Heat pump system for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump system of a vehicle. A heat pump system of a vehicle includes a condenser, a heat exchanger, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a gas injection device, and can improve cooling and heating performance. The gas injection device includes a gas-liquid separator, a first valve module, and a second valve module, and is configured to selectively operate in a selected air conditioning mode of a vehicle interior.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0018901 filed on February 7, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle, and more particularly to a heat pump system for a vehicle capable of improving cooling and heating performance. Background Art

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

[0005] The air conditioning unit maintains the interior of the vehicle at an appropriate temperature regardless of changes in the outside temperature, thereby maintaining a comfortable vehicle interior environment. The air conditioning unit is configured to heat or cool the vehicle interior through heat exchange in the condenser and heat exchange in the evaporator as the refrigerant discharged by the drive of the compressor is recycled back to the compressor through the condenser, the receiver dryer, the expansion valve, and the evaporator.

[0006] The air conditioning unit cools down the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle by condensing the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor through the condenser. In summer, in cooling mode, the refrigerant passes through the receiver dryer and expansion valve before evaporating in the evaporator.

[0007] Recently, with increasing attention paid to energy efficiency and environmental pollution, there is a growing demand for the development of environmentally friendly vehicles that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Environmentally friendly vehicles are divided into electric vehicles, which use fuel cells or electricity as a power source, and hybrid electric vehicles, which use an engine and a battery.

[0008] In electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles among these environmentally friendly vehicles, unlike air conditioners of general vehicles, these environmentally friendly vehicles use a separate heater, and the air conditioner used in the environmentally friendly vehicle is generally called a heat pump system.

[0009] Fuel cell-powered electric vehicles generate driving force by converting the chemical energy of the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen into electricity. In the process, heat energy is generated by the chemical reaction in the fuel cell.

[0010] In addition, hybrid electric vehicles generate driving force by driving a motor (which uses electricity supplied from the above-mentioned fuel cell or battery) and an engine (which runs on ordinary fuel). Therefore, in order to ensure the performance of the motor, the heat generated by the fuel cell or battery and the motor should be effectively removed.

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

[0012] Therefore, the size and weight of the cooling module arranged at the front of the vehicle increase, and the layout of connection lines that supply refrigerant and coolant to each of the heat pump system, the cooling device, and the battery cooling system in the engine compartment becomes complicated.

[0013] In addition, since a battery cooling system is separately provided for heating or cooling the battery according to the state of the vehicle to obtain optimal performance of the battery, a plurality of valves are employed for selectively connecting connecting lines to each other, noise and vibration caused by frequent opening and closing operations of the valves may be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby reducing riding comfort.

[0014] In addition, when heating the interior of the vehicle, heating performance may be deteriorated due to lack of a heat source, power consumption may be increased due to use of an electric heater, and power consumption of a compressor may be increased.

[0015] The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The present invention provides a heat pump system for a vehicle capable of increasing the flow rate of a refrigerant by employing a gas injection device configured to selectively operate in at least one mode selected for air conditioning the interior of the vehicle.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a heat pump system for a vehicle may include: a compressor, a condenser, a heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an evaporator connected by a refrigerant line. The heat pump system may further include: a gas-liquid separator and a first valve module, wherein the gas-liquid separator is configured to separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant and selectively supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor; the first valve module is arranged on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the heat exchanger and is connected to the condenser and the heat exchanger, respectively. In particular, the first valve module is connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the heat exchanger and to the gas-liquid separator, respectively. The heat pump system may further include: a second valve module, which is arranged on the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the expansion valve and is connected to the heat exchanger and the expansion valve, respectively. The second valve module is connected to the refrigerant line at the upstream end of the heat exchanger and to the gas-liquid separator, and the second valve module is also connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the evaporator. In particular, at least one of the first valve module and the second valve module may be configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while adjusting the flow of the refrigerant based on a plurality of operating modes.

[0018] The first valve module may have two inlet ports and two outlet ports, and may include two three-way valves, first ports of the two three-way valves being connected to each other.

[0019] The second port of the first three-way valve of the two three-way valves can be connected to the condenser, the remaining third port of the first three-way valve of the two three-way valves can be connected to the heat exchanger, the second port of the second three-way valve of the two three-way valves can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the downstream end of the heat exchanger, and the remaining third port of the second three-way valve of the two three-way valves can be connected to the gas-liquid separator.

[0020] The first valve module may have two inlet ports and two outlet ports and may include a four-way valve.

[0021] A first port of a four-way valve may be connected to the condenser, a second port of a four-way valve may be connected to the heat exchanger, a third port of a four-way valve may be connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the heat exchanger, and the remaining fourth port of a four-way valve may be connected to the gas-liquid separator.

[0022] The second valve module may have two inlet ports and three outlet ports, and may include two three-way valves, first ports of the two three-way valves being connected to each other, and any one of the three outlet ports being branched from between the connected ports and connected to the expansion valve.

[0023] The second port of the first three-way valve of the two three-way valves can be connected to the heat exchanger, the remaining third port of the first three-way valve of the two three-way valves can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the downstream end of the evaporator, the second port of the second three-way valve of the two three-way valves can be connected to the gas-liquid separator, and the remaining third port of the second three-way valve of the two three-way valves can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the upstream end of the heat exchanger.

[0024] The second valve module may have two inlet ports and three outlet ports, and may include a three-way valve and a four-way valve, first ports of the three-way valve and the four-way valve being connected to each other.

[0025] The second port of the three-way valve can be connected to the heat exchanger, the remaining third port of the three-way valve can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the downstream end of the evaporator, the second port of the four-way valve can be connected to the gas-liquid separator, the third port of the four-way valve can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the upstream end of the heat exchanger, and the remaining fourth port of the four-way valve can be connected to the expansion valve.

[0026] The second port of the three-way valve can be connected to the gas-liquid separator, the remaining third port of the three-way valve can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the upstream end of the heat exchanger, the second port of the four-way valve can be connected to the heat exchanger, the third port of the four-way valve can be connected to the expansion valve, and the remaining fourth port of the four-way valve can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the downstream end of the evaporator.

[0027] A liquid accumulator may be arranged between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0028] In a first operating mode among multiple operating modes, the first valve module can be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser to the heat exchanger without expanding the refrigerant, the second valve module can be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger to the expansion valve without expanding the refrigerant, and the expansion valve can be configured to expand the supplied refrigerant and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator.

[0029] In a first operating mode among multiple operating modes, the first valve module can be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser to the heat exchanger without expanding the refrigerant, the second valve module can be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger and supply the expanded refrigerant to the expansion valve, and the expansion valve can be configured to supply the supplied refrigerant to the evaporator without expanding the refrigerant.

[0030] In a second operating mode among the multiple operating modes, the first valve module can be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser and supply the expanded refrigerant to the heat exchanger, and the second valve module can be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger to the refrigerant pipeline at the downstream end of the evaporator without expanding the refrigerant.

[0031] In a third operating mode among the multiple operating modes, the first valve module can be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser to the heat exchanger without expanding the refrigerant, the first valve module can be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger and supply the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator can be configured to supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor and supply the liquid refrigerant to the second valve module, the second valve module can be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator to the expansion valve without expanding the refrigerant, and the expansion valve can be configured to expand the supplied refrigerant and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator.

[0032] In a third operating mode among the multiple operating modes, the first valve module can be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser to the heat exchanger without expanding the refrigerant, the first valve module can be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger and supply the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator can be configured to supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor and supply the liquid refrigerant to the second valve module, the second valve module can be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator and supply the expanded refrigerant to the expansion valve, and the expansion valve can be configured to supply the supplied refrigerant to the evaporator without expanding the refrigerant.

[0033] In a fourth operating mode among the multiple operating modes, the first valve module can be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser and supply the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator can be configured to supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor and the liquid refrigerant to the second valve module, the second valve module can be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator and supply the expanded refrigerant to the heat exchanger, and the second valve module can be configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger to the refrigerant pipeline at the downstream end of the evaporator without expanding the refrigerant.

[0034] The refrigerant pipeline may include: a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, a fourth pipeline, a fifth pipeline and a sixth pipeline, the first pipeline connecting the compressor and the condenser; the second pipeline connecting the condenser and the first valve module; the third pipeline connecting the first valve module and the heat exchanger; the fourth pipeline connecting the heat exchanger and the second valve module; the fifth pipeline connecting the second valve module and the evaporator; and the sixth pipeline connecting the evaporator and the compressor.

[0035] The heat pump system may further include: a first connecting pipeline, a second connecting pipeline, a third connecting pipeline, a fourth connecting pipeline, a fifth connecting pipeline and a sixth connecting pipeline, the first end of the first connecting pipeline being connected to the first valve module and the second end being connected to the gas-liquid separator; the first end of the second connecting pipeline being connected to the first valve module and the second end being connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the downstream end of the heat exchanger; the first end of the third connecting pipeline being connected to the gas-liquid separator and the second end being connected to the compressor; the first end of the fourth connecting pipeline being connected to the second valve module and the second end being connected to the gas-liquid separator; the first end of the fifth connecting pipeline being connected to the second valve module and the second end being connected to the refrigerant pipeline at the upstream end of the heat exchanger; the first end of the sixth connecting pipeline being connected to the second valve module and the second end being connected to the refrigerant pipeline between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0036] In a state of cooling or heating the interior of the vehicle, the gas-liquid separator can operate when the expanded refrigerant is supplied from the first valve module, and the gas-liquid separator is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant in the supplied refrigerant to the compressor through the third connecting pipeline to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipeline.

[0037] The multiple operating modes may include: a first operating mode, a second operating mode, a third operating mode and a fourth operating mode, the first operating mode being used to cool the vehicle interior without operating the gas-liquid separator; the second operating mode being used to heat the vehicle interior without operating the gas-liquid separator; the third operating mode being used to cool the vehicle interior by operating the gas-liquid separator; and the fourth operating mode being used to heat the vehicle interior by operating the gas-liquid separator.

[0038] As described above, according to the vehicle heat pump system of the embodiment, cooling and heating performance can be improved by increasing the flow rate of refrigerant using a gas injection device configured to selectively operate in at least one mode selected for air conditioning the vehicle interior.

[0039] In addition, according to the present invention, the performance of the system can be maximized while minimizing the required components by using the gas injection device, and accordingly, the streamlining and simplification of the system can be achieved.

[0040] In addition, according to the present invention, by streamlining the entire system, manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, and space utilization can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3 is an operational diagram of a first valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a first valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0045] Figure 5 is an operational diagram of a first valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a second valve module in the heat pump system of a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 is an operational diagram of the second valve module in the heat pump system of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a second valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 9 is an operational diagram of a second valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0050] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a second valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a third embodiment.

[0051] Figure 11 is an operational diagram of a second valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a third embodiment.

[0052] Figure 12 is an operation diagram according to a first operation mode of a heat pump system of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 13 is an operation diagram according to a second operation mode of a heat pump system of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 14 is an operation diagram according to a third operation mode of the heat pump system of a vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0055] Figure 15 is an operation diagram according to a fourth operation mode of the heat pump system of a vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0056] Description of reference numerals:

[0057] 11, 12, 13: First pipeline, second pipeline, third pipeline

[0058] 14, 15, 16: Fourth pipeline, fifth pipeline, sixth pipeline

[0059] 50: Gas injection device

[0060] 51, 52, 53: First connecting pipeline, second connecting pipeline, third connecting pipeline

[0061] 54, 55, 56: Fourth connecting pipeline, fifth connecting pipeline, sixth connecting pipeline

[0062] 60: Gas-liquid separator

[0063] 70: First valve module

[0064] 80: Second valve module

[0065] 100: Compressor

[0066] 102: Condenser

[0067] 104: Heat exchanger

[0068] 106: Expansion valve

[0069] 108: Evaporator

[0070] 109: Liquid reservoir. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] The embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the configurations depicted in the accompanying drawings are intended only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist when applying this specification.

[0073] In order to clarify the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and the same elements or equivalents are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0074] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and in the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, plates, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity.

[0075] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0076] In addition, each of the terms such as “unit,” “means,” “portion,” “component,” and “member” described in the specification refers to a unit of integrated elements that performs at least one function or operation. When a component, device, element, etc. of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device, or element should be considered herein as “configured to” satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0077] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat pump system for a vehicle may include: a gas injection device, which is configured to selectively operate in at least one mode to increase the flow rate of refrigerant, thereby improving cooling and heating performance, and the at least one mode is selected for air conditioning inside the vehicle.

[0079] According to the implementation plan, reference Figure 1 The heat pump system 1 may include: a compressor 100 , a condenser 102 , a heat exchanger 104 , an expansion valve 106 , an evaporator 108 and a gas injection device 50 .

[0080] The gas injection device 50 may include a gas-liquid separator 60, a first valve module 70, and a second valve module 80. Here, the gas-liquid separator 60, the first valve module 70, and the second valve module 80 may be integrally formed.

[0081] In addition, the compressor 100 , the condenser 102 , the heat exchanger 104 , the expansion valve 106 , and the evaporator 108 may be connected to each other through refrigerant lines.

[0082] In one embodiment, the refrigerant lines may include a first line 11 , a second line 12 , a third line 13 , a fourth line 14 , a fifth line 15 , and a sixth line 16 .

[0083] The first line 11 may connect the compressor 100 and the condenser 102. The second line 12 may connect the condenser 102 and the first valve module 70.

[0084] The third line 13 may connect the first valve module 70 and the heat exchanger 104. The fourth line 14 may connect the heat exchanger 104 and the second valve module 80.

[0085] The fifth line 15 may connect the second valve module 80 and the evaporator 108. In addition, the sixth line 16 may connect the evaporator 108 and the compressor 100.

[0086] In this embodiment, the compressor 100 may compress the supplied refrigerant.

[0087] The condenser 102 may be connected to the compressor 100 through a first line 11. Here, the condenser 102 and the evaporator 108 may be disposed inside a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) module (not shown).

[0088] In addition, an opening / closing door may be further provided inside the HVAC module so that the air that has passed through the evaporator 108 can be selectively introduced into the condenser 102 when cooling or heating the interior of the vehicle.

[0089] When heating the vehicle interior, the open / close door may be opened so that ambient air that has passed through the evaporator 108 may be introduced into the condenser 102 .

[0090] In contrast, when cooling the vehicle interior, the open / close door may be closed on the side facing the condenser 102 so that ambient air cooled while passing through the evaporator 108 may be introduced directly into the vehicle.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first valve module 70 may be disposed on the refrigerant line between the condenser 102 and the heat exchanger 104 , and connected to the condenser 102 and the heat exchanger 104 , respectively.

[0092] The first valve modules 70 may be connected to the refrigerant lines at the downstream end of the heat exchanger 104 and to the gas-liquid separator 60 , respectively.

[0093] In more detail, the first valve module 70 may be connected to the condenser 102 through the second line 12 .

[0094] The heat exchanger 104 may be connected to the first valve module 70 through a third line 13 .

[0095] Here, the heat exchanger 104 may selectively condense or evaporate the refrigerant through heat exchange of the working fluid with the refrigerant supplied from the first valve module 70. The working fluid may include cooling liquid or ambient air.

[0096] In addition, the second valve module 80 may be disposed on the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger 104 and the expansion valve 106 and connected to the heat exchanger 104 and the expansion valve 106 , respectively.

[0097] The second valve module 80 may be connected to the refrigerant line at the upstream end of the heat exchanger 104 and to the gas-liquid separator 60 , respectively, and may be connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the evaporator 108 .

[0098] In more detail, the second valve module 80 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104 through the fourth line 14 .

[0099] Here, at least one of the first valve module 70 or the second valve module 80 may selectively expand the refrigerant while adjusting the flow of the refrigerant based on a plurality of operation modes.

[0100] The detailed configurations of the first valve module 70 and the second valve module 80 are described in further detail below.

[0101] In this embodiment, the evaporator 108 may be connected to the second valve module 80 via a fifth line 15. The evaporator 108 may be connected to the compressor 100 via a sixth line 16.

[0102] Here, the expansion valve 106 may be provided on the fifth pipeline 15. The expansion valve 106 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the fifth pipeline 15.

[0103] Accordingly, when the refrigerant expanded by the operation of one of the second valve module 80 or the expansion valve 106 is introduced, the evaporator 108 may evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air introduced into the HVAC module.

[0104] In this embodiment, the accumulator 109 may be provided on the sixth line 16 between the evaporator 108 and the compressor 100. The accumulator 109 may supply only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 100, thereby improving the efficiency and durability of the compressor 100.

[0105] In addition, the gas injection device 50 may selectively expand the refrigerant having passed through at least one of the condenser 102 or the heat exchanger 104 at the first valve module 70 and flow the expanded refrigerant.

[0106] Meanwhile, the gas injection device 50 may selectively supply a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the first valve module 70 to the compressor 100 , thereby increasing the total flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through one of the first to sixth lines 11 to 16 .

[0107] Here, the gas injection device 50 may further include a first connecting line 51 , a second connecting line 52 , a third connecting line 53 , a fourth connecting line 54 , a fifth connecting line 55 and a sixth connecting line 56 .

[0108] In one embodiment, a first end of the first connecting line 51 may be connected to the first valve module 70. A second end of the first connecting line 51 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60.

[0109] Here, the gas-liquid separator 60 may separate the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant introduced into the interior and selectively discharge the gas refrigerant. In other words, the gas-liquid separator 60 may selectively supply the gas refrigerant to the compressor 100.

[0110] A first end of the second connecting line 52 may be connected to the first valve module 70. A second end of the second connecting line 52 may be connected to the fourth line 14.

[0111] In this embodiment, a first end of the third connecting line 53 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60. A second end of the third connecting line 53 may be connected to the compressor 100.

[0112] The third connecting line 53 configured in this manner may selectively supply the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator 60 to the compressor 100 .

[0113] In other words, in the case of cooling or heating the vehicle interior, the gas-liquid separator 60 may operate when the expanded refrigerant is supplied from the first valve module 70 .

[0114] Here, the gas-liquid separator 60 may supply the gaseous refrigerant among the supplied refrigerant to the compressor 100 through the third connecting line 53 , thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through at least one of the first to sixth lines 11 to 16 .

[0115] A first end of the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected to the second valve module 80 . A second end of the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0116] Accordingly, liquid refrigerant among the refrigerant supplied to the gas-liquid separator 60 may be supplied to the second valve module 80 through the fourth connecting line 54 .

[0117] In this embodiment, a first end of the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the second valve module 80. A second end of the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the third line 13.

[0118] In addition, a first end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the second valve module 80. A second end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the sixth line 16 between the evaporator 108 and the compressor 100.

[0119] In more detail, the second end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the sixth line 16 between the evaporator 108 and the accumulator 109 .

[0120] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing from the second valve module 80 along the sixth connecting line 56 may be introduced into the sixth line 16 at the downstream end of the evaporator 108. The refrigerant introduced into the sixth line 16 may pass through the accumulator 109 along the sixth line 16 and then be introduced into the compressor 100.

[0121] In this embodiment, the upstream end of the heat exchanger 104 , the downstream end of the heat exchanger 104 , the upstream end of the evaporator 108 , and the downstream end of the evaporator 108 may be set based on the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0122] Based on the direction in which the refrigerant flows along the third pipeline 13 and the fourth pipeline 14, the position where the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger 104 can be defined as the upstream end of the heat exchanger 104, and the position where the refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger 104 can be defined as the downstream end of the heat exchanger 104.

[0123] In addition, based on the direction in which the refrigerant flows along the fifth pipeline 15 and the sixth pipeline 16, the position where the refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator 108 can be defined as the upstream end of the evaporator 108, and the position where the refrigerant is discharged from the evaporator 108 can be defined as the downstream end of the evaporator 108.

[0124] In addition, reference Figures 2 to 11 Various embodiments and various operating examples of the first valve module 70 and the second valve module 80 are described in detail.

[0125] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the first valve module 70 can be divided into a first embodiment and a second embodiment.

[0126] refer to Figure 2 The first valve module 70 according to the first embodiment is described in detail.

[0127] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a first embodiment.

[0128] refer to Figure 2 The first valve module 70 may have two inlet ports and two outlet ports, and may include two three-way valves 71 and 73 , the first ports of the two three-way valves 71 and 73 being connected to each other.

[0129] In one form, the second port of the first three-way valve 71 of the two three-way valves 71 and 73 may be connected to the condenser 102 via the second line 12 .

[0130] The remaining third port of the first three-way valve 71 of the two three-way valves 71 and 73 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104 through the third line 13 .

[0131] A second port of the second three-way valve 73 of the two three-way valves 71 and 73 may be connected to the fourth line 14 at a downstream end of the heat exchanger 104 through a second connecting line 52 .

[0132] In addition, the remaining third port of the second three-way valve 73 among the two three-way valves 71 and 73 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60 through the first connecting line 51 .

[0133] In more detail, Figure 2 As shown, the first valve module 70 may include: a first control valve 71 as a first three-way valve 71 , a second control valve 73 as a second three-way valve, and a first valve connecting pipeline 75 .

[0134] Each of the second line 12 and the third line 13 may be connected to a first control valve 71 .

[0135] Here, a first end of the second line 12 may be connected to the condenser 102. A second end of the second line 12 may be connected to the first control valve 71.

[0136] In addition, a first end of the third pipeline 13 may be connected to the first control valve 71. A second end of the third pipeline 13 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104.

[0137] Each of the first connecting line 51 and the second connecting line 52 may be connected to a second control valve 73 .

[0138] Here, a first end of the first connecting line 51 may be connected to the second control valve 73. A second end of the first connecting line 51 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60.

[0139] A first end of the second connecting line 52 may be connected to the second control valve 73. A second end of the second connecting line 52 may be connected to the fourth line 14 between the heat exchanger 104 and the second valve module 80.

[0140] Here, the first and second control valves 71 and 73 may be three-way electronic expansion valves that selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the supplied refrigerant.

[0141] In addition, a first valve connecting line 75 may be connected with the first control valve 71 and the second control valve 73 .

[0142] In other words, a first end of the first valve connecting line 75 may be connected to the first control valve 71 . A second end of the first valve connecting line 75 may be connected to the second control valve 73 .

[0143] Accordingly, the first control valve 71 may be connected to the second control valve 73 through a first valve connecting line 75 .

[0144] In the first valve module 70 according to the first embodiment, the first control valve 71 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 through the second line 12 .

[0145] Meanwhile, the first control valve 71 may selectively discharge expanded refrigerant or unexpanded refrigerant through the third line 13 or the first valve connecting line 75 .

[0146] In addition, the second control valve 73 can selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the second connecting line 52 or the first valve connecting line 75. At the same time, the second control valve 73 can selectively discharge the expanded refrigerant or the unexpanded refrigerant through the first connecting line 51.

[0147] refer to Figure 3 The operation of the first valve module 70 configured in accordance with the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0148] Figure 3 is an operational diagram of a first valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0149] refer to Figure 3 In various operation modes, the first valve module 70 may operate as follows.

[0150] In a first operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the first control valve 71 in the first valve module 70 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the second line 12 to the third line 13 without expanding it.

[0151] At the same time, the second control valve 73 may close the first connecting line 51 , the second connecting line 52 , and the first valve connecting line 75 .

[0152] In a second operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the first control valve 71 in the first valve module 70 may expand the refrigerant introduced through the second line 12 . Thereafter, the first control valve 71 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the third line 13 .

[0153] At the same time, the second control valve 73 may close the first connecting line 51 , the second connecting line 52 , and the first valve connecting line 75 .

[0154] In a third operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the first control valve 71 in the first valve module 70 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the second line 12 to the third line 13 without expanding it.

[0155] At the same time, the second control valve 73 may expand the refrigerant introduced into the second connecting line 52 . Thereafter, the second control valve 73 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the first connecting line 51 .

[0156] In addition, in a fourth operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the first control valve 71 in the first valve module 70 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the second line 12 to the first valve connecting line 75 without expanding it.

[0157] At the same time, the second control valve 73 may expand the refrigerant introduced into the first valve connecting line 75. Thereafter, the second control valve 73 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the first connecting line 51.

[0158] In addition, reference Figure 4 The first valve module 170 according to the second embodiment is described in detail.

[0159] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a first valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0160] refer to Figure 4 The first valve module 170 may have two inlet ports and two outlet ports, and may include a four-way valve 171 .

[0161] In one embodiment, a first port of a four-way valve 171 may be connected to the condenser 102 via the second line 12 .

[0162] A second port of one of the four-way valves 171 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104 via the third line 13 .

[0163] In addition, the third port of one four-way valve 171 may be connected to the fourth line 14 at the downstream end of the heat exchanger 104 through the second connecting line 52 .

[0164] In addition, the remaining fourth port of one four-way valve 171 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60 through the first connecting line 51 .

[0165] In more detail, Figure 4 As shown, the first valve module 170 according to the second embodiment may include a control valve 171 , which is a four-way valve 171 .

[0166] Each of the second line 12 , the third line 13 , the first connecting line 51 , and the second connecting line 52 may be connected to a control valve 171 .

[0167] Here, the control valve 171 may be a four-way electronic expansion valve that selectively expands the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the supplied refrigerant.

[0168] In the first valve module 170 according to the second embodiment configured in this manner, the control valve 171 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through at least one of the second line 12 and the second connecting line 52 .

[0169] Meanwhile, the control valve 171 may selectively discharge expanded refrigerant or unexpanded refrigerant through the third line 13 or the first connecting line 51 .

[0170] refer to Figure 5 The operation of the first valve module 170 according to the second embodiment is described in detail.

[0171] Figure 5 is an operational diagram of a first valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0172] refer to Figure 5 , in the plurality of operating modes, the first valve module 170 may operate as follows in the plurality of operating modes.

[0173] First, in a first operation mode among a plurality of operation modes, the control valve 171 in the first valve module 170 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the second line 12 to the third line 13 without expanding it.

[0174] At the same time, the control valve 171 may close the first connecting line 51 and the second connecting line 52 .

[0175] In a second operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the control valve 171 in the first valve module 170 may expand the refrigerant introduced through the second line 12 . Thereafter, the control valve 171 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the third line 13 .

[0176] At the same time, the control valve 171 may close the first connecting line 51 and the second connecting line 52 .

[0177] In a third operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the control valve 171 in the first valve module 170 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the second line 12 to the third line 13 without expanding it.

[0178] At the same time, the control valve 171 may expand the refrigerant introduced into the second connecting line 52. Thereafter, the control valve 171 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the first connecting line 51.

[0179] In addition, in a fourth operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the control valve 171 in the first valve module 170 may expand the refrigerant introduced through the second line 12. Thereafter, the control valve 171 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the first connection line 51.

[0180] Here, the third line 13 and the second connecting line 52 may be closed by the operation of the control valve 171 .

[0181] In addition, if Figures 6 to 11 As shown, the second valve module 80 can be divided into a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment.

[0182] First, refer to Figure 6The second valve module 80 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0183] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a second valve module in the heat pump system of a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0184] refer to Figure 6 The second valve module 80 according to the first embodiment may have two inlet ports and three outlet ports, and may include two three-way valves 81 and 83 , first ports of which are connected to each other.

[0185] In addition, any one of the three outlet ports of the second valve module 80 may be branched from the first ports connected to each other and connected to the expansion valve 106 through the fifth line 15 .

[0186] Here, a second port of the first three-way valve 81 of the two three-way valves 81 and 83 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104 through a fourth line 14 .

[0187] The remaining third port of the first three-way valve 81 of the two three-way valves 81 and 83 may be connected to the sixth line 16 at the downstream end of the evaporator 108 through the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0188] A second port of the second three-way valve 83 of the two three-way valves 81 and 83 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60 through a fourth connecting line 54 .

[0189] In addition, the remaining third port of the second three-way valve 83 of the two three-way valves 81 and 83 may be connected to the third line 13 at the upstream end of the heat exchanger 104 through a fifth connecting line 55 .

[0190] In more detail, Figure 6 As shown, the second valve module 80 according to the first embodiment may include a third control valve 81 as a first three-way valve 81 , a fourth control valve 83 as a second three-way valve 83 , and a second valve connecting line 85 .

[0191] Each of the fourth line 14 and the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the third control valve 81 .

[0192] Here, a first end of the fourth line 14 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104. A second end of the fourth line 14 may be connected to the third control valve 81.

[0193] In addition, a first end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the third control valve 81. A second end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the sixth line 16 between the evaporator 108 and the accumulator 109.

[0194] Here, the third control valve 81 may be a three-way valve capable of distributing a flow rate and controlling the flow of the supplied refrigerant.

[0195] In addition, each of the fourth connecting line 54 and the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to a fourth control valve 83 .

[0196] Here, a first end of the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected to the fourth control valve 83. A second end of the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60.

[0197] A first end of the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the fourth control valve 83. A second end of the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the third line 13 between the first valve module 70 and the heat exchanger 104.

[0198] Here, the fourth control valve 83 may be a three-way electronic expansion valve that selectively expands the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the supplied refrigerant.

[0199] In addition, a second valve connecting line 85 may be connected to the third control valve 81 and the fourth control valve 83 .

[0200] In other words, a first end of the second valve connecting line 85 may be connected to the third control valve 81 . A second end of the second valve connecting line 85 may be connected to the fourth control valve 83 .

[0201] The fifth line 15 may be connected to the second valve connecting line 85 configured in this manner.

[0202] In the second valve module 80 according to the first embodiment configured in this manner, the third control valve 81 may selectively discharge the refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 through the sixth connecting line 56 or the second valve connecting line 85 .

[0203] In addition, the fourth control valve 83 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54 .

[0204] Meanwhile, the fourth control valve 83 may selectively discharge expanded refrigerant or unexpanded refrigerant through the fifth connecting line 55 or the second valve connecting line 85 .

[0205] refer to Figure 7 The operation of the second valve module 80 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0206] Figure 7 is an operational diagram of the second valve module in the heat pump system of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0207] refer to Figure 7 In various operation modes, the second valve module 80 may operate as follows.

[0208] In a first operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 81 in the second valve module 80 may discharge the refrigerant introduced into the fourth line 14 to the fifth line 15 connected through the second valve connection line 85 .

[0209] At the same time, the fourth control valve 83 may close the fourth connection line 54 and the fifth connection line 55. In addition, the fourth control valve 83 may close a portion of the second valve connection line 85 connecting the fifth line 15 and the fourth control valve 83.

[0210] In a second operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 81 in the second valve module 80 may discharge refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 to the sixth connecting line 56. In addition, the third control valve 81 may close the second valve connecting line 85.

[0211] At the same time, the fourth control valve 83 may close the fourth connecting line 54 , the fifth connecting line 55 , and the second valve connecting line 85 .

[0212] In a third operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 81 in the second valve module 80 may close the fourth line 14 and the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0213] In addition, the third control valve 81 may close a portion of the second valve connection line 85 connecting the fifth line 15 and the third control valve 81 .

[0214] Meanwhile, the fourth control valve 83 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54 to the fifth line 15 connected through the second valve connecting line 85 in an expanded state or an unexpanded state.

[0215] In other words, in the third operation mode, when the expansion valve 106 expands the refrigerant introduced through the fifth line 15 , the fourth control valve 83 may discharge the introduced refrigerant to the second valve connecting line 85 without expanding it.

[0216] In contrast, in the third operation mode, when the expansion valve 106 does not expand the refrigerant introduced through the fifth line 15 , the fourth control valve 83 may expand the introduced refrigerant and discharge the expanded refrigerant to the second valve connecting line 85 .

[0217] In addition, in a fourth operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 81 in the second valve module 80 may discharge refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 to the sixth connection line 56. In addition, the third control valve 81 may close the second valve connection line 85.

[0218] At the same time, the fourth control valve 83 may expand the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54 . Thereafter, the fourth control valve 83 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the fifth connecting line 55 .

[0219] In addition, the fourth control valve 83 may close the second valve connecting line 85 .

[0220] refer to Figure 8 The second valve module 180 according to the second embodiment is described in detail.

[0221] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a second valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a second embodiment.

[0222] refer to Figure 8 The second valve module 180 may have two inlet ports and three outlet ports, and may include a three-way valve 181 and a four-way valve 183 , first ports of the three-way valve 181 and the four-way valve 183 being connected to each other.

[0223] Here, the second port of the three-way valve 181 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104 through the fourth line 14 .

[0224] The remaining third port of the three-way valve 181 may be connected to the sixth line 16 at the downstream end of the evaporator 108 through the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0225] A second port of the four-way valve 183 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60 through a fourth connecting line 54 .

[0226] The third port of the four-way valve 183 may be connected to the third line 13 at the upstream end of the heat exchanger 104 through a fifth connecting line 55 .

[0227] In addition, the remaining fourth port of the four-way valve 183 may be connected to the expansion valve 106 through a fifth line 15 .

[0228] In more detail, Figure 8 As shown, the second valve module 180 according to the second embodiment may include a third control valve 181 as a three-way valve 181 , a fourth control valve 183 as a four-way valve 183 , and a second valve connecting line 185 .

[0229] In one embodiment, each of the fourth line 14 and the sixth connection line 56 may be connected to the third control valve 181 .

[0230] Here, a first end of the fourth line 14 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104. A second end of the fourth line 14 may be connected to the third control valve 181.

[0231] In addition, a first end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the third control valve 181. A second end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the sixth line 16 between the evaporator 108 and the accumulator 109.

[0232] Here, the third control valve 181 may be a three-way valve capable of distributing a flow rate and controlling the flow of the supplied refrigerant.

[0233] In addition, each of the fifth line 15 , the fourth connecting line 54 , and the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the fourth control valve 183 .

[0234] A first end of the fifth line 15 may be connected to the fourth control valve 183. A second end of the fifth line 15 may be connected to the expansion valve 106.

[0235] A first end of the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected to the fourth control valve 183. A second end of the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60.

[0236] A first end of the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the fourth control valve 183. A second end of the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the third line 13 between the first valve module 70 and the heat exchanger 104.

[0237] In addition, a second valve connecting line 185 may be connected to the third control valve 181 and the fourth control valve 183 .

[0238] In other words, a first end of the second valve connecting line 185 may be connected to the third control valve 181 . A second end of the second valve connecting line 185 may be connected to the fourth control valve 183 .

[0239] Here, the fourth control valve 183 may be a four-way electronic expansion valve that selectively expands the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the supplied refrigerant.

[0240] In the second valve module 180 according to the second embodiment configured in this manner, the third control valve 181 may selectively discharge the refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 through the sixth connecting line 56 or the second valve connecting line 185 .

[0241] In addition, the fourth control valve 183 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54 or the second valve connecting line 185 .

[0242] Meanwhile, the fourth control valve 183 may selectively discharge expanded refrigerant or unexpanded refrigerant through the fifth line 15 or the fifth connecting line 55 .

[0243] refer to Figure 9The operation of the second valve module 180 according to the second embodiment is described in detail.

[0244] Figure 9 is an operational diagram of a second valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0245] refer to Figure 9 In various operation modes, the second valve module 180 may operate as follows.

[0246] In a first operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 181 in the second valve module 180 may discharge the refrigerant introduced into the fourth line 14 to the fourth control valve 183 connected through the second valve connecting line 185 .

[0247] In addition, the third control valve 181 may close the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0248] At the same time, the fourth control valve 183 may close the fourth connecting line 54 and the fifth connecting line 55 .

[0249] In addition, the fourth control valve 183 may discharge the refrigerant introduced into the second valve connection line 185 to the fifth line 15 in an expanded state or an unexpanded state.

[0250] In other words, in the first operation mode, when the expansion valve 106 expands the refrigerant introduced through the fifth line 15 , the fourth control valve 183 may discharge the introduced refrigerant to the fifth line 15 without expanding it.

[0251] In contrast, in the first operation mode, when the expansion valve 106 does not expand the refrigerant introduced through the fifth line 15 , the fourth control valve 183 may expand the introduced refrigerant and discharge the expanded refrigerant to the fifth line 15 .

[0252] In a second operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 181 in the second valve module 180 may discharge refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 to the sixth connection line 56. In addition, the third control valve 181 may close the second valve connection line 185.

[0253] At the same time, the fourth control valve 183 may close the fifth line 15 , the fourth connecting line 54 , the fifth connecting line 55 , and the second valve connecting line 185 .

[0254] In a third operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 181 in the second valve module 180 may close the fourth line 14 , the sixth connecting line 56 , and the second valve connecting line 185 .

[0255] Meanwhile, the fourth control valve 183 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54 to the fifth line 15 in an expanded state or an unexpanded state.

[0256] In other words, in the third operation mode, when the expansion valve 106 expands the refrigerant introduced through the fifth line 15 , the fourth control valve 183 may discharge the introduced refrigerant to the fifth line 15 without expanding it.

[0257] In contrast, in the third operation mode, when the expansion valve 106 does not expand the refrigerant introduced through the fifth line 15 , the fourth control valve 183 may expand the introduced refrigerant and discharge the expanded refrigerant to the fifth line 15 .

[0258] In addition, in a fourth operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 181 in the second valve module 180 may discharge refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 to the sixth connection line 56. In addition, the third control valve 181 may close the second valve connection line 185.

[0259] At the same time, the fourth control valve 183 may expand the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54. Thereafter, the fourth control valve 183 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the fifth connecting line 55.

[0260] In addition, the fourth control valve 183 may close the fifth line 15 and the second valve connection line 185 .

[0261] In addition, reference Figure 10 The second valve module 280 according to the third embodiment is described in detail.

[0262] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a second valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a third embodiment.

[0263] refer to Figure 10 The second valve module 280 may have two inlet ports and three outlet ports, and may include a four-way valve 281 and a three-way valve 283 , the first ports of which are connected to each other.

[0264] Here, a second port of the four-way valve 281 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104 through a fourth line 14 .

[0265] A third port of the four-way valve 281 may be connected to the expansion valve 106 through a fifth line 15 .

[0266] The remaining fourth port of the four-way valve 281 may be connected to the sixth line 16 at the downstream end of the evaporator 108 through the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0267] A second port of the three-way valve 283 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60 via a fourth connecting line 54 .

[0268] The remaining third port of the three-way valve 283 may be connected to the third line 13 at the upstream end of the heat exchanger 104 through a fifth connecting line 55 .

[0269] In more detail, Figure 10 As shown, the second valve module 280 according to the third embodiment may include a third control valve 281 as a four-way valve 281 , a fourth control valve 283 as a three-way valve 283 , and a second valve connecting line 285 .

[0270] In one embodiment, each of the fourth line 14 , the fifth line 15 , and the sixth connection line 56 may be connected to the third control valve 281 .

[0271] Here, a first end of the fourth line 14 may be connected to the heat exchanger 104. A second end of the fourth line 14 may be connected to the third control valve 281.

[0272] A first end of the fifth line 15 may be connected to the third control valve 281. A second end of the fifth line 15 may be connected to the expansion valve 106.

[0273] In addition, a first end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the third control valve 281. A second end of the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected to the sixth line 16 between the evaporator 108 and the accumulator 109.

[0274] Here, the third control valve 281 may be a four-way valve capable of distributing a flow rate and controlling the flow of the supplied refrigerant.

[0275] In addition, each of the fourth connecting line 54 and the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the fourth control valve 283 .

[0276] A first end of the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected to the fourth control valve 283. A second end of the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected to the gas-liquid separator 60.

[0277] A first end of the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the fourth control valve 283 . A second end of the fifth connecting line 55 may be connected to the third line 13 between the first valve module 70 and the heat exchanger 104 .

[0278] In addition, a second valve connecting line 285 may be connected to the third control valve 281 and the fourth control valve 283 .

[0279] In one embodiment, a first end of the second valve connecting line 285 may be connected to the third control valve 281 . A second end of the second valve connecting line 285 may be connected to the fourth control valve 283 .

[0280] Here, the fourth control valve 283 may be a three-way electronic expansion valve that selectively expands the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the supplied refrigerant.

[0281] In the second valve module 280 according to the third embodiment thus configured, the third control valve 281 may selectively discharge refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 or the second valve connecting line 285 through the fifth line 15 or the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0282] In addition, the fourth control valve 283 may selectively expand the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54 .

[0283] Meanwhile, the fourth control valve 283 may selectively discharge expanded refrigerant or unexpanded refrigerant through the fifth connecting line 55 or the second valve connecting line 285 .

[0284] refer to Figure 11 The operation of the second valve module 280 according to the third embodiment is described in detail.

[0285] Figure 11 is an operational diagram of a second valve module in a heat pump system for a vehicle according to a third embodiment.

[0286] refer to Figure 11 In various operation modes, the second valve module 280 may operate as follows.

[0287] In a first operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 281 in the second valve module 280 may discharge the refrigerant introduced into the fourth line 14 to the fifth line 15 .

[0288] In addition, the third control valve 281 may close the sixth connecting line 56 and the second valve connecting line 285 .

[0289] At the same time, the fourth control valve 283 may close the fourth connecting line 54 , the fifth connecting line 55 , and the second valve connecting line 285 .

[0290] In a second operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 281 in the second valve module 280 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 to the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0291] In addition, the third control valve 281 may close the fifth line 15 and the second valve connection line 285 .

[0292] At the same time, the fourth control valve 283 may close the fourth connecting line 54 , the fifth connecting line 55 , and the second valve connecting line 285 .

[0293] In a third operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 281 in the second valve module 280 may close the fourth line 14 and the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0294] In addition, the third control valve 281 may connect the fifth line 15 and the second valve connection line 285 .

[0295] Meanwhile, the fourth control valve 283 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54 to the second valve connecting line 285 in an expanded state or an unexpanded state.

[0296] The refrigerant discharged to the second valve connection line 285 may be discharged to the fifth line 15 connected through the third control valve 281 .

[0297] In the third operation mode, when the expansion valve 106 expands the refrigerant introduced through the fifth line 15 , the fourth control valve 283 may discharge the introduced refrigerant to the second valve connecting line 285 without expanding it.

[0298] In contrast, in the third operation mode, when the expansion valve 106 does not expand the refrigerant introduced through the fifth line 15 , the fourth control valve 283 may expand the introduced refrigerant and discharge the expanded refrigerant to the second valve connecting line 285 .

[0299] In addition, in a fourth operation mode among the plurality of operation modes, the third control valve 281 in the second valve module 280 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the fourth line 14 to the sixth connecting line 56 .

[0300] In addition, the third control valve 281 may close the fifth line 15 and the second valve connection line 285 .

[0301] At the same time, the fourth control valve 283 may expand the refrigerant introduced through the fourth connecting line 54. Thereafter, the fourth control valve 283 may discharge the expanded refrigerant to the fifth connecting line 55.

[0302] In addition, the fourth control valve 283 may close the second valve connecting line 285 .

[0303] The heat pump system according to the embodiment thus configured can control the flow of refrigerant according to a plurality of operation modes for temperature regulation of the vehicle interior.

[0304] In other words, when adjusting the flow of the refrigerant of the first valve module 70 and the second valve module 80 according to the first embodiment, the refrigerant may be selectively expanded.

[0305] Here, at least one of the first valve module 70 , the second valve module 80 , and the expansion valve 106 according to the first embodiment may be selectively operated in a plurality of operation modes to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the refrigerant.

[0306] In this embodiment, the plurality of operating modes may include first to fourth operating modes.

[0307] In the first operation mode, the vehicle interior may be cooled without operating the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0308] In the second operation mode, the vehicle interior may be heated without operating the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0309] In the third operation mode, the vehicle interior may be cooled by operating the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0310] In the fourth operation mode, the vehicle interior may be heated by operating the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0311] Here, in the first operation mode and the third operation mode, the heat exchanger 104 may condense the supplied refrigerant.

[0312] In contrast, in the second and fourth operating modes, the heat exchanger 104 may evaporate the supplied refrigerant.

[0313] refer to Figures 12 to 15 The operation and action of each operation mode of the heat pump system according to the embodiment are described in detail.

[0314] In this embodiment, reference Figure 12 The operation according to the first operation mode for cooling the vehicle interior without operating the gas-liquid separator 60 will be described in detail.

[0315] Figure 12 is an operation diagram according to a first operation mode of a heat pump system of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0316] refer to Figure 12 In the first operation mode, the compressor 100 may be operated to cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0317] Here, the first pipeline 11 and the sixth pipeline 16 may be connected. At the same time, the second pipeline 12 and the third pipeline 13 may be connected by the operation of the first valve module 70.

[0318] In this embodiment, the fourth line 14 and the fifth line 15 can be connected by operation of the second valve module 80 .

[0319] Accordingly, the first to sixth lines 11 to 16 may be connected to each other through operations of the first valve module 70 and the second valve module 80 .

[0320] In one form, the first connecting line 51 and the second connecting line 52 may be closed by operation of the first valve module 70 .

[0321] At the same time, the third connecting line 53 may be closed. In addition, the fourth connecting line 54, the fifth connecting line 55, and the sixth connecting line 56 may be closed by the operation of the second valve module 80.

[0322] Then, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 may be supplied to the condenser 102 along the first line 11. The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 102 may be introduced into the first valve module 70 along the second line 12.

[0323] Here, the first valve module 70 may allow the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 through the second line 12 to flow to the third line 13 without expanding it.

[0324] The refrigerant flowing along the third line 13 may be introduced into the heat exchanger 104 .

[0325] In one embodiment, the first valve module 70 may supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 to the heat exchanger 104 without expanding it.

[0326] The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 104 may be condensed by heat exchange with a working fluid (eg, ambient air or cooling liquid) while passing through the heat exchanger 104 .

[0327] Then, the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 104 may be introduced into the second valve module 80 along the fourth line 14 .

[0328] The refrigerant discharged from the second valve module 80 may be introduced into the expansion valve 106 along the connected fifth line 15 . Thereafter, the refrigerant may be introduced into the evaporator 108 .

[0329] In this embodiment, the second valve module 80 may supply the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 104 to the expansion valve 106 without expanding it. Then, the expansion valve 106 may expand the supplied refrigerant and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator 108.

[0330] In contrast, the second valve module 80 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 104 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the expansion valve 106. Then, the expansion valve 106 may supply the supplied refrigerant to the evaporator 108 without expanding it.

[0331] In other words, at least one of the second valve module 80 and the expansion valve 106 may expand the introduced refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the evaporator 108. Accordingly, the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the evaporator 108.

[0332] Here, ambient air introduced into the HVAC module may be cooled by the refrigerant in a low-temperature state introduced into the evaporator 108 while passing through the evaporator 108 .

[0333] At this time, the opening / closing door of the HVAC module may close a portion toward the condenser 102 so that the cooled ambient air may not pass through the condenser 102. Therefore, the cooled ambient air may cool the vehicle interior by being directly introduced into the vehicle interior.

[0334] On the other hand, the refrigerant having passed through the evaporator 108 may pass through the accumulator 109 along the sixth line 16. In addition, the refrigerant having passed through the accumulator 109 may be supplied to the compressor 100.

[0335] The refrigerant having passed through the evaporator 108 may be introduced into the compressor 100. The introduced refrigerant may be compressed by the operation of the compressor 100.

[0336] Refrigerant compressed at the compressor 100 may be supplied to the first valve module 70 along a second line 12 after passing through the condenser 102 along a first line 11 .

[0337] The heat pump system can then repeat the above process.

[0338] In other words, while repeatedly performing the above-described operations, the heat pump system can smoothly cool the vehicle interior without operating the gas-liquid separator 60 included in the gas injection device 50 .

[0339] In this embodiment, reference Figure 13 The operation according to the second operation mode for heating the vehicle interior without operating the gas-liquid separator 60 will be described in detail.

[0340] Figure 13 is an operation diagram according to a second operation mode of a heat pump system of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0341] refer to Figure 13 In the second operation mode, the compressor 100 may be operated to heat the vehicle interior.

[0342] Here, the first pipeline 11 and the sixth pipeline 16 may be connected. At the same time, the second pipeline 12 and the third pipeline 13 may be connected by the operation of the first valve module 70.

[0343] In this embodiment, the fourth pipeline 14 can be opened by the operation of the second valve module 80. At the same time, the fifth pipeline 15 can be closed by the operation of the second valve module 80.

[0344] The first and second connecting lines 51 and 52 may be closed by operation of the first valve module 70 .

[0345] At the same time, the third connecting line 53 may be closed. In addition, the fourth connecting line 54 and the fifth connecting line 55 may be closed by the operation of the second valve module 80.

[0346] In addition, the sixth connecting line 56 may be opened by the operation of the second valve module 80 .

[0347] Accordingly, the first to fourth lines 11 to 14 , the sixth connecting line 56 , and the sixth line 16 may be connected to each other through operations of the first valve module 70 and the second valve module 80 .

[0348] Then, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 may be supplied to the condenser 102 along the first line 11. The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 102 may be introduced into the first valve module 70 along the second line 12.

[0349] Here, the first valve module 70 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 through the second line 12 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow to the third line 13 .

[0350] The refrigerant flowing along the third line 13 may be introduced into the heat exchanger 104 .

[0351] In other words, the first valve module 70 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the heat exchanger 104 .

[0352] The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 104 may be evaporated by exchanging heat with a working fluid (eg, ambient air or cooling liquid) while passing through the heat exchanger 104 .

[0353] Then, the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 104 may be introduced into the second valve module 80 along the fourth line 14 .

[0354] The refrigerant discharged from the second valve module 80 may flow along the connected sixth connecting line 56 .

[0355] Here, the second valve module 80 may allow the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 104 through the fourth line 14 to flow to the sixth connecting line 56 without expanding it. In addition, the refrigerant flowing along the sixth connecting line 56 may be introduced into the sixth line 16.

[0356] In other words, the second valve module 80 may supply the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 104 to the sixth line 16 from the downstream end of the evaporator 108 without expanding it.

[0357] The refrigerant flowing along the sixth line 16 may pass through the accumulator 109. In addition, the refrigerant having passed through the accumulator 109 may be supplied to the compressor 100.

[0358] The refrigerant evaporated at the heat exchanger 104 may be introduced into the compressor 100. The refrigerant introduced into the compressor 100 may be compressed by the operation of the compressor 100. Thereafter, the heat pump system may repeatedly perform the above-described process.

[0359] On the other hand, the refrigerant compressed at the compressor 100 may be supplied to the condenser 102 along the first line 11. Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 102 may increase the temperature of ambient air introduced into the HVAC module.

[0360] The open / close door may be opened so that ambient air, which has been introduced into the HVAC module and has passed through the evaporator 108 , may pass through the condenser 102 .

[0361] Accordingly, when passing through the evaporator 108 not supplied with refrigerant, the ambient air introduced from the outside can be introduced in an uncooled room temperature state. The introduced ambient air can be converted into a high temperature state when passing through the condenser 102 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0362] While repeatedly performing such an operation, the heat pump system can heat the interior of the vehicle without operating the gas-liquid separator 60 included in the gas injection device 50 .

[0363] In the heat pump system according to the embodiment, referring to Figure 14 The operation according to the third operation mode for cooling the vehicle interior by operating the gas-liquid separator 60 will be described in detail.

[0364] Figure 14 is an operation diagram according to a third operation mode of the heat pump system of a vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0365] refer to Figure 14 In the third operation mode, the compressor 100 may be operated to cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0366] Here, the first pipeline 11 and the sixth pipeline 16 may be connected. At the same time, the second pipeline 12 and the third pipeline 13 may be connected by the operation of the first valve module 70.

[0367] In this embodiment, the fourth pipeline 14 can be closed by the operation of the second valve module 80. At the same time, the fifth pipeline 15 can be opened by the operation of the second valve module 80.

[0368] On the other hand, the first connecting line 51 and the second connecting line 52 may be connected by operation of the first valve module 70 .

[0369] At the same time, the third connecting line 53 and the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected. In addition, the fifth connecting line 55 and the sixth connecting line 56 may be closed by the operation of the second valve module 80.

[0370] Then, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 may be supplied to the condenser 102 along the first line 11. The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 102 may be introduced into the first valve module 70 along the second line 12.

[0371] Here, the first valve module 70 may allow the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 through the second line 12 to flow to the third line 13 without expanding it.

[0372] The refrigerant flowing along the third line 13 may be introduced into the heat exchanger 104 .

[0373] In other words, the first valve module 70 may supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 to the heat exchanger 104 without expanding it.

[0374] The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 104 may be condensed by heat exchange with a working fluid (eg, ambient air or cooling liquid) while passing through the heat exchanger 104 .

[0375] Then, the refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 104 may be introduced into the first valve module 70 along the second connecting line 52 .

[0376] Here, the first valve module 70 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 104 through the second connecting line 52 and make the expanded refrigerant flow to the first connecting line 51 .

[0377] The refrigerant flowing along the first connecting line 51 may be supplied to the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0378] The first valve module 70 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 104 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0379] At this time, the gas-liquid separator 60 may supply the gaseous refrigerant of the refrigerant supplied through the first connecting line 51 to the compressor 100 through the connected third connecting line 53 .

[0380] The gas injection device 50 can allow the gaseous refrigerant separated when passing through the gas-liquid separator 60 to flow back to the compressor 100 through the third connecting pipeline 53, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating along the connected pipelines and the connecting pipelines.

[0381] On the other hand, the gas-liquid separator 60 may discharge liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant supplied through the first connecting line 51 to the second valve module 80 connected through the fourth connecting line 54 .

[0382] In other words, the gas-liquid separator 60 may supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 100 and the liquid refrigerant to the second valve module 80 .

[0383] The refrigerant having passed through the second valve module 80 may be introduced into the expansion valve 106 along the connected fifth line 15 . Thereafter, the refrigerant may be introduced into the evaporator 108 .

[0384] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the second valve module 80 may supply the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator 60 to the expansion valve 106 without expanding it. Then, the expansion valve 106 may expand the supplied refrigerant and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator 108.

[0385] In contrast, the second valve module 80 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator 60 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the expansion valve 106. Then, the expansion valve 106 may supply the supplied refrigerant to the evaporator 108 without expanding it.

[0386] Here, at least one of the second valve module 80 and the expansion valve 106 may expand the introduced refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the evaporator 108. Accordingly, the expanded refrigerant may be supplied to the evaporator 108.

[0387] Here, ambient air introduced into the HVAC module may be cooled by the refrigerant in a low-temperature state introduced into the evaporator 108 while passing through the evaporator 108 .

[0388] At this time, the opening / closing door of the HVAC module may close a portion toward the condenser 102 so that the cooled ambient air may not pass through the condenser 102. Therefore, the cooled ambient air may cool the vehicle interior by being directly introduced into the vehicle interior.

[0389] On the other hand, the refrigerant having passed through the evaporator 108 may pass through the accumulator 109 along the sixth line 16. In addition, the refrigerant having passed through the accumulator 109 may be supplied to the compressor 100.

[0390] In other words, the refrigerant having passed through the evaporator 108 and the refrigerant supplied from the gas-liquid separator 60 through the third connecting line 53 may be introduced into the compressor 100. The introduced refrigerant may be compressed by the operation of the compressor 100.

[0391] Refrigerant compressed at the compressor 100 may be supplied to the first valve module 70 along a second line 12 after passing through the condenser 102 along a first line 11 .

[0392] The heat pump system can then repeat the above process.

[0393] In other words, when the above operations are repeatedly performed, the heat pump system can operate the gas-liquid separator 60 included in the gas injection device 50, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing along the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 12, the third pipeline 13, the fifth pipeline 15 and the sixth pipeline 16, the first connecting pipeline 51, the second connecting pipeline 52, the third connecting pipeline 53 and the fourth connecting pipeline 54.

[0394] In addition, the heat pump system can increase the flow rate of refrigerant flowing along the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 12, the third pipeline 13, the fifth pipeline 15 and the sixth pipeline 16, the first connecting line 51, the second connecting line 52, the third connecting line 53 and the fourth connecting line 54, thereby improving the overall cooling performance and efficiency, and effectively cooling the vehicle interior.

[0395] In this embodiment, reference Figure 15 The operation according to the fourth operation mode for heating the vehicle interior by operating the gas injection device 50 will be described in detail.

[0396] Figure 15 is an operation diagram according to a fourth operation mode of the heat pump system of a vehicle according to the embodiment.

[0397] refer to Figure 15 In the fourth operation mode, the compressor 100 may be operated to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0398] Here, the first pipeline 11 and the sixth pipeline 16 may be connected. At the same time, the second pipeline 12 may be connected by operating the first valve module 70.

[0399] The third pipeline 13 can be closed by the operation of the first valve module 70. In addition, the fourth pipeline 14 can be opened by the operation of the second valve module 80. In addition, the fifth pipeline 15 can be closed by the operation of the second valve module 80.

[0400] On the other hand, the first connecting line 51 may be opened by the operation of the first valve module 70 . Meanwhile, the second connecting line 52 may be closed by the operation of the first valve module 70 .

[0401] At the same time, the third connecting line 53 and the fourth connecting line 54 may be connected. In addition, the fifth connecting line 55 and the sixth connecting line 56 may be connected by the operation of the second valve module 80.

[0402] Then, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 may be supplied to the condenser 102 along the first line 11. The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 102 may be introduced into the first valve module 70 along the second line 12.

[0403] Here, the first valve module 70 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 through the second line 12 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow to the first connecting line 51 .

[0404] The refrigerant flowing along the first connecting line 51 may be supplied to the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0405] The first valve module 70 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser 102 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator 60 .

[0406] At this time, the gas-liquid separator 60 may supply the gaseous refrigerant among the refrigerant supplied through the first connecting line 51 to the compressor 100 through the connected third connecting line 53 .

[0407] The gas injection device 50 can allow the gaseous refrigerant separated when passing through the gas-liquid separator 60 to flow back to the compressor 100 through the third connecting pipeline 53, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating along the connected pipelines and the connecting pipelines.

[0408] On the other hand, the gas-liquid separator 60 may discharge liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant supplied through the first connecting line 51 to the second valve module 80 connected through the fourth connecting line 54 .

[0409] In other words, the gas-liquid separator 60 may supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 100 and the liquid refrigerant to the second valve module 80 .

[0410] The refrigerant having passed through the second valve module 80 may be introduced into the heat exchanger 104 along the connected fifth connecting line 55 .

[0411] Here, the second valve module 80 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator 60 through the fourth connecting line 54 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow to the fifth connecting line 55 .

[0412] The refrigerant flowing through the fifth connecting line 55 may be introduced into the heat exchanger 104 .

[0413] Through such operation, the second valve module 80 may expand the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator 60 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the heat exchanger 104 .

[0414] The heat exchanger 104 may evaporate the introduced refrigerant by exchanging heat with a working fluid (eg, ambient air or cooling liquid).

[0415] The refrigerant flowing along the fourth line 14 may be introduced into the second valve module 80. Here, the second valve module 80 may allow the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 104 through the fourth line 14 to flow to the sixth connecting line 56 without expanding it.

[0416] In addition, the refrigerant flowing along the sixth connecting line 56 may be introduced into the sixth line 16 .

[0417] The second valve module 80 may supply the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 104 to the sixth line 16 from the downstream end of the evaporator 108 without expanding it.

[0418] The refrigerant flowing along the sixth line 16 may pass through the accumulator 109. In addition, the refrigerant having passed through the accumulator 109 may be supplied to the compressor 100.

[0419] In other words, the refrigerant evaporated at the heat exchanger 104 may be introduced into the compressor 100. The refrigerant introduced into the compressor 100 may be compressed by the operation of the compressor 100. Thereafter, the heat pump system may repeatedly perform the above process.

[0420] In other words, the refrigerant having passed through the heat exchanger 104 and the refrigerant supplied from the gas-liquid separator 60 through the third connecting line 53 may be introduced into the compressor 100. The introduced refrigerant may be compressed by the operation of the compressor 100.

[0421] The refrigerant compressed at the compressor 100 may be supplied to the condenser 102 along the first line 11. Here, the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 102 may increase the temperature of ambient air introduced into the HVAC module.

[0422] The open / close door may be opened so that ambient air, which has been introduced into the HVAC module and has passed through the evaporator 108 , may pass through the condenser 102 .

[0423] Accordingly, when passing through the evaporator 108 not supplied with refrigerant, the ambient air introduced from the outside can be introduced in an uncooled room temperature state. The introduced ambient air can be converted into a high temperature state when passing through the condenser 102 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0424] Therefore, in the heat pump system according to the embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 60 included in the gas injection device 50 is operated together, and accordingly, the overall heating performance and efficiency may be improved.

[0425] Furthermore, the present invention can not only minimize the use of a separate electric heater but also improve heating efficiency and performance.

[0426] In addition, the gas injection device 50 can increase the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing along the first pipeline 11, the second pipeline 12, the fourth pipeline 14 and the sixth pipeline 16, the first connecting pipeline 51, the third connecting pipeline 53, the fourth connecting pipeline 54, the fifth connecting pipeline 55 and the sixth connecting pipeline 56, so that the heating performance can be maximized.

[0427] Therefore, as described above, when the heat pump system of the vehicle according to the embodiment is applied, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be increased by adopting the gas injection device 50, which is configured to selectively operate in at least one mode selected for air conditioning the interior of the vehicle.

[0428] In addition, according to the present invention, by using the gas injection device 50 , the performance of the system can be maximized while minimizing the required components, and accordingly, the streamlining and simplification of the system can be achieved.

[0429] In addition, according to the present invention, by streamlining the entire system, manufacturing cost and weight can be reduced, and space utilization can be improved.

[0430] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent embodiments included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising: Compressor, condenser, heat exchanger, expansion valve and evaporator connected by refrigerant lines; a gas-liquid separator configured to separate the refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant and selectively supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor; a first valve module, arranged on the refrigerant pipeline between the condenser and the heat exchanger and connected to the condenser and the heat exchanger, respectively, the first valve module being connected to the refrigerant pipeline at a downstream end of the heat exchanger and to the gas-liquid separator; as well as a second valve module disposed on the refrigerant pipeline between the heat exchanger and the expansion valve and connected to the heat exchanger and the expansion valve, respectively, the second valve module being connected to the refrigerant pipeline at an upstream end of the heat exchanger and to the gas-liquid separator, and connected to the refrigerant pipeline at a downstream end of the evaporator; At least one of the first valve module or the second valve module is configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while adjusting the flow of the refrigerant based on a plurality of operating modes.

2. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first valve module has two inlet ports and two outlet ports, and includes two three-way valves, the first ports of which are connected to each other.

3. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The second port of the first three-way valve of the two three-way valves is connected to the condenser; The remaining third port of the first three-way valve of the two three-way valves is connected to the heat exchanger; A second port of the second three-way valve of the two three-way valves is connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the heat exchanger; The remaining third port of the second three-way valve of the two three-way valves is connected to the gas-liquid separator.

4. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first valve module has two inlet ports and two outlet ports and includes a four-way valve.

5. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The first port of the one four-way valve is connected to the condenser; The second port of the one four-way valve is connected to the heat exchanger; The third port of the one four-way valve is connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the heat exchanger; The remaining fourth port of the one four-way valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator.

6. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The second valve module has two inlet ports and three outlet ports, and includes two three-way valves, the first ports of the two three-way valves being connected to each other; Any one of the three outlet ports branches out from between the first ports connected to each other and is connected to the expansion valve.

7. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The second port of the first three-way valve of the two three-way valves is connected to the heat exchanger; The remaining third port of the first three-way valve of the two three-way valves is connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the evaporator; The second port of the second three-way valve of the two three-way valves is connected to the gas-liquid separator; The remaining third port of the second three-way valve of the two three-way valves is connected to the refrigerant line at the upstream end of the heat exchanger.

8. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The second valve module has two inlet ports and three outlet ports, and includes a three-way valve and a four-way valve, the first ports of which are connected to each other.

9. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The second port of the three-way valve is connected to a heat exchanger; The remaining third port of the three-way valve is connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the evaporator; The second port of the four-way valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator; The third port of the four-way valve is connected to the refrigerant line at the upstream end of the heat exchanger; The remaining fourth port of the four-way valve is connected to an expansion valve.

10. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The second port of the three-way valve is connected to the gas-liquid separator; The remaining third port of the three-way valve is connected to a refrigerant line at an upstream end of the heat exchanger; The second port of the four-way valve is connected to the heat exchanger; The third port of the four-way valve is connected to the expansion valve; The remaining fourth port of the four-way valve is connected to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the evaporator.

11. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: An accumulator is arranged between the evaporator and the compressor.

12. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: In a first operating mode of the plurality of operating modes: The first valve module is configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser to the heat exchanger without expanding the refrigerant; The second valve module is configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger to the expansion valve without expanding the refrigerant; The expansion valve is configured to expand the supplied refrigerant and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator.

13. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: In a first operating mode of the plurality of operating modes: The first valve module is configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser to the heat exchanger without expanding the refrigerant; the second valve module being configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger and supply the expanded refrigerant to the expansion valve; The expansion valve is configured to supply the supplied refrigerant to the evaporator without expanding the refrigerant.

14. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: In a second operating mode among the multiple operating modes: The first valve module is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser and supply the expanded refrigerant to the heat exchanger; The second valve module is configured to supply refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the evaporator without expanding the refrigerant.

15. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: In a third operating mode among the multiple operating modes: The first valve module is configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser to the heat exchanger without expanding the refrigerant; The first valve module is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger and supply the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator; The gas-liquid separator is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant to the compressor and liquid refrigerant to the second valve module; The second valve module is configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator to the expansion valve without expanding the refrigerant; The expansion valve is configured to expand the supplied refrigerant and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator.

16. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: In a third operating mode among the multiple operating modes: The first valve module is configured to supply the refrigerant introduced from the condenser to the heat exchanger without expanding the refrigerant; The first valve module is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger and supply the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator; The gas-liquid separator is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant to the compressor and liquid refrigerant to the second valve module; The second valve module is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator and supply the expanded refrigerant to the expansion valve; The expansion valve is configured to supply the supplied refrigerant to the evaporator without expanding the refrigerant.

17. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: In a fourth operating mode of the plurality of operating modes: The first valve module is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the condenser and supply the expanded refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator; The gas-liquid separator is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant to the compressor and liquid refrigerant to the second valve module; the second valve module being configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the gas-liquid separator and supply the expanded refrigerant to the heat exchanger; The second valve module is configured to supply refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger to the refrigerant line at the downstream end of the evaporator without expanding the refrigerant.

18. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant pipeline includes: a first pipeline connecting the compressor and the condenser; a second pipeline connecting the condenser and the first valve module; a third pipeline connecting the first valve module and the heat exchanger; a fourth pipeline connecting the heat exchanger and the second valve module; a fifth line connecting the second valve module and the evaporator; and A sixth pipeline connects the evaporator and the compressor.

19. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a first connecting pipeline, wherein a first end of the first connecting pipeline is connected to the first valve module, and a second end of the first connecting pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid separator; a second connecting line, a first end of the second connecting line being connected to the first valve module, and a second end of the second connecting line being connected to the refrigerant line at a downstream end of the heat exchanger; a third connecting pipeline, a first end of the third connecting pipeline being connected to the gas-liquid separator, and a second end of the third connecting pipeline being connected to the compressor; a fourth connecting pipeline, wherein a first end of the fourth connecting pipeline is connected to the second valve module, and a second end of the fourth connecting pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid separator; a fifth connecting line, a first end of the fifth connecting line being connected to the second valve module, and a second end of the fifth connecting line being connected to the refrigerant line at the upstream end of the heat exchanger; as well as A sixth connecting line, a first end of which is connected to the second valve module, and a second end of which is connected to the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

20. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 19, wherein: In a state of cooling or heating the vehicle interior, the gas-liquid separator operates when expanded refrigerant is supplied from the first valve module, and the gas-liquid separator is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant in the supplied refrigerant to the compressor through the third connecting line to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant line.

21. The heat pump system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The multiple operating modes include: a first operating mode for cooling the vehicle interior without operating the gas-liquid separator; a second operating mode for heating the vehicle interior without operating the gas-liquid separator; a third operation mode for cooling the vehicle interior by operating the gas-liquid separator; and The fourth operation mode is for heating the vehicle interior by operating the gas-liquid separator.

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