HEAT PUMP SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A heat pump system for a vehicle is able to cool or heat the interior of a vehicle using an environmentally friendly refrigerant and to efficiently regulate the temperature of the battery module (5) by using a single heat exchanger device (20) in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat with each other.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle, and in particular a heat pump system for a vehicle that is capable of cooling or heating a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle air conditioning system has an air conditioning unit that circulates a refrigerant to heat or cool the vehicle's interior.

[0003] The air conditioning unit, which maintains the interior of the vehicle at a suitable temperature regardless of changes in the outside temperature in order to maintain a comfortable interior climate, is designed to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle by heat exchange through a condenser and an evaporator in a process in which a refrigerant emitted by the operation of a compressor is circulated through the condenser, a collector-dryer, an expansion valve and the evaporator back to the compressor.

[0004] In other words, the air conditioning unit lowers the temperature and humidity in the interior by condensing a high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase refrigerant compressed by the compressor through the condenser, passing the refrigerant through the receiver-dryer and expansion valve, and then evaporating the refrigerant in a cooling mode in the evaporator during the summer.

[0005] Environmentally friendly vehicle technology is a core technology of the automotive industry of the future, and advanced car manufacturers have focused their energy on developing environmentally friendly vehicles to meet environmental and fuel efficiency regulations.

[0006] Given the ever-increasing interest in energy efficiency and pollution problems, the development of environmentally friendly vehicles that can largely replace internal combustion engines is necessary, and these environmentally friendly vehicles are divided into electric vehicles, which are powered by fuel cells or electricity as a drive source, and hybrid vehicles, which are powered by an internal combustion engine and a battery.

[0007] Electric vehicles are the focus of interest as a means of transport for the future, in order to solve environmental and energy problems.

[0008] In such an electric vehicle, a heat pump system is used, which is an air conditioning device for controlling the temperature in the vehicle interior.

[0009] However, the refrigerant conventionally used in the heat pump system contains a large amount of environmentally relevant substances, e.g. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and therefore there is a need to develop a system that can control the temperature of the vehicle interior using new refrigerants without PFAS and flammability or natural refrigerants.

[0010] The information disclosed above in this background section is provided solely for a better understanding of the background of the disclosure and may therefore contain information that is not part of the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. BRIEF EXPLANATION

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle which is capable of cooling or heating the interior of a vehicle using a natural refrigerant in accordance with environmental regulations by efficiently adjusting the temperature of a battery module using a single heat exchanger device in which a refrigerant and a coolant exchange heat.

[0012] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a heat pump system for a vehicle that is capable of maximizing cooling and heating performance by operating in both a supercritical range and a subcritical range where the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant is higher than a critical pressure and / or temperature, by using an R744 refrigerant, which is a natural refrigerant that utilizes carbon dioxide.

[0013] A heat pump system for a vehicle comprises a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first expansion valve, and a third heat exchanger, all connected via a refrigerant line (e.g., contained within the heat pump system) to circulate a refrigerant (e.g., contained within it). The heat pump system further comprises a heat exchanger device (e.g., a coolant-refrigerant heat exchanger) connected to the refrigerant line via a first connecting line and configured to regulate the temperature of a coolant by heat exchange between the supplied coolant and the refrigerant. The heat pump system also includes a second expansion valve located on / in the first connecting line and a third expansion valve located on / in the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor.The heat pump system further comprises a second connecting line, having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the first and second heat exchangers, and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the second and third heat exchangers. The heat pump system further comprises a fourth expansion valve located on / in the second connecting line. The heat pump system further comprises a third connecting line, having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the first and second heat exchangers.The heat pump system also has a fourth connecting line, which has a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the third expansion valve.

[0014] For example, the heat pump system may further include a first valve provided on / in the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, a second valve provided on / in the refrigerant line between the third expansion valve and the compressor, a third valve provided on / in the third connecting line, and a fifth expansion valve provided on / in the fourth connecting line.

[0015] For example, the heat pump system may further include a fifth connecting line having a first end connected to the refrigerant line between the third expansion valve and the compressor, and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; a fourth valve provided on / in the fifth connecting line; a sixth connecting line having a first end connected to the first connecting line between the second expansion valve and the heat exchanger device, and a second end connected to the third connecting line; and a sixth expansion valve provided on / in the sixth connecting line.

[0016] For example, the heat pump system may also include a collector-dryer (e.g., a gas-liquid separator) located on / in the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor. For example, the heat pump system may also include an internal heat exchanger located and configured within the collector-dryer to allow the refrigerant supplied by the second heat exchanger and the refrigerant supplied by the third heat exchanger to exchange heat with each other, and to supply the refrigerant with the higher temperature to the third heat exchanger.

[0017] For example, if a battery module is to be heated, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor and the first heat exchanger, as well as a section connecting the first and second heat exchangers, can be closed by the first valve. For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the fifth connecting line to the compressor can be open. For example, a section of the refrigerant line connected to the second heat exchanger can be open, so that the first end of the fourth connecting line and the second end of the fifth connecting line are connected. For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the first connecting line and the second end of the fourth connecting line can be opened by the third expansion valve.For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the first connecting line and the first end of the fifth connecting line may be closed by the second valve. For example, a section of the first connecting line connecting the first end of the sixth connecting line and the heat exchanger assembly may be open. For example, a remaining section of the first connecting line connecting the refrigerant line and the sixth connecting line at an upstream end of the heat exchanger assembly may be closed by the second expansion valve. For example, the second connecting line may be closed by the fourth expansion valve. For example, a section of the third connecting line may be open, connecting a section of the refrigerant line connected to the compressor and the sixth connecting line.For example, a remaining section of the third connecting line can be closed by the third valve. For example, the fourth connecting line can be open by the fifth expansion valve, the fifth connecting line can be open by the fourth valve, and the sixth connecting line can be open by the sixth expansion valve.

[0018] For example, the third and sixth expansion valves can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow without expansion. For example, the fifth expansion valve can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow in an expanded state. For example, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be introduced sequentially into the heat exchanger device along a section of the third connecting line, the sixth connecting line, and a section of the first connecting line. For example, the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger device can be introduced into the second heat exchanger along a section of the first connecting line.For example, the fourth connecting line and the open section of the refrigerant line, as well as the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger, can flow along a section of the refrigerant lines and the fifth connecting line through the internal heat exchanger and the collector to be fed to the compressor.

[0019] For example, in a hot gas heating mode of a vehicle interior, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line to the second end of the second connecting line may be closed by the first expansion valve. Similarly, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the second connecting line to the second end of the fifth connecting line may be closed by the first valve. Finally, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the second connecting line to the second end of the first connecting line, by passing through the third heat exchanger, may be open by the third expansion valve. Finally, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the first connecting line to the first end of the fifth connecting line may be open by the second valve.For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the fifth connecting line to the first end of the first connecting line via the second heat exchanger may be closed. For example, a section of the first connecting line connecting the first end of the sixth connecting line to the heat exchanger assembly may be open. For example, a remaining section of the first connecting line connecting the refrigerant line and the sixth connecting line at an upstream end of the heat exchanger assembly may be closed by the second expansion valve. For example, the second connecting line may be open by the fourth expansion valve. For example, a section of the third connecting line may be open, connecting a section of the refrigerant line connected to the compressor and the sixth connecting line.For example, a remaining section of the third connecting line can be closed by the third valve. For example, the fourth connecting line can be closed by the fifth expansion valve, the fifth connecting line can be closed by the fourth valve, and the sixth connecting line can be open by the sixth expansion valve.

[0020] For example, the third and sixth expansion valves can allow the supplied refrigerant to flow in an expanded state. For example, the fourth expansion valve can allow the supplied refrigerant to flow without expansion. For example, some of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be routed along the refrigerant line into the first heat exchanger. For example, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger can be routed along the second connecting line and the open refrigerant line into the third heat exchanger. For example, a remainder of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be routed along a section of the third connecting line, the sixth connecting line, and the open first connecting line into the heat exchanger assembly.For example, the refrigerant that has passed from the third heat exchanger through the third expansion valve and the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device can flow through the internal heat exchanger and the collector along a section of the refrigerant line to be fed to the compressor.

[0021] For example, in a vehicle interior heating mode, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line to the second end of the second connecting line may be closed by the first expansion valve. Similarly, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the second connecting line to the second end of the fifth connecting line may be closed by the first valve. Finally, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line to the second end of the first connecting line may be closed by the third expansion valve. Finally, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the first connecting line to the first end of the fifth connecting line may be open by the second valve.For example, the first connecting line can be opened by the second expansion valve, the second connecting line can be opened by the fourth expansion valve, the third connecting line can be closed by the third valve, the fourth connecting line can be opened by the fifth expansion valve, the fifth connecting line can be opened by the fourth valve, and the sixth connecting line can be closed by the sixth expansion valve.

[0022] For example, the second and fourth expansion valves can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow without expansion. For example, the fifth expansion valve can allow the refrigerant to flow in an expanded state, so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the second heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger assembly. For example, some of the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger into the fourth connecting line can be fed into the second heat exchanger, and the remainder of the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger into the fourth connecting line can be fed into the internal heat exchanger.

[0023] For example, some of the refrigerant discharged from the fifth expansion valve may flow through the internal heat exchanger along the refrigerant line to be introduced into the heat exchanger device, and the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger and heat exchanger device may pass through the internal heat exchanger and the collector to be fed to the compressor.

[0024] For example, if heating a battery module is required in a vehicle interior heating mode, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line to the second end of the second connecting line, and a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the fourth connecting line to the first end of the first connecting line, may be closed by the first expansion valve. Similarly, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the second connecting line to the second end of the fifth connecting line may be closed by the first valve. Finally, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the second connecting line to the second end of the first connecting line, passing through the third heat exchanger, may be open by the third expansion valve.For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the first connecting line and the first end of the fifth connecting line may be closed by the second valve. For example, a section of the refrigerant line connected to the second heat exchanger may be open, connecting the first end of the fourth connecting line and the second end of the fifth connecting line. For example, a section of the first connecting line connecting the first end of the sixth connecting line and the heat exchanger assembly may be open. For example, a remaining section of the first connecting line connecting the refrigerant line and the sixth connecting line at an upstream end of the heat exchanger assembly may be closed by the second expansion valve. For example, the second connecting line may be open by the fourth expansion valve.For example, a section of the third connecting line may be open, so that a section of the refrigerant line connected to the compressor and the sixth connecting line are connected. For example, a remaining section of the third connecting line may be closed by the third valve, the fourth connecting line may be open by the fifth expansion valve, the fifth connecting line may be open by the fourth valve, and the sixth connecting line may be open by the sixth expansion valve.

[0025] For example, the third, fourth, and sixth expansion valves can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow without expansion. For example, the fifth expansion valve can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow in an expanded state. For example, some of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be routed along the refrigerant line into the first heat exchanger. For example, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger can be routed along the second connecting line and the open refrigerant line into the third heat exchanger.For example, a remaining portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be routed into the heat exchanger assembly along a section of the third connecting line, the sixth connecting line, and the open first connecting line. The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger and the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger assembly through the third expansion valve can then be routed into the second heat exchanger along a section of the refrigerant line and the fourth connecting line. For example, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger can flow through the internal heat exchanger and the receiver along the open section of the refrigerant line and the fifth connecting line to be supplied to the compressor.

[0026] For example, in a vehicle interior heating and dehumidifying mode, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the first connecting line and the second end of the second connecting line may be closed by the first expansion valve. Similarly, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the second connecting line and the second heat exchanger may be closed by the first valve. Finally, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the third heat exchanger and the receiver may be open by the second valve and the third expansion valve. Finally, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second heat exchanger to the internal heat exchanger and the first end of the first connecting line may be closed. Similarly, the first connecting line may be closed by the second expansion valve.For example, the second connecting line can be open via the fourth expansion valve. For example, the third connecting line can be closed via the third valve. For example, the fourth connecting line can be closed via the fifth expansion valve.

[0027] For example, the fifth connecting line can be closed by the fourth valve, and the sixth connecting line can be closed by the sixth expansion valve.

[0028] For example, the third expansion valve can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow without expansion. For example, the fourth expansion valve can allow the refrigerant introduced from the first heat exchanger via the second connecting line to flow in an expanded state. For example, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be introduced into the first heat exchanger along a section of the refrigerant line. For example, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger can be introduced into the third heat exchanger along the second connecting line and the open refrigerant line. For example, the refrigerant that has passed from the third heat exchanger through the third expansion valve can flow through the internal heat exchanger and the receiver along the open section of the refrigerant line to be supplied to the compressor.

[0029] For example, if cooling of a battery module is required in a vehicle interior cooling mode, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a section of the refrigerant line connecting the first and second heat exchangers, may be closed by the first valve. For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the third connecting line to the second heat exchanger may be open. For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second and third heat exchangers may be open by the first expansion valve. For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the third heat exchanger to the compressor may be open by the third expansion valve.For example, a section of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the first connecting line to the first end of the fifth connecting line can be open by the second valve. For example, the first connecting line can be open by the second expansion valve, the second connecting line can be closed by the fourth expansion valve, the third connecting line can be open by the third valve, the fourth connecting line can be closed by the fifth expansion valve, the fifth connecting line can be closed by the fourth valve, and the sixth connecting line can be closed by the sixth expansion valve.

[0030] For example, the first expansion valve can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow in an expanded state. For example, the second expansion valve can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow in an expanded state, so that the battery module is cooled by the coolant exchanged with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger device. For example, the third expansion valve can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow without expansion. For example, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor can flow through the second heat exchanger, along the third connecting line and a section of the refrigerant line, to be introduced into the internal heat exchanger. For example, some of the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger can be introduced into the heat exchanger device along the first connecting line.For example, any residual refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger can be routed along the refrigerant line to the first expansion valve. For example, the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger assembly and the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger can flow along the refrigerant line through the internal heat exchanger and the receiver to be fed to the compressor.

[0031] For example, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger may be set up to cool or evaporate the introduced refrigerant.

[0032] For example, one end of the first connecting line can be connected to the refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the first expansion valve, and a second end of the first connecting line can be connected to the refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the compressor.

[0033] For example, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger can be air-cooled gas coolers (e.g., air-to-refrigerant heat exchangers) designed to allow the refrigerant introduced into them to exchange heat with air, and the heat exchanger device can be a water-cooled gas cooler (e.g., coolant-to-refrigerant heat exchanger) designed to allow the refrigerant introduced into them to exchange heat with the coolant.

[0034] As described above, according to a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling or heating of the vehicle interior can be carried out using a natural refrigerant, thereby enabling compliance with environmental regulations and improving the general marketability of a vehicle.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, by operating in both a supercritical range and a subcritical range, where at the time of cooling and heating the vehicle interior the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant is higher than a critical pressure and / or temperature, the cooling and heating performance can be maximized by using the refrigerant R744, which is a natural refrigerant that utilizes carbon dioxide.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, rationalization and simplification of the system can be achieved by efficiently adjusting the temperature of the battery module depending on the mode of the vehicle using a single heat exchanger device in which the coolant and the refrigerant exchange heat with each other.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, by efficiently adjusting the temperature of the battery module, the optimal performance of the battery module can be achieved and the total driving range of the vehicle can be increased by efficient management of the battery module.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, even at low outside temperatures and insufficient heat dissipation by the electrical components and the battery module, the vehicle interior can be heated using the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, by heating the battery module using the coolant whose temperature has been increased by heat exchange with the refrigerant, a separate coolant heater for heating the battery module can be omitted, and the power consumption for increasing the temperature of the battery module can be minimized.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and weight and to improve space utilization by rationalizing the overall system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is an operating diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for heating a battery module. Fig. Figure 3 is an operating diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for a hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior. Fig. Figure 4 is an operating diagram according to a heating mode of the vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is an operating diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for heating the battery module in the heating mode of the vehicle interior. Fig. Figure 6 is an operating diagram according to a heating and dehumidification mode of the vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is an operating diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for cooling the battery module in the cooling mode of the vehicle interior. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The embodiments of the present disclosure in this description and the constructions shown in the drawings are only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not cover the entire scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be clear that at the time of application of the technical concepts of this description, there may be various modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0043] For the sake of clarity, parts not related to the description may have been omitted from this disclosure. Furthermore, identical elements or variations throughout the entire description are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0044] Furthermore, the size and thickness of the individual elements in the drawings may be arbitrarily represented, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, areas, and the like may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0045] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms “contain”, “have”, “include” and variations thereof such as “indicating” or “shows” are to be understood as implying the presence of the specified elements, but not the exclusion of any other element.

[0046] Furthermore, terms such as "...unit", "...means", "...section", "...part", and "...element", used in the description, each denote a unit of a corresponding element that performs at least one function or operation. When a component, device, unit, module, control device, detector, element, or the like of this disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, unit, module, control device, detector, or element should be considered here as "configured" to fulfill that purpose or perform that operation or function. This disclosure describes a control device and a data detector for a cooling system.The control device, detector or other such components may be designed separately or may be incorporated with a processor and memory, such as a non-volatile computer-readable medium, as part of the control device or component.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] A heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can perform the cooling or heating of a vehicle interior using a natural refrigerant in compliance with environmental regulations and efficiently adjust the temperature of a battery module 5 using a single heat exchanger device 20 in which the refrigerant and a coolant are in heat exchange with each other.

[0049] The refrigerant can be an R744 refrigerant, which is made up of carbon dioxide and has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0 and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1.

[0050] In other words, according to a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling and heating performance can be maximized by operating in both a supercritical range and a subcritical range in which the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant is higher than a critical pressure and / or temperature, using the refrigerant R744, which is a natural refrigerant that utilizes carbon dioxide.

[0051] For this purpose, a heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can comprise a compressor 10, a first heat exchanger 13, a second heat exchanger 14, a first expansion valve 15, a third heat exchanger 16, a collector 17, an internal heat exchanger 17a and the heat exchanger device 20, which are connected via a refrigerant line 11 to circulate the refrigerant through the refrigerant line 11.

[0052] The compressor 10 can compress the supplied refrigerant and allow the compressed refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant line 11, so that the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 11.

[0053] The first heat exchanger 13 can allow the refrigerant selectively supplied by the compressor 10 to exchange heat with air.

[0054] The second heat exchanger 14 can be connected to the first heat exchanger 13 via the refrigerant line 11. Accordingly, the refrigerant supplied by the refrigerant line 11 can pass through the second heat exchanger 14.

[0055] The second heat exchanger 14 can be located at the front of the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle front) and cools or evaporates the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the outside air while the vehicle is in motion. A cooling fan 7 can be provided on a downstream side of the second heat exchanger 14.

[0056] Since the refrigerant R744 does not undergo a phase change, unlike conventional refrigerants, the term "gas cooling" can be used instead of the term "condensation".

[0057] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first expansion valve 15 can be provided on / in the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16. The first expansion valve 15 can selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11.

[0058] In other words, the first expansion valve 15 can selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling a flow motion of the refrigerant.

[0059] Furthermore, the third heat exchanger 16 can be provided on / in the refrigerant line 11 between the first expansion valve 15 and the compressor 10.

[0060] The first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 can be provided within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning module (HVAC; also referred to as HVAC module) 12.

[0061] Accordingly, the third heat exchanger 16 can cool or evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0062] In other words, the first heat exchanger 13, the second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16 can each be an air-cooled gas cooler designed to allow the refrigerant introduced inside to exchange heat with the air.

[0063] The second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16 can evaporate the refrigerant when the expanded refrigerant is supplied, and can cool the refrigerant when the unexpanded refrigerant is supplied.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the collector 17 can be provided on / in the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the compressor 10.

[0065] The collector 17 can only supply gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 10, thereby improving the efficiency and durability of the compressor 10.

[0066] Additionally, the internal heat exchanger 17a can be provided within the collector 17. The internal heat exchanger 17a can allow the refrigerant supplied by the second heat exchanger 14 and the refrigerant supplied by the third heat exchanger 16 to exchange heat with each other and supply the refrigerant with the higher temperature of the heat-exchanged refrigerants to the third heat exchanger 16.

[0067] In other words, the internal heat exchanger can allow the refrigerant cooled in the second heat exchanger 14 to exchange heat with a low-temperature refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16, and the heat-exchanged refrigerant can be supplied to the third heat exchanger 16 and the compressor 10 respectively.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger device 20 can be connected to an electrical component 3 via a first line 2 through which the coolant circulates.

[0069] The electrical component 3 may include a power conversion device such as an electrical power control unit (EPCU), a motor (e.g., traction motor), an inverter or an onboard charger (OBC), and an autonomous driving control device or the like.

[0070] The electrical component 3, set up as such, can be connected to the first line 2 in order to be water-cooled.

[0071] The heat exchanger device 20 can adjust the temperature of the electrical component 3 using the coolant heat exchanged with the refrigerant and recover waste heat from the electrical component 3.

[0072] Additionally, the heat exchanger device 20 can be connected to the battery module 5 via a second line 4 through which the coolant circulates. Accordingly, the coolant can circulate selectively through the heat exchanger device 20.

[0073] The heat exchanger device 20 can adjust the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the supplied refrigerant and the coolant. In other words, the heat exchanger device 20 can be a water-cooled gas cooler (e.g., for gaseous refrigerant) designed to allow the refrigerant introduced into the interior to exchange heat with the coolant.

[0074] The heat exchanger device 20 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 via a first connecting line 21.

[0075] One end of the first connecting line 21 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the first expansion valve 15. Furthermore, a second end of the first connecting line 21 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the receiver 17.

[0076] In other words, the heat exchanger device 20 can adjust the temperature of the coolant by heat exchange between the coolant selectively introduced through the first line 2 or the second line 4 and the selectively supplied refrigerant.

[0077] Accordingly, the coolant exchanged in the heat exchanger device 20 can circulate through the electrical component 3 via the first line 2. Furthermore, the coolant exchanged in the heat exchanger device 20 can circulate through the battery module 5 via the second line 4.

[0078] The first line 2 and a water pump (not shown) can be provided on / in the second line 4.

[0079] In other words, the coolant can circulate along the first line 2 and the second line 4 (e.g. separately) according to the operation of each water pump (not shown).

[0080] Accordingly, the coolant exchanged with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger device 20 can adjust the temperature of the electrical component 3 and the battery module 5 while being selectively supplied to the electrical component 3 and the battery module 5.

[0081] The heat pump system can further comprise a first valve 18, a second valve 19, a second expansion valve 23, a third expansion valve 25, a second connecting line 31, a fourth expansion valve 33, a third connecting line 41, a third valve 43, a fourth connecting line 51, a fifth expansion valve 53, a fifth connecting line 61, a fourth valve 63, a sixth connecting line 71 and a sixth expansion valve 73.

[0082] The first valve 18 can be provided on / in the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14.

[0083] The first valve 18 can selectively open and close the refrigerant line 11, so that the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 13 is selectively introduced into the second heat exchanger 14.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second valve 19 can be provided on / in the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the compressor 10. The second valve 19 can be provided on / in the refrigerant line 11 between the third expansion valve 25 and the receiver 17.

[0085] The second valve 19 can open the refrigerant line 11, allowing at least one refrigerant from the refrigerant discharged by the third heat exchanger 16 and the refrigerant discharged by the heat exchanger device 20 to enter the receiver 17. The second valve 19 can close the refrigerant line 11, preventing one refrigerant from the third heat exchanger 16 and the refrigerant discharged by the heat exchanger device 20 from entering the receiver 17.

[0086] In other words, if the battery module 5 is to be heated, the second valve 19 can close the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device 20 is not introduced into the collector 17.

[0087] If the battery module 5 is to be heated at the time the vehicle interior is being heated, the second valve 19 can close the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 and the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device 20 are not introduced together into the collector 17.

[0088] In a cooling mode of the vehicle interior or a hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior, the second valve 19 can open the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 and the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device 20 are introduced together into the collector 17.

[0089] In addition, the second valve 19 can open the refrigerant line 11 in the heating mode of the vehicle interior, so that the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device 20 is introduced into the collector 17.

[0090] In addition, the second valve 19 can open the refrigerant line 11 in a heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle interior, so that the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 is introduced into the collector 17.

[0091] The second expansion valve 23 can be provided on / in the first connecting line 21.

[0092] Depending on the selected climate control mode of the vehicle interior, the second expansion valve 23 can selectively expand the refrigerant introduced into the first connecting line 21 and allow the selectively expanded refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger device 20.

[0093] Furthermore, the second expansion valve 23 can supply the refrigerant introduced into the first connecting line 21 to the heat exchanger device 20 without expansion, or close the first connecting line 21 so that the refrigerant is not supplied to the heat exchanger device 20.

[0094] In other words, the second expansion valve 23 can selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow motion of the refrigerant.

[0095] When cooling the battery module 5 using the refrigerant heat exchanged with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger device 20, the second expansion valve 23 can open the first connecting line 21. The second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant introduced into the first connecting line 21 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger device 20.

[0096] In other words, the second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 to lower its temperature and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger device 20, thereby further reducing the temperature of the coolant flowing through the interior of the heat exchanger device 20.

[0097] Accordingly, the coolant, whose temperature has been reduced as it passes through the heat exchanger device 20, can be introduced into the battery module 5, thereby achieving more efficient cooling.

[0098] The third expansion valve 25 can be provided on / in the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the compressor 10. The third expansion valve 25 can be provided on / in the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the second valve 19.

[0099] The third expansion valve 25 can allow the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11 to flow in a selective expansion or non-expansion state, depending on the selected air conditioning mode of the vehicle interior.

[0100] In other words, the third expansion valve 25 can selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow motion of the refrigerant.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first end of the second connecting line 31 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14. A second end of the second connecting line 31 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16.

[0102] The fourth expansion valve 33 can be provided on / in the second connecting line 31. The fourth expansion valve 33 can selectively open and close the second connecting line 31 and selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the second connecting line 31.

[0103] In cooling mode of the vehicle interior, the fourth expansion valve 33 can close the second connecting line 31. Conversely, in heating mode of the vehicle interior, the fourth expansion valve 33 can open the second connecting line 31.

[0104] In addition, the fourth expansion valve 33 can open the second connecting line 31 in the heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle interior and expand the refrigerant introduced through the second connecting line 31.

[0105] In other words, the fourth expansion valve 33 can selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow motion of the refrigerant.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first end of the third connecting line 41 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 13. A second end of the third connecting line 41 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14.

[0107] The third valve 43 can be provided on / in the third connecting line 41. The third valve 43 can selectively open and close the third connecting line 41.

[0108] In other words, the third valve 43 can open the third connecting line 41 in the vehicle interior cooling mode. In the vehicle interior heating mode and in the vehicle interior heating and dehumidifying mode, the third valve 43 can close a section of the third connecting line 41.

[0109] One end of the fourth connecting line 51 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the second heat exchanger 14 and the third heat exchanger 16. The other end of the fourth connecting line 51 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the third heat exchanger 16 and the third expansion valve 25.

[0110] The fifth expansion valve 53 can be provided on / in the fourth connecting line 51.

[0111] The fifth expansion valve 53 can selectively open and close the fourth connecting line 51 to control the flow motion of the refrigerant and can selectively expand the refrigerant introduced into the fourth connecting line 51.

[0112] In heating mode of the vehicle interior, the fifth expansion valve 53 can open the fourth connecting line 51, allowing the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 51 to expand and supplying the expanded refrigerant to the second heat exchanger 14 and the internal heat exchanger 17a respectively.

[0113] Accordingly, in heating mode of the vehicle interior, the second heat exchanger 14 can evaporate the refrigerant by heat exchange with the air supplied from the outside.

[0114] The refrigerant that has passed through the internal heat exchanger 17a can be fed to the heat exchanger device 20. The heat exchanger device 20 can evaporate the refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant supplied via the first line 2.

[0115] In the cooling mode of the vehicle interior or in the heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle interior, the fifth expansion valve 53 can close the fourth connecting line 51.

[0116] In other words, the fifth expansion valve 53 can selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow motion of the refrigerant.

[0117] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first end of the fifth connecting line 61 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the second valve 19 and the compressor 10. A second end of the fifth connecting line 61 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14.

[0118] The fourth valve 63 can be provided on / in the fifth connecting line 61. The fourth valve 63 can control the flow of the refrigerant by selectively opening and closing the fifth connecting line 61.

[0119] In the cooling mode of the vehicle interior, or in the heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle interior, or in the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior, the fourth valve 63 can close the fifth connecting line 61.

[0120] When the vehicle interior is in heating mode, or when the battery module is being heated in heating mode, or when the battery module is to be heated in the vehicle interior heating mode, the fourth valve 63 can open the fifth connecting line 61.

[0121] Furthermore, a first end of the sixth connecting line 71 can be connected to the first connecting line 21 between the second expansion valve 23 and the heat exchanger device 20. A second end of the sixth connecting line 71 can be connected to the third connecting line 41.

[0122] The sixth expansion valve 73 can be provided on / in the sixth connecting line 71. The sixth expansion valve 73 can control the flow of the refrigerant by selectively opening and closing the sixth connecting line 71 and can selectively expand the refrigerant introduced into the sixth connecting line 71.

[0123] More precisely, in the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior, the sixth expansion valve 73 can open the sixth connecting line 71, allowing the refrigerant introduced through the sixth connecting line 71 to expand and supplying the expanded refrigerant to the heat exchanger device 20.

[0124] In the cooling mode of the vehicle interior, or in the heating mode of the vehicle interior, or in the heating and dehumidifying mode of the vehicle interior, the sixth expansion valve 73 can close the sixth connecting line 71.

[0125] If the battery module 5 is to be heated in the heating mode of the vehicle interior, or if the battery module 5 is to be heated, the sixth expansion valve 73 can open the sixth connecting line 71 and can supply the refrigerant introduced through the sixth connecting line 71 to the heat exchanger device 20 without expansion.

[0126] In other words, the sixth expansion valve 73 can selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow motion of the refrigerant.

[0127] The first valve 18, the second valve 19, the third valve 43 and the fourth valve 63 can be 2-way valves that open and close the refrigerant line 11, the third connecting line 41 and the fifth connecting line 61 and control a flow rate or the flow quantity of the refrigerant.

[0128] Furthermore, the first expansion valve 15, the second expansion valve 23, the third expansion valve 25, the fourth expansion valve 33, the fifth expansion valve 53 and the sixth expansion valve 73 can be electronic expansion valves that are set up to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow motion of the refrigerant.

[0129] The following describes the function and operation of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is set up as described above, with reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 described in detail.

[0130] An operation to heat battery module 5 when the temperature of battery module 5 is low is described with reference to Fig. 2 described in detail.

[0131] Fig. Figure 2 is an operating diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for heating a battery module.

[0132] With reference to Fig. 2. The heat pump system can increase the temperature of the battery module 5 by using the refrigerant heat exchanged with the refrigerant.

[0133] The coolant does not circulate through the first line 2. The coolant can circulate along the second line 4 by operating a water pump (not shown).

[0134] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 5 can be supplied along the second line 4 to the heat exchanger device 20.

[0135] In the heat pump system, the respective components can be activated / operated to heat the battery module 5. Accordingly, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant line 11.

[0136] A section of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 13, and the section of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14, can be closed by the first valve 18.

[0137] The section of refrigerant line 11 that connects the first end of the fifth connecting line 61 to the compressor 10 may be open.

[0138] Additionally, the section of refrigerant line 11 connected to the second heat exchanger 14 can be open, so that the first end of the fourth connecting line 51 and the second end of the fifth connecting line 61 are connected.

[0139] Furthermore, the section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the first connecting line 21 and the second end of the fourth connecting line 51, can be opened by the third expansion valve 25.

[0140] The third expansion valve 25 can allow the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11 to flow without expansion.

[0141] Additionally, the section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the first connecting line 21 and the first end of the fifth connecting line 61, can be closed by the second valve 19.

[0142] A section of the first connecting line 21, which connects the first end of the sixth connecting line 71 and the heat exchanger device 20, may be open.

[0143] Furthermore, the remaining section of the first connecting line 21, which connects the refrigerant line 11 and the sixth connecting line 71 at an upstream end of the heat exchanger device 20, can be closed by the second expansion valve 23.

[0144] The second connecting line 31 can be closed by the fourth expansion valve 33.

[0145] Additionally, a section of the third connecting line 41 can be open, so that a section of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the compressor 10 and the sixth connecting line 71 are connected.

[0146] The remaining section of the third connecting line 41 can be closed by the third valve 43.

[0147] The fourth connecting line 51 can be opened by the fifth expansion valve 53.

[0148] The fifth expansion valve 53 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 51.

[0149] The fifth connecting line 61 can be opened by the fourth valve 63. Additionally, the sixth connecting line 71 can be opened by the sixth expansion valve 73.

[0150] The sixth expansion valve 73 can allow the refrigerant introduced through the sixth connecting line 71 to flow without expansion. Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged from the sixth expansion valve 73 can be supplied to the heat exchanger device 20 in a non-expansive state.

[0151] Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can be introduced successively into the heat exchanger device 20 along a section of the third connecting line 41, the sixth connecting line 71 and a section of the first connecting line 21.

[0152] Additionally, the heat exchanger device 20 can cool the unexpanded refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant supplied via the first line 2.

[0153] The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger device 20 can increase the temperature of the coolant while exchanging heat with the coolant supplied from the battery module 5 via the second line 4.

[0154] The coolant heated in the heat exchanger 20 can be supplied to the battery module 5 along the second line 2. Accordingly, the temperature of the battery module 5 can be efficiently increased by the coolant heated in the heat exchanger 20.

[0155] The refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger device 20 can be introduced into the second heat exchanger 14 along a section of the first connecting line 21, the fourth connecting line 51 and the open section of the refrigerant line 11.

[0156] The fifth expansion valve 53 can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the second heat exchanger 14.

[0157] Accordingly, the second heat exchanger 14 can evaporate the expanded refrigerant by heat exchange with the air supplied from the outside.

[0158] Then the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 can pass through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17 along the section of the refrigerant line 11 and the fifth connecting line 61 to be supplied to the compressor 10.

[0159] While this process is repeated, the coolant heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger device 20 can be supplied to the battery module 5 along the second line 4. Accordingly, the battery module 5 can be heated quickly by the coolant heated in the heat exchanger device 20.

[0160] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, operation in the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior is described with reference to Fig. 3 described in detail.

[0161] Fig. Figure 3 is an operating diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior.

[0162] With reference to Fig. 3. The heat pump system cannot recover heat if the ambient air heat, the waste heat from the electrical component 3, and the waste heat from the battery module 5 are insufficient.

[0163] In other words, if heating the vehicle interior is required while the outside temperature is low and the heat generated by the electrical component 3 and the battery module 5 is insufficient, e.g. in an early phase of the journey, the heat pump system can perform the heating of the vehicle interior by directly using a refrigerant under high pressure and high temperature.

[0164] Heating the vehicle interior using only the refrigerant can therefore be described as hot gas heating mode.

[0165] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coolant does not necessarily flow through the first line 2 and the second line 4 in the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior. In other words, the first line 2 and the second line 4 may be closed (e.g., the associated coolant pumps may be out of operation).

[0166] In other words, since the heat generated by the electrical component 3 and the battery module 5 is insufficient, the coolant is not necessarily introduced into the heat exchanger device 20.

[0167] In such a state, the respective components in the heat pump system can be activated / operated to execute the hot gas heating mode of the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the refrigerant can circulate along refrigerant line 11.

[0168] The section of the refrigerant line 11, which connects the first end of the first connecting line 21 to the second end of the second connecting line 31, can be closed by the first expansion valve 15.

[0169] The section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the first end of the second connecting line 31 to the second end of the fifth connecting line 61, can be closed by the first valve 18.

[0170] Additionally, the section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the second connecting line 31 to the second end of the first connecting line 21 by passing through the third heat exchanger 16, can be opened by the third expansion valve 25.

[0171] The third expansion valve 25 can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow in an expanded state.

[0172] The section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the first connecting line 21 to the first end of the fifth connecting line 61, can be opened by the second valve 19.

[0173] Additionally, the section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the fifth connecting line 61 via the second heat exchanger 14 to the first end of the first connecting line 21, can be closed.

[0174] A section of the first connecting line 21, which connects the first end of the sixth connecting line 71 and the heat exchanger device 20, may be open.

[0175] Additionally, the remaining section of the first connecting line 21, which connects the refrigerant line 11 and the sixth connecting line 71 at the upstream end of the heat exchanger device 20, can be closed by the second expansion valve 23.

[0176] The second connecting line 31 can be opened by the fourth expansion valve 33. The fourth expansion valve 33 can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow without expansion, so that the unexpanded refrigerant is introduced into the third heat exchanger 16.

[0177] Accordingly, the first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 can cool the refrigerant by heat exchange with the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a section of the third connecting line 41 can be open, so that a section of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the compressor 10 and the sixth connecting line 71 are connected. Additionally, the remaining section of the third connecting line 41 can be closed by the third valve 43.

[0179] The fourth connecting line 51 can be closed by the fifth expansion valve 53. The fifth connecting line 61 can be closed by the fourth valve 63.

[0180] Furthermore, the sixth connecting line 71 can be opened by the sixth expansion valve 73. The sixth expansion valve 73 can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow in an expanded state, so that the expanded refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger device 20.

[0181] Accordingly, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along refrigerant line 11. Additionally, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 13 can be introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 along the second connecting line 31 and the open refrigerant line 11.

[0182] The refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 can increase the temperature of the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0183] The air introduced from outside into the HVAC module 12 can be brought to a high temperature state as it successively passes through the third heat exchanger 16 and the first heat exchanger 13, and is introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0184] Any remaining refrigerant from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can be introduced into the heat exchanger device 20 along a section of the third connecting line 41, the sixth connecting line 71 and the open first connecting line 21.

[0185] The refrigerant expanded as it passes from the third heat exchanger 16 through the third expansion valve 25 and the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device 20 can flow through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17 along the section of the refrigerant line 11 to be supplied to the compressor 10.

[0186] The refrigerant introduced into the compressor 10 can be fed back to the first heat exchanger 13 and the heat exchanger device 20.

[0187] In other words, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, in an early phase of driving, when the outside temperature is low and the heat source is insufficient, while the above-described processes are repeatedly carried out, the vehicle interior can be heated using the high-temperature refrigerant supplied by the compressor 10.

[0188] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation for the heating mode of the vehicle interior is described with reference to Fig. 4 described in detail.

[0189] Fig. Figure 4 is an operating diagram according to the heating mode of the vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] With reference to Fig. 4. The coolant can circulate along the first line 2 by means of a water pump (not shown). The coolant does not need to flow through the second line 4. In other words, the second line 4 can be closed (e.g., the associated water pump is out of operation).

[0191] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the electrical component 3 can be supplied along the first line 2 of the heat exchanger device 20.

[0192] The individual components of the heat pump system can be operated / activated to heat the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the refrigerant can circulate along refrigerant line 11.

[0193] The section of the refrigerant line 11, which connects the first end of the first connecting line 21 to the second end of the second connecting line 31, can be closed by the first expansion valve 15.

[0194] The section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the first end of the second connecting line 31 to the second end of the fifth connecting line 61, can be closed by the first valve 18.

[0195] Furthermore, the section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the fourth connecting line 51 to the second end of the first connecting line 21, can be closed by the third expansion valve 25.

[0196] Furthermore, the section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the first connecting line 21 and the first end of the fifth connecting line 61, can be opened by the second valve 19.

[0197] The first connecting line 21 can be open by the second expansion valve 23. The second expansion valve 23 can supply the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line 21 to the heat exchanger device 20 without expansion.

[0198] The second connecting line 31 can be opened by the fourth expansion valve 33. The fourth expansion valve 33 can supply the refrigerant introduced through the second connecting line 31 to the third heat exchanger 16 without expansion.

[0199] Accordingly, the first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 can cool the introduced refrigerant using the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0200] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third connecting line 41 can be closed by the third valve 43. The fourth connecting line 51 can be opened by the fifth expansion valve 53.

[0201] Accordingly, a portion of the refrigerant that was introduced from the third heat exchanger 16 into the fourth connecting line 51 can be introduced into the second heat exchanger 14.

[0202] Any remaining refrigerant that was introduced from the third heat exchanger 16 into the fourth connecting line 51 can be introduced along the refrigerant line 11 into the internal heat exchanger 17a.

[0203] The fifth expansion valve 53 can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the second heat exchanger 14, the internal heat exchanger 17a and the heat exchanger device 20.

[0204] Accordingly, the second heat exchanger 14 can evaporate the expanded refrigerant by exchanging heat with the outside air. The second heat exchanger 14 can recover heat from the ambient air while it evaporates the expanded refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air.

[0205] Furthermore, the heat exchanger device 20 can evaporate the expanded refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant supplied via the first line 2. The heat exchanger device 20 can recover the waste heat from the electrical component 3 from the coolant, which has been heated by the recovery of the waste heat from the electrical component 3.

[0206] The fifth connecting line 61 can be open by the fourth valve 63. Additionally, the sixth connecting line 71 can be closed by the sixth expansion valve 73.

[0207] Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 can flow along the fifth connecting line 61, and the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device 20 can flow along the first connecting line 21.

[0208] The refrigerant flowing through the first connecting line 21 or the fifth connecting line 61 can flow through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17 along the refrigerant line 11, in order to then be supplied to the compressor 10.

[0209] In other words, part of the refrigerant expanded in the fifth expansion valve 53 can be introduced into the heat exchanger device 20 after passing along the refrigerant line 11 through the internal heat exchanger 17a.

[0210] Additionally, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 and the heat exchanger device 20 can be supplied to the compressor 10 after passing through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17.

[0211] In this state, the refrigerant supplied by the compressor 10 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 13 can flow along the second connecting line 31, which is connected to the refrigerant line 11.

[0212] The refrigerant flowing along the second connecting line 31 can be introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 along the refrigerant line 11 connected to the third heat exchanger 16.

[0213] The first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 can cool the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the air introduced into the HVAC module 12 and the refrigerant. The refrigerant, primarily cooled in the first heat exchanger 13, can be additionally cooled in the third heat exchanger 16.

[0214] In other words, if the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 13 is fed to the third heat exchanger 16 without having been expanded by the fourth expansion valve 33, the third heat exchanger 16 can cool the refrigerant by heat exchange between the air introduced into the HVAC module 12 and the refrigerant.

[0215] The refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger 16 can flow along the open fourth connecting line 51. The refrigerant introduced into the fourth connecting line 51 can be expanded by actuating the fifth expansion valve 53.

[0216] Part of the refrigerant expanded in the fifth expansion valve 53 can flow along the refrigerant line 11 connected to the internal heat exchanger 17a to be introduced into the internal heat exchanger 17a.

[0217] The refrigerant that has passed through the internal heat exchanger 17a can pass along the refrigerant line 11 and the first connecting line 21 through the heat exchanger device 20 and then through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17.

[0218] A residual amount of the refrigerant expanded in the fifth expansion valve 53 can pass through the second heat exchanger 14 and then flow along the fifth connecting line 61. The refrigerant flowing along the fifth connecting line 61 can flow together with the refrigerant that has flowed through the heat exchanger device 20 through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the receiver 17.

[0219] Accordingly, the second heat exchanger 14 can evaporate the supplied refrigerant by heat exchange with air, and at the same time the heat exchanger device 20 can evaporate the supplied refrigerant by heat exchange with the coolant.

[0220] While such a process is repeated, the second heat exchanger 14 and the heat exchanger device 20 can recover the ambient air heat and the waste heat from the electrical component 3.

[0221] In other words, by using the recovered waste heat from the electrical component 3 and the ambient air heat to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, the heat pump system can reduce the power consumption of the compressor 10 and improve the heating performance.

[0222] Furthermore, the refrigerant that has passed through the collector 17 can be supplied to the compressor 10.

[0223] The refrigerant, compressed to a high temperature and high pressure in the compressor 10, can be reintroduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0224] As described above, the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger 13 and the third heat exchanger 16 can increase the temperature of the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0225] Accordingly, the air supplied from the outside can be brought into a high-temperature state as it sequentially passes through the third heat exchanger 16 and the first heat exchanger 13 and introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0226] Although not shown in the drawings, if the waste heat from the battery module 5 is to be recovered collectively, the coolant can be circulated along the second line 4 by operating a water pump (not shown). Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 5 can be supplied to the heat exchanger device 20 along the second line 4.

[0227] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation for heating the battery module 5 in the heating mode of the vehicle interior is described with reference to Fig. 5 described in detail.

[0228] Fig. Figure 5 is an operating diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for heating a battery module in the heating mode of the vehicle interior.

[0229] With reference to Fig. 5. The heat pump system can increase the temperature of the battery module 5 by using the coolant heat exchanged with the refrigerant while heating the vehicle interior.

[0230] The coolant does not circulate through the first line 2. The coolant can circulate along the second line 4 by operating a water pump (not shown).

[0231] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 5 can be supplied along the second line 4 to the heat exchanger device 20.

[0232] In the heat pump system, the respective components can be operated / activated to heat the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant line 11.

[0233] The section of refrigerant line 11 that connects the first end of the first connecting line 21 to the second end of the second connecting line 31, and the section of refrigerant line 11 that connects the first end of the fourth connecting line 51 to the first end of the first connecting line 21, can be closed by the first expansion valve 15.

[0234] The section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the first end of the second connecting line 31 to the second end of the fifth connecting line 61, can be closed by the first valve 18.

[0235] The section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the second connecting line 31 to the second end of the first connecting line 21 by passing through the third heat exchanger 16, may be open by the third expansion valve 25.

[0236] The third expansion valve 25 can allow the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11 to flow without expansion.

[0237] Furthermore, the section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the first connecting line 21 to the first end of the fifth connecting line 61, can be closed by the second valve 19.

[0238] Furthermore, the section of refrigerant line 11 connected to the second heat exchanger 14 can be open, so that the first end of the fourth connecting line 51 and the second end of the fifth connecting line 61 are connected.

[0239] A section of the first connecting line 21, which connects the first end of the sixth connecting line 71 and the heat exchanger device 20, may be open.

[0240] Furthermore, the remaining section of the first connecting line 21, which connects the refrigerant line 11 and the sixth connecting line 71 at the upstream end of the heat exchanger device 20, can be closed by the second expansion valve 23.

[0241] The second connecting line 31 can be opened by the fourth expansion valve 33.

[0242] The fourth expansion valve 33 can allow the refrigerant introduced through the second connecting line 31 to flow without expansion.

[0243] Additionally, a section of the third connecting line 41 can be open, so that a section of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the compressor 10 and the sixth connecting line 71 are connected.

[0244] A remaining section of the third connecting line 41 can be closed by the third valve 43.

[0245] The fourth connecting line 51 can be opened by the fifth expansion valve 53.

[0246] The fifth expansion valve 53 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 51. The refrigerant expanded in the fifth expansion valve 53 can be introduced into the second heat exchanger 14.

[0247] The fifth connecting line 61 can be opened by the fourth valve 63. Furthermore, the sixth connecting line 71 can be opened by the sixth expansion valve 73.

[0248] The sixth expansion valve 73 can allow the refrigerant introduced through the sixth connecting line 71 to flow without expansion. Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged from the sixth expansion valve 73 can be supplied to the heat exchanger device 20 in a non-expansive state.

[0249] Accordingly, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along refrigerant line 11. Furthermore, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 13 can be introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 along the second connecting line 31 and the open refrigerant line 11.

[0250] The refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger 13 or the third heat exchanger 16 can increase the temperature of the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0251] The air introduced from outside into the HVAC module 12 can be brought to a high temperature state as it passes successively through the third heat exchanger 16 and the first heat exchanger 13, and can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0252] Any remaining refrigerant from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can be introduced into the heat exchanger device 20 along a section of the third connecting line 41, the sixth connecting line 71 and the open first connecting line 21.

[0253] The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger device 20 can increase the temperature of the coolant while exchanging heat with the coolant supplied from the battery module 5 via the second line 4.

[0254] The coolant heated in the heat exchanger 20 can be supplied to the battery module 5 along the second line 4. Accordingly, the temperature of the battery module 5 can be efficiently increased by the coolant heated in the heat exchanger 20.

[0255] The refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger 16 and the refrigerant from the heat exchanger device 20 that has passed through the third expansion valve 25 can flow along the fourth connecting line 51 and the section of the refrigerant line 11 to be supplied to the second heat exchanger 14.

[0256] The fifth expansion valve 53 can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the second heat exchanger 14.

[0257] Accordingly, the second heat exchanger 14 can evaporate the expanded refrigerant by heat exchange with the air supplied from the outside.

[0258] The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger 14 can pass through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17 along the section of the refrigerant line 11 and the fifth connecting line 61, in order to then be supplied to the compressor 10.

[0259] The refrigerant, compressed in compressor 10 to a state of high temperature and high pressure, can be fed back to the first heat exchanger 13 and the heat exchanger device 20.

[0260] As described above, the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger 13 or the third heat exchanger 16 can increase the temperature of the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0261] Accordingly, the air supplied from the outside can be converted into a high-temperature state as it sequentially passes through the third heat exchanger 16 and the first heat exchanger 13 and directed into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0262] The coolant, heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger device 20, can be supplied to the battery module 5 along the second line 4. Accordingly, the battery module 5 can be heated quickly by the coolant heated in the heat exchanger device 20.

[0263] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, operation in the heating and dehumidification mode of the vehicle interior is described with reference to Fig. 6 described in detail.

[0264] Fig. Figure 6 is an operating diagram according to the heating and dehumidification mode of the vehicle interior in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0265] With reference to Fig. 6. The coolant does not necessarily flow through the first line 2 and the second line 4. In other words, the first line 2 and the second line 4 can be closed.

[0266] In such a state, the respective components of the heat pump system can be operated / activated to heat and dehumidify the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the refrigerant can circulate along refrigerant line 11.

[0267] The section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the first end of the first connecting line 21 and the second end of the second connecting line 31, can be closed by the first expansion valve 15.

[0268] Furthermore, the section of refrigerant line 11 that connects the first end of the second connecting line 31 to the second heat exchanger 14 can be closed by the first valve 18.

[0269] The refrigerant line 11, which connects the third heat exchanger 16 and the collector 17, can be opened by the second valve 19 and the third expansion valve 25.

[0270] The third expansion valve 25 can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow without expansion.

[0271] Additionally, the section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second heat exchanger 14 to the internal heat exchanger 17a and the first end of the first connecting line 21, can be closed.

[0272] The first connecting line 21 can be closed by the second expansion valve 23. The second connecting line 31 can be opened by the fourth expansion valve 33.

[0273] The fourth expansion valve 33 can expand the refrigerant introduced from the first heat exchanger 13 through the second connecting line 31. The fourth expansion valve 33 can then supply the expanded refrigerant to the third heat exchanger 16.

[0274] Accordingly, the first heat exchanger 13 can cool the supplied refrigerant using the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0275] In addition, the third heat exchanger 16 can recover the ambient air heat, while the expanded refrigerant evaporates through heat exchange with the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0276] In other words, since the heat pump system uses the recovered ambient air heat to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, the compressor's power consumption can be reduced and the heating performance improved.

[0277] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third connecting line 41 can be closed by the third valve 43. The fourth connecting line 51 can be closed by the fifth expansion valve 53.

[0278] Furthermore, the fifth connecting line 61 can be closed by the fourth valve 63. Additionally, the sixth connecting line 71 can be closed by the sixth expansion valve 73.

[0279] Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 or the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 13 cannot be introduced into the second heat exchanger 14.

[0280] In other words, the refrigerant discharged from compressor 10 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along the section of refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 13 can flow along the second connecting line 31, which is connected to refrigerant line 11.

[0281] The refrigerant flowing along the second connecting line 31 can be expanded by actuating the fourth expansion valve 33. The expanded refrigerant can then be introduced into the third heat exchanger 16.

[0282] The refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger 16 can pass through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17 along the open section of the refrigerant line 11.

[0283] Furthermore, the refrigerant that has passed through the collector 17 can be supplied to the compressor 10.

[0284] Furthermore, the refrigerant compressed to a high temperature and pressure state in the compressor 10 can be introduced into the first heat exchanger 13 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0285] As described above, the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger 13 can increase the temperature of the air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0286] In other words, the air introduced into the HVAC module 12 can be dehumidified by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 as it passes through the third heat exchanger 16. Subsequently, as it passes through the first heat exchanger 13, it is brought to a high-temperature state and directed into the vehicle interior, thereby heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior evenly.

[0287] Furthermore, an operation for cooling the battery module 5 in the cooling mode of the vehicle interior is described with reference to Fig. 7 described in detail.

[0288] Fig. Figure 7 is an operating diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for cooling a battery module in the cooling mode of the vehicle interior.

[0289] With reference to Fig.7. The coolant can circulate along the first line 2 by operating a water pump (not shown). The coolant can circulate along the second line 4 by operating a water pump (not shown).

[0290] In other words, the coolant that has passed through the electrical component 3 can be supplied along the first line 2 of the heat exchanger device 20, and the coolant that has passed through the battery module 5 can be supplied along the second line 4 of the heat exchanger device 20.

[0291] In the heat pump system, the respective components can be operated / activated to cool the vehicle interior. Accordingly, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant line 11.

[0292] The section of refrigerant line 11 connecting the compressor 10 and the first heat exchanger 13, and the section of refrigerant line 11 connecting the first heat exchanger 13 and the second heat exchanger 14, can be closed by the first valve 18.

[0293] The section of refrigerant line 11, which connects the second end of the first connecting line 21 to the first end of the fifth connecting line 61, can be opened by the second valve 19.

[0294] The section of refrigerant line 11 that connects the second end of the third connecting line 41 to the second heat exchanger 14 may be open.

[0295] The section of the refrigerant line 11, which connects the second heat exchanger 14 to the third heat exchanger 16, can be opened by the first expansion valve 15.

[0296] Additionally, the section of refrigerant line 11 that connects the third heat exchanger 16 to the compressor 10 can be opened by the third expansion valve 25.

[0297] The third expansion valve 25 can allow the introduced refrigerant to flow without expansion.

[0298] The first connecting line 21 can be opened by the second expansion valve 23 to cool the electrical component 3 and the battery module 5.

[0299] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the battery module 5 can be supplied to the heat exchanger device 20 along the second line 4.

[0300] The second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line 21 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger device 20, so that the battery module 5 can be cooled using the coolant exchanged with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger device 20.

[0301] Accordingly, the coolant that has passed through the heat exchanger device 20 can be cooled by heat exchange with the expanded refrigerant that is supplied to the heat exchanger device 20.

[0302] In other words, the coolant passing through the heat exchanger 20 can be cooled by heat exchange with the expanded refrigerant supplied to the heat exchanger 20. The coolant cooled in the heat exchanger 20 can be supplied to the battery module 5 along the second line 4. Accordingly, the battery module 5 can be efficiently cooled by the coolant cooled in the heat exchanger 20.

[0303] The second connecting line 31 can be closed by the fourth expansion valve 33. The third connecting line 41 can be opened by the third valve 43.

[0304] Additionally, the fourth connecting line 51 can be closed by the fifth expansion valve 53. The fifth connecting line 61 can be closed by the fourth valve 63. Additionally, the sixth connecting line 71 can be closed by the sixth expansion valve 73.

[0305] In such a condition, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow along the third connecting line 41 without passing through the first heat exchanger 13.

[0306] In other words, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow along the third connecting line 41 and be introduced into the second heat exchanger 14 along the section of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the second heat exchanger 14.

[0307] The second heat exchanger 14 can primarily cool the refrigerant using the air supplied from outside.

[0308] The refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger can be introduced into the internal heat exchanger 17a along the refrigerant line 11. The internal heat exchanger 17a can further cool the refrigerant by allowing the refrigerant supplied by the second heat exchanger 14 and the refrigerant supplied by the third heat exchanger 16 and the heat exchanger device 20 to exchange heat with each other.

[0309] A portion of the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger 17a can be introduced into the heat exchanger device 20 along the first connecting line 21.

[0310] The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger device 20 can exchange heat with the coolant supplied via the second line 4, can pass through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17 via the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first connecting line 21 and then be introduced into the compressor 10.

[0311] Additionally, any remaining refrigerant from the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger 17a can be introduced along the coolant line 11 into the first expansion valve 15 to cool the vehicle interior.

[0312] The first expansion valve 15 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line 11 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the third heat exchanger 16.

[0313] The refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger 16 can flow along the refrigerant line 11 successively through the internal heat exchanger 17a, the collector 17 and the compressor 10.

[0314] In other words, the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device 20 and the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger 16 can flow through the internal heat exchanger 17a and the collector 17 along the refrigerant line 11 to then be supplied to the compressor 10.

[0315] The air introduced into the HVAC module 12 can be cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the third heat exchanger 16 as it passes through the third heat exchanger 16.

[0316] The cooled air can cool the vehicle interior by being introduced directly into the vehicle interior.

[0317] The refrigerant, which has an increased cooling level (e.g. subcooling) when passing sequentially through the second heat exchanger 14 and the internal heat exchanger 17a, can be expanded and fed to the third heat exchanger 16.

[0318] In other words, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second heat exchanger 14 can cool the refrigerant by heat exchange with the air, and the internal heat exchanger 17a can additionally cool the refrigerant by heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant.

[0319] Through such a process, the heat pump system can cool the refrigerant R744, which is formed from carbon dioxide, more efficiently, thereby ensuring a larger phase transition heat transfer section of the refrigerant.

[0320] Since the refrigerant is evaporated with the larger phase transition heat transfer section in the third heat exchanger 16, the temperature of the air flowing through the third heat exchanger 16 can be further reduced, thereby improving the cooling capacity and efficiency.

[0321] While the above-described processes are repeated, the refrigerant in the vehicle interior cooling mode can cool the vehicle interior and simultaneously cool the coolant by heat exchange as it passes through the heat exchanger device 20.

[0322] A low-temperature coolant, cooled in the heat exchanger device 20, can be introduced into the battery module 5 via the second line 4. Accordingly, the battery module 5 can be efficiently cooled by the supplied low-temperature coolant.

[0323] Therefore, as described above, when using a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cooling or heating of the vehicle interior can be carried out using a natural refrigerant, thereby enabling compliance with environmental regulations and improving the overall marketability of the vehicle.

[0324] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the cooling and heating performance of the vehicle interior can be maximized by using refrigerant R744, a natural refrigerant that utilizes carbon dioxide, when operating in both a supercritical range and a subcritical range where the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant is higher than the critical pressure and / or temperature.

[0325] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, a rationalization and simplification of the system can be achieved by efficiently adjusting the temperature of the battery module 5 depending on the mode of the vehicle using the individual heat exchanger device 20 in which the coolant and the refrigerant exchange heat with each other.

[0326] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the optimal performance of the battery module 5 can be achieved by efficiently adjusting the temperature of the battery module 5, and the total driving range of the vehicle can be increased by efficient management of the battery module 5.

[0327] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, even if the outside temperature is low and the heat generated by the electrical component 3 and the battery module 5 is insufficient, the vehicle interior can be heated using the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10.

[0328] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, by heating the battery module 5 using the coolant heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant, a separate coolant heater for heating the battery module 5 can be omitted and the power consumption for increasing the temperature of the battery module 5 can be minimized.

[0329] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and weight and to improve space utilization by rationalizing the overall system.

[0330] Although this disclosure has been described in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure currently considered practical, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to include various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the scope and meaning of the appended claims. REFERENCE MARK LIST 2, 4 first and second line (coolant line) 3 electrical components 5 battery module 10 Compressor 11 Refrigerant line 12 HVAC modules 13, 14, 16 first, second and third heat exchangers 15 first expansion valve 17 collectors 17a internal heat exchanger 18, 19 first and second valve 20 Heat exchanger device 21 first connecting line 23 second expansion valve 25 third expansion valve 31 second connecting line 33 fourth expansion valve 41 third connecting line 43 third valve 51 fourth connecting line 53 fifth expansion valve 61 fifth connecting line 63 fourth valve 71 sixth connecting line 73 sixth expansion valve

Claims

A heat pump system for a vehicle, the heat pump system comprising: a compressor (10), a first heat exchanger (13), a second heat exchanger (14), a first expansion valve (15) and a third heat exchanger (16) connected via a refrigerant line (11) to circulate a refrigerant; a heat exchanger device (20) connected to the refrigerant line (11) via a first connecting line (21), the heat exchanger device (20) being configured to regulate the temperature of a coolant by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant; a second expansion valve (23) provided on the first connecting line (21); a third expansion valve (25) provided on the refrigerant line (11) between the third heat exchanger (16) and the compressor (10); a second connecting line (31) comprising: a first end,a first end connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the first heat exchanger (13) and the second heat exchanger (14), and a second end connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the second heat exchanger (14) and the third heat exchanger (16), a fourth expansion valve (33) provided on the second connecting line (31), a third connecting line (41) comprising: a first end connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the compressor (10) and the first heat exchanger (13), and a second end connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the first heat exchanger (13) and the second heat exchanger (14), and a fourth connecting line (51) comprising: a first end connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the second heat exchanger (14) and the third heat exchanger (16), and a second end,which is connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the third heat exchanger (16) and the third expansion valve (25). Heat pump system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first valve (18) provided on the refrigerant line (11) between the first heat exchanger (13) and the second heat exchanger (14), a second valve (19) provided on the refrigerant line (11) between the third expansion valve (25) and the compressor (10), a third valve (43) provided on the third connecting line (41), and a fifth expansion valve (53) provided on the fourth connecting line (51). Heat pump system according to claim 2, further comprising: a fifth connecting line (61), comprising: a first end connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the third expansion valve (25) and the compressor (10), and a second end connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the first heat exchanger (13) and the second heat exchanger (14), a fourth valve (63) provided on the fifth connecting line (61), a sixth connecting line (71), comprising: a first end connected to the first connecting line (21) between the second expansion valve (23) and the heat exchanger device (20), and a second end connected to the third connecting line (41), and a sixth expansion valve (73) provided on the sixth connecting line (71). Heat pump system according to claim 3, further comprising: a collector (17) provided on the refrigerant line (11) between the third heat exchanger (16) and the compressor (10), and an internal heat exchanger (17a) provided and configured within the collector (17) to exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied by the second heat exchanger (14) and the refrigerant supplied by the third heat exchanger (16), wherein the internal heat exchanger (17a) is configured to supply the refrigerant with a higher temperature to the third heat exchanger (16) below the refrigerant that has been heat-exchanged. Heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein, when a battery module (5) is to be heated: a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the compressor (10) and the first heat exchanger (13), and a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the first heat exchanger (13) and the second heat exchanger (14) are configured to be closed by the first valve (18), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the first end of the fifth connecting line (61) and the compressor (10) is configured to be open, a section of the refrigerant line (11) connected to the second heat exchanger (14) is configured to be open such that the first end of the fourth connecting line (51) and the second end of the fifth connecting line (61) are connected, a section of the refrigerant line (11),a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the first connecting line (21) and the second end of the fourth connecting line (51) is configured to be open by the third expansion valve (25); a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the first connecting line (21) and the first end of the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be closed by the second valve (19); a section of the first connecting line (21) connecting the first end of the sixth connecting line (71) and the heat exchanger device (20) is configured to be open; a remaining section of the first connecting line (21) connecting the refrigerant line (11) and the sixth connecting line (71) at an upstream end of the heat exchanger device (20) is configured to be closed by the second expansion valve (23); the second connecting line (31) is configuredto be closed by the fourth expansion valve (33), a section of the third connecting line (41) is configured to be open, so that a section of the refrigerant line (11) connected to the compressor (10) and the sixth connecting line (71) are connected, a remaining section of the third connecting line (41) is configured to be closed by the third valve (43), the fourth connecting line (51) is configured to be open by the fifth expansion valve (53), the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be open by the fourth valve (63), and the sixth connecting line (71) is configured to be open by the sixth expansion valve (73). Heat pump system according to claim 5, wherein the third expansion valve (25) and the sixth expansion valve (73) are configured to allow the refrigerant to flow without expansion, the fifth expansion valve (53) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in an expanded state, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) flows successively through a section of the third connecting line (41), the sixth connecting line (71) and a section of the first connecting line (21) and is introduced into the heat exchanger device (20), the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger device (20) flows through a section of the first connecting line (21), the fourth connecting line (51) and the open section of the refrigerant line (11) and is introduced into the second heat exchanger (14),and the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (14) flows through the internal heat exchanger (17a) and the collector (17) via a section of the refrigerant line (11) and the fifth connecting line (61) and is supplied to the compressor (10). Heat pump system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein in a hot gas heating mode, a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting a first end of the first connecting line (21) to the second end of the second connecting line (31) is configured to be closed by the first expansion valve (15), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the first end of the second connecting line (31) and the second end of the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be closed by the first valve (18), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the second connecting line (31) to a second end of the first connecting line (21) by passing through the third heat exchanger (16) is configured to be open by the third expansion valve (25), a section of the refrigerant line (11),a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the first connecting line (21) and the first end of the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be open by the second valve (19); a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the fifth connecting line (61) to the first end of the first connecting line (21) via the second heat exchanger (14) is configured to be closed; a section of the first connecting line (21) connecting the first end of the sixth connecting line (71) and the heat exchanger device (20) is configured to be open; a remaining section of the first connecting line (21) connecting the refrigerant line (11) and the sixth connecting line (71) at an upstream end of the heat exchanger device (20) is configured to be closed by the second expansion valve (23); the second connecting line (31) is configuredto be opened by the fourth expansion valve (33), a section of the third connecting line (41) is configured to be open, so that a section of the refrigerant line (11) connected to the compressor (10) and the sixth connecting line (71) are connected, a remaining section of the third connecting line (41) is configured to be closed by the third valve (43), the fourth connecting line (51) is configured to be closed by the fifth expansion valve (53), the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be closed by the fourth valve (63), and the sixth connecting line (71) is configured to be open by the sixth expansion valve (73). Heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein the third expansion valve (25) and the sixth expansion valve (73) are configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in an expanded state, the fourth expansion valve (33) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow without expansion, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) flows through the refrigerant line (11) and is introduced into the first heat exchanger (13), the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (13) flows through the second connecting line (31) and the open refrigerant line (11) and is introduced into the third heat exchanger (16), a remaining portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) flows through a section of the third connecting line (41), the sixth connecting line (71) and the open first connecting line (21) and is introduced into the heat exchanger device (20), and the refrigerant,the refrigerant has passed from the third heat exchanger (16) through the third expansion valve (25), and the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device (20) passes through the internal heat exchanger (17a) and the collector (17) along a section of the refrigerant line (11) and is supplied to the compressor (10). Heat pump system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein in a heating mode of a vehicle interior: a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting a first end of the first connecting line (21) to the second end of the second connecting line (31) is configured to be closed by the first expansion valve (15), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the first end of the second connecting line (31) and the second end of the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be closed by the first valve (18), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line (51) and a second end of the first connecting line (21) is configured to be closed by the third expansion valve (25), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the first connecting line (21) and the first end of the fifth connecting line (61),is set up to be opened by the second valve (19), the first connecting line (21) is set up to be opened by the second expansion valve (23), the second connecting line (31) is set up to be opened by the fourth expansion valve (33), the third connecting line (41) is set up to be closed by the third valve (43), the fourth connecting line (51) is set up to be opened by the fifth expansion valve (53), the fifth connecting line (61) is set up to be opened by the fourth valve (63), and the sixth connecting line (71) is set up to be closed by the sixth expansion valve (73). Heat pump system according to claim 9, wherein the second expansion valve (23) and the fourth expansion valve (33) are configured to allow the refrigerant to flow without expansion, the fifth expansion valve (53) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in an expanded state, such that the refrigerant expanded by the fifth expansion valve (53) is supplied to the second heat exchanger (14), the internal heat exchanger (17a) and the heat exchanger device (20), a portion of the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger (16) into the fourth connecting line (51) is introduced into the second heat exchanger (14), and a remaining portion of the refrigerant introduced from the third heat exchanger (16) into the fourth connecting line (51) is introduced into the internal heat exchanger (17a). Heat pump system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the fifth expansion valve (53) flows along the refrigerant line (11) through the internal heat exchanger (17a) and is introduced into the heat exchanger device (20), and the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (14) and the heat exchanger device (20) flows through the internal heat exchanger (17a) and the collector (17) and is supplied to the compressor (10). Heat pump system according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein, when heating of a battery module (5) is required in a heating mode of a vehicle interior: a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting a first end of the first connecting line (21) to the second end of the second connecting line (31), and a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the first end of the fourth connecting line (51) to the first end of the first connecting line (21) are arranged to be closed by the first expansion valve (15), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the first end of the second connecting line (31) and the second end of the fifth connecting line (61) is arranged to be closed by the first valve (18), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the second connecting line (31) to the second end of the first connecting line (21),by passing through the third heat exchanger (16), is configured to be opened by the third expansion valve (25), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the first connecting line (21) and the first end of the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be closed by the second valve (19), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connected to the second heat exchanger (14) is configured to be open so that the first end of the fourth connecting line (51) and the second end of the fifth connecting line (61) are connected, a section of the first connecting line (21) connecting the first end of the sixth connecting line (71) and the heat exchanger device (20) is configured to be open, a remaining section of the first connecting line (21),which connects the refrigerant line (11) and the sixth connecting line (71) at an upstream end of the heat exchanger device (20), is configured to be closed by the second expansion valve (23), the second connecting line (31) is configured to be open by the fourth expansion valve (33), a section of the third connecting line (41) is configured to be open so that a section of the refrigerant line (11) connected to the compressor (10) and the sixth connecting line (71) are connected, a remaining section of the third connecting line (41) is configured to be closed by the third valve (43), the fourth connecting line (51) is configured to be open by the fifth expansion valve (53), the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be open by the fourth valve (63), and the sixth connecting line (71) is configuredto be opened by the sixth expansion valve (73). Heat pump system according to claim 12, wherein the third expansion valve (25), the fourth expansion valve (33) and the sixth expansion valve (73) are configured to allow the refrigerant to flow without expansion, the fifth expansion valve (53) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in an expanded state, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) is introduced along the refrigerant line (11) into the first heat exchanger (13), the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (13) is introduced along the second connecting line (31) and the open refrigerant line (11) into the third heat exchanger (16), a remaining portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) is introduced along a section of the third connecting line (41), the sixth connecting line (71) and the open first connecting line (21) into the heat exchanger device (20),The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (16) and the refrigerant passing from the heat exchanger device (20) through the third expansion valve (25) are introduced into the second heat exchanger (14) along a section of the refrigerant line (11) and the fourth connecting line (51), and the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (14) flows through the internal heat exchanger (17a) and the collector (17) along the open section of the refrigerant line (11) and the fifth connecting line (61) to be supplied to the compressor (10). Heat pump system according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein in a heating and dehumidifying mode of a vehicle interior: a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting a first end of the first connecting line (21) and the second end of the second connecting line (31) is configured to be closed by the first expansion valve (15); a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the first end of the second connecting line (31) and the second heat exchanger (14) is configured to be closed by the first valve (18); a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the third heat exchanger (16) and the receiver (17) is configured to be open by the second valve (19) and the third expansion valve (25); a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second heat exchanger (14) to the internal heat exchanger (17a) and the first end of the first connecting line (21) is configured.to be closed, the first connecting line (21) is configured to be closed by the second expansion valve (23), the second connecting line (31) is configured to be open by the fourth expansion valve (33), the third connecting line (41) is configured to be closed by the third valve (43), the fourth connecting line (51) is configured to be closed by the fifth expansion valve (53), the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be closed by the fourth valve (63), and the sixth connecting line (71) is configured to be closed by the sixth expansion valve (73). Heat pump system according to claim 14, wherein the third expansion valve (25) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow without expansion, the fourth expansion valve (33) is configured to allow the refrigerant introduced from the first heat exchanger (13) through the second connecting line (31) to flow in an expanded state, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) is introduced into the first heat exchanger (13) along a section of the refrigerant line (11), the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger (13) is introduced into the third heat exchanger (16) along the second connecting line (31) and the open refrigerant line (11), and the refrigerant passing from the third heat exchanger (16) through the third expansion valve (25) passes through the internal heat exchanger (17a) and the collector (17) along the open section of the refrigerant line (11).to be supplied to the compressor (10). Heat pump system according to any one of claims 4 to 15, wherein, when cooling of a battery module (5) is required in a cooling mode of a vehicle interior: a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the compressor (10) and the first heat exchanger (13), and a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the first heat exchanger (13) and the second heat exchanger (14) are configured to be closed by the first valve (18); a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second end of the third connecting line (41) to the second heat exchanger (14) is configured to be open; a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the second heat exchanger (14) to the third heat exchanger (16) is configured to be open by the first expansion valve (15); a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting the third heat exchanger (16) to the compressor (10) is configuredto be opened by the third expansion valve (25), a section of the refrigerant line (11) connecting a second end of the first connecting line (21) and the first end of the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be opened by the second valve (19), the first connecting line (21) is configured to be opened by the second expansion valve (23), the second connecting line (31) is configured to be closed by the fourth expansion valve (33), the third connecting line (41) is configured to be opened by the third valve (43), the fourth connecting line (51) is configured to be closed by the fifth expansion valve (53), the fifth connecting line (61) is configured to be closed by the fourth valve (63), and the sixth connecting line (71) is configured to be closed by the sixth expansion valve (73). Heat pump system according to claim 16, wherein the first expansion valve (15) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in an expanded state, the second expansion valve (23) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow in an expanded state so that the battery module (5) is cooled using the coolant heat exchanged with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger device (20), the third expansion valve (25) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow without expansion, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) flows along the third connecting line (41) and a section of the refrigerant line (11) through the second heat exchanger (14) to be introduced into the internal heat exchanger (17a), and a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger (17a) is introduced along the first connecting line (21) into the heat exchanger device (20).a remaining portion of the refrigerant discharged from the internal heat exchanger (17a) is introduced along the refrigerant line (11) into the first expansion valve (15), and the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger device (20) and the refrigerant discharged from the third heat exchanger (16) pass through the internal heat exchanger (17a) and the collector (17) along the refrigerant line (11) to be supplied to the compressor (10). Heat pump system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second heat exchanger (14) and the third heat exchanger (16) are configured to cool or evaporate the coolant located in the interior of the vehicle. Heat pump system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first end of the first connecting line (21) is connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the second heat exchanger (14) and the first expansion valve (15) and a second end of the first connecting line (21) is connected to the refrigerant line (11) between the third heat exchanger (16) and the compressor (10). heat pump system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heat exchanger (13), the second heat exchanger (14) and the third heat exchanger (16) are air-cooled gas coolers configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and air, and the heat exchanger device (20) is a water-cooled gas cooler configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the coolant.

Images