Heat pump system for vehicle

Abstract

A heat pump system for a vehicle may be configured to adjust a temperature of an interior of the vehicle by selectively exchanging heat between a coolant and thermal energy generated by a refrigerant when condensed and evaporated. The system may improve the heating efficiency of a vehicle by using a low-temperature or high-temperature coolant after heat exchange by selectively using ambient air heat, waste heat of an electrical component, and waste heat of a battery module while heating the interior of the vehicle. The system may increase a total driving distance of the vehicle by effectively adjusting a temperature of the battery module to achieve optimal performance of the battery module.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0180588, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle that can cool or heat the interior of the vehicle by selectively using a low - temperature coolant and a high - temperature coolant and by recovering waste heat from various heat sources. Background art

[0004] Generally, an air - conditioning system for a vehicle includes an air - conditioning unit that circulates a refrigerant to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0005] Regardless of how the external temperature changes, the air - conditioning unit configured to maintain the interior of the vehicle at an appropriate temperature heats or cools the interior of the vehicle. This is achieved by using the condenser and the evaporator for heat exchange in the process where the refrigerant discharged by driving the compressor passes through the condenser, the liquid receiver dryer, the expansion valve, and the evaporator and then returns to the compressor.

[0006] That is, in the cooling mode, the air - conditioning unit condenses the high - temperature and high - pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed from the compressor by the condenser, allows the refrigerant to pass through the liquid receiver dryer and the expansion valve, and then evaporates the refrigerant in the evaporator to lower the temperature and humidity of the interior of the vehicle.

[0007] Recently, with the increasing concerns about energy efficiency and environmental pollution, it is desired to develop an environmentally friendly vehicle that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Environmentally friendly vehicles are classified into electric vehicles driven by using a fuel cell or electricity as a power source and hybrid vehicles driven by using an engine and a battery.

[0008] Among these environmentally friendly vehicles, different from the air - conditioners of conventional vehicles, a separate heater is not used. In addition, the air - conditioner for an environmentally friendly vehicle is generally referred to as a heat pump system.

[0009] An electric vehicle driven by a power source of a fuel cell generates a driving force by converting the chemical reaction energy between oxygen and hydrogen into electrical energy. In this process, heat energy is generated by the chemical reaction in the fuel cell. Therefore, it is advantageous to ensure the performance of the fuel cell for effectively removing the generated heat.

[0010] In addition, a hybrid vehicle generates driving force by driving an electric motor using electric power supplied from a fuel cell or a storage battery as described above, together with an engine that operates with typical fossil fuels. Therefore, heat generated from the fuel cell or the battery and the electric motor should be effectively removed to ensure the performance of the electric motor.

[0011] Therefore, in a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle according to the prior art, a cooling device, a heat pump system, and a battery cooling system should be respectively configured as separate closed loops to prevent heat generation of the electric motor, electrical components, and a battery including a fuel cell.

[0012] As a result, the size and weight of a cooling module provided at the front of the vehicle increase. Moreover, the layout of connection pipes for supplying a refrigerant and a coolant to each of the heat pump system, the cooling device, and the battery cooling system in an engine compartment becomes complicated.

[0013] In addition, since a battery cooling system for heating or cooling a battery according to the state of the vehicle is separately provided to obtain the best performance of the battery, a plurality of valves for selectively interconnecting connection pipes are adopted. Therefore, noise and vibration generated due to frequent opening and closing operations of the valves may be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby reducing riding comfort.

[0014] In addition, since a separate heat exchanger should be adopted to recover waste heat from various heat sources in a heating mode of the vehicle, there is also a disadvantage of increasing manufacturing costs.

[0015] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure. Therefore, the background art section may contain information that does not form the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present disclosure provides a heat pump system for a vehicle, which is configured to regulate the temperature inside the vehicle. The system achieves this by selectively exchanging heat between a coolant and heat energy generated by a refrigerant during condensation and evaporation of the refrigerant, and by using the cooled or heated coolant after heat exchange.

[0017] The present disclosure provides a heat pump system for a vehicle, which is configured to improve the heating efficiency of the vehicle by selectively using ambient air heat, waste heat of electrical components, and waste heat of a battery module when heating the inside of the vehicle. In addition, the system increases the total driving distance of the vehicle by effectively regulating the temperature of the battery module to achieve the best performance of the battery module.

[0018] A heat pump system for a vehicle may include a valve module having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, through which a first coolant is introduced or discharged, respectively. The system may further include: a first pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the valve module for flowing the first coolant, and provided with a radiator and electrical components; a second pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the valve module for flowing the first coolant, and provided with a battery module; a third pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the valve module for flowing the first coolant, and provided with a condenser and a heating core; and a fourth pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the valve module for flowing the first coolant, and provided with a cooler. The valve module may be configured to selectively connect the first pipeline to the fourth pipeline based on at least one mode for temperature regulation of the vehicle interior and temperature regulation of the battery module, and may be configured to control the flow movement of the first coolant.

[0019] The heat pump system may further include a fifth pipeline configured to flow a second coolant and interconnect an evaporator and a cooling core, such that the second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator can be selectively supplied to the cooling core.

[0020] The at least one mode may include a first mode, which cools the electrical components and the battery module by using the first coolant cooled by the radiator. The at least one mode may include a second mode, which cools the vehicle interior and cools the electrical components and the battery module. The at least one mode may include a third mode, which heats the vehicle interior and heats the battery module when recovering the heat of ambient air and the waste heat of electrical components. The at least one mode may include a fourth mode, which heats the vehicle interior and recovers the heat of ambient air, the waste heat of electrical components, and the waste heat of the battery module. The at least one mode may include a fifth mode, which heats the vehicle interior by using an electric heater and recovers the waste heat of the first coolant when heating the battery module.

[0021] In the first mode, the first pipeline, the second pipeline, and the third pipeline may be interconnected by the operation of the valve module, such that the first coolant cooled by the radiator can be introduced into the electrical components and the battery module. The fourth pipeline may be closed by the operation of the valve module and the fifth pipeline may be closed.

[0022] In the second mode, the first pipeline may be connected to the third pipeline by the operation of the valve module, such that the first coolant cooled by the radiator can be introduced into the electrical components and the condenser. The second pipeline may be connected to the fourth pipeline by the operation of the valve module, such that the first coolant passing through the cooler can be supplied to the battery module. The fifth pipeline may be opened, such that the low-temperature second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator can be introduced into the cooling core.

[0023] In the third mode, the first pipeline can be connected to the fourth pipeline through the operation of the valve module, so that the first coolant passing through the radiator and the electrical components can be introduced into the cooler. The second pipeline can be connected to the third pipeline through the operation of the valve module, so that the first coolant passing through the condenser can be introduced into the battery module. The first coolant whose temperature has risen when passing through the condenser can be introduced into the heating core along the third pipeline.

[0024] In the fourth mode, the first pipeline, the second pipeline, and the fourth pipeline can be interconnected through the operation of the valve module, so that the first coolant passing through the radiator, the electrical components, and the battery module can be introduced into the cooler. The third pipeline can form an independent closed loop through the operation of the valve module, so that the first coolant can circulate and sequentially pass through the condenser and the heating core along the third pipeline. The first coolant whose temperature has risen when passing through the condenser can be introduced into the heating core along the third pipeline.

[0025] In the fifth mode, the first pipeline can be closed through the operation of the valve module. The second pipeline, the third pipeline, and the fourth pipeline can be interconnected through the operation of the valve module, so that the first coolant passing through the condenser and the electric heater can sequentially pass through the battery module and the cooler. The electric heater can operate. The first coolant whose temperature has risen due to the electric heater can be introduced into the heating core along the third pipeline. The temperature of the battery module can be increased by using the first coolant whose temperature has risen when passing through the electric heater. In addition, the cooler can recover the remaining waste heat in the first coolant passing through the battery module.

[0026] To provide dehumidification inside the vehicle in the third, fourth, and fifth modes, the fifth pipeline can be opened. In addition, the second coolant can flow along the fifth pipeline through the operation of the third water pump, so that the second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator can be introduced into the cooling core.

[0027] The valve module can include: a first port connected to the first end of the first pipeline; a second port connected to the second end of the first pipeline; a third port connected to the first end of the second pipeline; a fourth port connected to the second end of the second pipeline; a third inlet port connected to the first end of the third pipeline; a third outlet port connected to the second end of the third pipeline; a fourth inlet port connected to the first end of the fourth pipeline; and a fourth outlet port connected to the second end of the fourth pipeline.

[0028] The heat pump system can further include a first water pump disposed in the third pipeline; and a second water pump disposed in the fourth pipeline.

[0029] An electric heater can also be provided in the third pipeline, so that the first coolant can sequentially pass through the condenser and the electric heater.

[0030] The autonomous driving controller can be disposed in the second pipeline.

[0031] The third water pump may be disposed in the fifth pipeline.

[0032] As described above, according to the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system selectively exchanges heat between the coolant and the thermal energy generated by the refrigerant during condensation and evaporation of the refrigerant. In addition, by using the coolant at a low or high temperature after heat exchange to adjust the temperature inside the vehicle, the system can be simplified, and the layout of the connecting pipes through which the refrigerant circulates can be simplified.

[0033] In addition, according to the present disclosure, when heating the interior of the vehicle, by selectively using the ambient air heat, the waste heat of the electrical components, and the waste heat of the battery module, the heating efficiency can be improved. In addition, the total driving distance of the vehicle can be increased by effectively regulating the temperature of the battery module to achieve the optimal performance of the battery module.

[0034] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the temperature of the electrical components and the battery module can be effectively regulated by valve control. Therefore, the overall marketability of the vehicle can be improved.

[0035] In addition, according to the present disclosure, due to the simplification of the entire system, the overall manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, thereby improving the space utilization rate by minimizing the number of components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 FIG. is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 FIG. is an operation diagram according to a first mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 FIG. is an operation diagram according to a second mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 FIG. is an operation diagram according to a third mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 FIG. is an operation diagram according to a fourth mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 FIG. is an operation diagram according to a fifth mode in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the configurations depicted in the drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and thus do not cover the entire scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and variations may exist when applying the ideas of this specification.

[0044] To clarify the present disclosure, parts unrelated to the description are omitted. In addition, the same elements or equivalents are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0045] In addition, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Further, in the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0046] In addition, unless otherwise explicitly described to the contrary, the term "comprising" and variations such as "including" or "containing" shall be understood to mean including the recited elements, but not excluding any other elements. The same understanding shall apply to similar terms such as "having", "possessing", etc.

[0047] In addition, terms described in the specification such as "…… unit", "…… device", "…… section", "…… component", and "…… member" mean units of integrated elements that perform at least one function or operation.

[0048] When components, devices, elements, etc. of the present disclosure are described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device, or element shall be regarded herein as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0049] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0050] The heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment can selectively exchange heat between a coolant and the thermal energy generated from a refrigerant when condensing and evaporating the refrigerant. The heat pump system can perform cooling or heating inside the vehicle by using a low-temperature or high-temperature coolant.

[0051] In addition, to heat the interior of the vehicle, the heat pump system can improve the heating efficiency of the vehicle by selectively using ambient air heat, waste heat of the electrical component 13, and / or waste heat of the battery module 22. The heat pump system can also effectively regulate the temperature of the battery module 22 to achieve the optimal performance of the battery module 22, thereby increasing the total driving distance of the vehicle.

[0052] Such a heat pump system can be applied to a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle.

[0053] Refer to Figure 1 , the heat pump system can include a valve module 2, a first pipeline 11, a second pipeline 21, a third pipeline 31, and a fourth pipeline 41.

[0054] First, the valve module 2 may have at least one port through which a first coolant is respectively introduced or discharged, such as at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port. The valve module 2 may also control the flow movement of the introduced first coolant.

[0055] The first pipeline 11 may have a first end and a second end connected to the valve module 2, and the first coolant may flow therethrough. The radiator 12 and the electrical component 13 may be disposed in the first pipeline 11.

[0056] The radiator 12 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle, and a cooling fan may be disposed on the downstream side of the radiator 12. Therefore, the radiator 12 may cool the first coolant through the operation of the cooling fan and exchange heat with the ambient air.

[0057] Therefore, the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 may circulate along the first pipeline 11 to flow toward the valve module 2.

[0058] The electrical component 13 may include a power control device such as an electric power control unit (EPCU) including a motor, an on-vehicle charger (OBC), etc.

[0059] The power control device may generate heat when the vehicle is running. When charging the battery module 22, the charger may generate heat.

[0060] That is, when heating the interior of the vehicle and when recovering the waste heat of the electrical component 13, the heat generated from the power control device may be recovered, and the heat generated from the charger may be recovered when charging the battery module 22.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second pipeline 21 may have a first end and a second end connected to the valve module 2, and the first coolant may flow therethrough. The battery module 22 may be disposed in the second pipeline 21. In addition, the autonomous driving controller 23 may be further disposed in the second pipeline 21.

[0062] The third pipeline 31 may have a first end and a second end connected to the valve module 2, and the first coolant may flow therethrough. The first water pump 34, the condenser 102, the electric heater 103, and the heating core 60 may be disposed in the third pipeline 31.

[0063] The condenser 102 may be connected to a compressor (not shown) via a refrigerant pipeline. The condenser 102 may condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the first coolant circulating through the third pipeline 31.

[0064] That is, the condenser 102 may condense the introduced refrigerant by heat exchange with the first coolant, and may increase the temperature of the first coolant by supplying the heat energy generated when condensing the refrigerant to the first coolant.

[0065] The condenser 102 configured as such can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which a first coolant is introduced.

[0066] The electric heater 103 can be additionally provided in the third pipeline 31. The electric heater 103 can be provided in the third pipeline 31 separately from the condenser 102, or can be integrally formed with the condenser 102.

[0067] The electric heater 103 can selectively heat the first coolant introduced via the third pipeline 31, thereby raising the temperature of the coolant.

[0068] Therefore, the third pipeline 31 can be connected to the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 such that the first coolant can sequentially pass through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103.

[0069] In this embodiment, the fourth pipeline 41 can have a first end and a second end connected to the valve module 2, and the first coolant can flow through it. The second water pump 44 and the cooler 106 can be provided in the fourth pipeline 41.

[0070] The selectively expanded refrigerant can be introduced into the cooler 106. In order to cool the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23, or in order to heat the interior of the vehicle, the cooler 106 can be operated to recover heat from the first coolant, the temperature of which is raised by ambient air heat, waste heat of the electrical component 13, or waste heat of the battery module 22.

[0071] The heat pump system can interconnect the evaporator 104 and the cooling core 50 such that the second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 can be selectively supplied to the cooling core 50. The system can be configured to further include a fifth pipeline 51 through which the second coolant flows.

[0072] In addition, a third water pump 54 for flowing the second coolant can be provided in the fifth pipeline 51. The third water pump 54 can be an electric water pump.

[0073] The evaporator 104 can be connected to an expansion valve (not shown) via a refrigerant pipeline. The evaporator 104 can evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant circulating in the fifth pipeline 51.

[0074] That is, the evaporator 104 can evaporate the introduced refrigerant by heat exchange with the second coolant, and can lower the temperature of the second coolant by supplying the low-temperature thermal energy generated by the evaporation of the refrigerant to the second coolant. The evaporator 104 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger into which the second coolant is introduced.

[0075] Accordingly, when it is desired to cool the interior of the vehicle, or when it is desired to dehumidify and heat the interior of the vehicle, the second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 may be introduced into the cooling core 50 along the fifth pipeline 51.

[0076] As described above, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into the condenser 102, the evaporator 104, and the cooler 106.

[0077] Accordingly, the condenser 102 and the cooler 106 may selectively exchange heat between the first coolant flowing through the third pipeline 31 and the fourth pipeline 41 and the thermal energy generated by the condensation and evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0078] In addition, the evaporator 104 may selectively perform heat exchange with the second coolant flowing through the fifth pipeline 51.

[0079] Accordingly, the high-temperature first coolant that has exchanged heat at the condenser 102 may be introduced into the heating core 60 provided in the third pipeline 31 by selectively operating the valve module 2 and the first water pump 34 based on the mode selected for the vehicle.

[0080] In addition, the low-temperature second coolant that has exchanged heat at the evaporator 104 may be introduced into the cooling core 50 provided in the fifth pipeline 51 by selectively operating the third water pump 54 based on the mode selected for the vehicle.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the cooling core 50 and the heating core 60 may be provided within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module (not shown).

[0082] That is, the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior may be converted to a high-temperature state or a low-temperature state when exchanging heat with the low-temperature second coolant or the high-temperature first coolant introduced into at least one of the cooling core 50 or the heating core 60 by the operation of a blower (not shown).

[0083] The high-temperature or low-temperature ambient air may be introduced into the vehicle interior to cool or heat the vehicle interior.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the valve module 2 may be an 8-way valve having four ports through which the first coolant is introduced or discharged, namely, four inlet ports and four outlet ports. The valve module 2 will be described in more detail below.

[0085] The valve module 2 may include a first port 2a, a second port 2b, a third port 2c, and a fourth port 2d, a third inlet port 2e, a third outlet port 2f, a fourth inlet port 2g, and a fourth outlet port 2h.

[0086] First, the first end of the first pipeline 11 may be connected to the first port 2a of the valve module 2. The second end of the first pipeline 11 may be connected to the second port 2b of the valve module 2.

[0087] The first end of the second pipeline 21 can be connected to the third port 2c of the valve module 2. The second end of the second pipeline 21 can be connected to the fourth port 2d of the valve module 2.

[0088] The first end of the third pipeline 31 can be connected to the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2. The second end of the third pipeline 31 can be connected to the third outlet port 2f of the valve module 2.

[0089] In addition, the first end of the fourth pipeline 41 can be connected to the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2. The second end of the fourth pipeline 41 can be connected to the fourth outlet port 2h of the valve module 2.

[0090] This embodiment has been described such that the valve module 2 is an 8-way valve having eight ports through which a first coolant is introduced or discharged, namely, four inlet ports through which the first coolant is introduced and four outlet ports through which the first coolant is discharged, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the valve module 2 may include more ports such that additional components for circulating the first coolant can be connected.

[0091] According to at least one mode of temperature regulation inside the vehicle and temperature regulation of the battery module 22, the valve module 2 configured as such can be operated to selectively interconnect the first to fourth pipelines 11, 21, 31, and 41, thereby controlling the flow movement of the coolant.

[0092] The at least one mode may include a first mode to a fifth mode.

[0093] First, in the first mode, the electrical components 13 and the battery module 22 can be cooled by using the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12.

[0094] In the second mode, the interior of the vehicle can be cooled, and the electrical components 13 and the battery module 22 can be cooled.

[0095] In the third mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated, and the battery module 22 can be heated while recovering the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical components 13.

[0096] In the fourth mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated, and the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical components 13, and the waste heat of the battery module 22 can be recovered.

[0097] In addition, in the fifth mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated by using the electric heater 103, and the waste heat of the coolant can be recovered while heating the battery module 22.

[0098] When dehumidification of the interior of the vehicle is desired in the third mode, the fourth mode, and the fifth mode, the fifth pipeline 51 can be opened.

[0099] Therefore, the second coolant can flow along the fifth pipeline 51 through the operation of the third water pump 54, so that the second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 can be introduced into the cooling core 50.

[0100] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 2 - 6 The operation and actions of each mode of the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail.

[0101] First, in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment, with reference to Figure 2 The operation according to the first mode will be described, in which the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 is used to cool the electrical component 13 and the battery module 22.

[0102] Figure 2 FIG. is an operation diagram according to the first mode in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0103] With reference to Figure 2 , the refrigerant may not be supplied to the condenser 102, the evaporator 104, and the cooler 106.

[0104] In addition, the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 21, and the third pipeline 31 may be interconnected through the operation of the valve module 2, so that the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 can be introduced into the electrical component 13 and the battery module 22.

[0105] At the same time, the fourth pipeline 41 may be closed through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0106] The fifth pipeline 51 may be closed, and the operation of the third water pump 54 may be stopped.

[0107] Therefore, the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 can be introduced into the first port 2a of the valve module 2 along the first pipeline 11 through the operation of the first water pump 34.

[0108] The first coolant introduced into the first port 2a of the valve module 2 can be discharged to the second pipeline 21 connected to the fourth port 2d of the valve module 2 through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0109] The first coolant discharged to the second pipeline 21 may sequentially pass through the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23. Thereafter, the first coolant may be introduced into the third port 2c of the valve module 2.

[0110] The first coolant introduced into the third port 2c of the valve module 2 can be discharged to the third pipeline 31 connected to the third outlet port 2f of the valve module 2 through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0111] The first coolant discharged into the third pipeline 31 may sequentially pass through the condenser 102, the electric heater 103, and the heating core 60 along the third pipeline 31. The electric heater 103 may not operate.

[0112] The first coolant flowing through the third pipeline 31 may be introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2.

[0113] The first coolant introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2 may be supplied to the electrical component 13 along the first pipeline 11 when discharged to the second port 2b of the valve module 2 through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0114] That is, in the first mode, the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 21, and the third pipeline 31 may form a closed loop for the coolant to circulate through by the operation of the valve module 2.

[0115] In this state, the first coolant may circulate along the interconnected first pipeline 11, second pipeline 21, and third pipeline 31 by the operation of the first water pump 34.

[0116] That is, the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 may circulate along the first pipeline 11, second pipeline 21, and third pipeline 31 while repeatedly performing the above operations.

[0117] Therefore, the electrical component 13, the battery module 22, and the autonomous driving controller 23 may be effectively cooled by the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12.

[0118] In the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment, refer to Figure 3 Describe the operation according to the second mode for cooling the interior of the vehicle and cooling the electrical component 13 and the battery module 22.

[0119] Figure 3 FIG. is an operation diagram according to the second mode in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0120] Refer to Figure 3 The refrigerant may circulate through the condenser 102, the evaporator 104, and the cooler 106. At this time, the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the evaporator 104 and the cooler 106 respectively.

[0121] In addition, the first pipeline 11 may be connected to the third pipeline 31 by the operation of the valve module 2 so that the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 may be introduced into the electrical component 13 and the condenser 102.

[0122] Therefore, the first coolant cooled at the radiator 12 may be introduced into the first port 2a of the valve module 2 along the first pipeline 11 by the operation of the first water pump 34.

[0123] The first coolant introduced into the first port 2a of the valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the third pipeline 31 connected to the third outlet port 2f of the valve module 2.

[0124] The first coolant discharged into the third pipeline 31 can sequentially pass through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103, and then pass through the heating core 60. The condenser 102 can condense the refrigerant by using the first coolant flowing along the third pipeline 31. At this time, the electric heater 103 is not operating.

[0125] Then, the first coolant that has passed through the heating core 60 can be introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2 along the third pipeline 31.

[0126] The first coolant introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2 can be discharged to the second port 2b of the valve module 2 and can be supplied to the electrical component 13 along the first pipeline 11.

[0127] Therefore, the electrical component 13 can be effectively cooled by using the coolant cooled at the radiator 12.

[0128] That is, in the second mode, the first pipeline 11 and the third pipeline 31 can form a closed loop for the first coolant to circulate through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0129] In this state, the first coolant can circulate along the interconnected first pipeline 11 and third pipeline 31 through the operation of the first water pump 34.

[0130] The second pipeline 21 can be connected to the fourth pipeline 41 through the operation of the valve module 2. Therefore, the first coolant cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant when passing through the cooler 106 can be supplied to the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23.

[0131] That is, the first coolant introduced into the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2 from the cooler 106 along the fourth pipeline 41 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the second pipeline 21 connected to the third port 2c of the valve module 2.

[0132] The coolant discharged into the second pipeline 21 can pass through the autonomous driving controller 23 and the battery module 22, and then can be introduced into the fourth port 2d of the valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0133] Then, the first coolant introduced into the fourth port 2d of the valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet port 2h of the valve module 2.

[0134] The first coolant discharged into the fourth pipeline 41 can pass through the cooler 106, and then can be introduced into the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2 again.

[0135] That is, in the second mode, the second pipeline 21 and the fourth pipeline 41 can form another closed loop for the first coolant to circulate through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0136] In this state, the first coolant can circulate along the interconnected second pipeline 21 and fourth pipeline 41 through the operation of the second water pump 44.

[0137] At this time, the cooler 106 can cool the coolant by exchanging heat between the first coolant introduced via the fourth pipeline 41 and the refrigerant.

[0138] Therefore, the first coolant cooled at the cooler 106 can effectively cool the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23 when circulating through the interconnected second pipeline 21 and fourth pipeline 41.

[0139] In addition, the fifth pipeline 51 can be opened so that the low-temperature second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 can be introduced into the cooling core 50.

[0140] In this state, when the third water pump 54 operates, the evaporator 104 can cool the second coolant circulating along the fifth pipeline 51 through heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant and can evaporate the refrigerant.

[0141] Therefore, the low-temperature second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 can flow along the fifth pipeline 51 and pass through the cooling core 50.

[0142] That is, the low-temperature second coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can circulate along the fifth pipeline 51 through the operation of the third water pump 54 and can be supplied to the cooling core 50.

[0143] An open / close door (not shown) can be provided between the cooling core 50 and the heating core 60. The open / close door can close the side toward the heating core 60 so that the ambient air cooled when passing through the cooling core 50 can be directly introduced into the vehicle.

[0144] In this state, the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be cooled when exchanging heat with the low-temperature second coolant supplied to the cooling core 50 through the operation of a blower (not shown). Thereafter, the cooled ambient air can be directly introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby effectively cooling the vehicle interior.

[0145] In addition, when it is desired to dehumidify while cooling the vehicle interior, the open / close door (not shown) can open the part passing through the heating core 60 so that the ambient air cooled when passing through the cooling core 50 can pass through the heating core 60.

[0146] Therefore, the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be cooled when exchanging heat with the low-temperature second coolant supplied to the cooling core 50 through the operation of a blower (not shown). Thereafter, the cooled ambient air can be dehumidified when passing through the heating core 60 and introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby smoothly cooling and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0147] In the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 4 Describe the operation according to a third mode for heating the vehicle interior, recovering the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and heating the battery module 22.

[0148] Figure 4 It is an operation diagram according to the third mode in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0149] Refer to Figure 4 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102 and the cooler 106. At this time, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the cooler 106.

[0150] In addition, the first pipeline 11 can be connected to the fourth pipeline 41 through the operation of the valve module 2. Therefore, the first coolant passing through the radiator 12 and the electrical component 13 can be introduced into the cooler 106.

[0151] Therefore, the first coolant can recover the heat of the ambient air through heat exchange with the ambient air when passing through the radiator 12 and can absorb the waste heat from the electrical component 13 to raise its temperature.

[0152] The first coolant with an increased temperature can be introduced into the second port 2b of the valve module 2 along the first pipeline 11 through the operation of the second water pump 44.

[0153] The first coolant introduced into the second port 2b of the valve module 2 can be discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet port 2h of the valve module 2 through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0154] The first coolant discharged to the fourth pipeline 41 can be supplied to the cooler 106. Therefore, the heat of the ambient air recovered at the radiator 12 and the waste heat generated at the electrical component 13 can raise the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 106.

[0155] That is, the cooler 106 can be used to recover the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical component 13 through heat exchange between the first coolant and the refrigerant, thereby raising the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0156] Then, the first coolant that has passed through the cooler 106 can be introduced into the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2 along the fourth pipeline 41.

[0157] The first coolant introduced into the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the first pipeline 11 connected to the first port 2a of the valve module 2.

[0158] The first coolant discharged into the first pipeline 11 can sequentially pass through the radiator 12 and the electrical component 13, and then can flow back to the valve module 2, thus repeating the above process.

[0159] That is, in the third mode, the first pipeline 11 and the fourth pipeline 41 can form a closed loop for the first coolant to circulate through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0160] In this state, the first coolant can circulate along the interconnected first pipeline 11 and fourth pipeline 41 through the operation of the second water pump 44.

[0161] In the third mode, the fifth pipeline 51 can be closed, and the operation of the third water pump 54 can be stopped.

[0162] Meanwhile, the second pipeline 21 can be connected to the third pipeline 31 through the operation of the valve module 2, so that the first coolant whose temperature has risen when passing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the battery module 22.

[0163] Therefore, the first coolant passing through the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23 through the operation of the first water pump 34 can be introduced into the third port 2c of the valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0164] Then, the first coolant introduced into the third port 2c of the valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the third pipeline 31 connected to the third outlet port 2f of the valve module 2.

[0165] The first coolant discharged into the third pipeline 31 can sequentially pass through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103. The condenser 102 can condense the refrigerant by using the first coolant flowing along the third pipeline 31.

[0166] At this time, the temperature of the first coolant can rise when condensing the refrigerant at the condenser 102. The first coolant whose temperature has risen when passing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the heating core 60 along the third pipeline 31.

[0167] In this state, the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be changed to a high-temperature state when exchanging heat with the high-temperature first coolant supplied to the heating core 60 through the operation of a blower (not shown). Thereafter, the high-temperature ambient air can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thus realizing the heating of the vehicle interior.

[0168] That is, according to the heat pump system of the present embodiment, in order to heat the interior of the vehicle, by absorbing the heat of the ambient air and the waste heat of the electrical component 13 by the cooler 106 and using it to raise the temperature of the refrigerant, the power consumption of the compressor can be reduced and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0169] The first coolant that has passed through the heating core 60 may flow along the third pipeline 31 and may be introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2.

[0170] The first coolant introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2 may be discharged to the second pipeline 21 connected to the fourth port 2d of the valve module 2 through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0171] The first coolant discharged to the second pipeline 21 may raise the temperature of the battery module 22 when passing through the battery module 22.

[0172] That is, through such an operation, the battery module 22 can effectively raise its temperature when supplied with the first coolant with an increased temperature.

[0173] Therefore, in the third mode, the second pipeline 21 and the third pipeline 31 may form another closed loop for the first coolant to circulate through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0174] In this state, the first coolant may circulate along the interconnected second pipeline 21 and third pipeline 31 through the operation of the first water pump 34.

[0175] That is, when it is desired to heat the battery module 22, the heat pump system may supply the first coolant with an increased temperature when passing through the condenser 102 to the battery module 22, thereby effectively raising the temperature of the battery module 22.

[0176] When it is desired to dehumidify when heating the interior of the vehicle, the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the evaporator 104. Therefore, the fifth pipeline 51 may be opened so that the low-temperature second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 may be introduced into the cooling core 50.

[0177] In this state, when the third water pump 54 operates, the evaporator 104 may cool the second coolant circulating along the fifth pipeline 51 through heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant and may evaporate the refrigerant.

[0178] Therefore, the low-temperature second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 may flow along the fifth pipeline 51 and pass through the cooling core 50.

[0179] That is, the low-temperature second coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 may circulate along the fifth pipeline 51 through the operation of the third water pump 54 and may be supplied to the cooling core 50.

[0180] In this state, the opening / closing door (not shown) can open a part passing through the heating core 60, so that the ambient air cooled when passing through the cooling core 50 can pass through the heating core 60.

[0181] Therefore, the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be dehumidified when exchanging heat with the low-temperature second coolant supplied to the cooling core 50 by the operation of the blower (not shown).

[0182] Then, the dehumidified ambient air can be changed to a high-temperature state when passing through the heating core 60, and then introduced into the vehicle interior, so as to smoothly heat and dehumidify the vehicle interior.

[0183] In the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 5 Describe the operation of the fourth mode for heating the vehicle interior and recovering the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the waste heat of the battery module 22.

[0184] Figure 5 It is an operation diagram according to the fourth mode in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0185] Refer to Figure 5 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102 and the cooler 106. At this time, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the cooler 106.

[0186] In addition, the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 21, and the fourth pipeline 41 can be interconnected by the operation of the valve module 2. Therefore, the first coolant passing through the radiator 12, the electrical component 13, and the battery module 22 can be introduced into the cooler 106.

[0187] Therefore, the first coolant can recover the heat of the ambient air through heat exchange with the ambient air when passing through the radiator 12 and can absorb the waste heat from the electrical component 13 to raise its temperature.

[0188] The first coolant with an increased temperature can be introduced into the second port 2b of the valve module 2 along the first pipeline 11 by the operation of the second water pump 44.

[0189] The first coolant introduced into the second port 2b of the valve module 2 can be discharged to the second pipeline 21 connected to the third port 2c of the valve module 2 by the operation of the valve module 2.

[0190] The first coolant discharged to the second pipeline 21 can pass through the autonomous driving controller 23 and the battery module 22, and then can be introduced into the fourth port 2d of the valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0191] The first coolant can absorb the waste heat from the battery module 22 when passing through the battery module 22, thereby further raising its temperature.

[0192] Then, the coolant introduced into the fourth port 2d of the valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet port 2h of the valve module 2.

[0193] The first coolant discharged into the fourth pipeline 41 can be supplied to the cooler 106. Therefore, the ambient air heat recovered at the radiator 12, the waste heat generated at the electrical component 13, and the waste heat generated at the battery module 22 can increase the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 106.

[0194] That is, the cooler 106 can be used to recover the ambient air heat, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the waste heat of the battery module 22 through heat exchange between the first coolant and the refrigerant, thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0195] Then, the first coolant passing through the cooler 106 can be introduced into the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2 along the fourth pipeline 41.

[0196] The first coolant introduced into the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the first pipeline 11 connected to the first port 2a of the valve module 2.

[0197] The first coolant discharged into the first pipeline 11 can pass through the radiator 12 and the electrical component 13 in sequence, and then flow back to the valve module 2, thereby repeating the above process.

[0198] That is, in the fourth mode, the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 21, and the fourth pipeline 41 can form a closed loop for the first coolant to circulate through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0199] In this state, the first coolant can circulate along the interconnected first pipeline 11, second pipeline 21, and fourth pipeline 41 through the operation of the second water pump 44.

[0200] In the fourth mode, the fifth pipeline 51 can be closed, and the operation of the third water pump 54 can be stopped.

[0201] Meanwhile, the third pipeline 31 can form an independent closed loop through the operation of the valve module 2, so that the first coolant can circulate along the third pipeline 31 through the condenser 102 and the heating core 60 in sequence.

[0202] That is, the first coolant introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2 via the third pipeline 31 can be discharged to the third outlet port 2f of the valve module 2 through the operation of the first water pump 34 and the valve module 2.

[0203] Then, the first coolant circulating along the third pipeline 31 can sequentially pass through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103. The condenser 102 can condense the refrigerant by using the first coolant flowing along the third pipeline 31.

[0204] At this time, the temperature of the first coolant can rise when condensing the refrigerant at the condenser 102. The first coolant whose temperature has risen when passing through the condenser 102 can be introduced into the heating core 60 along the third pipeline 31.

[0205] In this state, the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be changed to a high-temperature state when exchanging heat with the high-temperature first coolant supplied to the heating core 60 through the operation of a blower (not shown).

[0206] Then, the high-temperature ambient air can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby realizing heating of the vehicle interior.

[0207] That is, according to the heat pump system according to this embodiment, in order to heat the vehicle interior, by absorbing the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the waste heat of the battery module 22 by the cooler 106 and using them to raise the temperature of the refrigerant, the power consumption of the compressor can be reduced and the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0208] The first coolant passing through the heating core 60 can flow along the third pipeline 31, and then can flow into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2, thereby repeating the above process.

[0209] When dehumidification is desired while heating the vehicle interior, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator 104. Therefore, the fifth pipeline 51 can be opened so that the low-temperature second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 can be introduced into the cooling core 50.

[0210] In this state, when the third water pump 54 operates, the evaporator 104 can cool the second coolant circulating along the fifth pipeline 51 through heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant and can evaporate the refrigerant.

[0211] Therefore, the low-temperature second coolant cooled when passing through the evaporator 104 can flow along the fifth pipeline 51 and pass through the cooling core 50.

[0212] That is, the low-temperature second coolant cooled at the evaporator 104 can be circulated along the fifth pipeline 51 through the operation of the third water pump 54 and can be supplied to the cooling core 50.

[0213] In this state, the open / close door (not shown) can open a part passing through the heating core 60 so that the ambient air cooled when passing through the cooling core 50 can pass through the heating core 60.

[0214] Accordingly, the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be dehumidified when exchanging heat with the low-temperature second coolant supplied to the cooling core 50 through the operation of a blower (not shown).

[0215] Then, the dehumidified ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state when passing through the heating core 60 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby smoothly heating and dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0216] In addition, in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment, refer to Figure 6 the operation according to the fifth mode is described, and this fifth mode is used to heat the vehicle interior by using the electric heater 103 and recover the waste heat of the first coolant when heating the battery module 22.

[0217] Figure 6 It is an operation diagram according to the fifth mode in the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0218] Refer to Figure 6 , the refrigerant can circulate through the condenser 102 and the cooler 106. At this time, the refrigerant may not be supplied to the evaporator 104, and the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the cooler 106.

[0219] The first pipeline 11 can be closed by the operation of the valve module 2. At the same time, the fifth pipeline 51 can be closed.

[0220] In this state, the second pipeline 21, the third pipeline 31, and the fourth pipeline 41 can be interconnected by the operation of the valve module 2. Accordingly, the first coolant passing through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103 can sequentially pass through the battery module 22 and the cooler 106.

[0221] The first water pump 34, the second water pump 44, and the electric heater 103 can operate.

[0222] Accordingly, the first coolant whose temperature has risen when passing through the electric heater 103 can pass through the heating core 60 along the third pipeline 31 and then be introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2.

[0223] The first coolant introduced into the third inlet port 2e of the valve module 2 can be discharged to the second pipeline 21 connected to the fourth port 2d of the valve module 2 through the operation of the valve module 2.

[0224] The first coolant discharged to the second pipeline 21 can raise the temperature of the battery module 22 when passing through the battery module 22.

[0225] Then, the first coolant passing through the battery module 22 and the autonomous driving controller 23 can be introduced into the third port 2c of the valve module 2 along the second pipeline 21.

[0226] The first coolant introduced into the third port 2c of the valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the fourth pipeline 41 connected to the fourth outlet port 2h of the valve module 2.

[0227] The first coolant discharged into the fourth pipeline 41 can be supplied to the cooler 106. At this time, the cooler 106 can increase the temperature of the refrigerant by using the remaining waste heat in the first coolant that has passed through the battery module 22.

[0228] That is, the cooler 106 can be used to recover the waste heat of the first coolant through heat exchange between the first coolant and the refrigerant, thereby increasing the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0229] The refrigerant evaporated at the cooler 106 can be introduced into the compressor, and the refrigerant compressed at the compressor can be supplied to the condenser 102. Therefore, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 102 can increase the temperature of the first coolant when exchanging heat with the first coolant introduced via the third pipeline 31.

[0230] The first coolant passing through the cooler 106 can be introduced into the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2 along the fourth pipeline 41.

[0231] The first coolant introduced into the fourth inlet port 2g of the valve module 2 can be discharged through the operation of the valve module 2 into the third pipeline 31 connected to the third outlet port 2f of the valve module 2.

[0232] The first coolant discharged into the third pipeline 31 can pass through the condenser 102 and the electric heater 103, and then can be introduced into the heating core 60 along the third pipeline 31.

[0233] In addition, the first coolant passing through the heating core 60 can flow back to the valve module 2 along the third pipeline 31, thereby repeating the above process.

[0234] That is, in the fifth mode, the second pipeline 21, the third pipeline 31, and the fourth pipeline 41 can form a closed loop for the first coolant to circulate through by the operation of the valve module 2.

[0235] In this state, the first coolant can circulate along the interconnected second pipeline 21, third pipeline 31, and fourth pipeline 41 through the operation of the first water pump 34 and the second water pump 44.

[0236] The electric heater 103 can heat the introduced first coolant. At the same time, the condenser 102 can heat the introduced first coolant together with the electric heater 103.

[0237] That is, in order to increase the temperature of the first coolant, the electric heater 103 can play a main role, and the condenser 102 can play an auxiliary role. Through such an operation, the temperature of the first coolant can be increased.

[0238] The first coolant with an elevated temperature can be introduced into the heating core 60 along the third pipeline 31.

[0239] In this state, the ambient air introduced into the vehicle interior can be transformed into a high-temperature state when exchanging heat with the high-temperature first coolant supplied to the heating core 60 through the operation of a blower (not shown). Thereafter, the ambient air in the high-temperature state can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0240] In addition, the heat pump system can supply the first coolant with an elevated temperature after passing through the electric heater 103 to the battery module 22 to heat the battery module 22, thereby effectively raising the temperature of the battery module 22.

[0241] In addition, the heat pump system can recover the waste heat of the first coolant that has heated the battery module 22 by the cooler 106, and can minimize the usage amount of the electric heater 103 by using the condenser 102 as an auxiliary device for heating the first coolant.

[0242] As described above, when applying the heat pump system for a vehicle according to the embodiment, by selectively performing heat exchange between the thermal energy generated from the refrigerant during condensation and evaporation and the first coolant and the second coolant, and by respectively using the high-temperature first coolant or the low-temperature second coolant after heat exchange to adjust the temperature of the vehicle interior, the entire system can be simplified, and the layout of the connecting pipes through which the refrigerant circulates can be simplified.

[0243] In addition, according to the present disclosure, in order to heat the vehicle interior, the heating efficiency of the vehicle can be improved by selectively using the heat of the ambient air, the waste heat of the electrical component 13, and the waste heat of the battery module 22. The battery module 22 can exhibit optimal performance through effective temperature adjustment of the battery module 22, thereby increasing the total driving distance of the vehicle.

[0244] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the temperature of the electrical component 13 and the battery module 22 can be effectively adjusted by the control valve module 2. As a result, the overall marketability of the vehicle can be improved.

[0245] In addition, according to the present disclosure, due to the simplification of the entire system, the overall manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, and the space utilization rate can be improved by minimizing the number of components.

[0246] Although the present disclosure is described in conjunction with currently considered practical embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention aims to cover various modifications and equivalent configurations included within the scope of protection.

[0247] Description of Reference Numerals

[0248] 2: Valve module

[0249] 11: First pipeline

[0250] 12: Radiator

[0251] 13: Electrical component

[0252] 21: Second pipeline

[0253] 22: Battery module

[0254] 23: Autonomous driving controller

[0255] 31: Third pipeline

[0256] 34: First water pump

[0257] 41: Fourth pipeline

[0258] 44: Second water pump

[0259] 50: Cooling core

[0260] 51: Fifth pipeline

[0261] 54: Third water pump

[0262] 60: Heating core

[0263] 102: Condenser

[0264] 103: Electric heater

[0265] 104: Evaporator

[0266] 106: Cooler.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising: a valve module having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port through which a first coolant is introduced or discharged, respectively; a first pipeline having a first end connected to the valve module and a second end to flow the first coolant, the first pipeline being provided with a radiator and electrical components; a second pipeline having a first end connected to the valve module and a second end to flow the first coolant, the second pipeline being provided with a battery module; a third pipeline having a first end connected to the valve module and a second end to flow the first coolant, the third pipeline being provided with a condenser and a heating core; as well as a fourth pipeline having a first end and a second end connected to the valve module for flowing the first coolant, the fourth pipeline being provided with a cooler, The valve module is configured to selectively connect the first line to the fourth line based on at least one mode for temperature regulation of the vehicle interior and temperature regulation of the battery module, and is configured to control flow movement of the first coolant.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a fifth line configured to flow a second coolant and interconnect the evaporator and the cooling core so that the second coolant is cooled while passing through the evaporator and is selectively supplied to the cooling core.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one mode comprises: a first mode of cooling the electric components and the battery module by using a first coolant cooled at the radiator; a second mode that cools the vehicle interior and cools the electrical components and the battery module; a third mode that heats the vehicle interior and heats the battery module while recovering ambient air heat and waste heat of the electrical components; a fourth mode that heats the vehicle interior and recovers the ambient air heat, waste heat of the electrical components, and waste heat of the battery module; and and a fifth mode of heating the vehicle interior by using the electric heater and recovering waste heat of the first coolant while heating the battery module.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the first mode: The first line, the second line, and the third line are interconnected by operation of the valve module so that the first coolant cooled at the radiator is introduced into the electric component and the battery module; The fourth pipeline is closed by operation of the valve module; and The fifth pipeline is closed.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the second mode: The first line is connected to the third line by operation of the valve module so that the first coolant cooled in the radiator is introduced into the electric component and the condenser; The second line is connected to the fourth line by operation of the valve module so that the first coolant passing through the cooler is supplied to the battery module; and The fifth line is opened so that the low-temperature second coolant cooled while passing through the evaporator is introduced into the cooling core.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the third mode: The first line is connected to the fourth line by operation of the valve module so that the first coolant passing through the radiator and the electric component is introduced into the cooler; The second line is connected to the third line by operation of the valve module so that the first coolant passing through the condenser is introduced into the battery module; and The first coolant whose temperature is increased while passing through the condenser is introduced into the heating core along the third line.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the fourth mode: The first line, the second line, and the fourth line are interconnected by operation of the valve module so that the first coolant passing through the radiator, the electrical component, and the battery module is introduced into the cooler; The third pipeline forms an independent closed loop through the operation of the valve module, so that the first coolant can circulate to sequentially pass through the condenser and the heating core along the third pipeline; and The first coolant whose temperature is increased while passing through the condenser is introduced into the heating core along the third line.

8. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: In the fifth mode: The first pipeline is closed by operation of the valve module; The second line, the third line, and the fourth line are interconnected by operation of the valve module so that the first coolant passing through the condenser and the electric heater can pass through the battery module and the cooler in sequence; The electric heater is running; The first coolant whose temperature is increased by the electric heater is introduced into the heating core along the third pipeline; The temperature of the battery module is increased using the temperature of the first coolant passing through the electric heater; and The cooler recovers waste heat remaining in the first coolant passing through the battery module.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein: To provide dehumidification of the vehicle interior in the third mode, the fourth mode and the fifth mode: The fifth pipeline is opened; and The second coolant flows along the fifth line by operation of a third water pump, so that the second coolant cooled while passing through the evaporator is introduced into the cooling core.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The valve module comprises: a first port connected to a first end of the first pipeline; a second port connected to a second end of the first pipeline; a third port connected to the first end of the second pipeline; a fourth port connected to the second end of the second pipeline; a third inlet port connected to the first end of the third pipeline; a third outlet port connected to a second end of the third pipeline; a fourth inlet port connected to the first end of the fourth pipeline; and A fourth outlet port is connected to the second end of the fourth pipeline.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first water pump, which is disposed in the third pipeline; as well as A second water pump is arranged on the fourth pipeline.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The third pipeline is further provided with an electric heater, so that the first coolant can pass through the condenser and the electric heater in sequence.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein: The autonomous driving controller is arranged in the second pipeline.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein: The third water pump is arranged on the fifth pipeline.

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