REFRIGERATOR

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0154817 filed Nov. 4, 2015 which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator that is capable of enabling a user to easily introduce or remove goods into or from the refrigerator. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator that is capable of enabling a drawer for receiving goods to be more conveniently used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In general, a refrigerator is an appliance that discharges cool air, generated using a refrigeration cycle that uses a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, for lowering the temperature in the refrigerator to store foods in a frozen state or in a refrigerated state.

A refrigerator generally includes a freezing compartment for storing foods or beverages in a frozen state and a refrigerating compartment for storing foods or beverages in a refrigerated state.

Refrigerators may be classified into a top mount type refrigerator configured such that a freezing compartment is disposed on a refrigerating compartment, a bottom freezer type refrigerator configured such that a freezing compartment is disposed under a refrigerating compartment, and a side by side type refrigerator configured such that a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment are arranged side by side. Doors are provided at the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment. A user may access the freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment by opening a corresponding one of the doors.

In addition, there is a refrigerator configured such that a user may access the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment by opening a single door. In general, this type of refrigerator is a small-sized refrigerator configured such that the freezing compartment is provided in a predetermined space within the refrigerating compartment.

Furthermore, there is a French type refrigerator, which is a modification of the top mount type refrigerator, configured such that the upper refrigerating compartment is opened and closed by left and right doors. Of course, the freezing compartment of the French type refrigerator may be opened and closed by left and right doors.

In general, shelves, on which goods are placed, or receiving boxes, in which good are received, are disposed in the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. The receiving boxes are generally provided to form independent storage spaces in the storage compartment. That is, the receiving boxes may be provided in order to store vegetables or fruits separately from other goods or to store meat or fish separately from other goods.

In recent years, the capacity of refrigerators has been gradually increased. Accordingly, the forward and rearward width of the storage compartment is increased, with the result that it is not easy to withdraw goods that are stored deep inside the storage compartment. For this reason, most of the receiving boxes are configured to have a drawer form. That is, the user may pull the receiving boxes in order to take goods out from the receiving boxes. In particular, the drawer type receiving boxes are generally provided in the lower region of the refrigerator in order to improve user convenience.

In addition, in recent years, a home bar, an ice maker, a shelf, and a door box have been increasingly frequently mounted at the rear of the door of the refrigerator in order to use the rear of the door as an additional storage space or an additional functional space. That is, the door has additional functions, such as the provision of additional storage space or the production and supply of ice or cold water, in addition to simply opening and closing the freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment. For these reasons, the distance by which the rear of the door is inserted into the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment is further increased. As a result, the fronts of the shelves or the receiving boxes provided in the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment may interfere with the rear of the door.

In order to reduce such interference, the fronts of the shelves or the receiving boxes may be positioned so as to be spaced apart rearward from the front of the main body of the refrigerator by a predetermined distance. That is, the fronts of the shelves or the receiving boxes may be positioned further inward in the freezing compartment or the refrigerating compartment. In a case in which the receiving boxes are configured to have a drawer shape, therefore, it may be difficult for the user to withdraw the receiving boxes while holding the fronts of the receiving boxes. In other words, the user must insert his/her hand more deeply into the storage compartment in order to withdraw the receiving boxes. Particularly, in a case in which the receiving boxes are provided in the lower part of the refrigerator, the user must withdraw the receiving boxes in a crouching style, which is very inconvenient.

Supposing that the fronts (for example, handles) of the receiving boxes are positioned deeply in the storage compartment, rather than right in front of the user, when the user opens the door in order to withdraw the receiving boxes, such inconvenience may be easily understood.

In order to solve the above problem, the applicant of the present application has proposed a storage structure configured to be interlocked with the door, which is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2010-0130357 (hereinafter, referred to as a “prior invention”). The storage structure according to the prior invention includes a link for mechanically interlocking the door and the storage structure. When the door is opened, therefore, the storage structure is withdrawn. That is, the storage structure is mechanically withdrawn to a position spaced apart forward from an initial position by a predetermined distance such that the user can withdraw a drawer provided in the storage structure more easily. When the opening angle of the door is increased, therefore, the distance by which the drawer is withdrawn increases.

However, the prior invention has a problem in that when the door is opened, the link is exposed outward, whereby the link blocks the movement path of the user. In addition, it is not possible to provide a refrigerator having an aesthetically pleasing appearance as the result of the provision of the link.

In addition, in the drawer according to the prior invention, additional force is required in order to open the door. This is because the force necessary to pull the drawer as well as the force necessary to open the door are both required. A particularly high force may be required when the door is initially opened. This is because a force higher than a static frictional force of the drawer must be applied in order to withdraw the drawer. The static frictional force of the drawer is proportional to the load of the drawer. In a case in which a large amount of goods is stored in the drawer, therefore, it is difficult to open the door.

In addition, the prior invention has a problem in that the storage structure, which substantially occupies the entire space of the storage compartment, moves forward and rearward, whereby the space for storing goods is somewhat reduced. That is, the space for storing goods may be much less than the entire volume of the storage compartment.

Meanwhile, the user may not open the door slowly, but may open the door very quickly using a very high force. In this case, a very high force and impact may be applied to the link and the drawer. Of course, a very high force and impact may be applied to the elastic device. As a result, the door, the link, the connection between the link and the drawer, and the elastic device may be damaged.

Meanwhile, the prior invention has a problem in that it is not possible to insert the storage structure to the initial position in a state in which the door is open. This is because the insertion of the storage structure is prevented by the link in a state in which the door is open. In a case in which a portion of the storage structure is used, therefore, the remaining portions of the storage structure, which are not used, remain withdrawn, which causes a loss of cool air.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The present invention has been made to fundamentally solve the above problems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that when a user opens a door of the refrigerator, a drawer provided in a storage compartment is automatically withdrawn forward by a predetermined distance.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer is automatically moved from an initial position to a ready position by an electric driving unit, whereby no additional force beyond a user's force to open the door is necessary. That is, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that the force necessary to open a door and the force necessary to move a drawer from an initial position to a ready position are individual or independent. Specifically, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a door is opened by the manual application of a user's force to the door, and a drawer is moved from an initial position to a ready position by an electrical force regardless of whether a user's force is applied.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer electrically moves from an initial position to a ready position and such that the drawer non-electrically returns from the ready position to the initial position. In other words, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer moves from an initial position to a ready position using electrical energy and such that the drawer moves from the ready position to the initial position without using electrical energy.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer moves from an initial position to a ready position as the result of driving of a motor, and the drawer moves from the ready position to the initial position regardless of the driving of the motor.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that the driving force of a motor is selectively transferred to a drawer. In particular, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that the driving force of a motor is transferred to a drawer when the drawer is withdrawn, and the driving force of the motor is not transferred to the drawer when the drawer is inserted.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer automatically moves from an initial position to a ready position, and the drawer is manually moved from the ready position to the initial position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a speed at which a drawer moves from an initial position to a ready position is different from a speed at which the drawer moves from the ready position to the initial position. Specifically, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a speed at which a drawer moves from a ready position to an initial position is higher than a speed at which the drawer moves from the initial position to the ready position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer moves from a ready position to an initial position due to an elastic restoring force. In particular, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that an element impeding the insertion of a drawer is removed, whereby the drawer returns relatively rapidly using an elastic restoring force. Therefore, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer completely returns to an initial position while a door is being closed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer is automatically withdrawn and automatically inserted. That is, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that an electric driving unit is driven to withdraw and insert a drawer. In particular, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a speed at which a drawer is withdrawn and a speed at which the drawer is inserted are controlled to be different from each other, thereby minimizing the collision between the drawer and a door.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a speed at which a door is opened and/or a closed is sensed in order to change the speed of an electric driving unit configured to move a drawer, particularly the speed of a motor.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that interference between a door and a drawer, configured to automatically move when the door is opened or closed, is considerably reduced using a sensor for very precisely sensing the opening angle of the door and/or the closing angle of the door. That is, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that an opening (or closing) angle of a door that is capable of minimizing interference between the door and a drawer is set, whereby it is possible to very precisely sense whether the door is open (or closed) at the set angle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator including a door opening sensor that is capable of flexibly corresponding to a door opening angle that varies depending upon the product models.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is sensed whether a door is open or closed at a consistent angle using a single sensor, which is easily applied to conventional refrigerators.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that an element for automatically withdrawing a drawer is not exposed in a storage compartment, whereby it is possible to protect an electric driving unit, to improve user convenience, and to provide the interior of the storage compartment with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is possible to simultaneously move a plurality of drawers from an initial position to a ready position using a single electric driving unit. To this end, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator including a moving frame that is capable of simultaneously transferring the driving force of a single electric driving unit to a plurality of drawers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator including a moving frame that exhibits a high load distribution property, high durability, and high reliability in assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer is automatically inserted and withdrawn with high reliability and durability. In particular, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is possible to minimize damage to an electric driving unit due to overload of the electric driving unit or repetitive use of the electric driving unit for a long period of time.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer configured to be automatically withdrawn, an electric driving unit configured to automatically withdraw the drawer, and relevant elements are easily assembled, and, in addition, are easily repaired as needed. In addition, it is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is possible to minimize the reduction in capacity of a storage compartment due to the above-mentioned elements.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator configured such that a plurality of drawers is simultaneously automatically withdrawn, and, in addition, the drawers are easily manufactured and maintained.

Means for Solving the Problems

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment, a door hingedly connected to the cabinet for opening and closing the storage compartment, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, an electric driving unit for automatically moving the drawer to a ready position spaced apart forward from an initial position by a predetermined distance when the door is opened, and a controller for controlling the driving of the electric driving unit.

The refrigerator may further include a rail configured to allow the drawer to move forward and rearward relative to the storage compartment. The drawer may be supported on the storage compartment via the rail. The drawer may be configured to move forward and rearward relative to the storage compartment. At least a portion of the rail may be fixed to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may be fixed in the cabinet. Consequently, the drawer may move forward and rearward relative to the fixed storage compartment along the rail.

The sensor may sense whether the door is closed, in addition to sensing whether the door is open. When the door is opened by a predetermined angle, the sensor may generate a door opening signal. When the door is closed by a predetermined angle, the sensor may generate a door closing signal. The angle at which it is sensed that the door is open may be equal to the angle at which it is sensed that the door is closed.

The moving frame may be connected with the drawer so as to apply a force to the drawer in the direction in which the drawer is withdrawn from the initial position to the manipulating position.

The moving frame may be disconnected from the drawer so as not to apply a force to the drawer in the direction in which the drawer is inserted from the manipulating position to the initial position.

The electric driving unit may further include a connection member for interconnecting the motor assembly and the moving frame, and the distance between the moving frame and the motor assembly may be changed in proportion to the distance by which the connection member is withdrawn from the motor assembly.

The refrigerator may further include a sidewall or a partition wall defining the storage compartment and a support frame coupled to the sidewall or the partition wall for movably supporting the drawer along the rail.

A predetermined space may be defined between the sidewall and the support frame, and the motor assembly may be mounted to the inside surface of the support frame such that the motor assembly is positioned in the predetermined space.

The support frame is provided at the upper part and the lower part of the inside surface thereof with guide bars, and the moving frame may be supported so as to be movable forward and rearward between the upper guide bar and the lower guide bar.

A slit may be formed through the support frame, and the moving frame may be provided with a transfer member, the transfer member extending through the slit so as to be connected with the drawer.

The drawer may be provided with a first catching member, the first catching member being formed at the front of the transfer member so as to correspond to the transfer member, and when the transfer member moves forward, the first catching member may be pushed forward such that the drawer is moved in the direction in which the drawer is withdrawn.

The drawer may include a basket and a drawer frame provided outside the basket. The basket may be provided with a handle, which may be held by a user when the user inserts or withdraws the drawer.

The moving frame may be selectively connected with the drawer frame, and when the moving frame is connected with the drawer frame, movement of the moving frame may be converted into movement of the drawer.

The drawer may be supported on the rail via the drawer frame. The drawer frame may support the basket. The drawer frame may be located under the basket. The drawer frame and the basket may be moved simultaneously.

The drawer may include a plurality of vertically arranged drawers, and the moving frame may be selectively connected with the drawer frame of each of the drawers.

The rail may be configured to allow the drawer to move forward and rearward between a maximum withdrawal position, which is spaced apart forward from the manipulating position by a predetermined distance, and the initial position.

The connection between the moving frame and the drawer frame may be released from the manipulating position to the maximum withdrawal position such that the drawer is manually withdrawn.

The electric driving unit may be driven such that the moving frame moves to the initial position regardless of whether it is sensed that the door is open or closed after moving to the manipulating position.

When the moving frame returns to the initial position, the connection between the moving frame and the drawer frame may be released such that the drawer remains at the manipulating position.

That is, when it is sensed that the door is open, the electric driving unit, particularly the motor assembly, moves the moving frame to the manipulating position such that the drawer is moved to the manipulating position. Afterwards, the motor assembly is driven to move the moving frame from the manipulating position to the initial position. In other words, the moving frame may be moved to the manipulating position, and may immediately return to the initial position. At this time, the drawer may remain at the manipulating position.

When the moving frame returns to the initial position, the drawer may be manually inserted from a maximum withdrawal position, at which the drawer is maximally withdrawn forward, to the manipulating position of the drawer.

When the moving frame moves from the initial position to the manipulating position, the moving frame may be connected with the drawer, whereby the moving frame pushes the drawer.

When it is sensed that the door is closed, the motor assembly may be operated to move the moving frame from the initial position to a return position spaced apart rearward from the initial position by a predetermined distance.

When it is sensed that the door is closed, the moving frame may be moved further rearward.

When the moving frame moves from the initial position to the return position, the moving frame may be connected with the drawer, whereby the moving frame pulls the drawer.

The motor assembly may be driven such that the moving frame moves to the initial position after moving to the return position. Consequently, the drawer may be inserted to the initial position.

The refrigerator may further include an elastic device configured to be elastically deformed when the drawer moves from the initial position to the manipulating position and configured to provide an elastic restoring force to the drawer when the drawer moves from the manipulating position to the initial position.

The elastic device may include a housing having a slot formed therein in a longitudinal direction and a spring mounted therein and a hanging member configured to move along the slot to elastically deform and elastically restore the spring, the hanging member being selectively connected with the drawer.

The drawer may be provided with a second catching member configured to be selectively connected with the hanging member, and the hanging member and the second catching member may be connected with each other as the drawer is inserted such that the drawer returns to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the spring.

The slot may be provided at the front end thereof with a first inclined slot for limiting movement of the hanging member and releasing the connection between the hanging member and the second catching member in the state in which the hanging member maximally elastically deforms the spring.

The hanging member may move into the first inclined slot at the manipulating position of the drawer such that the connection between the hanging member and the second catching member is released.

The slot may be provided at the rear end thereof with a second inclined slot for limiting the movement of the hanging member and releasing the connection between the hanging member and the second catching member in the state in which the hanging member maximally elastically restores the spring.

After the hanging member is connected with the second catching member, the hanging member may move into the second inclined slot at a predetermined position before the drawer is inserted to the initial position such that the connection between the hanging member and the second catching member is released.

As the drawer is withdrawn from the initial position to the manipulating position, the hanging member may escape from the second inclined slot and may be connected with the second catching member.

The refrigerator may further include an elastic device configured to be connected with the drawer while being elastically deformed as the drawer is withdrawn from the initial position and configured to be disconnected from the drawer while remaining elastically deformed at the manipulating position of the drawer.

When it is sensed that the door is closed, the electric driving unit may be driven to move the moving frame to a return position spaced apart rearward from the initial position by a predetermined distance in order to pull the drawer rearward from the manipulating position such that the drawer is reconnected with the elastic device. That is, the drawer may be moved rearward by the driving force of the electric driving unit without requiring the user to manually reconnect the elastic member to the drawer. As a result, the elastic member may be reconnected to the drawer. At this time, the drawer may be automatically inserted by the elastic restoring force of the elastic device, since the moving frame is positioned at the rear of the drawer.

The drawer may be provided with a first catching member, to which a pushing force is applied from the moving frame during movement of the moving frame from the initial position to the manipulating position, and a third catching member, to which a pulling force is applied from the moving frame during movement of the moving frame from the initial position to the return position.

The elastic device may include a housing having a slot formed therein in the longitudinal direction and a spring mounted therein and a hanging member configured to move along the slot to elastically deform and elastically restore the spring, the hanging member being selectively connected with the drawer, the drawer may be provided with a second catching member configured to be selectively connected with the hanging member, and the hanging member and the second catching member may be connected with each other as the drawer is inserted such that the drawer returns to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the spring.

The third catching member may be positioned at the rear of the first catching member.

The moving frame may be provided with a stopper configured to move upward and downward as the moving frame moves between the initial position and the return position so as to be selectively connected with the third catching member.

The refrigerator may further include a support frame for supporting the moving frame so as to be movable forward and rearward, wherein the support frame may be provided with a stopper guide for guiding the movement of the stopper.

Between the initial position and the return position (i.e. between the initial position and the return position of the moving frame), the stopper may move upward when moving rearward along the stopper guide so as to pull the third catching member in front of the third catching member and may move downward when moving forward along the stopper guide so as to be disconnected from the third catching member.

In another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment, a door hingedly connected to the cabinet for opening and closing the storage compartment, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a sensor for sensing whether the door is open or closed, an electric driving unit including a motor assembly and a moving frame configured to be movable forward and rearward by driving of the motor assembly, the electric driving unit being configured to move the drawer to a manipulating position spaced apart forward from an initial position by a predetermined distance through forward movement of the moving frame when it is sensed that the door is open, a rail configured to allow the drawer to move forward and rearward relative to the storage compartment, and an elastic device selectively connected to the drawer, the elastic device being configured to provide an elastic restoring force to the drawer when the drawer is returned to the initial position after the drawer is withdrawn, wherein the electric driving unit is driven to return the moving frame to the initial position after the moving frame is moved to the manipulating position. Consequently, the drawer may remain at the manipulating position. In addition, the force pulling the drawer may be removed.

As the drawer is withdrawn from the initial position, the elastic device may be elastically deformed. When the drawer is withdrawn to the manipulating position, the connection between the elastic device and the drawer may be released in the state in which the elastic device remains elastically deformed. Consequently, it is possible for the user to very easily withdraw the drawer further from the manipulating position. When the use of the drawer is finished, it is possible for the user to very easily insert the drawer to the manipulating position.

When it is sensed that the door is closed, in order to reconnect the drawer to the elastic device, the moving frame may move to a return position spaced apart rearward from the initial position by a predetermined distance to insert the drawer. That is, the moving frame may be moved to the return position, which is located further rearward than the initial position. After the moving frame is moved as described above, the moving frame may be immediately moved to the initial position.

When the moving frame is moved from the initial position to the return position, the drawer may be moved rearward. As a result, the drawer may be connected to the elastic device. In this case, the drawer may be inserted to the initial position by an elastic restoring force.

The moving frame may be provided with a stopper. The stopper may pull a catching member, e.g. a third catching member, of the drawer to move the drawer rearward.

The motor assembly may be driven such that the drawer is moved from an initial position to a manipulating position. That is, the moving frame may push the drawer from the initial position to the manipulating position by driving of the motor assembly. Afterwards, the motor assembly may be driven to return the moving frame to the initial position.

When it is sensed that the door is open, therefore, the motor assembly may perform a predetermined operation and may then finish the operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the motor assembly from being overloaded.

When it is sensed that the door is closed, the motor assembly may perform another predetermined operation and may then finish the operation. This operation may be performed to forcibly pull the drawer such that the drawer can be reconnected to the elastic device.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment, a door hingedly connected to the cabinet for opening and closing the storage compartment, a drawer provided in the storage compartment, a sensor for sensing whether the door is open, an electric driving unit configured to move the drawer to a manipulating position spaced apart forward from an initial position by a predetermined distance through forward movement of the moving frame when it is sensed that the door is open, and a rail configured to allow the drawer to move forward and rearward relative to the storage compartment.

The sensor may sense whether the door is closed, in addition to sensing whether the door is open. When it is sensed that the door is open, the electric driving unit may perform a series of operations and may then finish the operations. When it is sensed that the door is closed, the electric driving unit may perform another series of operations and may then finish the operations. Consequently, the electric driving unit may be driven to automatically withdraw and insert the drawer. When the door remains closed or when the door remains open, the electric driving unit may not be driven.

SUMMARY OF NEW CLAIMS TO GO HERE

The features of the above embodiments may be integrated into other embodiments unless the features are inconsistent or exclusive.

Effects of the Invention

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that when a user opens a door of the refrigerator, a drawer provided in a storage compartment is automatically withdrawn forward by a predetermined distance. That is, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer automatically moves from an initial position to a ready position. The ready position is a position to which the drawer is withdrawn forward from the initial position by a predetermined distance. That is, since the drawer in the storage compartment can be withdrawn to a position closer to the user, it is possible for the user to very conveniently use the drawer. In other words, since the drawer automatically moves from the initial position to the ready position, which is closer to the user, it is possible for the user to grasp the drawer in order to withdraw the drawer, thereby improving user convenience.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer is automatically moved from an initial position to a ready position by an electric driving unit, whereby no additional force other than a user's force is necessary in order to open the door. That is, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a force necessary to open a door and a force necessary to move a drawer from an initial position to a ready position are individual or independent. Specifically, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a door is opened by the manual application of a user's force to the door, and a drawer is moved from an initial position to a ready position by an electrical force regardless of a user's force. Consequently, it is possible for the user to conveniently use the drawer without using any additional force.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer electrically moves from an initial position to a ready position, and the drawer non-electrically returns from the ready position to the initial position. Specifically, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer moves from an initial position to a ready position using electrical energy, and the drawer moves from the ready position to the initial position without using electrical energy. Consequently, it is possible to reduce electrical energy consumption.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer moves from an initial position to a ready position as the result of driving of a motor, and the drawer moves from the ready position to the initial position regardless of the driving of the motor. Consequently, it is possible to reduce electrical energy consumption.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the driving force of a motor is selectively transferred to a drawer. In particular, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the driving force of a motor is transferred to a drawer when the drawer is withdrawn, and the driving force of the motor is not transferred to the drawer when the drawer is inserted. Consequently, it is possible to reduce electrical energy consumption.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer automatically moves from an initial position to a ready position, and the drawer is manually moved from the ready position to the initial position. Consequently, it is possible to reduce electrical energy consumption.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the speed at which a drawer moves from an initial position to a ready position is different from the speed at which the drawer moves from the ready position to the initial position. Specifically, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the speed at which a drawer moves from a ready position to an initial position is higher than the speed at which the drawer moves from the initial position to the ready position. Consequently, it is possible to minimize the incidence of collision between the drawer and the door when the drawer returns while the door is being closed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer moves from a ready position to an initial position due to an elastic restoring force. In particular, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that an element impeding the insertion of a drawer is removed, whereby the drawer is returned relatively rapidly by an elastic restoring force. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer completely returns to an initial position while a door is being closed. In addition, it is possible to minimize the incidence of collision between the drawer and the door when the drawer returns while the door is being closed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer is automatically withdrawn and automatically inserted. That is, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that an electric driving unit is driven to withdraw and insert a drawer. In particular, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the speed at which a drawer is withdrawn and the speed at which the drawer is inserted are controlled to be different from each other, thereby minimizing the incidence of collision between the drawer and a door.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the speed at which a door is opened and/or closed is sensed in order to change the speed of an electric driving unit configured to move a drawer, particularly the speed of a motor. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the collision between the drawer and the door as the result of the drawer being withdrawn too fast when the door is opened or to minimize the amount of time the user waits for the withdrawal of the drawer to the ready position as the result of the drawer being withdrawn too slow when the door is opened. In addition, it is possible to prevent the collision between the drawer and the door as the result of the drawer being inserted too slowly when the door is closed or to minimize the application of impact to the drawer as the result of the drawer being inserted too fast when the door is closed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that interference between a door and a drawer, configured to automatically move when the door is opened or closed, is considerably reduced using a sensor for very precisely sensing the opening angle of the door and/or the closing angle of the door. That is, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the opening (or closing) angle of a door at which interference between the door and a drawer is minimized is set, whereby it is possible to very precisely sense whether the door is open (or closed) at the set angle.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator including a door opening sensor that is capable of flexibly corresponding to a door opening angle that varies depending upon the product models. Consequently, it is possible to reduce manufacturing cost.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is sensed using a single sensor whether a door is open or closed at a consistent angle, which is easily applied to conventional refrigerators. Consequently, it is possible to reduce manufacturing cost and to construct simple control logic.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that an element for automatically withdrawing a drawer is not exposed in a storage compartment, whereby it is possible to protect an electric driving unit, to improve user convenience, and to provide the interior of the storage compartment with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is possible to simultaneously move a plurality of drawers from an initial position to a ready position using a single electric driving unit. To this end, it is possible to provide a refrigerator including a moving frame that is capable of simultaneously transferring the driving force of a single electric driving unit to a plurality of drawers. The moving frame is not provided to support the load of the drawer. That is, the moving frame is provided simply to simultaneously withdraw the drawers. Consequently, it is possible to minimize the load applied to the electric driving unit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator including a moving frame that exhibits even load distribution, high durability, and high reliability in assembly. Consequently, it is possible to uniformly withdraw a plurality of drawers without deviation.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer is automatically inserted and withdrawn with high reliability and durability. In particular, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is possible to minimize damage to an electric driving unit attributable to overload of the electric driving unit or repetitive use of the electric driving unit for a long period of time.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer configured to be automatically withdrawn, an electric driving unit configured to automatically withdraw the drawer, and relevant elements are easily assembled, and, moreover, are easily repaired as needed. In addition, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is possible to minimize the reduction in capacity of a storage compartment due to the above-mentioned elements.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a plurality of drawers is simultaneously automatically withdrawn, and, in addition, the drawers are easily manufactured and maintained.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that a drawer is easily connected to or separated from a rail configured to support the drawer.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that only a basket for receiving goods is easily separated from and coupled to a drawer. That is, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that only a basket is easily separated from and coupled to a drawer in a state in which the connection between a rail and a rail connection part of the drawer is maintained. Consequently, it is possible to improve user convenience.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is possible to maximally prevent a rail from being visibly exposed to a user. Consequently, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that it is possible to maximally prevent the constraint of the drawer due to foreign matter introduced into the rail and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a control method of a refrigerator that is capable of minimizing the load of a motor and flexibly corresponding to various environments in which a drawer is used. In particular, it is possible to provide a control method of a refrigerator that is capable of minimizing the collision between a drawer and a door when the door is closed very fast after being opened. In addition, it is possible to minimize the overload that may be applied to the motor due to the collision between the drawer and the door, thereby improving durability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 2 is a view showing a lower storage compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic conceptual view defining the position of a drawer relative to a storage compartment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing a support assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which a rail is mounted to a support cover in the support assembly shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an initial position of a motor assembly and a moving frame in the support assembly shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a ready position of the motor assembly and the moving frame in the support assembly shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a view of the moving frame shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part “A” shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a connection between a catching member of the drawer and a transmission member of the moving frame;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view showing a connection between the drawer and the support assembly;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing a support assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which a rail and an elastic device are mounted to a support cover in the support assembly shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view showing a connection between the drawer and the support assembly;

FIG. 15 is a front view showing an example of the elastic device;

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a connection between the lower part of the drawer and the support assembly at an initial position of the drawer;

FIG. 17 is a side view showing the connection between the lower part of the drawer and the support assembly at a ready position of the drawer;

FIG. 18 is a view showing a connection between the lower part of a drawer and an elastic device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view showing a connection between the support cover and the moving frame at an initial position of the moving frame;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view showing a connection between the support cover and the moving frame at a return position of the moving frame;

FIG. 21 is a view showing an embodiment of a sensor shown in FIG. 2 and a state in which the sensor is mounted;

FIG. 22 is a view showing another embodiment of the sensor shown in FIG. 2 and a state in which the sensor is mounted;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a control construction that is applicable to an embodiment of the present invention; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, an example of a four-door refrigerator including an upper refrigerating compartment 11 and lower freezing compartments 12 and 13 is shown in FIG. 1. For the convenience of description, left and right doors for the upper refrigerating compartment 11 and a left door for the lower left freezing compartment 12 are omitted. That is, only a right door 20 for the lower right freezing compartment 13 is shown in FIG. 1. Of course, this embodiment may be applied to a side-by-side type refrigerator in addition to the refrigerator with the above-stated construction. That is, this embodiment may be applied to any refrigerator that includes doors for opening and closing storage compartments and drawers configured to move forward and rearward in the storage compartments.

The refrigerator includes a cabinet 10, in which the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13 are defined, and doors 20 hingedly connected to the cabinet 10 for opening and closing the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13. The door 20 is turned with respect to the cabinet to open the storage compartments. Consequently, the door 20 may be a turnable door. If a plurality of storage compartments is provided, as previously described, a plurality of doors may be provided accordingly.

The refrigerating compartment 11 may be partitioned from the freezing compartments 12 and 13 by a horizontal partition wall 14. In addition, the left freezing compartment 12 and the right freezing compartment 13 may be partitioned from each other by an additional sidewall or partition wall 16. For the sake of convenience, the partition wall 16 may be referred to as a vertical partition wall. The refrigerating compartment 11, the left freezing compartment 12, and the right freezing compartment 13 may be opened and closed by individual doors.

Drawers 30, each of which includes a basket 31 for receiving goods, may be provided in the storage compartments 11, 12, and 13, particularly in the freezing compartments 12 and 13. Each drawer 30 may include a drawer frame 32. The basket 31 may be coupled to the drawer frame 32. In some cases, the drawer may define a front opening at its front surface through which its contents can be accessed by the user. Additionally, or alternatively, the drawer may define an upper opening at its upper surface through which its contents can be accessed by the user.

A plurality of drawers 30 may be provided such that the drawers 30 are arranged vertically. FIG. 1 shows an example in which three drawers 30a, 30b, and 30c are provided in each of the right and left freezing compartments such that the drawers 30a, 30b, and 30c are arranged vertically. Of course, this embodiment may be applied to an example in which drawers are provided in the refrigerating compartment in addition to the freezing compartments. Furthermore, one, two, or three doors may be connected to one door so as to operate automatically, or four or more doors may be connected to one door so as to operate automatically.

In this embodiment, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the drawers 30 can move automatically when the door 20 is opened and/or closed for user convenience. For example, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the drawers 30, provided in the right freezing compartment 13, can move automatically when the right freezing compartment 13 is opened or closed by the door 20. Automatic movement of the drawers may be applied to any one of the freezing compartments 12 and 13 or to both the freezing compartments 12 and 13. In addition, the automatic movement of the drawers may be applied to the refrigerating compartment, in addition to the freezing compartments.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the lower freezing compartments 12 and 13 of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1. The left freezing compartment door, which is not seen in FIG. 2, is in a closed state, and the right freezing compartment door 20 is in an open state.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drawers 30 provided in the left freezing compartment are inserted further inward than the drawers provided in the right freezing compartment. In FIG. 2, the position of the drawers 30 provided in the left freezing compartment may be referred to as an initial position, and the position of the drawers 30 provided in the right freezing compartment may be referred to as a ready position.

In other words, the drawers may be positioned at the initial position in a state in which the door 20 is closed, and the drawers may be positioned at the ready position in a state in which the door 20 is open. Of course, in the state in which the door 20 is open by a predetermined angle or more, the drawers 30 may be moved from the initial position to the ready position.

The initial position is a position at which interference between the door 20 and the drawers 30 is eliminated and the drawers are inserted into the storage compartment such that the door 20 can be completely closed, and the ready position is a position at which the drawers 30 are withdrawn such that a user can easily hold the drawers 30. Consequently, the ready position may be a position spaced apart forward from the initial position. In addition, the ready position may be a position at which the drawers are automatically withdrawn when the door is opened.

Hereinafter, the positions at which a drawer 30 is inserted and withdrawn and the distances by which the drawer 30 is inserted and withdrawn will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows three positions of the drawer 30 in a state in which the door 20 is open. For the convenience of description, the positions of the drawer 30 may be set on the basis of the front of the drawer 30 or a handle 35 of the drawer 30.

Position P1 may be an initial position. The initial position is a position at which the drawer 30 is inserted such that a door basket 25 does not interfere with the drawer 30 in a state in which the door 20 is closed.

Position P2 may be a position spaced apart forward from position P1. Position P2 may be a position at which the drawer 30 is withdrawn by a predetermined distance such that the user can easily withdraw the drawer 30. Position P2 may be a ready position. This is because position P2 is a position at which the drawer is ready such that the user can easily withdraw the drawer. In some cases, Position P2 may correspond to a withdrawal distance of between approximately 100 mm to 120 mm from Position P1.

Position P3 may be a position spaced apart forward from position P2. The P3 position may be a position at which the drawer is maximally withdrawn. That is, position P3 may be the maximum withdrawal position, at which the drawer 30 is maximally withdrawn in a state in which the drawer 30 is not separated from the storage compartment. The reason for this is that when the drawer 30 is completely separated from the refrigerator, the drawer is not normally positioned.

Consequently, the movement of the drawer 30 from position P1 to position P3 may be referred to as the withdrawal of the drawer 30, and the movement of the drawer 30 from position P3 to position P1 may be referred to as the insertion of the drawer 30.

As shown in FIG. 3, receiving boxes or baskets 25, which define additional door storage regions 21, may be provided at the rear of the door 20. In order to eliminate interference between the door 20, particularly the basket 25 provided in the door 20, and the drawer 30, the drawer 30 is positioned at the initial position (position P1) in a state in which the door 20 is closed. When the user open the door 20 in order to withdraw goods, the drawer 30 moves forward from the initial position to the ready position (position P2) such that the user can more easily withdraw the drawer 30. As a result, the front of the drawer 30 or the handle 35 becomes closer to the user such that the user can more easily withdraw the drawer 30.

That is, the initial position may be a position at which the drawer has been maximally moved inward into the storage compartment, and the ready position may be a position spaced apart forward from the initial position by a predetermined distance. At the ready position, it is not necessary for the user to reach deep into the storage compartment in order to grasp the handle 35, whereby it is very convenient for the user to manipulate the drawer 30.

In order to introduce goods into the drawer 30 or to remove goods from the drawer 30, the user may withdraw the drawer 30 up to the maximum withdrawal position (position P3).

As shown in FIG. 3, the drawer 30 may not escape from an opening 17 defined in the storage compartment even at the ready position. The opening may be a food introduction port. That is, when the door 20 is opened, the drawer 30, particularly the front of the drawer 30 or the handle 35, may be positioned further rearward than the opening 17. That is, the drawer 30 may remain positioned in the storage compartment. This is because the reason that the user opens the door 20 is not necessarily to use or withdraw the drawer 30. For example, the user may open the door 20 in order to use the door storage region 21. In addition, in a case in which a plurality of drawers 30 is provided, only a specific one of the drawers may be withdrawn. If the remaining drawers, which the user does not wish to withdraw, are withdrawn from the storage compartment, cool air may be lost.

As will be described hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention may provide a refrigerator configured such that the drawer can move automatically based on the extent to which the user opens the door, particularly at a specific door opening angle. Consequently, it is possible to prevent unnecessary movement of the drawer, thereby reducing a loss of cool air and a loss of energy. In addition, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that interference between the drawer and the door is minimized.

In addition, when the door is opened, cool air is inevitably discharged from the storage compartment. When the drawer is withdrawn, cool air is discharged from the basket of the drawer. That is, as the withdrawal distance of the drawer increases, the loss of cool air from the basket is accelerated. Particularly, when the drawer is withdrawn further forward than the food introduction port, the loss of cool air may be accelerated still further. In order to minimize the loss of cool air in the basket at the ready position, therefore, the drawer 30 may be prevented from escaping from the interior of the storage compartment at the ready position.

For example, the ready position may be a position spaced apart forward from the initial position by about 120 mm. Of course, the distance between the ready position and the initial position may be set differently based on the shape of the refrigerator, the position of the drawer, the distance by which the door storage region 21 is inserted into the storage compartment, the capacity of the refrigerator, etc. However, the ready position may be a position at which the front of the drawer 30 or the handle 35 does not escape from the opening 17 of the storage compartment. That is, the front of the drawer 30 or the handle 35 may be positioned further inward than the opening 17 without escaping from the opening 17.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator may be configured such that when the door 20, which opens and closes the storage compartment, is opened, the drawer, which is provided in the storage compartment, can move automatically (can be withdrawn automatically) from the initial position to the ready position. That is, the refrigerator may be configured such that when the door is opened, the front of the drawer may move automatically toward the food introduction port 17. Consequently, the refrigerator according to this embodiment may further include an electric driving unit for moving the drawer. In addition, the refrigerator according to this embodiment may further include a sensor for sensing a condition under which the electric driving unit is to be operated.

That is, in this embodiment, the refrigerator may be configured such that the drawer is withdrawn from position P1 to position P2 using electrical energy. In addition, in this embodiment, the refrigerator may be configured such that the drawer is automatically withdrawn regardless of force necessary for the user to open the door. In addition, in this embodiment, the refrigerator may be configured such that the drawer is automatically withdrawn using a driving force generated from a motor.

Hereinafter, a support assembly for automatically withdrawing the drawer while movably supporting the drawer will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows a support assembly 100 that can be coupled to a freezing compartment sidewall of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, support assemblies 100 are positioned at the left and right sides of the partition wall 16, which is one of the freezing compartment sidewalls. In this case, freezing compartments are provided at the left and right sides of the freezing compartment partition wall 16. In a case in which one freezing compartment is provided, the partition wall 16 may be a left heat insulation wall (a left sidewall) or a right heat insulation wall (a right sidewall) of the freezing compartment. In a case in which freezing compartments are provided at the left and right sides of the partition wall 16, the support assembly 100 may be provided in only one of the freezing compartments, not both the freezing compartments. In any case, the support assembly 100 may be mounted to the freezing compartment sidewall.

In the case in which a single storage compartment is provided, opposite sidewalls of the storage compartment may be heat insulation walls. A heat insulation wall may be a wall, the inner space of which is filled with an insulating material. In the case in which left and right storage compartments are provided, the left and right storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall. In this case, the left sidewall of the left storage compartment may be a heat insulation wall, and the right sidewall of the left storage compartment may be formed by the partition wall. In the case in which the right sidewall of the right storage compartment is a heat insulation wall, the left sidewall of the right storage compartment may be formed by the partition wall. The partition wall may be a non-heat insulation wall.

In a case in which the left and right freezing compartments are separated from each other, as shown in FIG. 1, the support assembly 100 may be mounted to the left or right sidewall. The left sidewall or the right sidewall may be a heat insulation wall. However, it may be disadvantageous to mount the support assembly 100 to the heat insulation wall from the aspect of heat insulation. In addition, in a case in which the conventional thickness of the heat insulation wall is maintained, the inner space of the storage compartment in which the support assembly 100 is mounted may be reduced. For this reason, the support assembly 100 may be mounted to the freezing compartment partition wall 16, at which heat insulation is not critical, selected from among the freezing compartment sidewalls.

Of course, the support assembly 100 may not be mounted to the sidewall of the freezing compartment but may be mounted to the sidewall of the refrigerating compartment. In this case, the drawer provided in the refrigerating compartment may be automatically withdrawn. In addition, the refrigerating compartment may be partitioned into left and right parts, in the same manner as in the freezing compartment. Even in this case, a partition wall may be provided to partition the refrigerating compartment into left and right parts. A support assembly may be mounted to one of the sidewalls that define the refrigerating compartment. However, the support assembly may be mounted to the partition wall in order to prevent the reduction of heat insulation efficiency and to minimize the reduction in space of the storage compartment.

The partition wall 16 may be a partition wall for partitioning the left and right freezing compartments from each other. The partition wall 16 may be symmetrical. That is, support assemblies having the same shape may be mounted to the left and right sides of the partition wall 16 in the same fashion. Consequently, drawers may be provided in the left and right freezing compartments such that the drawers can be automatically inserted and withdrawn.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which support assemblies 100 are mounted to the left and right sides of the sidewall defining the storage compartment, particularly the partition wall 16 for partitioning the left and right freezing compartments from each other, will be described in detail.

The support assembly 100 supports the drawer 30 such that the drawer 30 can move forward and rearward. In addition, the drawer 30 may be automatically withdrawn through the support assembly 100.

The support assembly 100 may include a support cover 110. The support cover 110 may be mounted to one sidewall of the freezing compartment, particularly the partition wall 16. Specifically, the support cover 110 may be mounted to the left sidewall or the right sidewall of the freezing compartment, rather than the upper sidewall, the lower sidewall, and the rear sidewall of the freezing compartment. As will be described hereinafter, various components, including the electric driving unit, may be mounted to the support cover 110. The support assembly 100 may be mounted to one side wall of the freezing compartment, particularly the partition wall 16, as a single assembly, or may be separated from the partition wall 16 through the support cover 110. That is, the support assembly 100 may be integrally coupled to the sidewall of the storage compartment or may be separated from the sidewall of the storage compartment. Consequently, it is possible to very simply manufacture the support assembly 100 and to easily maintain the support assembly 100. This is because, as will be described hereinafter, the drawer 30 can be separated from a rail 120, and then the support assembly 100, including the support cover 110, can be separated from the partition wall 16. On the other hand, the support assembly may be manufactured, the support assembly may be mounted to the partition wall 16, and the drawer 30 may be coupled to the rail 120.

The support cover 110 may include an outside surface 111 and an inside surface 112. The inside surface 112 of the support cover 110 may be coupled to the sidewall so as to face the sidewall. The outside surface 111 may be exposed in the storage compartment. Consequently, the outside surface 111 may define the inner surface of the storage compartment. The sidewall may be a partition wall.

The rail 120 may be mounted to the support cover 110. Specifically, the rail 120 may be mounted to the outside surface 111 of the support cover 110. The rail 120 may be provided at each of the left and right sides of the storage compartment. Consequently, one of the rails may be mounted to the outside surface of the support cover 110, and the other rail may be mounted to the sidewall of the storage compartment. The rail 120 may be provided such that the drawer can move forward and rearward in the storage compartment. That is, the drawer 30 may be supported such that the drawer 30 can move forward and rearward in the storage compartment along the rail 120. The drawer 30 may slide forward and rearward along the rail 120. Consequently, the rail 120 may support the load of the drawer 30, and the load of the drawer 30 may be transferred to one sidewall of the freezing compartment or the partition wall 16 via the rail 120. Embodiments of the rail 120 and the structure in which the rail 120 and the drawer 30 are coupled to each other will be described later.

In a case in which a plurality of drawers 30 is provided, a plurality of rails 120 may be provided. Consequently, a plurality of rails 120 may be mounted to a single support cover 110. Specifically, a plurality of drawers 30 may be provided such that the drawers 30 are arranged vertically, and therefore a plurality of rails 120 may be provided such that the rails 120 are arranged vertically.

Meanwhile, as the result of the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110 being mounted to the sidewall of the storage compartment or the partition wall 16 so as to face the sidewall of the storage compartment or the partition wall 16, a predetermined space 130 is defined between the support cover 110 and the sidewall of the storage compartment or the partition wall 16. The predetermined space 130 may be an unexposed space in the storage compartment. Consequently, elements provided in the predetermined space 130 may not be exposed in the interior of the storage compartment. For this reason, the predetermined space 130 may be referred to as an isolation space. In addition, the predetermined space 130 may be an electric driving unit mounting space, in which the electric driving unit will be mounted, as will be described hereinafter.

The predetermined space, isolation space, or electric driving unit mounting space 130 is provided between an inside surface 112 of the support cover 110 and the partition wall 16. As a result, elements mounted to the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110 are not exposed in the storage compartment. Consequently, the side of the support cover 110 facing the partition wall 16 may be the inside of the support cover 110. On the other hand, elements mounted to an outside surface 111 of the support cover 110 may be exposed in the storage compartment. For example, the rail 120 may be mounted to the outside surface 111 of the support cover 110, and therefore the rail 120 may be exposed in the storage compartment. Consequently, the side of the support cover 110 that faces the storage compartment may be the outside of the support cover 110.

An electric driving unit 150 may be provided on the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110. That is, the electric driving unit 150 may be provided in the predetermined space 130. Consequently, the electric driving unit 150 may not be exposed in the storage compartment. This is because the support cover 110 covers the electric driving unit 150. That is, the electric driving unit 150 is provided inside the support cover 110.

Specifically, the electric driving unit 150 may not be mounted to the partition wall 16 but may be mounted to the inside surface of the support cover 110. When the support cover 110 is separated from the partition wall 16, therefore, the electric driving unit 150 may be separated from the partition wall 16.

The electric driving unit 150 is operated to move the drawer 30 from the initial position to the ready position. That is, the electric driving unit 150 may be operated to move the drawer 30 toward the food introduction port 17. To this end, the electric driving unit 150 may include a motor assembly 160 for generating force necessary to move the drawer 30 and a moving frame 170 for applying force to the drawer 30 so as to move the drawer 30. Specifically, the moving frame 170 may be configured to selectively push the drawers.

The moving frame 170 may be configured such that the moving frame 170 is moved forward and rearward by the operation of the motor assembly 160. Here, a direction in which the moving frame 170 is moved forward and rearward may be the same as the direction in which the drawer 30 is moved forward and rearward. That is, the moving frame 170 may be configured such that the moving frame 170 is moved by the motor assembly 160 in a direction identical to the direction in which drawer 30 is moved. In some cases, the speed at which the moving frame 170 is moved forward may be lower than the speed at which the moving frame 170 is moved rearward.

Specifically, the moving frame 170 may be movably mounted to the support cover 110. For example, the moving frame 170 may be mounted to the inside surface of the support cover 110 such that the moving frame 170 can be moved forward and rearward. The moving frame 170 may be supported so as to be slidable with respect to the support cover 110. Since the moving frame 170 is substantially positioned in the predetermined space 130, the structure of the moving frame 170 and the movement of the moving frame 170 cannot be seen in the storage compartment. However, the movement of the moving frame 170 must be transferred to the drawer 30, which is provided in the storage compartment. For this reason, an element for transferring force, for example, a transfer member, which will be described hereinafter, may be exposed to the outside surface of the support cover 110. That is, the transfer member may extend from the inside of the support cover 110 to the outside of the support cover 110. Consequently, the transfer member may extend from the inside surface 112 to the outside surface 11 of the support cover 110.

In other words, the moving frame 170 may be an element for transferring force generated by the motor assembly 160, which is positioned in the predetermined space 130, to the drawer 30, which is positioned outside the predetermined space 130. The details of the moving frame 170 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, a through part 16a may be formed through the partition wall 16. The through part 16a may be formed such that the motor assembly 160 is disposed through the through part 16a. The motor assembly 160 may have a predetermined horizontal width, as shown in FIG. 4. In a case in which the motor assembly 160 is positioned in the predetermined space 130 with the result that the motor assembly 160 is isolated from the storage compartment, therefore, the horizontal width of the partition wall 16 or the horizontal width of the support cover 110 may be excessively increased, which may reduce the inner space of the storage compartment. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the inner space of the storage compartment from being reduced due to the motor assembly 160 by the provision of the through part 16a.

Specifically, in a case in which the support assemblies 110 are positioned on the left and right sides of the partition wall 16, a portion of the left motor assembly (the motor assembly for moving the drawer in the left freezing compartment) may be positioned in the right space 130 through the through part 16a. Similarly, a portion of the right motor assembly (the motor assembly for moving the drawer in the right freezing compartment) may be positioned in the left space 130 through the through part 16a. The two motor assemblies 160 may be vertically arranged side by side. That is, the two motor assemblies 160 may be vertically arranged side by side such that the horizontal widths of the motor assemblies 160 partially overlap each other. As a result, owing to the support assemblies, it is possible to minimize the effect in thickness of the motor assemblies 160 as compared with a case in which the two motor assemblies 160 are horizontally arranged side by side at the same height.

The through part 16a may be formed so as to correspond to the external shape of the motor assembly 160. Consequently, the motor assembly 160 may be fixed and supported in the through part 16a. In a case in which the motor assemblies are provided at the left and right sides of the partition wall 16, the through part 16a may be formed so as to have a vertically extending length. One of the motor assemblies is disposed through the upper side of the through part 16a, and the other motor assembly is disposed through the lower side of the through part 16a. That is, the two motor assemblies 160 may be vertically arranged through the through part 16a. When the support cover 110 is coupled to the partition wall 16, the through part 16a may be covered by the support cover 110.

The through part 16a may be formed in a case in which the motor assembles are provided on the left and right sides of the partition wall 16. In a case in which the motor assembly is provided at only one sidewall of the storage compartment, however, a recessed part may be formed in place of the through part. Consequently, a portion of the horizontal width of the motor assembly may be inserted into the recessed part, whereby it is possible to minimize the reduction of the inner space of the storage compartment due to the motor assembly.

Meanwhile, the motor assembly 160 includes a motor 162 configured to be operated by electrical energy. To this end, an electric cable for supplying electrical energy must be connected to the motor assembly 160. The electric cable may be connected from a power supply device of the refrigerator to the motor assembly 160.

An upper opening 16b for electric cable connection may be formed in the partition wall 16. The electric cable connected to the power supply device may extend to the upper opening 16b of the vertical partition wall 16 through the horizontal partition wall 14 shown in FIG. 1. An electric cable through part 16c may be formed through the partition wall 16. Consequently, the electric cable may further extend from the upper opening 16b to the electric cable through part 16c. An electric cable 16d may extend from the electric cable through part 16c to the right side (one side) and may then be terminated using an electric cable coupling part 16e. The electric cable coupling part 16e may be an electric cable coupling part configured to be connected to the right motor assembly 160. In the same manner, an electric cable and an electric cable coupling part may also be provided at the left side (the other side) of the electric cable through part 16c.

The electric cable may extend through the horizontal partition wall 14 and the vertical partition wall 16 before the support assembly 100 is mounted to the partition wall 16, and may then extend through the electric cable through part 16c. The electric cable coupling part 16e may be formed at the end of the electric cable.

The electric cable coupling part 16e is positioned in the predetermined space 130, which was previously described. Before the support assembly 100 is mounted to the partition wall 16, therefore, the motor assembly 160 is connected to the partition wall 16 through the electric cable coupling part 16e. Subsequently, the support assembly 100 may be fixed to the partition wall 16 through a fastening part 118 formed at the support cover 110 and a fastening part 16f formed at the partition wall 16. The fastening parts 118 and 16f may be formed in the shape of a boss for screw coupling. On the other hand, screws may be removed in order to separate the support assembly 100 from the partition wall 16. Subsequently, the motor assembly 160 is separated from the electric cable coupling part 16e, whereby the support assembly 100 is completely separated from the partition wall 16. That is, the structural and electrical connection between the support assembly 100 and the partition wall 16 may be released.

Consequently, it is possible to very easily perform coupling, separation, and connection between the support assembly 100 and the partition wall 16 through the structure of the partition wall 16 or the sidewall of the storage compartment, the structure of the support assembly 100, and the electric cable connection structure via the sidewall or the partition wall.

As previously described, the motor assembly 160 includes the motor 162. In general, motors are formed to have a cylindrical shape. A direction in which a rotary shaft of the motor extends may be perpendicular to the sidewall of the storage compartment or the partition wall 16. As a result, the horizontal width of the motor assembly 160 may be increased due to the size of the motor (the height of the cylindrical motor).

As shown in FIG. 4, the support cover 110 may be provided with a motor avoidance recess 119. For example, a circular motor avoidance recess 119 may be formed in the support cover 110 such that the circular motor avoidance recess 119 corresponds in shape to the motor. The motor avoidance recess 119 may receive at least a portion of the motor. Consequently, it is possible to enlarge the part of the motor assembly 160 corresponding to the motor without increasing the horizontal width of the motor assembly 160. In order to eliminate the interference between the motor avoidance recess 119 and the enlarged part of the motor assembly 160, the motor avoidance recess 119 may be formed in the support cover 110.

For the right support cover, the motor avoidance recess 119 protrudes rightward from the right support cover. The protruding motor avoidance recess 119 may interfere with other elements mounted to the support cover. In order to solve this problem, the motor avoidance recess 119 may be formed between the rails 120.

On the assumption that three rails 120 are mounted to the support cover 110, the motor avoidance recess 119 may be formed in the right support cover between the middle rail and the lower rail. On the other hand, the motor avoidance recess 119 may be formed in the left support cover between the upper rail and the middle rail.

The motor assembly 160 may be more securely coupled to the support cover 110 by the provision of the motor avoidance recess 119. In addition, the motor assembly 160 may be formed between the rails in order to minimize the reduction of the inner space of the storage compartment due to the extension of the predetermined space 130.

In a case in which the horizontal width of the motor assembly 160 is further increased in consideration of the size of the motor, for example in a case in which the horizontal width of a housing 161 of the motor assembly 160 is further increased, it is necessary to reduce the inner space of the storage compartment in order to avoid the interference between the motor assembly 160 and the rail.

Hereinafter, a structure that supports the drawer and applies force to the drawer will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the upper part of the support assembly shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, a rail 120 corresponding to one drawer 30 and a structure for transferring force to the drawer 30 are provided at the support cover 110.

Referring to FIG. 5, the drawer 30, while not shown in FIG. 5, is supported such that the drawer 30 can move forward and rearward along the rail 120. In general, the user may pull or push the drawer in order to withdraw or insert the drawer 30. The rail 120 is generally provided in order for the user to easily withdraw or insert the drawer 30 using the minimum force. To this end, the rail 120 may be mounted to the outside surface 111 of the support cover 110, i.e. the surface of the support cover 110 facing the interior of the storage compartment.

As previously described, the electric driving unit 150, particularly the motor assembly 160, may be mounted to the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110. Here, the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110 may be the surface of the support cover 110 facing the sidewall or the partition wall 16. Consequently, it is necessary to provide a structure for transferring force or displacement generated at the inside surface 112 of the support cover to the outside surface 111 of the support cover.

To this end, a through part 113 may be formed in the support cover 110. That is, the through part 113 may be formed through the support cover 110. It is possible to transfer the movement of the moving frame 170 to the drawer 30 through the through part 113.

Specifically, the moving frame 170 may include a transfer member 171 for transferring force to the drawer 30. The transfer member 171 may be a portion of the moving frame 170. Alternatively, the transfer member 171 may be connected to the moving frame 170. In addition, the transfer member 171 may be selectively connected to the moving frame 170. In any case, the movement of the moving frame 170 may be transferred to the drawer 30 via the transfer member 171.

The transfer member 171 may extend through the through part 113. That is, the moving frame 170 may be moved on the inside surface 112 of the support cover, whereas the transfer member 171 may be moved on the outside surface 111 of the support cover through the through part 113. Consequently, the transfer member 171 is moved forward and rearward through the through part 113.

Since the transfer member 171 is moved forward and rearward, the through part 113 may be formed so as to define a movement path of the transfer member 171. For this reason, the through part 113 may be referred to as a slit that is formed so as to extend forward and rearward.

The transfer member 171 transfers the force generated by the electric driving unit, particularly the movement of the moving frame 170, to the drawer 30. That is, the transfer member 171 may push the drawer 30 such that the drawer 30 can move along the rail. In other words, the drawer 30 may move automatically even when the user does not manipulate the drawer.

As shown in FIG. 5, the load of the drawer may be transferred to the support cover 110 via the rail 120. The load transferred to the support cover 110 may be transferred to the sidewall or the partition wall to which the support cover 110 is mounted. Consequently, the load of the drawer may not substantially affect the electric driving unit 150. In other words, load applied to the electric driving unit 150 in order to withdraw the drawer may have little to no relationship to the load of the drawer.

In addition, the load of the drawer may not be transferred to the electric driving unit 150, particularly the moving frame 170. Specifically, since the direction in which the moving frame 170 is moved is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the load of the drawer is applied, it is possible to minimize the effect in movement of the moving frame 170 attributable to the increase in load of the drawer. In other words, the moving frame 170 is decoupled from the drawer in the vertical direction such that the weight of the drawer may not be vertically transferred to the moving frame 170. Even when the load of the drawer is increased, therefore, the moving frame 170 may be smoothly moved forward and rearward.

Hereinafter, a mechanism between the electric driving unit 150 and the drawer 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a view showing the support assembly 100 at the initial position of the drawer when viewed from inside the support cover 110, and FIG. 7 is a view showing the support assembly 100 at the ready position of the drawer when viewed from inside the support cover 110. Of course, the support cover 110 may be fixed to the sidewall of the storage compartment or the partition wall regardless of the movement of the drawer.

The motor assembly 160 may be provided in the predetermined space or electric driving unit mounting space 130 between the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110 and the partition wall 16. Specifically, the motor assembly 160 may be mounted to the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110. Consequently, the motor assembly 160 may be fixed to the support assembly 100 regardless of the movement of the drawer.

The motor assembly 160 may include a housing 161, in which power generating and transfer elements, such as a motor 162 and a gear 162a, may be received. The housing 161 is fixed to the support cover 110 such that the motor assembly 160 is stably supported by the support cover 110. As previously described, the part of the housing 161 corresponding to the motor 162 may protrude further outward than the remaining parts of the housing 161 due to the shape of the motor 162, and may be located in the motor avoidance recess 119.

A plurality of gears 162a may be provided in order to reduce the rotational speed and to transfer torque.

The electric driving unit 150 may include a connection member 163. The motor assembly 160 may include the connection member 163. The connection member 163 may be provided between the motor assembly 160, particularly the housing 161 of the motor assembly 160, and the moving frame 170. That is, the connection member 163 may be provided in order to interconnect the motor assembly 160 and the moving frame 170.

The connection member 163 may be configured such that the distance by which the connection member 163 is withdrawn from the motor assembly 160, particularly the housing 161, is changeable. That is, the distance by which the connection member 163 is withdrawn may be changed. When the distance by which the connection member 163 is withdrawn from the housing 161, which is fixed, is increased, the distance between the housing 161 and the moving frame 170 increases. On the other hand, when the distance by which the connection member 163 is withdrawn from the housing 161, which is fixed, is decreased, the distance between the housing 161 and the moving frame 170 decreases. Consequently, the motor assembly 160 may drive the connection member 163 such that the distance by which the connection member 163 is withdrawn is changed, and may move the moving frame 170 as the result thereof.

One side of the connection member 163 may be positioned so as to move relative to the motor assembly 160, and the other side of the connection member 163 may be positioned so as to move together with the moving frame 170. That is, the other side of the connection member 163 may be coupled to the moving frame 170. A connection member coupling part 174 may be formed at the moving frame 170. The connection member 163 is coupled to the moving frame 170 via the connection member coupling part 174. Consequently, the movement of the connection member 163 may result in the movement of the moving frame 170.

Specifically, the connection member 163 may be formed in the shape of a rack, and the motor assembly 160 may be formed in the shape of a pinion. That is, one of the gears 162a may be a pinion gear, which may be connected to the connection member 163. For example, the clockwise rotation of the motor 162 may be converted into the forward movement of the connection member 163 through the gears 162a, and the counterclockwise rotation of the motor 162 may be converted into the rearward movement of the connection member 163 through the gears 162a. Of course, the directions in which the motor is rotated and the directions in which the connection member is moved may be reversed based on the configuration of the gears.

Consequently, the distance by which the connection member is withdrawn may be increased or decreased according to the forward and reverse driving of the motor assembly 160. The driving of the motor assembly 160 may push or pull the connection member 163 and thus may push or pull the moving frame.

The moving frame 170 may be configured to transfer driving force generated by the motor assembly 160 to the drawer 30. Basically, therefore, the moving frame 170 is moved by the driving of the motor assembly 160. Specifically, the moving frame 170 may be movably provided on the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110.

As previously described, a plurality of drawers may be provided in the storage compartment. When the door is opened, all of the drawers may move from the initial position to the ready position. The movement of the drawers may be performed simultaneously. Consequently, the moving frame 170 may be configured to transfer a driving force to all of the drawers.

In order to transfer a driving force to the drawers, which are arranged vertically, the moving frame 170 may extend in a vertical direction. For example, the moving frame 170 may extend upward and downward. That is, the moving frame 170 may extend vertically so as to correspond to the height of the drawers, which are arranged vertically. In addition, the moving frame 170 may be provided with a plurality of transfer members 171. In the same manner, the transfer members may be disposed at a single moving frame 170 such that the transfer members are arranged vertically. One transfer member 171 may be provided so as to correspond to one drawer 30. As a result, all of the drawers, which are arranged vertically, may be moved by a single moving frame 170. That is, the moving frame may move forward to push the drawers.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, an example in which three transfer members 171 are formed at a single moving frame 170 is shown. This means that a single moving frame 170 is moved in order to move three transfer members 171 which are arranged vertically. That is, three transfer members 171 may be simultaneously moved from the initial position to the ready position by moving a single moving frame 170. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously move a plurality of drawers through a single motor assembly 160, a single connection member 163, and a single moving frame 170. That is, it is possible to easily move a plurality of drawers even though only one electric driving unit 150 that is operably connected to a single door 20 is provided. Consequently, it is possible to realize simple and easy control logic. In addition, the motor assembly 160, the connection member 163, and the moving frame 170 may not be provided for each drawer. As a result, it is possible to minimize the reduction in capacity of the storage compartment. Of course, it is possible to minimize the increase in manufacturing cost and to realize very easy installation and maintenance.

The moving frame 170 may be supported on the inside surface 112 of the support cover 110 such that the moving frame 170 can move forward and rearward. More specifically, the moving frame 170 may be supported such that the moving frame 170 can slide forward and rearward.

As previously described, the moving frame 170 may be configured to move a plurality of drawers 30. To this end, the moving frame 170 may be formed in the shape of a plate that extends vertically. That is, the moving frame 170 may be formed in the shape of a plate that extends in a vertical direction. In addition, the deviation in movement between the upper and lower parts of the moving frame 170 may be minimized when the moving frame 170 is moved.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the moving frame 170. The moving frame 170 is configured to have a structure for simultaneously withdrawing three drawers.

Transfer members 171 may be provided at the upper end, the lower end, and the middle of the moving frame 170. To this end, the moving frame 170 may extend vertically so as to correspond to the height of the drawers 30.

The moving frame 170 may be formed in the shape of a plate that extends in a vertical direction. The moving frame 170 may have a relatively small thickness. In order to increase the rigidity of the moving frame 170, therefore, a plurality of ribs 170a may be formed at the moving frame 170. The ribs may include horizontal ribs and vertical ribs. In addition, the ribs may be formed in the shape of a lattice.

Specifically, the moving frame 170 may be formed in the shape of a plate that has a predetermined width in a direction in which the moving frame 170 is moved, i.e. in a forward and rearward direction. Of course, the moving frame 170 may be formed in the shape of a rectangle that has a height greater than a forward and rearward width. As previously described, the vertical height of the moving frame 170 may be formed so as to correspond to the height at which the drawers are arranged. In addition, the moving frame 170 may be formed in the shape of a thin plate having a relatively small thickness. Consequently, it is possible to minimize the reduction of the inner space of the storage compartment due to the thickness of the moving frame 170 and to move the drawers 30 while exhibiting sufficient rigidity. This is because force is applied to the moving frame 170 in the forward and rearward direction, not in the thickness direction, when the moving frame 170 pushes the drawer 30.

In addition, the moving frame 170 may be provided with a sliding support part 172. A pair of sliding support parts 172 may be formed at the upper end of the moving frame 170, and a pair of sliding support parts 172 may be formed at the lower end of the moving frame 170. In addition, a pair of sliding support parts 172 may be formed at the middle of the moving frame 170. Consequently, the moving frame 170 may move in a state in which the moving frame 170 is supported by at least four upper, lower, left, and right support points. The moving frame 170 may have two upper support points, two lower support points, and two middle support points. As a result, it is possible to prevent the moving frame from being twisted when the moving frame 170 is moved forward and rearward.

The forward and rearward width of the upper end and the lower end of the moving frame 170 may be increased in order to form the support parts 172 at the upper end and the lower end of the moving frame 170. The transfer members 171 may be formed at the extension parts of the moving frame 170.

On the other hand, the middle of the moving frame 170, at which the transfer member is formed, may not extend horizontally. As a result, the transfer member 171 formed at the middle of the moving frame 170 may become separated from the moving frame 170 when the transfer member 171 is used for a long period of time. That is, a connection between the transfer member 171 and the moving frame 170 may be broken or damaged. This is because the transfer member 171 may protrude from the moving frame 170 and may be bent and thus broken or damaged when the transfer member 171 is used for a long period of time.

In order to solve this problem, a reinforcement rib or reinforcement protrusion 171a may be formed between the moving frame 170 and the transfer member provided at the middle of the moving frame 170. The reinforcement rib may be formed parallel to a direction in which force is applied to the reinforcement rib. A plurality of reinforcement ribs may be formed, or the reinforcement protrusion 171a may extend from the transfer member.

Meanwhile, when the moving frame 170 is used for a long period of time, the middle part of the moving frame 170 may extend toward the drawer or in the opposite direction. That is, the middle part of the moving frame 170 may become convex. In this case, the transfer member may be constrained in the slit 113, or may escape from the slit 113. Particularly, in a case in which the transfer member escapes from the slit 113, it is not possible for the transfer member to transfer force to the drawer 30.

For this reason, the middle part of the moving frame 170 as well as the upper and lower ends of the moving frame 170 may be slidably supported.

In order to more smoothly move the moving frame 170, guide bars 114 may be formed at the support cover 110. The guide bars 114 may be formed so as to correspond to the upper and lower ends of the moving frame 170. To this end, the guide bars may include an upper guide bar and a lower guide bar. More specifically, the guide bars 114 may be formed so as to correspond to the upper end, the middle, and the lower end of the moving frame 170. In the same manner, the sliding support parts 172 may be formed at the upper end, the middle, and the lower end of the moving frame 170.

Each of the sliding support parts 172 may be formed so as to surround a corresponding one of the guide bars 114. Consequently, the sliding support parts 172 may slide forward and rearward in a state in which the sliding support parts 172 surround the respective guide bars 114.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the sliding support part 172 and the guide bar 114. Specifically, FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part “A” shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows that the sliding support part 172 surrounds the guide bar 114.

As shown in FIG. 9, a liner 173 may be interposed between the guide bar 114 and the sliding support part 172. The liner may be made of a polyoxymethylene (POM) material. That is, the liner may be made of engineered plastic such as polyacetal or polyoxymethylene. The POM material exhibits high mechanical strength, high wear resistance, low frictional resistance, and high lubricity. For this reason, it is possible for the guide bar 114 to support the moving frame 170 such that the moving frame 170 can move smoothly even when the guide bar 114 is used for a long period of time. Of course, the guide bar 114 may be coated with a lubricant such as grease.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sliding support part 172 slides forward and rearward along the guide bar 114. At this time, the sliding support part 172 may not move smoothly due to the loading and twisting of the moving frame 170.

Friction may be concentrated on the upper inside surface and the lower inside surface of the liner 173 due to the loading of the moving frame 170. In addition, friction may be concentrated on the left inside surface and the right inside surface of the liner 173 due to the twisting of the moving frame 170, which may be caused by the force applied to the transfer member 171 protruding from the moving frame 170.

For this reason, friction avoidance recesses 173a, 173b, 173c, and 173d may be formed in the upper inside surface, the lower inside surface, the left inside surface, and the right inside surface of the liner 173, respectively. It is possible to minimize the frictional force between the liner and the guide bar by the provision of the friction avoidance recesses 173a, 173b, 173c, and 173d, whereby the moving frame may move smoothly while being securely supported.

In particular, the friction avoidance recesses 173a, 173b, 173c, and 173d may be filled with grease, by which the frictional force may be further minimized. In addition, since sufficient grease is supplied to a friction part, the moving frame may move smoothly even when the moving frame is used for a long period of time.

The moving frame 170 may simultaneously withdraw a plurality of drawers. In other words, the moving frame 170 may simultaneously push a plurality of drawers without temporal or positional deviation. If temporal or positional deviation occurs, the moving frame 170 may be twisted. As a result, the moving frame 170 may not move smoothly, and excessive stress may be concentrated on a specific part of the moving frame.

Consequently, it may be very important to mount the moving frame 170 in position. To this end, the guide bar 114 may be mounted in position first. To this end, guide bar fixing parts 114a may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the guide bar fixing parts 114a may be formed at two upper points and two lower points of the support frame. The two guide bars may be mounted in position without upward and downward deviation or forward and rearward deviation, owing to the provision of the guide bar fixing parts 114a. The moving frame may also be mounted in position through the guide bars.

In order for the transfer members 171, provided at the moving frame, to simultaneously transfer force to the drawers, the drawers must be mounted in position without deviation, which will be described hereinafter in detail when the detailed structure of the drawers is described.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 6, the motor assemblies 160 are mounted lower than the upper and lower centers of the support cover 110 such that the motor assemblies 160 are mounted vertically through the partition wall 16, as described with reference to FIG. 4. That is, the motor assemblies 160 may be mounted to the opposite support cover 110 at higher positions than the upper and lower centers of the support cover 110.

The connection member 163 may push or pull the upper part or the lower part of the moving frame 170 at positions other than the upper and lower center parts of the moving frame 170, due to the position of the motor assembly 160. Basically, therefore, the connection member 163 applies force to the moving frame such that the moving frame is twisted. In order to minimize the application of force to the moving frame 170 at eccentric positions, rather than the upper and lower center parts of the moving frame 170, the connection member 163 includes an extension part 164. The extension part 164 may extend upward or downward from the end of the connection member 163 (i.e. the end of the connection member 163 that is connected to the moving frame).

The extension part 164 may be formed so as to extend through the upper and lower center parts of the moving frame 170. That is, the extension part 164 shown in FIG. 6 may extend further upward from the upper and lower center parts of the moving frame 170, and the opposite extension part 164 may extend further downward from the upper and lower center parts of the moving frame 170. As a result, it is possible to minimize twisting of the moving frame 170 even when the upper and lower centers of the connection member 163 are not aligned with the upper and lower centers of the moving frame 170. The connection member 163 may be coupled to the moving frame as the result of the coupling between the extension part 164 and the connection member coupling part 174.

A plurality of connection member coupling parts 174 may be provided in order to uniformly transfer force and displacement applied through the connection member 163 to the upper and lower parts of the moving frame 170. In addition, it is possible to uniformly transfer a driving force generated by the electric driving unit to the moving frame 170 through the extension part 164.

As previously described, the through part 113 is formed in the support cover 110. The through part 113 may be referred to as a slit-shaped through part or a slit. The number of through parts 113 may be the same as the number of drawers 30. The through parts 113 are formed through the support cover 110. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the through parts 113 are formed in the support cover 110 so as to extend horizontally. The transfer member 171 moves leftward and rightward along the slit 113. In the refrigerator, the transfer member 171 moves forward and rearward along the slit 113. Since the transfer member is formed through the support cover 110, the transfer member may be connected to the drawer 30 provided on the outside surface 111 of the support cover 110. That is, the transfer member 171 may be coupled to the drawer 30, or may contact the drawer 30. The transfer member 171 may be connected to the drawer 30 in order to directly apply force to the drawer 30.

As shown in FIG. 6, the distance between the motor assembly 160 and the moving frame 170 at the initial position of the drawer and the moving frame is relatively small. In this state, the moving frame 170 is biased to the left side. In other words, the moving frame is more deeply positioned in the storage compartment of the refrigerator.

When the motor assembly 160 is driven, the distance between the motor assembly 160 and the moving frame 170 is increased. That is, the connection member 163 pushes the moving frame 170 such that the moving frame 170 moves forward. At this time, the transfer member 171 pushes the drawer 30 as the result of the movement of the moving frame 170, whereby the drawer 30 is moved to the ready position. In other words, the support assembly 100 is moved from the initial position shown in FIG. 6 to the ready position shown in FIG. 7. That is, the connection member 163 and the moving frame 170 shown in FIG. 6 are positioned at the initial position, and the connection member 163 and the moving frame 170 shown in FIG. 7 are positioned at the ready position.

On the other hand, the relative position between the support cover 110 and the housing 161 of the motor assembly is not changed. Consequently, the moving frame 170 may be provided between the initial position and the ready position so as to be moved forward and rearward by the motor assembly 160. In addition, the moving frame 170 may be connected to the drawer in order to apply force to the drawer in a direction in which the drawer is withdrawn from the initial position to the ready position.

As shown in FIG. 10, the connection between the drawer 30 and the moving frame, particularly the transfer member 171, may be referred to as catching. In addition, the connection release may be referred to as catching release.

Specifically, the drawer 30 is provided with a catching member 33. The catching member 33 may protrude toward the support cover 110. The transfer member 171 may protrude toward the drawer 30 through the support cover 110.

The transfer member 171 is positioned at the rear of the catching member 33. As a result, a pushing force may be transferred to the transfer member 171, but a pulling force may not be transferred to the transfer member 171. That is, the transfer member 171 pushes the catching member 33 forward while moving forward. When the transfer member 171 is moved rearward, however, the connection between the catching member 33 and the transfer member 171 is released. Consequently, the transfer member 171 may selectively push the catching member 33. More specifically, the transfer member 171 pushes the catching member 33 forward when the transfer member 171 moves forward, but does not push the catching member when the transfer member 171 moves rearward.

The catching member 33 may be formed at a rail coupling part 37 of the drawer 30. That is, the catching member 33 may be formed at the rail coupling part 37, at which the drawer 30 is coupled to the rail 120. Consequently, the position at which the drawer is pushed is substantially identical to the position at which the drawer is coupled to the rail 120.

Hereinafter, an automatic movement mechanism of the drawer 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view showing a connection between the drawer 30 and the support assembly 100.

The drawer 30 may include a basket 31 for receiving goods and a drawer frame 32 provided outside the basket 31. The basket 31 may be supported by the rail 120 via the drawer frame 32 such that the basket 31 can move along the rail 120. The basket 31 and the drawer frame 32 may be moved as one body. The drawer frame 32 may be provided at the lower side of the basket 31.

The rail 120 may include a fixed rail 122 and a moving rail 121. The rail 120 may be coupled to the sidewall of the storage compartment or the partition wall 16 via rail brackets 123 and 124. In addition, the rail 120 may be coupled to the support cover 110.

The fixed rail 122 may be configured to support the load of the drawer 30. The moving rail 121 may be configured to move forward and rearward relative to the fixed rail 122. For example, the moving rail 121 may be configured to slide relative to the fixed rail 122.

The moving rail 121 is coupled to the rail coupling part 37 of the drawer 30. Consequently, the moving rail 121 and the drawer 30 may move forward and rearward as one body.

The rail coupling part 37 is formed at the side of the drawer. In addition, the rail coupling part 37 may be provided to locate the moving rail 121 in the upper part thereof. That is, the rail coupling part 37 may be provided such that the upper part of the moving rail 121 is located in the rail coupling part 37 while the upper part of the moving rail 121 is surrounded by the rail coupling part 37.

The structure of the drawer 30 and the coupling structure between the drawer 30 and the rail 120 will be described hereinafter in detail.

The drawer frame 32 is positioned at one side (the left side) of the support cover 110, and the moving frame 170 is positioned at the other side (the right side) of the support cover 110. The transfer member 171 of the moving frame 170 may extend to the vicinity of the drawer frame 32 through the slit 113 formed in the support cover 110.

The moving frame 170 may be selectively connected to the drawer frame 32. That is, the moving frame 170 may be configured to selectively push the drawer through the drawer frame 32. As the result of the connection between the moving frame 170 and the drawer frame 32, the movement of the moving frame 170 may be converted into the movement of the drawer frame 32, i.e. the drawer 30. On the other hand, as the result of the disconnection between the moving frame 170 and the drawer frame 32, conversion of the movement of the moving frame 170 into the movement of the drawer 30 may be prevented.

Specifically, the drawer 30 may be provided with a catching member 33. The catching member 33 may be referred to as a first catching member 33 such that the catching member 33 is distinguished from another catching member, which will be described hereinafter. The first catching frame 33 may be formed at the drawer frame 32, and may extend toward the moving frame 170. Consequently, the first catching frame 33 may be formed at the side surface of the drawer 30. More specifically, the first catching frame 33 may be formed at the lower side surface of the drawer 30.

As previously described, the moving frame 170 may move forward from the initial position to the ready position. The movement of the moving frame 170 is converted into the movement of the drawer 30 from the initial position to the ready position. The movement of the moving frame 170 from the initial position to the ready position may be performed by the application of force to the moving frame 170 from the rear of the moving frame 170. Consequently, the moving frame 170 may push the drawer 30 such that the drawer 30 is moved from the initial position to the ready position.

To this end, as described with reference to FIG. 10, the first catching member 33 may be positioned at the front of the transfer member 171. In addition, the moving frame 170 contacts the drawer 30 in a state in which the moving frame 170 and the drawer 30 are in the initial position. As the transfer member 171 moves from the initial position to the ready position, therefore, the transfer member 171 may continuously push the first catching member 33. As a result, the drawer 30 may also be moved from the initial position to the ready position.

On the other hand, in a state in which the drawer 30 is at the ready position, the transfer member 171 may return rearward, which may be referred to as the return of the transfer member to the initial position. That is, at this time, the connection or catching between the transfer member 171 and the first catching member 33 is released. Consequently, the drawer 30 remains at the ready position, and the transfer member 171, particularly the moving frame 170, may return rearward.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the sectional area of the transfer member 171 may be greater than the sectional area of the catching member 33. That is, the relatively large transfer member 171 may transfer force to the relatively small catching member 33. Consequently, force is stably transferred from the transfer member 171 to the catching member 33. In addition, the transfer member 171 may further extend upward and downward from the catching member 33. Consequently, the transfer member 171 may stably transfer force to the entire contact surface of the catching member 33, even when the catching member 33 droops.

As previously described, at the initial position, the drawer 30 may remain in the storage compartment. When the user wishes to use the drawer 30, the user opens the door 20 and pulls the drawer 30 such that at least a portion of the drawer is withdrawn from the storage compartment. The above-mentioned maximum withdrawal position may be a position at which the drawer 30 is maximally withdrawn forward in a state in which the drawer 30 is supported by the rail 120. The maximum withdrawal position may be preset through the rail 120. That is, the distance between the ready position and the maximum withdrawal position may be preset.

Basically, the drawer 30 may be supported by the rail 120 such that the drawer 30 can move between the initial position and the maximum withdrawal position. As previously described, the drawer 30 may automatically move from the initial position to the ready position by driving of the electric driving unit 150.

The drawer may be manually withdrawn from the ready position to the maximum withdrawal position (a position spaced apart forward from the ready position by a predetermined distance). That is, the connection between the moving frame 170 and the drawer 30 is released between the ready position and the maximum withdrawal position such that the drawer 30 can be manually withdrawn.

When the door 20 is opened, the drawer 30 may automatically move to the ready position such that the user can easily withdraw the drawer 30. In order to use the drawer 30, the user may further manually withdraw the drawer 30 away from the ready position. After the use of the drawer 30, the user may manually insert the drawer 30 into the storage compartment. For example, the user may manually push the drawer 30 to the ready position or to the vicinity of the ready position. Of course, the user may manually push the drawer 30 to the initial position.

That is, automatic withdrawal of the drawer 30, which is achieved simultaneously when the door is opened, may be performed from the initial position to the ready position, and the drawer 30 may be manually withdrawn from the ready position to the maximum withdrawal position.

Meanwhile, when the drawer 30 is withdrawn to the ready position, the motor assembly 160 may be operated to move the connection member 163 to the initial position. Consequently, the insertion of the drawer 30 may be performed manually. Manual insertion may be performed as follows. The user may insert the drawer 30 while directly holding the drawer 30. Alternatively, when the door 20 is closed, the door 20 may push the drawer 30 such that the drawer 30 is inserted. The reason for this is that the user's force is used to insert the drawer.

For example, the user may directly push the drawer 30 from the maximum withdrawal position to the initial position such that the drawer 30 is inserted. Alternatively, the user may directly push the drawer 30 from the maximum withdrawal position to the ready position such that the drawer 30 is inserted, and may then close the door 20 such that the drawer 30 is pushed to the initial position. When the door 20 is closed, the door basket provided at the rear of the door 20 pushes the drawer 30. When the user manually closes the door 20, therefore, the user must use force greater than the force required to insert the drawer in order to close the door 20.

In the above, the mechanism between the drawer 30 and the support assembly 100 has been described in terms of automatic withdrawal of the drawer 30. That is, an embodiment in which the drawer 30 is automatically withdrawn using electrical energy has been described. In the above embodiment, it is not necessary for the user to apply force to the drawer 30 in order to withdraw the drawer 30.

Meanwhile, effort on the part of the user may be minimized when the drawer 30 is inserted as well as when the drawer 30 is withdrawn. That is, it is not necessary for the user to apply force to the drawer 30 in order to insert the drawer 30.

In this embodiment, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the drawer 30 can be inserted automatically for user convenience. In particular, it is possible to provide a refrigerator configured such that the drawer 30 can be automatically pushed from the ready position or the vicinity of the ready position to the initial position. That is, for the same reason that no force from the user is needed to automatically withdraw the drawer 30, no force from the user may be needed to automatically insert the drawer 30. In addition, the door basket 25 provided at the rear of the door 20 may prevent impact from being applied to the drawer, and it may not be necessary for the user to apply force to the drawer in order to insert the drawer, except for the force necessary to close the door 20.

To this end, an automatic drawer insertion device may be provided. Accordingly, the drawer may be inserted back into the initial position without the user having to provide the required closing force. For example, as described in this embodiment, an elastic device 180 may be provided. The elastic device 180 may be mounted to the sidewall of the storage compartment. In the same manner as in the previous embodiment, the elastic device 180 may be mounted to the support cover 110.

Hereinafter, an embodiment including an elastic device 180 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. In FIGS. 12 to 14, an elastic device 180 is added, unlike FIGS. 4, 5, and 11. Consequently, a detailed description of elements corresponding to the elements described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 11 will be omitted.

The elastic device 180 may be configured to provide an elastic restoring force to the drawer 30. In particular, the elastic device 180 may be configured such that the elastic device 180 is elastically deformed when the drawer 30 is withdrawn and such that the elastic device 180 provides an elastic restoring force to the drawer 30 when the drawer 30 is inserted. That is, the withdrawal of the drawer may be automatically performed by the electric driving unit, and the insertion of the drawer may be automatically performed by the elastic device 180. In other words, the withdrawal of the drawer may be automatically performed by the driving force of the motor, and the insertion of the drawer may be automatically performed by the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180.

In addition to the rail 120, the elastic device 180 may be mounted to the support cover 110. Specifically, a set including a pair of rails 120, a slit 113, and an elastic device 180 may be provided at a single drawer 30. In a case in which a plurality of drawers 30 is provided, a plurality of sets may also be provided. In addition, in the same manner as the rail 120, the elastic device 180 may be mounted to the outside surface 111 of the support cover 110.

The rail 120 may be mounted to the lower side of the slit 113, formed in the support cover 110, and the elastic device 180 may be mounted to the upper side of the slit 113.

The elastic device 180 may be configured to provide an elastic restoring force to the drawer 30 when the drawer 30 returns from the ready position or the vicinity of the ready position to the initial position. The drawer 30 may be automatically returned to the initial position by the elastic restoring force.

To this end, the elastic device 180 may be selectively connected to the drawer 30. That is, the elastic device 180 may be configured to selectively hold the drawer.

Specifically, the elastic device 180 may include a hanging member 181. The hanging member 181 may be selectively connected to the drawer 30. More specifically, the drawer may be provided with a second catching member 34. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, a second catching member 34, which is connected to the hanging member 181 of the elastic device 180, may be provided in addition to the first catching member 33, which is connected to the transfer member 171 of the moving frame.

The second catching member 34 may be provided at the upper side of the first catching member 33. Specifically, the second catching member 34 may protrude from the drawer frame 32 toward the support cover 110.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the elastic device 180 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 15.

The elastic device 180 includes a spring 187 as an example of an elastic member. In addition, a hanging member 181 is provided in order to elastically deform the spring 187. The hanging member is coupled to the catching member of the drawer 30 such that the hanging member is displaced in response to the movement of the drawer 30. As the result of this displacement, the elastic device 180 may be elastically deformed or may generate an elastic restoring force.

A connection member 189 may be interposed between the hanging member 181 and the spring 187. One end of the spring 187 is fixed, and the other end of the spring 187 is coupled to the connection member 189. The connection member 189 is coupled to the hanging member 181. Consequently, the hanging member 181 and the connection member 189 are moved as one body, whereby the spring 197 may be elastically deformed or elastically restored.

The elastic device 180 includes a housing 182. The housing 182 receives the spring 187 and the hanging member 181. Of course, the housing 182 may receive the connection member 189. The housing 182 may be provided with a plurality of coupling parts 188. The elastic device 180 may be fixedly coupled to the sidewall of the storage compartment, the partition wall, or the support cover 110 via the coupling parts 188.

The hanging member 181 is basically configured to move while being displaced linearly. A slot 183 is formed in order to guide the movement of the hanging member 181. The hanging member 181 is provided with a guide protrusion 181a. The guide protrusion 181a moves along the slot 183.

As the hanging member 181 moves forward, the connection between the hanging member 181 and the drawer is released at a specific position. To this end, an inclined slot 185 may be formed at the front of the slot 183. During the forward movement of the hanging member 181, the guide protrusion 181a may move upward along the inclined slot 185. The upward movement of the guide protrusion 181a is achieved by the rotation of the hanging member 181. To this end, the hanging member 181 may be provided with a rotating protrusion 181b, which forms the rotational center of the hanging member 181.

The rotating protrusion 181b moves forward and rearward along the slot 183 in the same manner as the guide protrusion 181a. The rotating protrusion 181b may be positioned at the rear of the guide protrusion 181a. When the guide protrusion 181a moves upward along the inclined slot 185, therefore, the hanging member 181 is rotated about the rotating protrusion 181b.

When the rotating protrusion 181b is caught by the inclined slot 185, the connection between the drawer 30 and the elastic device 180 is released. When the drawer 30 is inserted, however, the drawer may be reconnected with the elastic device 180. At this time, the drawer 30 may be automatically inserted by the elastic restoring force.

Here, it should be noted that the insertion speed of the drawer may be configured to be higher than the withdrawal speed of the drawer. For example, the speed at which the elastic device 180 inserts the drawer back into the storage compartment, or in some cases the speed at which the drawer is inserted back into the storage compartment by being driven by a motor, may be higher than the withdrawal speed at which the drawer is withdrawn from the storage compartment by the driving force of the motor. In some cases, the insertion speed may be approximately 1.5 to 2.0 times higher than the withdrawal speed. This difference in speed can help prevent, for example, the door from crashing into the drawer when the drawer is being inserted back into the storage compartment.

The connection member 189 may also be provided with a guide protrusion 189a, which is configured to move along the slot 183.

The housing 182 may be provided with a guide slot 182a for guiding the movement of the second catching member 34, which is selectively connected to the hanging member 181. An enlarged opening 182b may be formed in the front of the guide slot 182a. The catching member 34 moves forward along the guide slot 182a and escapes from the enlarged opening 182b at a specific position. That is, after the connection between the drawer and the elastic device is released, the drawer may be withdrawn further forward. In other words, the drawer may be further withdrawn.

Meanwhile, when the withdrawn drawer is inserted, the catching member 34 must enter the guide slot 182a. In order to more easily perform such entry, the enlarged opening 182b is provided.

The housing 182 may be provided with a positioning part 183a for placing the hanging member 181 in position. The positioning part 183a may be configured to position the hanging member 181 in position after the hanging member 181 returns rearward.

When the hanging member 181 is not positioned in position at the rear, as previously described, the drawer may not be completely inserted to the initial position. Consequently, the hanging member 181 may return rearward due to the elastic restoring force of the spring, and then the hanging member 181 may be prevented from moving forward by a repulsive force.

To this end, the positioning part 183a may be formed in the shape of a rib.

The positioning part 183a may be formed at the rear of the slot 183, or may be inclined rearward in a direction in which the height of the slot 183 is reduced. Of course, the height of the slit at the positioning part 183a may be smaller than the height of the slit at the other parts.

Consequently, the guide protrusion 181a of the hanging member 181 may return to the proper position while pushing the positioning part 183a upward due to the elastic restoring force. Subsequently, the positioning part 183a pushes the guide protrusion 181a due to the elastic restoring force thereof. Consequently, the guide protrusion 181a may be maintained in position.

A communication part 183b may be formed in the end of the positioning part 183a and the slot 183. The guide protrusion 181a may be inserted into the slot 183 through the communication part 183b.

The left side diameter and the right side diameter of the guide protrusion 181a are greater than the height of the slot 183. However, the diameter of the part corresponding to the slot 183 is equal to or less than the height of the slot 183. Consequently, the guide protrusion 181a moves forward and rearward along the slot 183 but does not escape from the slot 183. As a result, it is not easy to insert the guide protrusion 181a into the slot 183.

The communication part 183b may be a structure for inserting the guide protrusion 181a into the slot 183.

However, the guide protrusion 181a may escape from the slot 183 through the communication part 183b. That is, if the upper part of the positioning part 183a is plastically deformed, the guide protrusion 181a may be constrained by the positioning part 183a. As a result, the drawer 30 may not be automatically withdrawn.

In order to minimize the breakage or bending of the positioning part 183a, therefore, the positioning part 183a may be formed in the shape of a cantilever. In addition, the thickness of the fixed end of the positioning part 183a may be greater than the thickness of the free end of the positioning part 183a. For example, the thickness of the positioning part 183a may be gradually decreased from the fixed end to the free end thereof.

As a result, the positioning part 183a may be reinforced while the positioning part 183a is easily elastically deformed. In addition, the positioning part 183a may be reinforced by increasing the horizontal width of the fixed end of the positioning part 183a.

Consequently, it is possible to prevent the breakage of the positioning part 183a even when the positioning part 183a is used for a long period of time.

Meanwhile, the hanging member 181 may be an element that requires high strength and low friction. In the same manner as the liner 173, therefore, the hanging member 181 may be made of a POM material.

Hereinafter, a mechanism for automatically inserting the drawer using the elastic device 180 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a side view showing the drawer 30 and the support assembly 100 at the initial position of the drawer 30, and FIG. 17 is a side view showing the drawer 30 and the support assembly 100 at the ready position of the drawer 30. For the convenience of description, the upper part of the drawer 30 is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the hanging member 181 of the elastic device 180 may be selectively connected to the second catching member 34 provided at the drawer 30. At the initial position of the drawer 30, the connection between the elastic device 180 and the drawer 30 may be released. As the drawer 30 moves to the ready position, the elastic device 180 and the drawer 30 may be connected with each other.

Specifically, the drawer 30 is automatically withdrawn forward by the operation of the electric driving unit 150. That is, the drawer 30 is withdrawn from the initial position to the ready position. When the drawer 30 is withdrawn, the second catching member 34 provided at the drawer 30 is connected to the hanging member 181 to move the hanging member 181 forward. The hanging member 181 moves forward together with the second catching member 34. As a result, the spring 187 may be elastically deformed. For example, the spring 187 may be extended. The drawer 30 is automatically inserted due to the elastic restoring force generated at this time.

More specifically, the drawer 30 may be automatically withdrawn while overcoming the elastic force of the elastic device 180 by the operation of the electric driving unit 150. When the force applied to the drawer 30 by the electric driving unit 150 is removed, the elastic restoring force generated by the elastic device 180 may be applied to the drawer 30. As a result, the hanging member 181 pulls the second catching member 34 of the drawer 30 due to the elastic restoring force. Consequently, the drawer 30 may be automatically inserted even if the user does not apply additional force in order to insert the drawer 30.

The transfer member 171 may be provided so as to push only the first catching member, whereas the hanging member 181 may be provided so as to be pulled by the second catching member 34 and to pull the second catching member 34. That is, the hanging member 181 is pulled by the second catching member 34 when the drawer 30 is withdrawn, whereas the hanging member 181 pulls the second catching member 34 when the drawer 30 is inserted. In other words, the hanging member 181 and the second catching member 34 may be connected with each other when the drawer 30 is inserted or withdrawn. When the drawer 30 is inserted, the drawer 30 may not be manually inserted but may be automatically inserted, whereby the user may very conveniently manipulate the drawer. Of course, automatic insertion of the drawer 30 may be performed from the ready position or the vicinity of the ready position to the initial position, rather than from the maximum withdrawal position to the initial position.

When the drawer 30 moves from the initial position to the ready position, the elastic device 180 is elastically deformed. When the drawer 30 moves from the ready position to the initial position, the elastic device 180 provides an elastic restoring force to the drawer 30. The elastic device 180 may be continuously elastically deformed and elastically restored from the initial position to the ready position. In this case, the elastic restoring force may be provided to the drawer 30 until the drawer 30 completely returns to the initial position.

When the drawer 30 starts to move from the initial position, however, a relatively large load may be applied to the electric driving unit 150 due to a static frictional force of the drawer 30. The drawer 30 must move while overcoming the static frictional force of the drawer 30 and the elastic force of the elastic device 180. As a result, larger load may be applied to the electric driving unit 150. For this reason, it is necessary to release the connection between the drawer 30 and the elastic device 180 at the initial position of the drawer 30. In addition, at the initial position, the drawer 30 may move forward by a predetermined distance such that the drawer 30 is connected with the elastic device 180.

FIG. 16 shows the initial position of the drawer 30. In the state shown, the connection between the drawer 30 and the elastic device 180 may be released. Specifically, the connection between the second catching member 34 of the drawer 30 and the hanging member 181 of the elastic device 180 may be released. At this time, the connection between the first catching member 33 of the drawer 30 and the transfer member 171 of the moving frame 170 may be maintained. This is because it is necessary for the forward movement of the transfer member 171 to be transferred to the first catching member 33 of the drawer 30 without delay.

When the door is opened, the electric driving unit 150 is operated, with the result that the transfer member 171 pushes the first catching member 33 forward. Consequently, the drawer 30 is withdrawn forward, and the second catching member 34 also moves forward. The second catching member 34 is connected to the hanging member 181 of the elastic device 180 while moving forward. Consequently, the hanging member 181 moves forward together with the second catching member 34. The spring 187 may be elastically deformed by the forward movement of the second catching member 34.

The position at which the second catching member 34 and the hanging member 181 are connected with each other may be preset to be between the initial position and the ready position of the second catching member 34. Here, the position at which the second catching member 34 and the hanging member 181 are connected with each other may be referred to as an elasticity start position. For example, on the assumption that the distance between the initial position and the ready position is 120 mm, the elasticity start position may be set to be 30 mm forward from the initial position. Until the drawer moves from the initial position to the elasticity start position, therefore, the resistance attributable to the spring 187 is not transferred to the electric driving unit 150. Subsequently, as the drawer moves further forward from the elasticity start position, resistance attributable to the spring 187 is further increased and transferred to the electric driving unit 150.

The elasticity start position may be set by changing the shape of the slots 183 and 184 formed in the housing 182 of the elastic device 180 and the connection relationship between the slots and the hanging member 181.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing the ready position of the drawer.

When the door is opened, the electric driving unit 150 moves the transfer member 171 forward. As the result of the forward movement of the transfer member 171, the first catching member 33 of the drawer 30 also moves forward. The electric driving unit 150 moves the transfer member 171 forward until the drawer 30 reaches the ready position.

As shown, at the ready position of the drawer 30, the elastic device applies force to the drawer 30 in a direction in which the drawer 30 is inserted. In this embodiment, therefore, control may be performed so as to maintain the operation of the electric driving unit 150 (for example, so as to drive the electric driving unit 150 in a clockwise direction) at the ready position. That is, the operation of the electric driving unit 150 may be maintained such that the electric driving unit 150 pushes the drawer 30 in a state in which the door 20 is open. In other words, the driving of the motor assembly 160 may be maintained while the door is kept open such that the moving frame 170 is maintained at the ready position. Of course, as will be described hereinafter, when it is sensed that the door 20 has been closed, the motor assembly 160 may be reversely driven (for example, may be driven in a counterclockwise direction) such that the moving frame returns to the initial position.

On the other hand, if the operation of the electric driving unit 150 is maintained at the ready position of the drawer 30, the electric driving unit 150 may be overloaded. This is because the connection member 163 does not move forward any longer, whereby the motor idles. Consequently, the electric driving unit 150 may move the drawer 30 to the ready position, may continue to operate for a predetermined time, and may be reversely driven to return the moving frame 170 to the initial position. That is, the transfer member 171 may be returned rearward.

The predetermined time may be determined in consideration of the time taken by the user to select a specific drawer and withdraw the selected drawer. For example, the electric driving unit 150 may move the moving frame 170 to the ready position, may stay at the ready position for about 10 seconds, and may then be reversely driven.

As previously described, automatic withdrawal of the drawer 30 by the electric driving unit 150 may be performed from the initial position to the ready position. Consequently, the withdrawal of the drawer from the ready position to the maximum withdrawal position may be manually performed. That is, the user may directly pull the drawer 30 in order to withdraw the drawer 30.

For example, in the case in which a plurality of drawers is provided vertically, the drawers may be automatically withdrawn to the ready position. In the state in which the drawers are at the ready position, the user may further withdraw one of the drawers before a predetermined time. After the predetermined time, the remaining drawers, which have not been withdrawn further, may be automatically inserted by the elastic device. In the case in which the further withdrawn drawer is a lower drawer, a space for access to the interior of the drawer may be increased due to the insertion of an upper drawer. Consequently, it is possible for the user to more easily access the storage space in the drawer. When the drawer 30 is withdrawn from the ready position to the maximum withdrawal position, the elastic device may be elastically deformed in a direction in which the withdrawal of the drawer is impeded. When the drawer 30 is manually withdrawn, therefore, the connection between the elastic device 180 and the drawer 30 may be released.

To this end, an inclined slot 185 may be formed in the slot formed in the housing 182 of the elastic device. Specifically, the inclined slot 185 may be formed at the front of one of the two slots 183 and 184, which are vertically arranged side by side, e.g. the slot 184. For the sake of convenience, the inclined slot 185 may be referred to as a first inclined slot 185 such that the inclined slot 185 is distinguished from another inclined slot, which will be described hereinafter.

The first inclined slot 185 is positioned at the front of the slot 184. When the user withdraws the drawer 30 slightly forward from the ready position, the hanging member 181 may be constrained in the first inclined slot 185. At this time, the hanging member 181 is rotated, whereby the coupling between the hanging member 181 and the second catching member 34 is released. The position at which the coupling between the hanging member 181 and the second catching member 34 is released may be referred to as an elasticity end position. In this embodiment, therefore, the elasticity start position may be in front of the initial position, and the elasticity end position may be in front of the ready position.

When the coupling between the hanging member 181 and the second catching member 34 is released, the user may easily manually withdraw the drawer to the maximum withdrawal position without impedance from the elastic device 180.

In this embodiment, the moving frame 170 may remain at the ready position in a state in which the door is open, as previously described. In a state in which the door is open, therefore, the user may withdraw the drawer, and may then insert the drawer 30 to the ready position. That is, the drawer may be reconnected to the elastic device.

At this time, the user may not insert the drawer 30 to the ready position. In this case, the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180 is not transferred to the drawer 30, since the connection between the drawer 30 and the elastic device 180 is released.

In this embodiment, however, the distance between the elasticity end position and the ready position is relatively small, as previously described. When the door is closed, therefore, the door may push the drawer 30 rearward. That is, the drawer 30 may be pushed to restore the connection between the second catching member 34 and the hanging member 181. Since the moving frame 170 returns to the initial position when the door is closed, the force acting to withdraw the drawer 30 is removed. As a result, the hanging member 181 pulls the second catching member 34 due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180 such that the drawer 30 automatically returns to the initial position.

Meanwhile, the electric driving unit may be controlled such that the transfer member 171 stays at the ready position for about 10 seconds, as previously described. The user may further withdraw a specific drawer in order to take goods out of the drawer and may then manually insert the specific drawer to the ready position. On the assumption that the time taken at this time is about 12 seconds, the specific drawer may be inserted to the ready position, and at the same time the specific drawer may be automatically returned to the initial position by the elastic restoring force.

As previously described, the elastic start position may be set to be identical to the initial position. In this case, however, impact may be applied to the drawer 30 when the drawer 30 returns to the initial position. Furthermore, in this case, the elastic restoring force of the spring may be reduced over time since the elastic variation of the spring is relatively increased (i.e. the elastic section of the spring is increased).

Consequently, the elastic start position may be set to be spaced apart forward from the initial position such that the initial return speed of the drawer is relatively high while the final return speed of the drawer is relatively low.

The initial return speed is related to the door closing speed. For example, if the door is very rapidly closed and the initial return speed of the drawer is lower than the door closing speed, the door may apply impact to the drawer. On the other hand, if the final return speed of the drawer is higher than the door closing speed, the drawer may apply great impact to the rail 120. For this reason, it may be necessary for the drawer to rapidly return at the early stage and to softly and slowly return at the late stage. That is, the drawer may be returned by inertia at the late stage.

Meanwhile, when the drawer 30 is withdrawn, the second catching member 34 is connected to the hanging member 181 at the elasticity start position. On the other hand, when the drawer 30 is inserted, the connection between the second catching member 34 and the hanging member 181 is released at the elasticity start position. These operations may be performed in the same manner as the operations at the elasticity end position. In the same manner, a second inclined slot 186 may be formed at the rear end of the upper slot 183 such that the hanging member 181 can be rotated at the elasticity start position. The hanging member 181 is rotated in the first inclined slot in the counterclockwise direction such that the connection between the hanging member 181 and the first inclined slot is released, whereas the hanging member 181 is rotated in the second inclined slot 186 in the clockwise direction such that the connection between the hanging member 181 and the second inclined slot is released.

According to the above embodiment, the withdrawal of the drawer from the initial position to the ready position may be automatic withdrawal of the drawer performed by the driving of the electric driving unit, and the insertion of the drawer from the ready position to the initial position may be automatic insertion of the drawer performed by the elastic device. The automatic withdrawal of the drawer may be performed using the driving force of the motor based on electrical energy, and the automatic insertion of the drawer may be performed using the elastic restoring force of the spring.

According to the above embodiment, the withdrawal of the drawer from the ready position to the maximum withdrawal position may be manual withdrawal of the drawer performed by the user, and the insertion of the drawer from the maximum withdrawal position to the ready position may be manual insertion of the drawer performed by the user.

According to the above embodiment, the spring of the elastic device may start to be elastically deformed at the elasticity start position, which is spaced apart forward from the initial position of the drawer by a predetermined distance, and the elastic deformation may be continuously performed from the elasticity start position to the ready position of the drawer.

According to the above embodiment, the spring may be continuously elastically deformed until the drawer reaches the elasticity end position, which is spaced apart forward from the ready position of the drawer by a predetermined distance. The withdrawal of the drawer from the ready position to the elasticity end position may be performed manually. The drawer may be manually withdrawn from the elasticity end position to the maximum withdrawal position of the drawer. At this time, the connection between the spring and the drawer may be released. When the user manually inserts the drawer, therefore, the drawer may be automatically inserted to the initial position by the elastic restoring force even if the drawer is inserted to the elasticity end position. That is, the drawer may be automatically inserted to the initial position by the elastic restoring force even if the drawer is not manually inserted to the ready position.

According to the above embodiment, a relatively great force may be needed to manually withdraw the drawer from the ready position to the elasticity end position. This is because an additional force for overcoming the elastic force is needed in order to withdraw the drawer. In addition, after the drawer is inserted to the maximum withdrawal position, the drawer may not be manually inserted to the elasticity end position. In this case, therefore, the drawer may not be automatically inserted due to the elastic restoring force. Of course, when the door is closed to insert the drawer to the elasticity end position, the drawer may be automatically inserted. As a result, the collision between the door and the drawer may occur.

In addition, according to the above embodiment, the electric driving unit must continuously generate the force necessary to push the drawer for a predetermined period of time. This is because, if this force is removed (if the transfer member returns rearward), the drawer is automatically inserted to the initial position before the user withdraws the drawer. As a result, the electric driving unit may be overloaded, or energy consumption may be increased.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of another embodiment, which differs from the above embodiment in terms of the driving time of the electric driving unit, the driving mode of the electric driving unit, and the connection between the drawer and other elements at the ready position. The elements of this embodiment are basically identical to those of the previous embodiment. In addition, the distance between the initial position and the ready position in this embodiment may be equal to the distance between the initial position and the ready position in the previous embodiment. Therefore, only the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiment will be described hereinafter.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a connection between a drawer (particularly the lower part of the drawer) and an elastic device according to this embodiment. In particular, FIG. 18 shows the drawer at a ready position. For the convenience of description, the upper part of the drawer 30 is omitted.

That is, in this embodiment, the position shown in FIG. 18 may be set to the ready position. In other words, the position at which the connection between the elastic device 180 and the drawer is released may be set to a ready position. When the door is opened, the electric driving unit may automatically move the drawer to the ready position.

In this embodiment, a force component that impedes the manual withdrawal of the drawer is eliminated in advance at the ready position. This is because, when the drawer is further withdrawn at the ready position, it is not necessary to elastically deform the elastic device 180. Of course, a frictional force between elements is very small, and therefore the frictional force may be ignored.

In this embodiment, the electric driving unit 150 may return to the initial position after the electric driving unit 150 moves the drawer to the ready position. That is, the electric driving unit 150 may return to the initial position immediately after the electric driving unit 150 moves the drawer to the ready position. This operation may be performed even in a state in which the door remains open. That is, even if a signal for closing the door is not generated, the electric driving unit 150 may return to the initial position. Specifically, the motor assembly 160 may be driven to pull the moving frame 170 such that the moving frame 170 returns to the initial position.

Since the force pushing the drawer is removed and no elastic restoring force is provided at the ready position, the drawer may stay at the ready position. Consequently, it is possible to very easily manually withdraw the drawer from the ready position to the maximum withdrawal position.

If a signal for closing the door is not generated at the ready position, force for automatically inserting the drawer is needed. This is because no elastic restoring force is provided at the ready position, as was previously described.

Of course, the user may manually insert the drawer 30 such that the drawer 30 is connected to the elastic device 180. That is, when the drawer is further inserted by a predetermined distance at the ready position, the second catching member 34 is connected to the elastic device 180. At this time, the drawer 30 may be automatically inserted to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180.

In addition, the door 20 may be closed at the ready position with the result that the door 20 may push the drawer 30 rearward. While the drawer 30 is inserted by the door 20, therefore, the drawer 30 is connected to the elastic device 180. At this time, the drawer 30 may be automatically inserted to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180.

In a case in which the user withdraws the drawer to the maximum withdrawal position and then inserts the drawer only to the ready position, however, collision may occur between the drawer 30 and the door 20. Consequently, it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of collision between the drawer 30 and the door 20.

In this embodiment, the drawer may be pull rearward from the ready position, e.g. the position shown in FIG. 18, to the elasticity end position. That is, the drawer 30 may be pulled rearward such that the drawer 30 is connected to the elastic device 180.

For example, when the drawer is pulled rearward from the ready position by about 20 mm, the drawer may be reconnected to the elastic device 180. That is, the second catching member 34 of the drawer 30 may be reconnected to the hanging member 181 of the elastic device 180. In other words, the drawer 30 may be automatically moved rearward by a predetermined distance at the ready position, at which the connection between the elastic device 180 and the drawer 30 is released, such that the drawer 30 is reconnected to the elastic device 180. As the result of the reconnection between the elastic device 180 and the drawer 30, the drawer 30 may be automatically inserted to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180.

Specifically, in this embodiment, when a signal for closing the door is generated, the drawer may be automatically pulled rearward such that the drawer can be reconnected to the elastic device 180. When the drawer is reconnected to the elastic device 180, the drawer may be automatically inserted to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180, as was previously described.

In order to realize this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the drawer 30 may be provided with a third catching member 36. The third catching member 36 may be configured to pull the drawer 30 from the ready position of the drawer 30 to the elasticity end position. That is, the drawer according to this embodiment is different from the drawer according to the previous embodiment only in that the drawer according to this embodiment has the third catching member 36.

The third catching member 36 may be configured to pull the drawer 30 rearward using the driving force of the electric driving unit 150. On the other hand, the first catching member 33 may be configured to push the drawer 30 forward using the driving force of the electric driving unit 150.

In this embodiment, therefore, the third catching member 36 and a structure for pulling the third catching member 36 are needed, unlike the previous embodiment.

Hereinafter, a drawer return mechanism using the third catching member 36 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged view showing the support cover 110 and the transfer member 171 in a state in which the moving frame returns rearward.

When the drawer is withdrawn to the ready position, the moving frame 170 returns rearward. That is, the moving frame 170 returns to the initial position. As shown in FIG. 18, the third catching member 36 is positioned at the rear of the drawer 30. When the moving frame 170 returns to the initial position in a state in which the drawer 30 is positioned at the ready position, therefore, the third catching member 36 may be positioned in the vicinity of the moving frame 170.

The moving frame 170 may be provided with a stopper 200, which corresponds to the third catching member 36. The stopper 200 may include a protrusion 201 and a rotational center part 202 for allowing the protrusion 201 to rotated thereabout.

The third catching member 36 may be positioned at the rear of the protrusion 201 in a state in which the drawer is positioned at the ready position. The protrusion 201 may protrude from the moving frame 170 toward the drawer 30.

When it is sensed that the door has been closed, the motor assembly 160 may be operated so as to pull the moving frame 170 rearward. That is, the moving frame 170 may be pulled further rearward from the initial position. At this time, the moving frame 170 may move to a return position.

Here, the return position of the moving frame is a position spaced apart rearward from the initial position of the moving frame by a predetermined distance. For example, the return position may be a position spaced apart rearward from the initial position by about 120 mm.

FIG. 20 shows the protrusion 201 pulling the third catching member 36.

When the motor assembly 160 is operated to pull the moving frame 170 rearward, the protrusion 201 moves upward. As a result, the protrusion 201 pulls the third catching member 36 rearward. Since the third catching member 36 is provided at the drawer 30, the drawer 30 may move rearward when the protrusion 201 pulls the third catching member 36.

As the drawer 30 moves rearward from the ready position, the drawer 30 is reconnected to the elastic device 180. For example, when the drawer 30 moves rearward by about 10 mm, the drawer 30 may be reconnected to the elastic device 180. This means that the drawer 30 can be automatically inserted due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180.

When the drawer 30 is reconnected to the elastic device 180, therefore, the drawer 30 is automatically inserted to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180.

The motor assembly 160 may be operated to return the moving frame to the initial position after moving the moving frame to the return position. That is, the moving frame may move forward from the return position and may then return to the initial position.

That is, as shown in FIG. 20, the protrusion 201 pulls the third catching member 36 of the drawer 30, and then the moving frame 170 may move forward to the initial position. At this time, the drawer 30 is automatically inserted to a position corresponding to the initial position of the moving frame 170, i.e. the initial position of the drawer, due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180.

As previously described, in FIG. 19, the third catching member 36 is positioned at the ready position. When the user withdraws the drawer further, the interference between the protrusion 201 and the drawer 30 is eliminated. This is because the protrusion 201 moves downward, whereby the protrusion 201 does not interfere with the third catching member 36.

As the moving frame 170 moves rearward to the return position, however, the protrusion 201 moves upward, with the result that the protrusion 201 is caught by the third catching member 36, as shown in FIG. 20. Subsequently, the drawer is continuously inserted to the initial position.

After the moving frame 170 moves to the return position, the moving frame 170 moves forward from the return position to the initial position. Consequently, the protrusion moves downward again.

The upward and downward movement of the protrusion 201 is performed while the protrusion 201 is rotated about the rotational center part 202.

Stopper guides 115, 116, and 117 for guiding the movement of the stopper 200 may be provided. The stopper guides 115, 116, and 117 may be formed at the support cover 110. The movement of the stopper may be guided by the stopper guides. Specifically, the upward and downward movement of the protrusion 201 may be guided by the stopper guides. Each of the stopper guides may be formed in the shape of a slot. Consequently, the stopper guides may be referred to as guide slots.

The stopper guides may include a front slot 115, an inclined slot 116, and a rear slot 117. When the protrusion 201 moves along the front slot 115, the protrusion 201 is not connected to the drawer. As the protrusion 201 moves along the inclined slot 116, the protrusion 201 is connected to the third catching member 36. When the protrusion 201 moves rearward along the rear slot 117, the protrusion 201 pulls the third catching member 36. As a result, the drawer 30 is automatically inserted rearward. Of course, as the moving frame moves forward from the return position to the initial position, the protrusion 201 moves again along the rear slot 117, the inclined slot 116, and the front slot 115.

Meanwhile, in a case in which the drawer is automatically withdrawn and is positioned at the ready position, as shown in FIG. 19, the protrusion 201 is in a lowered state. When the user manually withdraws the drawer to the maximum withdrawal position, therefore, the interference between the protrusion 201 and the drawer 30 is eliminated. Even in a case in which the user manually inserts the drawer 30 to the ready position or to the vicinity of the ready position after the drawer is manually withdrawn, the interference between the protrusion 201 and the drawer 30 is eliminated.

Subsequently, when the door is closed, the electric driving unit 150 is driven to move the moving frame 170 rearward, whereby the drawer 30 interferes with the stopper 200. As the result of the interference, the drawer 30 is automatically inserted rearward by a predetermined distance. That is, the drawer is automatically inserted by a predetermined distance by the driving of the electric driving unit. Subsequently, the drawer 30 is reconnected to the elastic device 180, and the drawer is automatically further inserted by the elastic device 180.

In this embodiment, therefore, the drawer 30 may be inserted from the maximum withdrawal position to the initial position as follows. The drawer may be manually inserted from the maximum withdrawal position to the ready position. The drawer may be automatically inserted by the driving force of the electric driving unit from the ready position to the elasticity end position. The drawer may be automatically inserted due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic device 180 from the elasticity end position to the initial position.

Hereinafter, a sensor 40 for sensing a condition in which the electric driving unit 150 is operated will be described briefly. FIG. 2 shows an example of the sensor 40.

Specifically, the sensor 40 is configured to sense whether the door 20 is open. When the sensor 40 senses that the door 20 is open, the electric driving unit 150 is operated to move the drawer 30 from the initial position to the ready position. The electric driving unit 150 generates force for moving the drawer forward. That is, when the sensor 40 senses that the door 20 is open, the electric driving unit 150 may drive the drawer in one direction to withdraw the drawer forward.

The door 20 may be a swing type door configured to rotate about a vertical shaft. That is, on the assumption that the opening angle of the door 20 when the door 20 completely closes the food introduction port 17 is 0 degrees, the door 20 may be rotated such that the opening angle of the door 20 exceeds 90 degrees.

However, in a case in which the door 20 is even slightly separated from the food introduction port 17, the door 20 may be considered to be open. For example, when the tight contact between the door 20 and the food introduction port 17 is released, the door 20 may be considered to be open. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the tight contact between a gasket 22 provided at the rear of the door 20 and the cabinet 10 is released, the door 20 may be considered to be open. In this state, cool air may be lost. When the tight contact between the gasket 22 and the cabinet 10 is maintained, the door 20 may be considered to be closed.

In order to sense whether the door 20 is in tight contact with the cabinet 10, a door switch, which will be described hereinafter, may be provided. The door switch may be operably connected to a lighting device provided in the storage compartment. That is, upon determining that the tight contact between the door 20 and the cabinet 10 is released through the door switch, the lighting device may be controlled to be turned on. When it is determined through the door switch that the door 20 has come into tight contact with the cabinet 10 after the lighting device is turned on, the lighting device may be controlled to be turned off.

In general, the door switch may be configured to have a structure that can be mechanically switched based on the distance between the door and the cabinet. The distance is very small. The reason for this is that the distance necessary to distinguish between the maintenance and release of tight contact between the cabinet and the door is very small. Consequently, the door switch may sense whether the door is open or closed substantially irrespective of the opening angle of the door.

Meanwhile, the door switch may be configured so sense whether the door is open or closed based on the determination as to whether cool air leaks outside. On the other hand, the sensor 40 may be configured to sense whether the door is open or closed based on interference between the drawer and the door during the movement of the drawer and the door.

The door switch and the lighting device will be described hereinafter in detail.

In this embodiment, however, the opening of the door is based on the withdrawal of the drawer, as previously described. That is, when the user opens the door 20 in order to withdraw and use the drawer, the drawer may move to the ready position. Consequently, the opening angle of the door at which it is sensed that the door is open is an important factor to consider. That is, the opening angle of the door required in order to automatically withdraw the drawer or the opening angle of the door at which automatic withdrawal of the drawer starts may be an important factor to consider.

For example, when the user wishes to withdraw only goods received in the door storage region 21 provided at the rear of the door 20, the door may be opened by 40 to 50 degrees. In this case, the drawer may remain at the initial position. That is, the drawer may remain in a state of not being withdrawn. The reason for this is that it is not necessary to withdraw the drawer when the drawer is not used since cool air may leak from the drawer. In addition, it is not necessary to withdraw the drawer when the drawer is not used since the drawer may collide with the rear of the door 20.

For example, when the door is opened by 40 or 50 degrees, the door switch may determine that the door has been opened. That is, in the case in which a door switch for determining only whether the door is open or closed is provided, a condition for automatic withdrawal of the drawer may be satisfied after the door switch senses that the door is open. Consequently, it is possible to realize more effective and stable control logic based on the relationship between the door switch and the sensor 40, a description of which will follow. When the user wishes to withdraw and use the drawer, the user may know from experience that the door must be opened by 90 degrees or more. This is because when the opening angle of the door is less than 90 degrees, the drawer is caught by the door or the basket 25 provided at the rear of the door before the drawer is completely withdrawn. In order to completely withdraw the drawer without interference with the door, the door should typically be opened by 100 degrees or more.

Consequently, the opening angle of the door at which the drawer is automatically moved may be 80 degrees or more, preferably about 90 degrees. In some cases, the opening angle of the door at which the drawer is automatically moved may be equal to or greater than 90 degrees. It may be sensed that the door is open at the above-mentioned opening angle of the door in order to drive the electric driving unit. This is because it takes a predetermined time for the drawer to move to the ready position. That is, the opening angle of the door at which it is sensed that the door is open may be less than the opening angle of the door at which the interference between the drawer and the door is completely eliminated. Of course, the opening angle of the door at which it is sensed that the door is open and the drawer starts to move automatically may be set such that the door does not interfere with the drawer at the ready position.

Meanwhile, the opening angle of the door at which the drawer is automatically moved may be an angle at which the drawer does not interfere with the basket 25 provided at the rear surface of the door in a state in which the drawer is withdrawn to the ready position. As shown in FIG. 2, the basket 25 may protrude perpendicularly from the rear of the door. In a state in which the door is open by 90 degrees, therefore, the basket 25 may escape from the opening 17. This means that the drawer 30 does not interfere with the basket 25 until the drawer is withdrawn to the opening 17. Of course, in a state in which the drawer is further withdrawn in a state in which the door is open by 90 degrees, interference between the drawer 30 and the basket 25 may occur. In order to completely withdraw the drawer, therefore, it is necessary to increase the opening angle of the door, as previously described.

For this reason, the sensor 40 may be a sensor that is capable of precisely sensing a predetermined opening angle of the door that is required in order to withdraw the drawer. To this end, the sensor 40 may include a magnet 42 and a reed switch 41. Of course, the sensor may include only the reed switch 41, or the reed switch 41 may sense the predetermined opening angle of the door using the magnet 42. Other types of sensors or switches that are able to detect changes in the magnetic field may be used.

As the distance between the sensor, such as the reed switch 41, and the magnet 42 varies, the sensed magnetic field varies. For example, the intensity of the magnetic force applied to the reed switch 41 varies according to the opening angle of the door. The distance between the reed switch 41 and the magnet 42, i.e. the distance at which the contact of the reed switch 41 is changed, may be precisely predicted by changing the magnetic force of the magnet 42.

Hereinafter, a sensor 40 that can be applied to the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22FIGS. 21 and 22 are enlarged sectional views showing the lower part of the door.

In FIG. 21, which shows an embodiment of the sensor 40, the positional relationship between the reed switch 41 and the magnet 42 is shown. Specifically, in FIG. 21, the door 20 is opened by 90 degrees. That is, the door 20 is rotated open by 90 degrees with respect to a hinge cover 45 positioned in the vicinity of a leg 2 fixed to the ground. FIG. 21 is a view showing the lower part of the door when viewed upward from the ground.

The reed switch 41 may be provided at the hinge cover 45, and the magnet 42 may be provided at the lower part of the door 20. Specifically, the magnet 42 may be provided at a cap decoration part 24. Of course, the reed switch 41 may be provided at the door 20, and the magnet 42 may be provided at the hinge cover. However, a reed switch has a contact point and is configured to transmit a door opening signal or a door closing signal to the outside. Consequently, the reed switch may be positioned at a fixed member, such as the hinge cover 45.

Since the door 20 is rotated about a hinge shaft 23, i.e. a rotational shaft of the door, the vertical distance between the reed switch 41 and the magnet 42 is uniform regardless of the opening angle of the door 20. As the opening angle of the door 20 is changed, however, the horizontal distance between the reed switch 41 and the magnet 42 is changed. That is, the magnet 42 is rotated about the hinge shaft 23 at a consistent radius, and the horizontal distance between the reed switch 41 and the magnet 42 changes depending upon the rotational angle of the magnet.

In a state in which the door 20 is closed, the magnet 42 is positioned in the vicinity of the reed switch 41. In a state in which the door 20 is closed, therefore, the magnetic force of the magnet 42 may affect the reed switch 41. As the opening angle of the door is increased, the magnet 42 approaches the reed switch 41 and then moves away from the reed switch 41. That is, as the opening angle of the door is further increased, the magnetic force of the magnet 42 does not affect the reed switch 41. For example, when the opening angle of the door reaches 90 degrees, therefore, the contact point of the reed switch 41 may be changed. As the result of the change of the contact point of the reed switch 41, a door opening on signal, which is a drawer withdrawal condition, may be generated. That is, when the door is opened by a predetermined angle, it may be sensed that the door has been opened. In other words, in a section between a state in which the door 20 is closed and a state in which the opening angle of the door 20 is less than a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees), the magnetic force of the magnet 42 affects the reed switch 41, with the result that the contact point of the reed switch 41 is maintained. When the opening angle of the door 20 reaches the predetermined angle, the magnetic force of the magnet 42 does not affect the reed switch 41, with the result that the contact point of the reed switch 41 is changed.

In other words, when the opening angle of the door 20 reaches the predetermined angle, the reed switch has a critical point of effective magnetic intensity for contact point switching. That is, when the reed switch reaches the critical point, the contact point of the reed switch 41 is changed, which means that it is sensed that the door has been opened.

Consequently, it is possible to generate a door opening on signal, which is a drawer withdrawal condition, at a desired door opening angle (a predetermined door opening angle) by the provision of a sensor that is capable of sensing whether the door is open using the reed switch 41 and the magnet 42.

As previously described, when the door is opened and the opening angle of the door 20 reaches the predetermined degrees, the magnetic force of the magnet 42 does not affect the reed switch 41. That is, the reed switch escapes from the critical point. This means that when the door starts to be closed, in a state in which the door is open at an angle greater than the predetermined angle, and then the opening angle of the door reaches the predetermined angle, the magnetic force of the magnet 42 affects the reed switch 41. Consequently, the door opening angle, at which it is sensed that the door is open, and the door closing angle, at which it is sensed that the door is closed, may be set to be substantially equal. In addition, it is possible for a single sensor 40 to sense whether the door is open or closed based on substantially the same angle.

In other words, it is possible for the sensor 40 to sense whether the door is open or whether the door is closed based on the same angle. For example, after it is sensed that the door is open at a particular angle, the subsequent sensing at the same angle may be sensing that the door is closed. In addition, after it is sensed that the door is closed at a particular angle, the subsequent sensing at the same angle may be sensing that the door is open. That is, it is possible to sense whether the door is open or closed using a single sensor 40. Alternatively, a sensor for sensing whether the door is open and a sensor for sensing whether the door is closed may be separately provided in place of a single sensor. In this case, the sensors may be of the same type. This is because it is necessary to eliminate the interference between the door and the drawer when the door is closed as well as when the door is opened, as previously described. That is, as will be described hereinafter, it is necessary to automatically insert the drawer before the door interferes with the drawer even when the drawer is automatically inserted.

In a case in which a single magnet 42 is used, as shown in FIG. 21, however, there may be tolerance in the door opening angle preset for individual products. For example, in a case in which a single magnet 42 and a single reed switch 41 are mounted in a state in which a door opening angle is set to 90 degrees, the door opening angle for individual products may have tolerance. That is, it may be sensed that the door is open when the door opening angle is 85 degrees for some products, it may be sensed that the door is open when the door opening angle is 90 degrees for some products, and it may be sensed that the door is open when the door opening angle is 95 degrees for some products. As a result, the door opening angle for individual products may vary. This variation in the door opening angle may result from variation in magnetic force of the magnet 42, variation in mounting of the magnet 42 and the reed switch 41, etc.

In addition, in a case in which a single magnet 42 is used, it is not easy to change the door opening angle. This is because the door opening angle may be 90 degrees for some models while the door opening angle may be 85 degrees for some models.

Consequently, it is necessary to provide a sensor 40 that is capable of flexibly changing the door opening angle while reducing the variation in a predetermined door opening angle. In order to solve a problem caused by a sensor 40 including a single magnet 42, the present invention provides a sensor using a plurality of magnets.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the sensor 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 22. Basically, this embodiment is very similar to the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, however, a plurality of magnets 42 may be provided

Even in this embodiment, the reed switch 41 may be provided at the hinge cover 45, and the magnets 42 may be provided at the cap decoration part 24 of the door 20. The cap decoration part 24 may be provided to define the lower surface of the door 20. Consequently, the magnets 42 are positioned in the door 20.

The reed switch 41 may be fixedly provided at the cabinet 10. For example, the reed switch 41 may be provided at the hinge cover 45, which protrudes forward from the cabinet 10. The door 20, particularly the cap decoration part 24, is rotated open and closed about the hinge shaft 23 while having a predetermined vertical gap at the upper part of the hinge cover 45.

As an example, the magnets 42 may include a horizontal magnet 42a and a vertical magnet 42b. The horizontal magnet 42a may be a magnet that is provided parallel to the front surface of the door 20 or the front surface of the cabinet 10, and the vertical magnet 42b may be a magnet that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal magnet 42a. Of course, the vertical magnet 42b may be positioned at an obtuse angle relative to the horizontal magnet 42a in order to fault an arc shape together with the horizontal magnet 42a.

In a state in which the door 20 is closed, the horizontal magnet 42a may be positioned so as to be parallel to one surface of the reed switch 41. The reed switch 41 may be formed in a quadrangular shape. The horizontal magnet 42a may be positioned so as to be parallel to the horizontal side 41a of the reed switch 41. The vertical magnet 42b may be positioned so as to be parallel to the vertical side 41b of the reed switch 41. The horizontal side of the reed switch 41 may be larger than the vertical side of the reed switch 41.

The horizontal magnet 42a and the vertical magnet 42b are bar-type magnets. As shown in the vertical sectional view of FIG. 22, the length of the horizontal magnet 42a and the vertical magnet 42b may be greater than the height of the horizontal magnet 42a and the vertical magnet 42b.

In a state in which the door 20 is closed, the horizontal magnet 42a may be positioned while extending leftward and rightward at the rear of the reed switch 41. The vertical magnet 42b may be positioned while extending forward and rearward at the left side or the right side of the reed switch 41. That is, the two magnets 42a and 42b may be positioned so as to surround the reed switch 41 while being spaced apart from each other. Consequently, the horizontal magnet 42a and the vertical magnet 42b may be provided in a state in which the horizontal magnet 42a and the vertical magnet 42b have different horizontal angles with respect to the reed switch 41.

In a state in which the door 20 is closed, therefore, the two magnets 42a and 42b simultaneously provide effective magnetic forces to the reed switch 41.

In addition, the distance between the horizontal magnet 42a and the hinge shaft 23 may be less than the distance between the vertical magnet 42b and the hinge shaft 23. That is, the turning radius of the horizontal magnet 42a is less than the turning radius of the vertical magnet 42b. In addition, the distance between the reed switch 41 and the hinge shaft 23 may be set to be approximate to the turning radius of the horizontal magnet 42a.

As the door 20 is opened, therefore, the horizontal magnet 42a is turned toward the reed switch 41, and the vertical magnet 42b is turned away from the reed switch 41. This means that the overlapping area between the horizontal magnet 42a and the reed switch 41 is greater than the overlapping area between the vertical magnet 42b and the reed switch 41.

Consequently, the magnetic force generated by the horizontal magnet 42a is basically sensed by the reed switch 41, and the magnetic force generated by the vertical magnet 42b auxiliarily affects the reed switch 41.

Since the intensity of the magnetic force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, the intensity of the magnetic force is very rapidly reduced as the magnet 42a moves away from the reed switch 41. This means that the intensity of the magnetic force may be greatly changed even if the magnet moves a very short distance. For this reason, it is very difficult to precisely set a critical point at which the magnetic force has no effect, i.e. a door opening angle, at a position at which the magnetic force has an effect. In other words, in a case in which only one magnet, for example only the horizontal magnet 42a, is provided, it is difficult to set the critical point, since the intensity of the magnetic force is rapidly changed before and behind the critical point.

In this embodiment, the intensity of the magnetic force may be gently changed by the vertical magnet 42b until the critical point is reached, and the intensity of the magnetic force may be sharply changed by the vertical magnet 42b after the critical point is exceeded. That is, the vertical magnet 42b continuously provides an auxiliary magnetic force until the critical point is reached, whereby a rapid change in the magnetic force may be limited until the critical point is reached.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, it is possible to easily set the critical point, i.e. the door opening angle, to about 90 degrees. That is, it is possible to easily adjust the door opening angle that is sensed by the reed switch 41.

Specifically, the horizontal magnet 42a, shown in FIG. 22, may be moved forward and rearward in a state in which the vertical magnet 42b is fixed. That is, the vertical magnet 42b may be a fixed magnet, and the horizontal magnet 42a may be a moving magnet.

When the horizontal magnet 42a is moved rearward, the distance between the horizontal magnet 42a and the hinge shaft 23 is decreased. In other words, the distance between the horizontal magnet 42a and the reed switch 41 is decreased in a state shown in FIG. 4 (i.e. in a state in which the door is open by 90 degrees). In order to prevent the application of the magnetic force of the horizontal magnet 42a to the reed switch 41, therefore, it is necessary to open the door 20 further. That is, the horizontal magnet 42a may be horizontally moved so as to be close to the hinge shaft 23 such that the door opening angle exceeds 90 degrees.

On the other hand, the horizontal magnet 42a may be moved forward. That is, the horizontal magnet 42a may be horizontally moved so as to be distant from the hinge shaft 23. In this case, the distance between the horizontal magnet 42a and the reed switch 41 may be increased. In a state in which the door opening angle is less than 90 degrees, the effect of the horizontal magnet 42a may be eliminated.

Eventually, it is possible to flexibly set the door opening angle using the fixed magnet 42b, which is an auxiliary magnet, and the moving magnet 42a, which is a main magnet.

Meanwhile, in the above embodiment of the sensor 40, the reed switch is provided under the magnet. Alternatively, the reed switch may be provided above the magnet. For example, the magnet may be provided at a door decoration part, which defines the upper surface of the door 20, and the reed switch may be provided so as to face the door decoration part. In any case, the vertical distance between the magnet and the reed switch may be fixed regardless of the door opening angle, and the horizontal distance between the magnet and the reed switch may be changed as the door opening angle is changed.

In this embodiment, it is possible to simply and precisely sense whether the door is open or closed at the predetermined door opening angle using the reed switch and the magnet, which are very simple. In addition, the door opening angle may be set differently for individual refrigerator models. In this case, the position of one of the magnets may be changed.

Meanwhile, as to the sensor 40, a hall sensor may be used in place of the reed switch.

The magnet may be provided above or under the hall sensor such that the magnet and the hall sensor are arranged vertically. For example, at the position at which the door is open by 90 degrees, the magnet may be positioned vertically above or below the hall sensor. When the door opening angle is increased to 90 degrees, therefore, the hall sensor recognizes the magnet and thus senses that the door is open.

For example, the magnet may always be positioned vertically above or under the hall sensor until the door is open by 90 degrees. That is, the magnet may be formed in an arc shape, or a plurality of magnets may be provided such that the hall sensor can always recognize the magnet(s) until the door is open by 90 degrees. When the door is open by 90 degrees, the magnet may escape from a region that is sensed by the hall sensor, with the result that the open state of the door may be sensed.

Hereinafter, control construction elements that can be applied to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 23.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main controller 300. The main controller 300 may control the basic operation of the refrigerator.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a motor assembly 160. The motor assembly 160 may include a motor 162 and a motor controller 165. The motor 162 may be driven in forward and reverse directions. For example, the motor 162 may be driven in the forward direction (the clockwise direction) to move the transfer member 171 forward. On the other hand, the motor 162 may be driven in the reverse direction to move the transfer member 171 rearward. The electric driving unit, i.e. the motor, may be driven in the forward direction to generate force necessary to move the drawer forward. The force by which the drawer is moved forward may be released when the motor is driven in the reverse direction.

The direction in which the motor 162 is driven, the duty ratio applied to the motor 162, and the driving and stoppage of the motor 162 may be controlled by the motor controller 165.

The motor assembly 160 may include a connection member 163, which is configured to move forward and rearward as previously described. The maximum protruding length of the connection member 163 corresponds to the ready position of the transfer member, and the minimum protruding length of the connection member 163 corresponds to the initial position of the transfer member. Consequently, the connection member 163 moves between the maximum protruding length and the minimum protruding length.

Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the connection member 163 of the motor assembly 160 is at a position corresponding to the initial position of the drawer or at a position corresponding to the ready position of the drawer. That is, the motor assembly 160 may be provided with two hall sensors 166 and 167.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the motor assembly 160 may be provided with a magnet 168. The magnet 168 may be configured so as to move in the housing 161 when the connection member 163 moves. When the first hall sensor 166 recognizes the magnet 168, therefore, it is determined that the transfer member is at the initial position. On the other hand, when the second hall sensor 167 recognizes the magnet 168, it is determined that the transfer member is at the ready position.

It is possible to determine whether the motor assembly 160 is operating normally using the hall sensors 166 and 167 and the magnet 168, which will be described hereinafter in detail when describing the control method of the refrigerator.

When it is sensed that the door is open through the sensor 40, the motor controller 165 operates the motor 162. That is, the motor controller 165 drives the electric driving unit. Here, the sensor 40 may be a sensor for sensing that the door is open at a predetermined opening angle (for example, 90 degrees). That is, for example, when the sensor 40 senses that the door is open by 90 degrees, the motor controller 165 operates the motor 162 such that the drawer is withdrawn from the initial position to the ready position. Consequently, the motor controller 165 controls the driving of the electric driving unit to withdraw the drawer.

When the sensor 40 senses that the door is open, which is a drawer withdrawal condition, a door opening signal or a signal for driving the motor assembly 160 in the forward direction may be generated and transmitted to the motor controller 165 via the main controller 300. Of course, the door opening signal or the signal for driving the motor assembly 160 in the forward direction may be directly transmitted to the motor controller 165. Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a door switch 50. The door switch 50 may be an element that is generally used in refrigerators. When the door switch 50 senses that the door is open, a lighting device 60, configured to illuminate the storage compartment, may be operated. The door switch 50 may be provided separately from the sensor 40.

REFRIGERATOR

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Priority Claims (1)