Cooling device and refrigerator including the same

Abstract

A cooling device and a refrigerator including the same may be provided. The cooling device may include a first heat sink and a second heat sink that are respectively arranged at a high-temperature portion and a low-temperature portion of a cooling element module, a first support structure and a second support structure which respectively support the first heat sink and the second heat sink, and a first fastening device and a second fastening device which respectively fasten the first support structure and the second support structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a bypass continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT / KR2026 / 000159, filed on Jan. 5, 2026, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0001176, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jan. 3, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0013936, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Feb. 4, 2025, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND1. Field

[0002] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cooling device and a refrigerator including the same.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] Refrigerators are devices for preventing rotting or spoilage of food by cooling or storing the food in low temperature. Such refrigerators may include an accommodating space for accommodating food and a cooling device for cooling the accommodating space. In general, cooling devices may be divided into a refrigeration cycle device using a refrigeration cycle and a cooling device using a cooling element according to a method of generating cold air.

[0004] Refrigeration cycle devices may use a method of obtaining cold air by circulating a refrigerant along a closed circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. Cooling devices may obtain cold air by using a cooling element. For example, a Peltier module may be used as a cooling element. Peltier effects by a Peltier module refer to a phenomenon in which, when a potential difference is applied to both sides of an object, heat flows along with current, thereby heating one side and cooling another side.

[0005] The refrigeration cycle devices may be more efficient than the cooling devices using a cooling element but may have an issue regarding large noise generated by a compressor. On the contrary, although the cooling devices using a cooling element have a lower efficiency than the refrigeration cycle devices, less noise may be generated therefrom. Accordingly, the cooling devices using a cooling element may be used in a cooling device for a central processing unit (CPU), a temperature control seat in a vehicle, a miniature refrigerator, etc.

[0006] In the cooling devices using a cooling element, heat exchange may occur at a cooling element having a relatively small cooling surface. To improve the cooling efficiency, a heat sink assembly that may increase a heat exchange surface may be used.SUMMARY

[0007] A cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a cooling element module comprising a plate shape that comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite of the first surface, the first surface configured to radiate heat, and the second surface configured to absorb heat from an outside, a first heat sink comprising a plurality of heat sink fins, the plurality of heat sink fins being on the first surface, a second heat sink comprising a plurality of cooling fins, the plurality of cooling fins being on the second surface,

[0008] The cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a first support structure between the plurality of heat sink fins, the first support structure comprising a first heat radiator support, a second heat radiator support, a third heat radiator support, wherein the first heat radiator support is between the second heat radiator support and the third heat radiator support in a first direction in which a heat transfer fluid is introduced,

[0009] a 1-1 fastening portion; and a 1-2 fastening portion, wherein the first heat radiator support is between the 1-1 fastening portion and the 1-2 fastening portion,

[0010] The cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a first fastening device that fastens the 1-1 fastening portion and the 2-1 fastening portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second fastening device that fastens the 1-2 fastening portion and the 2-2 fastening portion in the second direction.

[0011] The cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a first fastening device that fastens the 1-1 fastening portion and the 2-1 fastening portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second fastening device that fastens the 1-2 fastening portion and the 2-2 fastening portion in the second direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1A is a front view of a cooling storage according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1B is a front view of a cooling storage of which door is open according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1C is a schematic view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cooling device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cooling element module, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a lateral view of a cooling element module, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5A is a partial perspective view of a cooling element module, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5B is a front view of the cooling element module, the first heat sink, and the second heat sink illustrated in FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of a first support structure, a second support structure, a first fastening device, and a second fastening device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a first heat sink supported by a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first heat sink and the first support structure of FIG. 7, taken along line A-A.

[0023] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 10A is a schematic lateral view of a first support structure, a heat sink plate, and a cooling element module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10B is a bottom view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 11B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 12B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a first support structure, a heat sink plate, and a cooling element module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the first support structure and the heat sink plate of FIG. 12C, taken along line B-B.

[0034] FIG. 12E is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 12F is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a first support structure, a heat sink plate, and a cooling element module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 13C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first support structure and heat sink plate of FIG. 13B, taken along line C-C.

[0039] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 14B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a first support structure, a heat sink plate, and a cooling element module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 15D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first support structure and the heat sink plate of FIG. 15C, taken along line D-D.

[0045] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 16B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 17B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 18B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit technical features described in the disclosure to particular modes of practice and are construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes of the embodiments.

[0052] In the drawings, similar reference numerals denote similar or relevant components.

[0053] An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

[0054] Throughout the specification, such expressions as “A or B,”“at least one of A and B,”“at least one of A or B,”“A, B, or C,”“at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may each include at least one of listed items or any possible combinations thereof.

[0055] Such terms as “first,”“second,” etc., may be used to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to limit other aspects of the components (e.g., importance or order).

[0056] When a component (e.g., a first component) is described as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component) without an expression such as “functionally” or “communicationally,” this may mean that the component is connected to the other component directly (e.g., in a wired manner), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0057] Further, the terms such as “include,”“comprise,” or “have” in the present disclosure are used to specify the existence of features, numbers, processes, operations, components, parts recited in the detailed description, or combinations thereof, and thus should not be understood as pre-excluding the existence or possibility for addition of one or more other features, numbers, processes, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0058] When a component is described as being “connected to,”“combined with,”“supported by,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only the cases where the component is directly connected to, combined with, supported by, or in contact with the other component but also the cases where the component is indirectly connected to, combined with, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

[0059] When a component is described as being “on” another component, this includes not only the case where the component is in direct contact with the other component but also the case where a third component is present between the two components.

[0060] The term “and / or” may include combinations of multiple relevant components or any component of multiple relevant components.

[0061] Hereinafter, non-limiting example embodiments of the present disclosure are described by referring to the attached drawings.

[0062] FIG. 1A is a front view of a cooling storage according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 1B is a front view of a cooling storage of which door is open according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 1C is a schematic view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may cool stored food accommodated in a storage room 11. To cool the stored food accommodated in the storage room 11, the refrigerator 1 may include one or more cooling devices, for example, a first cooling device 10 and a second cooling device 30.

[0064] The first cooling device 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be arranged in a main body 5 and supply cooled air to the storage room 11 provided in the main body 5. For example, the first cooling device 10 may cool the air in the storage room 11 provided in the main body 5 by using a cooling element module 100 (see FIG. 4), for example, a Peltier element module, and then discharge the cooled air to the storage room 11.

[0065] The second cooling device 30 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may use a refrigerant which is a material that changes sensitively according to a temperature and pressure to implement a refrigeration cycle for cooling the storage room 11 provided in the main body 5 through the thermodynamic process of absorbing heat at a low temperature and low pressure in general and radiating heat at a high temperature and high pressure. For example, the second cooling device 30 may include an evaporator 33 for supplying cooled air to the storage room 11, a condenser 35 converting a gas refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure into a liquid refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure, a expander changing the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure into a liquid refrigerant of low temperature and low pressure, and a compressor 36 converting the gas refrigerant of low temperature and low pressure into a gas refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure.

[0066] The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may use the cooling element module 100 (see FIG. 4) as described in relation to the first cooling device 10 or use a refrigerant performing the refrigeration cycle process of compression and expansion as described in relation to the second cooling device 30 to supply cooled air to the storage room 11 provided in the main body 5. Although the disclosure describes the refrigerator 1 of hybrid type which uses both types of cooling devices, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0067] For example, the refrigerator 1 may be any cooler, refrigerator, freezer, etc., that includes only a single cooing device (e.g., the first cooling device 10) or uses a plurality of cooling devices (e.g., the first cooling device 10 and the second cooling device 30) that include the cooling element module 100 (see FIG. 4) to supply cooled air to the storage room 11 provided in the main body 5. Hereinafter, an example in which the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a plurality of cooling devices, (e.g., the first cooling device 10 and the second cooling device 30) is described in detail.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the main body 5 may form the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The main body 5 may include the storage room 11 divided into an upper portion and a lower portion, and a plurality of doors 12 for opening and closing of the storage room 11.

[0069] The storage room 11 may be divided into a plurality of portions by a divider 15, and a plurality of shelves and storage containers for keeping food, etc., may be arranged in the storage room 11. The storage room 11 may be divided into a plurality storage rooms by the divider 15. The divider 15 may include a first divider 15-1 extending horizontally within the storage room 11 and dividing the storage room 11 into an upper storage room 11-1 and lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3, and a second divider 15-2 extending vertically within the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3 and dividing the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3.

[0070] The divider 15 including the first divider 15-1 and the second divider 15-2, which may be combined with each other to form a T shape, may divide the storage room 11 into three spaces. From among the upper storage room 11-1 and the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3 divided by the first divider 15-1, the upper storage room 11-1 may be used as a refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3 may be used as a freezer compartment.

[0071] Such division of the storage room 11 is just one example, and the storage room may be divided and / or used in various ways other than the example provided above.

[0072] The storage room 11 may be opened or closed by the plurality of doors 12. The plurality of doors 12 may be arranged apart from each other at certain intervals. For example, the plurality of doors 12 may be arranged at the front of the main body 5 and used for opening and closing of an opening arranged in the main body 5.

[0073] The upper storage room 11-1 may be opened or closed by at least one upper door 12-1 combined rotatably with the main body 5 in which the storage room 11 is provided. For example, two upper doors 12-1 may be provided to open or close the upper storage room 11-1. The lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3 may be opened or closed by at least one lower door 12-2 combined rotatably with the main body 5 in which the storage room 11 is provided. For example, two lower doors 12-2 may be provided to open or close the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3, respectively.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, air in the storage room 11 may be moved to the evaporator 33 through a storage room return duct 32 by a blower fan. The air moved by the storage room return duct 32 may be cooled by performing heat exchange with the evaporator 33. The cooled air may be discharged to the storage room 11 through a cold air outlet of cold air ducts 34-1 and 34-2.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the upper storage room 11-1 and the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3 may be set at different temperatures from each other. Accordingly, when the cooled air cooled by the second cooling device 30 is supplied to both the upper storage room 11-1 and the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3, different target temperatures of the upper storage room 11-1 and the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3 may be not met.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, although the first cooling device 10 may have a lower cooling capacity than a cooling capacity of the second cooling device 30, which implements the refrigeration cycle by using a refrigerant, the first cooling device 10 may adjust the temperature of the cooled air relatively precisely. For example, the first cooling device 10 may be arranged in any one from among the upper storage room 11-1 and the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3, and accordingly, cooling temperatures of the upper storage room 11-1 and the lower storage rooms 11-2 and 11-3 may be adjusted to be different from each other.

[0077] For example, in the case of bottom-type refrigerator in which a refrigerator compartment is located above a freezer compartment, the first cooling device 10 may be arranged in an upper portion of the main body 5 and supply the cooled air to the upper storage room 11-1. In this regard, the first cooling device 10 may include a heat absorber 10-1 absorbing heat from the air in the upper storage room 11-1, and a heat radiator 10-2 radiating heat to the outside. The heat absorber 10-1 may cool the air in the upper storage room 11-1, whereas the heat radiator 10-2 may emit heat to the outside air.

[0078] Although an example in which the refrigerator 1 is of a bottom-type in which a refrigerator compartment is placed above a freezer compartment is described, the foregoing description may also be applied to the refrigerator 1 of a top-type in which a freezer compartment is placed above a refrigerator compartment and the refrigerator 1 of a side-by-side-type in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment are placed on left / right sides of the main body 5. In this regard, the first cooling device 10 may be arranged at a lower portion or a lateral portion of the refrigerator 1 according to a position of the storage room 11 to which cooled air is to be supplied.

[0079] Considering the location of the first cooling device 10 and convenience in design, the size of the heat radiator 10-2 may be limited to a certain range. When the size of the heat radiator 10-2 is limited, a contact surface between the outside air and the heat radiator 10-2 may be reduced, and the radiation efficiency may decrease.

[0080] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cooling device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cooling element module, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4 is a lateral view of a cooling element module, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the cooling device 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cooling element module 100, a first heat sink 200, a second heat sink 300, a radiation fan 400, a first support structure 1000, a second support structure 2000, a first fastening device 3100 (e.g., a first fastener), and a second fastening device 3200 (e.g., a second fastener).

[0082] The cooling element module 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a plate shape extending along a plane. For example, the cooling element module 100 may have a low-temperature portion and a high-temperature portion. For example, the cooling element module 100 may include a first surface 101 and a second surface 102 facing away from the first surface 101. The first surface 101 of the cooling element module 100 may be a high-temperature portion releasing heat, and the second surface 102 of the cooling element module 100 may be a low-temperature portion absorbing heat from the outside. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first surface 101 may be arranged at or towards the heat radiator 10-2 into which outside air may flow, and the second surface 102 may be arranged at or towards the heat absorber 10-1 cooling the air introduced from the storage room 11 (see FIG. 1C).

[0083] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cooling element module 100 may be a Peltier module. For example, a Peltier module may include a low-temperature portion and a high-temperature portion, and the temperature difference between the low-temperature portion and the high-temperature portion may be determined by a voltage applied to the Peltier module.

[0084] For example, a circumference of the cooling element module 100 (e.g., the Peltier module) may be insulated by an insulator. The cooling element module 100 may be divided and separated into the heat absorber 10-1 and the heat radiator 10-2 by the insulator. Accordingly, the high-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100 may not affect the low-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100.

[0085] The first heat sink 200 may be arranged to be in contact with or adjacent to a surface exposed to the high-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100, for example, the first surface 101. For example, the first heat sink 200 may be arranged on the cooling element module 100. In other words, the first heat sink 200 may be arranged at a position facing the storage room 11 such that the outside air, which is a heat transfer fluid, may be introduced.

[0086] The first heat sink 200 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a heat sink plate 210 and a plurality of heat sink fins 220. For example, the heat sink plate 210 may be arranged to be in contact with the cooling element module 100. For example, the heat sink plate 210 may be arranged to be in contact with the first surface 101 of the cooling element module 100. The heat sink plate 210 may be in contact with the high-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100 and deliver the heat from the high-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100 to the heat sink fins 220. The heat sink plate 210 may include a material having a high thermal conductivity. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat sink plate 210 may have a shape corresponding to the first surface 101 of the cooling element module 100, for example, a plate shape extending along a plane.

[0087] The plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be arranged to be in contact with the heat sink plate 210. For example, the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be formed to protrude from a surface of the heat sink plate 210. The plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be arranged on a surface of the heat sink plate 210, for example, an upper surface of the heat sink plate 210. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may include a material having a high thermal conductivity. In this regard, the plurality of heat sink fins 220 and the heat sink plate 210 may include the same material, and the plurality of heat sink fins 220 and the heat sink plate 210 may be formed in an integrated manner. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plurality of heat sink fins 220 and the heat sink plate 210 may include different materials from each other and may be formed as separate parts to be assembled with each other.

[0088] The plurality of heat sink fins 220 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be provided to increase a heat exchange surface with the outside air. For example, each of the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may have a plate shape extending along a first plane (e.g., X-Y plane). The plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be arranged apart from each other at a certain interval (e.g., a first interval W1; see FIG. 13C) in a direction (e.g., a third direction (e.g., Z direction)) perpendicular to the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may have any shape that protrudes from a surface of the heat sink plate 210. In this regard, the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be arranged apart from each other at a certain interval through which outside air, i.e., heat transfer fluid, may pass.

[0089] The second heat sink 300 may be arranged to be in contact with or adjacent to a surface exposed to the low-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100, for example, the second surface 102. For example, the second heat sink 300 may be arranged under the cooling element module 100. In other words, the second heat sink 300 may be arranged at a position directed towards the storage room 11 such that the air inside the storage room 11, i.e., the heat transfer fluid may be introduced.

[0090] The second heat sink 300 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cooling plate 310 and a plurality of cooling fins 320. For example, the cooling plate 310 may be arranged to be in contact with the cooling element module 100. For example, the cooling plate 310 may be arranged to be in contact with the second surface 102 of the cooling element module 100. The cooling plate 310 may be in contact with the low-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100 and deliver the heat from the low-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100 to the plurality of cooling fins 320.

[0091] The cooling plate 310 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a material having a high thermal conductivity. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cooling plate 310 may have a shape corresponding to the second surface 102 of the cooling element module 100, for example, a plate shape extending along a plane. According to an embodiment of the disclosure. a cooling block 330 may be arranged between the cooling plate 310 and the cooling element module 100. One end of the cooling block 330 may be in contact with a low-temperature surface of the cooling element module 100, and an opposite end of the cooling block 330 may be in contact with the cooling plate 310. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cooling plate 310 may be arranged to be in direct contact with the low-temperature surface of the cooling element module 100.

[0092] The plurality of cooling fins 320 may be arranged to be in contact with the cooling plate 310. For example, the plurality of cooling fins 320 may be formed to protrude from a surface of the cooling plate 310. The plurality of cooling fins 320 may be arranged on a surface of the cooling plate 310, for example, a lower surface of the cooling plate 310. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of cooling fins 320 may include a material having a high thermal conductivity. In this regard, the plurality of cooling fins 320 and the cooling plate 310 may include the same material, and the plurality of cooling fins 320 and the cooling plate 310 may be formed in an integrated manner. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plurality of cooling fins 320 and the cooling plate 310 may include different materials from each other and may be formed as separate parts to be assembled with each other.

[0093] The plurality of cooling fins 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to increase a heat exchange surface with the outside air. For example, each of the plurality of cooling fins 320 may have a plate shape extending along a second plane (e.g., XY plane). The second plane along which each of the plurality of cooling fins 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure extends may be identical to or different from the first plane along which each of the plurality of heat sink fins 220 extends.

[0094] The plurality of cooling fins 320 may be arranged apart from each other at a certain interval in a direction such as, for example, the third direction (e.g., Z direction) perpendicular to the second plane (e.g., X-Y plane). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of cooling fins 320 may have any shape that protrudes from a surface of the cooling plate 310. In this regard, the plurality of cooling fins 320 may be arranged apart from each other at a certain interval through which air inside the storage room 11, i.e., cooling fluid, may pass.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the disclosure. the first heat sink 200 may be arranged to be in contact with the first surface 101 of the cooling element module 100, and the second heat sink 300 may be arranged to be in contact with the second surface 102 of the cooling element module 100. Accordingly, the positions of the first heat sink 200 and the second heat sink 300 may be relatively fixed with the cooling element module 100 arranged therebetween.

[0096] The first support structure 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be arranged between the plurality of heat sink fins 220 and support the first heat sink 200. In addition, the second support structure 2000 may be arranged between the plurality of cooling fins 320 and support the second heat sink 300. In this regard, the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200 may fasten the first support structure 1000 and the second support structure 2000 with the cooling element module 100 arranged therebetween. Accordingly, the first heat sink 200 and the second heat sink 300 may be fixed to be in contact with the cooling element module 100 arranged therebetween.

[0097] The radiation fan 400 may introduce, for example, air outside the refrigerator 1 to the first heat sink 200. The air outside the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may pass through the first heat sink 200 and may be discharged to the outside of the refrigerator 1 by the radiation fan 400. As such, the radiation fan 400 may lower the temperature of the first heat sink 200 by supplying and discharging the outside air. That is, the radiation fan 400 may lower the temperature of the high-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100 by using the outside air.

[0098] An inlet 410 and an outlet 420, which may be in fluid communication with the outside (e.g., of the main body 5), may be arranged at respective ends of the radiation fan 400 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. When the radiation fan 400 operates, the outside air may flow into the first heat sink 200 through the inlet 410, pass through the first heat sink 200, and then be discharged to the outside through the outlet 420. Thus, when the radiation fan 400 operates, the first heat sink 200 may be cooled by the outside air.

[0099] The radiation fan 400 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may supply outside air to the first heat sink 200. Thus, when the radiation fan 400 operates, the outside air may be supplied to the plurality of heat sink fins 220 of the first heat sink 200. When the outside air introduced by the radiation fan 400 flows along the plurality of heat sink fins 220, the outside air may exchange heat with the plurality of heat sink fins 220 and lower the temperature of the plurality of heat sink fins 220. The outside air of which temperature is increased by the heat exchange with the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be then discharged to the outside through the outlet 420. In this manner, the radiation fan 400 may discharge the heat of the first heat sink 200 (e.g., the high-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100) to the outside of the main body 5.

[0100] As described above, the outside air introduced by the radiation fan 400 may contact and exchange heat with the plurality of heat sink fins 220. Accordingly, when a contact surface between the outside air and the plurality of heat sink fins 220 increases, the radiation efficiency of the first heat sink 200 may increase. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the first support structure 1000 is arranged between the plurality of heat sink fins 220, a gap between the first support structure 1000 and the heat sink fins 220 may decrease, and the contact surface with the heat transfer fluid may be reduced.

[0101] FIG. 5A is a partial perspective view of a cooling element module, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5B is a front view of the cooling element module, the first heat sink, and the second heat sink illustrated in FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a front view of a first support structure, a second support structure, a first fastening device, and a second fastening device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the first support structure 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a first heat radiator support 1100, a second heat radiator support 1200, a third heat radiator support 1300, a 1-1 fastening portion 1400 fastened with the first fastening device 3100, and a 1-2 fastening portion 1500 fastened with the second fastening device 3200.

[0103] The first heat radiator support 1100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a plate shape extending along the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) like the plurality of heat sink fins 220. The first heat radiator support 1100 may have a certain thickness in the direction perpendicular to the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) such as, for example, the third direction (e.g., Z direction). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of heat sink fins 220 extending along the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) may be arranged apart from each other at certain intervals in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). Accordingly, the first heat radiator support 1100 may be arranged between the plurality of heat sink fins 220. In this regard, a heat transfer fluid, for example, the outside air A (see FIG. 8), may flow in a direction parallel with the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) such as, for example, the first direction (e.g., X direction) perpendicular to the third direction (e.g., Z direction). Accordingly, the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be cooled by the outside air A (see FIG. 8) introduced between the plurality of heat sink fins 220.

[0104] The second heat radiator support 1200 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a plate shape extending along the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) like the plurality of heat sink fins 220. The second heat radiator support 1200 may have a certain thickness in the direction perpendicular to the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) for example, the third direction (e.g., Z direction). Accordingly, the second heat radiator support 1200 may be arranged between the plurality of heat sink fins 220.

[0105] The third heat radiator support 1300 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a plate shape extending along the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) like the plurality of heat sink fins 220. The third heat radiator support 1300 may have a certain thickness in the direction perpendicular to the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) such as, for example, the third direction (e.g., Z direction). Accordingly, the third heat radiator support 1300 may be arranged between the plurality of heat sink fins 220.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second heat radiator support 1200, the first heat radiator support 1100, and the third heat radiator support 1300 may be sequentially arranged apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction). The 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction) with the first heat radiator support 1100 arranged therebetween.

[0107] For example, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 may be respectively arranged on opposite lateral portions of the first heat radiator support 1100 (e.g., a first lateral portion 1110 and a second lateral portion 1120), which are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction). In other words, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction), and the first heat radiator support 1100 may be arranged between the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500.

[0108] For example, the second heat radiator support 1200 may be spaced apart from the first heat radiator support 1100 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) with the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 arranged therebetween. In other words, the second heat radiator support 1200 and the first heat radiator support 1100 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction), and the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 may be arranged between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the second heat radiator support 1200.

[0109] For example, the third heat radiator support 1300 may be spaced apart from the first heat radiator support 1100 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) with the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 arranged therebetween. In other words, the first heat radiator support 1100 and the third heat radiator support 1300 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction), and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 may be arranged between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the third heat radiator support 1300.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first heat radiator support 1100 and the second heat radiator support 1200 may be connected by the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the first heat radiator support 1100 and the third heat radiator support 1300 may be connected by the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. For example, the first support structure 1000 including the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 may be formed in an integrated manner. For example, the first support structure 1000 including the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 may be a structure formed in an integrated manner by an injection molding method.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third heat radiator support 1300 may have a height greater than a height of the second heat radiator support 1200 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). For example, the second heat radiator support 1200 may have a 1-2 height h12 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). In addition, the third heat radiator support 1300 may have a 1-3 height h13 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). In this regard, the 1-3 height h13 of the third heat radiator support 1300 may be greater than the 1-2 height h12 of the second heat radiator support 1200.

[0112] In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first heat radiator support 1100 and the third heat radiator support 1300 may have substantially the same height as the height of the heat sink fins 220 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). For example, the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a 1-1 height h11 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). In addition, the heat sink fins 220 may have a third height h3 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). In this regard, the 1-1 height h11 of the first heat radiator support 1100 and the 1-3 height h13 of the third heat radiator support 1300 may be substantially identical to the third height h3 of the heat sink fins 220.

[0113] In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second heat radiator support 1200 may have a height lower than the heights of the first heat radiator support 1100, the third heat radiator support 1300, and the heat sink fins 220 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). For example, the 1-1 height h11 of the first heat radiator support 1100, the 1-3 height h13 of the third heat radiator support 1300, and the third height h3 of the heat sink fins 220 may be greater than the 1-2 height h12 of the second heat radiator support 1200.

[0114] For example, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 may have a 2-1 height h21 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). In addition, the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 may have a 2-2 height h22 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). For example, the 2-1 height h21 and the 2-2 height h22 may be formed to be the same in consideration of convenience in design. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the 2-1 height h21 and the 2-2 height h22 may be different from each other.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a height greater than the heights of the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). For example, the 1-1 height h11 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may be greater than the 2-1 height h21 of the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-2 height h22 of the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. Accordingly, the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200 may be inserted into the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) to be fastened with the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. In other words, a first space 1410 and a second space 1510 into which the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200 may respectively be inserted may be formed at upper portions of the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0116] The second support structure 2000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a heat absorber support 2100, a 2-1 fastening portion 2400 fastened with the first fastening device 3100, and a 2-2 fastening portion 2500 fastened with the second fastening device 3200.

[0117] The heat absorber support 2100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a plate shape extending along the second plane (e.g., X-Y plane) like the plurality of cooling fins 320. The heat absorber support 2100 may have a certain thickness in the direction perpendicular to the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) for example, the third direction (e.g., Z direction). Accordingly, the heat absorber support 2100 may be arranged between the plurality of cooling fins 320.

[0118] For example, the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500 may be respectively arranged at opposite ends of the heat absorber support 2100 in the first direction (e.g., X direction). In other words, the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction), and the heat absorber support 2100 may be arranged between the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second support structure 2000 including the heat absorber support 2100, the 2-1 fastening portion 2400, and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500 may be formed in an integrated manner. For example, the second support structure 2000 including the heat absorber support 2100, the 2-1 fastening portion 2400, and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500 may be formed in an integrated manner by an injection molding method.

[0120] The first fastening device 3100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be fasten the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 in a direction. For example, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 may be arranged apart from each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). In this regard, the first fastening device 3100 may fasten the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0121] The second fastening device 3200 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may fasten the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500. For example, the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500 may be arranged apart from each other in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). In this regard, the second fastening device 3200 may fasten the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0122] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200 may be arranged apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., X direction). For example, a distance P between the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be greater than a width Q2 of the cooling element module 100 in the first direction (e.g., X direction). Accordingly, opposite lateral portions of the cooling element module 100 in the first direction (e.g., X direction) may be supported by the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200. In this manner, the cooling element module 100 may be aligned with the first heat sink 200 and the second heat sink 300 and maintain the contact.

[0123] The first fastening device 3100 may be a screw extending in a direction such as, for example, the second direction (e.g., Y direction). In this regard, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 may include a thread shape that may be fastened with the first fastening device 3100. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first fastening device 3100 may include any fastening device that may fasten the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 which are arranged apart from each other in a direction. As the fastening method of the second fastening device 3200 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the 1-2 fastening portion 1500, and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500 are substantially the same as the fastening method of the first fastening device 3100, 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the 2-1 fastening portion 2400, any redundant description may be omitted for convenience in explanation.

[0124] As described above, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-1 fastening portion 2400 may be fastened by the first fastening device 3100, and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 and the 2-2 fastening portion 2500 may be fastened by the second fastening device 3200. Accordingly, the first heat sink 200 may be supported by and in contact with the first surface 101 of the cooling element module 100, and the second heat sink 300 may be supported by and in contact with the second surface 102 of the cooling element module 100.

[0125] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first support structure 1000 may be arranged at a central portion of the cooling element module 100 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction) and the second direction (e.g., Y direction). For example, when the cooling element module 100 has a certain length Q1 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction), the first support structure 1000 may be arranged at the central portion of the cooling element module 100. In other words, the first support structure 1000 may be arranged at a position that forms symmetry in the cooling element module 100 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). As the first support structure 1000 is arranged at the central portion of the cooling element module 100 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction), when both lateral portions of the cooling element module 100 are supported by the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200, the first surface 101 of the cooling element module 100 may remain in contact with the first heat sink 200. Accordingly, a contact surface between the first surface 101 of the cooling element module 100 and the first heat sink 200 may be maximized.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 of the cooling element module 100 may form a high-temperature portion and a low-temperature portion and may be divided and separated by an insulator (not shown). For example, as the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200 may be arranged across the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 of the cooling element module 100, i.e., the high-temperature portion and the low-temperature portion, the division on separation of the high-temperature portion and the low-temperature portion may be damaged.

[0127] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the first support structure 1000 and the second support structure 2000 may be arranged to be in contact with the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200, thermal conduction may occur from the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200. Thus, the thermal conduction from the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200 to the first support structure 1000 and the second support structure 2000 may need to be blocked.

[0128] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the first heat sink 200 and the second heat sink 300 include a first material, the first support structure 1000 and the second support structure 2000 may include a second material. For example, the thermal conductivity of the first material may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the second material. Accordingly, the heat that may be transferred to the first heat sink 200 and the second heat sink 300 through the first fastening device 3100 and the second fastening device 3200 may be minimized by the first support structure 1000 and the second support structure 2000. In this manner, damage of the division and separation of the high-temperature portion and the low-temperature portion formed by the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 of the cooling element module 100 may be minimized.

[0129] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a first heat sink supported by a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first heat sink and the first support structure of FIG. 7, taken along a line A-A.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the plurality of heat sink fins 220 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be arranged apart from each other at a certain interval (e.g., the first interval W1) in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) perpendicular to the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane) extending in, for example, the first direction (e.g., X direction) and the second direction (e.g., Y direction). A gap defined by the first interval W1 at which the plurality of heat sink fins 220 are spaced apart from each other act as a flow path of outside air through which the heat transfer fluid (e.g., the outside air) flows and receives heat.

[0131] The first support structure 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be arranged between the plurality of heat sink fins 220 and support the first heat sink 200. For example, the first heat radiator support 1100 of the first support structure 1000 may have a plate shape extending along the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane). In this regard, the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a certain thickness T in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) perpendicular to the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane). To arrange the first heat radiator support 1100 having the thickness T between the plurality of heat sink fins 220 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction), a space for the first heat radiator support 1100 may be needed between the plurality of heat sink fins 220.

[0132] For example, a first heat sink fin 221 and a second heat sink fin 222 from among the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be arranged adjacent to the first support structure 1000. The first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be arranged apart from each other at a second interval W2 greater than the first interval W1 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). Accordingly, the first support structure 1000 may be arranged in a gap between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222.

[0133] As the first support structure 1000 is arranged between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222, the first heat radiator support 1100 having a certain thickness in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) may also be arranged between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222. In this regard, the first heat radiator support 1100 and the first heat sink fin 221 may be arranged apart from each other at a third interval W3 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). In addition, the first heat radiator support 1100 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be arranged apart from each other at a fourth interval W4 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). For example, the third interval W3 between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the first heat sink fin 221 and the fourth interval W4 between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be less than the first interval W1 between the plurality of heat sink fins 220.

[0134] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, gaps defined by the first interval W1 between the plurality of heat sink fins 220, the third interval W3 between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the first heat sink fin 221, and the fourth interval W4 between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the second heat sink fin 222 may act as flow paths for outside air A through which a heat transfer fluid introduced from the radiation fan 400 (e.g., the outside air A) flows and receives heat. As the outside air A introduced from the radiation fan 400 may have the same pressure, a flow amount of the outside air A passing through the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be determined by a gap between the plurality of heat sink fins 220 through which the outside air A passes.

[0135] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the first interval W1 between the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be greater than the third interval W3 between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the first heat sink fin 221 and the fourth interval W4 between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the second heat sink fin 222, a flow amount of first outside air A1 passing through the first interval W1 may be greater than a flow amount of third outside air A3 passing through the third interval W3 and a flow amount of fourth outside air A4 passing through the fourth interval W4. When the flow amount of the first outside air A1 is greater than the flow amounts of the third outside air A3 and the fourth outside air A4, the radiation performance of the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be degraded.

[0136] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the second heat radiator support 1200 may have the 1-2 height h12 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). In this regard, the 1-2 height h12 may be less than or equal to the 2-1 height h21 of the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). As the second heat radiator support 1200 has the 1-2 height h12 less than or equal to the 2-1 height h21, the second interval W2 between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be greater than the first interval W1 between the plurality of heat sink fins 220.

[0137] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the second interval W2 between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be greater than the first interval W1 between the plurality of heat sink fins 220, a flow amount of second outside air A2 passing through the second interval W2 may be greater than the flow amount of the first outside air A1 passing through the first interval W1. When the flow amount of the second outside air A2 passing through the second interval W2 is greater than the flow amount of the first outside air A1 passing through the first interval W1, the flow amount of the third outside air A3 passing through the third interval W3 and the flow amount of the fourth outside air A4 passing through the fourth interval W4 may relatively increase. Accordingly, the degradation of the radiation performance of the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may at least be partially compensated.

[0138] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the third heat radiator support 1300 may have the 1-3 height h13 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). In this regard, the 1-3 height h13 may be greater than the 2-2 height h22 of the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). As the third heat radiator support 1300 has the 1-3 height h13 greater than the 2-2 height h22, the third outside air A3 and the fourth outside air A4 that have passed through the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4, respectively, may be discharged by a 5-1 interval W51 formed between the first heat sink fin 221 and the third heat radiator support 1300 and a 5-2 interval W52 formed between the second heat sink fin 222 and the third heat radiator support 1300.

[0139] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the 5-1 interval W51 and the 5-2 interval W52 may be less than the second interval W2 between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222, a differential pressure between the second interval W2 and each of the 5-1 interval W51 and the 5-2 interval W52 may increase.

[0140] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the differential pressure between the second interval W2 which is an inlet and an outlet of the second outside air A2 passing between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222, and each of the 5-1 interval W51 and the 5-2 interval W52, the flow path of the second outside air A2 formed between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may not act as a bypass path for the flow path of the first outside air A1 formed between the plurality of heat sink fins 220. Accordingly, the flow amount of the first outside air A1 passing through the first interval W1 between the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may not be reduced excessively, and the degradation of radiation performance of the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be prevented.

[0141] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 9B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 8, as the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be less than the second interval W2 between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222, a differential pressure between the second interval W2 and each of the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4 may increase. Accordingly, a flow of some of the second outside air A2 introduced through the second interval W2 may be stopped at the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 arranged adjacent to the 1-1 fastening portion 1400.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a thickness T1 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100, the thickness T1 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) may sequentially decrease in a direction towards the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 (e.g., −X direction). For example, the direction towards the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 (e.g., −X direction) may be a direction opposite to a direction in which the second outside air A2 flows (+X direction).

[0144] As the thickness T1 of the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 decreases in one direction (e.g.,-X direction), the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a taper shape. As the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 has a taper shape, at the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100, the second outside air A2 may flow into two branches of the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4. As the second outside air A2 flows into two branches of the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4, the third outside air A3 passing through the third interval W3 and the fourth outside air A4 passing through the fourth interval W4 may receive heat from the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222.

[0145] As described above, as the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 has a taper shape, the flow path of the second outside air A2 may be guided to the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4. Accordingly, the flow amounts of the third outside air A3 flowing to the third interval W3 and the fourth outside air A4 flowing to the fourth interval W4 may increase, and the contact flow amount of the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may increase. Accordingly, the radiation efficiency by the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be improved.

[0146] Although the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 has been described above to have a taper shape, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may have any shape that guides the flow path of the second outside air A2 moving in one direction (e.g., −X direction) to the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4, for example, a streamline shape, etc.

[0147] The second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a thickness T2 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a plate shape having the constant thickness T2 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction).

[0148] As the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 has a plate shape having the thickness T2, the third outside air A3 and the fourth outside air A4, which have passed through the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4, respectively, at the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may be maintained in the same flow path in the first direction (e.g., +X direction). As the third outside air A3 and the fourth outside air A4 remains in contact with the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 and flow in one direction (e.g., +X direction), the contact time of the third outside air A3 and the fourth outside air A4 with the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may increase. Accordingly, the radiation efficiency by the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be improved.

[0149] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first heat radiator support 1100 may include a 1-1 lateral surface 1121 facing the third heat radiator support 1300. In addition, the third heat radiator support 1300 may include a 3-1 lateral surface 1311 facing the first heat radiator support 1100. In other words, the 1-1 lateral surface 1121 and the 3-1 lateral surface 1311 may face each other.

[0150] For example, a gap between the 1-1 lateral surface 1121 and the 3-1 lateral surface 1311 may be the second space 1510 into which the second fastening device 3200 may be inserted (see FIG. 6). Accordingly, the 1-1 lateral surface 1121 and the 3-1 lateral surface 1311 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second fastening device 3200 to be inserted and function as a guide along which the second fastening device 3200 moves. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, when a head portion of the second fastening device 3200 has a circular cross-sectional shape, the 1-1 lateral surface 1121 and the 3-1 lateral surface 1311 may have a curved shaped corresponding to the shape of the second fastening device 3200.

[0151] However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the 1-1 lateral surface 1121 and the 3-1 lateral surface 1311 may have a different shape that does not correspond to the shape of the second fastening device 3200. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the 1-1 lateral surface 1121 and the 3-1 lateral surface 1311 may have a plate shape extending along a plane. In addition, a 1-2 lateral surface of the first heat radiator support 1100 and a 2-1 lateral surface of the second heat radiator support 1200 between which the first fastening device 3100 is inserted may be arranged to face each other, and the 1-2 lateral surface and the 2-1 lateral surface may also have a plate shape or a curved shaped.

[0152] FIG. 10A is a schematic lateral view of a first support structure, a heat sink plate, and a cooling element module according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 10B is a bottom view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 7, 10A, and 10B, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat sink plate 210 may be arranged to be in direct contact with the high-temperature portion of the cooling element module 100, e.g., the first surface 101. The plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be arranged only to increase the contact surface with the outside air and may not be in direct contact with the cooling element module 100. Accordingly, the temperature of the heat sink plate 210 in direct contact with the cooling element module 100 may be higher than the temperature of the plurality of heat sink fins 220, and to improve the radiation efficiency, it may be efficient for the outside air to receive heat directly from the heat sink plate 210.

[0154] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a step support 1600 may have a stepped structure extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). For example, the step support 1600 may be arranged between the heat sink plate 210 and the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. As the step support 1600 is arranged between the heat sink plate 210 and the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500, at least one from among the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the third heat radiator support 1300, which are connected to the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500, may be spaced apart from the heat sink plate 210 at a certain interval in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). In this regard, a first fastening hole 1401, into which the first fastening device 3100 may be inserted, and a second fastening hole 1402, into which the second fastening device 3200 may be inserted, may be arranged in the step support 1600.

[0155] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a heat transfer fluid introduced by the radiation fan 400 (e.g., the outside air A) may flow in a space formed between the heat sink plate 210 and at least one from among the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the third heat radiator support 1300. For example, 6-1 outside air A61 may flow in a first space 1611 formed between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the heat sink plate 210. In addition, 6-2 outside air A62 may flow in a second space 1612 formed between the second heat radiator support 1200 and the heat sink plate 210. Furthermore, 6-3 outside air A63 may flow in a third space 1613 formed between the third heat radiator support 1300 and the heat sink plate 210.

[0156] The 6-1 outside air A61, the 6-2 outside air A62, and the 6-3 outside air A6 respectively flowing in the first space 1611, the second space 1612, and the third space 1613 may be in direct contact with the heat sink plate 210. As described above, as the temperature of the heat sink plate 210, which is in direct contact with the cooling element module 100, may be higher than the plurality of heat sink fins 220, the 6-1 outside air A61, the 6-2 outside air A62, and the 6-3 outside air A63 may receive a relatively great amount of heat.

[0157] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a hollow shape including a first through hole 1101 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). For example, when the first heat radiator support 1100 has a hollow shape, the first through hole 1101 may form a fluid flow path connected to the first space 1611. Accordingly, the 6-1 outside air A61 in the first space 1611 may be discharged to the outside through the first through hole 1101. When the flow amount of the 6-1 outside air A61 flowing through the first through hole 1101 increases, the radiation efficiency of the heat sink plate 210 may be improved.

[0158] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second heat radiator support 1200 may have a hollow shape including a second through hole 1201 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third heat radiator support 1300 may have a hollow shape including a third through hole 1301 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). As the technical feature that the radiation efficiency of the heat sink plate 210 may increase as the 6-2 outside air A62 and the 6-3 outside air A63 respectively flow through the second through hole 1201 and the third through hole 1301 is substantially identical to the technical feature described above in relation to the first through hole 1101 and the 6-1 outside air A61, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0159] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first support structure 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. As features other than the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the third heat radiator support 1300 having an integrated structure, instead of the hollow structure, may be substantially identical to the features denoted by the same reference numerals described in relation to FIGS. 9A to 9C, any redundant description may be omitted. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a first support structure, a heat sink plate, and a cooling element module according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the first support structure and the heat sink plate of FIG. 12C, taken along a line B-B.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 12A to 12D, a first support structure 1000-1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. As features other than the first heat radiator support 1100 and the third heat radiator support 1300 may be substantially identical to the features denoted by the same reference numerals described in relation to FIGS. 9A to 9C, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0162] The first heat radiator support 1100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a plate shape extending along the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane). In this regard, the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a certain thickness T in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) perpendicular to the first plane (e.g., X-Y plane). For example, the first heat radiator support 1100 may include the first lateral portion 1110 arranged adjacent to the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the second lateral portion 1120 arranged adjacent to the 1-2 fastening portion 1500.

[0163] The first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have the thickness T1 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100, the thickness T1 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) may sequentially decrease in a direction towards the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 (e.g.,-X direction). For example, the direction towards the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 (e.g.,-X direction) may be a direction opposite to a direction in which the second outside air A2 flows (e.g., +X direction). As the thickness T1 of the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 decreases in one direction (e.g.,-X direction), the first lateral portion 1110 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a taper shape.

[0164] The second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have a thickness T2 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction). According to an embodiment of disclosure, at the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100, the thickness T2 in the third direction (e.g., Z direction) may sequentially decrease in a direction towards the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 (e.g., +X direction). For example, the direction towards the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 (e.g., +X direction) may be the same as a direction in which the second outside air A2 flows (e.g., +X direction). As the thickness T2 of the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 decreases in one direction (e.g., +X direction), the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a taper shape.

[0165] The third heat radiator support 1300 according to an embodiment of disclosure may have the 1-3 height h13 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). In this regard, the 1-3 height h13 may be less than or equal to the 2-1 height h21 of the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-2 height h22 of the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0166] For example, the taper shapes of the first lateral portion 1110 and the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may be symmetrical with each other. In addition, the 1-2 height h12 of the second heat radiator support 1200 and the 1-3 height h13 of the third heat radiator support 1300 may be substantially identical to each other. When the first lateral portion 1110 and the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the third heat radiator support 1300 are formed to be symmetrical with each other, the first support structure 1000 may be arranged at the first heat sink 200 without considering a flow direction of the outside air A, which leads to improved assembly convenience for a user.

[0167] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 has a taper shape, the flow paths of the third outside air A3 and the fourth outside air A4, which have respectively passed through the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4, may be formed along a surface of the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100.

[0168] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the third heat radiator support 1300 has the 1-3 height h13 less than or equal to the 2-1 height h21 and the 2-2 height h22, the third outside air A3 and the fourth outside air A4 respectively discharged through the third interval W3 and the fourth interval W4 may be released through a fifth interval W5 formed between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222.

[0169] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the fifth interval W5 and the second interval W2 formed between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 are identical to each other, a differential pressure between the second interval W2 and the fifth interval W5 may be maintained. As the differential pressure between the second interval W2 and the fifth interval W5, which may be inlets and outlets of the second outside air A2 passing through the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222, is maintained, the flow path of the second outside air A2 formed between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may act as a bypass path of the flow path of the first outside air A1 formed between the plurality of heat sink fins 220. Accordingly, the flow amount of the second outside air A2 passing through the second interval W2 between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may increase, and the radiation efficiency of the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be improved.

[0170] FIG. 12E is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12F is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 12E and 12F, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a first support structure 1000-2 may include the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, the 1-2 fastening portion 1500, and the step support 1600.

[0172] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a hollow shape including a first through hole 1101 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second heat radiator support 1200 may have a hollow shape including a second through hole 1201 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). In addition, according to an embodiment of disclosure, the third heat radiator support 1300 may have a hollow shape including a third through hole 1301 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0173] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a the step support 1600 may have a stepped structure extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). For example, the step support 1600 may be arranged between the heat sink plate 210 and the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. As the step support 1600 is arranged between the heat sink plate 210 and the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500, at least one from among the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the third heat radiator support 1300, which are connected to the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500, may be spaced apart from the heat sink plate 210 at a certain interval in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0174] As features relating to the radiation effect by the step support 1600, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the first heat radiator support 1100 including the first through hole 1101, the second through hole 1201, and the third through hole 1301 may be substantially the same as provided above in relation to FIGS. 10A and 10B, any redundant description will be omitted.

[0175] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a first support structure, a heat sink plate, and a cooling element module according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 13C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first support structure and heat sink plate of FIG. 13B, taken along line C-C.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 13A to 13C, a first support structure 1000-3 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. As features other than the second heat radiator support 1200 and the third heat radiator support 1300 may be substantially identical to the features denoted by the same reference numerals described in relation to FIGS. 12A to 12D, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0177] The second heat radiator support 1200 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have the 1-2 height h12 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). The third heat radiator support 1300 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may have the 1-3 height h13 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X direction). Accordingly, the 1-1 height h11 of the first heat radiator support 1100, the 1-2 height h12 of the second heat radiator support 1200, and the 1-3 height h13 of the third heat radiator support 1300 may be greater than the 2-1 height h21 of the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the 2-2 height h22 pf the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0178] For example, the 1-2 height h12 of the second heat radiator support 1200 and the 1-3 height h13 of the third heat radiator support 1300 may be substantially identical to each other. When the first lateral portion 1110 and the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the third heat radiator support 1300 are formed to be symmetrical with each other, the first support structure 1000 may be arranged at the first heat sink 200 without considering a flow direction of the outside air A, which leads to improved assembly convenience for a user.

[0179] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the gap between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be divided into a 2-1 interval W21 and a 2-2 interval W22 by the second heat radiator support 1200. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the inflow path of the second outside air A2 passing between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 is divided and reduced into the 2-1 interval W21 and the 2-2 interval W22, the flow path of the second outside air A2 formed between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may not act as a bypass path of the flow path of the first outside air A1 formed between the plurality of heat sink fins 220. Accordingly, the flow amount of the first outside air A1 passing through the first interval W1 between the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may not be reduced excessively, and the degradation of radiation performance of the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be prevented.

[0180] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0181] Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a first support structure 1000-4 may include the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, the 1-2 fastening portion 1500, and the step support 1600.

[0182] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a hollow shape including a first through hole 1101 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second heat radiator support 1200 may have a hollow shape including a second through hole 1201 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). In addition, according to an embodiment of disclosure, the third heat radiator support 1300 may have a hollow shape including a third through hole 1301 extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0183] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a step support 1600 may have a stepped structure extending in the second direction (e.g., Y direction). For example, at least one from among the third heat radiator support 1300, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the first heat radiator support 1100 supported by the step support 1600 may be arranged apart from the heat sink plate 210 at a certain distance in the second direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0184] As features relating to the radiation effect by the step support 1600, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the first heat radiator support 1100 including the first through hole 1101, the second through hole 1201, and the third through hole 1301 may be substantially the same as provided above in relation to FIGS. 10A and 10B, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0185] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 15B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a first support structure, a heat sink plate, and a cooling element module according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 15D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first support structure and the heat sink plate of FIG. 15B, taken along a line D-D.

[0186] Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15D, a first support structure 1000-5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. As features other than the first heat radiator support 1100 may be substantially the same as the features denoted by the same reference numerals described above in relation to FIGS. 13A to 13D, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0187] For example, the first lateral portion 1110 and the second lateral portion 1120 of the first heat radiator support 1100 may have a plate shape having the same thickness in a direction, for example, the third direction (e.g., Z direction). Accordingly, the first support structure 1000 according to an embodiment of disclosure may be formed mutually symmetrically, and the user assembly convenience may be improved.

[0188] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the gap between the first heat sink fin 221 and the second heat sink fin 222 may be divided into the 2-1 interval W21 and the 2-2 interval W22 by the second heat radiator support 1200, the flow amount of the first outside air A1 passing through the first interval W1 between the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may not be reduced excessively. Accordingly, the degradation of radiation efficiency of the plurality of heat sink fins 220 may be prevented.

[0189] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 16B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a first support structure 1000-6 may include the first heat radiator support 1100, the second heat radiator support 1200, the third heat radiator support 1300, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400, the 1-2 fastening portion 1500, and the step support 1600.

[0191] As features relating to the radiation effect by the step support 1600, the second heat radiator support 1200, and the first heat radiator support 1100 including the first through hole 1101, the second through hole 1201, and the third through hole 1301 may be substantially the same as provided above in relation to FIGS. 10A and 10B, any redundant description may be omitted.

[0192] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 17B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 18B is a plan view of a first support structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0193] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a plurality of first ribs 1410 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be arranged apart from each other at a certain interval in a circumferential direction of the 1-1 fastening portion 1400. For example, a 1-1 rib 1411 may be arranged between the second heat radiator support 1200 and the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 such that the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 is supported by the second heat radiator support 1200. For example, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 may be connected to the second heat radiator support 1200 by the 1-1 rib 1411. A 1-2 rib 1412 may be arranged between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 such that the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 is supported by the first heat radiator support 1100. For example, the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 may be connected to the first heat radiator support 1100 by the 1-2 rib 1412.

[0194] A plurality of second ribs 1510R according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be arranged apart from each other at a certain interval in a circumferential direction of the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. For example, a 2-1 rib 1511 may be arranged between the first heat radiator support 1100 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 such that the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 is supported by the first heat radiator support 1100. For example, the 2-1 fastening portion 1500 may be connected to the first heat radiator support 1100 by the 2-1 rib 1511. A 2-2 rib 1512 may be arranged between the third heat radiator support 1300 and the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 such that the 1-2 fastening portion 1500 is supported by the third heat radiator support 1300. For example, the 2-1 fastening portion 1500 may be connected to the third heat radiator support 1300 by the 2-2 rib 1512.

[0195] The numbers of the plurality of first ribs 1410R and the plurality of second ribs 1510R according to an embodiment of sure may be greater than two such that the plurality of first ribs 1410R and the plurality of second ribs 1510R may be arranged apart from each other at a certain interval in the circumferential direction of the 1-1 fastening portion 1400 and the circumferential direction of the 1-2 fastening portion 1500. For example, four first ribs 1411 to 1414 and four second ribs 1511 to 1514 may be arranged apart from each other at an interval of 90° as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, or six first ribs 1411 to 1416 and six second ribs 1511 to 1516 may be arranged apart from each other at an interval of 60° as illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number and interval of the plurality of first ribs 1410R and the plurality of second ribs 1510R may vary.

[0196] An aspect of the disclosure provides a cooling device having an improved assembly convenience through fastening of a first heat sink arranged at a high-temperature portion of a cooling element module and a second heat sink arranged at a low-temperature portion of the cooling element module by a single fastening device and a refrigerator including the cooling device.

[0197] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a cooling device in which degradation of radiation characteristics is prevented as a heat transfer fluid flows through a gap between a first support structure and a heat sink fin of the first heat sink and a refrigerator including the cooling device.

[0198] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a cooling device in which degradation of radiation characteristics is prevented by preventing a gap between the first support structure and the heat sink fin of the first heat sink from being used as a bypass path for other heat sink fins, and a refrigerator including the cooling device may be provided.

[0199] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a cooling device in which radiation characteristics may be improved as the first support structure has a hollow shape, and a heat transfer fluid flows between the support structure and a heat sink plate, and a refrigerator including the cooling device.

[0200] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a cooling device having improved assembly convenience by forming the first support structure to have a symmetrical structure such that the first support structure may be assembled with the first heat sink regardless of an inflow direction of a heat transfer fluid, and a refrigerator including the cooling device may be provided.

[0201] The technical objects to be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above, and other objects which are not mentioned herein can be clearly understood from the description by a person skilled in the art.

[0202] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cooling device may comprise a cooling element module comprising a plate shape that comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite of the first surface, the first surface configured to radiate heat, and the second surface configured to absorb heat from an outside, a first heat sink comprising a plurality of heat sink fins, the plurality of heat sink fins being on the first surface, a second heat sink comprising a plurality of cooling fins, the plurality of cooling fins being on the second surface, a first support structure between the plurality of heat sink fins, the first support structure comprising a first heat radiator support, a second heat radiator support, a third heat radiator support, wherein the first heat radiator support is between the second heat radiator support and the third heat radiator support in a first direction in which a heat transfer fluid is introduced,

[0203] a 1-1 fastening portion; and a 1-2 fastening portion, wherein the first heat radiator support is between the 1-1 fastening portion and the 1-2 fastening portion, a second support structure between the plurality of cooling fins, the second support structure comprising a 2-1 fastening portion, a 2-2 fastening portion that is spaced apart from the 2-1 fastening portion in the first direction and a heat absorber support between the 2-1 fastening portion and the 2-2 fastening portion and extending in a same direction as an extending direction of the second surface, a first fastening device that fastens the 1-1 fastening portion and the 2-1 fastening portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second fastening device that fastens the 1-2 fastening portion and the 2-2 fastening portion in the second direction.

[0204] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first support structure is at a central portion of the cooling element module in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0205] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a height of the third heat radiator support in the second direction is greater than a height of the second heat radiator support in the second direction.

[0206] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a height of the first heat radiator support in the second direction is greater than a height of the 1-1 fastening portion in the second direction and a height of the 1-2 fastening portion in the second direction.

[0207] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of heat sink fins are spaced apart from each other at a first interval in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and wherein the plurality of heat sink fins comprise a first heat sink fin and a second heat sink fin, the first heat sink fin and the second heat sink fin being adjacent to opposite sides of the first support structure, respectively, and wherein the first heat sink fin and the second heat sink are spaced apart from each other at a second interval in the third direction that is greater than the first interval.

[0208] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first heat radiator support and the first heat sink fin are spaced apart from each other at a third interval in the third direction that is less than the first interval, and wherein the first heat radiator support and the second heat sink fin are spaced apart from each other at a fourth interval in the third direction that is less than the first interval.

[0209] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first heat radiator support comprises a first lateral portion that is adjacent to the 1-1 fastening portion, and wherein the first lateral portion of the first heat radiator support comprises a taper shape, and a thickness of the taper shape in the third direction decreases in a direction towards the 1-1 fastening portion.

[0210] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first heat radiator support comprises a second lateral portion that is adjacent to the 1-2 fastening portion, and wherein the second lateral portion of the first heat radiator support comprises a plate shape that has a constant thickness in the third direction.

[0211] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first heat sink further comprises a heat sink plate on the first surface of the cooling element module, wherein the first heat radiator support is spaced apart from the heat sink plate in the second direction, and wherein the first heat radiator support comprises a hollow shape including a first through hole, the first through hole extending in the second direction.

[0212] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second heat radiator support is spaced apart from the heat sink plate in the second direction, and wherein the second heat radiator support comprises a hollow shape including a second through hole, the second through hole extending in the second direction.

[0213] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the third heat radiator support is spaced apart from the heat sink plate in the second direction, and wherein the third heat radiator support comprises a hollow shape including a third through hole, the third through hole extending in the second direction.

[0214] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first support structure further comprises a step support comprising a stepped shape, the stepped shape extending in the second direction, and wherein the step support is between the 1-1 fastening portion and the heat sink plate and between the 1-2 fastening portion and the heat sink plate.

[0215] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first heat sink and the second heat sink comprise a first material, the first support structure and the second support structure comprise a second material, and a thermal conductivity of the first material is greater than a thermal conductivity of the second material.

[0216] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cooling element module comprises a Peltier module.

[0217] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first fastening device and the second fastening device are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0218] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a distance between the first fastening device and the second fastening device in the first direction is greater than a width of the cooling element module in the first direction.

[0219] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first heat radiator support comprises a 1-1 lateral surface that faces towards the third heat radiator support, wherein the third heat radiator support comprises a 3-1 lateral surface that faces towards the first heat radiator support, and wherein the 1-1 lateral surface and the 3-1 lateral surface comprise a curved shape.

[0220] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first heat radiator support comprises a 1-1 lateral surface 1121 that faces towards the third heat radiator support, wherein the third heat radiator support comprises a 3-1 lateral surface that faces towards the first heat radiator support, and wherein the 1-1 lateral surface and the 3-1 lateral surface comprise a flat shape.

[0221] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cooling device may further comprise a plurality of first ribs that are connected to the 1-1 fastening portion, the plurality of first ribs spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the 1-1 fastening portion; and a plurality of second ribs that are connected to the 1-2 fastening portion, the plurality of second ribs spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the 1-2 fastening portion.

[0222] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may be provided that includes: the cooling device; and a storage room that is configured to receive air that is cooled by the cooling device.

[0223] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a cooling device and a refrigerator including the cooling device may have an improved assembly convenience through fastening of a first heat sink arranged at a high-temperature portion of a cooling element module and a second heat sink arranged at a low-temperature portion of the cooling element module by a single fastening device.

[0224] According to another aspect of the disclosure, in a cooling device and a refrigerator including cooling device, degradation of radiation characteristics may be prevented as a heat transfer fluid flows through a gap between a first support structure and a heat sink fin of the first heat sink.

[0225] According to another aspect of the disclosure, in a cooling device and a refrigerator including the cooling device, degradation of radiation characteristics may be prevented by preventing a gap between the first support structure and the heat sink fin of the first heat sink from being used as a bypass path for other heat sink fins.

[0226] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a cooling device and a refrigerator including the cooling device may have improved radiation characteristics as the first support structure has a hollow shape, and a heat transfer fluid flows between the support structure and a heat sink plate.

[0227] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a cooling device and a refrigerator including the cooling device may have improved assembly convenience by forming the first support structure to have a symmetrical structure such that the first support structure may be assembled with the first heat sink regardless of an inflow direction of a heat transfer fluid.

[0228] Although a cooling device and a refrigerator including the same are described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, such embodiments are provided merely as an example, and it will be understood that various modifications and equivalents may be made from the embodiments by a person skilled in the art. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the disclosure should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling device comprising:a cooling element module comprising a plate shape that comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite of the first surface, the first surface configured to radiate heat, and the second surface configured to absorb heat from an outside;a first heat sink comprising a plurality of heat sink fins, the plurality of heat sink fins being on the first surface;a second heat sink comprising a plurality of cooling fins, the plurality of cooling fins being on the second surface;a first support structure between the plurality of heat sink fins, the first support structure comprising:a first heat radiator support;a second heat radiator support;a third heat radiator support, wherein the first heat radiator support is between the second heat radiator support and the third heat radiator support in a first direction in which a heat transfer fluid is introduced;a 1-1 fastening portion; anda 1-2 fastening portion, wherein the first heat radiator support is between the 1-1 fastening portion and the 1-2 fastening portion;a second support structure between the plurality of cooling fins, the second support structure comprising:a 2-1 fastening portion;a 2-2 fastening portion that is spaced apart from the 2-1 fastening portion in the first direction; anda heat absorber support between the 2-1 fastening portion and the 2-2 fastening portion and extending in a same direction as an extending direction of the second surface;a first fastening device that fastens the 1-1 fastening portion and the 2-1 fastening portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; anda second fastening device that fastens the 1-2 fastening portion and the 2-2 fastening portion in the second direction.

2. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first support structure is at a central portion of the cooling element module in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

3. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein a height of the third heat radiator support in the second direction is greater than a height of the second heat radiator support in the second direction.

4. The cooling device of claim 3, wherein a height of the first heat radiator support in the second direction is greater than a height of the 1-1 fastening portion in the second direction and a height of the 1-2 fastening portion in the second direction.

5. The cooling device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of heat sink fins are spaced apart from each other at a first interval in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, andwherein the plurality of heat sink fins comprise a first heat sink fin and a second heat sink fin, the first heat sink fin and the second heat sink fin being adjacent to opposite sides of the first support structure, respectively, andwherein the first heat sink fin and the second heat sink are spaced apart from each other at a second interval in the third direction that is greater than the first interval.

6. The cooling device of claim 5, wherein the first heat radiator support and the first heat sink fin are spaced apart from each other at a third interval in the third direction that is less than the first interval, andwherein the first heat radiator support and the second heat sink fin are spaced apart from each other at a fourth interval in the third direction that is less than the first interval.

7. The cooling device of claim 5, wherein the first heat radiator support comprises a first lateral portion that is adjacent to the 1-1 fastening portion, andwherein the first lateral portion of the first heat radiator support comprises a taper shape, and a thickness of the taper shape in the third direction decreases in a direction towards the 1-1 fastening portion.

8. The cooling device of claim 5, wherein the first heat radiator support comprises a second lateral portion that is adjacent to the 1-2 fastening portion, andwherein the second lateral portion of the first heat radiator support comprises a plate shape that has a constant thickness in the third direction.

9. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first heat sink further comprises a heat sink plate on the first surface of the cooling element module,wherein the first heat radiator support is spaced apart from the heat sink plate in the second direction, andwherein the first heat radiator support comprises a hollow shape including a first through hole, the first through hole extending in the second direction.

10. The cooling device of claim 9, wherein the second heat radiator support is spaced apart from the heat sink plate in the second direction, andwherein the second heat radiator support comprises a hollow shape including a second through hole, the second through hole extending in the second direction.

11. The cooling device of claim 9, wherein the third heat radiator support is spaced apart from the heat sink plate in the second direction, andwherein the third heat radiator support comprises a hollow shape including a third through hole, the third through hole extending in the second direction.

12. The cooling device of claim 9, wherein the first support structure further comprises a step support comprising a stepped shape, the stepped shape extending in the second direction, andwherein the step support is between the 1-1 fastening portion and the heat sink plate and between the 1-2 fastening portion and the heat sink plate.

13. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first heat sink and the second heat sink comprise a first material, the first support structure and the second support structure comprise a second material, and a thermal conductivity of the first material is greater than a thermal conductivity of the second material.

14. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the cooling element module comprises a Peltier module.

15. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first fastening device and the second fastening device are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

16. The cooling device of claim 15, wherein a distance between the first fastening device and the second fastening device in the first direction is greater than a width of the cooling element module in the first direction.

17. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first heat radiator support comprises a 1-1 lateral surface that faces towards the third heat radiator support,wherein the third heat radiator support comprises a 3-1 lateral surface that faces towards the first heat radiator support, andwherein the 1-1 lateral surface and the 3-1 lateral surface comprise a curved shape.

18. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the first heat radiator support comprises a 1-1 lateral surface that faces towards the third heat radiator support,wherein the third heat radiator support comprises a 3-1 lateral surface that faces towards the first heat radiator support, andwherein the 1-1 lateral surface and the 3-1 lateral surface comprise a flat shape.

19. The cooling device of claim 1, further comprising:a plurality of first ribs that are connected to the 1-1 fastening portion, the plurality of first ribs spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the 1-1 fastening portion; anda plurality of second ribs that are connected to the 1-2 fastening portion, the plurality of second ribs spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the 1-2 fastening portion.

20. A refrigerator comprising:the cooling device of claim 1; anda storage room that is configured to receive air that is cooled by the cooling device.

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