Air conditioning apparatus and system for electric vehicles

Abstract

Disclosed are an air conditioning apparatus and system for an electric vehicle, in which a sub heat exchanger is disposed between a heat exchanger and an electric heater, and the sub heat exchanger is moved toward the heat exchanger or the electric heater, such that heat is conducted to the sub heat exchanger according to whether the heat exchanger and the electric heater are operated according to heating conditions, thereby increasing a heat dissipation area through the sub heat exchanger during heating, and thus it is possible to improve heating performance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning apparatus for an electric vehicle that improves heating efficiency, and to an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and can not constitute the prior art.

[0003] An electric vehicle is driven using an electric motor configured to receive power from a battery and then output driving power. Accordingly, the electric vehicle has advantages such as no carbon dioxide emissions, very little noise, and high motor energy efficiency compared to engine energy efficiency, and thus is attracting attention as an eco-friendly vehicle.

[0004] In the implementation of such an electric vehicle, technologies related to a battery module are used as core technologies, and research on the light weight, small size, and reduced charging time of the battery is now actively being conducted. The battery module can maintain optimal performance and long life only when the battery module is used in an optimal temperature environment. However, we found that it is difficult to use the battery module in the optimal temperature environment due to heat generated from the battery module during driving and changes in outdoor temperature.

[0005] In addition, because waste heat is not generated when fuel is burned in a separate engine such as an internal combustion engine, the electric vehicle uses an electric heating device to perform heating of the inside of the vehicle, and requires preheating in order to improve the charging and discharging performance of the battery in cold weather, and thus uses a separate coolant-type electric heater. That is, the technology of a cooling and heating system configured to adjust the temperature of the battery module to maintain the optimal temperature environment of the battery module is used separately from a cooling and heating system configured to adjust the air of the inside of the vehicle.

[0006] Here, such an air conditioning system configured to adjust the air of the inside of the vehicle employs a heat pump technology that minimizes the consumption of thermal energy in order to increase the driving range of the vehicle, thereby being able to minimize energy consumption.

[0007] Specifically, in order to apply the heat pump technology, an indoor condenser and an electric heater are provided in the air conditioning system, but only the indoor condenser or the electric heater can be used to reduce the heating efficiency. Therefore, in order to improve the heating performance, the temperature of the refrigerant circulating to the indoor condenser is increased by increasing the driving amount of the compressor, or the heating value of the electric heater is increased, but in this case, the energy efficiency can be reduced.

[0008] The above information disclosed in the background section is only for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and should not be construed as common technical knowledge known to those of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY

[0009] This disclosure provides an air conditioning device for an electric vehicle and an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle using the air conditioning device, which improves heating efficiency during heating using a heat pump.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioning device for an electric vehicle includes: a housing having an air inlet and at least one air outlet for circulating air within the housing; a heat exchanger and an electric heater configured to heat the air circulating within the housing to form heated air; and a sub-heat exchanger disposed between the heat exchanger and the electric heater for movement between the heat exchanger and the electric heater, such that heat generated by the heat exchanger and the electric heater can be conducted to the sub-heat exchanger to improve the thermal conductivity of the heat exchanger and the electric heater.

[0011] Air conditioning equipment for electric vehicles may further include: an evaporator disposed in a housing and configured to cool air to form cooled air and selectively share refrigerant with a heat exchanger.

[0012] The housing may have: a first airflow path configured to be connected to an air inlet and communicate with at least one air outlet via an evaporator; and a second airflow path configured to branch off from the first airflow path and communicate with at least one air outlet via a heat exchanger and an electric heater, and a temperature control gate may be provided at the branch point of the second airflow path, where the second airflow path branches off from the first airflow path.

[0013] The heat exchanger and the electric heater can be configured to be spaced apart from each other, and the sub-heat exchanger can slide or rotate depending on the heating operating conditions so as to selectively move toward the heat exchanger or the electric heater.

[0014] The air conditioning equipment for electric vehicles may further include: a moving module, mounted in the housing, such that a sub-heat exchanger is connected to the moving module and configured to move the sub-heat exchanger toward the heat exchanger or electric heater.

[0015] The moving module may include: a track unit, mounted in the housing and configured to extend toward the heat exchanger and the electric heater, such that the sub-heat exchanger is movably connected to the track unit; and a drive unit, mounted in the housing to be connected to the sub-heat exchanger and operated to move the sub-heat exchanger along the track unit.

[0016] The opposing surfaces of the heat exchanger and the sub-heat exchanger can be configured to match each other, and the opposing surfaces of the electric heater and the sub-heat exchanger can be configured to match each other.

[0017] When heated air is generated through the heat exchanger, the sub-heat exchanger can move toward the heat exchanger, so that heat from the heat exchanger is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger.

[0018] When heated air is generated by the electric heater, the sub-heat exchanger can move toward the electric heater, so that heat from the electric heater is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger.

[0019] When heated air is generated through a heat exchanger and an electric heater, the sub-heat exchanger can be located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger and the electric heater.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle using air conditioning equipment includes: a refrigerant line including a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator; and a heat pump line configured to branch off from the refrigerant line after the compressor and including a heat exchanger.

[0021] The refrigerant line may include a compressor, a first valve located at a branch point of the heat pump line away from the refrigerant line, a first expander, a condenser, a second expander, and an evaporator, and a bypass line configured to extend toward the compressor and including a second valve may branch off from the refrigerant line between the condenser and the second expander.

[0022] In cooling mode, the first valve can be opened toward the bypass line, the second valve can be closed, the first expander can be fully opened, the second expander can expand the refrigerant, the electric heater can be inactive, and the sub-heat exchanger can be located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger and the electric heater.

[0023] When heating is performed using a heat exchanger in heating mode, the first valve can open toward the heat exchanger, the second valve can open, the first expander can expand the refrigerant, the second expander can close, the electric heater can be inactive, and the sub-heat exchanger can move toward the heat exchanger.

[0024] When heating is performed using an electric heater in heating mode, the electric heater can be operated, and the sub-heat exchanger can move toward the electric heater.

[0025] When both a heat exchanger and an electric heater are used for heating in heating mode, the first valve can open toward the heat exchanger, the second valve can open, the first expander can expand the refrigerant, the second expander can close, the electric heater can operate, and the sub-heat exchanger can be located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger and the electric heater. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an air conditioning device for an electric vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating one form of heat exchanger, electric heater, and sub-heat exchanger of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of some forms of sub-heat exchangers according to this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle according to another form of this disclosure, operating in cooling mode.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle according to this disclosure, operating in a heating mode using a heat exchanger; and

[0032] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram of an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle according to this disclosure, operating in a heating mode using a heat exchanger and an electric heater.

[0033] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0035] In the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an air conditioning device for an electric vehicle and an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle using the air conditioning device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an air conditioning device for an electric vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the heat exchanger, electric heater, and sub-heat exchanger. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of a sub-heat exchanger according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of an air conditioning system for electric vehicles according to this disclosure, operating in cooling mode. Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle according to this disclosure, operating in heating mode using a heat exchanger. Figure 7This is a circuit diagram of an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle according to the present disclosure, operating in a heating mode using a heat exchanger and an electric heater.

[0037] In one form of this disclosure, an air conditioning device for an electric vehicle includes: Figure 1 As shown, a housing 100 is provided with an air inlet 110 and at least one air outlet 120, such that air circulates within the housing 100; a heat exchanger 200 and an electric heater 300 are configured to heat the air circulating within the housing 100 to form heated air; and a sub-heat exchanger 400 is disposed between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 so as to be movable between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 according to heating operating conditions, and is configured such that the heat generated by the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 can be conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400 to improve the thermal conductivity of the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300.

[0038] An air conditioning device for an electric vehicle according to another form of the present disclosure further includes: an evaporator 500 disposed in a housing 100 and configured to cool air to form cooled air and selectively sharing refrigerant with a heat exchanger 200.

[0039] Therefore, the refrigerant is selectively circulated to the heat exchanger 200 or the evaporator 500, thereby enabling heating or cooling and improving heating or cooling efficiency through the heat pump.

[0040] Here, the housing 100 is provided with an air inlet 110 formed on one side thereon and at least one air outlet 120 formed on the other side thereon, and thus the temperature of the air flowing into the air inlet 110 can be adjusted by the evaporator 500 or heat exchanger 200 and electric heater 300, and then the air with the adjusted temperature can be supplied to the interior of the electric vehicle as regulated air.

[0041] In one form, the housing 100 has: a first airflow path 130 configured to be connected to an air inlet 110 and communicate with a corresponding one of at least one air outlet 120 via an evaporator 500; and a second airflow path 140 configured to branch off from the first airflow path 130 and communicate with a corresponding other of at least one air outlet 120 via a heat exchanger 200 and an electric heater 300, and a temperature control gate 150 is provided at the branch point of the second airflow path 140 from the first airflow path 130.

[0042] With this configuration, when the temperature control door 150 closes the second air flow path 140, the air flowing into the housing 100 through the air inlet 110 passes through the evaporator 500 and is discharged to the outside through the corresponding air outlet 120, and thus, cooled air can be supplied to the interior of the electric vehicle.

[0043] Furthermore, when the temperature control door 150 opens the second air flow path 140, the air flowing into the housing 100 through the air inlet 110 passes through the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 and is discharged to the outside through the corresponding air outlet 120, and thus, heated air can be supplied to the interior of the electric vehicle.

[0044] Therefore, the opening degree of the first airflow path 130 and the second airflow path 140 is adjusted by the temperature control door 150, and thus, cooling air or heating air can be supplied to the interior of the electric vehicle at the desired temperature.

[0045] Here, the multiple air outlets 120 of the housing 100 can be configured to allow the application of various vents such as defrost vents, foot vents, etc., and a door configured to adjust the opening degree of each vent can be installed at a corresponding location in the vent.

[0046] In one embodiment, the electric heater 300 may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater.

[0047] In another configuration, the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 30 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the housing 100, and a sub-heat exchanger 400 is disposed between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300.

[0048] Here, the sub-heat exchanger 400 is configured to move between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300, and is configured such that heat generated by the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 can be conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400. That is, the sub-heat exchanger 400 can be configured such that heat can be conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400 through either the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 may include heat-conducting fins to dissipate heat to the air as air passes through the sub-heat exchanger 400.

[0049] In one form of this disclosure, the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300 depending on whether the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 are operating under various heating conditions, and thus can increase the heat dissipation area of ​​the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300 in order to improve heating performance.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 slides or rotates in a state where the sub-heat exchanger 400 is spaced apart from the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300, so as to selectively move toward the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300.

[0051] Therefore, the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 are spaced apart from each other to achieve an efficient heat pump. Specifically, the sub-heat exchanger 400 is disposed between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 so as to be slidable or rotatable, and selectively movable toward the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300.

[0052] Thus, when the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the heat exchanger 200 to contact the heat exchanger 200, the heat generated by the heat exchanger 200 is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400, increasing the heat dissipation area through the heat exchanger 200 and the sub-heat exchanger 400, and thus improving the heating performance caused by the heat exchanger 200.

[0053] Furthermore, when the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the electric heater 300 to come into contact with the electric heater 300, the heat generated by the electric heater 300 is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400, increasing the heat dissipation area through the electric heater 300 and the sub-heat exchanger 400, and thus improving the heating performance caused by the electric heater 300.

[0054] The sub-heat exchanger 400 can be moved toward the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 30 via the moving module M. The moving module M is installed in the housing 100 such that the sub-heat exchanger 400 is connected to the moving module M and moves toward the heat exchanger or the electric heater depending on whether the moving module M is operated to perform heat transfer.

[0055] The moving module M includes: a track unit M1, which is installed in the housing 100 and configured to extend toward the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300, such that the sub-heat exchanger 400 is movably connected to the track unit M1; and a drive unit M2, which is installed in the housing 100 to be connected to the sub-heat exchanger 400 and operated to move the sub-heat exchanger 400 along the track unit M1.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the moving module M includes a track unit M1 and a drive unit M2. Here, the track unit M1 extends toward the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 to form a path along which the sub-heat exchanger 400 can move toward the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300.

[0057] These track units M1 are arranged in pairs, and the upper and lower ends of the sub-heat exchanger 400 are slidably connected to the corresponding track unit M1.

[0058] Furthermore, the drive unit M2 is mounted adjacent to the track unit M1 in the housing 100, and the drive unit M2 is connected to the sub-heat exchanger 400 to move the sub-heat exchanger 400. The drive unit M2 and the sub-heat exchanger 400 can be connected via gears, racks, solenoids, etc.

[0059] Therefore, when the drive unit M2 is operated, the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves along the track unit M1 and comes into contact with the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300, thereby selectively improving the heating performance of the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300.

[0060] The opposing surfaces of heat exchanger 200 and sub-heat exchanger 400 can be configured to match each other, and the opposing surfaces of electric heater 300 and sub-heat exchanger 400 can be configured to match each other.

[0061] That is, because the sub-heat exchanger 400 needs to receive heat from the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300 when it comes into contact with the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300, the sub-heat exchanger 400 is configured to match the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 in order to ensure the heat conduction performance generated by the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300.

[0062] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the surface of heat exchanger 200 opposite to sub-heat exchanger 400 can be recessed, and the surface of sub-heat exchanger 400 opposite to heat exchanger 200 can be protruding. Therefore, when sub-heat exchanger 400 and heat exchanger 200 are matched together, the opposing surfaces of sub-heat exchanger 400 and heat exchanger 200 are in contact with each other, and thus the heat generated by heat exchanger 200 can be effectively transferred to sub-heat exchanger 400.

[0063] Furthermore, the surface of the electric heater 300 opposite to the sub-heat exchanger 400 can be recessed, and the surface of the sub-heat exchanger 400 opposite to the electric heater 300 can be protruding. Therefore, when the sub-heat exchanger 400 and the electric heater 300 are matched with each other, the opposing surfaces of the sub-heat exchanger 400 and the electric heater 300 are in contact with each other, and thus the heat generated by the electric heater 300 can be effectively transferred to the sub-heat exchanger 400.

[0064] Furthermore, since the sub-heat exchanger 400 matches the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 by inserting the protrusion of the sub-heat exchanger 400 into the recess of the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300, the connection between the sub-heat exchanger 400 and the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300 can be stably maintained when the sub-heat exchanger 400 is in contact with the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300.

[0065] According to this disclosure, the air conditioning equipment for electric vehicles can ensure heating performance depending on the operating conditions of the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300 via the sub-heat exchanger 400.

[0066] That is, such as Figure 3 As shown, when heated air is formed through heat exchanger 200, sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward heat exchanger 200, so that heat from heat exchanger 200 is conducted to sub-heat exchanger 400.

[0067] Thus, under heating conditions using the heat generated by the heat exchanger 200, the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the heat exchanger 200, so that the heat generated by the heat exchanger 200 is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400, and therefore, the heating performance through the heat exchanger 200 is improved due to the increase in the heat dissipation area of ​​the heat exchanger 200.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, when heated air is generated by the electric heater 300, the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the electric heater 300, so that heat from the electric heater 300 is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400.

[0069] Thus, under heating conditions using the heat generated by the electric heater 300, the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the electric heater 300, so that the heat generated by the electric heater 300 is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400, and therefore, the heating performance of the electric heater 300 is improved due to the increase in the heat dissipation area of ​​the electric heater 300.

[0070] Furthermore, when heated air is formed by the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300, the sub-heat exchanger 400 is located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300.

[0071] like Figure 2As shown, under heating conditions using heat generated by both heat exchanger 200 and electric heater 300, sub-heat exchanger 400 is located in a neutral position between heat exchanger 200 and electric heater 300, such that sub-heat exchanger 400 receives heat generated by heat exchanger 200 and heat generated by electric heater, and this heat is dissipated into the air passing through sub-heat exchanger 400. Therefore, the heating performance of both heat exchanger 200 and electric heater 300 is improved due to the increased heat dissipation area of ​​heat generated by heat exchanger 200 and heat generated by electric heater 300.

[0072] Next, the air conditioning system for electric vehicles using the above-mentioned air conditioning equipment for electric vehicles will be described below.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioning system for an electric vehicle according to this disclosure includes: a refrigerant line L1, including a compressor 600, a condenser 700, an expander and an evaporator 500; and a heat pump line L2, configured to branch off from the refrigerant line after the compressor 600 and including a heat exchanger 200.

[0074] Here, refrigerant line L1 includes a compressor 600, a first valve 810 located at a branch point of heat pump line L2 away from refrigerant line L1, a first expander 910, a condenser 700, a second expander 920, and an evaporator 500. In another form, the air conditioning system includes a bypass line L3 extending toward the compressor 600 and including the second valve 820. The bypass line L3 branches off from refrigerant line L1 at the junction between the condenser 700 and the second expander 920.

[0075] During the circulation of the refrigerant along the refrigerant line L1, the heat pump line L2, and the bypass line L3, the air can be cooled or heated according to the circulation direction of the refrigerant, and a heat pump can be implemented.

[0076] Here, compressor 600 compresses and discharges refrigerant to circulate the refrigerant along the corresponding lines L1, L2 and L3, and expanders 910 and 920 expand the refrigerant, opening it fully to allow the refrigerant to pass through, or closing it to prevent the refrigerant from passing through, depending on whether heating or cooling is being performed.

[0077] The condenser 700 can be installed outdoors, and the temperature of the refrigerant can be regulated by the rotation of the radiator fan.

[0078] The aforementioned air conditioning system for electric vehicles can provide regulated air with its temperature adjusted by a controller (not shown), which is configured to control the first expander 910, the second expander 920, the first valve 810, and the second valve 820 according to a predetermined cooling mode, heating mode, or temperature adjustment.

[0079] That is, the controller (not shown) can determine a specific mode based on the indoor temperature conditions and can control the first expander 910, the second expander 920, the first valve 810 and the second valve 820, thereby enabling the refrigerant to circulate along the corresponding pipelines L1, L2 and L3 to provide cooled or heated air.

[0080] More specifically, in cooling mode, the first valve 810 opens toward the bypass line L3, the second valve 820 closes, the first expander 910 is fully open, the second expander 920 expands the refrigerant, the electric heater 300 does not operate, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 is located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300.

[0081] Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 600 does not circulate to the heat exchanger 200, but instead circulates to the first expander 910, condenser 700, second expander 920, and evaporator 500. Therefore, the refrigerant does not circulate to the heat exchanger 200, and consequently, the air is not heated by passing through the heat exchanger 200.

[0082] When the first expander 910 is fully open, the refrigerant passes through the first expander 910 and moves toward the condenser 700, and the heat of the refrigerant is dissipated through the condenser 700. Subsequently, the refrigerant is expanded by the second expander 920 and evaporated by the evaporator 500, thereby cooling the air passing through the evaporator 500.

[0083] Furthermore, since the electric heater 300 is not operating, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 is located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300, heated air is not formed through the heat exchanger 200, the electric heater 300, and the sub-heat exchanger 400. Therefore, cooled air can be supplied to the interior of the electric vehicle.

[0084] When the heat exchanger 200 is used to perform heating in heating mode, the first valve 810 opens toward the heat exchanger 200, the second valve 820 opens, the first expander 910 expands the refrigerant, the second expander 920 closes, the electric heater 300 does not operate, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the heat exchanger 200.

[0085] Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 600 circulates to the heat exchanger 200 through the heat pump line L2, and thus the air is heated by dissipating the heat of the refrigerant through the heat exchanger 200, and thus heated air can be formed.

[0086] When the first expander 910 expands the refrigerant, the refrigerant, which has condensed by passing through the heat exchanger 200, expands and circulates to the condenser 700, where it evaporates to absorb heat from the environment. Subsequently, when the second valve 820 opens and the second expander 920 closes, the refrigerant circulates to the compressor 600. Here, because the refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment in the condenser 700 before reaching the compressor 600, its temperature rises, and therefore further increases as it passes through the compressor 600. By implementing this heat pump, the heating efficiency through the heat exchanger 200 is improved when the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 600 circulates to the heat exchanger 200.

[0087] Furthermore, since the electric heater 300 is not in operation and the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the heat exchanger 200, the heat dissipation area of ​​the heat exchanger 200 is increased by the sub-heat exchanger 400, and thus the heating performance of the heat exchanger 200 is improved.

[0088] When heating is performed using the electric heater 300 in heating mode, the electric heater 300 operates, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the electric heater 300.

[0089] That is, the case of using only the electric heater 300 to perform heating corresponds to the case of performing heating under initial heating conditions or the case of the heat pump being difficult to operate, and in this case, the electric heater 300 is operated, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the electric heater 300.

[0090] Therefore, the heat dissipation area of ​​the electric heater 300 is increased, and thus the heating performance of the electric heater 300 is improved.

[0091] Furthermore, when both the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 are used for heating in heating mode, the first valve 810 opens toward the heat exchanger 200, the second valve 820 opens, the first expander 910 expands the refrigerant, the second expander 920 closes, the electric heater 300 operates, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 is located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300.

[0092] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 600 circulates to the heat exchanger 200 through the heat pump line L2, and thus the air is heated by dissipating the heat of the refrigerant through the heat exchanger 200, and thus heated air can be formed.

[0093] When the first expander 910 expands the refrigerant, the refrigerant, which has condensed by passing through the heat exchanger 200, expands and circulates to the condenser 700, where it evaporates to absorb heat from the environment. Subsequently, when the second valve 820 opens and the second expander 920 closes, the refrigerant circulates to the compressor 600. Here, because the refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment in the condenser 700 before reaching the compressor 600, its temperature rises, and therefore further increases as it passes through the compressor 600. By implementing this heat pump, the heating efficiency through the heat exchanger 200 is improved when the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 600 circulates to the heat exchanger 200.

[0094] Furthermore, since the electric heater 300 operates and the sub-heat exchanger 400 is located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300, the sub-heat exchanger 400 receives heat generated by the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300, and dissipates the heat to the air passing through the sub-heat exchanger 400. Therefore, the heat dissipation area for the heat generated by the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 is increased, and thus the heating performance of the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 is improved.

[0095] Furthermore, when both heat exchanger 200 and electric heater 300 are used for heating, sub-heat exchanger 400 can move toward one of heat exchanger 200 and electric heater 300 (where the temperature of one is higher than the temperature of the other), and thus, heating performance can be guaranteed.

[0096] In an air conditioning device for an electric vehicle having the above-described structure and an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle using the air conditioning device, a sub-heat exchanger 400 is disposed between a heat exchanger 200 and an electric heater 300, and the sub-heat exchanger 400 moves toward the heat exchanger 200 or the electric heater 300 such that heat is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger 400 depending on whether the heat exchanger 200 and the electric heater 300 operate according to heating conditions, thereby increasing the heat dissipation area through the sub-heat exchanger 400 during heating and thus improving heating performance.

[0097] As is evident from the above description, in the air conditioning equipment for electric vehicles according to the present disclosure and the air conditioning system for electric vehicles using the air conditioning equipment, a sub-heat exchanger is disposed between a heat exchanger and an electric heater, and the sub-heat exchanger moves toward the heat exchanger or the electric heater such that heat is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger depending on whether the heat exchanger and the electric heater operate according to heating conditions, thereby increasing the heat dissipation area through the sub-heat exchanger during heating and thus improving heating performance.

[0098] Although various embodiments of this disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An air conditioning device for an electric vehicle, comprising: The housing is provided with an air inlet and at least one air outlet, allowing air to circulate within the housing; A heat exchanger and an electric heater, both configured to heat the air circulating in the housing to form heated air; as well as A sub-heat exchanger is disposed between the heat exchanger and the electric heater and is configured to move between the heat exchanger and the electric heater such that heat generated by the heat exchanger and the electric heater is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger.

2. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: An evaporator, disposed within the housing and configured to cool the air to form cooled air, and selectively sharing refrigerant with the heat exchanger.

3. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The housing includes: A first airflow path is configured to be connected to the air inlet and communicate with the at least one air outlet via the evaporator; A second airflow path is configured to branch off from the first airflow path and communicate with the at least one air outlet via the heat exchanger and the electric heater; and The temperature control gate is located at the branch point where the second airflow path branches off from the first airflow path.

4. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchanger is spaced apart from the electric heater; and With the sub-heat exchanger spaced apart from the heat exchanger and the electric heater, the sub-heat exchanger slides or rotates based on heating operating conditions in order to selectively move toward the heat exchanger or the electric heater.

5. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: A moving module is installed in the housing and connected to the sub-heat exchanger and configured to move the sub-heat exchanger toward the heat exchanger or the electric heater.

6. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The mobile module includes: A track unit, mounted within the housing and configured to extend toward the heat exchanger and the electric heater, such that the sub-heat exchanger is movably connected to the track unit; and A drive unit is installed in the housing and connected to the sub-heat exchanger and configured to move the sub-heat exchanger along the track unit.

7. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The opposing surfaces of the heat exchanger and the sub-heat exchanger are configured to match each other, and the opposing surfaces of the electric heater and the sub-heat exchanger are configured to match each other.

8. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein, When the heated air is generated through the heat exchanger, the sub-heat exchanger moves toward the heat exchanger, so that heat from the heat exchanger is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger.

9. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein, When the heated air is generated by the electric heater, the sub-heat exchanger moves toward the electric heater, so that heat from the electric heater is conducted to the sub-heat exchanger.

10. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein, When the heated air is formed through the heat exchanger and the electric heater, the sub-heat exchanger is located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger and the electric heater.

11. An air conditioning system, comprising the air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning system further comprises: Refrigerant lines, including compressors, condensers, expanders, and evaporators; as well as The heat pump line is configured to branch off from the refrigerant line after the compressor and includes a heat exchanger.

12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The refrigerant pipeline includes the compressor, a first valve located at a branch point of the heat pump pipeline away from the refrigerant pipeline, a first expander, the condenser, a second expander, and the evaporator.

13. The air conditioning system according to claim 12, further comprising: A bypass line is configured to extend toward the compressor and includes a second valve, wherein the bypass line branches off from the refrigerant line at the junction between the condenser and the second expander.

14. The air conditioning system according to claim 13, wherein, In cooling mode, the first valve opens toward the bypass line, the second valve closes, the first expander is fully open, the second expander expands the refrigerant, the electric heater is not operating, and the sub-heat exchanger is located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger and the electric heater.

15. The air conditioning system according to claim 13, wherein, When the heat exchanger is used to perform heating in heating mode, the first valve opens toward the heat exchanger, the second valve opens, the first expander expands the refrigerant, the second expander closes, the electric heater does not operate, and the sub-heat exchanger moves toward the heat exchanger.

16. The air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein, When heating is performed using the electric heater in heating mode, the electric heater operates, and the sub-heat exchanger moves toward the electric heater.

17. The air conditioning system according to claim 13, wherein, When heating is performed using both the heat exchanger and the electric heater in heating mode, the first valve opens toward the heat exchanger, the second valve opens, the first expander expands the refrigerant, the second expander closes, the electric heater operates, and the sub-heat exchanger is located in a neutral position between the heat exchanger and the electric heater.

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