Steam injection module and heat pump system using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a vapor injection module comprising: an inlet through which refrigerant is introduced; a first pipeline and a second pipeline connected to the inlet to allow the introduced refrigerant to move; the vapor injection module further comprising: a first expansion device disposed at the connection between the first pipeline and the second pipeline to control the direction of movement and expansion of the refrigerant according to an air conditioning mode; a gas-liquid separator connected to the first pipeline to separate the introduced refrigerant into a liquid phase refrigerant and a gas phase refrigerant; a second expansion device connected to a movement channel, through which the liquid phase refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator moves and expands the introduced refrigerant; and a first outlet connected to the second pipeline and the second expansion device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a vapor injection module and a heat pump system using the vapor injection module. Specifically, the embodiments relate to a vapor injection module capable of expanding refrigerant, performing bypass operation, and separating gas and liquid according to an air conditioning mode, and to a heat pump system using the vapor injection module. Background Technology

[0002] With the development and research of environmentally friendly technologies and alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels, electric and hybrid vehicles are considered one of the most attractive areas in the automotive industry in the near future. Batteries are installed in electric and hybrid vehicles to provide power. The electricity from the batteries is used not only to drive the vehicle but also to cool or heat the vehicle's interior.

[0003] When the battery is used as a heat source to cool or heat the interior of a vehicle powered by the battery, the driving range decreases accordingly. To address this issue, a method has been proposed to apply a heat pump system to the vehicle, which is already widely used in the prior art as a cooling or heating device in homes.

[0004] For reference, a heat pump involves the process of absorbing low-temperature heat and transferring the absorbed heat to a high-temperature location. For example, a heat pump implements a cycle in which a liquid refrigerant becomes a gaseous refrigerant by evaporating in an evaporator and absorbing heat from the surroundings, and the gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat to the surroundings through a condenser to become a liquid refrigerant. Applying heat pumps to electric or hybrid vehicles can advantageously address situations where the heat source of a conventional air conditioning casing is insufficient in the prior art.

[0005] When using a heat pump system to heat the interior of a vehicle, the heating capacity deteriorates significantly when the outside air temperature is too low. This is caused by insufficient heat source. Heating efficiency deteriorates when the amount of gaseous refrigerant to be transferred to the compressor is insufficient.

[0006] Vehicle manufacturers in many countries have conducted various studies to address these issues. For example, in some cases, methods have been used to improve heating performance by using PTC heaters and by utilizing waste heat from electrical components.

[0007] However, even existing methods cannot effectively solve the problem of degraded heating performance during heat pump defrosting operations. Furthermore, a method that unilaterally depletes the battery primarily to improve heating performance results in a significant deterioration in the battery's driving performance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The purpose of this implementation is to provide a steam injection module that can improve heating efficiency even at low temperatures when the outside air temperature is low.

[0010] Another objective of the implementation is to provide a vapor injection module in which the refrigerant bypasses the gas-liquid separator (LGS) in an internal cooling and non-vapor injection mode, thereby achieving excellent heating efficiency without unnecessary pressure drop.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other unmentioned technical problems from the following description.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention provides a vapor injection module, the vapor injection module comprising: a first expansion device having an inlet port for introducing refrigerant and a first pipe and a second pipe connected to the inlet port such that the introduced refrigerant flows through the first pipe and the second pipe, the first expansion device being disposed at a connection between the first pipe and the second pipe and configured to control the flow direction of the refrigerant and whether to expand the refrigerant according to an air conditioning mode; a gas-liquid separator connected to the first pipe and configured to separate the introduced refrigerant into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant; a second expansion device connected to a moving channel through which the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator flows, the second expansion device being configured to expand the introduced refrigerant; and a first outlet port connected to the second pipe and the second expansion device.

[0014] Specifically, the first expansion device may include a single ball valve configured to rotate and positioned at the center where the inlet port, the first conduit, and the second conduit connect.

[0015] Specifically, the ball valve may include: an inlet orifice connected to the inlet port; an outlet orifice connected to the inlet orifice and configured to connect to the first or second pipeline by rotation of the ball valve; and an expansion groove connected to the end of the outlet orifice.

[0016] Specifically, the expansion groove may be formed on one side of the outlet hole based on the rotation direction of the ball valve, and is configured to expand and discharge the introduced refrigerant.

[0017] Specifically, the expansion grooves may be formed on opposite sides of the outlet hole based on the rotation direction of the ball valve, and are configured to expand and discharge the introduced refrigerant.

[0018] Specifically, the gas-liquid separator may include: a housing having an internal space in which the refrigerant flows; an outlet channel disposed on the upper side of the housing and configured to discharge the gaseous refrigerant, the outlet channel being configured as a pipe to prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the outlet channel; and a moving channel disposed on the lower side of the housing and configured to discharge the liquid refrigerant.

[0019] Specifically, the first conduit connected to the housing may be configured to discharge the refrigerant toward the side wall of the housing.

[0020] In particular, the inner wall of the housing may have a cylindrical structure with an inclination.

[0021] Specifically, a partition wall portion may be provided at the end of the moving channel, and the partition wall portion prevents the refrigerant from spilling out.

[0022] Specifically, the partition wall portion may be larger than the diameter of the outflow channel, and prevent the scattered refrigerant from flowing into the outflow channel.

[0023] Specifically, the second expansion device may include: an orifice configured to expand refrigerant introduced via the movement channel; and a check valve configured to determine whether to move the refrigerant.

[0024] Specifically, the check valve can be operated by the pressure difference between the moving channel and the refrigerant flowing along the second pipeline.

[0025] In particular, a heat-insulating member may be provided between the first body portion in which the moving channel is disposed and the second body portion in which the orifice is disposed.

[0026] In particular, the ball valve can have a rotation angle range of 360 degrees.

[0027] The ball valve can have a rotation angle range of 180 degrees.

[0028] Specifically, the expansion groove of the ball valve can be configured to overlap with the first or second pipeline to allow the refrigerant to expand.

[0029] Specifically, the ball valve can control the expansion of the refrigerant by adjusting the area where the expansion groove overlaps with the first or second pipeline.

[0030] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vapor injection heat pump system, the vapor injection heat pump system comprising: a compressor configured to compress and discharge a refrigerant; a condenser configured to condense the compressed refrigerant when heating the interior of a vehicle; a first expansion device configured to expand the condensed refrigerant and transfer the expanded refrigerant to an external heat exchanger, expand the condensed refrigerant and transfer the expanded refrigerant to a gas-liquid separator, or allow the condensed refrigerant to pass through the first expansion device according to an air conditioning mode; the gas-liquid separator configured to separate the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion device into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and to separate the gaseous refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. Liquid refrigerant is discharged to the compressor, and liquid refrigerant is discharged to a second expansion device; the second expansion device is configured to expand the liquid refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator and transfer the expanded refrigerant to the external heat exchanger; the external heat exchanger is configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant transferred from the first expansion device or the second expansion device; a third expansion device is configured to control the flow direction and whether to expand the refrigerant transferred from the external heat exchanger according to the air conditioning mode; and an evaporator is configured to cool the vehicle interior by using the refrigerant transferred from the third expansion device.

[0031] Specifically, when the air conditioning mode is cooling mode, the first expansion device can allow the compressed refrigerant to pass through the first expansion device and transfer the refrigerant to the external heat exchanger.

[0032] Specifically, when the air conditioning mode is a non-steam injection heating mode, the first expansion device can expand the condensed refrigerant and transfer the expanded refrigerant to the external heat exchanger.

[0033] Specifically, when the air conditioning mode is a steam injection heating mode, the first expansion device can expand the condensed refrigerant and transfer the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator.

[0034] Specifically, the vapor injection heat pump system may further include: a fourth expansion device connected in parallel with the third expansion device; and a cooler connected to the fourth expansion device and configured to allow the refrigerant and coolant to exchange heat with each other.

[0035] In particular, the vapor injection heat pump system may also include an internal heat exchanger configured to heat the vehicle interior by allowing air-conditioned air to exchange heat with coolant that has already exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the condenser.

[0036] Specifically, a coolant heater may be disposed between the condenser and the internal heat exchanger.

[0037] Specifically, the vapor injection heat pump system may include: a refrigerant circulation line in which the refrigerant circulates; a coolant circulation line in which the coolant circulates; and an air conditioning housing configured to house the evaporator and the internal heat exchanger and exchange heat with the air-conditioned air, wherein the evaporator may be disposed in the refrigerant circulation line and the internal heat exchanger may be disposed in the coolant circulation line.

[0038] Specifically, the coolant circulation line includes: a heating line configured to heat the vehicle interior by circulating the coolant; and a cooling line configured to cool the battery and electrical components by circulating the coolant.

[0039] Specifically, the refrigeration piping may include: a first connecting pipe, which branches off from one side of the refrigeration piping and connects to the heating piping; and a second connecting pipe, which branches off from the other side of the refrigeration piping and connects to the heating piping.

[0040] Specifically, the first connecting pipe, the second connecting pipe, and the heating pipe can be connected to the first directional switching valve, and the cooling pipe and the heating pipe can be connected or disconnected from each other by means of the first directional switching valve.

[0041] Specifically, the refrigeration piping may include a third connecting pipe connected in parallel with the battery and configured to pass through the cooler. The third connecting pipe may be connected to the refrigeration piping via a third directional valve, which may allow or cut off the flow of coolant in the third connecting pipe.

[0042] In particular, orifice-integrated check valves, electronic expansion devices, or orifice-integrated shut-off valves can be used as secondary expansion devices.

[0043] Beneficial effects

[0044] According to this embodiment, heating efficiency can be improved even at low temperatures where the outside air temperature is low.

[0045] In particular, in internal cooling and non-steam injection modes, the refrigerant bypasses the gas-liquid separator, which allows for improved heating efficiency without unnecessary pressure drop.

[0046] The various advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and these advantages and effects may be more readily understood in the process of describing specific embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the interior of a steam injection module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional image.

[0049] Figure 3 This indicates that refrigerant is flowing in. Figure 1 A diagram showing the state of the gas-liquid separator.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a ball valve, which is Figure 1 The components shown in the image.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a ball valve, which is... Figure 1 The components shown in the image.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an arrangement structure, in which Figure 3 The outlet shown allows refrigerant to bypass.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an arrangement structure, in which Figure 3 The expansion hole shown in the diagram allows the refrigerant to expand.

[0054] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 A diagram comparing the operations of the expansion grooves shown.

[0055] Figures 9 to 12 This diagram shows the arrangement and operation of the ball valves according to the air conditioning mode.

[0056] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in cooling mode.

[0057] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in heating mode.

[0058] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in the injection heating mode.

[0059] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the refrigerant circulation piping in a heat pump system using a vapor injection module according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0060] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a gas injection module, which is... Figure 16 The components shown in the image.

[0061] Figure 18 This is a second embodiment of the gas injection module, which is Figure 16 The components shown in the image.

[0062] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of a steam injection heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 20 It is shown Figure 19 A diagram showing the operating status of the system under maximum cooling mode.

[0064] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 19 A diagram showing the operating status of the system under mild cooling mode.

[0065] Figure 22 It is shown Figure 19 The diagram shows the operating status of the system in the non-steam injection heating mode.

[0066] Figure 23 It is shown Figure 19 A diagram showing the operating status of the system under injection heating mode.

[0067] Figure 24 It is shown Figure 19 The diagram shows the operating status of the system in dehumidification and heating mode. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, one or more constituent elements in the embodiments may be selectively combined and substituted.

[0070] Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically and explicitly defined and explained, the terminology (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of this invention may be interpreted in a way that is generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The meaning of common terms (such as those defined in dictionaries) may be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0071] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for explaining the embodiments and not for limiting the invention.

[0072] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the singular form may also include the plural form. The expression “at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C” may include one or more of all combinations that can be obtained by combining A, B, and C.

[0073] Furthermore, the terms first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used to describe the constituent elements of embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] These terms are used only to distinguish one component element from another; the nature, sequence, or order of the components are not limited by these terms.

[0075] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “connected,” “joined,” or “attached” to another component, the component may be directly connected, joined, or attached to the other component, or may be connected, joined, or attached to the other component through another component inserted therein.

[0076] Furthermore, the interpretation of "one constituent element is formed or disposed above (above) or below (below) another constituent element" includes not only the case where two constituent elements are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more additional constituent elements are formed or constructed between the two constituent elements. In addition, the expression "above (above) or below (below)" can include the meaning of downward direction and upward direction based on a constituent element.

[0077] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Figures 1 to 15 Only the main features are clearly shown to provide a clear conceptual understanding of the invention. Therefore, various modifications to the drawings are expected, and the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings.

[0079] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the interior of a steam injection module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 3D image, Figure 3 This indicates that refrigerant is flowing in. Figure 1 A diagram showing the state of the gas-liquid separator. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a ball valve, which is Figure 1 The components shown in the image, Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a ball valve, which is... Figure 1 The components shown in the image, Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an arrangement structure, in which Figure 3 The outlet hole shown allows for refrigerant bypass operation. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an arrangement structure, in which Figure 3 The expansion hole shown allows the refrigerant to expand. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 A diagram comparing the operations of the expansion grooves shown, and Figures 9 to 12 This diagram shows the arrangement and operation of the ball valves according to the air conditioning mode.

[0080] refer to Figures 1 to 12 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam injection module may include a first expansion device 131, an actuator 1370, a gas-liquid separator 133, a second expansion device 135, and a first outlet port 131b-1.

[0081] The first expansion device 131 may include: an inlet port 1311 into which refrigerant is introduced; and a first conduit 131a and a second conduit 131b connected to the inlet port 1311, allowing the introduced refrigerant to flow through the first conduit 131a and the second conduit 131b. The first expansion device 131 may include a ball valve 1313 disposed at the connection between the first conduit 131a and the second conduit 131b, and configured to control the flow direction of the refrigerant and whether to expand the refrigerant according to the air conditioning mode.

[0082] Inlet port 1311 is a channel into which refrigerant that has passed through compressor 110 is introduced. Refrigerant can flow through inlet port 1311 to ball valve 1313.

[0083] The first conduit 131a and the second conduit 131b are channels through which refrigerant introduced via inlet port 1311 is separated. The first conduit 131a is connected to a gas-liquid separator 133. The second conduit 131b can be connected to a second expansion device 135, such that, depending on the air conditioning mode, the refrigerant flows directly to the second expansion device 135 without passing through the gas-liquid separator 133.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first conduit 131a and the second conduit 131b may be located on the same conduit. The inlet port 1311 may be connected to the first conduit 131a and the second conduit 131b at a 90-degree angle.

[0085] The first conduit 131a discharges refrigerant into the gas-liquid separator 133. In this configuration, the first conduit 131a is deflected toward the sidewall of the interior space of the gas-liquid separator 133. The discharged refrigerant can flow downwards under gravity while rotating.

[0086] Ball valve 1313 can be installed in the first expansion device 131. Ball valve 1313 can be installed in the area where the inlet port 1311 connects to the first pipeline 131a and the second pipeline 131b. Ball valve 1313 can control the flow direction of the refrigerant and whether to expand the refrigerant.

[0087] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 The ball valve 1313 may include a ball valve body 1313a having a spherical shape. The ball valve body 1313a may include: an inlet port 1313b; an outlet port 1313c connected to the inlet port 1313b; and an expansion groove 1313d connected to the end of the outlet port 1313c.

[0088] The inlet port 1313b and the outlet port 1313c are connected at a 90-degree angle. The inlet port 1313b can be configured to always be oriented toward the inlet port 1311. The outlet port 1313c can be configured to be oriented toward either the first conduit 131a or the second conduit 131b by operation of the actuator 1370.

[0089] The ball valve 1313 can rotate about the central axis of the inlet hole 1313b, so that the arrangement position of the outlet hole 1313c can be adjusted.

[0090] At least one expansion groove 1313d may be formed at the end of the outlet orifice 1313c. In one embodiment, the expansion groove 1313d may have an elongated shape, allowing the refrigerant to expand due to pressure changes.

[0091] Ball valve 1313 operates to move or expand the refrigerant. Ball valve 1313 can be rotated to change the position of the outlet orifice 1313c and the expansion groove 1313d, so that the refrigerant can be moved or expanded.

[0092] like Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown in (a), the ball valve 1313 may have expansion grooves 1313d, which are disposed on opposite sides of the outlet orifice 1313c and configured to face each other. The expansion grooves 1313d may be positioned in the rotational direction of the ball valve 1313 and allow the refrigerant to expand.

[0093] In this case, the ball valve 1313, which has expansion grooves 1313d located on opposite sides, can have a rotation radius of 180 degrees to determine whether to expand the refrigerant in the first line 131a and the second line 131b.

[0094] With the expansion groove 1313d located on opposite sides, the ball valve 1313 can have a rotation angle of 180 degrees, such that the outlet orifice 1313c is located in the first conduit 131a or the second conduit 131b. Expansion via the expansion groove 1313d can occur at an angle smaller than the rotation angle. Therefore, the length of the expansion groove 1313d can be greater when it is located on opposite sides than when it is located on one side (see...). Figure 8 The expansion groove 1313d in (b) is short in length. With the expansion groove 1313d located on opposite sides, the rotation radius of the ball valve 1313 can be reduced, thereby improving operational responsiveness.

[0095] exist Figure 5 and 8 In the ball valve 1313 shown in B, the expansion groove 1313d can be positioned on one side based on the rotation direction. In this case, the ball valve 1313 can have a rotation radius of 360 degrees. The length of the expansion groove 1313d when positioned on one side is longer than the length of the expansion groove 1313d when positioned on opposite sides of the outlet orifice 1313c. By increasing the length of the expansion groove 1313d when positioned on one side, the flow rate can be increased. Therefore, the controllability of the refrigerant system can be improved.

[0096] Select based on control characteristics Figure 4 and Figure 5 The ball valve is shown in the figure. The operation of ball valve 1313 will be described below.

[0097] refer to Figure 6To allow refrigerant bypass operation, the inlet port 1313b of the ball valve 1313 is configured to coincide with the inlet port 1311 of the first expansion device 131. Rotation of the ball valve 1313 moves the outlet port 1313c towards the inlet of the first pipe 131a or the inlet of the second pipe 131b. To allow refrigerant bypass operation, the ball valve 1313 can be configured such that the outlet port 1313c coincides with the inlet of the first pipe 131a, allowing refrigerant to pass through the outlet port 1313c and flow to either the first pipe 131a or the second pipe 131b.

[0098] refer to Figure 7 To allow the refrigerant to expand, the inlet port 1313b of the ball valve 1313 is configured to coincide with the inlet port 1311 of the first expansion device 131, and the outlet port 1313c is configured to deviate from the inlet of the first pipe 131a or the inlet of the second pipe 131b. Refrigerant introduced via the inlet port 1311 of the first expansion device 131 passes through the inlet port 1313b of the ball valve 1313 and flows towards the outlet port 1313c. In this case, the outlet port 1313c of the ball valve 1313 is closed, allowing the refrigerant to flow into the expansion groove and expand, and the expanded refrigerant can flow towards either the first pipe 131a or the second pipe 131b.

[0099] In order to make the refrigerant expand, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The expansion groove 1313d shown is configured to overlap with either the first pipe 131a or the second pipe 131b, allowing the flowing refrigerant to expand. In this configuration, the overlap of the expansion groove 1313d with the first pipe 131a or the second pipe 131b indicates that, when viewed from the outlet of the first pipe 131a or the outlet of the second pipe 131b, the first pipe 131a or the second pipe 131b is in communication with the expansion groove 1313d.

[0100] In addition, the amount of refrigerant expansion can be controlled by adjusting the area where the expansion groove 1313d overlaps with the first pipe 131a or the second pipe 131b.

[0101] Actuator 1370 can operate ball valve 1313. Actuator 1370 can determine the direction of refrigerant flow and whether to expand the refrigerant by rotating ball valve 1313. The direction of refrigerant flow and whether to expand the refrigerant can be determined according to the air conditioning mode.

[0102] In one embodiment, an electric actuator or an electric operating component may be used as the actuator 1370, but the invention is not limited thereto. Various device structures for the rotary ball valve 1313 may be used.

[0103] The gas-liquid separator 133 includes a housing 1331, a second outlet port 1333, and a moving channel 1335. The gas-liquid separator 133 can be connected to the first pipeline 131a and separates the refrigerant into gas and liquid.

[0104] The housing 1331 provides an internal space in which the refrigerant flows. The housing 1331 may have a cylindrical structure and sloping inner walls. The sloping angle can reduce the radius of the housing towards the lower side, thereby providing a flow rate correction effect.

[0105] The second outlet port 1333 can be located on the upper side of the housing 1331, and the moving channel 1335 can be located on the lower side of the housing 1331.

[0106] The outflow channel 1332 can be connected to the second outlet port 1333. The evaporated refrigerant can flow through the outflow channel 1332 to the second outlet port 1333.

[0107] The first conduit 131a is connected to one side of the upper side of the housing 1331. The first conduit 131a can be configured to discharge refrigerant toward the side wall of the housing 1331, thereby limiting the circulation of the refrigerant. In this case, the refrigerant discharged from the first conduit 131a flows downward while spiraling along the side wall of the outlet channel 1332.

[0108] The refrigerant liquefied in the housing 1331 can flow to the moving channel 1335. A partition wall portion 1334 may be provided in a region of the moving channel 1335.

[0109] The partition wall portion 1334 can be located at the center of the moving channel 1335 and prevent refrigerant flowing through the moving channel 1335 from spilling and flowing into the outflow channel 1332. In one embodiment, the partition wall portion 1334 can have a circular plate structure, and its diameter is larger than the diameter of the outflow channel 1332. The shape of the partition wall portion is not limited. The partition wall portion can be larger than the cross-section of the outflow channel 1332. The partition wall portion can be modified in various ways according to the cross-sectional shape of the outflow channel 1332.

[0110] Furthermore, the partition wall portion 1334 may have a fixing portion 1334a, such that the partition wall portion 1334 can be fixed to the housing 1331 by means of the fixing portion 1334a. The fixing portion 1334a may be disposed below the outflow channel 1332 and fixed by being inserted into a region of the housing 1331.

[0111] The second expansion device 135 is connected to the moving channel 1335, through which the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 133 flows. The second expansion device 135 can expand the introduced refrigerant.

[0112] The second expansion device 135 may include an orifice 1351 and a check valve 1353, which are sequentially arranged in the direction in which refrigerant is introduced via the moving channel 1335. In this case, the orifice 1351 and the check valve 1353 may be integrated.

[0113] The orifice 1351 may be located on one side of the body 1350 constituting the second expansion device 135, and the check valve 1353 may be located at the rear end of the orifice 1351. The check valve 1353 may have a structure that connects to an elastomer, so that the orifice 1351 is opened or closed by pressure.

[0114] In one embodiment, when refrigerant flows into the second line 131b, the check valve 1353 does not open because the pressure at the orifice 1351 side is low. When refrigerant flows into the first line 131a through the moving channel 1335, the pressure at the orifice 1351 side can be higher, the check valve 1353 can open, and the refrigerant can flow through the first outlet port 131b-1.

[0115] The first outlet port 131b-1 is connected to the second pipe 131b and the second expansion device 135, and provides a passage for refrigerant to flow through. In this case, the first outlet port 131b-1 and the first inlet port 1311 can be formed in the same direction, thereby minimizing space loss when the pipe is connected to the first outlet port 131b-1 and the first inlet port 1311.

[0116] refer to Figures 9 to 12 The ball valve 1313, which has a single expansion groove 1313d, rotates within a 360-degree angular range, and the rotation angle varies depending on the air conditioning mode. In this case, it will be described as if the center of the ball valve is the rotation center O and the angle of the centerline of the second pipe 131b is 0 degrees.

[0117] Figure 9 The arrangement of the ball valve is shown when the air conditioning mode is set to air conditioner mode. The outlet orifice 1313c of the ball valve 1313 is set at a 0-degree angle relative to the second conduit 131b.

[0118] Figure 10 The air conditioning mode is shown to be a non-steam injection heating mode. The outlet orifice 1313c can be positioned at a 90-degree angle clockwise relative to the second conduit 131b. In this case, a region of the expansion groove 1313d communicates with the second conduit 131b, allowing refrigerant that has passed through the outlet orifice 1313c to expand and flow into the second conduit 131b.

[0119] Figure 11The structure in which the refrigerant performs a bypass operation is shown. The outlet 1313c and the second pipe 131b can be arranged at an angle of 180 degrees in the clockwise direction.

[0120] Figure 12 The air conditioning mode is shown to be a steam injection heating mode. The outlet orifice 1313c can be positioned at a 270-degree angle relative to the second conduit 131b. A region of the expansion groove 1313d communicates with the first conduit 131a, allowing refrigerant that has passed through the outlet orifice 1313c to expand and flow into the first conduit 131a. In this case, the expansion groove 1313d can be located on the right side of the first conduit 131a.

[0121] refer to Figures 9 to 12 Ball valve 1313 can rotate 90 degrees according to the air conditioning mode described above.

[0122] However, Figures 9 to 12 One embodiment of the expansion groove 1313d is shown. The rotation angle of the ball valve 1313 can be modified in various ways depending on the length of the expansion groove 1313d.

[0123] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a heat insulation member 1360 can be provided between a first body portion 1335a in which the moving channel 1335 is disposed and a second body portion 1350a in which the orifice 1351 is disposed. This is to prevent heat exchange from affecting the pressure reduction characteristics of the orifice, which is caused by the temperature difference between the front and rear ends of the orifice 1351 as the refrigerant expands secondaryly while passing through the orifice 1351. In one embodiment, the heat insulation member 1360 can be made of rubber or plastic. However, the material of the heat insulation member 1360 is not limited to this, and the heat insulation member 1360 can be modified to be made of various materials used for heat insulation.

[0124] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in cooling mode.

[0125] refer to Figure 13 In cooling mode, refrigerant is introduced through inlet port 1311 and flows through inlet port 1313b of ball valve 1313. In this case, ball valve 1313 is rotated by actuator 1370, causing outlet port 1313c to be oriented toward second pipe 131b. Refrigerant flows through outlet port 1313c to second pipe 131b and then flows out through first outlet port 131b-1.

[0126] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in heating mode.

[0127] refer to Figure 14 In heating mode, refrigerant is introduced via inlet port 1311 and flows through inlet hole 1313b of ball valve 1313. In this case, ball valve 1313 is rotated by actuator 1370, causing expansion groove 1313d to be oriented toward second pipe 131b. Refrigerant expands as it passes through outlet hole 1313c and expansion groove 1313d, flows toward second pipe 131b, and then flows out via first outlet port 131b-1.

[0128] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the refrigerant in the injection heating mode.

[0129] refer to Figure 15 In injection heating mode, refrigerant is introduced via inlet port 1311, and the introduced refrigerant flows through the inlet port 1313b of ball valve 1313. In this case, ball valve 1313 is rotated by actuator 1370, causing expansion groove 1313d to be oriented toward first conduit 131a. The refrigerant undergoes initial expansion as it passes through outlet port 1313c and expansion groove 1313d, and flows toward first conduit 131a.

[0130] The refrigerant flowing to the first pipeline 131a is discharged toward the side wall of the housing 1331 of the gas-liquid separator 133, and the discharged refrigerant flows downward while rotating.

[0131] The gaseous refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 133 flows to the second outlet port 1333 and simultaneously flows upward along the second outflow channel 1332.

[0132] Furthermore, liquid refrigerant flows through the moving channel 1335. In this case, the partition wall portion 1334 can prevent spilled refrigerant from flowing into the outflow channel 1332.

[0133] The refrigerant flowing through the moving channel 1335 undergoes secondary expansion through the orifice 1351 of the second expansion device 135. The check valve 1353 opens under pressure, allowing the refrigerant to flow to the first outlet port 131b-1.

[0134] Meanwhile, a heat pump system using a steam injection module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of structures identical to the steam injection module described in the above embodiment of the present invention will be omitted.

[0135] Reference Figures 16 to 24 A steam injection heat pump system according to another embodiment of the present invention is described. Figures 1 to 9 The same reference numerals shown refer to... Figures 10 to 18The same components in the description will be omitted, and detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0136] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the refrigerant circulation piping in a heat pump system using a vapor injection module according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a gas injection module, which is... Figure 16 The components shown in the figure, and Figure 18 This is a second embodiment of the gas injection module, which is Figure 16 The components shown in the image.

[0137] refer to Figures 16 to 18 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the heat pump system may include a compressor 110, a condenser 120, a vapor injection module 130, an external heat exchanger 140, a third expansion device 151, an evaporator 150, a liquid receiver 180, and an internal heat exchanger 213.

[0138] The compressor 110 is operated by receiving power from an engine (internal combustion engine) or a motor. The compressor 110 draws in refrigerant, compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and then discharges the refrigerant into the condenser 120.

[0139] Condenser 120 functions as a condenser in both cooling and heating modes. Condenser 120 condenses compressed refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing through condenser 120 exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation line 200, which will be described below, and is then supplied to the vapor injection module 130. As described above, the refrigerant heated by the refrigerant in condenser 120 can be supplied to the internal heat exchanger 213 via the refrigerant circulation line 200. In one embodiment, a water-cooled condenser 120 can be used as condenser 120.

[0140] The condenser 120 and the evaporator 150 can be housed in the air conditioning housing 190 and used to cool or heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0141] The vapor injection module 130 can determine the refrigerant flow direction and whether to expand the refrigerant passing through the condenser 120 according to the air conditioning mode. The vapor injection module 130 will be described below.

[0142] The external heat exchanger 140 is an air-cooled heat exchanger and is installed at the front of the vehicle's engine compartment. The external heat exchanger 140 and the radiator 231 are arranged in a straight line in the direction of airflow from the blower fan. Furthermore, the external heat exchanger 140 can exchange heat with the low-temperature coolant discharged from the radiator 231.

[0143] Furthermore, in cooling mode, the external heat exchanger 140 functions as the same condenser as the water-cooled condenser 120. In heating mode, the external heat exchanger 140 functions as an evaporator 150, which performs a different function than the water-cooled condenser 120.

[0144] The third expansion device 151 can be located on the side adjacent to the inlet of the evaporator 150 and performs the functions of expanding the refrigerant, controlling the flow rate, and controlling the opening and closing operations.

[0145] An evaporator 150 is installed in the air conditioning housing 190 and is located in the refrigerant circulation line 100. During the process of supplying low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant discharged from the third expansion device 151 to the evaporator 150 and air flowing through the air conditioning housing 190 via a blower passing through the evaporator 150, the air exchanges heat with the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant in the evaporator 150 and is converted into cold air. The cold air is then discharged into the vehicle interior and cools the passenger compartment. That is, the evaporator 150 serves as the evaporator in the refrigerant circulation line 100.

[0146] A receiver 180 is installed in the refrigerant circulation line 100, located on the side adjacent to the inlet of the compressor 110. Refrigerant passing through the evaporator 150 and / or cooler 160 merges in the receiver 180. The receiver 180 can separate the refrigerant into liquid and gaseous refrigerant, supplying only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 110 and storing the remaining refrigerant. The compressor's suction port can be connected to the gaseous refrigerant outlet of the receiver 180. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid refrigerant from being drawn into the compressor 110.

[0147] The fourth expansion device 161 can be connected in parallel with the third expansion device 151 and performs the functions of expanding the circulating refrigerant, controlling the flow rate, and controlling the opening and closing operations.

[0148] The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant discharged from the fourth expansion device 161 is supplied to the cooler 160 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant discharged from the second directional switching valve 232. Simultaneously, the cooled refrigerant produced through heat exchange in the cooler 160 circulates through the refrigerant circulation pipe 200 and exchanges heat with the high-temperature battery 235. That is, the battery 235 exchanges heat with the refrigerant instead of exchanging heat with the refrigerant itself.

[0149] The steam injection module 130 may include a first expansion device 131, a gas-liquid separator 133, and a second expansion device 135.

[0150] The first expansion device 131 can determine the flow direction of the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 120. The operation of opening or closing the first expansion device 131 can be controlled by the output voltage output from the control unit.

[0151] In one embodiment, a 3 / 2-way expander can be used as the first expander 131. The 3 / 2-way expander can determine the flow direction of the introduced refrigerant, determine whether to expand the refrigerant, and control the flow rate.

[0152] The 3 / 2-way expansion device can be connected to a first pipe 131a connected to an external heat exchanger 140 and a second pipe 131b connected to a gas-liquid separator 133.

[0153] The gas-liquid separator 133 can separate the refrigerant passing through the 3 / 2-way expansion device into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, move the separated liquid refrigerant to the external heat exchanger 140, and move the gaseous refrigerant back to the compressor 110.

[0154] Similar to the receiver 180, which is positioned before the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant lines and flows into the compressor 110, the gas-liquid separator 133 can be used to separate the refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant. However, the difference is that the receiver 180 supplies gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 110, while the gas-liquid separator 133 allows the separated liquid refrigerant to flow as is.

[0155] The liquid refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator 133 passes through a second expansion device 135 located in the second pipeline 131b. In this case, the second expansion device 135 can further depressurize the liquid refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator 133.

[0156] Orifice-integrated check valves, electronic expansion devices, or orifice-integrated shut-off valves can be used as... Figures 16 to 18 The second expansion device 135 shown.

[0157] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the first expansion device 131, the second expansion device 135, the third expansion device 151, and the fourth expansion device 161 may perform expansion, connection, and blocking functions according to corresponding modes. In other words, the respective expansion devices may have three functions: expanding the refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to pass through without being expanded, and blocking the refrigerant.

[0158] The operation of the vapor injection module 130 in the refrigerant line of a heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0159] The refrigerant passing through the condenser 120 is depressurized and expanded in the first expansion device 131, transforming into a low-pressure refrigerant. This refrigerant flows along the second conduit 131b and is injected into the gas-liquid separator 133. The refrigerant injected into the gas-liquid separator 133 is separated into gaseous and liquid refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant can be injected towards the compressor 110. The liquid refrigerant can be further depressurized and expanded while passing through the second expansion device 135 and then injected into the external heat exchanger 140.

[0160] According to the refrigerant circulation line 100 using the vapor injection module 130, gaseous refrigerant with a relatively higher temperature compared to the refrigerant introduced via the receiver 180 is reintroduced into the compressor 110, thereby improving heating performance. Furthermore, only liquid refrigerant flows to the external heat exchanger, which increases the evaporation temperature in the external heat exchanger and improves heat exchange efficiency.

[0161] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of a steam injection heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] refer to Figure 19 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a steam injection heat pump system may include a refrigerant circulation line and a coolant circulation line.

[0163] refer to Figures 16 to 18 The described refrigerant circulation piping can be applied to the reference. Figure 19 The refrigerant circulation piping is described. Furthermore... Figures 16 to 18 The illustration shows heat exchange occurring within the air conditioner housing 190 in the condenser 120, but the invention is not limited thereto. Heat exchange can be performed using an internal heat exchanger that utilizes a coolant.

[0164] The coolant circulation line 200 may include: a heating line 210 configured to heat the interior of the vehicle; and a cooling line 230 configured to cool electrical components 239 and battery 235.

[0165] The heating line 210 may include a water-cooled condenser 120, a first pump 211, a coolant heater 212, an internal heat exchanger 213, and a first directional switching valve 214.

[0166] As described above, the refrigerant and coolant can exchange heat with each other while passing through the water-cooled condenser 120.

[0167] The first pump 211 is a device for pumping coolant so that the coolant circulates along the heating line 210. The first pump 211 can be installed in the coolant line and positioned behind the water-cooled condenser 120 based on the flow direction of the coolant.

[0168] Coolant heater 212 refers to a device for heating coolant. Depending on the coolant flow direction, coolant heater 212 can be connected and positioned downstream of first pump 211 and upstream of internal heat exchanger 213. Furthermore, coolant heater 212 can operate when the coolant temperature is equal to or below a specific temperature. Various components (such as induction heaters, jacketed heaters, PTC heaters, or thin-film heaters capable of generating heat using electricity) can be used as coolant heaters.

[0169] An internal heat exchanger 213 can be installed in the vehicle's air conditioning housing 190. Air flowing by a blower can be heated as it passes through the internal heat exchanger 213, and then supplied to the vehicle interior for heating. Furthermore, the internal heat exchanger 213 can be connected to and installed behind the coolant heater 212 based on the coolant flow direction.

[0170] A first directional switching valve 214 may be installed between the internal heat exchanger 213 and the water-cooled condenser 120, and is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the heating line 210 and the cooling line 230, as described below. More specifically, the first directional switching valve 214 may be installed in the heating line 210. Two coolant lines may be connected to the first directional switching valve 214. A single first connecting line 230a branching from one side of the cooling line 230 may be connected to the first directional switching valve 214. A single second connecting line 230b branching from the other side of the cooling line 230 may be connected to the first directional switching valve 214. That is, four coolant lines may be connected to the first directional switching valve 214 to converge together. The first directional switching valve 214 may be a four-way directional switching valve capable of regulating the connection or disconnection of the four coolant lines.

[0171] The cooling line 230 may include a radiator 231 for electrical components, a second directional switching valve 232, a second pump 238, a first directional switching valve 214, electrical components 239, a first coolant connector 233, a second coolant connector 237, a third pump 234, a battery 235, a cooler 160, and a third directional switching valve 236.

[0172] The heat sink 231 for electrical components cools the coolant that exchanges heat with the electrical component 239 or the battery 235. The heat sink 231 for electrical components can be cooled by air cooling via a cooling fan.

[0173] The second directional switching valve 232 can be installed in the cooling pipe 230. Two coolant pipes can be connected to the second directional switching valve 232. The first directional switching valve 214 and the second directional switching valve 232 can be connected via a first connecting pipe 230a, thereby connecting the heating pipe 210 and the cooling pipe 230. That is, three coolant pipes can be connected to the second directional switching valve 232 to merge together. The second directional switching valve 232 can be a three-way directional switching valve, which can adjust the connection or disconnection of the three coolant pipes.

[0174] The second pump 238 is a device for pumping coolant, causing the coolant to circulate along the cooling line 230. Furthermore, the second pump 238 is installed in the first connecting line 230a and positioned between the first directional valve 214 and the second directional valve 232. Operation of the second pump 238 allows coolant to flow from the second directional valve 232 to the first directional valve 214.

[0175] The first directional switching valve 214 is as described above with reference to the heating line 210.

[0176] Electrical component 239 is disposed in a second connecting pipe 230b that connects the first directional switching valve 214 and the second coolant connector. Electrical component 239 can be cooled by coolant. In one embodiment, various heat-generating components such as drive motors, inverters, and chargers (on-board chargers (OBCs)) can be used as electrical component 239.

[0177] The third pump 234 is a device for pumping coolant, causing the coolant to circulate along the cooling line 230. Furthermore, the third pump 234 is installed in the coolant line and positioned between the first coolant connector and the battery 235, allowing coolant to flow from the third pump 234 to the battery 235.

[0178] Battery 235 serves as the vehicle's power source. Battery 235 can also serve as a power source for various types of electrical components 239 within the vehicle. Alternatively, battery 235 can be connected to a fuel cell and used for storing electricity. Alternatively, battery 235 can be used to store electricity supplied from an external source. Furthermore, battery 235 can be disposed in a coolant line and between a third pump 234 and a third directional valve 236. Therefore, battery 235 can be cooled or heated by heat exchange with the flowing coolant.

[0179] The first coolant connector 233 is installed in the coolant piping and positioned downstream of the second directional valve 232 based on the coolant flow direction. Three coolant piping lines are connected to the first coolant connector 233 to converge. That is, the first coolant connector 233 can be installed such that its opposite sides are connected to the cooling piping 230, and the third connecting pipe 230c can be connected to the lower side of the first coolant connector 233. In this case, the third connecting pipe 230c can be connected to pass through the cooler 160.

[0180] The second coolant connector 237 can be installed at the point where the rear end of the second connecting pipe 230b merges with the cooling pipe 230. Three coolant pipes are connected to the second coolant connector 237 to merge together. That is, the second coolant connector 237 is installed such that its opposite sides connect to the cooling pipe 230, and the second connecting pipe 230b can connect to the upper side of the second coolant connector 237.

[0181] Cooler 160 is as described above with reference to heating line 210.

[0182] The third-direction switching valve 236 can be installed in the coolant lines and positioned between the battery 235 and the second coolant connector 237. Two coolant lines can be connected to the third-direction switching valve 236. A third connecting line 230c can be connected to the upper side of the third-direction switching valve 236, allowing the battery 235 and the third connecting line 230c to be connected in parallel. In this configuration, the third-direction switching valve 236 can be a three-way directional switching valve capable of regulating the connection or disconnection of the three coolant lines.

[0183] Furthermore, a blower (not shown) can be installed on one side of the air conditioning housing 190 to blow air. A temperature control door (not shown) can be installed in the air conditioning housing 190. Additionally, the evaporator 150 and internal heat exchanger 213 disposed in the air conditioning housing 190 can be configured such that, based on the operation of the temperature control door (not shown), air discharged from the blower (not shown) can flow into the vehicle interior while passing only through the evaporator 150, or flow into the vehicle interior while passing through both the evaporator 150 and the internal heat exchanger 213. The construction of the air conditioning housing 190 is not limited to the construction shown in the figures, and the air conditioning housing 190 can be modified to have various structures.

[0184] The following text will refer to Figures 20 to 24 Describe the operating mode of the heat pump system.

[0185] Figure 20 It is shown Figure 19 A diagram showing the operating status of the system under maximum cooling mode.

[0186] refer to Figure 20 In the refrigerant circulation line 100, the compressor 110 operates, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 110. Furthermore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 is cooled while exchanging heat with the coolant in the water-cooled condenser 120.

[0187] Next, the refrigerant cooled in the water-cooled condenser 120 passes through the first expansion device 131, which is fully open toward the external heat exchanger 140, and flows into the external heat exchanger 140. The refrigerant is cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air in the external heat exchanger 140. That is, both the water-cooled condenser 120 and the external heat exchanger 140 function as the condenser 120 and condense the refrigerant.

[0188] Subsequently, the condensed refrigerant is throttled and expanded as it passes through the third expansion device 151. The expanded refrigerant then passes through the evaporator 150, simultaneously exchanging heat with air blown by the blower (not shown) of the air conditioning housing 190, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and the air to be cooled. The cooled air is supplied to the vehicle interior for cooling. Furthermore, the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 150 flows back into the compressor 110 via the receiver 180.

[0189] Furthermore, the remaining portion of the refrigerant that has been diverted to refrigerant branch 170 is throttled and expanded as it passes through the third expansion device 151. Subsequently, the expanded refrigerant evaporates by exchanging heat with the coolant as it passes through the cooler 160, thereby cooling the coolant. Furthermore, the refrigerant evaporated in the cooler 160 flows back into the compressor 110 via the receiver 180. As described above, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 150 and the refrigerant passing through the cooler 160 merge in the receiver 180 and flow into the compressor 110. With the repetition of the above process, the refrigerant circulates.

[0190] Simultaneously, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 211, the second pump 238, and the third pump 234. Furthermore, the battery 235 and electrical components 239 can be cooled by the coolant and refrigerant passing through the water-cooled condenser 120. The heated coolant can be cooled while exchanging heat with outside air through the operation of a cooling fan (not shown) for the radiator 231 of the electrical components. In this case, the first directional switching valve 214 and the second directional switching valve 232 can adjust their directions to connect the heating line 210 and the cooling line 230. More specifically, coolant can flow when the upper and left sides of the first directional switching valve 214 are connected to each other, and coolant can flow when the lower and right sides of the first directional switching valve 214 are connected to each other. Furthermore, coolant can flow when the left and lower sides of the second directional switching valve 232 are connected to each other, and the right side of the second directional switching valve 232 can be disconnected. Furthermore, the upper and right sides of the third-party directional switching valve 236 can be connected to each other, and the left side of the third-party directional switching valve 236 can be closed.

[0191] Therefore, coolant flows sequentially from the radiator 231 for electrical components to the second directional switch valve 232, the second pump 238, the first directional switch valve, the water-cooled condenser 120, the first pump 211, the coolant heater 212, the internal heat exchanger 213, the first directional switch valve 214, the electrical components 239, and the second coolant connector, before flowing back into the radiator 231 for electrical components and circulating. This cycle is repeated. In this case, the second directional switch valve 232 can prevent coolant from flowing from the second directional switch valve 232 to the first coolant connector, and the third directional switch valve 236 can prevent coolant from flowing from the third directional switch valve 236 to the second coolant connector 237. Furthermore, coolant flows sequentially from the cooler 160 to the first coolant connector, the third pump 234, the battery 235, and the third directional switch valve 236, flowing into the cooler 160 and circulating. This cycle is repeated. That is, the battery 235 and the cooler 160 can define separate closed loops, wherein the coolant circulates in the cooling line 230 by means of the second directional switching valve 232 and the third directional switching valve 236, so that the battery 235 can be cooled separately.

[0192] In this configuration, the maximum cooling mode can be operated when the outside air temperature is between 30 and 45 degrees Celsius. In this mode, compressor 110 can operate at its maximum rotational speed. Furthermore, when battery 235 does not require cooling, the fourth expansion device 161 can be shut off, preventing refrigerant from flowing to cooler 160. In this configuration, the third pump 234 can be deactivated.

[0193] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 19A diagram showing the operating status of the system under mild cooling mode.

[0194] refer to Figure 21 In the refrigerant circulation line 100, the compressor 110 operates, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 110. Furthermore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 is cooled while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the water-cooled condenser 120. Next, the refrigerant cooled in the water-cooled condenser 120 passes through a first expansion device 131 that is fully open toward the external heat exchanger 140 and flows into the external heat exchanger 140. The refrigerant is cooled by exchanging heat with outside air in the external heat exchanger 140. That is, both the water-cooled condenser 120 and the external heat exchanger 140 function as condensers and condense the refrigerant. Thereafter, the condensed refrigerant passes through a refrigerant branch section 170 and is throttled and expanded as it passes through a third expansion device 151. Subsequently, the expanded refrigerant passes through the evaporator 150 while exchanging heat with air blown by a blower (not shown) of the air conditioning casing 190, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and the air to be cooled. Cooling air is supplied to the vehicle interior and used to cool it. Additionally, the refrigerant evaporated in evaporator 150 flows back into compressor 110 via receiver 180. In this situation, fourth expansion device 161 is closed, preventing refrigerant from flowing to cooler 160.

[0195] The refrigerant passing through the evaporator 150 flows into the compressor 110 via the receiver 180. As the above process is repeated, the refrigerant is circulated.

[0196] Simultaneously, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 211, the second pump 238, and the third pump 234. Furthermore, the battery 235 and electrical components 239 can be cooled by the coolant and refrigerant passing through the water-cooled condenser 120. The heated coolant can be cooled while exchanging heat with the outside air through the operation of a cooling fan (not shown) for the radiator 231 of the electrical components. In this case, the first directional switching valve 214 and the second directional switching valve 232 can adjust their directions to connect the heating line 210 and the cooling line 230. More specifically, coolant can flow when the upper and left sides of the first directional switching valve 214 are connected to each other, and coolant can flow when the lower and right sides of the first directional switching valve 214 are connected to each other. Furthermore, all three directions (i.e., the left, lower, and right sides of the second directional switching valve 232) are connected to allow coolant flow. Additionally, the left and right sides of the third directional switching valve 236 can be connected to each other, and the upper side of the third directional switching valve 236 can be closed.

[0197] Therefore, the coolant flows sequentially from the radiator 231 for the electrical components to the second directional switch valve 232, the second pump 238, the first directional switch valve, the water-cooled condenser 120, the first pump 211, the coolant heater 212, the internal heat exchanger 213, the first directional switch valve 214, the electrical components 239, and the second coolant connector 237, before flowing back into the radiator 231 for the electrical components and circulating. This cycle is repeated. In this case, by means of the second directional switch valve 232, a portion of the coolant flows to the right, sequentially passing through the first coolant connector 233, the third pump 234, the battery 235, the third directional switch valve 236, and the second coolant connector 237, before flowing into the radiator 231 for the electrical components and circulating. This cycle is repeated. In this case, the coolant passing through the electrical components 239 and the coolant passing through the battery 235 can merge at the second coolant connector 237 and flow into the radiator 231 for the electrical components.

[0198] In this configuration, a mild cooling mode can be operated when the outside air temperature is in the range of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. In this mode, the battery 235 can be cooled by the radiator 231 for the electrical components, eliminating the need for refrigerant to circulate towards the cooler 160. Therefore, the power required to operate the compressor 110 can be reduced.

[0199] Figure 22 It is shown Figure 19 The diagram shows the operating status of the system in the non-steam injection heating mode.

[0200] refer to Figure 16 In the refrigerant circulation line 100, the compressor 110 operates, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 110. Furthermore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 is cooled while exchanging heat with the coolant in the water-cooled condenser 120. Next, the refrigerant cooled in the water-cooled condenser 120 is throttled and expanded as it passes through the first expansion device 131, and the expanded refrigerant evaporates by exchanging heat with outside air as it passes through the external heat exchanger 140, absorbing heat from the outside air. Thereafter, the refrigerant passes through the refrigerant branch section 170 and the fully open fourth expansion device 161, and flows into the cooler 160. In the cooler 160, the refrigerant is heated by exchanging heat with the coolant. Then, the refrigerant passing through the cooler 160 flows back into the compressor 110 via the receiver 180. In this case, the third expansion device 151 is closed, preventing the refrigerant from flowing to the evaporator 150. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates as the above process is repeated.

[0201] Simultaneously, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 211 and the second pump 238. Furthermore, the coolant can be heated as it passes through the water-cooled condenser 120, heated by the coolant heater 212, and heated by waste heat from the electrical components 239. The coolant can be cooled as it passes through the cooler 160. In this case, the first directional valve 214 and the second directional valve 232 can adjust the direction, thus separating the heating line 210 and the cooling line 230.

[0202] More specifically, coolant can flow when the upper and right sides of the first directional switching valve 214 are connected to each other, and coolant can also flow when the lower and left sides of the first directional switching valve 214 are connected to each other. Furthermore, coolant can flow when the right and lower sides of the second directional switching valve 232 are connected to each other, and the left side of the second directional switching valve 232 can be disconnected. Additionally, the upper and left sides of the third directional switching valve 236 can be connected to each other, and the right side of the third directional switching valve 236 can be closed.

[0203] Therefore, the coolant in the heating pipe 210 sequentially passes through the first pump 211, the coolant heater 212, the internal heat exchanger, the first directional valve, and the water-cooled condenser 120, before flowing back into the first pump 211 and circulating. This cycle is repeated. Furthermore, the coolant in the cooling pipe 230, which is separated from the heating pipe 210, flows sequentially from the second pump 238 to the first directional valve 214, the electrical component 239, the second coolant connector 237, the third directional valve 236, the cooler 160, the first coolant connector 233, and the second directional valve 232, before flowing back into the second pump 238 and circulating. This cycle is repeated.

[0204] In this configuration, the second directional valve 232 prevents coolant from flowing from the second directional valve 232 to the second coolant connector 237 via the radiator 231 for electrical components, and the third directional valve 236 prevents coolant from flowing from the third directional valve 236 to the first coolant connector 233 via the battery 235 and the third pump 234. Furthermore, the coolant passes through the heater core and simultaneously exchanges heat with air blown by the blower (not shown) of the air conditioning housing 190, thereby heating the air. This heated air is supplied to the vehicle interior and used to heat the vehicle's interior.

[0205] Figure 23 It is shown Figure 19 A diagram showing the operating status of the system under injection heating mode.

[0206] refer to Figure 23In the refrigerant circulation line 100, the compressor 110 operates, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 110. Furthermore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 is cooled while exchanging heat with the coolant in the water-cooled condenser 120. Next, the refrigerant cooled in the water-cooled condenser 120 is throttled and expanded as it passes through the first expansion device 131. The expanded refrigerant flows along the second line 131b connected to the first expansion device 131 to the gas-liquid separator 133. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 133 can flow to the second expansion device 135 for further depressurization, and then is supplied to the external heat exchanger 140. The liquid refrigerant supplied to the external heat exchanger 140 increases the evaporation temperature and delays frosting, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0207] Furthermore, the gaseous refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 133 can flow back into the compressor 110. Therefore, since refrigerant with a higher temperature than the refrigerant introduced from the receiver 180 can flow back into the compressor 110, heating efficiency is improved.

[0208] Subsequently, the refrigerant evaporates by exchanging heat with the outside air as it passes through the external heat exchanger 140, absorbing heat from the outside air. The refrigerant then passes through the refrigerant branch section 170 and the fully open fourth expansion device 161, and flows into the cooler 160. In the cooler 160, the refrigerant is heated by exchanging heat with the coolant. The refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 160 then flows back into the compressor 110 via the receiver 180. In this case, the third expansion device 151 is closed, preventing the refrigerant from flowing to the evaporator 150. Thus, the refrigerant circulates as the above process is repeated.

[0209] Simultaneously, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 211 and the second pump 238. Furthermore, the coolant can be heated as it passes through the water-cooled condenser 120, heated by the coolant heater 212, and heated by waste heat from the electrical components 239. The coolant can be cooled as it passes through the cooler 160. In this case, the first directional valve 214 and the second directional valve 232 can adjust the direction, thereby separating the heating line 210 and the cooling line 230.

[0210] More specifically, coolant can flow when the upper and right sides of the first directional switching valve 214 are connected to each other, and coolant can also flow when the lower and left sides of the first directional switching valve 214 are connected to each other. Furthermore, coolant can flow when the right and lower sides of the second directional switching valve 232 are connected to each other, and the left side of the second directional switching valve 232 can be disconnected. Additionally, the upper and left sides of the third directional switching valve 236 can be connected to each other, and the right side of the third directional switching valve 236 can be closed.

[0211] Therefore, the coolant in the heating pipe 210 sequentially passes through the first pump 211, the coolant heater 212, the internal heat exchanger, the first directional valve, and the water-cooled condenser 120, before flowing back into the first pump 211 and circulating. This cycle is repeated. Furthermore, the coolant in the cooling pipe 230, which is separated from the heating pipe 210, flows sequentially from the second pump 238 to the first directional valve 214, the electrical component 239, the second coolant connector 237, the third directional valve 236, the cooler 160, the first coolant connector 233, and the second directional valve 232, before flowing back into the second pump 238 and circulating. This cycle is repeated.

[0212] In this configuration, the second directional valve 232 prevents coolant from flowing from the second directional valve 232 to the second coolant connector 237 via the radiator 231 for electrical components, and the third directional valve 236 prevents coolant from flowing from the third directional valve 236 to the first coolant connector 233 via the battery 235 and the third pump 234. Furthermore, the coolant passes through the heater core and simultaneously exchanges heat with air blown by the blower (not shown) of the air conditioning housing 190, thereby heating the air. This heated air is supplied to the vehicle interior and used to heat the vehicle's interior.

[0213] Compared to the standard heating mode, the injection heating mode can be set to operate under low-temperature conditions. The temperature can be set to vary depending on the vehicle or environmental conditions.

[0214] Figure 24 It is shown Figure 19 The diagram shows the operating status of the system in dehumidification and heating mode.

[0215] refer to Figure 24In the refrigerant circulation line 100, the compressor 110 operates, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 110. Furthermore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 is cooled while exchanging heat with the coolant in the water-cooled condenser 120. Next, the refrigerant cooled in the water-cooled condenser 120 is throttled and expanded as it passes through the first expansion device 131. The expanded refrigerant flows along the second line 131b connected to the first expansion device 131 to the gas-liquid separator 133. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 133 can flow to the second expansion device 135 for further depressurization and is then supplied to the external heat exchanger 140. The liquid refrigerant supplied to the external heat exchanger 140 increases the evaporation temperature and delays frosting, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0216] Furthermore, the gaseous refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator 133 can flow back into the compressor 110. Therefore, since refrigerant with a higher temperature than the refrigerant introduced from the receiver 180 can flow back into the compressor 110, heating efficiency is improved.

[0217] Subsequently, a portion of the refrigerant passing through the internal heat exchanger 213 and distributed into the refrigerant branch section 170 bypasses the third expansion device 151 and passes through the evaporator 150, simultaneously exchanging heat with the air blown by the blower (not shown) of the air conditioning casing 190, thereby removing moisture from the air. Furthermore, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 150 flows back into the compressor 110 or 210 via the receiver 180. Additionally, the remaining portion of the refrigerant distributed into the refrigerant branch section 170 bypasses the fourth expansion device 161. Thereafter, the refrigerant passes through the cooler 160, merges in the receiver 180, and flows into the compressor 110. With the repetition of the above process, the refrigerant circulates.

[0218] Simultaneously, the coolant in the coolant circulation line 200 is circulated by the operation of the first pump 211 and the second pump 238. Furthermore, the coolant can be heated solely by the waste heat from the electrical component 239. In this case, the first directional valve 214 and the second directional valve 232 can adjust their directions, separating the heating line 210 and the cooling line 230. More specifically, coolant can flow when the upper and right sides of the first directional valve 214 are connected, and coolant can also flow when the lower and left sides of the first directional valve 214 are connected. Furthermore, coolant can flow when the right and upper sides of the second directional valve are connected, and the lower side of the second directional valve can be closed. Additionally, the left and upper sides of the third directional valve 236 can be connected, and the right side of the third directional valve 236 can be closed.

[0219] Therefore, the coolant in the heating pipe 210 sequentially passes through the first pump 211, the coolant heater 212, the internal heat exchanger 213, the first directional valve, and the water-cooled condenser 120, before flowing back into the first pump 211 and circulating. This cycle is repeated. Furthermore, the coolant in the cooling pipe 230, separated from the heating pipe 210, flows sequentially from the second pump 238 to the first directional valve 214, the electrical component 239, the second coolant connector 237, the third directional valve 236, the cooler 160, the first coolant connector 233, and the second directional valve 232, before flowing back into the second pump 238 and circulating. This cycle is repeated. In this configuration, the third directional valve 236 prevents coolant from flowing from the third directional valve 236 to the battery 235, the third pump 234, and the first coolant connector 233, and the second directional valve 232 prevents coolant from flowing from the second directional valve 232 to the second coolant connector 237 via the radiator 231 for electrical components. In this configuration, the air dehumidified while passing through the evaporator 150 can be heated while passing through the internal heat exchanger 213 and used to heat the vehicle interior.

[0220] In this situation, the dehumidification and heating mode can be operated when the outside air temperature is in the range of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.

[0221] In this situation, the dehumidification and heating mode can be operated when the outside air temperature is in the range of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.

[0222] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0223] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, variations, and substitutions are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention but rather to describe its technical spirit, and the scope of the invention's technical spirit is not limited by the embodiments and drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical spirit within the equivalent scope should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention.

[0224] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram] 100: Refrigerant circulation line, 110: Compressor, 120: Condenser, 130: Vapor injection module, 131: First expansion device, 131a: First line, 131b: Second line, 131b-1: First outlet port, 133: Gas-liquid separator, 135: Second expansion device, 140: External heat exchanger, 150: Evaporator, 151: Third expansion device, 160: Cooler, 161: Fourth expansion device, 170: Refrigerant branch section, 180: Liquid receiver, 190: Air conditioner casing, 200: Refrigerant circulation line, 210: Heating line, 211: First pump, 212: Refrigerant heater, 213: Internal heat exchanger, 214: First directional valve, 230: Cooling line, 230a: First connecting line, 230b: Second connecting line, 23 0c: Third connecting pipe; 231: Radiator; 232: Second directional valve; 233: First coolant connector; 234: Third pump; 235: Battery; 236: Third directional valve; 237: Second coolant connector; 238: Second pump; 239: Electrical components; 1311: Inlet port; 1313: Ball valve; 1313a: Ball valve body; 1313b: Inlet port; 1313c: Outlet port. 1313d: Expansion groove; 1331: Housing; 1332: Outflow channel; 1333: Second outlet port; 1334: Partition wall portion; 1334a: Fixed portion; 1335: Moving channel; 1335a: First body portion; 1350: Body; 1350a: Second body portion; 1351: Orifice; 1353: Check valve; 1360: Thermal insulation component; 1370: Actuator.

Claims

1. A steam injection module, the steam injection module comprising: A first expansion device has an inlet port for introducing refrigerant and a first pipe and a second pipe connected to the inlet port, such that the introduced refrigerant flows through the first pipe and the second pipe. The first expansion device is disposed at the connection between the first pipe and the second pipe and is configured to control the flow direction of the refrigerant and whether to expand the refrigerant according to the air conditioning mode. A gas-liquid separator, connected to the first pipeline, and configured to separate the introduced refrigerant into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant; A second expansion device, connected to a moving channel through which the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator flows, is configured to expand the introduced refrigerant; and The first outlet port is connected to the second pipeline and the second expansion device. The first expansion device includes a single ball valve configured to rotate and positioned at the center where the inlet port, the first conduit, and the second conduit connect. In cooling mode, the refrigerant is configured to be introduced via the inlet port, and when the first pipeline is closed, the refrigerant is configured to flow into the second pipeline and then out via the first outlet port. In heating mode, the refrigerant is configured to be introduced via the inlet port, expand as it passes through the ball valve when the first line is closed, and flow into the second line before exiting via the first outlet port. In the steam injection heating mode, the refrigerant is configured to be introduced through the inlet port, undergo initial expansion while passing through the ball valve, and flow to the gas-liquid separator through the first pipeline. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator is configured to undergo secondary expansion while passing through the second expansion device, and then flow out through the first outlet port.

2. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, The ball valve includes: An inflow hole, which is connected to the inlet port; An outlet orifice, connected to the inlet orifice, and configured to connect to the first or second conduit via rotation of the ball valve; and An expansion groove is provided, which is connected to the end of the outflow hole.

3. The steam injection module according to claim 2, wherein, The expansion groove is formed on one side of the outlet hole based on the rotation direction of the ball valve and is configured to expand and discharge the introduced refrigerant.

4. The steam injection module according to claim 2, wherein, The expansion grooves are formed on opposite sides of the outlet hole based on the rotation direction of the ball valve, and are configured to expand and discharge the introduced refrigerant.

5. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, The gas-liquid separator includes: A housing having an internal space through which the refrigerant flows; An outlet channel, located on the upper side of the housing and configured to discharge the gaseous refrigerant, is configured as a conduit to prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the outlet channel; and A moving channel is disposed on the lower side of the housing and configured to discharge the liquid refrigerant.

6. The steam injection module according to claim 5, wherein, The first conduit connected to the housing is configured to discharge the refrigerant toward the side wall of the housing.

7. The steam injection module according to claim 5, wherein, A partition wall is provided at the end of the moving channel, and the partition wall prevents the refrigerant from spilling out.

8. The steam injection module according to claim 1, wherein, The second expansion device includes: An orifice, the orifice being configured to expand refrigerant introduced via the moving channel; and A check valve, configured to determine whether to move the refrigerant.

9. The steam injection module according to claim 8, wherein, The check valve operates through the pressure difference between the moving channel and the refrigerant flowing along the second pipeline.

10. The steam injection module according to claim 8, wherein, A heat insulation component is provided between the first body part with the moving channel and the second body part with the orifice.

11. The steam injection module according to claim 3, wherein, The ball valve has a rotation angle range of 360 degrees.

12. The steam injection module according to claim 4, wherein, The ball valve has a rotation angle range of 180 degrees.

13. The steam injection module according to claim 2, wherein, The expansion groove of the ball valve is configured to overlap with the first or second pipeline to allow the refrigerant to expand.

14. The steam injection module according to claim 13, wherein, The ball valve controls the expansion of the refrigerant by adjusting the area where the expansion groove overlaps with the first or second pipeline.

15. A steam injection heat pump system, the steam injection heat pump system comprising: The compressor is configured to compress and discharge refrigerant; A condenser configured to condense compressed refrigerant when the interior of the vehicle is heated; A first expansion device is configured to expand the condensed refrigerant and transfer the expanded refrigerant to an external heat exchanger, expand the condensed refrigerant and transfer the expanded refrigerant to a gas-liquid separator, or allow the condensed refrigerant to pass through the first expansion device according to an air conditioning mode. The first expansion device has an inlet port for introducing the refrigerant and a first conduit and a second conduit connected to the inlet port such that the introduced refrigerant flows through the first conduit and the second conduit. The gas-liquid separator is configured to separate the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion device into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, discharge the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor, and discharge the liquid refrigerant to the second expansion device; The second expansion device is configured to expand the liquid refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator and transfer the expanded refrigerant to the external heat exchanger. The external heat exchanger is configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant transferred from the first expansion device or the second expansion device; A third expansion device is configured to control the flow direction and whether to expand the refrigerant transferred from the external heat exchanger according to the air conditioning mode. An evaporator configured to cool the vehicle interior using the refrigerant supplied from the third expansion device; as well as The first outlet port is connected to the second pipeline and the second expansion device. The first expansion device includes a single ball valve configured to rotate and positioned at the center where the inlet port, the first conduit, and the second conduit connect. In cooling mode, the refrigerant is configured to be introduced via the inlet port, and when the first pipeline is closed, the refrigerant is configured to flow into the second pipeline and then out via the first outlet port. In heating mode, the refrigerant is configured to be introduced via the inlet port, expand as it passes through the ball valve when the first line is closed, and flow into the second line before exiting via the first outlet port. In the steam injection heating mode, the refrigerant is configured to be introduced through the inlet port, undergo initial expansion while passing through the ball valve, and flow to the gas-liquid separator through the first pipeline. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator is configured to undergo secondary expansion while passing through the second expansion device, and then flow out through the first outlet port.

16. The steam injection heat pump system according to claim 15, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is the steam injection heating mode, the first expansion device expands the condensed refrigerant and transfers the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator.

17. The steam injection heat pump system according to claim 15, further comprising: A fourth expansion device is connected in parallel with the third expansion device; as well as A cooler, connected to the fourth expansion device, is configured to allow the refrigerant and coolant to exchange heat with each other.

18. The steam injection heat pump system according to claim 15, further comprising: An internal heat exchanger is configured to heat the vehicle interior by allowing air-conditioned air to exchange heat with coolant that has already exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the condenser.

19. The steam injection heat pump system according to claim 18, wherein the steam injection heat pump system comprises: A refrigerant circulation line in which the refrigerant circulates; A coolant circulation line in which the coolant circulates; as well as An air conditioner housing, configured to house the evaporator and the internal heat exchanger and exchange heat with the air-conditioned air. The evaporator is located in the refrigerant circulation line, and the internal heat exchanger is located in the coolant circulation line.

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