on both sides of the drawer main body <NUM>.

Several reinforcing ribs <NUM> may be formed on both left and right outer sides of the drawer main body <NUM> to cross each other transversely and longitudinally. For example, the several reinforcing ribs <NUM> may be formed in a lattice shape.

The reinforcing ribs <NUM> can enable the drawer main body <NUM> to more firmly maintain the shape against the weight of the door increased due to the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> by increasing the strength of the drawer main body <NUM> itself.

The reinforcing ribs <NUM> can be in contact with the outer side plates <NUM> mounted on both sides, thereby enabling the external appearance of the drawer unit <NUM> to be firmly maintained.

Inner side plates <NUM> may be disposed on both left and right inner sides of the drawer main body <NUM>. The inner side plates <NUM> are mounted on both left and right sides of the drawer main body <NUM> and may form both left and right inner sides.

The inner plate <NUM> may include a front surface portion 395a, a bottom surface portion 395b, and a rear surface portion 395c that have sizes and shapes corresponding to those of the inner front surface, bottom surface, and rear surface of the drawer main body <NUM>.

The inner plate <NUM> may be formed by bending a plate-shaped stainless material to be able to form the other inner sides except for the left and right sides of the drawer main body <NUM>. Both left and right side ends of the inner plate <NUM> may be in contact with the inner side plates <NUM>. Obviously, the front surface portion 395a, the bottom surface portion 395b, and the rear surface portion 395c that constitute the inner plate <NUM> may be separately formed and then coupled or bonded to each other.

By the inner side plates <NUM> and the inner plate <NUM>, all of the inner sides of the drawer main body <NUM> can be formed and the inner sides of the drawer main body <NUM> can provide a metallic texture.

Accordingly, the entire receiving space in the drawer unit <NUM> can have a metallic texture, the food received therein can be uniformly kept cool throughout the entire area, and excellent cooling performance and storing performance can be provided to a user.

The drawer cover <NUM> may include a cover front surface portion <NUM> dividing the inside of the drawer main body <NUM> into the front space S1 and the rear space S2, and a cover top surface portion <NUM> bending from the upper end of the cover front surface portion <NUM> and covering the top surface of the rear space S2.

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

On the other hand, the elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in the drawer main body <NUM>. The elevation device <NUM> has a structure connected with the driving device <NUM> to be able to move up and down, and both left and right sides may be uniformly moved up and down.

In order to couple the elevation device <NUM> and the driving device <NUM>, a drawer opening <NUM> is formed at the lower portion of the front surface of the drawer <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the elevation device <NUM> is configured in a scissors type such that it is folded when it moves down, and it is unfolded when it is moved up so that the container or food seated on the top surface thereof is moved up and down.

The elevation device <NUM> may further include a support plate <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> can provide a seating surface for the container <NUM> or a surface on which food is seated.

For example, the support plate <NUM> may be seated on the upper sides of the pair of upper frames <NUM> in the drawer unit <NUM>. Accordingly, exposure to the outside of the elevation device <NUM> can be prevented by the support plate <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the height of the drawer opening <NUM> may be at a position lower than the upper end of the elevation device <NUM>, that is, the top surface of the support plate <NUM>. Accordingly, when the elevation device <NUM> is mounted, it is possible to prevent the drawer opening <NUM> from being shown inside the drawer unit <NUM> in any states.

In addition, the support plate <NUM> has a size and a shape corresponding to the front space, thereby being able to prevent dirt from permeating into the elevation device <NUM> disposed under the front space S1 and to preclude a safety accident by blocking approach to the elevation device <NUM>.

Hereafter, the state when the door 30b of the refrigerator <NUM> having the above-mentioned structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the state when the lower drawer door is closed.

Referring to <FIG>, when food is kept in the refrigerator <NUM>, both of the rotation door <NUM> and the door <NUM> are closed. In this state, a user can draw out the door <NUM> and put food inside.

A plurality of doors <NUM> may be provided up and down and can be drawn out and opened by manipulation of a user.

The manipulation of the user may be performed by touching the manipulation part <NUM> disposed on the front surface of the rotation door <NUM> or the door <NUM>, and opening manipulation by the manipulation device <NUM> disposed at the lower end of the door <NUM> may be possible.

The manipulation part <NUM> and the manipulation device <NUM> may be configured to respectively individually draw in and out the door <NUM> and move up and down the elevation device <NUM>. Obviously, a user can also open the door <NUM> with the handle of the door <NUM> held by hand.

It is exemplified hereafter that a lower drawer door 30b of the doors <NUM> disposed up and down is opened and moved up and down, but both of the upper and lower doors <NUM> may be drawn in and out and moved up and down in the same manner.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the state when a lower drawer door is fully open and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the drawer door in the state when the container of the drawer door is fully moved down.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when a user draws out the lower drawer door 30b, the lower drawer door 30b is drawn forward. The lower drawer door 30b can be drawn out while the drawing rails <NUM> are stretched.

Meanwhile, the lower drawer door 30b may be configured not in the manner in which a user opens the lower drawer door 30b by pulling it in person, but to be drawn out by driving of the drawing motor <NUM>.

The drawing racks <NUM> disposed on the floor surface of the lower drawer door 30b may be coupled to the pinion gears <NUM> that are rotated when the drawing motor <NUM> disposed on the cabinet <NUM> is driven, and accordingly, the lower drawer door 30b is drawn in and out by driving of the drawing motor <NUM>.

The lower drawer door 30b can be drawn out up to a distance such that at least the front space S1 in the drawer unit <NUM> can be fully exposed to the outside. Accordingly, in this state, when the elevation device <NUM> is moved up and down, the container or food is not interfered with by the doors <NUM> and <NUM> or the cabinet <NUM>.

In this case, the drawing-in and out distance of the lower drawer door 30b may be determined by a drawing sensing device <NUM> disposed on the cabinet <NUM> and/or the lower drawer door 30b.

The drawing sensing device <NUM> may be configured as a sensor that senses a magnet <NUM> to be able to sense the state when the lower drawer door 30b is fully drawn out or closed.

For example, as shown in the figures, the magnet <NUM> may be disposed on the floor of the drawer unit <NUM> and the sensor may be disposed on the cabinet <NUM>. The drawing sensing device <NUM> may be disposed at positions corresponding to the position of the magnet <NUM> when the lower drawer door 30b is closed and corresponding to the position of the magnet <NUM> when the lower drawer door 30b is fully drawn out. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the drawing-in and out state of the lower drawer door 30b using the drawing sensing device <NUM>.

If necessary, switches may be disposed at positions where the lower drawer door 30b is fully drawn in and drawn out, thereby being able to sense drawing-in and out of the lower drawer door 30b. Further, it may be possible to sense drawing-in and out of the lower drawer door 30b using a sensor that counts the number of revolutions of the drawing motor <NUM> or measures the distance between the rear surface of the door unit <NUM> and the front end of the cabinet <NUM>.

When the lower drawer door 30b is fully drawn out, the driving motor <NUM> is driven and the elevation device <NUM> can be operated. The elevation device <NUM> may be configured to operate in a situation in which the lower drawer door 30b is sufficiently drawn out and food or the container <NUM> seated on the elevation device <NUM> can be safely moved up and down.

That is, when the lower drawer door 30b is drawn out and the front space S1 is fully exposed to the outside, the elevation device <NUM> is operated such that the container <NUM> or stored food seated on the elevation device <NUM> is not interfered wit by other doors <NUM> and <NUM> or the cabinet <NUM>.

The state when the lower drawer door 30b is drawn out is described in more detail. When the lower drawer door 30b is drawn out to be moved up, the front space S1 has to be fully drawn out of the lower storage space <NUM>.

In particular, the rear end L1 of the front space S1 has to be drawn out further than the cabinet <NUM> or the front end L2 of the upper door <NUM>. Further, in order to prevent interference when the elevation device <NUM> is moved up and down, the rear end L1 has to be able to be positioned further forward than at least the cabinet <NUM> or the front end L2 of the upper door <NUM>.

When the elevation device <NUM> is drawn out to be driven, the drawer unit <NUM> may be drawn out not entirely and fully, but only to a position for avoiding interference when the elevation device <NUM> is moved up and down, as shown in <FIG>. In this case, at least a portion of the rear space S2 of the drawer unit <NUM> is positioned in the lower storage space <NUM>. That is, the rear end L3 of the drawer unit <NUM> is positioned at least in the lower storage space <NUM>.

Accordingly, even in a state when not only the weight of the lower drawer door 30b including the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM>, but the weight of the received objects are added, it is possible to secure stable drawing-in and out and up-down movement without the drawing rails <NUM> or the lower drawer door 30b itself from sinking or being damaged.

The elevation device <NUM> may start to be moved up after full drawing-out of the lower drawer door 30b is determined. In order to secure safety of a user and prevent an injury of the stored food, the elevation device <NUM> may be configured to start to be operated when a set time passes after drawing-out of the lower drawer door 30b is determined.

Obviously, after the lower drawer door 30b is drawn out, a user may directly input operation of the elevation device <NUM> by manipulating the manipulation part <NUM>. That is, it is possible to manipulate the manipulation part <NUM> in order to draw out the door <NUM> and it is also possible to manipulate again the manipulation part <NUM> in order to operate the elevation device <NUM>.

A user may manually draw out the lower drawer door 30b and then manipulate the manipulation part <NUM> to operate the elevation device <NUM>.

Meanwhile, until the lower drawer door 30b is fully drawn out, as shown in <FIG>, the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> are not operated and the elevation device <NUM> is maintained at the lowest position.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the drawer door in the state when the container of the lower drawer door is fully moved up.

As shown in <FIG>, when the lower drawer door 30b has been drawn out and an operation signal of the driving device <NUM> is input, the driving device <NUM> is operated and the elevation device <NUM> is moved up, whereby the state shown in <FIG> is obtained.

In the present embodiment, moving-up of the elevation device <NUM> means that the upper frame <NUM> is moved up by the scissor assemblies <NUM> and moving-down of the elevation device <NUM> means that the upper frame <NUM> is moved down by the scissor assemblies <NUM>.

Since the driving device <NUM> is connected with the elevation device <NUM>, it is a state in which power can be transmitted to the elevation device <NUM>. Upon starting to operate the driving device <NUM>, power is transmitted to the elevation device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> starts to be moved up.

Meanwhile, the elevation device <NUM> is continuously moved up, and is stopped when it is moved up to a position that is high enough to easily approach food or the container <NUM> seated on the elevation device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In this state, a user can easily pick up the food or the container <NUM> even without excessively bending over.

When an elevation completion signal of the elevation device <NUM> is input, driving of the driving motor <NUM> is stopped. To this end, a height sensing device (not shown) that can sense the position of the elevation device <NUM> may be provided.

The height sensing device (not shown) is disposed on the door unit <NUM> and may be disposed at a position corresponding to the maximum height of the elevation device <NUM> and a position corresponding to the minimum height of the elevation device <NUM>.

The height sensing device may be configured as a sensor that senses a magnet and can determine whether the elevation device <NUM> has finished being moved up by sensing the magnet disposed on the elevation device <NUM>. The height sensing device may be configured as a switch structure such that a switch is turned on when the elevation device <NUM> is maximally moved up.

Alternatively, the height sensing device may sense the moved-down position of the movable unit <NUM>. It may be possible to determine whether the elevation device <NUM> has been maximally moved up on the basis of a change in load that is applied to the driving motor <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the elevation device <NUM> has been maximally moved up, the driving motor <NUM> is stopped. In this state, the elevation device <NUM> is positioned in the drawer unit <NUM>, but the food or the container <NUM> seated on the elevation device <NUM> can be positioned higher than the open top surface of the drawer unit <NUM>, so a user can easily approach it.

In particular, since a user does not need to excessively bend over to pick up the container <NUM>, more safe and convenient work is possible.

The state in which the elevation device <NUM> has been maximally moved up is described in more detail. The elevation device <NUM> is moved up by driving of the driving device <NUM> and is positioned at least lower than the upper end of the drawer unit <NUM>.

The container <NUM> is seated on the driving device <NUM>, and as for the container <NUM>, the upper end H1 of the container <NUM> may be moved up higher than the upper end H2 of the lower storage space <NUM>. The height in this case is a height that enables a user to stretch hands and pick up the container <NUM> without bending over, which may be a height that is the most suitable for use.

That is, the driving device <NUM> has a structure that is moved up in the drawer unit <NUM>, but when the container <NUM> is seated on the elevation device <NUM>, the container <NUM> can be positioned at a height that a user can easily approach.

After a user finishes putting food in the refrigerator, the user can move down the elevation device <NUM> by manipulating the manipulation part <NUM>. Moving-down of the elevation device <NUM> can be achieved by backward rotation of the driving motor <NUM> and may be slowly performed through a reverse process of the process described above.

When the elevation device <NUM> finishes being moved down, the state shown in <FIG> is made, and completion of moving-down of the elevation device <NUM> may be made by the height sensing device. The height sensing device may be further provided at a corresponding position to be able to sense the magnet disposed on the elevation device <NUM> when the elevation device <NUM> is positioned at the lowermost position. Accordingly, when completion of moving-down of the elevation device <NUM> is sensed, the driving device <NUM> is stopped.

After the driving motor <NUM> is stopped, the lower drawer door 30b can be drawn in. In this case, the lower drawer door 30b may be closed by manipulation of the user or may be closed by driving of the drawing. When the lower drawer door 30b is fully closed, the state shown in <FIG> may be obtained.

<FIG> is a view showing the state when an upper frame of the elevation device is fully moved up.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, when the driving motor <NUM> is rotated in a direction, the power of the driving motor <NUM> is transmitted to shaft driving gear <NUM> through the a plurality of gears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The shafts <NUM> at both sides of the shaft driving gear <NUM> are rotated by rotation of the shaft driving gear <NUM>. The power of the driving motor <NUM> can be uniformly transmitted to the pair of elevation devices <NUM> rotation of the shafts <NUM> at both sides.

The first unit gear <NUM> is rotated by rotation of the shafts <NUM> and the power transmission direction is changed by the second unit gear <NUM> engaged with the first unit gear <NUM>.

Torque is transmitted through the connector <NUM> connected to the second unit gear <NUM>, so the screw <NUM> is rotated.

When the elevation devices <NUM> are positioned at the lowermost position, the movable unit <NUM> is positioned farthest from the connector <NUM>. That is, the movable unit <NUM> is positioned such that the lower frame <NUM> is in contact with or adjacent to the first wall 81c.

When the screw <NUM> is rotated, the movable unit <NUM> moves toward the connector <NUM> or the second wall 81d of the lower frame <NUM>.

The plurality of first rods <NUM> and <NUM> and the plurality of second rods <NUM> and <NUM> are moved up, and accordingly, the upper frame <NUM> can be moved up.

In the present embodiment, the scissors assemblies <NUM> can be unfolded by rotation of the screw <NUM>.

As a result, as the scissor assembly <NUM> is folded, the upper frame <NUM> is moved up, the food or the container <NUM> seated on the elevation device <NUM> is moved up, and accordingly, the elevation device <NUM> is moved up to the maximum height, as shown in <FIG>.

In this state, the driving device <NUM> is stopped, and when a user inputs manipulation to move down the elevation device <NUM> after putting food into the refrigerator, the driving motor <NUM> is rotated backward. The elevation device <NUM> is moved down by a reverse process of the process described above, and the state shown in <FIG> can be obtained.

Hereafter, other embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. In other embodiments, the same components as those in the previous embodiment are given the same reference numerals and are not described and shown in detail.

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

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator 1a according to another embodiment may include a cabinet <NUM> having a storage space partitioned up and down, and a door configured to open and close the storage space.

The door may include a rotation door <NUM> disposed at the upper portion of the front surface of the cabinet <NUM> to open and close the upper storage space and a door <NUM> disposed at the lower portion of the front surface of the cabinet <NUM> to open and close the lower storage space.

The door <NUM> can be drawn in and out forward and rearward, as in the previous embodiment, and may have a structure in which when the door <NUM> is drawn out, a container and food in the drawer unit <NUM> can be moved up and down by operations of the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> in the door <NUM>.

The elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in the area of a front space in the drawer unit <NUM>, and accordingly, food can be moved up and down by the elevation device <NUM> in the area of the front space of the entire area of the drawer unit <NUM>.

A manipulation part <NUM> or a manipulation device <NUM> may be disposed at a side of the door unit <NUM>, and the driving device <NUM> may be disposed in the door unit <NUM>. By manipulation of the manipulation part <NUM> or a manipulation device <NUM>, the drawer door <NUM> can be drawn in and out and/or the elevation device <NUM> can be moved up and down.

The elevation device <NUM> is disposed at the drawer unit <NUM> and can be moved up and down by the driving device. The configuration of the drawer door <NUM> and the configuration of the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> are the same as those in the previous embodiment, so detailed description is omitted.

A plurality of containers <NUM> may be disposed on the elevation device <NUM>. The containers <NUM> may be sealed containers such as a Kimchi container, and several containers can be seated on the elevation device <NUM>. The containers <NUM> may be moved up and down together when the elevation device <NUM> is moved up and down.

Accordingly, at least a portion of the container <NUM> may protrude upward from the drawer unit <NUM> when it is moved up, and a user easily picks up the container <NUM>.

Meanwhile, even though the drawer door <NUM> is drawn out, the elevation device <NUM> may interfere with the rotation door <NUM> with the rotation door <NUM> open, so the elevation device <NUM> is configured to be able to move up with the rotation door <NUM> closed. To this end, a door switch for sensing opening and closing of the rotation door <NUM> may be further provided.

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator 1b according to another embodiment may include a cabinet <NUM> having a storage space, and a door configured to open and close an open front surface of the cabinet <NUM>.

The door forms the external appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator <NUM> when it is closed, and may be configured as a drawer door <NUM> that is drawn forward and rearward. Several drawer doors <NUM> may be continuously disposed up and down. Each of the drawer doors <NUM> may be independently drawn in and out by manipulation of a user, and a driving device <NUM> and an elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in the drawer door <NUM>.

The driving device <NUM> may be disposed at the door unit <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in the drawer unit <NUM>. When the door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> are combined, the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> are connected to each other, whereby power can be transmitted.

Further, the elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in a front space S1 of the entire storage space of the drawer unit <NUM>.

The drawer door <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> may be individually drawn in and out and moved up and down, respectively. Further, moving -up of the elevation device <NUM> after the drawer door <NUM> is drawn out, and drawing-in of the drawer door <NUM> after the elevation device <NUM> is moved down may be continuously performed.

When a plurality of drawer doors <NUM> is disposed up and down, the elevation device <NUM> in a drawer door <NUM> disposed at a relatively low position is not moved up with a drawer door <NUM> disposed at a relatively high position drawn out, whereby it is possible to prevent stored food and a container from interfering with the drawer door <NUM> drawn out at a relatively high position.

Although an example in which the elevation device <NUM> has been moved up with the drawer door <NUM> at the lowermost position drawn out is shown in <FIG>, all of the drawer doors <NUM> disposed at higher positions can be configured such that they are drawn out and then the elevation devices <NUM> therein can be moved up and down.

Obviously, if the heights of the drawer doors <NUM> disposed at higher positions are sufficiently large, only the drawer door <NUM> at the lowermost position or the drawer doors <NUM> at relatively higher positions may have a structure that can be moved up and down.

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator 1c according to another embodiment may include a cabinet <NUM> having a storage space, and a door configured to open and close an open front surface of the cabinet <NUM>.

The storage device in the cabinet <NUM> may be partitioned up and down, and if necessary, the upper and lower storage device may be partitioned again to the left and right.

The door may be composed of a rotation door <NUM> disposed at the upper portion the cabinet <NUM> and rotatably mounted to open and close the upper storage space and a door <NUM> disposed at the lower portion of the cabinet <NUM> and mounted to be able to be drawn in and out to open and close the lower storage space.

The lower space of the cabinet <NUM> may be partitioned left and right and the drawer door3 <NUM> may be provided in pairs to be able to open and close the partitioned lower spaces, respectively. The drawer door <NUM> is disposed in pairs in parallel at both left and right sides, and a driving device <NUM> and an elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in the drawer door <NUM>.

The driving device <NUM> may be disposed at the door unit <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in the drawer unit <NUM>. When the door unit <NUM> and the drawer unit <NUM> are combined, the driving device <NUM> and the elevation device <NUM> are connected to each other, whereby power can be transmitted. Further, the elevation device <NUM> may be disposed in a front space S1 of the entire storage space of the drawer unit <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) having a storage space;
a door (30b) including a door unit (<NUM>) configured to open or close the storage space and a drawer unit (<NUM>) configured to provide a receiving space;
a driving device (<NUM>) being configured to move up or down the drawer unit (<NUM>) and including a driving motor (<NUM>) configured to provide power; and
a pair of elevation devices (<NUM>) being disposed and spaced apart from each other at left and right side from the drawer unit (<NUM>), connected with the driving device (<NUM>), and configured to move up or down,
wherein each elevation device (<NUM>) includes:
a lower frame (<NUM>);
an upper frame (<NUM>) positioned over the lower frame (<NUM>);
a scissor assembly (<NUM>) configured to connect the lower frame (<NUM>) and the upper frame (<NUM>); and
a screw (<NUM>) rotatably supported on the lower frame (<NUM>), configured to be rotated by driving force transmitted from the driving device (<NUM>) disposed at the door unit (<NUM>), and connected with the scissor assembly (<NUM>);
wherein the drawer unit (<NUM>) is coupled to the rear surface of the door unit (<NUM>), and the driving device (<NUM>) is disposed at the door unit (<NUM>),
wherein the scissor assembly includes: a plurality of first rods (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a plurality of second rods (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed across the plurality of first rods (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a connection shaft (<NUM>) configured to connect the plurality of first rods (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the plurality of second rods (<NUM>, <NUM>),
and accommodating grooves (81b, 82b) in which the connection shaft (<NUM>) is accommodated,
wherein
the drawer unit (<NUM>) includes
a supporting plate seated on the upper frame (<NUM>), forming a storage space; and characterized in that the drawer unit (<NUM>) further includes
a drawer opening (<NUM>) for passing a connector (<NUM>) at the supporting plate, the connector(<NUM>) being configured to connect the door unit (<NUM>) and the drawer unit (<NUM>).