Heat pump system

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump system. The heat pump system includes: a first refrigerant line through which a refrigerant circulates; an evaporator, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a plurality of expansion valves provided on the first refrigerant line; a second refrigerant line branching on the inlet side of the evaporator on the first refrigerant line and extending toward the inlet side of the compressor; and a cooling water line configured to be capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant, a first cooler and a second cooler are arranged in parallel on the second refrigerant line, and the cooling water line is configured to be capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the first cooler and the second cooler. One side of the cooling water pipeline is configured to be capable of exchanging heat with the battery module, the other side of the cooling water pipeline is connected with a rear seat heat exchanger for cooling and heating the rear seat, and the battery module is cooled while the rear seat is heated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heat pump system, and more specifically, to a heat pump system that can simultaneously cool and heat the battery module while providing air conditioning for the rear seats. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of developing environmentally friendly industries and exploring energy alternatives to fossil fuels, electric and hybrid vehicles have become the most prominent sectors in the automotive industry in recent years. Electric and hybrid vehicles are equipped with batteries that provide power, and these batteries are used not only for driving but also for heating and cooling.

[0003] In vehicles that use batteries for power, using the battery as a heat source for cooling and heating means a corresponding reduction in driving range. To overcome this problem, a method has been proposed to apply the heat pump system, which has been widely used in household cooling and heating devices, to automobiles.

[0004] For reference, a heat pump is a device that absorbs low-temperature heat and converts it into high-temperature heat. As an example, the working principle of a heat pump is as follows: a liquid refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator, absorbing heat from its surroundings and becoming a gas. It then liquefies in the condenser while releasing heat back to the surroundings. If applied to electric or hybrid vehicles, its advantage is that it can ensure a sufficient heat source for conventional air conditioning systems.

[0005] In conventional heat pump systems, to enable rear-seat air conditioning, the cooling water lines were configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant and with the air exhausted to the rear seats. Now, the cooling water lines need to be configured to exchange heat with the battery module, but this requires multiple valves to control the flow of cooling water, resulting in poor economic efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a heat pump system that can cool and heat the rear seat and battery module through cooling water pipelines, and can achieve multiple air conditioning modes while ensuring economy through simplified components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] This invention provides a heat pump system capable of cooling and heating a battery module, and capable of providing cooling and heating for the rear seats.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art should be able to clearly understand other problems not mentioned herein based on the following description.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention provides a heat pump system that may include: a first refrigerant line for refrigerant circulation; an evaporator, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a plurality of expansion valves disposed on the first refrigerant line; a second refrigerant line that branches off from the inlet side of the evaporator on the first refrigerant line and extends toward the inlet side of the compressor; and a cooling water line configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant.

[0012] It is possible that a first cooler and a second cooler are connected in parallel on the second refrigerant pipeline. The cooling water pipeline is configured to allow the cooling water to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the first cooler and the second cooler. One side of the cooling water pipeline is configured to exchange heat with the battery module, and the other side of the cooling water pipeline is connected to the rear seat heat exchanger for cooling and heating the rear seat, so that the rear seat can be heated while the battery module is being cooled.

[0013] The cooling water pipeline may include: a first cooling water pipeline connected to the first cooler; a second cooling water pipeline connected to the second cooler; a third cooling water pipeline connected to the rear seat heat exchanger; a fourth cooling water pipeline connected to the battery module; and a multi-way valve that connects the inlet and outlet of the first cooling water pipeline to the fourth cooling water pipeline.

[0014] Expansion valves are provided on the inlet side of the first cooler and the second cooler on the second refrigerant pipeline, respectively, so that the low-temperature refrigerant and the high-temperature cooling water can exchange heat in the first cooler and the second cooler.

[0015] It is possible that a heater is provided on the inlet side of the rear seat heat exchanger on the third cooling water pipeline, and the rear seat cooling and battery cooling are achieved through heat exchange in the first cooler and the second cooler, while the rear seat heating and battery heating are achieved through the heater.

[0016] Alternatively, the multi-way valve can separate the third and fourth cooling water lines, with the fourth cooling water line connected to either the first or second cooling water line, to simultaneously provide rear seat heating and battery cooling.

[0017] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat / battery cooling mode, the multi-way valve connects the second cooling water line to the third cooling water line and the first cooling water line to the fourth cooling water line, so that the cooling water cooled in the first cooler and the second cooler flows to the battery module and the rear seat heat exchanger, respectively.

[0018] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is rear seat / battery cooling mode, the refrigerant expands in the expansion valve located in the first refrigerant line and then flows into the evaporator. A portion of the refrigerant is branched and flows into the second refrigerant line. After expanding in the expansion valve, the refrigerant flows into both the first and second coolers.

[0019] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat / battery heating mode, the multi-way valve connects the third cooling water line to the fourth cooling water line, and the cooling water heated by the heater flows to the rear seat heat exchanger and the battery module.

[0020] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is rear seat / battery heating mode, the refrigerant passes through the first heat exchanger and expands in the expansion valve, then passes through the second heat exchanger and flows along the second refrigerant line.

[0021] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode, the multi-way valve enables the third cooling water pipeline to form an independent flow path and connects the first cooling water pipeline, the second cooling water pipeline, and the fourth cooling water pipeline.

[0022] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode, the refrigerant passes through the first heat exchanger and expands in the expansion valve, then passes through the second heat exchanger and flows along the second refrigerant line.

[0023] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is set to the maximum rear seat cooling mode, the multi-way valve connects the first cooling water pipeline, the second cooling water pipeline, and the third cooling water pipeline, and makes the fourth cooling water pipeline an independent flow path.

[0024] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is set to the maximum rear seat cooling mode, the refrigerant expands in the expansion valve of the first refrigerant line, a portion of the refrigerant is branched and flows into the second refrigerant line, and after expanding in the expansion valve, flows into the first cooler and the second cooler.

[0025] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode, the multi-way valve connects the first cooling water pipeline, the third cooling water pipeline and the fourth cooling water pipeline, and makes the second cooling water pipeline an independent flow path.

[0026] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode, the refrigerant passes through the first heat exchanger and expands in the expansion valve, passes through the second heat exchanger and flows into the second refrigerant line, and after expanding in the expansion valve, flows into the first cooler and the second cooler.

[0027] Yes, by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve located on the inlet side of the first cooler, the temperature and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first cooler can be adjusted. After the cooling water passing through the rear heat exchanger is cooled to a set temperature in the first cooler, it flows to the battery module.

[0028] Yes, when the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / battery maximum cooling mode or rear seat maximum cooling mode, the first cooling water line and the second cooling water line are connected in series through the multi-way valve.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, multiple cooling water pipelines are configured to be connected by a multi-way valve, enabling the cooling water to exchange heat with the refrigerant, external air and battery module on the cooling water pipelines, thereby cooling and heating the battery module while cooling and heating the rear seat.

[0031] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art should be able to clearly understand other problems not mentioned herein based on the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the refrigerant piping of a heat pump system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the cooling water piping of a heat pump system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a heat pump system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention implements a rear seat / battery cooling mode.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention implements a rear seat / battery heating mode.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system according to another embodiment of the present invention implements a rear seat / battery heating mode.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention achieves a rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention achieves the maximum cooling mode in the rear seat.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention implements a rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0042] 10: First refrigerant line; 11: Evaporator; 12: Gas-liquid separator; 13: Compressor; 14: First heat exchanger; 15: Second heat exchanger; 20: Second refrigerant line; 21: First cooler; 22: Second cooler; 100: First cooling water line; 200: Second cooling water line; 300: Third cooling water line; 320: Heater; 330: Rear seat heat exchanger; 400: Fourth cooling water line; 410: Battery module; 500: Multi-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0043] This invention can be modified in many ways and can have various embodiments; therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings for detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific implementations, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope of the invention's ideas and techniques. Detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies are omitted when it is believed that such descriptions might obscure the gist of the invention.

[0044] The terms "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but the constituent elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from others.

[0045] The terminology used in this application is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. It should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "having" in this application are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and are not intended to presuppose the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0046] Furthermore, when described as "connected" in the overall content of the instruction manual, it can not only indicate the direct connection of two or more constituent elements, but also the following situations: two or more constituent elements are indirectly connected through other constituent elements; not only physically connected but also electrically connected; or they are called by different names according to their location or function, but are one unit.

[0047] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the heat pump system provided by the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the process of describing with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding constituent elements will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0048] An embodiment of the present invention provides a heat pump system comprising: a refrigerant line for refrigerant flow; and a cooling water line, which forms a separate flow path from the refrigerant line for cooling water flow.

[0049] Heat exchangers are installed on the refrigerant lines and cooling water lines to enable heat exchange between the refrigerant and cooling water, thereby enabling air conditioning in the vehicle cabin. The heat exchangers on the refrigerant lines and cooling water lines are configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and cooling water, as well as between outside air and the refrigerant or cooling water, and are also configured to exchange heat with the vehicle's electrical components, thus utilizing waste heat.

[0050] The advantage of the heat pump system provided by this invention is that multiple cooling water lines are configured to exchange heat with the air exhausted to the rear seat and the battery module 410. These multiple cooling water lines can be interconnected or disconnected via a multi-way valve 500, thereby enabling multiple air conditioning modes to be implemented using a single multi-way valve 500. The following describes the various structures of the heat pump system provided by an embodiment of this invention, illustrating the implementation of multiple air conditioning modes.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the refrigerant piping of a heat pump system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Reference Figure 1An embodiment of the present invention provides a heat pump system refrigerant pipeline comprising: a first refrigerant pipeline 10, which is configured with an evaporator 11, a compressor 13, a first heat exchanger 14, a second heat exchanger 15 and a plurality of expansion valves; and a second refrigerant pipeline 20, which is connected to the first refrigerant pipeline 10.

[0053] Multiple elements can be configured on the first refrigerant line 10 to enable basic cooling and heating of the vehicle.

[0054] An evaporator 11 is disposed on the first refrigerant line 10. The evaporator 11 absorbs heat from the surrounding environment by evaporating the refrigerant. The evaporator 11 can be configured to exchange heat with the air flowing into the vehicle compartment, thereby cooling or dehumidifying the air flowing into the vehicle compartment. An expansion valve 16 is disposed at the inlet of the evaporator 11. The refrigerant expanding in the expansion valve 16 can be cooled and flow into the evaporator 11.

[0055] The refrigerant passing through the evaporator 11 can flow to the gas-liquid separator 12 and the compressor 13. In the compressor 13, the refrigerant is compressed to a high temperature and high pressure and flows to the first heat exchanger 14. The first heat exchanger 14 can exchange heat with the air flowing into the vehicle compartment. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can heat the vehicle compartment through the first heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 14 flows to the expansion valve 17 and the second heat exchanger 15. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the outside air in the second heat exchanger 15. Therefore, it is possible to release heat to the outside of the vehicle or absorb heat from the outside air.

[0056] The evaporator 11 and the first heat exchanger 14 can be disposed in the front seat air conditioning unit 1. The front seat air conditioning unit 1 can draw in air and exhaust it into the passenger compartment. The evaporator 11 and the first heat exchanger 14, which are used to exchange heat between the air exhausted into the passenger compartment and the refrigerant, can achieve their purpose by being disposed inside the front seat air conditioning unit 1.

[0057] When the air conditioning mode is in cooling mode, the refrigerant expands through the expansion valve in the second heat exchanger 15 and then flows to the evaporator 11. When the air conditioning mode is in heating mode, the refrigerant that has absorbed heat in the second heat exchanger 15 may not flow to the evaporator 11 side, but instead flow to the gas-liquid separator 12 side and then to the compressor 13.

[0058] The second refrigerant line 20 provided by the present invention can branch off at the inlet side of the evaporator 11 and extend to the inlet side of the compressor 13 and the gas-liquid separator 12. That is, the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant line 20 can flow directly into the compressor 13 without passing through the evaporator 11.

[0059] Reference Figure 1The second refrigerant line 20 can be a combination of two refrigerant lines 20a and 20b. The two refrigerant lines 20a and 20b can be connected in parallel. A first cooler 21 and a second cooler 22 capable of exchanging heat with cooling water are configured on the second refrigerant line 20. The first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22 can be configured in parallel.

[0060] Expansion valves 23 and 24 can be respectively installed on the inlet side of the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22. The refrigerant can expand and be cooled in the expansion valves 23 and 24 before flowing into the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22. Then, it can exchange heat with the cooling water in the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the cooling water piping of a heat pump system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention provides a cooling water pipeline that may include multiple cooling water pipelines. One side of the cooling water pipeline may be configured to exchange heat with a first cooler 21 and a second cooler 22 disposed on a second refrigerant pipeline 20. A portion of the cooling water pipeline may be configured to exchange heat with a battery module 410. Another portion of the cooling water pipeline may be connected to a rear seat heat exchanger 330 for rear seat cooling and heating.

[0063] The rear seat heat exchanger 330 is a structure used to exchange heat between the air exhausted to the rear seat and the cooling water. The cooling water lines can cool or heat the rear seat. At the same time, it can also cool and heat the battery module 410.

[0064] Since the rear seat heat exchanger 330 is used to exchange heat between the air exhausted to the rear seat and the cooling water, it can be installed inside the rear seat air conditioning unit 2. The rear seat air conditioning unit 2 draws in air and then exhausts it to the rear seat to achieve rear seat air conditioning.

[0065] An embodiment of the present invention provides a cooling water pipeline that may include a first cooling water pipeline to a fourth cooling water pipeline 100, 200, 300, 400. The four cooling water pipelines 100, 200, 300, 400 can be connected via a multi-way valve 500. The inlet and outlet of the four cooling water pipelines 100, 200, 300, 400 can be connected or disconnected via the multi-way valve 500. Therefore, the multi-way valve 500 can be equivalent to an eight-way valve.

[0066] The first cooling water line 100 can be configured to exchange heat with the first cooler 21.

[0067] The second cooling water line 200 can be configured to exchange heat with the second cooler 22.

[0068] The third cooling water line 300 can be configured to pass through the rear seat heat exchanger 330. A heater 320 for heating the cooling water can be installed on the third cooling water line 300. The cooling water flowing into the rear seat heat exchanger 330 can be heated by the heater 320.

[0069] The fourth cooling water line 400 can be configured to exchange heat with the battery module 410.

[0070] The multi-way valve 500 can connect the inlet and outlet of the first cooling water line to the fourth cooling water line 100, 200, 300, 400 according to the applicable air conditioning mode, so as to realize the cooling and heating of the rear seat, the cooling and heating of the battery module 410.

[0071] The numbers 1 to 8 marked on the multi-way valve 500 indicate the inlet and outlet of each cooling water line. 3 corresponds to the inlet of the third cooling water line 300, and 2 corresponds to the outlet of the third cooling water line 300.

[0072] As an example, when the multi-way valve 500 connects the inlet and outlet of the third cooling water line 300, the third cooling water line 300 can form an independent flow path. Cooling water can circulate in the third cooling water line 300.

[0073] The multi-way valve 500 can connect or disconnect each cooling water line. When the multi-way valve 500 disconnects the third cooling water line 300 from the fourth cooling water line 400, the rear seat can be heated through the third cooling water line 300, and the battery module 410 can be cooled by connecting the fourth cooling water line 400 to the first cooling water line 100 or the second cooling water line 200.

[0074] Pumps 110 and 310 can be installed on the cooling water lines to ensure smooth flow of cooling water. A first pump 110 can be installed at the inlet side of the first cooling water line 100. A second pump 310 can be installed at the inlet side of the third cooling water line 300.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a heat pump system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 It can be confirmed that the configuration relationship between the refrigerant pipeline and the cooling water pipeline provided in one embodiment of the present invention is accurate.

[0077] The refrigerant can expand and be cooled in the expansion valves 23 and 24 located in the second refrigerant line 20. Then, it can exchange heat with cooling water by passing through the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22. The first cooler 21 is a structure that facilitates heat exchange between the cooling water flowing in the first cooling water line 100 and the refrigerant. The second cooler 22 is a structure that facilitates heat exchange between the cooling water flowing in the second cooling water line 200 and the refrigerant.

[0078] Yes, the third cooling water line 300 extends to the rear seat air conditioning unit 2, and the rear seat heat exchanger 330 is installed inside the rear seat air conditioning unit 2.

[0079] The fourth cooling water pipeline 400 extends toward the battery module 410, enabling the battery module 410 to exchange heat with the cooling water.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention implements a rear seat / battery cooling mode.

[0081] Reference Figure 4 When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat / battery cooling mode, the multi-way valve 500 can connect the second cooling water line 200 to the third cooling water line 300 and connect the first cooling water line 100 to the fourth cooling water line 400.

[0082] The following describes the refrigerant flow when the air conditioning is in rear seat / battery cooling mode.

[0083] After expanding in the expansion valve 16 of the first refrigerant line 10, the refrigerant flows into the evaporator 11. It then exchanges heat with the air discharged into the passenger compartment to cool the compartment. A portion of the refrigerant is branched off and flows into the second refrigerant line 20. The refrigerant flowing into the second refrigerant line 20 can expand in expansion valves 23 and 24 before flowing into the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22.

[0084] The refrigerant flowing into the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22 is cooled refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the cooling water in the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22 to cool the cooling water. Then, the refrigerant can merge with the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 11 and flow into the gas-liquid separator 12.

[0085] When there is no need to cool or dehumidify the interior of the vehicle, the flow of refrigerant towards the evaporator 11 can be blocked. This can be achieved by closing the expansion valve 16 located at the inlet of the evaporator 11. In this case, the refrigerant flows along the second refrigerant line 20.

[0086] The following describes the flow of cooling water when the air conditioning is in rear seat / battery cooling mode.

[0087] The second cooling water pipeline 200 is connected to the third cooling water pipeline 300, and the first cooling water pipeline 100 is connected to the fourth cooling water pipeline 400. Therefore, the cooling water can circulate along the two separate pipelines.

[0088] Cooling water circulating in the second cooling water line 200 and the third cooling water line 300 can be cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the second cooler 22. The cooled water can then flow into the third cooling water line 300 and into the rear seat heat exchanger 330. The heater 320 located on the inlet side of the rear seat heat exchanger 330 can be controlled to be inactive. The cooled water can then exchange heat with the air exhausted into the passenger compartment in the rear seat heat exchanger 330 to cool the rear seats.

[0089] The cooling water circulating in the first cooling water line 100 and the fourth cooling water line 400 can be cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the first cooler 21. The cooled water can then flow to the fourth cooling water line 400 and to the battery module 410. The cooling water can pass through the battery module 410 and exchange heat with it to cool the battery module 410.

[0090] The rear seat and battery module 410 can be cooled by the flow of refrigerant and cooling water as described above.

[0091] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention implements a rear seat / battery heating mode. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system according to another embodiment of the present invention implements a rear seat / battery heating mode.

[0092] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat / battery heating mode, the multi-way valve 500 can connect the third cooling water line 300 to the fourth cooling water line 400.

[0093] The following describes the refrigerant flow when the air conditioning is in rear seat / battery heating mode.

[0094] In cases where rear seat heating and battery heating are required, front seat heating may also be necessary. The refrigerant, compressed to a high temperature and pressure in the compressor 13 of the first refrigerant line 10, can exchange heat with the air flowing into the passenger compartment in the first heat exchanger 14 to heat the passenger compartment. The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 14 can expand in the expansion valve 17, then pass through the second heat exchanger 15 and exchange heat with the outside air. The cooled refrigerant can then pass through the second heat exchanger 15 and absorb heat from the outside air.

[0095] The refrigerant passing through the second heat exchanger 15 may not flow towards the evaporator 11, but instead flows along the second refrigerant line 20. In this case, the refrigerant cooling process can be omitted. That is, the refrigerant can flow along the second refrigerant line 20, but without expanding in the expansion valves 23 and 24, and flow directly.

[0096] The above scenario assumes that front seat heating is required. When heating the rear seats, cooling the front seats can also be applied. Therefore, if... Figure 4 As shown, it also allows the refrigerant to flow through the evaporator 11.

[0097] exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the case of the cooling water pipeline shown, the first cooling water pipeline 100 and the second cooling water pipeline 200 are not connected to the third cooling water pipeline 300 and the fourth cooling water pipeline 400, so the cooling water can achieve the heating of the rear seat and the heating of the battery module 410 independently of the flow of refrigerant.

[0098] The following describes the flow of cooling water when the air conditioning is in rear seat / battery heating mode.

[0099] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-way valve 500 of the heat pump system can connect the first cooling water line 100 to the second cooling water line 200 and the third cooling water line 300 to the fourth cooling water line 400 in the rear seat / battery heating mode.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 In another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-way valve 500 of the heat pump system can make the first cooling water line 100 and the second cooling water line 200 form independent flow paths in the rear seat / battery heating mode, and connect the third cooling water line 300 to the fourth cooling water line 400.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6Cooling water can circulate in the third cooling water line 300 and the fourth cooling water line 400. After being heated by the heater 320 in the third cooling water line 300, the cooling water flows into the rear seat heat exchanger 330. Cooling water and air exhausted into the passenger compartment can exchange heat in the rear seat heat exchanger 330 to heat the rear seats.

[0102] Cooling water passing through the rear seat heat exchanger 330 can flow to the battery module 410 along the fourth cooling water line 400. The cooling water, after being sufficiently cooled in the heater 320, can heat the battery module 410. The battery module 410 must maintain a specified temperature when driven or during rapid vehicle acceleration to efficiently utilize electrical energy. Therefore, heating the battery module 410 can improve the vehicle's energy efficiency.

[0103] In rear seat / battery heating mode, cooling water may not flow to the first cooling water line 100 and the second cooling water line 200. Cooling water can instead flow directly to the third cooling water line 300 and the fourth cooling water line 400. Therefore, all the cooling water flow can be used to heat the rear seat and battery.

[0104] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention achieves a rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode.

[0105] Reference Figure 7 When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode, the multi-way valve 500 can make the third cooling water line 300 an independent flow path and connect the first cooling water line 100, the second cooling water line 200 and the fourth cooling water line 400.

[0106] The following describes the refrigerant flow when the air conditioning is in rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode.

[0107] While the rear seats are heated, the front seats can also be heated. The refrigerant, compressed to a high temperature and pressure in the compressor 13 of the first refrigerant line 10, can exchange heat with the air flowing into the passenger compartment in the first heat exchanger 14 to heat the passenger compartment. The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 14 can expand in the expansion valve 17, then pass through the second heat exchanger 15 and exchange heat with the outside air. The cooled refrigerant can then pass through the second heat exchanger 15 and absorb heat from the outside air.

[0108] The refrigerant passing through the second heat exchanger 15 may not flow towards the evaporator 11, but instead flows along the second refrigerant line 20. However, compared with... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6The situation is different; the refrigerant can expand through expansion valves 23 and 24 on the second refrigerant line 20. This is to achieve battery cooling.

[0109] The refrigerant passing through the second refrigerant line 20 can expand in the expansion valves 23 and 24 before flowing into the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the cooling water in the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22 to cool the cooling water.

[0110] Even if the rear seats are heated, the front seats do not need to be heated. In this case, a portion of the refrigerant can flow towards the evaporator 11.

[0111] The following describes the flow of cooling water when the air conditioning is in rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode.

[0112] The multi-way valve 500 allows the third cooling water line 300 to form an independent flow path. A portion of the cooling water can circulate along the third cooling water line 300. After being heated by the heater 320, the cooling water flows to the rear seat heat exchanger 330. The heated cooling water can exchange heat with the air discharged to the rear seat in the rear seat heat exchanger 330 to heat the rear seat.

[0113] The multi-way valve 500 connects the first cooling water line 100, the second cooling water line 200, and the fourth cooling water line 400. Remaining cooling water can circulate within these lines. The cooling water can pass through the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant and is cooled. It can then flow to the battery module 410 to cool it.

[0114] The first cooling water pipeline 100, the second cooling water pipeline 200, and the fourth cooling water pipeline 400 can be connected in series. This allows cooling water to pass through the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22 in a series manner to achieve maximum cooling. The cooled water, after being cooled to the maximum extent, can flow to the battery module 410 to achieve maximum cooling of the battery module 410.

[0115] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention achieves the maximum cooling mode in the rear seat.

[0116] Reference Figure 8 When the air conditioning mode is set to the maximum cooling mode for the rear seats, the multi-way valve 500 can connect the first cooling water line 100, the second cooling water line 200, and the third cooling water line 300, and make the fourth cooling water line 400 an independent flow path.

[0117] The following describes the refrigerant flow when the air conditioning is in the maximum rear seat cooling mode.

[0118] While the rear seats are being cooled, the front seats can also be cooled. The refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 11 of the first refrigerant line 10 can be expanded and cooled in the expansion valve 16 before flowing into the evaporator 11. The cooled refrigerant can then pass through the evaporator 11 to cool the air discharged into the passenger compartment.

[0119] A portion of the refrigerant is branched off and flows into the second refrigerant line 20. The refrigerant can expand through expansion valves 23 and 24 on the second refrigerant line 20. This is to achieve cooling in the rear section.

[0120] The refrigerant passing through the second refrigerant line 20 can expand in the expansion valves 23 and 24 before flowing into the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the cooling water in the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22 to cool the cooling water.

[0121] Even if the rear seats are cooled, the front seats do not need to be cooled. In this case, the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator 11 can be blocked.

[0122] The following describes the flow of cooling water when the air conditioning is in the maximum rear seat cooling mode.

[0123] The multi-way valve 500 allows the fourth cooling water line 400 to form an independent flow path. A portion of the cooling water can circulate along the fourth cooling water line 400. In this case, the cooling water does not undergo additional heat exchange, so cooling water may not flow into the fourth cooling water line 400. The cooling water can then flow centrally into the first cooling water line 100, the second cooling water line 200, and the third cooling water line 300.

[0124] The multi-way valve 500 connects the first cooling water line 100, the second cooling water line 200, and the third cooling water line 300. Cooling water circulates within these lines. It passes through the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant and is cooled. The water then flows to the rear seat heat exchanger 330 to cool the air discharged to the rear seat. The heater 320 located on the third cooling water line 300 can be controlled to not heat the cooling water.

[0125] The first cooling water pipeline 100, the second cooling water pipeline 200, and the third cooling water pipeline 300 can be connected in series. This allows cooling water to pass through the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22 in a series manner to achieve maximum cooling. The cooled water, after being cooled to the maximum extent, can flow to the rear heat exchanger 330 to achieve maximum cooling of the rear section.

[0126] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a scenario where a heat pump system provided by an embodiment of the present invention implements a rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode.

[0127] Reference Figure 9 When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode, the multi-way valve 500 can connect the first cooling water pipeline 100, the third cooling water pipeline 300 and the fourth cooling water pipeline 400, and make the second cooling water pipeline 200 an independent flow path.

[0128] The following section describes the refrigerant flow when the air conditioner is in rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode.

[0129] While the rear seats are heated, the front seats can also be heated. The refrigerant, compressed to a high temperature and pressure in the compressor 13 of the first refrigerant line 10, can exchange heat with the air flowing into the passenger compartment in the first heat exchanger 14 to heat the passenger compartment. The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 14 can expand in the expansion valve 17, then pass through the second heat exchanger 15 and exchange heat with the outside air. The cooled refrigerant can then pass through the second heat exchanger 15 and absorb heat from the outside air.

[0130] The refrigerant passing through the second heat exchanger 15 may not flow towards the evaporator 11, but instead flows along the second refrigerant line 20. However, compared with... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The situation is different; the refrigerant can expand on the second refrigerant line 20 through expansion valves 23 and 24. This is to achieve battery temperature regulation.

[0131] The refrigerant passing through the second refrigerant line 20 can expand in the expansion valves 23 and 24 before flowing into the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the cooling water in the first cooler 21 and the second cooler 22 to cool the cooling water.

[0132] Figure 9The diagram shows the connection between the first cooling water line 100 and the third cooling water line 300 and the fourth cooling water line 400. However, in the rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode, any one of the first cooling water line 100 and the second cooling water line 200 can be connected to the third cooling water line 300 and the fourth cooling water line 400.

[0133] Therefore, heat exchange between refrigerant and cooling water can occur only in the cooler through which the cooling water lines connected to the third cooling water line 300 and the fourth cooling water line 400 pass. Figure 9 In this configuration, since the heat exchange between cooling water and refrigerant occurs in the first cooler 21 of the second refrigerant line 20a, the refrigerant may not flow into the line 20b extending towards the second cooler 22 in the second refrigerant line 20. Alternatively, the refrigerant may flow towards the second cooler 22 but without expanding in the expansion valve 24, flowing directly into the line.

[0134] Even if the rear seats are heated, the front seats do not need to be heated. In this case, a portion of the refrigerant can flow towards the evaporator 11.

[0135] The following describes the flow of cooling water when the air conditioning is in rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode.

[0136] Reference Figure 9 The first cooling water line 100, the third cooling water line 300, and the fourth cooling water line 400 can be connected. The cooling water can be heated in the heater 320 of the third cooling water line 300 and then flows to the rear seat heat exchanger 330. In the rear seat heat exchanger 330, it can exchange heat with the air discharged to the rear seat to heat the rear seat.

[0137] Cooling water passing through the rear seat heat exchanger 330 can flow to the first cooling water line 100 and exchange heat with the refrigerant in the first cooler 21. Cooling water cooled to a suitable temperature through heat exchange with the refrigerant can flow to the fourth cooling water line 400. The cooling water can exchange heat with the battery module 410 to regulate the temperature of the battery module 410.

[0138] In the rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode, this mode is used to maintain the temperature of the battery module 410 at a moderate level. Therefore, the temperature of the cooling water can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing along the second refrigerant line 20a, thereby adjusting the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant and the cooling water in the first cooler 21, and thus controlling the temperature of the battery module 410. The flow rate of the refrigerant can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve 23 disposed on the inlet side of the first cooler 21.

[0139] The invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A heat pump system comprising: The first refrigerant line supplies refrigerant circulation; An evaporator, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and multiple expansion valves are provided on the first refrigerant line; A second refrigerant line branches off from the inlet side of the evaporator on the first refrigerant line and extends toward the inlet side of the compressor; as well as Cooling water lines are configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant. A first cooler and a second cooler are connected in parallel on the second refrigerant pipeline. The cooling water pipeline is configured to allow the cooling water to exchange heat with the refrigerant in the first cooler and the second cooler. One side of the cooling water pipeline is configured to exchange heat with the battery module, and the other side of the cooling water pipeline is connected to a rear seat heat exchanger for cooling and heating the rear seat, so that the rear seat can be heated while cooling the battery module.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling water pipeline includes: The first cooling water pipeline is connected to the first cooler; The second cooling water pipeline is connected to the second cooler; The third cooling water line is connected to the rear seat heat exchanger; A fourth cooling water line, which is connected to the battery module; and A multi-way valve connects the inlet and outlet of the first cooling water line to the fourth cooling water line.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein, Expansion valves are respectively installed on the inlet side of the first cooler and the second cooler on the second refrigerant pipeline, so that the low-temperature refrigerant and the high-temperature cooling water can exchange heat in the first cooler and the second cooler.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein, A heater is provided on the inlet side of the rear seat heat exchanger on the third cooling water pipeline. The rear seat cooling and battery cooling are achieved through heat exchange in the first cooler and the second cooler, and the rear seat heating and battery heating are achieved through the heater.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein, The multi-way valve separates the third and fourth cooling water lines, and the fourth cooling water line is connected to the first or second cooling water line to simultaneously heat the rear seat and cool the battery.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat / battery cooling mode, the multi-way valve connects the second cooling water line to the third cooling water line and the first cooling water line to the fourth cooling water line. The cooling water cooled in the first cooler and the second cooler flows to the battery module and the rear seat heat exchanger, respectively.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is rear seat / battery cooling mode, the refrigerant expands in the expansion valve located in the first refrigerant line and then flows into the evaporator. A portion of the refrigerant is branched and flows into the second refrigerant line, and after expanding in the expansion valve, it flows into both the first and second coolers.

8. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat / battery heating mode, the multi-way valve connects the third cooling water line to the fourth cooling water line, and the cooling water heated by the heater flows to the rear seat heat exchanger and the battery module.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 8, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat / battery heating mode, the refrigerant passes through the first heat exchanger and expands in the expansion valve, then passes through the second heat exchanger and flows along the second refrigerant line.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode, the multi-way valve enables the third cooling water pipeline to form an independent flow path and connects the first cooling water pipeline, the second cooling water pipeline, and the fourth cooling water pipeline.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 10, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / maximum battery cooling mode, the refrigerant passes through the first heat exchanger and expands in the expansion valve, then passes through the second heat exchanger and flows along the second refrigerant line.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to the maximum cooling mode for the rear seats, the multi-way valve connects the first cooling water pipeline, the second cooling water pipeline, and the third cooling water pipeline, and makes the fourth cooling water pipeline an independent flow path.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 12, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to the maximum rear seat cooling mode, the refrigerant expands in the expansion valve of the first refrigerant line, a portion of the refrigerant is branched and flows into the second refrigerant line, and after expanding in the expansion valve, flows into the first cooler and the second cooler.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode, the multi-way valve connects the first cooling water pipeline, the third cooling water pipeline, and the fourth cooling water pipeline, and makes the second cooling water pipeline an independent flow path.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 14, wherein, When the air conditioning mode is set to rear seat heating / battery temperature control mode, the refrigerant passes through the first heat exchanger and expands in the expansion valve, passes through the second heat exchanger and flows into the second refrigerant line, and after expanding in the expansion valve, flows into the first cooler and the second cooler.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 14, wherein, By adjusting the opening of the expansion valve located on the inlet side of the first cooler, the temperature and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first cooler can be regulated. After the cooling water passing through the rear heat exchanger is cooled to a set temperature in the first cooler, it flows to the battery module.

17. The heat pump system according to claim 10 or 12, wherein, The first cooling water pipeline and the second cooling water pipeline are connected in series via the multi-way valve.

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