Patent Description:
A refrigerator is a home appliance that is equipped with a main body having a storage chamber and a cold air supply device provided to supply cold air to the storage chamber, and stores food in a fresh state. The storage chamber includes a refrigerating chamber maintained at about <NUM> to <NUM> to store food refrigerated, and a freezing chamber maintained at about <NUM> to -<NUM> to store food frozen. In general, the storage chamber is provided to have a front side that is opened for insertion/withdrawal of food, and the open front side of the storage chamber is opened and closed by a door.

The storage chamber is equipped with a shelf on which food may be placed. The storage chamber is provided to have a front side that is open so that food may be inserted and withdrawn therethrough, and the open front side of the storage chamber may be opened and closed by a door rotatably coupled to the main body. The door is provided on a rear side thereof with a door pocket for storing food, in addition to the shelf disposed in the storage chamber.

The refrigerator is in the trend of becoming larger in the capacity of storage as the daily life diversifies, and the large sized refrigerator may include a storage container provided to be withdrawn and inserted to store vegetables and fruits. The storage container has a storage space in which food is stored, and in recent years, the storage container has been developed toward dividing the storage space to maintain an orderly state by preventing different types of food from being mixed in the storage space.

A partition member arranged in a storage container to partition an inner space of the storage container is disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

A roller assembly for a storage device, which comprises a rolling member, a shaft member, a cover member, and a ball member is disclosed in <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a pull-out guide for a domestic appliance, including at least one running rail and at least one roller body cage having a plurality of roller bodies arranged between a stationary guide element and the running rail. A separating element for a drawer is disclosed in <CIT>.

Therefore, it is an object of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of smoothly moving a divider provided to divide a storage space of a storage container.

It is another object of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of fixing the position of a divider provided to divide a storage space of a storage container.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>. Embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

The guide device may include a first guide device arranged at one end of the divider and a second guide device disposed at an other end opposite to the one end of the divider.

The guide device may include: a guide body formed to extend along a moving direction of the divider and having a plurality of ball insertion portions into which the plurality of ball bearings are inserted; and a ball cover coupled to the guide body to cover the plurality of ball bearings inserted into the plurality of ball insertion portions.

A lubricating oil may be provided on outer surfaces of the plurality of ball bearings or an outer surface of the support shaft.

The fixing portion may extend in a same direction as a direction in which the support shaft extends.

The stopper may include a first stopper head arranged at one end of the divider and a second stopper head arranged at an other end opposite to the one end of the divider, and the fixing portion may include a first fixing portion arranged to face the first stopper head and a second fixing portion arranged to face the second stopper head, wherein the second gear module may include: a second gear configured to engage with and rotate relative to the first gear to transmit a force to the first stopper head to move the first stopper head in a direction to be fixed to or released from the first fixing portion; and a third gear configured to engage with and rotate relative to the second gear to transmit a force to the second stopper head to move the second stopper head in a direction to be fixed to or released from the second fixing portion.

The refrigerator may further include a support elastic member arranged to apply an elastic force to the first stopper head and the second stopper head in a direction in which the first stopper head and the second stopper head are fixed to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, respectively.

The divider may include a power transmission device configured to transmit a driving force of the lever to the stopper, and the lever may be provided to be movable along a direction in which the divider extends, wherein the power transmission device may be configured to: move the stopper in a direction to be fixed to the fixing portion when the lever moves in a first direction, and move the stopper in a direction to be released from the fixing portion when the lever moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The power transmission device may include: a first gear provided to rotate according to movement of the lever; and a gear module configured to engage with and rotate relative to the first gear, and connected to the stopper to move the stopper.

As is apparent from the above, the refrigerator can allow a divider to perform smooth movement by a driving device of a divider that is configured to roll on a support shaft of a storage container.

The refrigerator can easily fix the position of a divider by allowing a stopper of the divider to be fixed to a fixing portion provided on an inner side surface of a storage container.

Embodiments and features as described and illustrated in the disclosure are only preferred examples, and various modifications thereof may also fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following, embodiments and features that do not fall within the scope of the claims are not covered by the claimed invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only.

The terms including ordinal numbers like "first" and "second" may be used to explain various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing a component from another. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. Descriptions shall be understood as to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items when the items are described by using the conjunctive term "~ and/or ~," or the like.

The terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "top", and "bottom" as herein used are defined with respect to the drawings, but the terms may not restrict the shape and position of the respective components.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> forming the storage chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, doors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> provided to open and close the storage chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, and a cold air supply device provided to supply cold air to the storage chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. The cold air supply device may include an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device, and generate cold air using the latent heat of evaporation of a refrigerant.

The main body <NUM> includes an inner case <NUM> forming the storage chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, an outer case <NUM> coupled to the outside of the inner case <NUM> to form an external appearance, and an insulating material (not shown) provided between the inner case <NUM> and the outer case <NUM>. In another aspect, the main body <NUM> may include an upper wall <NUM>, a lower wall, a left wall <NUM>, a right wall <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, and an intermediate wall <NUM>.

The storage chambers <NUM> and <NUM> may be divided in an upper and lower direction by the intermediate wall <NUM>. The upper storage chamber <NUM> may be used as a refrigerating chamber maintained at substantially <NUM> to <NUM> degrees Celsius to keep food in a refrigerated state, and the lower storage chamber <NUM> may be used as a freezing chamber maintained at substantially -<NUM> to <NUM> degrees Celsius to keep food in a frozen state.

The lower storage chamber <NUM> may include a first lower storage chamber 26a disposed below the upper storage chamber <NUM> and a second lower storage chamber 26b disposed below the first lower storage chamber 26a. The first lower storage chamber 26a and the second lower storage chamber 26b may be divided from each other to store different foods.

The storage chambers <NUM> and <NUM> are provided to have a front side that is open so that food may be inserted and withdrawn therethrough, and the storage chambers <NUM> and <NUM> may be opened and closed by the doors <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The upper storage chamber <NUM> may be opened and closed by a pair of rotating doors <NUM> and <NUM> rotatably coupled to the main body <NUM>, and the lower storage chamber <NUM> may be opened and closed by a drawer door <NUM> which is slidably inserted and withdrawn.

The drawer door <NUM> may include a first drawer door 29a for opening and closing the first lower storage chamber 26a and a second drawer door 29b for opening and closing the second lower storage chamber 26b.

The upper storage chamber <NUM> may be provided therein with an ice making device <NUM> for generating ice.

The upper storage chamber <NUM> may be provided therein with a shelf <NUM> on which food is placed and a sealing container <NUM> for keeping food in a sealed state. A shelf support portion <NUM> may be provided at a rear side of the upper storage chamber <NUM> to support the shelf <NUM>, and the shelf <NUM> may be coupled to and supported by the shelf support portion <NUM>. In detail, a rear end of the shelf <NUM> may be coupled to and supported by the shelf support portion <NUM>, and a front end of the shelf <NUM> may be maintained in an unfixed state.

The shelf support portion <NUM> may be installed on the rear wall <NUM> of the main body <NUM> and/or a duct cover <NUM>. The duct cover <NUM> may be installed on the rear wall <NUM> to form a cold air passage (not shown) for supplying cold air to the upper storage chamber <NUM>. Cold air formed by the cold air supply device may be supplied to the upper storage chamber <NUM> through a cold air passage.

The duct cover <NUM> may be formed of a discharge hole <NUM> for supplying cold air from the cold air passage to the upper storage chamber <NUM>. The shelf support portion <NUM> may be installed on the duct cover <NUM>.

The first lower storage chamber 26a may have a storage container <NUM> arranged therein. The storage container <NUM> may be disposed behind the first drawer door 29a. The storage container <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the first lower storage chamber 26a. As the first drawer door 29a is opened and closed, the storage container <NUM> may be inserted into or withdrawn from the first lower storage chamber 26a. The storage container <NUM> includes a storage space <NUM> formed to store food therein.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a storage container disposed in a first lower storage chamber shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded view of an unclaimed embodiment illustrating a divider shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross sectional view illustrating a divider driving device shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a view of an unclaimed embodiment illustrating an internal structure of the divider shown in <FIG> when the divider is released from a storage container. <FIG> is a view illustrating a state of a stopper of the divider and a fixing portion of the storage container shown in <FIG>, which is viewed from the above. <FIG> is a view of an unclaimed embodiment illustrating an internal structure of the divider shown in <FIG> when the divider is fixed to a storage container. <FIG> is a view illustrating a stopper of the divider and a fixing portion of the storage shown in <FIG>, which is viewed from the above.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the storage container <NUM> includes a divider <NUM> for dividing the storage space <NUM>, a guide device <NUM> for movably supporting the divider <NUM>, a support shaft <NUM> for guiding movement of the divider <NUM>, and a fixing portion <NUM> for fixing the position of the divider <NUM>.

The support shaft <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to an inner wall of the storage container <NUM>. The support shaft <NUM> may extend along the moving direction of the divider <NUM>. The support shaft <NUM> may be mounted on the inner wall of the storage container <NUM>.

Although not shown, when the divider <NUM> is formed to extend in the left and right direction and movable in the front and rear direction, the support shaft <NUM> may extend in the front and rear direction, and may be disposed on each of left and right side inner walls of the storage container <NUM>.

The support shafts <NUM> may be disposed on a front side inner wall and a rear side inner wall among the inner walls of the storage container <NUM>, respectively, to support the movement of the divider <NUM> at both side ends of the divider <NUM>. The support shaft <NUM> may include a first support shaft 102a disposed on the front side inner wall of the storage container <NUM> and a second support shaft 102b disposed on the rear side inner wall of the storage container <NUM>.

Since the first support shaft 102a and the second support shaft 102b have the same configuration as each other, only the first support shaft 102a will be described for the sake of convenience of description, and the first support shaft 102a is referred to as the support shaft <NUM>.

The fixing portion <NUM> is disposed on the inner surface of the storage container <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> may extend in the same direction as the direction in which the support shaft <NUM> extends. The fixing portion <NUM> may extend in the left and right directions. However, although not shown, when the divider <NUM> is formed to extend in the left and right direction and movable in the front and rear direction, the fixing portion <NUM> may extend in the front and rear direction, and may be disposed on each of the left and right side inner surfaces of the storage container <NUM>.

The fixing portion <NUM> may be provided to be engaged with a stopper <NUM> to fix the divider <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> may have an uneven shape to correspond to a stopper head <NUM> or <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> may have a rack gear shape.

The fixing portion <NUM> may include a first fixing portion 103a disposed on a front inner surface of the storage container <NUM> and a second fixing portion 103b disposed on a rear inner surface of the storage container <NUM> such that the position of the divider <NUM> is fixed at the both sides of the divider <NUM>.

Since the first fixing portion 103a and the second fixing portion 103b have the same configuration as each other, hereinafter, only the first fixing portion 103a will be described for the sake of convenience of description, and the first fixing portion 103a will be referred to as a fixing portion <NUM>.

The divider <NUM> is provided to be movable with respect to the storage container <NUM> to partition the storage space <NUM>. The divider <NUM> may be formed to extend in a substantially front and rear direction to divide the storage space <NUM> in the left and right direction. On the other hand, although not shown, the divider <NUM> may be formed to extend in a substantially left and right direction to divide the storage space <NUM> in the front and rear direction. The divider <NUM> may include an outer case <NUM> and an inner case <NUM>.

The outer case <NUM> may be provided to cover the inner case <NUM>. The outer case <NUM> may accommodate the inner case <NUM> therein. The outer case <NUM> may be formed to extend in the substantially front and rear direction. The outer case <NUM> includes a lever mounting portion <NUM> on which a lever <NUM> is movably mounted, and a lever insertion hole <NUM> formed to allow a part of the lever <NUM> to be inserted into the outer case <NUM> therethrough.

The lever mounting portion <NUM> may be formed to allow a lever <NUM> to be mounted thereon while an upper surface of an exposed portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is disposed substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the outer case <NUM>. The lever mounting portion <NUM> may be formed to guide the movement of the lever <NUM> in the upper and lower direction. The lever mounting portion <NUM> may be formed to extend along the direction in which the outer case <NUM> extends. The lever mounting portion <NUM> may be formed as a recession on the upper surface of the outer case <NUM>.

The lever insertion hole <NUM> may be formed to allow a latch protrusion <NUM> and a push portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> to be inserted into the outer case <NUM> therethrough. The lever insertion hole <NUM> may be formed in the bottom surface of the lever mounting portion <NUM>. The lever insertion hole <NUM> may be formed to extend along the direction in which the lever mounting portion <NUM> extends. The lever insertion hole <NUM> may be formed to pass therethrough from the inside of the outer case <NUM> to the outside of the outer case <NUM>.

The inner case <NUM> may be accommodated in the outer case <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> may include a lever guide <NUM> for guiding the movement of the push portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> in the upper and lower direction, a push latch device <NUM> configured to be selectively coupled to the lever <NUM>, a movement limiting portion <NUM> for limiting the movement range of the stopper <NUM>, and a stopper guide <NUM> for guiding the movement of the stopper <NUM>.

The lever guide <NUM> may guide the movement of the push portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> inserted into the outer case <NUM> through the lever insertion hole <NUM>. The lever guide <NUM> may be formed corresponding in size to the size of the push portion <NUM>.

The push latch device <NUM> may be configured to have the latch protrusion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> inserted thereto. The push latch device <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to the latch protrusion <NUM> when the exposed portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is pushed to cause the latch protrusion <NUM> to be inserted into the push latch device <NUM>, and to be separated from the latch protrusion <NUM> when the exposed portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is pushed once again. Since such a push latch device <NUM> is a known technology, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The movement limiting portions <NUM> may be disposed to interfere with stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>. The movement limiting portion <NUM> may be formed to protrude from the inner side bottom surface of the inner case <NUM> to limit movement of the stopper <NUM> in a direction that the stopper <NUM> is separated from the fixing portion <NUM>.

The stopper guides <NUM> may guide the movement of stopper shafts <NUM> and <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>. The stopper guides <NUM> may slidably support the stopper shafts <NUM> and <NUM>.

The guide device <NUM> may include a first guide device 120a disposed at one end of the divider <NUM> and a second guide device 120b disposed at the other end opposite to the one end of the divider <NUM>. The first guide device 120a may be disposed at the front end of the divider <NUM>. The second guide device 120b may be disposed at the rear end of the divider <NUM>. The first guide device 120a and the second guide device 120b may stably support sliding driving of the divider <NUM> at the both side ends of the divider <NUM>. Since the first guide device 120a and the second guide device 120b have the same configuration as each other, hereinafter, only the first guide device 120a will be described for the sake of convenience of description, and the first guide device 120a will be referred to as a guide device <NUM>.

The guide device <NUM> includes a guide body <NUM> formed to extend along the moving direction of the divider <NUM>, a plurality of ball bearings <NUM> disposed to roll with respect to the support shaft <NUM>, and a ball cover <NUM> coupled to the guide body <NUM> to prevent separation of the plurality of ball bearings <NUM>.

The guide body <NUM> may be formed to extend from an end portion of the inner case <NUM> along a direction in which the support shaft <NUM> extends. The guide body <NUM> may be integrally formed with the inner case <NUM>. However, although not shown, the guide body <NUM> may be provided separately from the inner case <NUM> and mounted on the end portion of the inner case <NUM>.

The guide body <NUM> may include a plurality of ball insertion portions <NUM> into which the plurality of ball bearings <NUM> are inserted. The plurality of ball insertion portions <NUM> may support the plurality of ball bearings <NUM> to perform rolling. The plurality of ball insertion portions <NUM> may be provided corresponding in number to the number of the plurality of ball bearings <NUM>.

The guide body <NUM> may include a head seating portion 121a on which the stopper head <NUM> or <NUM> is slidably seated. The head seating portion 121a may be formed at a substantially center of the guide body <NUM>. The head seating portion 121a may be provided corresponding in shape and/or size to the shape and/or size of the stopper heads <NUM> and <NUM>.

The guide body <NUM> may include a shaft hollow 121b into which the support shaft <NUM> is inserted. The support shaft <NUM> may come in contact with the plurality of ball bearings <NUM> in the shaft hollow 121b. The shaft hollow 121b may have a diameter larger than that of the support shaft <NUM>.

The guide body <NUM> may include a ball cover coupling groove 121c to which the ball cover <NUM> is coupled. The ball cover coupling groove 121c may be formed at an end portion of an outer circumferential surface of the guide body <NUM>. A cover protrusion 125a of the ball cover <NUM> may be inserted into the ball cover coupling groove 121c. Accordingly, the ball cover <NUM> may be coupled to the guide body <NUM>.

The plurality of ball bearings <NUM> may be rollably inserted into the plurality of ball insertion portions <NUM> of the guide body <NUM>. The plurality of ball bearings <NUM> may perform rolling movement on the support shaft <NUM> while being inserted into the plurality of ball insertion portions <NUM>.

In detail, referring to <FIG>, the plurality of ball bearings <NUM> are disposed along the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft <NUM> to surround the support shaft <NUM>. The plurality of ball bearings <NUM> may be disposed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the support shaft <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the ball bearing <NUM> is illustrated as including three ball bearings at each end portion of the guide body <NUM>, but the number of ball bearings <NUM> is not limited thereto, and two or less ball bearings or four or more ball bearings may be provided at each end portion of the guide body <NUM>.

The support shaft <NUM> may be disposed to come in contact only with the plurality of ball bearings <NUM>. Such a configuration may minimize the frictional force generated when the divider <NUM> moves with respect to the storage container <NUM>.

The plurality of ball bearings <NUM> may have lubricating oil on the outer surface thereof to reduce friction occurring when rolling with respect to the support shaft <NUM>.

The ball cover <NUM> may cover the plurality of ball bearings <NUM> inserted into the plurality of ball insertion portions <NUM>. The ball cover <NUM> may be coupled to the guide body <NUM> as the cover protrusion 125a is inserted into the ball cover coupling groove 121c of the guide body <NUM>. As the ball cover <NUM> is coupled to the guide body <NUM>, the plurality of ball bearings <NUM> inserted into the plurality of insertion portions <NUM> may not be separated from the guide body <NUM>. The ball covers <NUM> may be provided at both end portions of the guide body <NUM>, respectively.

The ball cover <NUM> may include a ball groove <NUM> that supports the plurality of ball bearings <NUM> to perform rolling. The ball groove <NUM> may be provided corresponding in number to the plurality of ball insertion portions <NUM>.

The divider <NUM> may be provided with the lever <NUM> configured to fix the position of the divider <NUM> and the stopper <NUM>. The lever <NUM> may be configured to move the stopper <NUM> by moving with respect to the divider <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may include the exposed portion <NUM> exposed to the outside of the divider <NUM>, the latch protrusion <NUM> selectively fixed to the push latch device <NUM>, and the push portion <NUM> formed to push the stopper <NUM> or to be pushed by the stopper <NUM>.

The exposed portion <NUM>, seated on the lever mounting portion <NUM> of the outer case <NUM>, may be exposed to the outside of the outer case <NUM>. When the user desires to fix the position of the divider <NUM>, the user may press the exposed portion <NUM> to the inside of the divider <NUM>.

The latch protrusion <NUM> may be formed to protrude to be inserted into the push latch device <NUM>. The latch protrusion <NUM> may be formed to extend downward from the exposed portion <NUM>. The latch protrusion <NUM>, in response to the exposed portion <NUM> being pressed, may be inserted into the push latch device <NUM> to be coupled to the push latch device <NUM>, and in response to the exposed portion 131being pressed, being inserted into the push latch device <NUM>, may be separated from the push latch device <NUM>.

The push portion <NUM> may be formed to extend downward from the exposed portion <NUM>. The push portions <NUM> may be disposed at both sides of the latch protrusion <NUM>. The push portion <NUM> may be disposed to come in contact with the stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>. When the latch protrusion <NUM> is fixed to the push latch device <NUM>, the push portions <NUM> press the stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> to move the stopper <NUM> in a direction in which the stopper <NUM> is fixed to the fixing portion <NUM>. When the latch protrusion <NUM> is separated from the push latch device <NUM>, the push portions <NUM> are pressed by the stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> to be moved upward.

The stopper <NUM> may be configured to be fixed to or released from the fixing portion <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> includes the first stopper head <NUM>, the first stopper shaft <NUM>, the first stopper elastic member <NUM>, the first stopper tail <NUM>, the second stopper head <NUM>, the second stopper shaft <NUM>, the second stopper elastic member <NUM>, and the second stopper tail <NUM>.

The first stopper head <NUM> may be formed to be engaged with the first fixing portion 103a. The first stopper head <NUM> may have an uneven shape. The first stopper head <NUM> may be slidably seated on the head seating portion 121a. The first stopper head <NUM> may be connected to the first stopper shaft <NUM>.

The first stopper shaft <NUM> may be formed to extend along the moving direction of the stopper <NUM>. One end of the first stopper shaft <NUM> may be connected to the first stopper head <NUM>. The other end of the first stopper shaft <NUM> may be connected to the first stopper tail <NUM>. The first stopper elastic member <NUM> may be disposed at an outside of the first stopper shaft <NUM>. The first stopper shaft <NUM> may be accommodated in the first stopper elastic member <NUM>.

One end of the first stopper elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the inner case <NUM> and the other end of the first stopper elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the first stopper tail <NUM>. The first stopper elastic member <NUM> may be configured to apply an elastic force to the first stopper tail <NUM> in a direction in which the first stopper tail <NUM> moves the lever <NUM> upward. The first stopper elastic member <NUM> may be disposed to apply an elastic force in a direction in which the stopper head <NUM> is released from the first fixing portion 103a.

The first stopper tail <NUM> may be connected to the first stopper shaft <NUM>. The first stopper tail <NUM> may be pressed toward the movement limiting portion <NUM> by the first stopper elastic member <NUM>. The first stopper tail <NUM> may come in contact with the push portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM>.

The first stopper tail <NUM> may include a first guide surface 144a configured to come in contact with the push portion <NUM>. The first guide surface 144a may be formed to be inclined with respect to the moving direction of the lever <NUM>. The first guide surface 144a may be formed to be inclined with respect to the moving direction of the stopper <NUM>. The first guide surface 144a may convert a force in the vertical direction of the lever <NUM> into a force in the horizontal direction of the stopper <NUM>. The first guide surface 144a may convert a force in the horizontal direction of the stopper <NUM> into a force in the vertical direction of the lever <NUM>.

The configurations of the second stopper head <NUM>, the second stopper shaft <NUM>, the second stopper elastic member <NUM>, the second stopper tail <NUM>, and the second guide surface 149a are the same as those of the first stopper head <NUM>, the first stopper shaft <NUM>, the first stopper elastic member <NUM>, the first stopper tail <NUM>, and the first guide surface 144a except for being arranged symmetrically with respect to the lever <NUM>, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the stopper <NUM> according to an unclaimed embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the lever <NUM> is not pressed, the stopper elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> press the stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> toward the movement limiting portions117. The stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> may come in contact with the push portions135 of the lever <NUM> and support the lever <NUM> upward. The latch protrusion <NUM> is in a state of being separated from the push latch device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in a state in which the exposed portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is pressed, the latch protrusion <NUM> is coupled to the push latch device <NUM>. The push portions <NUM> of the lever <NUM> press the stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>. The stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> are moved in a direction in which the stopper heads <NUM> and <NUM> of the stopper <NUM> are fixed to the fixing portions <NUM>. The stopper heads <NUM> and <NUM> may be fixed to the fixing portions <NUM> by being engaged with the fixing portions <NUM>.

Thereafter, when the exposed portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is pressed while the latch protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the push latch device <NUM>, the latch protrusion <NUM> is separated from the push latch device <NUM>. The stopper elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> press the stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> in a direction in which the stopper heads <NUM> and <NUM> are released from the fixing portions <NUM>. The push portions <NUM> of the lever <NUM> are pressed by the stopper tails <NUM> and <NUM> of the stopper <NUM> to be moved upward.

<FIG> is an exploded view illustrating a divider according to the invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating an internal configuration of the divider shown in <FIG> when the divider is released from the storage container. <FIG> is a view illustrating an internal configuration of the divider shown in <FIG> when the divider is fixed to the storage container.

In the description of the divider with reference to <FIG>, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiment shown in <FIG>, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

A divider <NUM> is provided to be movable with respect to the storage container <NUM> to partition the storage space <NUM>. The divider <NUM> may include an outer case <NUM> and an inner case <NUM>.

The outer case <NUM> may be provided to cover the inner case <NUM>. The outer case <NUM> may include a lever mounting portion 211a on which an exposed portion <NUM> of a lever <NUM> is movably mounted.

The lever mounting portion 211a may be formed such that the exposed portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the outer case <NUM> in a state in which the lever <NUM> is mounted on the lever mounting portion 211a. The lever mounting portion 211a may be formed to guide the sliding movement of the lever <NUM>. The lever mounting portion 211a may be formed to extend along the direction in which the outer case <NUM> extends.

The inner case <NUM> may be accommodated in the outer case <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> may include a lever seating portion <NUM> on which the lever <NUM> is slidably seated, a first coupling portion <NUM> to which a first gear <NUM> is coupled, and a second coupling portion <NUM> to which a second gear <NUM> is coupled, and a third coupling portion <NUM> to which a third gear <NUM> is coupled.

The lever seating portion <NUM> may be formed to allow the lever <NUM> to be slidably coupled thereto. The lever seating portion <NUM> may guide the lever <NUM> so that the lever <NUM> moves along the direction in which the divider <NUM> extends.

The first coupling portion <NUM> may rotatably support the first gear <NUM>. The second coupling portion <NUM> may rotatably support the second gear <NUM>. The third coupling portion <NUM> may rotatably support the third gear <NUM>.

The configuration of the guide device <NUM> is the same as that described in the above embodiment shown in <FIG>, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The divider <NUM> includes the lever <NUM> configured to fix the position of the divider <NUM>, and a stopper <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is configured to move the stopper <NUM> by moving with respect to the divider <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may include a lever body <NUM>, the exposed portion <NUM> exposed to the outside of the divider <NUM>, and an insertion groove <NUM> into which an end portion 234a of a connection shaft <NUM> is rotatably inserted.

The lever body <NUM> may be provided to be slidably seated on the lever seating portion <NUM>. The lever body <NUM> may be formed to extend along the direction in which the inner case <NUM> extends.

The exposed portion <NUM> may be disposed on the upper side of the lever body <NUM>. The exposed portion <NUM> may be pressed by a user when the user operates the lever <NUM>. The exposed portion <NUM> may have an uneven shape so as to generate a frictional force when the exposed portion <NUM> is pressed by a user.

The insertion groove <NUM> may be formed to allow the end portion 234a of the connection shaft <NUM> to be rotatably inserted thereinto. When the lever <NUM> slides, the insertion groove <NUM> may remain in a state of being coupled to the end portion 234a of the connection shaft <NUM>.

Power transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are provided inside the inner case <NUM>. The power transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can transmit the driving force of the lever <NUM> to the stopper <NUM> so that the stopper <NUM> moves. In detail, the power transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to move the stopper <NUM> in a direction to be fixed to the fixing portion <NUM> when the lever <NUM> moves in a first direction, and move the stopper <NUM> in a direction to be released from the fixing portion <NUM> when the lever <NUM> moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The power transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> include the connection shaft <NUM>, the first gear <NUM>, and a gear module <NUM> and <NUM>.

The connection shaft <NUM> may be formed to extend from the first gear <NUM>. The end portion 234a of the connection shaft <NUM> may be rotatably inserted into the insertion groove <NUM>.

The first gear <NUM> is provided to rotate according to the movement of the lever <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> may be disposed at an end portion of the connection shaft <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the first coupling portion <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> may be rotated as the end portion 234a of the connection shaft <NUM> coupled to the lever <NUM> moves together with the lever <NUM>. The end portion 235a of the connection shaft 234a may be rotate and moved while being inserted into the insertion groove <NUM> of the lever <NUM>.

The gear modules <NUM> and <NUM> may engage with and rotate relative the first gear <NUM>. The gear module <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to the stopper <NUM> to move the stopper <NUM>. The gear modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include the second gear <NUM> and the third gear <NUM>.

The second gear <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the second coupling portion <NUM>. The second gear <NUM> may engage with and rotate relative to the first gear <NUM> to move the first stopper head <NUM> in a direction to be fixed to or released from the first fixing portion 103a. The second gear <NUM> may transmit a force to the first stopper head <NUM>.

The second gear <NUM> may include a first gear groove 236a. The first gear groove 236a may be coupled to a first guide protrusion 244a of the first stopper tail <NUM> to transmit a force to the first stopper tail <NUM>.

The third gear <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the third coupling portion <NUM>. The third gear <NUM> may engage with and rotate relative to the second gear <NUM> to move the second stopper head <NUM> in a direction to be fixed to or released from the second fixing portion 103b. The third gear <NUM> may transmit a force to the second stopper head <NUM>.

The third gear <NUM> may include a second gear groove 237a. The second gear groove 237a may be coupled to a second guide protrusion 249a of the second stopper tail <NUM> to transmit a force to the second stopper tail <NUM>.

The first gear <NUM>, the second gear <NUM>, and the third gear <NUM> may be covered by a gear cover <NUM>.

The stopper <NUM> may be configured to be fixed to or released from the fixing portion <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may include a first stopper head <NUM>, a first stopper shaft <NUM>, a first stopper tail <NUM>, a second stopper head <NUM>, a second stopper shaft <NUM>, a second stopper tail <NUM>, and a support elastic member <NUM>.

The first stopper head <NUM> may be formed to be engaged with the first fixing portion 103a. The first stopper head <NUM> may be connected to the first stopper shaft <NUM>.

The first stopper shaft <NUM> may extend along the moving direction of the stopper <NUM>. One end of the first stopper shaft <NUM> may be connected to the first stopper head <NUM>. The other end of the first stopper shaft <NUM> may be connected to the first stopper tail <NUM>.

The first stopper tail <NUM> may be connected to the first stopper shaft <NUM>. The first stopper tail <NUM> may be pressed in a direction away from the second stopper tail <NUM> by the support elastic member <NUM>.

The first stopper tail <NUM> may include the first guide protrusion 244a. The first guide protrusion 244a may be inserted into the first gear groove 236a and moved as the second gear <NUM> rotates.

The configurations of the second stopper head <NUM>, the second stopper shaft <NUM>, the second stopper tail <NUM>, and the second guide protrusion 249a are the same as those of the first stopper head <NUM>, the first stopper shaft. <NUM>, the first stopper tail <NUM>, and the first guide protrusion 244a, except for being arranged symmetrically with respect to the lever <NUM>, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the stopper <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the user desires to move the divider <NUM>, the user may move the lever <NUM> to the right such that the stopper <NUM> is separated from the fixing portion <NUM>. As the exposed portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is moved, the lever body <NUM> is moved. As the lever body <NUM> is moved, the first gear <NUM> is rotated clockwise by the connection shaft <NUM>. As the first gear <NUM> rotates clockwise, the second gear <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise, and the third gear <NUM> is rotated clockwise. As the second gear <NUM> rotates counterclockwise, the first stopper tail <NUM>, the first stopper shaft <NUM>, and the first stopper head <NUM> are moved in a direction away from the first fixing portion 103a. As the third gear <NUM> rotates clockwise direction, the second stopper tail <NUM>, the second stopper shaft <NUM>, and the second stopper head <NUM> are moved in a direction away from the second fixing portion 103b.

Referring to <FIG>, when a user desires to fix the position of the divider <NUM>, the user releases a force applied to the exposed portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM>. The support elastic member <NUM> applies a force to the first stopper tail <NUM> and the second stopper tail <NUM> in a direction that the first stopper tail <NUM> and the second stopper tail <NUM> move away from each other. Accordingly, the first stopper head <NUM> is fixed to the first fixing portion 103a, and the second stopper head <NUM> is fixed to the second fixing portion 103b. The second gear <NUM> rotates clockwise, and the third gear <NUM> rotates counterclockwise. The first gear <NUM> rotates counterclockwise. The lever body <NUM> is slid to the left by the connection shaft <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a main body (<NUM>) provided to form a storage chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a storage container (<NUM>) configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the storage chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>), and having a storage space (<NUM>);
a divider (<NUM>) configured to be movable with respect to the storage container (<NUM>) to divide the storage space (<NUM>);
a support shaft (<NUM>) arranged in the storage container (<NUM>) and configured to guide movement of the divider (<NUM>);
a lever (<NUM>) provided to be movable along a direction in which the divider (<NUM>) extends;
wherein the divider (<NUM>) comprises a guide device (<NUM>) configured to movably support the divider (<NUM>);
characterized in that the refrigerator further comprises:
a fixing portion (<NUM>) arranged on an inner side surface of the storage container (<NUM>);
a stopper (<NUM>) configured to be fixed to or released from the fixing portion (<NUM>);
in that the lever (<NUM>) is configured to move the stopper (<NUM>) by being moved with respect to the divider (<NUM>);
in that the guide device (<NUM>) has a plurality of ball bearings (<NUM>) arranged along an outer circumferential surface of the support shaft (<NUM>) to surround the support shaft (<NUM>); and in that
the divider (<NUM>) further comprises:
a power transmission device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to transmit a driving force of the lever (<NUM>) to the stopper (<NUM>),
wherein the power transmission device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes:
a first gear (<NUM>) provided to rotate according to movement of the lever (<NUM>); and
a gear module (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to engage with and rotate relative to the first gear (<NUM>), and connected to the stopper (<NUM>) to move the stopper (<NUM>), and
wherein the power transmission device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to:
move the stopper (<NUM>) in a direction to be fixed to the fixing portion (<NUM>) when the lever (<NUM>) moves in a first direction; and
move the stopper (<NUM>) in a direction to be released from the fixing portion (<NUM>) when the lever (<NUM>) moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction.