Cooling systems for electric vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling system for an electric vehicle, comprising: an integrated valve, which includes one or more coolant inlets and two or more coolant outlets, and selectively discharges coolant through one of the coolant outlets; a plurality of coolant paths, the plurality of coolant paths being interconnected so that the coolant discharged through one of the coolant outlets is introduced back into the integrated valve through one or more coolant inlets after being supplied to a portion requiring a cooling cycle; and a temperature controller, which selectively controls the temperature of the coolant. The integrated valve, at least a portion of the plurality of coolant paths, and the temperature controller may form a valve module.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0023227 filed on February 27, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a cooling system for an electric vehicle, and more particularly, to a cooling system for an electric vehicle capable of improving cooling efficiency of an electric device. Background Art

[0004] Generally, an electric vehicle (EV) is equipped with a drive motor, a transmission device, and power electronics (PE). Here, the term "electric vehicle" is a general name for a vehicle that uses electricity as a power source for the vehicle.

[0005] Power electronic equipment includes inverters, DC-DC converters, junction boxes, virtual engine sound systems (VESS), and chargers. An inverter is a device that converts DC power into AC power, and a DC-DC converter is an electronic circuit device that converts a DC voltage of a specific voltage into a DC voltage of a different voltage. In addition, a junction box is a box for mutual conversion of several individual connectors and a multi-way connector, and a charger is a device configured to charge a high-voltage battery of an electric vehicle.

[0006] In electric vehicles, the cooling of high-voltage batteries and electric electronic components greatly affects the performance of the vehicle and determines the life of the high-voltage batteries and electric electronic components. In order to effectively achieve cooling, a method of changing the circulation path of the coolant according to the working state of the vehicle is typically applied. In particular, in the method of changing the circulation path of the coolant, a method of lowering the temperature of the coolant by using a battery cooler or a method of increasing the temperature of the coolant by using a battery heater can be applied.

[0007] Conventional methods can improve the efficiency of high-voltage batteries, but these methods may complicate the layout of the coolant path and require components to distinguish the coolant path. In addition, in the complex layout of the coolant path, in order to distinguish the circulation path of the coolant, the number of components may increase, and the arrangement of the battery cooler and the battery heater on the coolant path may be space-limited.

[0008] The above information disclosed in the background technology section is only intended to deepen the understanding of the background technology of the present application, and therefore the information it may contain does not constitute the prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention is directed to providing a cooling system of an electric vehicle having a simple configuration and capable of improving cooling efficiency of electric devices while minimizing the need to perform additional heating and cooling of a coolant (eg, by using a battery heater and / or a battery cooler).

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cooling system for an electric vehicle is configured to change a circulation path of a coolant according to an operation of a valve module, and the cooling system for the electric vehicle includes: an integrated valve, which supplies coolant to a portion requiring coolant circulation while cooling a power source of the electric vehicle, and then receives the coolant to supply the received coolant back to the power source and the portion requiring coolant circulation; an integrated valve inlet path through which the coolant is introduced into the integrated valve; a first integrated valve outlet path, which is a coolant outlet through which the coolant is selectively discharged from the integrated valve; a second integrated valve outlet path, which is another outlet through which the coolant is selectively discharged from the integrated valve; and a temperature controller configured to control the flow of coolant through the second integrated valve. The coolant of the outlet path passes through, and the temperature of the coolant passing through the temperature controller is selectively controlled; an integrated battery cooling cycle branch, which is connected to the first integrated valve outlet path and the second integrated valve outlet path; a first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path, which is an outlet through which the coolant is discharged from the integrated battery cooling cycle branch; an integrated battery cooling cycle branch inlet path (different from the first integrated valve outlet path and the second integrated valve outlet path), through which the coolant is introduced into the integrated battery cooling cycle branch; and a second integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path, which is another outlet through which the coolant is discharged from the integrated battery cooling cycle branch.

[0011] The integration valve inlet path, the first integration valve outlet path, and the second integration valve outlet path may be formed at the integration valve.

[0012] The first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path, the integrated battery cooling cycle branch inlet path, and the second integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path may be formed in the integrated battery cooling cycle branch.

[0013] The first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path may be arranged opposite to the first integrated valve outlet path so that coolant introduced into the integrated battery cooling cycle branch through the first integrated valve outlet path is discharged through the first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path.

[0014] The first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path and the first integrated valve outlet path can be arranged at the same position along the length direction of the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, which length direction is the direction in which the coolant circulates in the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the second integrated valve outlet path is arranged between the first integrated valve outlet path and the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path, and the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path is arranged between the first integrated valve outlet path and the second integrated valve outlet path.

[0015] The valve module may further include a check valve, which is arranged between the second integrated valve outlet path and the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path in the length direction of the integrated battery cooling circulation branch; when the coolant circulates through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch to the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path, the check valve prevents the coolant that has passed through the second integrated valve outlet path from flowing back toward the first integrated valve outlet path, the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path and the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path.

[0016] The coolant discharged from the integrated battery cooling circulation branch through the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path can be introduced into the integrated battery cooling circulation branch through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path after flowing through the first circulation path, and the radiator can be arranged on the first circulation path so that the coolant passing through the first circulation path passes through the radiator.

[0017] The coolant discharged from the integrated battery cooling circulation branch through the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path can be introduced into the integrated valve through the integrated valve inlet path after passing through the second circulation path; the electric device can be arranged on the second circulation path so that the coolant passing through the second circulation path flows through the electric device.

[0018] When the integrated valve works to open the first integrated valve outlet path and close the second integrated valve outlet path, the coolant discharged from the integrated valve through the first integrated valve outlet path can flow in sequence through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path, the first circulation path, the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path, the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the second integrated battery cooling circulation outlet path, the second circulation path and the integrated valve inlet path, and then be introduced into the integrated valve.

[0019] The integrated valve may operate when the coolant needs to be cooled by using a radiator under a coolant high temperature environment.

[0020] When the integrated valve works to close the first integrated valve outlet path and open the second integrated valve outlet path, the coolant discharged from the integrated valve through the second integrated valve outlet path can be introduced into the integrated valve after passing through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path, the second circulation path and the integrated valve inlet path in sequence.

[0021] The temperature controller may further include: a heating coil that selectively generates heat to heat the coolant flowing through the second integrated valve outlet path; and a coil heating portion that is disposed to be connected to the heating coil to cause heating of the heating coil.

[0022] When the heating coil generates heat, the coolant passing through the second integrated valve outlet path may increase in temperature through heat exchange with the heating coil while flowing through the temperature controller, and then may flow through the second circulation path.

[0023] The integrated valve may operate when the coolant does not need to be cooled by using a radiator in a coolant low temperature environment; and the heating coil may operate when the coolant introduced into the temperature controller needs to be heated.

[0024] The temperature controller may further include a refrigerant circulation path through which a low-temperature refrigerant selectively passes to cool the coolant flowing through the second integration valve outlet path.

[0025] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circulation path may be supplied from an air conditioner.

[0026] The refrigerant circulation path may be provided to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant while being distinguished from a path of the coolant.

[0027] When the low-temperature refrigerant passes through the refrigerant circulation path, the coolant passing through the second integration valve outlet path may be reduced in temperature through heat exchange with the refrigerant while flowing through the temperature controller, and then flows through the second circulation path.

[0028] The integration valve may operate when the coolant does not need to be cooled by using a radiator under a coolant low temperature environment, and the refrigerant circulation path may operate when the coolant introduced into the temperature controller needs to be cooled.

[0029] A cooling system for an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: an integrated valve, which includes one or more coolant inlets and two or more coolant outlets, and selectively discharges coolant through one of the coolant outlets; a plurality of coolant paths, which are interconnected so that the coolant discharged through one of the coolant outlets is introduced back into the integrated valve through the one or more coolant inlets after being supplied to a portion requiring a cooling cycle; and a temperature controller, which is arranged in at least one of the plurality of coolant paths to selectively control the temperature of the coolant.

[0030] The integrated valve, at least a portion of the plurality of coolant paths, and the heat pump device may form a valve module.

[0031] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above, a valve module including an integrated valve and a temperature controller is applied to improve cooling efficiency of an electric device with a simple configuration, and at the same time, a coolant can be effectively circulated in an external device such as a radiator.

[0032] Furthermore, the space required for disposing the valve module is minimized, which improves space utilization, and the need to perform additional heating and cooling of the coolant (by using components such as a battery heater and / or a battery cooler) is minimized, thereby maximizing space utilization.

[0033] Furthermore, removing certain unnecessary configurations can ultimately reduce cost and weight and improve fuel consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a view showing the operation of coolant circulation implemented under a coolant high temperature environment of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a view showing the operation of coolant circulation implemented under a coolant low temperature environment of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a temperature controller under a coolant low temperature environment of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a function of the temperature controller.

[0038] Figure 51 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a temperature controller in a coolant low temperature environment of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a function of the temperature controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger automobiles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, ships including various boats, marine vessels, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum resources). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more sources of power, such as both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0040] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly states otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it is indicated that the features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements and / or components exist, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups are not excluded. As described herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the term "comprising" and variations such as "comprising" or "including" should be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements but do not exclude any other elements. In addition, the terms "unit", "device", "component" and "module" described in the specification are meant to be units for performing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and their combinations.

[0041] In addition, the control logic of the present application can be implemented as a non-transitory computer readable medium on a computer readable medium, which contains executable program instructions executed by a processor, a controller, etc. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed on a network-connected computer system so that the computer readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, through a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a cooling system for an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied to an electric vehicle (EV) and includes a valve module 10 and coolant paths 112, 114, 116, 126, 130, 132, 134, 136 and 138. The valve module 10 changes the circulation path of the coolant according to the working state of the vehicle, and the coolant paths 112, 114, 116, 126, 130, 132, 134, 136 and 138 are set for the circulation of the coolant in the valve module 10 and external devices 310, 320 and 330.

[0045] The valve module 10 includes an integrated valve 110, an integrated valve inlet path 112, a first integrated valve outlet path 114, a second integrated valve outlet path 116, a temperature controller 120, an integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130, an integrated battery cooling cycle branch inlet path 132, a first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 134, a second integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 135 and a check valve 410.

[0046] When cooling one or more engines (not shown) or drive motors (not shown) that can be power sources of electric vehicles, the integrated valve 110 receives the circulating coolant and supplies the coolant to external devices 310, 320, and 330 that require the circulation of the coolant, and receives the coolant that has passed through the external devices 310, 320, and 330 and supplies the coolant back to the engine or drive motor and the external devices 310, 320, and 330. That is, the integrated valve 110 is a valve that controls the coolant circulation of the electric vehicle, and the path through which the coolant flows from the engine or drive motor into the integrated valve 110, which may be a device known to those skilled in the relevant art, and thus will not be described further.

[0047] The integration valve inlet path 112 is another coolant inlet path through which the coolant flows into the integration valve 110 in addition to the path through which the coolant flows from the engine or the drive motor into the integration valve 110. In addition, the integration valve inlet path 112 is formed in the integration valve 110 so that the integration valve 110 receives the coolant that has passed through the external devices 310, 320, and 330.

[0048] The first integration valve outlet path 114 is one of coolant outlets through which the coolant selectively discharged from the integration valve 110 passes. In addition, the first integration valve outlet path 114 is formed at the integration valve 110 so that the integration valve 110 discharges the coolant.

[0049] The second integration valve outlet path 116 is another coolant outlet through which the coolant selectively discharged from the integration valve 110 passes. In addition, the second integration valve outlet path 116 is formed at the integration valve 110 so that the integration valve 110 discharges the coolant. That is, the integration valve 110 may perform a function of discharging the coolant introduced into the integration valve inlet path 112 through one of the first integration valve outlet path 114 and the second integration valve outlet path 116.

[0050] The temperature controller 120 is a device provided at the second integration valve outlet path 116, which selectively controls the temperature of the coolant. In other words, the temperature controller 120 selectively performs a function of increasing the temperature of the coolant or a function of decreasing the temperature of the coolant.

[0051] The integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130 is in communication with the first integrated valve outlet path 114 and the second integrated valve outlet path 116 , such that the coolant circulates while passing through the first integrated valve outlet path 114 or the second integrated valve outlet path 116 .

[0052] The first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 134 is a coolant outlet through which the coolant is discharged from the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130. In addition, the first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 134 is formed in the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 so that the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 can discharge the coolant. In addition, the first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 134 can be simultaneously arranged to be opposite to the first integrated valve outlet path 114 so that the coolant introduced into the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 through the first integrated valve outlet path 114 can be easily discharged.

[0053] The integrated battery cooling cycle branch inlet path 132 is another coolant inlet through which the coolant is introduced into the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130, in addition to the path through which the coolant is introduced into the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 from the first integrated valve outlet path 114 or the second integrated valve outlet path 116. In addition, the integrated battery cooling cycle branch inlet path 132 is formed in the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 so that the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 can receive the coolant.

[0054] The second integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 135 is another coolant outlet through which the coolant is discharged from the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130. In addition, the second integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 135 is formed in the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130, so that the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 can discharge the coolant. At the same time, when the circulation direction of the coolant with reference to the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 is set to the length direction of the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130, preferably, the first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 134 and the first integrated valve outlet path 114 are arranged along the length direction of the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 (on the same line), the second integrated valve outlet path 116 is arranged between the first integrated valve outlet path 114 and the second integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 135, and the integrated battery cooling cycle branch inlet path 132 is arranged between the first integrated valve outlet path 114 and the second integrated valve outlet path 116. Further, the portion forming the first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path 134 and the portion forming the integrated battery cooling cycle branch inlet path 132 may be separately located in the integrated battery cooling cycle branch 130 , but this is not restrictive.

[0055] The check valve 410 is provided in the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130. In addition, the check valve 410 is arranged between the second integrated valve outlet path 116 and the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path 132 in the length direction of the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130. Further, when the coolant circulates to the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path 135 through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130, the check valve 410 prevents the coolant passing through the second integrated valve outlet path 116 from flowing back to the first integrated valve outlet path 114, the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path 134 and the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path 132.

[0056] The external device 310 , 320 , and 330 includes a radiator 310 , a condenser 320 , and an electric device 330 .

[0057] The radiator 310 is a device that discharges heat of the coolant to the air, and the condenser 320 is a device that condenses evaporated refrigerant using the coolant, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The electric device 330 is defined as generally referring to power electronic equipment (PE) and a high-voltage battery. At the same time, the electric device 330 can be a power electronic device and a high-voltage battery or one of them. Typically, a drive motor, a high-voltage battery, a transmission device, and a power electronic component are installed as a power source in an electric vehicle. Here, the power electric device component is a device that performs functions such as converting DC power into AC power, converting voltage, and a synchronous connector, and is well known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the high-voltage battery supplies power to the drive motor. In such an electric vehicle, properly maintaining the temperature of the electric device 330 can ensure the performance of the electric vehicle.

[0059] The coolant discharged from the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130 through the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path 134 passes through the first circulation path 136 and is then introduced into the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130 through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path 132. In addition, the radiator 310 and the condenser 320 are disposed on the first circulation path 136. That is, the coolant passes through the first circulation path 136 and then passes through the radiator 310 and the condenser 320.

[0060] The coolant discharged from the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130 through the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path 135 is introduced into the integrated valve 110 through the integrated valve inlet path 112 after passing through the second circulation path 138. In addition, the electric device 330 is provided in the second circulation path 138. That is, the coolant passing through the second circulation path 138 passes through the electric device 330.

[0061] Figure 2 It is a view showing the operation of coolant circulation implemented under a coolant high temperature environment of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, in a coolant high temperature environment, since the coolant needs to be cooled using the radiator 310, the integrated valve 110 opens the first integrated valve outlet path 114 and closes the second integrated valve outlet path 116. Through such operation of the integrated valve 110, the coolant discharged from the integrated valve 110 through the first integrated valve outlet path 114 sequentially passes through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130, the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path 134, the first circulation path 136, the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path 132, the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130, the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path 135, the second circulation path 138 and the integrated valve inlet path 112, and is then introduced into the integrated valve 110.

[0063] Figure 3It is a view showing the operation of coolant circulation implemented under a coolant low temperature environment of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, in the coolant low temperature environment, since it is not necessary to cool the coolant using the radiator 310, the integration valve 110 closes the first integration valve outlet path 114 and opens the second integration valve outlet path 116. Due to such operation of the integration valve 110, the coolant discharged from the integration valve 110 through the second integration valve outlet path 116 is introduced into the integration valve 110 after passing through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch 130, the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path 135, the second circulation path 138 and the integration valve inlet path 112 in sequence.

[0065] Here, the operation of controlling the temperature of the coolant by the configuration and function of the temperature controller 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be referred to. Figure 4 Description, and the operation of controlling the temperature of the coolant by the configuration and function of the temperature controller 120 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be referred to Figure 5 describe.

[0066] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a temperature controller under a coolant low temperature environment of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a function of the temperature controller.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the temperature controller 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a heating coil 122 and a coil heating portion 125 .

[0068] The heating coil 122 is embedded in the temperature controller 120 provided in the second integrated valve outlet path 116. In addition, the heating coil 122 selectively generates heat to heat the coolant passing through the temperature controller 120 when the coolant passes through the second integrated valve outlet path 116. Further, the heating coil 122 may be formed into a cylindrical shape by winding a thin metal wire several times in parallel around one axis, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that heat is generated due to the flow of current through the resistor.

[0069] The coil heating part 125 is provided to be connected to the heating coil 122 and heat the heating coil 122. The coil heating part 125 may be a power source that causes heating of the heating coil 122 by flowing current through the heating coil 122.

[0070] In the low temperature environment of the coolant, when it is necessary to increase the temperature of the coolant flowing into the temperature controller 120, the coil heating portion 125 causes the heating coil 122 to generate heat. The coolant flows through the second integrated valve outlet path 116, thereby increasing the temperature by heat exchange with the heating coil 122 while flowing through the temperature controller 120, and then the coolant flows through the second circulation path 138. Therefore, the coolant having an appropriate temperature can circulate in the electric device 330.

[0071] In the low temperature environment of the coolant, when it is not necessary to increase the temperature of the coolant flowing into the temperature controller 120, the coil heating portion 125 and the heating coil 122 do not operate. Therefore, the heating coil 122 (which is used to heat the coolant flowing through the temperature controller 120) and the coolant do not exchange heat with each other, and the coolant having an appropriate temperature can circulate in the electric device 330.

[0072] Meanwhile, in the case where the temperature controller 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied, a configuration for performing additional heating of the coolant such as a battery heater may be removed.

[0073] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a temperature controller in a coolant low temperature environment of a cooling system of an electric vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a function of the temperature controller.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, the temperature controller 120 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerant circulation path 126 connected to an air conditioner 129 of a vehicle.

[0075] The air conditioner 129 may be a conventional vehicle air conditioner or a part thereof, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the refrigerant is used to implement the function of the conventional vehicle air conditioner.

[0076] The refrigerant circulation path 126 is embedded in the temperature controller 120, and the temperature controller 120 is provided at the second integration valve outlet path 116. In addition, the air conditioner 129 is connected to the refrigerant circulation path 126, and the refrigerant of the air conditioner 129 flows through the refrigerant circulation path 126. In addition, the refrigerant circulation path 126 may be provided to enable heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant while being distinguished from the path of the coolant.

[0077] In the low temperature environment of the coolant, when it is necessary to lower the temperature of the coolant flowing into the temperature controller 120, the air conditioner 129 causes the low temperature refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant circulation path 126. The coolant flows through the second integration valve outlet path 116, so that when flowing through the temperature controller 120, the temperature is lowered by heat exchange with the refrigerant, and then the coolant flows through the second circulation path 138. Therefore, the coolant having an appropriate temperature has the ability to circulate in the electric device 330.

[0078] In the low temperature environment of the coolant, when it is not necessary to lower the temperature of the coolant flowing into the temperature controller 120, the air conditioner 129 and the refrigerant circulation path 126 do not operate. Therefore, the refrigerant circulation path 126 (which is used to cool the coolant flowing through the temperature controller 120) and the coolant do not exchange heat with each other, and the coolant having an appropriate temperature can circulate in the electric device 330.

[0079] Meanwhile, in the case where the controller 120 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied, a configuration for performing additional cooling of the coolant such as a battery cooler may be removed.

[0080] In this specification, a method for controlling the valve module 10, such as sensing the temperature of the coolant using a temperature sensor, etc., and controlling the integrated valve 110, the coil heating portion 125, and the air conditioner 129 according to the sensed temperature of the coolant using a controller (such as a general electronic control unit (ECU) that manages control of electronic equipment of a vehicle), and matters related to the method will be omitted. The control method of the valve module 10 may be implemented differently according to the design of a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0081] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention described above, the valve module 10 including the integrated valve 110 and the temperature controller 120 is applied to improve the cooling efficiency of the electric device 330 using a simple configuration, and at the same time, the coolant can be effectively circulated in the external devices 310 and 320 (such as the radiator 310). In addition, the space required for setting the valve module 10 is minimized, which improves space utilization, and the need for performing additional heating and cooling of the coolant (for example, by using a battery heater and / or a battery cooler) is minimized, thereby maximizing space utilization. In addition, removing unnecessary configurations and simplifying the configuration can ultimately reduce costs and weight and improve fuel consumption.

[0082] While the invention has been described with reference to what are presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent forms included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling system for an electric vehicle, configured to change a circulation path of a coolant according to an operation of a valve module, comprising: an integrated valve that supplies a coolant to a portion requiring coolant circulation while cooling a power source of an electric vehicle, and then receives the coolant to supply the received coolant back to the power source and the portion requiring coolant circulation; an integrated valve inlet path through which coolant is introduced into the integrated valve; a first integrated valve outlet path, which is an outlet through which coolant is selectively discharged from the integrated valve; a second integrated valve outlet path, which is another outlet through which coolant is selectively discharged from the integrated valve; a temperature controller configured to pass coolant through the second integrated valve outlet path and selectively control the temperature of the coolant passing through the temperature controller; an integrated battery cooling circulation branch, which is connected to the first integrated valve outlet path and the second integrated valve outlet path; a first integrated battery cooling circuit branch outlet path, which is an outlet through which coolant is discharged from the integrated battery cooling circuit branch; an integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path through which coolant is introduced into the integrated battery cooling circulation branch; as well as a second integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path, which is another outlet through which coolant is discharged from the integrated battery cooling cycle branch; wherein the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path and the first integrated valve outlet path are arranged at the same position along the length direction of the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the length direction being the direction in which the coolant circulates in the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the second integrated valve outlet path is arranged between the first integrated valve outlet path and the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path, and the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path is arranged between the first integrated valve outlet path and the second integrated valve outlet path; The temperature controller further comprises: a heating coil that selectively generates heat to heat coolant flowing through the second integrated valve outlet path; a coil heating portion configured to be connected to the heating coil to cause heating of the heating coil; and a refrigerant circulation path through which a low-temperature refrigerant selectively passes to cool the coolant flowing through the second integration valve outlet path; The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circulation path is supplied from an air conditioner.

2. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The integration valve inlet path, the first integration valve outlet path, and the second integration valve outlet path are formed in the integration valve.

3. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path, the integrated battery cooling cycle branch inlet path, and the second integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path are formed in the integrated battery cooling cycle branch.

4. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path is arranged opposite to the first integrated valve outlet path, so that the coolant introduced into the integrated battery cooling cycle branch through the first integrated valve outlet path is discharged through the first integrated battery cooling cycle branch outlet path.

5. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The valve module further includes a check valve, which is arranged between the second integrated valve outlet path and the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path in the length direction of the integrated battery cooling circulation branch; when the coolant circulates through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch to the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path, the check valve prevents the coolant that has passed through the second integrated valve outlet path from flowing back toward the first integrated valve outlet path, the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path and the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path.

6. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The coolant discharged from the integrated battery cooling circulation branch through the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path is introduced into the integrated battery cooling circulation branch through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path after flowing through the first circulation path; A radiator is provided on the first circulation path so that the coolant passing through the first circulation path flows through the radiator.

7. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The coolant discharged from the integrated battery cooling circulation branch through the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path is introduced into the integrated valve through the integrated valve inlet path after flowing through the second circulation path; The electric device is disposed on the second circulation path so that the coolant passing through the second circulation path flows through the electric device.

8. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: When the integration valve operates to open the first integration valve outlet path and close the second integration valve outlet path, The coolant discharged from the integrated valve through the first integrated valve outlet path flows in sequence through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the first integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path, the first circulation path, the integrated battery cooling circulation branch inlet path, the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the second integrated battery cooling circulation outlet path, the second circulation path and the integrated valve inlet path, and is then introduced into the integrated valve.

9. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The integration valve operates when the coolant needs to be cooled by using a radiator under a coolant high temperature environment.

10. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: When the integration valve operates to close the first integration valve outlet path and open the second integration valve outlet path, The coolant discharged from the integration valve through the second integration valve outlet path is introduced into the integration valve after sequentially passing through the integrated battery cooling circulation branch, the second integrated battery cooling circulation branch outlet path, the second circulation path, and the integration valve inlet path.

11. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: When the heating coil generates heat, the coolant passing through the second integration valve outlet path increases in temperature through heat exchange with the heating coil while flowing through the temperature controller, and then flows through the second circulation path.

12. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: When the coolant does not need to be cooled by using a radiator under a coolant low temperature environment, the integrated valve operates; When the coolant introduced into the temperature controller needs to be heated, the heating coil operates.

13. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant circulation path is provided to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant while being separated from a path of the coolant.

14. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: When low-temperature refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circulation path, the coolant passing through the second integration valve outlet path has its temperature lowered by heat exchange with the refrigerant while flowing through the temperature controller, and then flows through the second circulation path.

15. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 14, wherein: When the coolant does not need to be cooled by using a radiator under a coolant low temperature environment, the integrated valve operates; When the coolant introduced into the temperature controller needs to be cooled, the refrigerant circulation path operates.

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