Valve device and integrated thermal management system using the valve device

Abstract

A valve device and an integrated thermal management system using the valve device are proposed. In the valve device and the integrated thermal management system, a plurality of coolant circuits are integrated using one valve to be compact, thereby having an advantage in manufacturing, and improving space utilization while being compact. Furthermore, due to heat exchange between coolant circulating in each coolant line in response to various thermal management modes and refrigerant circulating in each refrigerant line, efficiency of cooling including electrical components and a battery and heating in a vehicle using waste heat of the electrical components and the battery is improved, thereby ensuring a driving distance of an electrified mobile tool.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0036079, filed on March 23, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to a valve device and an integrated thermal management system using the valve device. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, due to the environmental problems of internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles and similar vehicles have been widely adopted as environmentally friendly options. However, in the case of existing internal combustion engine vehicles, the waste heat of the engine can be used for interior heating, thus eliminating the need for separate energy for interior heating. In the case of electric vehicles, however, since there is no engine or heat source, separate energy may be required for interior heating, thereby reducing the fuel efficiency of electric vehicles. For the reasons discussed above, the driving range of electric vehicles is shortened, and inconveniences such as the need for frequent charging arise.

[0005] The above description is merely intended to help understand the background of the present invention and is not intended to imply that the present invention falls within the scope of related technologies already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An aspect of the present invention provides a valve device and an integrated thermal management system using the valve device, configured to integrate multiple coolant circuits with a single valve for compactness, and to ensure efficiency in response to various thermal management modes including cooling of electrical components and batteries, as well as in-vehicle heating utilizing waste heat from electrical components and batteries.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a valve device and an integrated thermal management system using the valve device, the device and system being configured to integrate multiple coolant lines using a single valve for compactness, and to ensure efficiency in response to various thermal management modes including cooling of electrical components and batteries, as well as in-vehicle heating utilizing waste heat from electrical components and batteries.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a valve device includes: a housing, a valve stem, an actuator, and a seal. The housing has an internal space, and its outer peripheral surface is divided into a first segment and a second segment, each of the first segment and the second segment having a plurality of ports. The valve stem is rotatably disposed in the internal space of the housing and has a plurality of first flow paths matching the plurality of ports of the first segment, a plurality of second flow paths matching the plurality of ports of the second segment, and a communicating portion that allows the plurality of ports of the first segment to communicate with each other. The actuator is disposed in the housing and configured to control the rotational position of the valve stem. The seal is inserted between the housing and the valve stem and has a plurality of through holes matching the plurality of first flow paths, the plurality of second flow paths, and the communicating portion of the valve stem.

[0009] The various ports of the housing may include: a first port in the first section connected to the liquid reservoir at the electrical components, a second port connected to the liquid reservoir at the battery, and a third port connected to the battery cooler; a fourth port and a fifth port in the second section connected to the inlet and outlet of the radiator, respectively; and a sixth port connected to the heat exchanger of the electrical components.

[0010] In response to the rotational position of the valve stem, a plurality of first flow paths can be configured to always connect to a third port and selectively connect to either a first port or a second port. In the first section, the connecting portion can be configured to connect to the remaining port of the first port and the second port.

[0011] In response to the rotational position of the valve stem, multiple second flow paths can be configured to always connect to the sixth port and selectively connect to the fourth and fifth ports. In the second section, the connecting portion can be configured to selectively connect to the first port or the second port.

[0012] The sealing element can be divided into a first sealing element and a second sealing element. The area of ​​each through hole can be formed to be greater than the area of ​​multiple first flow paths, greater than the area of ​​multiple second flow paths, and greater than the area of ​​the connecting part.

[0013] An integrated thermal management system using valve devices may include: a first coolant line, a second coolant line, a third coolant line, a refrigerant line, a refrigerant valve, and valve devices; coolant may circulate in the first coolant line, which includes a reservoir at an electrical component, a first water pump, electrical components, and an electrical component heat exchanger; coolant circulates in the second coolant line, which includes a reservoir at a battery component, a second water pump, a battery, and a battery cooler; the third coolant line branches from the first coolant line and includes heat dissipation... The device includes a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant line comprising a compressor, an external condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. The refrigerant line is connected to an electrical component heat exchanger and a battery quencher to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and coolant. A refrigerant valve is located in the refrigerant line after the external condenser and allows selective distribution of refrigerant to the battery quencher and compressor. The valve is configured to selectively change the distribution direction of coolant in a first, second, and third coolant line to control coolant flow.

[0014] Refrigerant lines may include an internal condenser between the compressor and the electrical components heat exchanger.

[0015] The expansion device of the refrigerant pipeline may have multiple expansion devices, including a first expansion device between the internal condenser and the electrical component heat exchanger, a second expansion device between the external condenser and the battery quencher, and a third expansion device located before the evaporator.

[0016] The valve device can be configured to change the distribution direction of coolant from the junction of the first and second coolant lines to the reservoir at the electrical components, the reservoir at the battery, the heat exchanger at the electrical components, and the battery quencher, and to distribute coolant that has passed through the heat exchanger at the electrical components from the junction of the first and third coolant lines to the radiator or bypass the radiator.

[0017] An integrated thermal management system may include a controller configured to control valves, pumps, compressors, and expansion devices in response to thermal management modes.

[0018] When the electrical components are cooled by external air, the controller can operate the first water pump and control the valve device to circulate the coolant to each of the first and second coolant lines and to distribute the coolant to the radiator.

[0019] When the battery is being cooled, the controller can activate the second water pump, and when the compressor is running, the controller controls the refrigerant valve to distribute the refrigerant into the battery cooler, controls the first expansion device to connect, and controls the second expansion device to perform expansion operations.

[0020] When cooling the interior space, the controller can control the third expansion device to perform expansion operations.

[0021] When the battery and electrical components are cooled by external air, the controller can operate the first and second water pumps and control the valve device to distribute the coolant that has passed through the battery and battery quencher to the electrical components and electrical component heat exchangers, and to distribute the coolant to the radiator.

[0022] When recovering waste heat from electrical components to heat the vehicle interior, the controller can activate the first water pump and control the valve device to circulate coolant to each of the first and second coolant lines and to bypass the radiator; when the compressor is running, the controller can control the first expansion device to perform expansion operations and control the second and third expansion devices to close.

[0023] When cooling the battery and heating the interior space, the controller can stop the first water pump and start the second water pump.

[0024] When the vehicle interior is heated by utilizing the waste heat from electrical components and the battery, the controller can operate the first and second water pumps and control the valve device to distribute the coolant that has passed through the battery and battery quencher to the electrical components and electrical component heat exchangers. When the compressor is running, the controller can control the first and second expansion devices to perform expansion operations and control the refrigerant valve to distribute the refrigerant that has passed through the external condenser to the battery quencher and then to the compressor.

[0025] The valve device with the above structure and the thermal management module using the valve device are configured to integrate multiple coolant circuits with a single valve for compactness. Therefore, the valve device and the thermal management module have manufacturing advantages and improve space utilization while being compact.

[0026] Furthermore, by responding to various thermal management modes and facilitating heat exchange between the coolant circulating in the various coolant lines and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant lines, the efficiency of thermal management, including the cooling of electrical components and batteries, and the heating of the vehicle interior by utilizing the waste heat of electrical components and batteries, is improved, thereby ensuring the driving range of electrified mobility vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows the assembly of the valve assembly.

[0029] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A top view of the valve assembly shown.

[0030] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the first section of the valve assembly shown.

[0031] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second section of the valve assembly shown.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a loop diagram illustrating an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermal management mode of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 It shows according to Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a valve device for a thermal management mode is shown.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another thermal management mode of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 It shows according to Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a valve device for a thermal management mode is shown.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another thermal management mode of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a valve device for a thermal management mode is shown.

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another thermal management mode of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 15 It shows according to Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a valve device for a thermal management mode is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following description, a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a thermal management module using the valve device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Meanwhile, vehicle electrification not only increases interior space but also raises the thermal management requirements for electrical components such as high-voltage batteries and motors. In other words, in the case of electric vehicles, the demands on individual air conditioning systems for the interior space, battery, and electrical components differ, potentially requiring a technology that can maximize energy savings through independent responses to each system and effective collaboration between them. Therefore, the concept of integrated thermal management for vehicles has been proposed, aiming to improve thermal efficiency by independently managing the thermal performance of each component while simultaneously integrating the thermal management of the entire vehicle.

[0044] To achieve integrated thermal management of a vehicle, it may be necessary to integrate and modularize complex coolant lines and components. Not only does the modularization of multiple components require a modular concept, but also the simplification of manufacturing and compact packaging require a modular concept.

[0045] In addition, in electrified vehicles, a technology may be needed that utilizes the waste heat from heat-generating components (such as electrical components and batteries) to ensure energy efficiency, thereby improving driving range and in-vehicle heating and cooling performance.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows the assembly of the valve assembly. Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A top view of the valve assembly shown. Figure 4 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the first section of the valve assembly shown. Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second section of the valve assembly shown.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a loop diagram illustrating an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermal management mode of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 It shows according to Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a valve device for a thermal management mode is shown. Figure 10This is a schematic diagram illustrating another thermal management mode of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 It shows according to Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a valve device for a thermal management mode is shown. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another thermal management mode of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a valve device for a thermal management mode is shown. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another thermal management mode of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 It shows according to Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a valve device for a thermal management mode is shown.

[0048] According to such Figures 1 to 5 The illustrated embodiment of the invention shows a valve device comprising: a housing 100, a valve stem 200, an actuator 300, and a seal 400. The housing 100 has an internal space, and its outer peripheral surface is divided into a first segment S1 and a second segment S2, each of which has a plurality of ports. The valve stem 200 is rotatably disposed within the internal space of the housing 100 and includes a plurality of first flow paths 210 that match the plurality of ports of the first segment S1. The second section S2 has multiple second flow paths 220 matching multiple ports and a connecting portion 230 configured to allow multiple ports of the first section S1 to communicate with multiple ports of the second section S2; the actuator 300 is disposed at the housing 100 and configured to control the rotational position of the valve stem 200; the seal 400 is inserted between the housing 100 and the valve stem 200 and has multiple through holes 410 matching the first flow path 210, multiple second flow paths 220 and connecting portion 230 of the valve stem 200.

[0049] In other words, the valve device 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 100, a valve stem 200, an actuator 300, and a seal 400. The valve stem 200 and the seal 400 are disposed within the internal space of the housing 100 and change in response to the rotational position of the valve stem 200 by means of the coolant distribution direction at each port. Furthermore, the actuator 300 is mounted outside the housing 100, the rotational shaft of the valve stem 200 is connected to the actuator 300, and the rotational position of the valve stem 200 is adjusted by operation of the actuator 300.

[0050] Here, the housing 100 has multiple ports through which coolant is distributed, and each port is formed by dividing it into a first section S1 and a second section S2. The first section S1 and the second section S2 of the housing 100 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, with multiple ports formed along the circumference of the housing 100 in the first section S1, and the remaining ports formed along the circumference of the housing 100 in the second section S2. Therefore, the distribution direction of coolant through each port can be changed in response to the rotational position of the valve stem 200.

[0051] The valve stem 200 has a plurality of first flow paths 210 that match the ports of the first section S1 and a plurality of second flow paths 220 that match the ports of the second section S2. The connecting portion 230 is configured such that the ports of the first section S1 and the second section S2 are selectively connected to each other, so that coolant dispensed through each of the first port 110 and the second port 120 can be mixed together or dispensed separately. In other words, according to an embodiment of the invention, a valve stem 200 provides coolant flow, through which coolant is dispensed to each of the ports corresponding to the first section S1 and the second section S2 of the housing 100, so that the thermal management components are modularized around a valve device 60, thereby reducing the overall package size.

[0052] A seal 400 is inserted between the housing 100 and the valve stem 200 to stabilize the rotational movement of the valve stem 200 and to ensure the flow of coolant through specific distribution holes and ports in response to the rotational position of the valve stem 200. The seal 400 is divided into a first seal 400a and a second seal 400b, thereby ensuring ease of assembly of the housing 100 and the valve stem 200. Furthermore, the first seal 400a and the second seal 400b can be formed symmetrically and equally, and the area of ​​the plurality of through holes 410 can be formed to be larger than the area of ​​the distribution holes, thereby ensuring design freedom. Moreover, since the through holes 410 are arranged with equal gaps, the seal 400 is configured to have equal repulsive force over its entire area, thereby improving sealing performance and durability.

[0053] In a detailed description of the valve device 60, the ports of the housing 100 may include: a first port 110 in the first section S1 connected to the reservoir 11 at the electrical component, a second port 120 connected to the reservoir 21 at the battery, a third port 130 connected to the battery chiller 24, and a fourth port 140 and a fifth port 150 in the second section S2 connected to the inlet and outlet of the radiator 31, respectively, and a sixth port 160 connected to the heat exchanger 14 at the electrical component.

[0054] As described above, because the housing 100 has six ports, the valve device 60 according to an embodiment of the invention may include a six-way valve through which coolant is distributed, the distribution direction of the coolant through each port changing in response to the rotational position of the valve stem 200. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, a single valve device 60 can be used to change the distribution direction of the coolant for multiple loops through which coolant is distributed. Specifically, each port is connected to the housing 100 and integrated with each other, so that when a coolant loop is provided, coolant can be distributed to each coolant section without separate branch pipes, which is advantageous for the overall modular encapsulation. In the thermal management system described below, the above structure is provided to realize a thermal management mode in response to coolant distribution between the electrical component heat exchanger 14 and the radiator 31, and to ensure the modular efficiency of each coolant section.

[0055] Meanwhile, in response to the rotational position of the valve stem 200, the first flow path 210 is configured to always be connected to the third port 130, and selectively connected to either the first port 110 or the second port 120, and the connecting portion 230 is configured to be connected to the remaining one of the first port 110 and the second port 120 in the first section S1.

[0056] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first flow path 210 may include six paths to selectively match ports in the first segment S1, matching one port each time the valve stem 200 rotates a predetermined angle. The first flow path 210 is connected to the first port 110, the second port 120, and the third port 130, thereby enabling the flow of coolant in the first segment S1. Here, the first flow path 210 of the valve stem 200 is configured to always connect to the third port 130 connected to the battery quencher 24, and selectively connect to either the first port 110 or the second port 120. Therefore, the coolant distribution direction can be changed to the first port 110 and the second port 120.

[0057] Meanwhile, in response to the rotational position of the valve stem 200, multiple second flow paths 220 are configured to always connect to the sixth port 160, and selectively connect to the fourth port 140 and the fifth port 150.

[0058] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of second flow paths 220 may include four paths to match each port in the second section S2, matching one port each time the valve stem 200 rotates a predetermined angle. As the plurality of second flow paths 220 selectively connect to the fourth port 140 and the fifth port 150, a flow of coolant is formed in the second section S2. Here, the plurality of second flow paths 220 of the valve stem 200 are configured to always connect to the sixth port 160 connected to the electrical component heat exchanger 14, and selectively connect to the fourth port 140 and the fifth port 150.

[0059] Specifically, the valve stem 200 is configured such that the connecting portion 230 is connected in the first section S1 to the remaining one of the first port 110 and the second port 120 (the remaining port refers to the port that is in a mismatched state with the first flow path 210) to form a flow of coolant from the second section S2 to the first section S1, and the connecting portion 230 is selectively connected in the second section S2 to the first port 110 or the second port 120.

[0060] Therefore, in response to the rotational position of the valve stem 200, the coolant flowing from the second section S2 into the sixth port 160 can be selectively distributed from the first section S1 to the first port 110 or the second port 120. Thus, in an embodiment of the invention, the valve stem 200 is configured to selectively distribute coolant introduced via the third port 130 connected to the battery quencher 24 or the sixth port 160 connected to the electrical component heat exchanger 14 to the first port 110 of the reservoir 11 connected to the electrical component or the second port 120 of the reservoir 21 connected to the battery, thereby enabling different coolant flow and coolant heat exchange in response to thermal management modes.

[0061] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can be made compact by integrating multiple coolant circuits using a single valve device 60.

[0062] Meanwhile, a thermal management system using the valve device 60 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0063] According to such Figure 6 and Figure 7The embodiment of the present invention shown includes an integrated thermal management system comprising: a first coolant line 10, a second coolant line 20, a third coolant line 30, a refrigerant line 40, a refrigerant valve 50, and a valve device 60; coolant circulates in the first coolant line 10, and the first coolant line 10 includes a reservoir 11 at the electrical components, a first water pump 12, electrical components, and an electrical component heat exchanger 14; coolant circulates in the second coolant line 20, and the second coolant line 20 includes a reservoir 21 at the battery, a second water pump 22, a battery 23, and a battery cooler 24; the third coolant line 30 branches off from the first coolant line 10 and includes a radiator. 31; The refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant line 40, and the refrigerant line 40 includes a compressor 41, an external condenser 42, an expansion device 43, and an evaporator 44, and the refrigerant line 40 is connected to both the electrical component heat exchanger 14 and the battery quencher 24 to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant; the refrigerant valve 50 is disposed in the refrigerant line 40 after the external condenser 42 and configured to selectively distribute the refrigerant to the battery quencher 24 and the compressor 41; the valve device 60 is configured to selectively change the distribution direction of the coolant distributed to the first coolant line 10, the second coolant line 20, and the third coolant line 30 to control the flow of the coolant.

[0064] In an embodiment of the invention, the radiator 31 and the external condenser 42 are integrated with each other so that the radiator 31 and the external condenser 42 can exchange heat with the outside air.

[0065] Furthermore, the refrigerant line 40 includes an internal condenser 45 between the compressor 41 and the electrical component heat exchanger 14, thereby regulating the temperature of the conditioned air supplied to the vehicle interior through the internal condenser 45. The internal condenser 45 can be used to supply heated air to the vehicle interior, and a PTC heater H can be installed to supplement the heating energy inside the vehicle.

[0066] Furthermore, the expansion device 43 of the refrigerant line 40 may include multiple expansion devices, including a first expansion device 43a located between the internal condenser 45 and the electrical component heat exchanger 14, a second expansion device 43b located between the external condenser 42 and the battery quencher 24, and a third expansion device 43c located before the evaporator 44. Here, the first expansion device 43a and the second expansion device 43b are respectively configured to exchange heat between the coolant and refrigerant in the electrical component heat exchanger 14 and the battery quencher 24 in response to each thermal management mode, and the third expansion device 43c may be configured to supply cooling air to the vehicle interior space through the evaporator 44.

[0067] Each of the valve, water pump, compressor 41, expansion device 43, and PTC heater H is configured to be controlled by controller M in response to each thermal management mode, thereby determining their operation. Here, the thermal management modes may include a cooling / heating mode for electrical components 13, a cooling / heating mode for battery 23, and a cooling / heating mode for the vehicle interior space. Specifically, when cooling / heating electrical components 13, battery 23, or the vehicle interior space, the thermal management modes may include: a mode using outside air for cooling / heating, a mode using refrigerant for cooling / heating, and a mode using both outside air and refrigerant for cooling / heating.

[0068] Meanwhile, in the first coolant line 10, when the first water pump 12 is running, the coolant undergoes heat exchange as it circulates to the reservoir 11, electrical components 13, and electrical component heat exchanger 14 at the electrical components; in the second coolant line 20, when the second water pump 22 is running, the coolant undergoes heat exchange as it circulates to the reservoir 21, battery 23, and battery cooler 24 at the battery. Here, the second coolant line 20 includes a coolant heater 25 to regulate the temperature of the coolant circulating in the second coolant line 20. Furthermore, the coolant is selectively distributed to the third coolant line 30 for heat exchange and utilizes the radiator 31 for further heat exchange.

[0069] The first coolant line 10, the second coolant line 20, and the third coolant line 30 are connected to each other via a valve device 60, which serves as the medium according to an embodiment of the invention. In response to coolant flow control by the valve device 60, the coolant can circulate independently in the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20, or it can circulate when the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 are integrated. Furthermore, the coolant can even be selectively distributed into the third coolant line 30.

[0070] Therefore, the valve device 60 is configured to change the distribution direction of coolant from the junction of the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 to the reservoir 11 at the electrical components, the reservoir 21 at the battery, the heat exchanger 14 of the electrical components, and the battery quencher 24, and to distribute coolant through the heat exchanger 14 of the electrical components from the junction of the first coolant line 10 and the third coolant line 30 to the radiator 31 or bypass the radiator 31.

[0071] In other words, the first coolant line 10 and the third coolant line 30 are connected to the first port 110, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150 and the sixth port 160 to form a coolant circuit, and the second coolant line is connected to the second port 120 and the third port 130 of the valve device to form a coolant circuit.

[0072] Therefore, in conventional systems, multiple valves are used to distribute coolant between coolant sections, increasing the overall package size. However, in embodiments of the present invention, a single valve device 60 is used to change the coolant distribution direction for each coolant section, thereby reducing the overall package size. Specifically, by utilizing an integrated module of a single valve device 60, embodiments of the present invention ensure packaging and design freedom.

[0073] Meanwhile, in the refrigerant line 40, when the compressor 41 is running, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the coolant circulating in the first coolant line 10 through the electrical component heat exchanger 14, or with the coolant circulating in the second coolant line 20 through the battery quencher 24.

[0074] Therefore, the integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to control the distribution direction of the coolant circulating in the first coolant line 10, the second coolant line 20 and the third coolant line 30 by operating the valve device 60, and to control the heat exchange between the coolant and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 40 by operating the refrigerant valve 50, thereby enabling the execution of an optimal thermal management mode for each situation.

[0075] Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the invention, the reservoir 11 at the electrical components is positioned before the first water pump 12, and the reservoir 21 at the battery is positioned before the second water pump 22, thereby facilitating coolant management of each of the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20. Specifically, when the reservoir 11 at the electrical components and the reservoir 21 at the battery are respectively positioned before the first water pump 12 and the second water pump 22, the installation positions of each pump and each reservoir can be divided within each coolant line, thereby facilitating the provision of a complete module package. Furthermore, since each reservoir is positioned upstream of each water pump, the venting performance performed by each reservoir is improved, and the reservoirs and valves can be easily integrated into an integrated module.

[0076] Using each configuration described above according to an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment based on a thermal management mode will now be described. This embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, when the electrical component 13 is cooled by external air, the controller M operates the first water pump 12 and controls the valve device 60 to circulate coolant to each of the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20, and the coolant is distributed to the radiator 31.

[0078] In other words, when the electrical component 13 is cooled by external air, the coolant flowing through the first coolant line 10 via the operation of the first water pump 12 exchanges heat with the external air through the radiator 31 to be cooled. The coolant cooled by the radiator 31 is then circulated back to the electrical component 13 to perform heat exchange between the coolant and the external air, thereby cooling the electrical component 13. Since the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 are separated from each other by the valve device 60, the coolant only circulates to the first coolant line 10, and the coolant can be distributed to the radiator 31. At this time, the radiator 31 is configured to improve the cooling efficiency of the coolant by utilizing the operating fan.

[0079] Meanwhile, when cooling battery 23, controller M causes second water pump 22 to run, and when compressor 41 is running, controller M controls refrigerant valve 50 to distribute refrigerant to battery cooler 24, controls first expansion device 43a to connect and controls second expansion device 43b to perform expansion operation.

[0080] In other words, when the electrical component 13 is cooled by outside air or the battery 23 is cooled by refrigerant, the coolant cooling the electrical component 13 is cooled by the operation of the first water pump 12, passing through the radiator 31 and exchanging heat with the outside air. The coolant cooled by the radiator 31 is then circulated back to the electrical component 13. Since the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 are separated from each other by the valve device 60, the coolant circulates only to the first coolant line 10 and is distributed to the radiator 31.

[0081] Furthermore, when the compressor 41 is running, the compressed refrigerant is condensed through the internal condenser 45, the electrical component heat exchanger 14, and the external condenser 42, and the second expansion device 43b performs an expansion operation, thereby exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the coolant through the battery quencher 24 and cooling the coolant. Therefore, the coolant cooled by the battery quencher 24 in the second coolant line 20 can be distributed to the battery 23 and cool the battery 23. Here, when the second water pump 22 is running, the coolant circulates in the second coolant line 20, and after the external condenser 42, the refrigerant valve 50 changes the refrigerant distribution direction to the second expansion device 43b and the battery quencher 24, and the first expansion device 43a can be changed to a fully open state.

[0082] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical component 13 can be cooled by heat exchange between external air and coolant, and the battery 23 can be cooled by heat exchange between coolant and refrigerant.

[0083] As mentioned above, as such Figure 9In the illustrated embodiment of the valve device, coolant flow is formed from the third port 130 to the second port 120 through the first flow path 210 of the valve stem 200, and coolant flow is formed from the sixth port 160 to the fourth port 140 through multiple second flow paths 220. Furthermore, coolant flow is formed from the fifth port 150 to the first port 110 through the connecting portion 230 of the valve stem 200. Therefore, as described above, a thermal management mode can be achieved by cooling electrical components with external air or cooling the battery with a battery cooler.

[0084] Simultaneously, during vehicle interior cooling, the controller M can control the third expansion device 43c to perform an expansion operation. In other words, when the third expansion device 43c is in the closed state, the distribution of refrigerant to the evaporator 44 is blocked; however, when the third expansion device 43c is in the open state, refrigerant is distributed to the evaporator 44, thereby cooling the conditioned air through the evaporator 44. In other words, in the mode where the electrical components 13 are cooled by external air and the battery 23 is cooled by refrigerant simultaneously, a portion of the refrigerant through the external condenser 42 is distributed to the evaporator 44, thereby cooling the vehicle interior space.

[0085] Meanwhile, when the battery 23 and electrical components 13 are cooled by external air, the controller M operates the first water pump 12 and the second water pump 22, and controls the valve device 60 so that the coolant that has passed through the battery 23 and the battery cooler 24 is distributed to the electrical components 13 and the electrical components heat exchanger 14, and the coolant is distributed to the radiator 31.

[0086] like Figure 10 As shown, when the battery 23 and electrical components 13 are cooled by external air, the valve device 60 enables the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 to be configured as a single coolant distribution path, so that coolant is distributed to the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 in a shared state. Furthermore, coolant is distributed to the radiator 31 via the valve device 60. Therefore, when the first water pump 12 and the second water pump 22 are running, the coolant that first cools the battery 23 then cools the electrical components 13. The coolant that cools the battery 23 and the electrical components 13 is cooled by the radiator 31 and circulated to further cool the battery 23 and the electrical components 13. At this time, since the circulation of refrigerant in the refrigerant line 40 is prevented, heat exchange between the refrigerant and coolant through the electrical component heat exchanger 14 and the battery cooler 24 is prevented. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the coolant is cooled only by external air through the radiator 31, so that the battery 23 and the electrical components 13 are cooled by external air.

[0087] Therefore, as such Figure 11In the embodiment of the valve device 60 shown, coolant flow is formed from the third port 130 to the first port 110 through the first flow path 210 of the valve stem 200, and coolant flow is formed from the sixth port 160 to the fourth port 140 through multiple second flow paths 220. Furthermore, coolant flow is formed from the fifth port 150 to the second port 120 through the connecting portion 230 of the valve stem 200. Therefore, as described above, a thermal management mode that cools the battery and electrical components with external air can be achieved.

[0088] At the same time, such as Figure 12 As shown, when recovering waste heat from electrical components 13 and heating the vehicle interior, controller M operates the first water pump 12 and controls valve device 60 to circulate coolant to each of the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20, bypassing the radiator 31. With compressor 41 operating, controller M controls the first expansion device 43a to expand and controls the second expansion device 43b and the third expansion device 43c to close. At this time, controller M can control refrigerant valve 50 to distribute refrigerant through external condenser 42 to compressor 41.

[0089] In other words, when heating the vehicle interior, the refrigerant, which is in a high-temperature, high-pressure state, flows from the compressor 41 into the internal condenser 45, where it condenses and dissipates heat. When outside air or interior air passes through the internal condenser 45, it exchanges heat with the dissipated heat, raising the air temperature. This air is then supplied to the vehicle interior to heat it. At this time, the PTC heater H can also operate to supplement the interior heating.

[0090] Furthermore, when the first expansion device 43a in the refrigerant line 40 is in expansion operation, and the second expansion device 43b and the third expansion device 43c are closed, the refrigerant passing through the internal condenser 45 expands in the first expansion device 43a, and then exchanges heat with the coolant in the first coolant line 10 through the electrical component heat exchanger 14, thereby cooling the coolant. Therefore, through the operation of the first water pump 12, the electrical component 13 can be cooled by the coolant circulating in the first coolant line 10. The coolant, heated while cooling the electrical component 13, exchanges heat with the refrigerant at the electrical component heat exchanger 14, thereby effectively evaporating.

[0091] Furthermore, since the coolant in the first coolant line 10 does not circulate to the radiator 31, heat exchange between the refrigerant and coolant in the electrical component heat exchanger 14 is ensured, and the third expansion device 43c performs a shut-off operation, preventing the generation of cooling air through the evaporator 44.

[0092] Therefore, as such Figure 13In the embodiment of the valve device 60 shown, coolant flow is formed from the third port 130 to the second port 120 through the first flow path 210 of the valve stem 200, while coolant flow to the fourth port 140 and the fifth port 150 is blocked in the plurality of second flow paths 220. Furthermore, coolant flow is formed from the sixth port 160 to the first port 110 through the connecting portion 230 of the valve stem 200. Therefore, as described above, a thermal management mode for vehicle interior heating by recovering waste heat from electrical components can be realized.

[0093] At the same time, while cooling the battery 23 and heating the interior space, the controller M stops the operation of the first water pump 12 and starts the second water pump 22.

[0094] In other words, when heating the vehicle interior, the refrigerant, which is in a high-temperature, high-pressure state, flows from the compressor 41 into the internal condenser 45, where it condenses and dissipates heat. When outside air or interior air passes through the internal condenser 45, it exchanges heat with the dissipated heat, raising the air temperature. This air is then supplied to the vehicle interior to heat it. At this time, the PTC heater H can also operate to supplement the interior heating.

[0095] Furthermore, in the refrigerant line 40, the first expansion device 43a is connected, the second expansion device 43b performs expansion operation, and the third expansion device 43c is closed, so that the refrigerant passing through the external condenser 42 expands in the second expansion device 43b and the first water pump 12 stops operating. Therefore, heat exchange between the refrigerant and coolant does not occur in the electrical component heat exchanger 14, but in the battery cooler 24, so that the coolant in the second coolant line 20 is cooled. At this time, the refrigerant valve 50 can be controlled to distribute the refrigerant passing through the external condenser 42 toward the battery cooler 24, the first expansion device 43a is connected, and the second expansion device 43b performs expansion operation, so that heat exchange between the coolant and refrigerant can occur in the battery cooler 24. Therefore, vehicle interior heating and battery 23 cooling can be performed simultaneously.

[0096] At the same time, such as Figure 14 As shown, when the vehicle interior is heated by utilizing the waste heat of electrical components 13 and battery 23, controller M operates the first water pump 12 and the second water pump 22, and controls valve device 60 to distribute coolant that has passed through battery 23 and battery cooler 24 to electrical components 13 and electrical component heat exchanger 14. When compressor 41 is running, controller M controls the first expansion device 43a to perform expansion operation and controls refrigerant valve 50 to distribute refrigerant that has passed through external condenser 42 to battery cooler 24 to compressor 41.

[0097] In other words, when heating the vehicle interior by utilizing the waste heat from electrical components 13 and battery 23, valve device 60 enables the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 to be configured as a single coolant distribution path, so that coolant is distributed to the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 in a shared state. Furthermore, since coolant distribution to radiator 31 is prevented, the coolant that initially cools battery 23 is then used to secondary cool electrical components 13 by the operation of each of the first water pump 12 and the second water pump 22.

[0098] Furthermore, the refrigerant, which is in a high-temperature and high-pressure state, flows from the compressor 41 into the internal condenser 45, where it condenses and dissipates heat. When outside air or interior air passes through the internal condenser 45, it exchanges heat with the dissipated heat, raising the air temperature. The air is then supplied to the interior space to heat it. At this time, the PTC heater H can also operate to supplement the interior heating.

[0099] Specifically, when the first expansion device 43a expands in the refrigerant line 40, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 41 passes through the internal condenser 45, then expands in the first expansion device 43a, and then exchanges heat with the coolant in the first coolant line 10 through the electrical component heat exchanger 14. Therefore, the coolant circulating in the first coolant line 10 and the second coolant line 20 and exchanging heat with the electrical component 13 and the battery 23 exchanges heat with the refrigerant through the electrical component heat exchanger 14, allowing the refrigerant to absorb the heat generated in the electrical component 13 and the battery 23. As described above, the refrigerant absorbing the heat from the electrical component 13 and the battery 23 passes through the battery quencher 24 and is then distributed to the compressor 41, thereby reducing the pressure differential of the refrigerant system and improving heating efficiency.

[0100] Therefore, as such Figure 15 In the embodiment of the valve device 60 shown, coolant flow is formed from the third port 130 to the first port 110 through the first flow path 210 of the valve stem 200, while coolant flow to the fourth port 140 and the fifth port 150 is blocked in the plurality of second flow paths 220. Furthermore, coolant flow is formed from the sixth port 160 to the second port 120 through the connecting portion 230 of the valve stem 200. Therefore, as described above, a thermal management mode for vehicle interior heating by recovering waste heat from electrical components and the battery can be realized.

[0101] The valve device 60 with the above structure and the thermal management module using the valve device 60 are configured to integrate multiple coolant circuits with a single valve for compactness. Therefore, the valve device and the thermal management module have manufacturing advantages and improve space utilization while being compact.

[0102] Furthermore, by increasing the heat exchange between the coolant circulating in each coolant line and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 40 in response to various thermal management modes, the efficiency of thermal management, including the cooling of electrical components 13 and battery 23, and the heating of the vehicle interior space by utilizing the waste heat of electrical components 13 and battery 23, is improved, thereby ensuring the driving range of the electrified mobility vehicle.

[0103] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a computing device having at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one communication interface. Elements in the methods, processes, or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly in hardware, in a software module executed by at least one processor, or in a combination of both. Computer-executable instructions for implementing the methods, processes, or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.

[0104] Although embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail only with respect to the specific embodiments described above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications, additions and substitutions are reasonable to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve device comprising: A fixed housing having a cylindrical internal space, the outer peripheral surface of the housing being divided into a first segment and a second segment, each of the first segment and the second segment having multiple ports; A valve stem having a cylindrical outer periphery and being rotatably disposed within the internal space of the housing; The valve stem includes: Multiple first flow paths, wherein the multiple first flow paths are matched with multiple ports of the first segment; Multiple second flow paths, wherein the multiple second flow paths are matched with multiple ports of the second segment; and A connecting portion, defined as a hole integrally formed in the body of the valve stem and extending along the rotation axis of the valve stem, the connecting portion communicating with one of the multiple ports of the first section and with one of the multiple ports of the second section, thereby selectively switching the coolant flow path between the multiple ports of the first section, between the multiple ports of the second section, or between the multiple ports of the first section and the multiple ports of the second section based on the rotation angle; An actuator, disposed in the housing and configured to control the rotational position of the valve stem; and A seal is inserted between the housing and the valve stem and has multiple through holes that match multiple first flow paths, multiple second flow paths and a connecting portion of the valve stem.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The various ports of the housing include: a first port in the first section connected to the liquid reservoir of the electrical components, a second port connected to the liquid reservoir of the battery, and a third port connected to the battery cooler; a fourth port and a fifth port in the second section connected to the inlet and outlet of the radiator, respectively; and a sixth port connected to the heat exchanger of the electrical components.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein, In response to the rotational position of the valve stem, the plurality of first flow paths are configured to always connect to the third port and selectively connect to either the first port or the second port, wherein in the first section, the connecting portion is configured to connect to the remaining port of the first port and the second port.

4. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein, In response to the rotational position of the valve stem, the plurality of second flow paths are configured to always connect to the sixth port and selectively connect to the fourth and fifth ports, and in the second section, the connecting portion is configured to selectively connect to the first port or the second port.

5. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing element is divided into a first sealing element and a second sealing element. The area of ​​each through hole is formed to be greater than the area of ​​the plurality of first flow paths, greater than the area of ​​the plurality of second flow paths, and greater than the area of ​​the connecting portion.

6. An integrated thermal management system using the valve device according to claim 1, the integrated thermal management system comprising: A first coolant line in which coolant circulates, the first coolant line including a reservoir at the electrical components, a first water pump, electrical components, and an electrical component heat exchanger; The second coolant line circulates coolant in the second coolant line, which includes a reservoir at the battery, a second water pump, the battery, and a battery cooler. A third coolant line branches off from the first coolant line and includes a radiator; A refrigerant line in which refrigerant circulates, the refrigerant line including a compressor, an external condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator, the refrigerant line being connected to an electrical component heat exchanger and a battery quencher to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant; A refrigerant valve is located in the refrigerant line after the external condenser and is configured to selectively distribute refrigerant to the battery quencher and the compressor. as well as A valve device configured to selectively change the distribution direction of coolant in a first coolant line, a second coolant line, and a third coolant line to control the flow of coolant.

7. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein, The refrigerant line includes an internal condenser between the compressor and the electrical component heat exchanger.

8. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein, The expansion device of the refrigerant pipeline has multiple expansion devices, including a first expansion device between the internal condenser and the electrical component heat exchanger, a second expansion device between the external condenser and the battery quencher, and a third expansion device located before the evaporator.

9. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 8, wherein, The valve device is configured to change the distribution direction of coolant from the junction of the first and second coolant lines to the reservoir at the electrical components, the reservoir at the battery, the heat exchanger at the electrical components, and the battery quencher, and to distribute coolant that has passed through the heat exchanger at the electrical components from the junction of the first and third coolant lines to the radiator or bypass the radiator.

10. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 8, further comprising: The controller is configured to control valves, pumps, compressors, and expansion devices in response to thermal management modes.

11. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 10, wherein, When the electrical components are cooled by external air, the controller operates the first water pump and controls the valve device to circulate coolant to each of the first and second coolant lines and to distribute coolant to the radiator.

12. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 11, wherein, When the battery is being cooled, the controller activates the second water pump, and when the compressor is running, the controller controls the refrigerant valve to distribute refrigerant into the battery cooler, controls the first expansion device to connect, and controls the second expansion device to perform expansion operations.

13. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 10, wherein, When the interior space is being cooled, the controller controls the third expansion device to perform an expansion operation.

14. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 10, wherein, When the battery and electrical components are cooled by external air, the controller operates the first and second water pumps and controls the valve device to distribute the coolant that has passed through the battery and battery quencher to the electrical components and electrical component heat exchangers, and to distribute the coolant to the radiator.

15. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 10, wherein, When recovering waste heat from electrical components to heat the vehicle interior, the controller operates the first water pump and controls the valve assembly to circulate coolant to each of the first and second coolant lines, and to bypass the radiator. When the compressor is running, the controller controls the first expansion device to perform expansion operation and controls the second and third expansion devices to shut down.

16. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 15, wherein, When the battery is being cooled and the interior space is being heated, the controller stops the operation of the first water pump and starts the operation of the second water pump.

17. The integrated thermal management system according to claim 10, wherein, When the vehicle interior is heated using waste heat from electrical components and the battery, the controller operates the first and second water pumps and controls the valve assembly to distribute coolant, which has passed through the battery and battery cooler, to the electrical components and their heat exchangers. When the compressor is running, the controller controls the first expansion device and the second expansion device to perform expansion operations, and controls the refrigerant valve to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the external condenser to pass through the battery quencher to be distributed into the compressor.

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