Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes: a cabinet defining a first storage space, a door including a drawer part that defines a second storage space inside the first storage space and a door part that is mounted on a front surface of the drawer part to open and close the second storage space, a door gasket sealing a gap between the cabinet and the door, a draw-out motor configured to provide a driving force for a drawing out operation of the door, and a controller configured to control the draw-out motor. The controller is configured to count a number of rotations of the draw-out motor for a set period of time based on the draw-out motor being started for opening of the door according to received input, and stop and re-operate, based on a draw-out distance of the door being shorter than a set distance, the draw-out motor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0010656, filed on Jan. 29, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A refrigerator is a home appliance that allows low-temperature storage of food in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to store the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the interior of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating through a refrigeration cycle.

[0004] Recently, a refrigerator is gradually becoming larger and multifunctional in accordance with changes in dietary life and a trend of high-end products. Accordingly, refrigerators with various structures and convenience devices that enable users' convenience and efficient use of the internal space thereof are being introduced.

[0005] The storage space of the refrigerator may be opened and closed by a door. In addition, the refrigerators may be classified into various types of refrigerators according to the arrangement of storage spaces and the structure of the door opening and closing the storage space.

[0006] The refrigerator door may be classified into a rotation type door that opens and closes a storage space by rotation, and a drawer-type door that is drawn in and out in a drawer type.

[0007] In addition, the drawer-type door is often disposed in a lower area of the refrigerator or a plurality of drawer doors is disposed on upper and lower sides. Accordingly, in order for the user to store food in the drawer-type door, it is essential for the user to hold and draw in the drawer-type door in until the drawer-type door is completely closed.

[0008] In addition, there is a problem in that the user needs to bend the user's body when performing operation for opening and closing the drawer-type door disposed at the lowest side.

[0009] In order to solve such a problem, a conventional refrigerator having a structure in which a drive device such as a separate motor and a button or switch which a user operates are provided and a drawer-type door is automatically drawn in and out.

[0010] In addition, the conventional refrigerator is further provided with a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering a bin provided in a refrigerating chamber.

SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to a refrigerator capable of improving convenience of a drawer door.

[0012] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a first storage space, a door including (i) a drawer part that defines a second storage space inside the first storage space and (ii) a door part that is mounted on a front surface of the drawer part to open and close the second storage space, a door gasket made of an elastically deformable material and provided along a periphery of the door part to seal, based on the door being closed, a gap between the cabinet and the door, a draw-out motor configured to provide a driving force for a drawing out operation of the door, a detector configured to detect an open/close state of the door, a manipulation part configured to receive user input to control an operation of the draw-out motor, and a controller configured to control the draw-out motor. The controller can be configured to count a number of rotations of the draw-out motor for a set period of time based on the draw-out motor being started for opening of the door according to the received input of the manipulation part, and stop and re-operate, based on a draw-out distance of the door being shorter than a set distance, the draw-out motor.

[0013] Implementations according to this aspect can include one or more of the following features. For example, the controller can be configured to re-operate the draw-out motor in a direction in which the door is drawn out after the draw-out motor is stopped.

[0014] In some implementations, the controller can be configured to re-operate the draw-out motor to (i) rotate in a reverse direction in which the door is drawn in and (ii) rotate, based on the draw-out motor being stopped, in a forward direction in which the door is drawn out. In some implementations, the controller can be configured to re-operate the draw-out motor repeatedly a plurality of times.

[0015] In some examples, the draw-out distance can be calculated based on a frequency generator (FG) detection signal of the draw-out motor. In some implementations, the detector can be configured to detect a completion of the drawing out operation of the door.

[0016] In some implementations, the set distance can be set to a distance extendable while the door gasket is in contact with the cabinet. In some implementations, the door gasket includes a gasket fixing portion fixed to a rear surface of the door part, a close-contact portion contacting a front surface of the cabinet and including a magnet, and a connection portion that is configured to connect the gasket fixing portion to the close-contact portion and that extends based on the open/close state of the door. The front surface of the cabinet can be made of a steel material or can include a magnetic material.

[0017] In some examples, the set distance can be set to a maximum distance through which the door gasket is able to extend while the close-contact portion is attached to the cabinet. In some examples, the set distance can be within a range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0018] In some implementations, the set period of time can be a period of time until the door gasket is completely separated from the cabinet in a state in which the door that was opened is closed. In some implementations, the controller can be configured to output, based on the door not being opened after the draw-out motor is re-operated, a door opening failure signal.

[0019] In some examples, the refrigerator can further include a display or a speaker, and the controller can be configured to output, based on the door not being opened within the set period of time, a door opening failure through the display or the speaker. In some examples, the controller can be configured to reversely rotate, based on the door not being opened within the set period of time, the draw-out motor to close the door.

[0020] In some implementations, the draw-out motor can be provided on a bottom of the cabinet, and the drawer part can include a draw-out rack that is coupled to a pinion rotated by the draw-out motor on a bottom thereof. In some implementations, an output of the draw-out motor can be smaller than a value for overcoming a maximum negative pressure based on the door being opened. In some implementations, the second storage space that is opened and closed by the door can be a freezing space.

[0021] In some examples, the refrigerator can further include a drive device provided inside the door part, and a lifting device provided inside the drawer part and configured to be connected to the drive device based on the door part and the drawer part being coupled to lift the drawer part. In some examples, the refrigerator can further include a lift detection device configured to detect a completion of a lifting and lowering operation of the lifting device, and the draw-out motor can be configured to be driven based on the lifting device being lowered.

[0022] In some examples, the door can be drawn out to a distance where a front space inside the drawer part in which the lifting device is disposed is completely exposed, and a rear end of the drawer part is positioned inside the first storage space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary refrigerator.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view schematically showing a lifted state of a lower drawer door of an exemplary refrigerator.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a partial cross-sectional view showing a lower structure of the exemplary refrigerator.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the lower drawer door as viewed from the rear.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of the lower drawer door as viewed from the front in which a drawer part and a door part are separated from each other.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of the drawer door in a state which a lifting device is separated from the drawer door.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of the door part from which a door cover is removed.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a drive device and the lifting device connected to each other.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the drive device.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of an inner structure of the drive device.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a partial enlarged view of a structure in which a driving force is transmitted to a screw of the drive device.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a lifting device.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a view showing a state in which an upper frame of the lifting device is lifted.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a partial enlarged view showing a state in which a lifting device is coupled to a lever.

[0037] FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing a controller and components connected to the controller.

[0038] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the drawing-in/out and lifting/lowering operation of the drawer door.

[0039] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the lower drawer door in a closed state.

[0040] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the lower drawer door which is fully opened.

[0041] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the drawer door when the basket of the lower drawer door has been completely lowered.

[0042] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view showing the drive device and the lifting device in the state of FIG. 19.

[0043] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the drawer door in a state in which the basket of the lower drawer door is fully lifted.

[0044] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view showing the drive device and the lifting device in the state of FIG. 21.

[0045] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the drawer door cannot be opened.

[0046] FIG. 24 is an exemplary graph showing a change in pressure during operation for opening the drawer door.

[0047] FIG. 25 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating an operation of drawing out the drawer door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an exemplary refrigerator. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view schematically showing a lifted state of a lower drawer door of an exemplary refrigerator. Further, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a partial cross-sectional view showing a lower structure of the exemplary refrigerator.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a refrigerator 1 can have an appearance by a cabinet 10 defining a storage space and a door 2 shielding a front surface of the cabinet 10 which defines an opening.

[0050] The storage space inside the cabinet 10 can be divided into a plurality of spaces. For example, an upper space 11 of the cabinet 10 can be provided for a refrigerating chamber, and a lower space 12 of the cabinet 10 can be provided for a freezing chamber. It is noted that the upper space and the lower space can be provided for separate spaces maintained at different temperatures rather than a refrigerating space or a freezing space, and can be referred to as an upper space and a lower space.

[0051] The door 2 can include a rotating door 20 that opens and closes the upper space by rotation, and a drawer door 30 that opens and closes the lower space by drawing in/out in a drawer type. The lower space can be divided into an upper portion and a lower portion, and the drawer door 30 can include an upper drawer door 30a and a lower drawer door 30b.

[0052] In some implementations, the external surfaces of the rotating door 20 and the drawer door 30 are provided with a metal material to define an appearance exposed to the front.

[0053] The refrigerator 1 is presented with the rotating door 20 and the drawer door 30, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can be applicable to all types of refrigerators provided with a door which is drawn in/out in a drawer type. In some implementations, the rotating door 20 can be provided at an upper portion to be referred to as an upper door, and the drawer door 30 can be provided at a lower portion to be referred to as a lower door.

[0054] A display 211 can be provided on a portion of front surface of the rotating door 20, and the display 211 can include a structure of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an 88 segment structure.

[0055] In some implementations, when the external surface of the door 2 is provided with a metal material, the display 211 can be provided such that a plurality of fine holes are perforated to display information by transmitted light.

[0056] In some implementations, a manipulation part 212 capable of operating automatic rotation or drawing-in/out of the upper door 2 or the lower door 2 can be provided in a portion of the rotary door 20.

[0057] The manipulation part 22 can be provided integrally with the display 211 and can be operated by a touch method or a button method. The manipulation part 212 can input/operate a command for the overall operation of the refrigerator 1, and can operate the drawing-in/out of the drawer door 30 and the lifting/lowering of the drawer door 30.

[0058] A manipulation part 301 can also be provided on the drawer door 30. The manipulation part 301 can be provided in a portion of the lower drawer door 30b positioned at the lowest portion of the drawer door 30, and the manipulation part 301 can be configured in a touch or button manner. It should be noted that the manipulation part 301 can include a sensor that detects a user's proximity or movement, or can be configured to receive an operation by the user's motion or speech.

[0059] In some implementations, a manipulation device 302 can be provided at a lower portion of the lower drawer door 30b and configured to output a virtual switch by projecting an image onto the floor and enable an operation to be input in a manner that the user approaches a corresponding area.

[0060] In order to store or receive food inside the lower drawer door 30b, the lower drawer door 30b can be drawn out forward, and then the basket 36 located inside the lower drawer door 30b can be operated so as to be lifted.

[0061] The lower drawer door 30b can be referred to as a drawer door or a door. Further, the lower drawer door 30b is not limited to the number and shape of drawer doors.

[0062] The basket 36 inside the door 30 can be lifted and lowered by a drive device 40 and a lifting device 80 provided in the lower drawer door 30b.

[0063] In some implementations, the basket 36 can be accommodated in the door 30 in a manner that the basket 36 is lifted and lowered. The basket 36 can have a predetermined height. Since the basket 36 is seated on the lifting device 80, the height of the basket 36 can be added to the height of the lifting device 80 to be exposed to the outside when the lifting device 80 is lifted. Therefore, when the lifting device 80 is lifted, a user can be located at a point where it is very easy for the user to approach the basket 36 or lift the basket 36.

[0064] In some implementations, a draw-out motor 14 configured draw in/out the door 30 can be provided at the bottom of the inside of the cabinet 10. The draw-out motor 14 can be provided at the bottom of the storage space 12, and a pinion gear 141 rotated by the draw-out motor 14 can be further provided. The pinion gear 141 can be directly or indirectly connected by the draw-out motor 14 and can be configured to be coupled to a draw-out rack 34 provided at the bottom of the door 30. A pair of draw-out racks 34 can be provided on the left and right sides, and thus, a pair of pinion gears 141 coupled to the draw-out racks 34 can also be provided at a corresponding position. Accordingly, the door 30 can be automatically drawn in and out by the drive of the draw-out motor 14, and the storage space 12 can be opened and closed. In some implementations, the draw-out motor 14 and the pinion gear 141 can be further provided on a barrier 121 for the drawing-in/out of the upper drawer door 30a.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the cabinet 10 can be composed of an outer case 101 and an inner case 102 and an insulating material can be filled between the outer case 101 and the inner case 102 to insulate the storage space 12. In some implementations, the door 30 can also be insulated by the outer plate 311 of the door 30, the door liner 314, and an insulating material 312 provided therebetween.

[0066] The storage space 12 can be divided into an upper portion and a lower portion by the barrier 121. The barrier 121 can connect the left and right sides of the inside of the storage space 12 at the front end of the storage space 12, and be in close contact with the door gaskets 317 provided on the doors 30 at the upper and lower sides. For example, one storage space 12 can be divided into a plurality of spaces for usage.

[0067] The door gasket 317 can allow the storage space 12 to be airtight when the door 30 is closed, be formed along the periphery of the rear surface of the door part 31, and contact the front end of the cabinet 10 and the front end of the barrier 121.

[0068] In some implementations, the door gasket 317 can be provided with an elastically deformable material such as rubber or silicone, and can be compressed when the door 30 is closed to be completely in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the front surface of the barrier 121. In some implementations, the door gasket 317 can have a structure that limits leakage between the door 30 and the storage space 12.

[0069] For example, the door gasket 317 can include a gasket fixing portion 317a fixed to a door liner 314, a close-contact portion 317d that is in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121, and gasket connection portions 317b and 317c connecting the gasket fixing portion 317a and the close-contact portion 317d.

[0070] The gasket fixing portion 317a can have a structure capable of being press-fit into a gasket mounting groove 314a formed along the periphery of the door liner 314 defining the rear surface of the door part 31. Therefore, in some implementations, after the gasket fixing portion 317a is pressed and fitted into the gasket mounting groove 314a, the door gasket 317 may not be easily separated.

[0071] In some implementations, the close-contact portion 317d can be formed in a planar shape that is in contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121, and a magnet 317e can be provided therein. Due to the magnetic force of the magnet 317e, the door gasket 317 can be in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121. For example, the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121 can be provided with a metal material, and a metal or a magnet can be provided inside the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121. Therefore, the close-contact portion 317d can be kept in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121 due to the magnetic force of the magnet 317e to limit the door gasket 317 from being very easily separated from the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121. For example, when the door 30 is completely closed, a set compression distance L1 can be maintained between the rear surface of the door part 31 and the front end of the cabinet 10.

[0072] In some implementations, the gasket fixing portion 317a and the close-contact portion 317d can be connected by the gasket connection portions 317b and 317c. The gasket connection portions 317b and 317c can include a first connection portion 317c and a second connection portion 317b respectively extending from an upper end and a lower end of the close-contact portion 317d, and the first connection portion 317c and the second connection portion 317b can have different lengths. For example, the second connection portion 317b can be longer than the first connection portion 317c.

[0073] For example, when the door 30 is opened and the door gasket 317 is separated from the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121, the first connection portion 317c having a short length is first separated, and the second connection portion 317b is separated in a state where the close-contact portion 317d is inclined. In a state in which the close-contact portion 317d is in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121 by the magnetic force, a force enabling the door gasket 317 to be separated from the front surface of the cabinet 10 or the barrier 121 can be required at an appropriate level. For example, it is possible to limit too much force to open the door 30 due to excessive adhesion. Further, the door gasket 317 can be further extended by a predetermined length in an airtight state due to its elasticity and the structure of the gasket connection portions 317b and 317c when the door 30 is opened.

[0074] In some implementations, a grill pan 16 can be provided inside the storage space 12. The grill pan 16 can define at least a part of the rear wall of the storage space 12 and define a heat exchange space 131 in which an evaporator 13 is accommodated. The evaporator 13 can be provided at the rear of the grill pan 16. Cold air generated by the evaporator 13 can be supplied to the inside of the storage space through a discharge port provided in the grill pan 16, be recovered through a suction port, and be again subjected to heat exchange by the evaporator 13. The storage space 12 can be then cooled to a set temperature by circulation of the cold air.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a partial cross-sectional view showing a lower structure of the refrigerator 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of the lower drawer door as viewed from the front in which the drawer part and the door part are separated from each other. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of the drawer door in a state which a lifting device is separated from the drawer door.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the door 30 can include a door part 31 that opens and closes the storage space, and a drawer part 32 that is coupled to the rear surface of the door part 31 and is drawn in and out with the door part 31.

[0077] The door part 31 can be exposed to the outside of the cabinet 10 to define the appearance of the refrigerator 1, and the drawer part 32 can be disposed inside the cabinet 10 to define a storage space. In some implementations, the door part 31 and the drawer part 32 can be coupled to be withdrawn in and out in the front and rear directions.

[0078] The drawer part 32 can be positioned on the rear surface of the door part 31, and can define a space in which food for storage or the basket 36 is accommodated. The drawer part 32 can define a storage space, which is open upward and the inner and outer appearances of the drawer part 32 can be formed by a plurality of metal plates. The plurality of plates can be provided outside as well as inside of the drawer part 32 so that the entire drawer part 32 can be formed of or stainless steel or have a texture such as stainless steel.

[0079] In a state in which the door 30 is drawn in, a machine room including a compressor and a condenser constituting a freezing cycle can be disposed behind the door 30. Accordingly, the rear portion of the drawer part 32 can have a shape in which an upper portion protrudes more than a lower portion, and the rear surface of the drawer part 32 can include an inclined surface.

[0080] In some implementations, draw-out rails 33 can be provided at both sides of the drawer part 32 to guide the drawing-in/out of the door 30. The door 30 can be mounted so as to be drawn out and in the cabinet 10 by the draw-out rails 33. The draw-out rail 33 can be configured in a rail structure that can extend in multiple stages.

[0081] A draw-out rack 34 can be provided on a lower surface of the drawer part 32. The draw-out rack 34 can be disposed on both sides, and is connected with the drive of the draw-out motor 14 mounted on the cabinet 10 to enable automatic drawing-out/in of the door 30. For example, during the operation of the manipulation part 212 or 301, the draw-out motor 14 is driven so that the door 30 can be drawn out/in according to the movement of the draw-out rack 34. In some implementations, the door 30 can be stably drawn out and in by the draw-out rail 33.

[0082] In some implementations, the drawer part 32 may not be provided with the draw-out rack 34, or the drawer part 32 may be configured such that the user directly draws in/out the door 30 in a manner that the user pushes or pulls the door 30 while holding one side of the door part 31.

[0083] In some implementations, the inside of the drawer part 32 can be divided into a front space S1 and a rear space S2. In the front space S1, a lifting device 80 that is configured to be lifted up and down, and a basket 36 that is configured to be seated on the lifting device 80 and lifted together with the lifting device 80 can be disposed.

[0084] In some implementations, when the door 30 is drawn out, the entire drawer part 32 cannot be drawn out of the storage space due to limits in the draw-out distance of the door 30, and at least the front space S1 can be drawn out of the storage space, and all or a part of the rear space S2 can be disposed inside the storage space of the cabinet 10.

[0085] The reason for the above-described structure is that the draw-out distance of the door 30 can be limited by the draw-out rack 34 or the draw-out rail 33. As the draw-out distance increases, the moment applied to the door 30 increases in the state in which the door 30 is drawn out, making it difficult to maintain a stable state and causing deformation or damage of the draw-out rail 33 or the draw-out rack 34.

[0086] In the front space S1, the lifting device 80 and the basket 36 can be accommodated. When the lifting device 80 is being lifted up and down, the food on the lifting device 80 and or the basket 36 can be lifted and lowered together. In some implementations, the lifting device 80 can be provided under the basket 36, and when the basket 36 is mounted, the lifting device 80 can be covered by the basket 36, thus enabling any configuration of the lifting device 80 from not being exposed to the outside.

[0087] A separate drawer cover 37 can be provided in the rear space S2. The front space S1 and the rear space S2 can be separated by the drawer cover 37. When the drawer cover 37 is mounted, the front and upper surfaces of the rear space S2 can be shielded so that an unused space is not exposed to the outside.

[0088] Due to mounting of the drawer cover 37, the rear space S2 is covered when the door 30 is drawn out, and the front space S1 is only exposed when the door 30 has been drawn out, thereby providing a cleaner appearance. In some implementations, the remaining space except for the space in which the lifting device 80 and the basket 36 are mounted can be covered to limit a problem such as a food drop or a product jamming in a gap during lifting.

[0089] In some implementations, a door light 318 can be provided on the rear surface of the door part 31. The door light 318 can brighten the inside of the drawer part 32, and can be positioned at an upper side with respect to the drawer part 32.

[0090] In some implementations, the lifting device 80 is disposed inside the drawer part 32, and the basket 36 can be seated on the upper surface of the lifting device 80. The basket 36 can be lifted from the drawer as needed, and can be lifted together with the lifting device 80.

[0091] In some implementations, in order to utilize the entire space inside the drawer part 32, the lifting device 80 inside the drawer part 32 can be simply detachably mounted, and the lifting device 80 and the drawer cover 37 can be separated from the drawer part 32, thus utilizing the entire inner space of the drawer part 32.

[0092] In some implementations, the door part 31 and the drawer part 32 constituting the door 30 can have a structure in which the door part 31 and the drawer part 32 are separated from and coupled to each other. Assembly workability and serviceability can be improved through the detachable structures of the door part 31 and the drawer part 32.

[0093] The rear surface of the door part 31 and the front surface of the drawer part 32 can be coupled to each other, and when the door part 31 and the drawer part 32 are coupled to each other, a driving force for lifting and lowering the lifting device 80 can be provided.

[0094] A drive device 40 for lifting the lifting device 80 can be disposed in the door part 31, and the door part 31 and the drawer part 32 can be selectively connected.

[0095] For example, the drive device 40 provided in the door part 31 can include components operated by the input of a driving force and components for transmitting the driving force to the lifting device 80. Accordingly, when the service of the drive device 40 is required, the door part 31 can be separated to take action, and only the door part 31 can be replaced, so that a simple action can be taken.

[0096] The door part 31 and the drawer part 32 can be coupled by a pair of door frames 316 provided on both sides. The door frame 316 can be configured to be connected to the rear surface of the door part 31 and both sides of the drawer part 32, respectively.

[0097] When the door part 31 and the drawer part 32 are coupled to each other, a drawer opening 35 through which a part of the lifting device 80 is exposed can be formed in the front surface of the drawer part 32 such that the drive device 40 and the lifting device 80 can be connected to each other.

[0098] A scissor side connection portion 842 serving as a rotation axis of the lifting device 80 can be exposed to the inside of the drawer opening 35. For example, when the scissor side connection portion 842 is connected to the drive device 40, the lifting device 80 can be in an operable state. In some implementations, the drawer openings 35 can be formed at both left and right side ends of the front surface of the drawer part 32.

[0099] In some implementations, the lifting device 80 has a structure that can be separated from the drawer part 32 according to the user's operation. For example, the scissor side connection portion 842 of the lifting device 80 and a lever side connection portion 422 of the drive device 40 connected to each other are first separated, and the lifting device 80 is then lifted from the drawer part 32.

[0100] The door part 31 is configured to open and close the storage space of the cabinet 10 and at the same time define the front appearance of the refrigerator 1.

[0101] The door part 31 can have an outer appearance defined by an outer case 311 defining the front surface and a part of peripheral surfaces and a door liner 314 defining a rear surface. Further, insulating material 312 can be filled in the inside of the door part 31 between the outer case 311 and the door liner 314.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of the door part from which a door cover is removed. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the drive device and the lifting device connected to each other.

[0103] The drive device 40 for operating the lifting device 80 can be provided inside the door part 31. In some implementations, drive device 40 is disposed inside the door part 31, but can also be provided inside a space defined by the door liner 314 instead of being buried in the insulating material. Further, the door liner 314 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the drive device 40 and the door light 318 to provide a space in which the drive device 40 and the door light 318 are mounted.

[0104] In some implementations, the drive device 40 can be shielded by the door cover 315 so as not to be exposed to the outside. Both sides of the lower end of the door cover 315 can be open, and the lever side connection portions 422 of a lever 42, which is a component of the drive device 40, can be exposed.

[0105] In some implementations, the lever-side connection portion 422 can be located at a position facing the drawer opening 35. For example, when the door part 31 and the drawer part 32 are connected, the opening of the door cover 315 and the drawer opening 35 can communicate with each other. Thus, the lever-side connection portion 422 and the scissor-side connection portion 842 of the lifting device 80 can be coupled through the door cover 315 and the drawer opening 35.

[0106] The door gasket 317 can be provided along the peripheries of the rear surface of the door part 31, and when the door 30 is closed, the door gasket 317 can contact at the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the barrier 121 to make the storage space airtight.

[0107] The drive device 40 can be shielded by the door cover 315 and disposed inside the door part 31. The drive device 40 can be connected to the lifting device 80, and a driving force of the drive device 40 can be transmitted to the lifting device 80. For example, the drive device 40 can simultaneously transmit a driving force to both the left and right sides of the lifting device 80 so that the lifting device 80 does not incline or tilt to one side under any circumstances, and be lifted or lowered in a state in which the both sides are horizontal.

[0108] The drive device 40 can include a motor assembly 60, a pair of screw units 50 disposed on both sides of the motor assembly 60, and a pair of levers 42 respectively connected to the screw units 50. In some implementations, the screw unit 50 can include a screw 52 and a screw holder 56 that is penetrated by the screw 52 and is lifted and lowered along the screw unit 50.

[0109] In some implementations, the lever 42 can include a lever-side connection portion 422 formed at one end of a lever extension portion 421, and the lever-side connection portion 422 can be rotatably fixed to the rear surface of the door part 31. Further, a lever hole 423 through which a holder fastening member is fastened can be formed at the other end of the lever extension portion 421.

[0110] The lever hole 423 is formed in a long hole shape and can guide the movement of the holder fastening member 564, and simultaneously allow the holder fastening member 564 to be fastened to the screw holder 56. Accordingly, the lever 42 can be rotated by the screw holder 56 which is lifted and lowered when the screw 52 is rotated.

[0111] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the drive device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view showing an inner structure of the drive device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a partial enlarged view showing a structure in which a driving force is transmitted to a screw of the drive device.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, a motor assembly 60 can be positioned in a center portion in the left-right direction of the door part 31. In some implementations, the screw units 50 and 50a and the levers 42 on both sides can be configured to be operated by the driving of the motor assembly 60 including a drive motor 64.

[0113] For example, the motor assembly 60 can adjust the magnitude of a force to be decelerated and transmitted through a combination of a plurality of gears.

[0114] In some implementations, the motor assembly 60 can have a structure in which the drive motor 64 and the gears are arranged vertically in order to minimize a space that is depressed when mounted on the door part 31. For example, the motor assembly 60 can be formed to widen a width in a left-right direction to minimize the thickness of the motor assembly 60 and to minimize the thickness in a front-rear direction.

[0115] In some implementations, the drive motor 64 constituting the motor assembly 60 can protrude toward the drawer part 32 to minimize a depression depth of the door part 31, thus ensuring thermal insulation performance.

[0116] The drive motor 64 can provide a driving force for the lifting of the lifting device 80 and can be configured to rotate forward and reversely. Accordingly, when a lifting signal of the lifting device 80 is input, the drive motor 64 is rotated forward or reversely, thereby providing a driving force for lifting the lifting device 80. In some implementations, the drive motor 64 can be stopped when a load of the drive motor 64 or a stop signal is input due to detection of a sensor.

[0117] The motor assembly 60 can include a motor case 61 in which the drive motor 64 is installed, and a motor cover 62 coupled to the motor case 61 to cover the drive motor 64.

[0118] A rotation shaft of the drive motor 64 can protrude from the motor case 61 toward the opposite side of the motor cover 62. In some implementations, the motor assembly 60 can further include a driving force transmission part for transmitting the driving force of the drive motor 64. The driving force transmission part can be located on the opposite side of the drive motor 64 with respect to the motor case 61.

[0119] In some implementations, the driving force transmission part can be formed of a combination of a plurality of gears, and can be shielded by a cover member 66 mounted on the opposite side of the drive motor 64.

[0120] The driving force transmission part can include a drive gear 651 connected to the shaft of the drive motor 64 passing through the motor case 61. The driving force transmission part can further include a first transmission gear 652 meshing with the drive gear 651 on a lower side of the drive gear 651.

[0121] The first transmission gear 652 can be, for example, a multi-stage gear. For example, the first transmission gear 652 can include a first gear 652a meshing with the drive gear 651 and a second gear 652b having a diameter smaller than that of the first gear 652a. Each of the first gear 652a and the second gear 652b can be a spur gear.

[0122] The driving force transmission part can further include a second transmission gear 653 meshing with the first transmission gear 652. The second transmission gear 653 can mesh with the first transmission gear 652 on the lower side of the first transmission gear 652. The second transmission gear 653 can include a first gear 653a meshing with the second gear 652b of the first transmission gear 652, and a second gear 653b having a diameter larger than that of the first gear 653a.

[0123] Each of the first gear 653a and the second gear 653b of the second transmission gear 653 can be a spur gear. In some implementations, the second gear 653b of the second transmission gear 653 can be located below the first gear 652a of the first transmission gear 652. Accordingly, an increase in a width of the drive device 40 in the front-rear direction can be limited by the first transmission gear 652 and the second transmission gear 653.

[0124] The driving force transmission part can further include a third transmission gear 654 meshing with the second transmission gear 653. The third transmission gear 654 can mesh with the second gear 653b on the lower side of the second gear 653b of the second transmission gear 653. The third transmission gear 654 can be a spur gear. A portion of the third transmission gear 654 can be disposed so as to overlap the second transmission gear 653 in the front-rear direction.

[0125] A gear shaft for rotatably supporting the plurality of transmission gears can be provided in the motor case 61.

[0126] The driving force transmission part can include a pair of crossing gears 655 and 656 meshing with the third transmission gear 654. The pair of crossing gears 655 and 656 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and engage with the third transmission gear 654 at a position where the rotation center thereof is lower than the rotation center of the third transmission gear 654.

[0127] The crossing gears 655 and 656 respectively include spur gear parts 655a and 656a of a spur gear type and helical gear parts 655b and 656b of a helical gear type such that the crossing gears 655 and 656 engage with the third transmission gear 654. It can include first helical gear units 655b and 656b.

[0128] In addition, rotation center lines of the crossing gears 655 and 656 spaced apart from each other to the left and the right may extend horizontally to each other.

[0129] The driving force transmission part can further include a pair of second helical gear parts 657 and 657a respectively meshing with the crossing gears 655 and 656.

[0130] The second helical gear parts 657 and 657a can mesh with the first helical gear parts 655b and 656b. The rotation center lines of the second helical gear parts 657 and 657a can be disposed to intersect the rotation center lines of the crossing gears 655 and 656. Accordingly, the first helical gear parts 655b and 656b and the second helical gear parts 657 and 657a can intersect with each other, and can be configured to engage with each other to transmit rotation.

[0131] The rotation center lines of the crossing gears 655 and 656 can extend in the front-rear direction, and the rotation center lines of the second helical gear parts 657 and 657a can extend in the vertical direction. Further, the rotation center lines of the second helical gear parts 657 and 657a disposed on both left and right sides can be inclined in a direction in which they are further far from each other toward the upper side.

[0132] As described above, the use of a pair of bevel helical gears has the advantage that the driving force transmission direction can be easily switched and the structure for transmission of a driving force becomes compact. For example, even when a large force is transmitted for the lifting of the lifting device 80, a large noise is not caused.

[0133] The pair of screw units 50 and 50a can be disposed on both left and right sides of the motor assembly 60.

[0134] The pair of screw units 50 and 50a are disposed on both left and right sides of the inside of the door part 31, and the pair of screw units 50 and 50a have the same structure and shape except their mounting positions.

[0135] The driving force of the drive motor 64 can be transmitted from the lower portions of the screw units 50 and 50a.

[0136] The screw units 50 and 50a on both sides can be formed to be symmetrical with respect to the motor assembly 60. Accordingly, the motor assembly 60 can be disposed between the screw units 50 and 50a positioned on both sides, and the screw units 50 and 50a disposed on both sides can be arranged such that a distance between the screw units 50 and 50a gets closer as it goes from the upper ends to the lower ends.

[0137] The screw units 50 and 50a can include screws 52 and 52a that are rotated by receiving a driving force from the drive motor 64. The screw 52 or 52a can extend in a vertical direction, and be inclined such that the upper end is directed to the outside and the lower end is directed to the inside.

[0138] The screws 52 and 52a can be connected to the second helical gear parts 657 and 657a. For example, the screws 52 and 52a can be rotated together when the second helical gear parts 657 and 657a are rotated.

[0139] For example, an insertion portion can be formed in the second helical gear part 657 or 657a, and an accommodation groove in which the insertion portion is accommodated can be formed in the screw 52.

[0140] Accordingly, the screws 52 and 52a can also be disposed to be symmetrical on the left and right sides with respect to the motor assembly 60, and can be disposed to be inclined on the same center line as the center line of the second helical gear parts 657 and 657a. Accordingly, the screws 52 and 52a on the left and right sides can be arranged such that they are further spaced apart from each other as it goes upward.

[0141] The screw units 50 and 50a can further include screw holders 56 and 56a through which the screws 52 and 52a are coupled.

[0142] The screw holders 56 and 56a can be moved vertically along the screws 52 and 52a when the screws 52 and 52a are rotated. In some implementations, the levers 42 can be respectively coupled to the screw holders 56 and 56a. When the screw holders 56 and 56a are moved, the levers 42 can be rotated.

[0143] For example, a holder through hole 561 is formed in the center of the screw holder 56 or 56a. The holder through hole 561 is formed to pass through the screw holder 56 or 56a, and the screw 52 or 52a is inserted into and mounted to the holder through hole 561 by passing through the holder through hole 561. A thread coupled to the screw can be formed in an inner surface of the holder through hole 561. Accordingly, when the screws 52 and 52a are rotated, the screw holders 56 and 56a are movable along the screws 52 and 52a.

[0144] In some implementations, guide holes 562 are formed on both left and right sides of the holder through hole 561. The guide hole 562 is a portion through which the guide bar 53 or 54 passes, and the screw holders 56 and 56a can be moved along the guide bars 53 and 54.

[0145] The guide bars 53 and 54 can be formed in a round bar shape, and can be formed of a metal material to stably support the screw holders 56 and 56a.

[0146] A bearing is provided on the inner surface of the guide hole 562 to facilitate the movement of the screw holder 56 or 56a. Further, a sleeve-shaped lubrication member through which the guide bar 53 or 54 passes can be provided in the guide hole 562. The lubrication member can be formed of an engineering plastic or a material that reduces friction, thus facilitating movement of the screw holders 56 and 56a and limiting noise from occurring. It should be noted that, if necessary, the screw holders 56 and 56a themselves can be formed of an engineering plastic material.

[0147] Since a pair of the guide bars 53 and 54 are configured to pass through the guide holes 562, the screw holders 56 and 56a do not move to the left and right, thus enabling stable lifting and lowering. For example, stable lifting is possible even in a situation where a heavy load is applied to drive the lifting device 80, and noise does not also occur.

[0148] In some implementations, a magnet 563 can be provided in the screw holder 56a. For example, a magnet mounting groove 563a in which a magnet is press-fitted can be formed in the screw holder 56a, and can have a structure in which the magnet 563 can be inserted into the magnet mounting groove 563a.

[0149] The magnet 563 is for detecting a position of the screw holder 56a. When the screw holder 56a is located at the lower end or upper end of the screw 52 or 52a, a lift detection device 55 can detect the position of the screw holder 56a. For example, it is possible to determine the completion of the lifting and lowering of the lifting device according to whether the magnet 563 mounted in the screw holder 56a is detected.

[0150] Further, the holder connector can be mounted on the opposite side of the rear surface of the screw holder 56a in which the magnet 563 is provided, that is, the front surface of the screw holder.

[0151] The holder connector is for connecting the lever 42 and the screw holder 56 or 56a, and can be fixedly mounted to the screw holder 56 or 56a. That is, the holder connector can be coupled to the screw holder 56 or 56a while passing through the lever 42. The lever 42 can include a rectangular slot 426 such that the lever 42 does not interfere with the holder connector during the rotation of the lever 42.

[0152] Since the screw units 50 and 50a are disposed on the left and right sides, extension lines of the screws 52 and 52a on the left and right sides can cross each other outside of the drive device 40.

[0153] The lever 42 can connect the screw holder 56 or 56a and the lifting device 80, and both ends can be coupled to the screw holder 56 or 56a and the lifting device 80, respectively.

[0154] The screw units 50 and 50a can further include housings 51 accommodating the screws 52 and 52a, respectively.

[0155] The housing 51 which defines an outer shape of the screw unit 50 or 50a can define a space in which screw 52 or 52a and the screw holder 56 or 56a are accommodated, and an open portion can be shielded by a cover member 66.

[0156] The housing 51 can be formed by bending a plate-shaped metal material or can be formed of a plastic material.

[0157] The housing 51 can include a first accommodating portion 511 accommodating the screw 52 or 52a, and a second accommodating portion 512 accommodating the second helical gear portion 657 or 657a.

[0158] The first accommodating portion 511 and the second accommodating portion 512 can be separated from each other by a partition wall 513. The second accommodating portion 512 is located below the first accommodating portion 511.

[0159] A portion of the crossing gear 655 or 656 can be accommodated in the second accommodating portion 512. For example, the crossing gear 655 or 656 can be connected to the second helical gear part 657 or 657a inside the second accommodating portion 512.

[0160] A lower portion of the screw 52 or 52a passes through the partition wall 513, and the second helical gear part 657 or 657a is coupled to the screw 52 or 52a that has passed through the partition wall 513.

[0161] One or more guide bars 53 and 54 for guiding the lifting of the screw holder 56 or 56a can be provided in the housing 51. The one or more guide bars 53 and 54 extend in parallel with the screw 52 or 52a in a state in which the guide bars are spaced apart from the screw 52 or 52a.

[0162] A plurality of guide bars 53 and 54 are provided in the housing 51 such that the screw holder 56 or 56a is not inclined to either left or right with respect to the screw 52 or 52a, and the screw 52 can be positioned between the plurality of guide bars 53 and 54.

[0163] The motor case 61 and the pair of housings 51 can be integrally formed. In some implementations, a single cover member 66 can cover the motor case 61 and the pair of housings 51.

[0164] For example, the cover member 66 is fastened to the motor case 61 to cover the driving force transmission part and is fastened to the pair of housings 51 to cover the screws 52 and 52a, the guide bars 53 and 54, and the screw holders 56 and 56a.

[0165] It should be noted that the cover member 66 can be composed of a plurality of portions respectively shielding the driving force transmission part and the screw units 50 and 50a to open and close each of relevant parts independently.

[0166] In some implementations, since the drive device 40 is provided in the form of a single module, the drive device 40 is compact, making it possible to easily mount the drive device 40 in the door part 31.

[0167] In some implementations, since the single cover member 66 covers the motor case 61 and the pair of housings 51 together, there is an advantage in that access to the driving force transmission part or the housing 51 is easily made when the cover member 66 is separated.

[0168] In some implementations, a lift detection device 55 can be provided in the screw unit 50a on one side among the screw units 50 and 50a on the left and right sides. The lift detection device 55 is configured to determine whether the lifting device 80 has been lifted or lowered, and further determine whether the lifting device 80 has been lifted or lowered based on the operation of the drive device 40.

[0169] The lift detection device 55 can be mounted on the cover member 66 and can be disposed vertically along the screw unit 50a.

[0170] The lift detection device 55 can include a pair of detection sensors 552 and 553. As the detection sensors 552 and 553, a sensor that detects the magnet 563 can be used. The detection sensors 552 and 553 can be typically a Hall sensor that detects the position of a magnet. It is noted that another sensor or device for detecting the magnet 563 can be provided in place of the Hall sensor.

[0171] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a lifting device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a view showing a state in which an upper frame of the lifting device is lifted. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a partial enlarged view showing a state in which a lifting device is coupled to a lever.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 12-14 and FIG. 22, the lifting device 80 can be provided on the bottom of the inner surface of the drawer part 32 and can be detachably provided inside the drawer part 32. The lifting device 80 can be formed to have a size corresponding to the front space S1 of the drawer part 32. For example, the bottom surface of the front space S1 can have a corresponding size to the top surface of the lifting device 80.

[0173] In some implementations, the lifting device 80 can include an upper frame 82, a lower frame 83, and a scissor assembly 84 disposed between the upper frame 82 and the lower frame 83.

[0174] For example, the upper frame 82 is formed in a rectangular frame shape corresponding to the size of the front space S1 inside the drawer part 32, and the support plate 81 can be mounted on the upper surface of the upper frame 82.

[0175] The upper frame 82 is moved in the vertical direction of the lifting device 80 and supports food or the basket 36 together with the support plate 81.

[0176] The upper frame 82 can include a frame portion 821 having a peripheral shape of the upper frame 82 as a whole, and a partition portion 822 that divides a space inside the frame portion 821 into left and right sides.

[0177] The frame portion 821 and the partition portion 822 are configured to define an outer frame and support the support plate 81. In some implementations, the frame portion 821 and the partition portion 822 can be formed of a metal material, and can be formed in a shape in which both ends are bent to increase strength and prevent deformation.

[0178] Further, a slide guide 824 which accommodates the end of the scissor assembly 84 to guide the movement of the scissor assembly 84 can be formed in the lower surface of the frame portion 821.

[0179] The scissor assemblies 84 can be arranged in spaces 823 and 823a on both sides of the partition portion 822, respectively.

[0180] The slide guide 824 can define a long hole 824a through which the scissor assembly 84 passes. Accordingly, the scissor assembly 84 can be moved along the slide guide 824.

[0181] The lower frame 83 can have the same or similar structure as the upper frame 82 only in a direction different from that of the upper frame 82.

[0182] The lower frame 83 can include a frame portion and a partition portion. Further, a slide guide 834 which accommodates the end of the scissor assembly 84 to guide the movement of the scissor assembly 84 can be formed in the upper surface of the lower frame 83.

[0183] The slide guide 834 can define a long hole 834a through which the scissor assembly 84 passes. Accordingly, the scissor assembly 84 can be moved along the slide guide 834.

[0184] The scissor assemblies 84 can be provided on both left and right sides, respectively, and the scissor assemblies 84 on both sides operate by receiving the driving force from the drive motor 64, such that the scissor assemblies 84 can be lifted and lowered by the same height at the same time.

[0185] Therefore, even when supporting a heavy load, the heavy load can be effectively lifted and lowered by the pair of the scissors assemblies 84 in which a force is independently applied to both the scissor assemblies. For example, the scissors assembly 84 can enable the upper frame 82, that is, the support plate 81 to be lifted in a horizontal state.

[0186] The scissor assembly 84 can include a first scissor frame 841 in the shape of a rectangular frame, and a second scissor frame 845 in the shape of a rectangular frame, which is rotatably connected to the first scissor frame 841.

[0187] A left-right width of the second scissor frame 845 can be shorter than a left-right width of the first scissor frame 841. Accordingly, the second scissor frame 845 can be connected to the first scissor frame 841 while being positioned within an area defined by the first scissor frame 841.

[0188] The first scissor frame 841 can include a lower shaft 841a and an upper shaft 841b extending in a horizontal direction. In some implementations, the lower shaft 841a is rotatably supported by the lower frame 83, and the upper shaft 841b is disposed to pass through a sliding guide 824 of the upper frame 82.

[0189] The first scissor frame 841 can be connected to a first rod and an upper shaft extending in a vertical direction.

[0190] The second scissor frame 845 can include a lower shaft and an upper shaft extending in a horizontal direction, and a first rod and a second rod extending in a vertical direction.

[0191] The first scissor frame 841 can include a scissor-side connection portion 842 protruding to be connected to the lever 42. The scissor-side connection portion 842 can include an extension portion 842b extending from the first scissor frame 841 and a connection portion 842c formed at an end of the extension portion 842b.

[0192] The lever 42 can include a lever-side connection portion 422 accommodating the scissor-side connection portion 842 for coupling with the scissor-side connection portion 842. The scissor-side connection portion 842 can be formed in a shape corresponding to an accommodating space 422c of the lever-side connection portion 422. For example, the scissor-side connection portion 842 can be formed in a shape extending from a circular rotation shaft to one side, and can be formed in a shape corresponding to a rotation boss portion 422b and a lever-side protrusion 422a.

[0193] For example, the end of the scissor-side connection portion 842 can be formed in a non-circular shape. Therefore, when the lever 42 is rotated while the scissor-side connection portion 842 is accommodated in the lever-side connection portion 422, the lever 42 is prevented from spinning with the scissors-side connection portion 842. In some implementations, the scissor-side connection portion 842 can transmit a greater force for operation of the lifting device 80.

[0194] FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing a controller and components connected to the controller. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the drawing-in/out and lifting/lowering operation of the drawer door. FIGS. 17 to 22 are views showing the state of the drawer door when the drawer door is drawn in/out and lifted/lowered.

[0195] Referring to the drawings, in the refrigerator 1, both the rotating door 20 and the drawer door 30 can be maintained in a closed state as shown in FIG. 17 when food has been stored. In this state, the user can store food by drawing out or in the drawer door 30.

[0196] A plurality of drawer doors 30 can be provided on upper and lower sides. The drawer door 30 provided at a lower side among the drawer doors 30 can be disposed adjacent to the upper drawer door 30 without a separate handle for drawing in and out. For example, a gap is hardly seen between the upper drawer door 30 and the lower drawer door 30, so that the front appearance of the refrigerator 1 can look very neat and luxurious.

[0197] In order to draw in/out the lower drawer door 30, the user can input an operation for drawing in/out the drawer door by operating a manipulation part 212, 301, or 302. In this case, the user's operation can be performed by touching the manipulation part 212 or 301 provided in the front surface of the rotating door 20 or the door 30 and an operation for opening the door 30 can be input through the manipulation part 302 provided at the lower end of the door 30.

[0198] In some implementations, the manipulation part 301 and the manipulation device 302 can be configured to individually operate the drawing-in/out of the door 30 and the lifting and lowering of the lifting device 80. In some implementations, the user can hold the handle of the door 30 and open the door 30.

[0199] Hereinafter, opening and lifting of the lower drawer door 30b among the doors 30 disposed in the upper and lower sides is described as an example, but both the doors 30 disposed in the upper and lower sides are drawn in/out and lifted/lowered in the same manner. [S100: step for operation input]

[0200] When the controller 90 for controlling the overall operation of the refrigerator 1 determines that an operation input is valid in an operation input step, the controller 90 can control a draw-out motor 14 such that the operation of the draw-out motor 14 is started.

[0201] When the draw-out motor 14 is driven by an instruction of the controller 90, the drawer door 30 is drawn out forward. The drawer door 30 can be drawn out while the draw-out rail 33 is extended.

[0202] A draw-out rack 34 provided on the bottom of the drawer door 30 can be coupled with a pinion gear 141 that is rotated when the draw-out motor 14 provided in the cabinet 10 is driven, and thus the drawer door 30 is drawn in and out according to the driving of the draw-out motor 14.

[0203] The drawer door 30 can be drawn out until the drawer door 30 is in a state as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. For example, a draw-out distance of the drawer door 30 can be at least a distance in which the front space S1 inside the drawer part 32 can be completely exposed to the outside. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, when the drawer door 30 has been drawn out, a container or food does not interfere with the doors 20 and 30 or the cabinet 10 disposed above the lifting device 80 when the lifting device 80 is lifted or lowered.

[0204] A state in which the drawer door 30 is drawn out is described in detail. When the drawer door 30 is drawn out for lifting, it is typically required that the front space S1 has been completely drawn out of the lower storage space 12.

[0205] For example, the rear end L1 of the front space S1 is required to be further drawn out than the front end L2 of the cabinet 10 or the upper door 20, and to be positioned more forward than the front end L2 in order to prevent interference when the lifting device 80 is lifted.

[0206] In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 19, the drawer door 30 can be drawn out only to a position to avoid interference when the lifting device 80 is lifted rather than the entire drawer part 32 is not completely drawn out. For example, at least a part of the rear space S2 of the drawer part 32 is located inside the lower storage space 12. That is, the rear end L3 of the drawer part 32 is located at least inside the lower storage space 12.

[0207] Therefore, even when the drawer door 30 including the drive device 40 and the lifting device 80 has a weight in which the weight of a storage object is added to the weight of the drawer door 30 itself, it is possible to ensure a stable drawing in/out and lifting operation without sagging or damage of the draw-out rail 33 or the drawer door 30 itself.

[0208] For example, the draw-out distance of the lower drawer door 30b can be determined by the draw-in/out detection device 15 disposed in the cabinet 10 and/or the lower drawer door 30b.

[0209] The draw in/out detection device 15 can be configured with a detection sensor that detects the magnet 389 to detect a state in which the lower drawer door 30b has been completely drawn out or closed.

[0210] For example, as shown, the magnet 389 can be provided on the bottom of the drawer part 32 and a detection sensor can be provided in the cabinet 10. The drawing-in/out detection device 15 can be provided at a position corresponding to a position of the magnet 389 when the lower drawer door 30b has been closed and a position of the magnet 389 when the lower drawer door 30b has been completely drawn out. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the state of the drawing in/out of the lower drawer door 30b by the drawing-in/out detection device 15.

[0211] Further, a switch can be provided at a position where the lower drawer door 30b has been completely drawn in and a position at which the lower drawer door 30b has been completely drawn out to detect the drawing-in/out of the lower drawer door 30b and count the number of the draw-out motor 14, or the drawing-in/out of the lower drawer door 30b can be detected by a sensor that measures the distance between the rear surface of the door part 31 and the front end of the cabinet 10.

[0212] When the draw-out detection device 152 detects that the drawer door 30 has been drawn out to a set distance, the controller 90 can determine that the drawer door 30 has been completely drawn out, and stop the driving of the draw-out motor 14 in order to complete the drawing-in/out of the drawer door 30. [S200: step of drawing out a drawer door]

[0213] For example, in a state in which the drawer door 30 has been completely drawn out, the draw-out motor 14 can be in a brake state such that the draw-out motor 14 is no longer rotated. That is, the drawer door 30 needs to be kept in a draw-out state while the lifting device 80 inside the drawer door 30 is operating. To this end, the draw-out motor 14 can be a motor (generally referred to as a braking motor or a brake motor) provided with a brake capable of selectively restraining a motor.

[0214] For example, when the drawer door 30 is moved or closed while the lifting device 80 is being driven, there is a possibility of a safety accident. Further, when the drawer door 30 is moved or closed during the operation of the lifting device 80, a problem of falling or damage of the food being stored may occur, and a problem of damage to the structure for lifting or the refrigerator itself may occur. Therefore, the drawer door 30 should be able to maintain a fixed state in which the drawer door 30 is not drawn-in/out even though an external force is applied to the drawer door 30 at least during the operation of the lifting device 80.

[0215] The draw-out motor 14 can be prevented from rotating by its own braking structure even when an external force is applied. The drawer door 30 can be restrained such that the drawer door 30 is maintained in a drawn-out state. [S300: step of restraining door draw-in/out]

[0216] In some implementations, the drive device 40 and the lifting device 80 are not operated until the drawer door 30 is completely drawn out as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, and the lifting device 80 is in a lowest state which refers to the lifting device being located in a lowest position.

[0217] Before the lifting device 80 is lifted, the lever 42 and the screw holder 56 are located at the lowest position as shown in FIG. 20, and the lift detection device 55 can detect this and determine that the current state is a state in which the lifting device 80 has been completely lowered.

[0218] For example, when the lifting device 80 has been completely lowered, the screw holder 56 can be positioned at the lowest position. By way of further example, the magnet 563 provided in the screw holder 56 is positioned at a position corresponding to the detection sensor located on the lower side among the pair of detection sensors 552 and 553. Accordingly, since the magnet 563 is detected by the detection sensor located below, it can be determined that the lifting device has been completely lowered.

[0219] When it is determined that the lifting device 80 has been completely lowered by the lift detection device 55, the drive device 40 can start operation upon the user's operation or when the drawer door 30 has been completely drawn out.

[0220] When the lift detection device 55 determines that the lifting device 80 has not been completely lowered, the lift detection device 55 can output an abnormal signal to cause the drive device 40 not to be operated.

[0221] When the drawer door 30 has been drawn out by a set distance, the controller 90 can instruct the lifting motor 64 to operate. Further, the drive device 40 is operated by the lifting motor, and the lifting device 80 is lifted as shown in FIG. 21.

[0222] When the drawer door 30 is completely drawn out and the draw-out motor 14 is stopped, the lift motor 64 can be driven by the controller 90. The lifting device 80 can be configured to be operated only in a situation in which the drawer door 30 has been sufficiently drawn out to ensure the safe lifting of the food or basket 36 seated on the lifting device 80.

[0223] For example, when the drawer door 30 is drawn out and the front space S1 is completely exposed to the outside, the lifting device 80 is operated, so that the basket 36 seated on the lifting device 80 or stored food are prevented from interfering with the other doors 20 and 30 or the cabinet 10.

[0224] In some implementations, in order to prevent the user's safety and damage to stored food, the lifting device 80 can be configured to start operation after a set time has elapsed after the draw-out of the drawer door 30 is confirmed.

[0225] For example, the lifting of the lifting device 80 can refer that the upper frame 82 is lifted by the scissor assembly 84, and the lowering of the lifting device 80 can refer that the upper frame 82 is lowered by the scissor assembly 84.

[0226] The drive device 40 is connected to the lifting device 80, and thus, the driving force can be transmitted to the lifting device 80. With the start of the operation of the drive device 40, the driving force is transmitted to the lifting device 80, and the lifting of the lifting device 80 is started.

[0227] For example, when the lifting motor 64 rotates forward and reversely by a lifting or lowering signal of the lifting device 80, the drive device 40 starts an operation. A plurality of gears between the lifting motor 64 and the screws 52 and 50a are rotated by driving of the lifting motor 64, and thus the screws 52 and 50a are rotated. As the screws 52 and 50a on both sides are rotated, the screw holder 56 is lifted and the lever 42 is rotated.

[0228] When the lever 42 is moved upward, the height of the first rod 842a of the first scissor frame 841 connected to the lever 42 increases due to increase in the height of the lever 42. In some implementations, the scissor assembly 84 can be unfolded by increasing the height of the first rod 842a of the first scissor frame 841.

[0229] Eventually, as the scissor assembly 84 is unfolded, the upper frame 82 is lifted, and the basket 36 or food seated on the support plate 81 is lifted. Finally, as shown in FIG. 21, the lifting device 80 is lifted to the maximum height.

[0230] In some implementations, the lifting device 80 is stopped when lifting device 80 is lifted to a sufficient height to facilitate access to the food or basket 36 seated on the lifting device 80 as shown in FIG. 21. In the above state, the user can easily lift the food or basket 36 without excessively bending the waist. [S400: step of lifting the lifting device]

[0231] When the lifting device 80 has been completed lifted, the lever 42 and the screw holder are located at the highest position as shown in FIG. 20, and the lift detection device 55 can detect this and determine that the current state is a state in which the lifting device 80 has been completely lifted.

[0232] When it is determined by the lift detection device 55 that the lifting device 80 has been completely lifted as shown in FIG. 21, the lifting motor 64 is stopped. In this state, the lifting device 80 is located inside the drawer part 32, but the food or basket 36 seated on the lifting device 80 is located at a higher position than that of the open upper surface of the drawer part 32, thus enabling easy access by the user.

[0233] For example, since it is not necessary to bend the waist excessively to lift the basket 36, a safer and more convenient operation is possible.

[0234] The state in which the lifting device 80 is lifted to the maximum height is described more detail with reference to FIG. 21. The lifting device 80 is positioned at least at a lower position than that of the upper end of the drawer part 32.

[0235] When viewed from the basket 36 in a state where the basket 36 is seated on the drive device 40, the upper end H1 of the basket 36 can be lifted to a higher position than the upper end H2 of the lower storage space 12. The height can be the most suitable height for use since the user can reach out and lift the basket 36 without bending the waist.

[0236] For example, the drive device 40 has a structure that is lifted and lowered inside the drawer part 32, but when the container 36 has been seated in the lifting device 80, the basket 36 can be positioned at a height at which a user easily accesses the basket 36. [S500: step of stopping the lifting device]

[0237] When the lifting device 80 reaches a set height, the lifting motor 64 is stopped and a timer 91 counts a stop time of the lifting motor 64. For example, in a state in which the lifting device 80 has been lifted, the lifting device 80 waits for a set period of time.

[0238] In some implementations, the controller 90 can determine whether the time counted by the timer 91 reaches the set period of time. When the controller 90 determines that the set period of time has elapsed after the lifting device 80 is stopped, the lifting motor 64 starts to rotate reversely and the lifting device 80 is lowered.

[0239] For example, the set period of time can be set to approximately 90 seconds. The set period of time can be set to a period of time sufficient for the user to store food. When the set period of time is too short, the lifting device 80 can be lowered before completing storage of the food, causing inconvenience in use. When the set period of time is too long, the drawer door 30 is exposed for a long time in an open state and the loss of cold air can become excessive, thus deteriorating cooling performance and causing an increase in power consumption. Accordingly, the set period of time can be set to about 90 seconds.

[0240] The set period of time can be set by the user through operation through the manipulation part 212 or by a speech input through a microphone, and can be adjusted to an appropriate time desired by the user.

[0241] In some implementations, the elapse of the set period of time can be displayed on the screen through the display 211 or externally output through the speaker 92 while the lifting device 80 is stopped and waiting. Accordingly, the user can recognize a change in the set period of time and perform a food storage operation, and can determine when the drawer door 30 is closed. [S610: step of determining the elapse of the set period of time]

[0242] In some implementations, when the user wants to close the drawer door 30 because completing the food storage operation before the set period of time has not elapsed, an operation of lowering the lifting device 80 can be input through operation through any one of the manipulation parts 212, 301 or 302.

[0243] In some implementations, the user can identify the remaining period of time before the drawer door 30 is closed through the screen output by the display 211 or the speech output by the speaker 92, and accordingly, determine the food storage operation speed. Further, even when too much remaining period of time remains until the drawer door 30 is closed, the lifting device 80 can be lowered and the drawer door 30 can be drawn-in by operating any one of the manipulation parts 212, 301, or 302.

[0244] For example, when the lifting device 80 is lifted, the user can input an operation by operating any one of the manipulation parts 212, 301, or 302 to lower the lifting device 80 and draw in the drawer door 30 before the set period of time has elapsed. [S620: step for input a lowering operation]

[0245] When the set period of time has elapsed or the lowering operation is input, the controller 90 can instruct the lifting motor 64 to operate, and the lifting device 80 can start to be lowered as shown in FIG. 25.

[0246] The lowering of the lifting device 80 can be performed by reverse rotation of the lifting motor 64, and can be gradually performed through a process opposite to the process of lifting the lifting device 80 described above.

[0247] In some implementations, when the lifting device 80 has been lowered as shown in FIG. 19, the lift detection device 55 can detect the completion of the lowering of the lifting device 80. For example, when the magnet 563 is detected by the detection sensor located below, the controller 90 determines that the lifting device 80 has been completely lowered and stops driving of the lifting motor 64. [S700: step of lowering the lifting device]

[0248] When a lowering completion signal of the lifting device 80 is received, the controller 90 simultaneously can release the restraint of the draw-out motor 14. The controller 90 can release the braking of the draw-out motor 14 or release the restraint of the drawer door 30 so that the drawer door 30 is in a condition capable of being drawn in. For example, the controller 90 can completely restrain the drawing in/out of the drawer door 30 until the lifting device 80 has been lowered so that the lifting operation of the lifting device 80 is stably made and at the same time, food is stored and food storage operation is also easily and safely performed. [S800: step of releasing restraint of drawing-in/out of the door]

[0249] In some implementations, when the braking of the draw-out motor 14 is released, the controller 90 can instruct the draw-out motor 14 to rotate reversely. The drawer door 30 can be drawn in by the reverse rotation of the draw-out motor 14. [S900: step of drawing in the drawer door]

[0250] The draw-out motor 14 can rotate reversely until the drawer door 30 has been completely closed. When the drawer door 30 has been completely closed, a draw-in detection device 151 can detect the completion of the drawing-in of the drawer door 30. In some implementations, when the drawer door 30 has been completely drawn in, the standby state is maintained such that the drawer door 30 is opened again.

[0251] Further, the controller 90 continuously maintains the standby state until a user's operation is input, and controls devices constituting a freezing cycle so as to perform an operation for cooling the interior of the refrigerator.

[0252] In some implementations, when the door 30 is kept closed for a long period of time, the door 30 cannot be opened even when the draw-out motor 14 is driven to open the door 30. Hereinafter, a state in which the door 30 cannot be opened and an operation for solving it will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0253] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the drawer door cannot be opened. FIG. 24 is a graph showing a change in pressure during operation for opening the drawer door.

[0254] The refrigerator is kept in a closed state as shown in FIG. 3. For example, in order to maintain the airtightness of the refrigerator 1, the door gasket 317 is in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the front surface of the barrier 121. In some implementations, the door gasket 317 can be kept in a compressed state, so that the rear surface of the door part 31 and the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the barrier 121 are spaced apart by a compression distance L1.

[0255] In some implementations, when the door 30 is drawn out, the door gasket 317 can extend in a state in which the door gasket 317 is in close contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the front surface of the barrier 121 as shown in FIG. 23. For example, the door gasket 317 is in contact with the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the front surface of the barrier 121 so that the door part 31 and the cabinet 10 can be spaced apart from each other by an extension distance L2 due to the elasticity of the door gasket 317 itself and the structure of the gasket connection portions 317b and 317c while the storage space is being kept airtight.

[0256] When the distance between the door part 31 and the cabinet 10 becomes larger than the extension distance L2, the door gasket 317 can be separated from the front surface of the cabinet 10 and the front surface of the barrier 121 and the storage space 12 can be further opened while the door 30 is being drawn out.

[0257] However, while the distance between the door part 31 and the cabinet 10 increases to the extension distance L2, the inside of the storage space 12 is in a negative pressure state. For example, when the storage space 12 has been closed, the volume of the storage space 12 increases due to the movement of the door 30, and thus the storage space 12 becomes a negative pressure state.

[0258] When the storage space 12 is in a negative pressure state, a greater force is required to draw out and open the door 30, and in some cases, the door 30 can be in an unopenable state in which the door 30 cannot be opened.

[0259] It is noted that a higher output of the draw-out motor 14 is expected to overcome the negative pressure of the storage space 12 and to draw out the door 30.

[0260] FIG. 24 shows a change in pressure required to open the door 30 over time while the door 30 is closed.

[0261] The draw-out motor 14 can have an output to draw in/out the door 30 in a general situation. However, when the door 30 is closed for a long period of time, a situation in which the door 30 cannot be opened may occur depending on the internal state of the storage space 12.

[0262] For example, when a drain tube in communication with the machine room 3 is blocked due to the negative pressure when an attempt to open the door 30 is made, and the frost generated when the storage space 12 is used as a freezer, or a greater force is required to open the door 30 due to freezing of the door gasket 317 or excessive application of grease, the door 30 may not be opened normally.

[0263] Referring to FIG. 24, when the door 30 is initially opened in a state in which the door 30 is closed for a certain period of time, a force required to open the door 30 can correspond to -133 Pa to -170 Pa and a negative pressure of 153 Pa on average can be generated. For example, when the area of the door 30 is 0.238 m.sup.2, an average force of 3.7 kgf may be required to open the door 30 on which an average negative pressure of 153 Pa works, and an average force of 4.1 kgf may be required to open the door 30 on which a maximum negative pressure of 170 Pa works.

[0264] Therefore, even when the door 30 is in an unopenable state after the initial opening of the door 30, the door 30 can be opened with less force when it is attempted to open the door 30 continuously. A force required in the case of repetitive opening of the door 30 can correspond to -62 Pa to -103 Pa, and an average negative pressure of 87 Pa is generated. Accordingly, when it is continuously attempted to open the door 30 after stopping the motor when the door 30 cannot be opened, the door 30 can be opened with a smaller force.

[0265] Therefore, a problem in which it is impossible to open the door 30 can be solved by continuously operating the draw-out motor 14 without the need to excessively increase the output of the draw-out motor 14 based on the maximum negative pressure.

[0266] The process of drawing out the door 30 to which the operation of continuously opening the door 30 is applied will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0267] FIG. 25 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating an operation of drawing out the drawer door.

[0268] As shown in FIG. 25, in order to store food in the door 30 while the door 30 is closed, the manipulation part 212, 301, or 302 can be operated to input the operation of opening the door 30.

[0269] The operation for drawing out the door 30 is started by the user's operation input through the manipulation part 212, 301, or 302. The operation after the drawing-out of the door 30 can be performed as shown in S100 of FIG. 16.

[0270] The draw-out motor 14 starts to be driven by the user's operation through the manipulation part 212, 301, or 302, and the door 30 is drawn out forward by engagement of the pinion gear 141 and the draw-out rack 34 according to the driving of the draw-out motor 14. [S210]

[0271] The timer can count the elapsed time at the same time as the driving of the draw-out motor 14 is started. Then, the controller 90 can determine whether the counted elapsed time has passed the set period of time. For example, it is determined whether or not a set period of time has elapsed after the start of the driving of the draw-out motor 14.

[0272] The set period of time is for detecting a state in which it is hard to open the door 30 at the beginning of the draw-out of the door 30, and can be set to a period of time during which the door gasket 317 is separated and the draw-out is performed after the door 30 is opened. For example, the set period of time can be set to one second. That is, the controller 90 can determine whether the door 30 is normally opened or in an unopenable state after one second. [S220]

[0273] When the elapsed time passes the set period of time, it is determined by comparing the draw-out distance of the door 30 with a set distance. For example, the set distance can correspond to the extension distance L2. Therefore, when the draw-out distance is longer than the set distance (extension distance L2), it can be determined that the door gasket 317 is separated from the cabinet 10 and the barrier 121 and an operation of opening the door 30 normally is performed.

[0274] Further, when the draw-out distance is shorter than the set distance (extension distance L2), it can be determined that the door gasket 317 is still in close contact with the cabinet 10 and the barrier 121 and the door 30 cannot be opened. For example, the draw-out distance can be detected by driving of the draw-out motor 14. A detection value by a frequency generator (FG) of the draw-out motor 14 can be set to 30 (FG 30) or less, and the draw-out distance of the door 30 can be approximately 20 to 30 mm.

[0275] That is, when the door 30 is not drawn out by the extension distance L2 until one second has elapsed after the draw-out motor 14 is driven, it is determined that the storage space 12 is still in a closed state by the door gasket 317, and the door is in an unopenable state due to the negative pressure of the storage space 12. [S230]

[0276] When it is determined that the draw-out distance is shorter than the set distance, the controller 90 can perform a continuous door opening operation to open the door 30. The continuous door opening operation can refer that the draw-out motor 14 is re-driven in the direction in which the door 30 is drawn out after the draw-out motor 14 is stopped. In some implementations, the continuous door opening operation can refer that the draw-out motor 14 is rotated reversely in the direction in which the door is closed and then rotated forward in the direction in which the door is drawn out.

[0277] In some implementations, the continuous door opening operation can be performed at the moment when the operation for opening the door 30 is started, but it is determined that the door 30 cannot be opened, and can be repeatedly performed at least once or multiple times continuously. In some implementations, the continuous door opening operation can be repeatedly performed even at regular time intervals. [S240]

[0278] Through the continuous door opening operation, the door 30 can be eventually opened, and the door part 31 and the front surface of the cabinet 10 are spaced apart from each other by the distance L2 or more. Accordingly, the door gasket 317 is separated from the cabinet 10 and the barrier 121 and the storage space 12 can be opened. In some implementations, when the storage space 12 is opened, the negative pressure in the storage space 12 is relieved, so that the door 30 can be continuously drawn out by the draw-out motor 14.

[0279] Further, when the draw-out distance of the door 30 is greater than the set distance at the time when the set period of time has elapsed, the door 30 can be normally opened, and the door 30 can also be drawn out normally. [S250]

[0280] In some implementations, while the door 30 is normally opened and the door 30 is being drawn out, the controller 90 can determine whether an obstacle is detected. For example, a situation in which a normal operation is impossible due to the obstacle can occur during the draw-out of the door 30.

[0281] When the door 30 cannot be completely opened normally while the draw-out motor 14 is being driven for the draw-out of the door 30, the controller 90 can determine that the obstacle is recognized. For example, when an object or a person's body is located on a path through which the door 30 is drawn in/out, food is caught in the door 30, structural damage of the door 30 occurs, or the like, it can be determined that an obstacle exists or a failure condition occurs when the door 30 is drawn out.

[0282] When the door 30 is not completely drawn out within a set period of time, or when a load greater than a set load is applied to the draw-out motor 14, the controller 90 can determine that it is hard to open the drawer door 30 normally due to an obstacle.

[0283] In some implementations, when the controller 90 determines that the failure condition occurs, the controller 90 can immediately output the failure condition (e.g., via a door opening failure signal) through the display 211 or the speaker 92. Therefore, it is possible to induce immediate action by the user. [S260]

[0284] When the controller 90 determines that an obstacle exists, the controller 90 stops the operation of the draw-out motor 14. When the draw-out motor 14 is continuously operated, damage to food, a safety problem of the user may occur, or damage to the refrigerator itself may be caused, so that the controller 90 can stop the draw-out motor 14. When the draw-out of the draw-out door is stopped, the user may remove the obstacle or the failure condition.

[0285] In some implementations, the controller 90 can allow the door 30 to be drawn in while the retractable motor 14 rotates reversely after the draw-out motor 14 is stopped. Since cooling performance can be deteriorated and food can be damaged when the door 30 is left in a state in which the door is drawn out for a long period of time, the door 30 can be drawn in and then closed. Of course, as soon as the controller 90 determines that an obstacle exists, the controller 90 can allow the draw-out motor 14 to rotate reversely to close the door 30. [S270]

[0286] When the door 30 has been drawn in, the draw-out motor 14 is stopped and the door 30 remains closed until the user's operation is input again. In some implementations, when the existence of an obstacle is not detected until the door 30 is completely drawn out, the draw-out motor 14 is stopped and the door 30 has been completely drawn out. [S280]

[0287] Thereafter, the user can store food in the door 30 in the draw-out state, and the lifting device 80 is driven so that the food can be stored more easily. Then, after the storage operation is finished, the door 30 can be drawn in again.

[0288] In some implementations, the drawer door is configured to be automatically drawn in and out by driving a draw-out motor, thereby improving user convenience.

[0289] In particular, when the drawer door is closed for a long period of time due to a long period of non-use, when the storage space is used as a freezing space and the temperature is low, when the storage space is completely sealed, or when the drawer door is kept in close contact with the cabinet by the magnetic force of the gasket, the opening of the door may fail since the inside of the storage space momentarily becomes a negative pressure upon initial drawing out of the drawer door or the draw-out rail is pressed and then a greater force is required to open the drawer door.

[0290] However, according to implementations of the present disclosure, even after the set period of time has elapsed after the initial driving of the draw-out motor, when the drawer door is not drawn out more than a set distance in which the drawer door can be substantially opened, an operation for opening the door is additionally performed to open the door.

[0291] Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the drawer door can be prevented from being unopened to improve the convenience of use, and the operation of drawing in and out the drawer door can be more smoothly performed.

[0292] Further, even when the output of the draw-out motor for opening the drawer door is not designed to be excessively high, it is possible to ensure a reliable draw-out operation of the door through the repetitive opening operation of the draw-out motor.

[0293] Therefore, there is an advantage in that manufacturing cost can be reduced by appropriate design of the draw-out motor, and the volume of the draw-out motor is not excessively large, thereby preventing loss of the storage space.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet defining a first storage space; a door including (i) a drawer part that defines a second storage space inside the first storage space and (ii) a door part that is mounted on a front surface of the drawer part to open and close the second storage space; a door gasket made of an elastically deformable material and provided along a periphery of the door part to seal, based on the door being closed, a gap between the cabinet and the door; a draw-out motor configured to provide a driving force for a drawing out operation of the door; a detector configured to detect an open/close state of the door; a manipulation part configured to receive user input to control an operation of the draw-out motor; and a controller configured to control the draw-out motor, wherein the controller is configured to: count a number of rotations of the draw-out motor for a set period of time based on the draw-out motor being started for opening of the door according to the received input of the manipulation part, and stop and re-operate, based on a draw-out distance of the door being shorter than a set distance, the draw-out motor.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to re-operate the draw-out motor in a direction in which the door is drawn out after the draw-out motor is stopped.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to re-operate the draw-out motor to (i) rotate in a reverse direction in which the door is drawn in and (ii) rotate, based on the draw-out motor being stopped, in a forward direction in which the door is drawn out.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to re-operate the draw-out motor repeatedly a plurality of times.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the draw-out distance is calculated based on a frequency generator (FG) detection signal of the draw-out motor.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the detector is configured to detect a completion of the drawing out operation of the door.

7. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the set distance is set to a distance extendable while the door gasket is in contact with the cabinet.

8. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the door gasket includes: a gasket fixing portion fixed to a rear surface of the door part; a close-contact portion contacting a front surface of the cabinet and including a magnet; and a connection portion that is configured to connect the gasket fixing portion to the close-contact portion and that extends based on the open/close state of the door, wherein the front surface of the cabinet is made of a steel material or includes a magnetic material.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the set distance is set to a maximum distance through which the door gasket is able to extend while the close-contact portion is attached to the cabinet.

10. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the set distance is within a range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the set period of time is a period of time until the door gasket is completely separated from the cabinet in a state in which the door that was opened is closed.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to output, based on the door not being opened after the draw-out motor is re-operated, a door opening failure signal.

13. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising a display or a speaker, wherein the controller is configured to output, based on the door not being opened within the set period of time, a door opening failure through the display or the speaker.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to reversely rotate, based on the door not being opened within the set period of time, the draw-out motor to close the door.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the draw-out motor is provided on a bottom of the cabinet, and wherein the drawer part includes a draw-out rack that is coupled to a pinion rotated by the draw-out motor on a bottom thereof.

16. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein an output of the draw-out motor is smaller than a value for overcoming a maximum negative pressure based on the door being opened.

17. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the second storage space that is opened and closed by the door is a freezing space.

18. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a drive device provided inside the door part; and a lifting device provided inside the drawer part and configured to be connected to the drive device based on the door part and the drawer part being coupled to lift the drawer part.

19. The refrigerator of claim 18, further comprising: a lift detection device configured to detect a completion of a lifting and lowering operation of the lifting device, wherein the draw-out motor is configured to be driven based on the lifting device being lowered.

20. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein the door is drawn out to a distance where a front space inside the drawer part in which the lifting device is disposed is completely exposed, and a rear end of the drawer part is positioned inside the first storage space.