Air conditioning system for a vehicle

Abstract

An air conditioning system of a vehicle can include a refrigerant line through which a refrigerant circulates, an evaporator and a condenser connected to each other by the refrigerant line, and a first core and a second core for indoor air conditioning; wherein the first core includes a first inlet and a first outlet through which a cooling liquid flowing through the evaporator is introduced and discharged, respectively, the second core includes a second inlet and a second outlet through which a cooling liquid flowing through the condenser is introduced and discharged, respectively, and the first core and the second core are connected to each other by a connection line provided with a first valve to selectively connect the first core and the second core by the connection line.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an air conditioning system of a vehicle, and more particularly, to an air conditioning system of a vehicle suitable for air conditioning of an interior of the vehicle by including a secondary circuit system, in terms of a function of air conditioning of the interior of the vehicle, the secondary circuit system is configured by integrating a chiller and a heater, thereby having improved performance and reduced overall size. BACKGROUND

[0002] As the vehicle is renewed, the importance of a refrigeration function is emphasized more. In comparison with a conventional IC engine, a cooling and air conditioning system using a battery directly affects power consumption, and thus, a target is to reduce a direct influence on the power consumption. In addition, unlike a conventional vehicle, thermal management of a battery as an energy source becomes a big problem of a new generation vehicle, and as the number of components requiring thermal management gradually increases in a vehicle developing toward an electric and autonomous driving era, the importance of integrated thermal management is emphasized more.

[0003] When integrated thermal management is performed by integrating a cooling part and an air conditioning part in a single system, management is easy, and the single system uses the same material as a whole without requiring separate heat exchangers for the cooling part and the air conditioning part, respectively. Thus, a refrigeration function and a heating function are integrated into a single system, and each required function is performed by a method of using a cooling liquid.

[0004] However, integrated thermal management is generally performed by a secondary circuit system, and due to its insufficient performance, it is not suitable for indoor air conditioning at present.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology regarding a secondary circuit system suitable for indoor air conditioning.

[0006] The information included in the Background section of the present application is intended only to enhance understanding of the general background of the present application, and should not be considered as admitting that such information constitutes prior art that is already known in this country. SUMMARY

[0007] The various aspects of the present application are directed to providing an air conditioning system of a vehicle suitable for air conditioning of an interior of the vehicle by including a secondary circuit system, in terms of a function, the secondary circuit system is configured by integrating a chiller and a heater, thereby having improved air conditioning performance and reduced overall size.

[0008] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, an air conditioning system of a vehicle includes: a refrigerant line through which a refrigerant is circulated, an evaporator and a condenser connected to each other by the refrigerant line; and a first core and a second core for indoor air conditioning, wherein the first core includes a first inlet and a first outlet through which a cooling liquid flowing through the evaporator is introduced and discharged, respectively, the second core includes a second inlet and a second outlet through which a cooling liquid flowing through the condenser is introduced and discharged, respectively, and the first core and the second core are connected to each other by a connection line provided with a first valve to selectively connect the first core and the second core by the connection line.

[0009] The air conditioning system of the vehicle can further include a second valve configured to adjust opening or closing of the first inlet and the first outlet of the first core and the second inlet and the second outlet of the second core.

[0010] In a cooling mode, the second inlet and the second outlet can be closed by the second valve, and the first valve can be opened to connect the first core and the second core to each other such that the cooling liquid introduced from the evaporator through the first inlet is circulated through the first core and the second core and discharged through the first outlet.

[0011] In a heating mode, the first inlet and the first outlet can be closed by the second valve, and the first valve can be opened to connect the first core and the second core to each other such that the cooling liquid introduced from the condenser through the second inlet is circulated through the first core and the second core and discharged through the second outlet.

[0012] In a dehumidifying mode, the first valve can be closed to disconnect the first core and the second core from each other, and the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet can be opened by the second valve such that the cooling liquid introduced from the evaporator through the first inlet is circulated through the first core and discharged through the first outlet, and the cooling liquid introduced from the condenser through the second inlet is circulated through the second core and discharged through the second outlet.

[0013] The air conditioning system of the vehicle can further include: a duct in which the first core and the second core are installed; and a blower provided at an inlet of the duct.

[0014] The duct can be branched into a first duct and a second duct, and the first core can be installed before a branching point at which the duct is branched into the first duct and the second duct, and the second core can be installed in the second duct.

[0015] A door can be installed in the first duct, the door adjusting introduction of air into an interior of the vehicle through the first duct by the first core.

[0016] In the cooling mode, the door can be opened to allow air passing through the first core to be introduced into the vehicle interior via the first duct.

[0017] In the heating mode, the door can be closed to prevent air passing through the first core from being introduced into the vehicle interior via the first duct.

[0018] In the dehumidifying mode, the door can be partially closed to allow air passing through the first core to be partially introduced into the vehicle interior via the first duct.

[0019] The method and apparatus of the present application have other features and advantages which will be apparent from, or which will be more readily understood in light of, the following drawings and detailed description of specific embodiments of the application. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made by others and equivalents employed, as will appreciate by those skilled in the art, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present application. It is to be expressly understood, however, that such changes / modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. Moreover, some of the particular embodiments of the present application will not include all of the features shown and described herein as being typical or preferred embodiments of the present application while still falling within the scope of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic view that schematically shows the overall configuration of an air conditioning system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic view that schematically shows the first core and the second core being connected to each other by the connection line in the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic view that schematically shows the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application operating in the cooling mode.

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic view that schematically shows the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application operating in the heating mode.

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic view that schematically shows the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application operating in the dehumidifying mode.

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic view that schematically shows the door opening the first duct in the cooling mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic view that schematically shows the door closing the first duct in the heating mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0027] Figure 8is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating that a door partially closes the first duct in a dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0028] It is to be understood that the attached drawings are not drawn to scale since what is important is the illustrative depiction of various features which contribute to the basic understanding of the present application. Specific design features of the present application included herein, including for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular context in which the application is applied and used.

[0029] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings for the sake of clarity and conciseness. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the present application will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the present application is not limited to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present application is intended to cover various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which can be included within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating the overall configuration of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, Figure 2 is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating that a door partially closes the first duct in a dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 3 is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating that a door partially closes the first duct in a dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 4 is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating that a door partially closes the first duct in a dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 5 is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating that a door partially closes the first duct in a dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 6 is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating that a door partially closes the first duct in a dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 7 is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating that a door partially closes the first duct in a dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 8 is a schematic view exemplarily illustrating that a door partially closes the first duct in a dehumidifying mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1 An air conditioning system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application can include a refrigerant line 10 through which a refrigerant is circulated, an evaporator 100 and a condenser 200 connected to each other by the refrigerant line 10, a first core portion 300 and a second core portion 400 for indoor air conditioning. Here, a compressor 900 and an expansion valve 910 can be included in the refrigerant line such that the refrigerant is circulated through the compressor 900, the condenser 200, the expansion valve, and the evaporator 100, thereby implementing a general cooling cycle.

[0033] Further, an air conditioning system of a vehicle according to exemplary embodiments of the present application can include a first cooling line along which a coolant is circulated through the evaporator 100 and the first core portion 300, and a second cooling line along which the coolant is circulated through the condenser 200 and the second core portion 400.

[0034] The first core portion 300 can include a first inlet 310 and a first outlet 320 through which the coolant flowing through the evaporator 100 is introduced and discharged, respectively. Further, the second core portion 400 can include a second inlet 410 and a second outlet 420 through which the coolant flowing through the condenser 200 is introduced and discharged, respectively.

[0035] In other words, the coolant circulated along the first cooling line can be introduced into the first core portion 300 through the first inlet 310 and discharged through the first outlet 320, and the coolant circulated along the second cooling line can be introduced into the second core portion 400 through the second inlet 410 and discharged through the second outlet 420.

[0036] Meanwhile, referring to Figure 2 The first core portion 300 and the second core portion 400 can be connected to each other by a connection line 500. Further, the connection line 500 can be provided with a first valve 510 selectively connecting the first core portion 300 and the second core portion 400 to each other in communication. Here, the first valve 510 can be controlled to connect or disconnect the first core portion 300 and the second core portion 400 to each other in communication, according to whether an air conditioning mode of the vehicle is a cooling mode, a heating mode, or a dehumidifying mode. According to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the first valve 510 can be a bidirectional valve such as a solenoid valve.

[0037] Further, the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application can further include a second valve 600 that adjusts opening or closing of the first inlet 310 and the first outlet 320 of the first core 300 and the second inlet 410 and the second outlet 420 of the second core 400. As with the first valve 510, the second valve 600 can be controlled to adjust opening or closing of the first inlet 310 and the first outlet 320 of the first core 300 and the second inlet 410 and the second outlet 420 of the second core 400 according to whether the air conditioning mode of the vehicle is the cooling mode, the heating mode, or the dehumidifying mode. According to exemplary embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 4 the second valve 600 can slide to thereby adjust opening or closing of the first inlet 310, the second inlet 410, the first outlet 320, and the second outlet 420. However, the slide type valve for adjusting opening or closing of the first inlet 310, the second inlet 410, the first outlet 320, and the second outlet 420 is only an example, and another type of valve can be differently used as the second valve 600 in various exemplary embodiments of the present application if another type of valve is configured to adjust opening or closing of the first inlet 310, the second inlet 410, the first outlet 320, and the second outlet 420 according to the air conditioning mode.

[0038] Hereinafter, how the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application works in each air conditioning mode will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0039] First, with reference to Figure 3 , in the cooling mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, the second inlet 410 and the second outlet 420 can be closed by the second valve 600, and the first valve 510 can be opened to connect the first core 300 and the second core 400 to each other so that the cooling liquid introduced from the evaporator 100 through the first inlet 310 circulates through the first core 300 and the second core 400 and is discharged through the first outlet 320.

[0040] In this case, the coolant cooled while passing through the evaporator 100 can be introduced into the first core 300 through the first inlet 310 and introduced into the second core 400 through the connection line 500, so that the coolant circulates through the first core 300 and the second core 400 and then is discharged through the first outlet 320. That is, in the cooling mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, the first valve 510 and the second valve 600 can be controlled to allow the coolant cooled while passing through the evaporator 100 to circulate through both the first core 300 and the second core 400, so that both the first core 300 and the second core 400 function as heat exchangers for cooling.

[0041] Accordingly, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, in the cooling mode, both the first core 300 and the second core 400 function as heat exchangers for cooling in the above-described control manner, so that the area of the heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air supplied to the interior of the vehicle can be increased, and accordingly, the cooling performance can be improved.

[0042] Further, referring to FIG. 2, in the heating mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, the first inlet 310 and the first outlet 320 can be closed by the second valve 600, and the first valve 510 can be opened to connect the first core 300 and the second core 400 to each other, so that the coolant introduced from the condenser 200 through the second inlet 410 circulates through the first core 300 and the second core 400 and is discharged through the second outlet 420. Figure 4

[0043] In this case, the coolant heated while passing through the condenser 200 can be introduced into the second core 400 through the second inlet 410 and introduced into the first core 300 through the connection line 500, so that the coolant circulates through the first core 300 and the second core 400 and then is discharged through the second outlet 420. That is, in the heating mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, the first valve 510 and the second valve 600 can be controlled to allow the coolant heated while passing through the condenser 200 to circulate through both the second core 400 and the first core 300, so that both the first core 300 and the second core 400 function as heat exchangers for heating.

[0044] Accordingly, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, in the heating mode, both the first core 300 and the second core 400 function as heat exchangers for heating in the above-described control manner, so that the area of the heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air supplied to the interior of the vehicle can be increased, and accordingly, the heating performance can be improved.

[0045] Further, referring to FIG. 2, in the heating mode of the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, the first inlet 310 and the first outlet 320 can be closed by the second valve 600, and the first valve 510 can be opened to connect the first core 300 and the second core 400 to each other, so that the coolant introduced from the condenser 200 through the second inlet 410 circulates through the first core 300 and the second core 400 and is discharged through the second outlet 420. Figure 5 ​In the dehumidification mode of the air conditioning system of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first valve 510 can be closed to disconnect the first core 300 and the second core 400 from each other, and the first inlet 310, the first outlet 320, the second inlet 410 and the second outlet 420 can be opened by the second valve 600, so that the coolant introduced from the evaporator 100 through the first inlet 310 circulates through the first core 300 and is discharged through the first outlet 320, and the coolant introduced from the condenser 200 through the second inlet 410 circulates through the second core 400 and is discharged through the second outlet 420.

[0046] In this configuration, with the connecting line 500 between the first core 300 and the second core 400 closed by the first valve 510, the coolant that is cooled when flowing through the evaporator 100 can be introduced into the first core 300 through the first inlet 310, allowing the coolant to circulate through the first core 300 and then be discharged through the first outlet 320. Conversely, the coolant that is heated when flowing through the condenser 200 can be introduced into the second core 400 through the second inlet 410, allowing the coolant to circulate through the second core 400 and then be discharged through the second outlet 420. In other words, in the dehumidification mode of the vehicle's air conditioning system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the temperature of the air supplied to the duct 700 by the blower 800 decreases as the air passes through the first core 300 (where cooled coolant circulates), thereby reducing absolute humidity. Furthermore, the temperature of the air whose absolute humidity decreases as it passes through the first core 300 increases as it passes through the second core 400 (where heated coolant circulates), thereby reducing relative humidity. This allows hot, dry air to be supplied to the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the humidity inside the vehicle.

[0047] At the same time, refer to Figures 6 to 8 According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioning system of a vehicle may further include a duct 700 and a blower 800, with a first core 300 and a second core 400 installed in the duct 700 and the blower 800 disposed at the inlet of the duct 700.

[0048] The pipe 700 can branch into a first pipe 710 and a second pipe 720. The first core 300 can be installed before the branch point where the pipe 700 branches into the first pipe 710 and the second pipe 720, and the second core 400 can be installed in the second pipe 720.

[0049] Furthermore, a door 712 can be installed in the first duct 710, the door 712 regulating the introduction of air into the vehicle interior through the first core 300 via the first duct 710.

[0050] Hereinafter, how the door 712 installed in the first duct 710 is operated according to the air conditioning mode of the vehicle will be described with reference to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0051] With reference to Figure 6 , in the cooling mode, the door 712 can be opened to allow the air passing through the first core 300 to be introduced into the vehicle interior via the first duct 710.

[0052] Further, with reference to Figure 7 , in the heating mode, the door 712 can be closed to prevent the air passing through the first core 300 from being introduced into the vehicle interior via the first duct 710.

[0053] Further, with reference to Figure 8 , in the dehumidifying mode, the door 712 can be partially closed to allow the air passing through the first core 300 to be partially introduced into the vehicle interior via the first duct 710.

[0054] As described above, the air conditioning system of the vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application can adjust the introduction of the air passing through the first core 300 into the vehicle interior via the first duct 710 using the door 712 installed in the first duct 710, thereby adjusting the overall temperature of the air supplied to the vehicle interior, and accordingly, each air conditioning mode can be implemented in a more suitable manner.

[0055] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, in the cooling mode, both the first core and the second core serve as heat exchangers for cooling, and accordingly, the area of the heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior can be increased, and the cooling performance can be improved.

[0056] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, in the heating mode, both the first core and the second core serve as heat exchangers for heating, and accordingly, the area of the heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air supplied to the vehicle interior can be increased, and the heating performance can be improved.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, an actuator is installed to the first valve 510, and the actuator is connected to the controller to control the operation of the actuator.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, an actuator is installed to the second valve 600, and the actuator is connected to the controller to control the operation of the actuator.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, an actuator is installed to the door 712, and the actuator is connected to the controller to control the operation of the actuator of the door 712.

[0060] Furthermore, the term "controller" refers to a hardware device including a memory and a processor that is configured to execute one or more steps that are interpreted as an algorithmic structure. The memory stores the algorithmic steps and the processor executes the algorithmic steps to perform one or more processes of the methods according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. The controller according to exemplary embodiments of the present application can be implemented by a non-volatile memory configured to store data for controlling operations of various components of a vehicle or software commands regarding execution of an algorithm, and a processor configured to perform the operations described above using the data stored in the memory. The memory and the processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be integrated in a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors.

[0061] For ease of explanation and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "upwardly," "downwardly," "upwardly," "downwardly," "front," "rear," "back," "inwardly," "outwardly," "interior," "exterior," "internal," "external," "forward," and "rearward" are used to describe the features of the example embodiments shown in the drawings with reference to the position of those features in the example embodiments. It will be further understood that the terms "connected" or "coupled" are used to describe both direct and indirect connections.

[0062] The foregoing description of specific example embodiments of the application is presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise form disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The example embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the application and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the application and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the application be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system of a vehicle, the air conditioning system comprising: a refrigerant line through which a refrigerant circulates, an evaporator and a condenser being connected to each other by the refrigerant line; and a first core and a second core for indoor air conditioning; wherein the first core includes a first inlet connected to the evaporator and a first outlet through which a cooling liquid flowing through the evaporator is introduced into the first core and discharged to the evaporator; the second core includes a second inlet and a second outlet through which a cooling liquid flowing through the condenser is introduced into the second core and discharged to the condenser; the first core and the second core are connected to each other by a connection line to which a first valve is installed to selectively connect the first core and the second core through the connection line; the air conditioning system further includes a second valve configured to adjust opening or closing of the first inlet and the first outlet of the first core and the second inlet and the second outlet of the second core.

2. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second valve is slidable; the first inlet and the first outlet of the first core are selectively closed during a sliding movement of the second valve; the second inlet and the second outlet of the second core are selectively closed during the sliding movement of the second valve.

3. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein in a cooling mode, the second inlet and the second outlet are closed by the second valve, and the first valve is opened to connect the first core and the second core to each other, so that the cooling liquid introduced from the evaporator through the first inlet is circulated through the first core and the second core and discharged through the first outlet.

4. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein in a heating mode, the first inlet and the first outlet are closed by the second valve, and the first valve is opened to connect the first core and the second core to each other, so that the cooling liquid introduced from the condenser through the second inlet is circulated through the first core and the second core and discharged through the second outlet.

5. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein in a dehumidifying mode, the first valve is closed to disconnect the first core and the second core from each other, and the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet are opened by the second valve, so that the cooling liquid introduced from the evaporator through the first inlet is circulated through the first core and discharged through the first outlet, and the cooling liquid introduced from the condenser through the second inlet is circulated through the second core and discharged through the second outlet.

6. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a duct in which the first core and the second core are installed; and a blower installed at an inlet of the duct.

7. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the duct is branched into a first duct and a second duct; the first core is installed before a branching point at which the duct is branched into the first duct and the second duct, and the second core is installed in the second duct.

8. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein a door is installed in the first duct, the door adjusting introduction of air into an interior of the vehicle through the first duct by the first core.

9. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein in a cooling mode, the door is opened to allow the air by the first core to be introduced into the interior of the vehicle through the first duct.

10. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein In the heating mode, the door is closed to prevent air passing through the first core to be introduced inside the vehicle via the first duct.

11. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein In the dehumidifying mode, the door is partially closed to allow air passing through the first core to be partially introduced inside the vehicle via the first duct.

12. The air conditioning system of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator and the compressor are connected in series.

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