REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

A refrigerator in which a support connecting both rear ends of a rail assembly to each other is provided to maintain a state in which the rail assembly is perpendicular to a support. Thus, when a slidable door is closed, it may reduce the likelihood of a gap between the door and a cabinet from occurring so that the door is closely attached to the cabinet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0103976 (filed on Oct. 12, 2011), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to refrigerator technology.

BACKGROUND

In general, refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperature in an inner storage space covered by a refrigerator door. That is, refrigerators cool the inside of the storage space using cool air generated by heat-exchanging with a refrigerant circulating a refrigeration cycle to store foods in an optimum state.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage space and a sliding door disposed at the storage space and configured to slide away from and toward the storage space to open and close the storage space. The refrigerator also includes a pair of rail assemblies that are configured to guide sliding of the sliding door and that include a first rail assembly disposed at a first side of the main body and a second rail assembly disposed at a second side of the main body that is opposite of the first side of the main body. A front end of the first rail assembly is connected to the sliding door and a front end of the second rail assembly is connected to the sliding door. The refrigerator further includes a support connecting a rear end of the first rail assembly to a rear end of the second rail assembly. The rear end of the first rail assembly is opposite of the front end of the first rail assembly and the rear end of the second rail assembly is opposite of the front end of the second rail assembly.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the first rail assembly may include a first rail unit that extends in multiple stages and a first rail connector mounted on the first rail unit. In this example, the second rail assembly may include a second rail unit that extends in multiple stages and a second rail connector mounted on the second rail unit. Further, in this example, the first rail connector may be connected to a first side of a back surface of the sliding door and the second rail connector may be connected to a second side of the back surface of the sliding door.

In some implementations, a front end of the first rail unit may be connected to a first end of a frame disposed on the sliding door and a front end of the second rail unit may be connected to a second end of the frame disposed on the sliding door. In these implementations, the second end of the frame may be opposite of the first end of the frame.

In some examples, the refrigerator may include a frame that connects the first rail unit to the second rail unit and that is disposed on a back surface of the sliding door. In these examples, the frame, the first and second rail units, and the support may be coupled to each other to define a square frame shape.

In some implementations, the refrigerator may include a first support mounting part on which the support is mounted on a rear end of the first rail connector and a second support mounting part on which the support is mounted on a rear end of the second rail connector. In these implementations, the first support mounting part may include a first insertion hole in which a first insertion end protruding from the support is inserted and the second support mounting part may include a second insertion hole in which a second insertion end protruding from the support is inserted.

In addition, the refrigerator may include a first bent part that is disposed at the first insertion end, that is bent downward, and that receives a screw passing through the first support mounting part. The refrigerator also may include a second bent part that is disposed at the second insertion end, that is bent downward, and that receives a screw passing through the second support mounting part. Further, the support may be fixed and mounted to the first rail connector by a screw coupled to pass through the first support mounting part and the support may be fixed and mounted to the second rail connector by a screw coupled to pass through the second support mounting part.

In some examples, the refrigerator may include a first stabilizing member mounting part disposed on the first rail connector and a second stabilizing member mounting part disposed on the second rail connector. In these examples, the refrigerator may include a stabilizing member configured to reduce shaking of the sliding door when the sliding door is withdrawn. Further, in these examples, a first end of the stabilizing member may be connected to the first stabilizing member mounting part and a second end of the stabilizing member may be connected to the second stabilizing member mounting part.

The stabilizing member may include a first pinion rotatably fixed to the first stabilizing member mounting part, a second pinion rotatably fixed to the second stabilizing member mounting part, and a shaft connecting the first pinion to the second pinion. The first stabilizing member mounting part may have a mounting hole in which the first pinion is rotatably mounted and the second stabilizing member mounting part may have a mounting hole in which the second pinion is rotatably mounted.

In some implementations, a first shaft insertion part configured to receive a first end of the shaft may extend inward from the first pinion and a second shaft insertion part configured to receive a second end of the shaft may extend inward from the second pinion. In these implementations, the first shaft insertion part may be disposed so that the shaft is horizontally shaken in a state where the first end of the shaft is received in the first shaft insertion part and the second shaft insertion part may be disposed so that the shaft is horizontally shaken in a state where the second end of the shaft is received in the second shaft insertion part. Also, in these implementations, when the shaft is mounted, the shaft may be inserted first into the first shaft insertion part of the first pinion, and then may be inserted into the second shaft insertion part of the second pinion and fixed.

A basket configured to receive one or more food items may be seated on the first rail connector and the second rail connector. Also, the first rail assembly may include a first rail holder on which the first rail unit is mounted and the second rail assembly may include a second rail holder on which the second rail unit is mounted. The first rail holder may be fixed to a first inner wall of the storage space and the second rail holder may be fixed to a second inner wall of the storage space.

In some examples, a first withdrawal rail may be part of the first rail unit and may be withdrawn when the first rail unit is withdrawn. In these examples, a second withdrawal rail may be part of the second rail unit and may be withdrawn when the second rail unit is withdrawn. Further, in these examples, a first fixing part may be disposed on the first rail connector, may extend downward from the first rail connector, and may insert downward from an upper side into a side of the first withdrawal rail. In addition, in these examples, a second fixing part may be disposed on the second rail connector, may extend downward from the second rail connector, and may insert downward from an upper side into a side of the second withdrawal rail.

In another aspect, a refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, and a barrier that separates the refrigerating compartment from the freezing compartment. The refrigerator also includes a sliding door disposed at the freezing compartment and configured to slide away from and toward the freezing compartment to open and close the freezing compartment. The refrigerator further includes a frame disposed on a back surface of the sliding door that faces the freezing compartment, a first rail assembly disposed at a first side of the freezing compartment, and a second rail assembly disposed at a second side of the freezing compartment that is opposite of the first side of the freezing compartment. A front end of the first rail assembly is connected to a first end of the frame disposed on the back surface of the sliding door and a front end of the second rail assembly is connected to a second end of the frame disposed on the back surface of the sliding door that is opposite of the first end of the frame. In addition, the refrigerator includes a support that connects a rear end of the first rail assembly to a rear end of the second rail assembly. The rear end of the first rail assembly is opposite of the front end of the first rail assembly and the rear end of the second rail assembly is opposite of the front end of the second rail assembly. The frame, the first rail assembly, the second rail assembly, and the support are coupled to each other to define a square frame shape.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the first rail assembly may include a first rail unit that extends in multiple stages and a first rail connector mounted on the first rail unit. In this example, the second rail assembly may include a second rail unit that extends in multiple stages and a second rail connector mounted on the second rail unit. Further, in this example, the first rail connector may be connected to the first end of the frame and the second rail connector may be connected to the second end of the frame.

In some implementations, the refrigerator may include a first stabilizing member mounting part disposed on the first rail assembly, a second stabilizing member mounting part disposed on the second rail assembly, and a stabilizing member configured to reduce shaking of the sliding door when the sliding door is withdrawn. In these implementations, a first end of the stabilizing member may be connected to the first stabilizing member mounting part and a second end of the stabilizing member may be connected to the second stabilizing member mounting part.

In some examples, the stabilizing member may include a first pinion rotatably fixed to the first stabilizing member mounting part, a second pinion rotatably fixed to the second stabilizing member mounting part, and a shaft connecting the first pinion to the second pinion. In these examples, the first stabilizing member mounting part may have a mounting hole in which the first pinion is rotatably mounted and the second stabilizing member mounting part may have a mounting hole in which the second pinion is rotatably mounted.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a refrigerator with a door opened.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a refrigerator.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure between a sliding door and a rail assembly.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating coupling between a rail connector and a support.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure between the support and the rail connector.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rail assembly.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a state in which the rail assembly is assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Refrigerators may be classified according to a position of a storage space and a position and shape of a door. In the present disclosure, a bottom freeze type refrigerator in which a freezing compartment is provided at a lower side, and a refrigerating compartment is provided at an upper side is described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the disclosed techniques may be applied to all types of refrigerators including a door.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example refrigerator with a door opened. As shown in FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 includes a main body 10 having a storage space therein. An outer appearance of the refrigerator 1 is defined by the main body 10. Also, a door 20 for covering the storage space is provided on a front surface of the main body 10.

The door 20 may be withdrawably provided in a drawer type. For this, the door 20 is connected to an inner sidewall of the main body 10 by a rail assembly 30. The rail assembly 30 may extend in multiple stages. Also, the rail assembly 30 has one side fixed to the main body 10 and the other side fixed to a back surface of the door 20 or a door frame 22 supporting the door 20.

A general rail may be used as the rail assembly 30. In the rail assembly 30, ball bearings are vertically disposed between guides formed of a metal material so that the rail assembly 30 is slidably withdrawable. Also, the rail assembly 30 is disposed between the inner sidewall of the main body 10 and a basket 40.

The basket 40 is mounted between left and right rail assemblies 30. The basket 40 is recessed downward to receive one or more food items, such as vegetables or fruits. Also, an inner space of the basket 40 may be adjusted by a barrier 42 partitioning the inner space of the basket 40.

Thus, when the door 20 is withdrawn, the rail assemblies 30 extend so that the basket 40 is withdrawn together with the door 20. As the basket 40 is withdrawn, an opened top surface of the basket 40 is exposed to allow a user to access food items.

When the door 20 of the refrigerator 1 is assembled, the rail assemblies 30 are connected to a frame mounted on a back surface of the door 20. Here, the rail assemblies 30 are disposed on both sides of the door 20, and a front end of each of the rail assemblies 30 is fixed. Thus, before or during the assembly of the door 20, a front end of each of the rail assembles 30 may not be fixed, which may cause shaking of the rail assembles 30. As a result, the rail assembles 30 may become deformed.

Thus, if the rail assembles 30 are not perpendicular to the back surface of the door 20, a gap may occur between the door 20 and the main body 10 when the door 20 is closed. Thus, the slidable door 20 may not be smoothly withdrawn, or cool air may leak through the gap between the door 20 and the main body 10.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example refrigerator.

Referring to FIG. 2, a refrigerator 100 includes a main body 110 defining a storage space and a door for opening or closing the storage space defined in the main body 110. An outer appearance of the refrigerator 100 is defined by the main body 110 and the door.

An inner space of the main body 110 is vertically partitioned by a barrier. Thus, a refrigerating compartment 112 is defined at an upper side, and a freezing compartment 114 is defined at a lower side. Also, the door may include a refrigerating compartment door for opening or closing the refrigerating compartment 112 and a freezing compartment door 120 for opening or closing the freezing compartment 114.

The refrigerating compartment door may be constituted by a pair of doors. The pair of doors may be rotatably mounted on both left and right sides of a front surface of the main body 110, respectively. Thus, the pair of refrigerating compartment doors may be rotated to open or close the refrigerating compartment 112.

The freezing compartment door 120 may be slidably withdrawn to open or close the freezing compartment 114 (hereinafter, the freezing compartment door 120 is referred to as a “sliding door 120”). The sliding door 120 may be applied to all slidable doors used in refrigerators (or other appliances) in accordance with a configuration of the refrigerators.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example coupling structure between the sliding door and a rail assembly.

Referring to FIG. 3, a door frame 122 and rail assemblies 300 disposed on both left and right sides of the door frame 122 are disposed on a back surface of the sliding door 120.

The door frame 122 may extend in a horizontal direction to connect the rail assemblies 300 to the sliding door 120. Also, the door frame 122 is fixed to the back surface of the sliding door 120. Further, front ends of the rail assemblies 300 are fixedly mounted on both side ends of the door frame 122, respectively.

Each of the rail assemblies may include a rail unit 400 extending in multiple stages, a rail holder 500 for fixing the rail unit 400 to the inside of the freezing compartment 114, and a rail connector 600 for connecting the rail unit 400 to the door frame 122. A shaking prevention member 700 for reducing (e.g., preventing) shaking of the sliding door 120 when the sliding door 120 is withdrawn and a support 800 for reducing (e.g., preventing) shaking and/or deformation of the rail assembly 300 may be further provided between the rail assemblies 300. A detailed configuration of the rail assembly 300 will be described below.

The door frame 122, the rail assembly 300, and the support 800 are completely assembled to define a square frame shape. Also, the support 800 may be maintained perpendicular to the rail unit 400 or the rail connector 600 until the square frame shape is fixedly mounted on the sliding door 120.

In the state where the rail assembly 300 is mounted, a basket 200 may be mounted. The basket 200 defines an upwardly opened receiving space. The basket 200 may be seated on the rail connector 600 of the rail assembly 300. Thus, when the sliding door 120 is withdrawn, the sliding door 120 may be withdrawn together with the basket 200 to allow a user to receive foods.

Also, the rail holder 500 disposed on the outermost side of the rail assembly 300 may be fixedly mounted on each of inner left and right walls of the freezing compartment 114 so that the sliding door 120 is supported in a state where the sliding door 120 is slidably withdrawable in front and rear directions.

Hereinafter, the rail assembly will be described in additional detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 illustrates example coupling between the rail connector and the support. FIG. 5 illustrates an example coupling structure between the support and the rail connector. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the example rail assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the rail holder 500 is mounted on each of the inner left and right walls of the freezing compartment 114. The rail holder 500 may be injection-molded using a plastic material. A rail mounting part 510 on which the rail unit 400 is mounted is recessed inward from a central portion of the rail holder 500. The rail mounting part 510 extends from a front end of the rail holder 500 up to a rear end so that the rail unit 400 is inserted from a front side and then mounted.

A rack gear 520 is disposed under the rail mounting part 510. The rack gear 520 is engaged with a pinion 710 that will be described below to guide movement of the pinion 710. Also, the rack gear 520 extends from a front end of the rail holder 500 up to a rear end. The rack gear 520 may protrude inward so that gear teeth thereof face an upper side.

The rail unit 400 has a structure in which a fixed rail 410, a moving rail 420, and a withdrawal rail 430 are slidably connected to each other so that the rail unit 400 is telescopically withdrawn in three stages. The rail unit 400 may have the same structure as a general multi-stage withdrawal-type rail unit 400.

The rail connector 600 connected to the door frame 122 is disposed on the rail unit 400. The rail connector 600 is fixedly mounted on the withdrawal rail 430 so that the rail connector 600 is withdrawn together with the sliding door 120 when the rail unit 400 extends.

The rail connector 600 extends in front and rear directions. Also, the rail connector 600 is mounted on an inner surface of the withdrawal rail 430. The rail connector 600 may have an inner surface and a top surface which face each other. Also, the rail connector 600 provides a space in which the basket 200 is seated. A front end of the rail connector 600 is fixed to both left and right side ends of the door frame 122 and mounted on the rail unit 400 so that the rail connector 600 is withdrawn together with the sliding door 120 when the sliding door 120 is withdrawn.

The fixing part 610 for fixedly mounting the rail connector 600 protrudes downward from the rail connector 600. Also, a shaking prevention member mounting part 620 on which the shaking prevention member 700 is mounted extends downward at a rear side of the fixing part 610. The shaking prevention member mounting part 620 has a mounting hole 622 in which a pinion 710 that will be described below is mounted.

A support mounting part 630 for mounting the support 800 is disposed above the mounting hole 622. The support mounting part 630 is disposed on a rear end of the rail connector 600. Also, the support mounting part 630 has an insertion hole 632 in which a fixing end 810 of the support 800 is inserted and a first screw hole 634 passing through the rail connector 600 and coupled to the support 800. The insertion hole 632 may be defined in both sides with respect to the first screw hole 634 to lengthily extend in a vertical direction.

The support 800 may have a length enough to connect the rail connectors 600 to each other. Also, the support 800 has a sectional shape having a square shape or a shape corresponding to the square shape. Also, a protruding fixing end 810 is disposed on each of both left and right ends of the support 800. The fixing end 810 extends from each of both left and right surfaces of the support 800 and is inserted into the insertion hole 632.

Also, a bent part 820 bent downward between the fixing ends 810 to contact a side surface of the rail connector 600 when the support 800 is mounted is further provided on each of both left and right ends of the support 800. A second screw hole 822 in which a screw is coupled is further provided in the bent part 820. Here, the second screw hole 822 may be defined in a position corresponding to that of the first screw hole 634. Thus, when the support 800 is mounted, screws S may successively pass through the first screw hole 634 and the second screw hole 822 to secure the support 800. The bent part 820 may be provided as a separate member. Alternatively, the bent part 820 may be fixed to each of both ends of the support by a screw.

The shaking prevention member 700 is disposed under the support 800. The shaking prevention member 700 may include the pinion 710 rotated by being linked with the rack gear 520 and a shaft 720 connecting both left and right pinions 710 to each other. The pinion 710 is rotatably fixed to the mounting hole 622. Also, a shaft insertion part 712 in which the shaft 720 is inserted is disposed on the pinion 710. The shaft 720 is inserted into the shaft insertion part 712 and then moved and fixed to an adequate position.

Thus, when the sliding door 120 is withdrawn, the rail connector 600 may be moved together with the sliding door 120. The pinion 710 connected to the rail connector 600 may be withdrawn together while being moved along the rack gear 520. Thus, both left and right rail units 400 may extend by the same distance at the same time.

Hereinafter, an effect of the refrigerator having the above-described structure will be described.

FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the example rail assembly is assembled.

Referring to FIG. 7, the rail assembly 300 may have a square frame shape on the whole by the coupling of the door frame 122 and the support 800.

For this, the assembled rail unit 400 is fixed and mounted on the rail holder 500. Also, the rail connector 600 is mounted on the withdrawal rail 430 of the rail unit 400. In this state, the rail connector 600 is connected to each of both left and right ends of the door frame 122.

When the rail connector 600 is connected to the door frame 122, the pinion 710 is mounted on the mounting hole 622, and both ends of the shaft 720 are mounted on the pinions 710, respectively. Thus, both left and right pinions 710 may be rotatable.

Then, the support 800 is mounted on the rail connector 600. Each of both fixing ends 810 of the support 800 are inserted into the insertion hole 632. Here, the bent part 820 of the support 800 contacts the rail connector 600. In this state, the screw S is coupled to the rail connector 600. The screw S passes through the first screw hole 634 and the second screw hole 822 and is coupled to the rail connector 600.

Thus, the support 800 is fixed to the rail connector 600 by the screw S. Here, the support 800 may be maintained in the fixed state without being rotated by the pair of fixing ends 810.

In this state, the door frame 122 and the rail assembly 300 may have a square frame shape on the whole. The rail assembly 300 has a front end connected to the door frame 122 and a rear end connected to the support 800 to reduce (e.g., prevent) shaking of the rail assembly 300 vertically or horizontally.

Thus, the support 800 and the rail connector 600 may be maintained perpendicular to each other. And, the door frame 122, the rail assembly 300, and the support 800 may be maintained in the square frame shape on the whole. Therefore, this configuration may reduce (e.g., prevent) deformation of the rail assembly 300 by a change of the mounted position of the rail assembly 300 before and after the assembly of the sliding door 120 or during the mounting of the rail assembly 300.

In the refrigerator and refrigerator door, the front end of each of both left and right rail assemblies is connected to the frame, and the rear end of the rail assembly is supported by the support 800.

Also, the rail assembly, the frame, and the support may have the square frame shape. Thus, the square-shaped configuration may reduce (e.g., prevent) change of the position and shape of the rail assembly during the assembly of the rail assembly or before and after the rail assembly is assembled with the door. Also, the slidable withdrawal of the door may be more stable.

Thus, the rail assembly may be maintained in the designed position. And, after the door is assembled and mounted, the door may be closely attached to the main body to reduce (e.g., prevent) a gap from occurring by the deformation. Therefore, the door may be stably operated and it may effectively reduce (e.g., prevent) cool air from leaking.

Although implementations have been described with reference to a number of illustrative examples thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and implementations can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a main body defining a storage space;

a sliding door disposed at the storage space and configured to slide away from and toward the storage space to open and close the storage space;

a pair of rail assemblies that are configured to guide sliding of the sliding door and that include a first rail assembly disposed at a first side of the main body and a second rail assembly disposed at a second side of the main body that is opposite of the first side of the main body, a front end of the first rail assembly being connected to the sliding door and a front end of the second rail assembly being connected to the sliding door; and

a support connecting a rear end of the first rail assembly to a rear end of the second rail assembly, the rear end of the first rail assembly being opposite of the front end of the first rail assembly and the rear end of the second rail assembly being opposite of the front end of the second rail assembly.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1:

wherein the first rail assembly comprises: a first rail unit that extends in multiple stages; and a first rail connector mounted on the first rail unit, the first rail connector being connected to a first side of a back surface of the sliding door; and

wherein the second rail assembly comprises: a second rail unit that extends in multiple stages; and a second rail connector mounted on the second rail unit, the second rail connector being connected to a second side of the back surface of the sliding door.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein a front end of the first rail unit is connected to a first end of a frame disposed on the sliding door and a front end of the second rail unit is connected to a second end of the frame disposed on the sliding door, the second end of the frame being opposite of the first end of the frame.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising a frame that connects the first rail unit to the second rail unit and that is disposed on a back surface of the sliding door,

wherein the frame, the first and second rail units, and the support are coupled to each other to define a square frame shape.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising a first support mounting part on which the support is mounted on a rear end of the first rail connector and a second support mounting part on which the support is mounted on a rear end of the second rail connector.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the first support mounting part comprises a first insertion hole in which a first insertion end protruding from the support is inserted and the second support mounting part comprises a second insertion hole in which a second insertion end protruding from the support is inserted.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, further comprising a first bent part that is disposed at the first insertion end, that is bent downward, and that receives a screw passing through the first support mounting part and a second bent part that is disposed at the second insertion end, that is bent downward, and that receives a screw passing through the second support mounting part.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the support is fixed and mounted to the first rail connector by a screw coupled to pass through the first support mounting part and the support is fixed and mounted to the second rail connector by a screw coupled to pass through the second support mounting part.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising:

a first stabilizing member mounting part disposed on the first rail connector;

a second stabilizing member mounting part disposed on the second rail connector; and

a stabilizing member configured to reduce shaking of the sliding door when the sliding door is withdrawn, a first end of the stabilizing member being connected to the first stabilizing member mounting part and a second end of the stabilizing member being connected to the second stabilizing member mounting part.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the stabilizing member comprises a first pinion rotatably fixed to the first stabilizing member mounting part, a second pinion rotatably fixed to the second stabilizing member mounting part, and a shaft connecting the first pinion to the second pinion.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the first stabilizing member mounting part has a mounting hole in which the first pinion is rotatably mounted and the second stabilizing member mounting part has a mounting hole in which the second pinion is rotatably mounted.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein a first shaft insertion part configured to receive a first end of the shaft extends inward from the first pinion and a second shaft insertion part configured to receive a second end of the shaft extends inward from the second pinion,

wherein the first shaft insertion part is disposed so that the shaft is horizontally shaken in a state where the first end of the shaft is received in the first shaft insertion part,

wherein the second shaft insertion part is disposed so that the shaft is horizontally shaken in a state where the second end of the shaft is received in the second shaft insertion part, and

when the shaft is mounted, the shaft is inserted first into the first shaft insertion part of the first pinion, and then is inserted into the second shaft insertion part of the second pinion and is fixed.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein a basket configured to receive one or more food items is seated on the first rail connector and the second rail connector.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising:

a first withdrawal rail that is part of the first rail unit and that is withdrawn when the first rail unit is withdrawn;

a second withdrawal rail that is part of the second rail unit and that is withdrawn when the second rail unit is withdrawn;

a first fixing part that is disposed on the first rail connector, that extends downward from the first rail connector, and that inserts downward from an upper side into a side of the first withdrawal rail; and

a second fixing part that is disposed on the second rail connector, that extends downward from the second rail connector, and that inserts downward from an upper side into a side of the second withdrawal rail.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the first rail assembly further comprises a first rail holder on which the first rail unit is mounted, the first rail holder being fixed to a first inner wall of the storage space; and

wherein the second rail assembly further comprises a second rail holder on which the second rail unit is mounted, the second rail holder being fixed to a second inner wall of the storage space.

16. A refrigerator comprising:

a refrigerating compartment;

a freezing compartment;

a barrier that separates the refrigerating compartment from the freezing compartment;

a sliding door disposed at the freezing compartment and configured to slide away from and toward the freezing compartment to open and close the freezing compartment;

a frame disposed on a back surface of the sliding door that faces the freezing compartment;

a first rail assembly disposed at a first side of the freezing compartment, a front end of the first rail assembly being connected to a first end of the frame disposed on the back surface of the sliding door;

a second rail assembly disposed at a second side of the freezing compartment that is opposite of the first side of the freezing compartment, a front end of the second rail assembly being connected to a second end of the frame disposed on the back surface of the sliding door that is opposite of the first end of the frame; and

a support that connects a rear end of the first rail assembly to a rear end of the second rail assembly, the rear end of the first rail assembly being opposite of the front end of the first rail assembly and the rear end of the second rail assembly being opposite of the front end of the second rail assembly,

wherein the frame, the first rail assembly, the second rail assembly, and the support are coupled to each other to define a square frame shape.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 16:

wherein the first rail assembly comprises: a first rail unit that extends in multiple stages; and a first rail connector mounted on the first rail unit, the first rail connector being connected to the first end of the frame; and

wherein the second rail assembly comprises: a second rail unit that extends in multiple stages; and a second rail connector mounted on the second rail unit, the second rail connector being connected to the second end of the frame.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 16, further comprising:

a first stabilizing member mounting part disposed on the first rail assembly;

a second stabilizing member mounting part disposed on the second rail assembly; and

a stabilizing member configured to reduce shaking of the sliding door when the sliding door is withdrawn, a first end of the stabilizing member being connected to the first stabilizing member mounting part and a second end of the stabilizing member being connected to the second stabilizing member mounting part.

19. The refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein the stabilizing member comprises a first pinion rotatably fixed to the first stabilizing member mounting part, a second pinion rotatably fixed to the second stabilizing member mounting part, and a shaft connecting the first pinion to the second pinion.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein the first stabilizing member mounting part has a mounting hole in which the first pinion is rotatably mounted and the second stabilizing member mounting part has a mounting hole in which the second pinion is rotatably mounted.