Heat pump system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat pump system for a vehicle, comprising: a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; an HVAC module having an internal condenser and an evaporator connected to the compressor via refrigerant lines; an external heat exchanger connected to the internal condenser via refrigerant lines, the external heat exchanger being configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant by heat exchange with air; a first expansion valve; a reservoir; a first connection line; a cooler provided on the first connection line; a second expansion valve; a gas injection device connected to the refrigerant line between the internal condenser and the external heat exchanger, configured to selectively supply a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser or the external heat exchanger to the compressor to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line; and a second connection line, wherein the flow direction of the refrigerant is controlled according to at least one mode of the heat pump system for temperature control of the interior of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0181013, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 6, 2024, 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 that can improve cooling and heating performance by applying a gas injection device configured to operate selectively in a selected air conditioning mode. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, air conditioning systems for vehicles include an air conditioning unit that circulates refrigerant to heat or cool the vehicle's interior.

[0005] Regardless of changes in external temperature, the air conditioning unit maintains a suitable temperature inside the vehicle to create a comfortable interior environment. The air conditioning unit is configured such that, during the process of the refrigerant discharged by the compressor circulating back to the compressor through the condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, and evaporator, heat exchange occurs through the condenser and evaporator, thereby heating or cooling the interior of the vehicle.

[0006] In other words, in summer cooling mode, the air conditioning unit condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor through the condenser, allowing the refrigerant to pass through the receiver-dryer and expansion valve, and then evaporate in the evaporator, thereby reducing the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle.

[0007] With increasing attention to energy efficiency and environmental pollution, there is a need to develop environmentally friendly vehicles that can largely replace internal combustion engine vehicles. These environmentally friendly vehicles are divided into electric vehicles that use fuel cells or electricity as a power source, and hybrid vehicles that use engines and batteries.

[0008] Among these environmentally friendly vehicles, electric or hybrid vehicles have different air conditioning systems than ordinary vehicles. They do not use a separate heater; the air conditioning system used in these environmentally friendly vehicles is called a heat pump system.

[0009] Electric vehicles powered by fuel cells generate propulsion by converting the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen into electrical energy. During this process, the chemical reaction within the fuel cell produces heat. Therefore, to ensure the performance of the fuel cell, it is necessary to effectively remove the generated heat.

[0010] Furthermore, hybrid vehicles generate power by using electricity from the aforementioned fuel cell or battery to drive an electric motor, combined with an engine that runs on conventional fuels such as gasoline. Therefore, to ensure the performance of the electric motor, the heat generated by the fuel cell or battery and the electric motor must be effectively removed.

[0011] Therefore, in hybrid or electric vehicles according to the prior art, the cooling device, heat pump system and battery cooling system should be configured as independent closed loops to prevent the motor, electrical components and the battery containing the fuel cell from generating heat.

[0012] Therefore, the size and weight of the cooling module located at the front of the vehicle increase, and the layout of the connecting pipes supplying refrigerant and coolant to the heat pump system, cooling device and battery cooling system in the engine compartment becomes complicated.

[0013] In addition, to achieve optimal battery performance, a separate battery cooling system is provided to heat or cool the battery according to the vehicle's condition. This system uses multiple valves to selectively interconnect the connecting pipes, so the noise and vibration generated by the frequent opening and closing of these valves may be transmitted into the vehicle's interior, thereby reducing the vehicle's ride comfort.

[0014] In addition, in order to heat the vehicle interior, insufficient heat source may lead to deterioration of heating performance, increased power consumption due to the use of electric heaters, and the power consumption of the compressor may also increase.

[0015] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may contain information beyond the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The present invention provides a heat pump system for vehicles, which can improve cooling and heating performance by increasing the flow of refrigerant through a gas injection device that operates selectively in the air conditioning mode inside the vehicle.

[0017] A heat pump system for a vehicle includes a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant. The heat pump system further includes an HVAC module having an internal condenser and an evaporator connected to the compressor via a refrigerant line. The heat pump system also includes an external heat exchanger connected to the internal condenser via a refrigerant line and configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with air. The heat pump system further includes a first expansion valve disposed on a refrigerant line between the external heat exchanger and the evaporator. The heat pump system further includes a receiver-and-discharge tank disposed on a refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor. The heat pump system further includes a first connecting line with a first end connected to the receiver-and-discharge tank. The heat pump system further includes a cooler disposed on the first connecting line and configured to exchange heat between refrigerant introduced via the first connecting line and a coolant to regulate the temperature of the coolant. The heat pump system further includes a second expansion valve disposed on a refrigerant line between the external heat exchanger and the first expansion valve and connected to a second end of the first connecting line. The heat pump system further includes: a gas injection device connected to the refrigerant line between the internal condenser and the external heat exchanger, configured to selectively expand the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser or the external heat exchanger, and to flow the refrigerant expanded by the gas injection device to selectively supply a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser or the external heat exchanger to the compressor, thereby increasing the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line. The heat pump system also includes: a second connecting line, the first end of which is connected to the refrigerant line between the compressor and the internal condenser, wherein the direction of refrigerant flow is controlled according to at least one mode of the heat pump system for vehicle interior temperature control.

[0018] The gas injection device includes: a flash tank configured to separate refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant, and selectively discharge the gaseous and liquid refrigerant. The gas injection device also includes: a third expansion valve disposed on the refrigerant line between the internal condenser and the external heat exchanger. The gas injection device further includes: a first line with a first end connected to the flash tank and a second end connected to the third expansion valve. The gas injection device further includes: a second line connecting the compressor and the flash tank, configured to selectively supply gaseous refrigerant from the flash tank to the compressor. The gas injection device further includes: a third line with a first end connected to the flash tank.

[0019] The flash tank can operate when supplied via the first line and supply gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant supplied via the second line to the compressor to increase the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line.

[0020] When the gas injection device needs to be operated, the third expansion valve can expand the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser or external heat exchanger, and supply the refrigerant expanded through the third expansion valve to the flash tank via the first pipeline.

[0021] The heat pump system further includes: a fourth expansion valve, disposed on the refrigerant line between the third expansion valve and the external heat exchanger, and connected to the second end of the third line and the second end of the second connecting line. The heat pump system also includes: a third connecting line, the first end of which is connected to the third expansion valve, and the second end of which is connected to the refrigerant line between the external heat exchanger and the second expansion valve. The heat pump system further includes: a fourth connecting line, the first end of which is connected to the second expansion valve, and the second end of which is connected to the third line.

[0022] The second, third, and fourth expansion valves are four-way expansion valves that operate selectively in at least one mode and are configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow direction of the supplied refrigerant.

[0023] The at least one mode includes: a first cooling mode for cooling the vehicle interior without operating the gas injection device; a second cooling mode for cooling the vehicle interior by operating the gas injection device; a first heating mode for heating the vehicle interior without operating the gas injection device; a second heating mode for heating the vehicle interior by operating the gas injection device; a first hot gas heating mode for heating the vehicle interior using refrigerant without recovering heat and without operating the gas injection device; and a second hot gas heating mode for heating the vehicle interior using refrigerant by operating the gas injection device without recovering heat.

[0024] In the first cooling mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the second connecting line to the internal condenser, the third expansion valve, and the fourth expansion valve is configured to be closed via the third and fourth expansion valves. In the first cooling mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the fourth expansion valve to the external heat exchanger and the second expansion valve is configured to be opened via the second expansion valve. In the first cooling mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, the evaporator, the receiver, and the compressor is configured to be opened via the first expansion valve. In the first cooling mode, the first line is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve, the second line is configured to be closed, the third line is configured to be closed via the fourth expansion valve, and the second connecting line is configured to be open via the fourth expansion valve, such that refrigerant discharged from the compressor is configured to flow to the second connecting line. In the first cooling mode, the third connecting line is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve, and the fourth connecting line is configured to be closed via the second expansion valve. In the first refrigeration mode, the first expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced via the refrigerant line and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator. In the first refrigeration mode, the second expansion valve is configured to allow refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger via the refrigerant line to flow unexpanded through the refrigerant line connected to the first expansion valve. In the first refrigeration mode, the operation of the third expansion valve is configured to stop; and the fourth expansion valve is configured to supply unexpanded refrigerant introduced via the second connecting line to the external heat exchanger.

[0025] In the second refrigeration mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the first end of the second connecting line to the internal condenser, the third expansion valve, and the fourth expansion valve is configured to be closed via the third and fourth expansion valves. In the second refrigeration mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the fourth expansion valve to the external heat exchanger and the second end of the third connecting line is configured to be open via the fourth expansion valve. In the second refrigeration mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the third connecting line to the second expansion valve is configured to be closed. In the second refrigeration mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, the evaporator, the receiver, and the compressor is configured to be open via the first expansion valve; in the second refrigeration mode, the first line is configured to be open via the third expansion valve; the second line is configured to be open; and a portion of the third line connecting the flash tank and the second end of the fourth connecting line is configured to be open. In the second refrigeration mode, the remaining portion of the third line connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line to the fourth expansion valve is configured to be closed. In the second refrigeration mode, the second connecting line is configured to open via the fourth expansion valve, allowing refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow to the second connecting line. In the second refrigeration mode, the third connecting line is configured to open via the third expansion valve; the fourth connecting line is configured to open via the second expansion valve; the first expansion valve is configured to expand refrigerant introduced via the refrigerant line and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator. In the second refrigeration mode, the second expansion valve allows refrigerant introduced via the fourth connecting line to flow unexpanded into the refrigerant line connected to the first expansion valve. In the second refrigeration mode, the third expansion valve expands refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger via a portion of the refrigerant line and the third connecting line, allowing the expanded refrigerant to flow to the first line. In the second refrigeration mode, the fourth expansion valve supplies unexpanded refrigerant introduced via the second connecting line to the external heat exchanger; and the flash tank is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant to the compressor via the opened second line.

[0026] When the battery module needs to be cooled in the first cooling mode and the second cooling mode: the first connecting line can be opened by the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve can expand a portion of the refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger, so that the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve is introduced into the cooler, and the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve can flow to the first connecting line.

[0027] In the first heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, internal condenser, third expansion valve, fourth expansion valve, external heat exchanger, and second expansion valve can be opened via the second, third, and fourth expansion valves. In the first heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the receiver and compressor can be opened. In the first heating mode, the first connecting line can be opened via the second expansion valve; the first line can be closed via the third expansion valve; the second line can be closed; the third line can be closed via the fourth expansion valve. In the first heating mode, the second connecting line can be closed via the fourth expansion valve; the third connecting line can be closed via the third expansion valve; the fourth connecting line can be closed via the second expansion valve; the second expansion valve allows the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger to expand, and the refrigerant expanded via the second expansion valve is supplied to the cooler via the first connecting line. In the first heating mode, the third expansion valve allows the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line to expand, and can supply the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve to the fourth expansion valve; and the fourth expansion valve allows the refrigerant introduced via a portion of the refrigerant line to be supplied to the external heat exchanger without expansion.

[0028] In the second heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, internal condenser, and third expansion valve can be opened via the third expansion valve. In the second heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the third expansion valve to the fourth expansion valve can be closed via both the third and fourth expansion valves. In the second heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the receiver and compressor can be opened. In the second heating mode, the first connecting line can be opened via the second expansion valve; the first line can be opened via the third expansion valve; the second line can be opened, and the third line can be opened via the fourth expansion valve. In the second heating mode, the second connecting line can be closed via the fourth expansion valve; the third connecting line can be closed via the third expansion valve; and the fourth connecting line can be closed via the second expansion valve. In the second heating mode, the second expansion valve allows the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger to expand, and the refrigerant expanded via the second expansion valve is supplied to the cooler via the first connecting line. In the second heating mode, the third expansion valve allows the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line to expand, and the refrigerant expanded via the third expansion valve flows to the first line. In the second heating mode, the fourth expansion valve expands the refrigerant introduced via the third line and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the external heat exchanger. In the second heating mode, the flash tank supplies gaseous refrigerant to the compressor via the open second line.

[0029] When dehumidification is required in both the first and second heating modes, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, evaporator, and receiver can be opened via the second expansion valve. The first expansion valve expands the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator. The second expansion valve allows a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger to flow unexpanded into the refrigerant line connected to the first expansion valve.

[0030] In the first hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, internal condenser, third expansion valve, and fourth expansion valve can be opened via the third and fourth expansion valves. In the first hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the receiver and compressor can be opened. In the first hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, evaporator, and receiver can be closed via the second expansion valve. In the first hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second end of the third connecting line to the second expansion valve can be opened via the second expansion valve; the first connecting line can be opened via the second expansion valve; the first line can be closed via the third expansion valve; the second line is configured to be closed; the third line can be closed via the fourth expansion valve; the second connecting line can be opened via the fourth expansion valve. In the first hot gas heating mode, the third connecting line can be opened via the third expansion valve; the fourth connecting line can be closed via the second expansion valve; the operation of the first expansion valve is configured to be stopped. In the first hot gas heating mode, the second expansion valve allows refrigerant introduced via the third connecting line and a portion of the refrigerant line to flow to the first connecting line without expansion. In the first hot gas heating mode, the third expansion valve allows refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line, together with refrigerant introduced from the fourth expansion valve via a portion of the refrigerant line, to flow to the third connecting line. In the first hot gas heating mode, the fourth expansion valve allows refrigerant introduced from the compressor via the second connecting line to expand, and allows the refrigerant expanded by the fourth expansion valve to flow to a portion of the refrigerant line connected to the third expansion valve.

[0031] The third expansion valve can be configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line, and to allow the refrigerant introduced from the fourth expansion valve via a portion of the refrigerant line to flow without expansion.

[0032] This prevents the refrigerant introduced from the fourth expansion valve via a portion of the refrigerant line from expanding.

[0033] In the second hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, internal condenser, and third expansion valve can be opened via the third expansion valve. In the second hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the third expansion valve to the fourth expansion valve, external heat exchanger, and second expansion valve can be closed via the second, third, and fourth expansion valves. In the second hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, evaporator, and receiver can be closed via the second expansion valve. In the second hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line connecting the receiver and compressor is configured to be open; the first connecting line can be opened via the second expansion valve; the first line can be opened via the third expansion valve; the second line can be opened; the third line can be opened via the fourth expansion valve. In the second hot gas heating mode, the second connecting line can be opened via the fourth expansion valve; the third connecting line can be closed via the third expansion valve; the fourth connecting line can be opened via the second expansion valve. In the second hot gas heating mode, the operation of the first expansion valve can be stopped; the second expansion valve allows refrigerant introduced via the fourth connecting line to flow to the first connecting line without expansion. In the second hot gas heating mode, the third expansion valve allows refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line to expand, and allows the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve to flow to the first line. In the second hot gas heating mode, the flash tank can supply gaseous refrigerant to the compressor via the open second line, and allow liquid refrigerant to flow to a portion of the third line. In the second hot gas heating mode, the fourth expansion valve allows refrigerant introduced from the compressor via the second connecting line to expand, and allows the refrigerant expanded by the fourth expansion valve to flow to the remainder of the third line connecting the second end of the fourth connecting line and the fourth expansion valve.

[0034] The heat pump system also includes electrical components and a battery module through which the coolant circulates. The cooler is connected to the electrical components via a first coolant line through which the coolant circulates, and to the battery module via a second coolant line through which the coolant circulates.

[0035] When recovering waste heat from electrical components, the first coolant line can be opened to connect the cooler and the electrical components.

[0036] When cooling the battery module or recovering waste heat from the battery module, the second coolant line can be opened to connect the cooler and the battery module.

[0037] As described above, the heat pump system for vehicles according to embodiments of the present invention improves cooling and heating performance by increasing the refrigerant flow rate through a gas injection device that operates selectively in the air conditioning mode inside the vehicle.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the present invention, while minimizing the required system components, the gas injection device can be used to optimize system performance, thereby achieving system streamlining and simplification.

[0039] Furthermore, this invention eliminates the need for the opening and closing doors inside traditional HVAC modules, making the structure more compact by reducing the number of components in the HVAC module, thereby reducing manufacturing time and improving production efficiency.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by streamlining the entire system, manufacturing costs and weight can be reduced, and space utilization of the vehicle or vehicle system can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is an operational diagram of a first cooling mode for a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is an operational diagram of the second cooling mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is an operational diagram of a first heating mode for a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is an operational diagram of the second heating mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 This is an operational diagram of the first hot gas heating mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 This is an operational diagram of the second hot gas heating mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0049] 2: First coolant pipeline

[0050] 3: Electrical components

[0051] 4: Second coolant pipeline

[0052] 5: Battery Module

[0053] 10: Compressor

[0054] 11: Refrigerant Piping

[0055] 12: HVAC Module (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Module)

[0056] 13: Internal condenser

[0057] 14: External heat exchanger

[0058] 15: First expansion valve

[0059] 16: Evaporator

[0060] 17: Liquid reservoir

[0061] 20: Cooler

[0062] 21: First connecting pipeline

[0063] 23: Second expansion valve

[0064] 30: Gas injection device

[0065] 31: Flash evaporator

[0066] 32: Third expansion valve

[0067] 33, 34, 35: First, second, and third pipelines

[0068] 41: Fourth expansion valve

[0069] 43: Second connecting pipeline

[0070] 45: Third connecting pipeline

[0071] 47: Fourth connecting pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] The embodiments and accompanying drawings of the present invention described in this specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention and do not cover the full scope of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent solutions and variations may exist in the disclosed embodiments when applying the technical concepts of this specification.

[0074] To clarify the scope of this invention, parts unrelated to the description may have been omitted. Furthermore, throughout this specification, the same elements or equivalents are represented using the same reference numerals.

[0075] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of the various components may be arbitrarily represented in the accompanying drawings, but the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For clarity, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated in the drawings.

[0076] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and variations thereof should be understood as containing the said elements but not excluding any other elements.

[0077] Furthermore, terms such as "...unit," "...device," "...section," "...component," and "...building block" used in the specification refer to integrated element units that perform at least one function or operation. When a component, device, unit, module, controller, detector, element, etc., of the present invention is described as having a specific purpose or performing a specific operation or function, the component, device, unit, module, controller, detector, or element should be considered as "configured" to achieve that purpose or perform that operation or function. The present invention describes a controller and data detector for a cooling system. The controller, detector, or other such components may be embodied separately or may include a processor and memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) as part of the controller or component.

[0078] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat pump system for a vehicle can improve cooling and heating performance by increasing the refrigerant flow rate through a gas injection device 30 that operates selectively in a selected vehicle interior air conditioning mode.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 The heat pump system may include electrical components 3 through which coolant circulates and a battery module 5.

[0081] In addition, the heat pump system may include: a compressor 10, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module 12, an internal condenser 13, an external heat exchanger 14, a first expansion valve 15, an evaporator 16, a liquid receiver 17, a cooler 20, a first connecting line 21, a second expansion valve 23, and a gas injection device 30.

[0082] Electrical component 3 can be connected to cooler 20 via a first coolant line 2 through which coolant circulates. When recovering waste heat from electrical component 3 while heating the vehicle interior, the first coolant line 2 can be opened to connect cooler 20 and electrical component 3.

[0083] Electrical component 3 may include: power control unit (EPCU), motor, inverter, on-board charger (OBC), autonomous driving controller, etc.

[0084] The power control unit, inverter, motor, or autonomous driving controller generates heat during vehicle operation, while the charger generates heat when charging battery module 5.

[0085] In other words, when the waste heat of electrical components 3 is recovered while heating the interior of the vehicle, the heat from the power control unit, motor, inverter, charger, or autopilot controller can be recovered.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 5 may be connected to the cooler 20 via a second coolant line 4 through which the coolant circulates.

[0087] When cooling the vehicle interior while simultaneously cooling the battery module 5, or when recovering waste heat from the battery module 5 while simultaneously heating the vehicle interior, the second coolant line 4 can be opened to connect the cooler 20 and the battery module 5.

[0088] In other words, the electrical components 3 and the battery module 5 can be cooled by water cooling via the first coolant line 2 and the second coolant line 4.

[0089] A water pump (not shown) may be installed on each of the first coolant line 2 and the second coolant line 4, i.e., connected to or along the first coolant line 2 and the second coolant line 4, and may selectively circulate the coolant through the operation of each water pump, thereby allowing the coolant to flow in the coolant line.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present invention, the compressor 10 can compress the supplied refrigerant and deliver the compressed refrigerant to the refrigerant line 11 so that the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line 11.

[0091] The internal condenser 13 and evaporator 16 of the compressor 10, connected via refrigerant line 11, can be located inside the HVAC module 12.

[0092] The high-temperature refrigerant supplied to the internal condenser 13 can raise the temperature of the ambient air passing through the internal condenser 13. In other words, the introduced ambient air can be converted to a high-temperature state as it passes through the internal condenser 13 and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating inside the vehicle.

[0093] When cooling the vehicle interior, if no refrigerant is supplied to the internal condenser 13, cryogenic refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator 16. The cryogenic refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 16 can then cool the ambient air passing through it. The cooled ambient air can then be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0094] In an embodiment of the invention, the external heat exchanger 14 can be connected to the internal condenser 13 via a refrigerant line 11. The external heat exchanger 14 can be located at the upstream end, i.e., at the front of the vehicle (relative to the normal driving or moving direction).

[0095] Therefore, the external heat exchanger 14 can condense or evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the introduced refrigerant and the ambient air introduced during vehicle operation. In other words, the external heat exchanger 14 can be an air-cooled heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the ambient air.

[0096] The first expansion valve 15 can be installed on the refrigerant line 11 connecting the external heat exchanger 14 and the evaporator 16, that is, connected to or installed along the aforementioned refrigerant line 11. The first expansion valve 15 allows the introduced refrigerant to expand.

[0097] The receiver 17 can be installed on the refrigerant line 11 between the evaporator 16 and the compressor 10.

[0098] The receiver 17 can supply only gaseous refrigerant (in the case where the supplied refrigerant is separated into gaseous and liquid refrigerant) to the compressor 10, thereby improving the efficiency and durability of the compressor 10.

[0099] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cooler 20 can regulate the temperature of the coolant selectively supplied through the first coolant line 2 or the second coolant line 4 by exchanging heat between the supplied refrigerant and the coolant.

[0100] In other words, the cooler 20 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to allow internally introduced refrigerant to exchange heat with the coolant.

[0101] The cooler 20 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 via the first connecting line 21. The first end of the first connecting line 21 can be connected to the liquid receiver 17.

[0102] The second expansion valve 23 can be installed on the refrigerant line 11 between the external heat exchanger 14 and the first expansion valve 15, that is, connected to or along the aforementioned refrigerant line 11. The second end of the first connecting line 21 can be connected to the second expansion valve 23.

[0103] In other words, the cooler 20 can regulate the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat between the coolant selectively introduced via the first coolant line 2 or the second coolant line 4 and the refrigerant selectively supplied from the second expansion valve 23 via the first connecting line 21.

[0104] Therefore, the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the cooler 20 can be selectively supplied to the electrical components 3 and the battery module 5 to regulate the temperature of the battery module 5 and the electrical components 3.

[0105] When cooling the vehicle interior while simultaneously cooling the electrical components 3 or battery module 5 with the coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant, the second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line 21 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow to the cooler 20.

[0106] In other words, when cooling the electrical components 3 or battery module 5 while cooling the interior of the vehicle, the second expansion valve 23 can cause the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line 21 to expand to reduce its temperature, and cause the expanded refrigerant to flow to the cooler 20 to further reduce the temperature of the coolant passing through the interior of the cooler 20.

[0107] Therefore, the coolant cooled as it passes through the cooler 20 can be introduced into the electrical components 3 or the battery module 5, thereby achieving more efficient cooling.

[0108] When heating the interior of the vehicle while recovering waste heat from electrical components 3 or battery module 5, the second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line 21 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the cooler 20.

[0109] Therefore, the cooler 20 can evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the refrigerant supplied via the first coolant line 2 or the second coolant line 4.

[0110] The cooler 20 can recover waste heat from the electrical component 3 or battery module 5 while exchanging heat between the refrigerant supplied from the second expansion valve 23 and the refrigerant supplied from the electrical component 3 or battery module 5.

[0111] The second expansion valve 23 configured in this way can be a four-way electronic expansion valve, which is configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow direction of the supplied refrigerant.

[0112] In addition, the gas injection device 30 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the internal condenser 13 and the external heat exchanger 14.

[0113] The gas injection device 30 can selectively expand the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser 13 or the external heat exchanger 14 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow, and can selectively supply a portion of the supplied refrigerant to the compressor 10 to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 11.

[0114] The gas injection device 30 configured in this way can operate selectively in at least one mode for controlling the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0115] The gas injection device 30 may include: a flash tank 31, a third expansion valve 32, a first pipeline 33, a second pipeline 34, and a third pipeline 35.

[0116] The flash tank 31 can separate gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant introduced inside, and selectively discharge the separated refrigerant (i.e., selectively discharge gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant).

[0117] The third expansion valve 32 can be installed on the refrigerant line 11 between the internal condenser 13 and the external heat exchanger 14, that is, connected to or installed along the refrigerant line 11.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the first pipeline 33 may be connected to the flash tank 31, and the second end of the first pipeline 33 may be connected to the third expansion valve 32.

[0119] The first pipeline 33 can selectively supply refrigerant from the internal condenser 13 to the flash tank 31 depending on the operation of the third expansion valve 32.

[0120] The third expansion valve 32 can selectively expand the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser 13 or the external heat exchanger 14.

[0121] The third expansion valve 32 allows the expanded or unexpanded refrigerant to flow to the refrigerant line 11 or the first line 33.

[0122] In other words, when the gas injection device 30 needs to operate, the third expansion valve 32 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser 13 or the external heat exchanger 14, and supply the expanded refrigerant to the flash tank 31 via the first pipeline 33.

[0123] The third expansion valve 32 configured in this way can be a four-way electronic expansion valve that operates selectively in at least one mode, and is configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0124] In an embodiment of the invention, the second line 34 may connect the flash tank 31 and the compressor 10. When the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the flash tank 31, the second line 34 may selectively supply the gaseous refrigerant in the flash tank 31 to the compressor 10.

[0125] In other words, the second line 34 can connect the flash tank 31 and the compressor 10, so that the gaseous refrigerant separated in the flash tank 31 can be selectively introduced into the compressor 10.

[0126] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the third pipeline 35 may be connected to the flash tank 31.

[0127] In the gas injection device 30 configured in this way, the flash tank 31 can operate when the expanded refrigerant is supplied in the air conditioning mode inside the vehicle.

[0128] In other words, the flash tank 31 can supply gaseous refrigerant from the supplied refrigerant to the compressor 10 through the second line 34, thereby increasing the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 11.

[0129] The heat pump system configured in this way may also include: a fourth expansion valve 41, a second connecting line 43, a third connecting line 45, and a fourth connecting line 47.

[0130] The first end of the second connecting line 43 can be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the compressor 10 and the internal condenser 13.

[0131] The fourth expansion valve 41 can be installed on the refrigerant line 11 between the third expansion valve 32 and the external heat exchanger 14.

[0132] The second end of the third pipeline 35 and the second end of the second connecting pipeline 43 can be connected to the fourth expansion valve 41, respectively.

[0133] In at least one mode of the heat pump system, the fourth expansion valve 41 can selectively expand the refrigerant supplied from the flash tank 31 via the third line 35 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the external heat exchanger 14.

[0134] Furthermore, in at least one mode of the heat pump system, the fourth expansion valve 41 can selectively expand the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10 via the second connecting line 43, and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow to the third line 35 or a portion of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the second expansion valve 23.

[0135] In addition, in at least one mode, the fourth expansion valve 41 can supply refrigerant from the third expansion valve 32 via the refrigerant line 11 to the external heat exchanger 14 without expansion.

[0136] The fourth expansion valve may be a four-way expansion valve that operates selectively in at least one mode, configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow direction of the supplied refrigerant.

[0137] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the third connecting line 45 may be connected to the third expansion valve 32, and the second end of the third connecting line 45 may be connected to the refrigerant line 11 between the external heat exchanger 14 and the second expansion valve 23.

[0138] In at least one mode of the heat pump system, the third connection line 45 can be selectively opened and / or closed via the third expansion valve 32.

[0139] In addition, the first end of the fourth connecting line 47 can be connected to the second expansion valve 23, and the second end of the fourth connecting line 47 can be connected to the third line 35.

[0140] In at least one mode of the heat pump system, the fourth connection line 47 can be selectively opened and / or closed via the second expansion valve 23.

[0141] In such a heat pump system, the direction of refrigerant flow can be controlled by the operation control of the gas injection device 30 and the operation control of the second expansion valve 23 and the fourth expansion valve 41, according to at least one mode for controlling the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0142] The at least one mode may include: a first cooling mode, a second cooling mode, a first heating mode, a second heating mode, a first hot gas heating mode, and a second hot gas heating mode.

[0143] In the first cooling mode, the vehicle interior can be cooled without operating the gas injection device 30.

[0144] In the second cooling mode, the vehicle interior can be cooled while the gas injection device 30 is running.

[0145] In the first heating mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated without operating the gas injection device 30.

[0146] In the second heating mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated while the gas injection device 30 is running.

[0147] In the first hot gas heating mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated using refrigerant without operating the gas injection device 30, and no heat is recovered.

[0148] In addition, in the second hot gas heating mode, the interior of the vehicle can be heated using refrigerant while the gas injection device 30 is running, without recovering heat.

[0149] The following reference Figures 2 to 7 The operation and function of the heat pump system for a vehicle configured as described above according to an embodiment of the present invention are described in detail.

[0150] The following reference Figure 2 The operation of the first refrigeration mode for cooling the interior of the vehicle is described in detail, in which the gas injection device 30 is not in operation.

[0151] Figure 2 This is an operational diagram of a first cooling mode for a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Reference Figure 2 In the first refrigeration mode, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the first end of the second connecting line 43 to the internal condenser 13, the third expansion valve 32, and the fourth expansion valve 41 can be closed by the third expansion valve 32 and the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0153] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the fourth expansion valve 41 to the external heat exchanger 14 and the second expansion valve 23 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0154] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the second expansion valve 23 to the first expansion valve 15, the evaporator 16, the receiver 17, and the compressor 10 can be opened via the first expansion valve 15.

[0155] In an embodiment of the invention, the first pipeline 33 can be closed via the third expansion valve 32. Furthermore, the second pipeline 34 can be closed.

[0156] In addition, the third pipeline 35 can be closed via the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0157] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting line 43 may be opened by the fourth expansion valve 41 to allow refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to flow to the second connecting line 43.

[0158] Furthermore, the third connecting line 45 can be closed via the third expansion valve 32. The operation of the third expansion valve 32 can be stopped.

[0159] In addition, the fourth connecting line 47 can be closed via the second expansion valve 23.

[0160] In this state, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can be introduced into the fourth expansion valve 41 along a portion of the refrigerant line 11 and the second connecting line 43.

[0161] The fourth expansion valve 41 can supply refrigerant introduced via the second connecting line 43 to the external heat exchanger 14 without expansion through the open portion of the refrigerant line 11.

[0162] The external heat exchanger 14 can condense the refrigerant supplied from the fourth expansion valve 41 by exchanging heat with the ambient air.

[0163] The refrigerant discharged from the external heat exchanger 14 can be introduced into the second expansion valve 23 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0164] The second expansion valve 23 allows refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger 14 to flow unexpanded through the refrigerant line 11 to the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first expansion valve 15.

[0165] Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the second expansion valve 23 can be introduced into the first expansion valve 15 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0166] The first expansion valve 15 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator 16.

[0167] In this state, the ambient air introduced into the HVAC module 12 is cooled as it passes through the evaporator 16 by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 16. The cooled ambient air is then introduced directly into the vehicle interior after passing through the internal condenser 13, which is not supplied with refrigerant, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0168] Furthermore, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 16 can be introduced into the receiver 17 along the refrigerant line 11. Thereafter, the refrigerant can pass through the receiver 17 and be introduced into the compressor 10.

[0169] When the battery module 5 needs to be cooled in the first cooling mode, the first connecting line 21 can be opened through the second expansion valve 23.

[0170] The second expansion valve 23 can expand a portion of the refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger 14 so that the expanded refrigerant can be introduced into the cooler 20 and flow to the first connecting line 21.

[0171] In other words, a portion of the refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger 14 into the second expansion valve 23 can flow to the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first expansion valve 15 without being expanded by the second expansion valve 23.

[0172] The remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger 14 into the second expansion valve 23 can be introduced into the cooler 20 along the first connecting line 21 while being expanded by the second expansion valve 23.

[0173] The refrigerant introduced into the cooler 20 can cool the coolant when it exchanges heat with the coolant supplied from the battery module 5 through the second coolant line 4.

[0174] The coolant cooled in the cooler 20 can be supplied to the battery module 5 along the second coolant line 4. Therefore, the battery module 5 can be effectively cooled by the coolant cooled in the cooler 20.

[0175] In other words, the coolant circulating through the second coolant line 4 can effectively cool the battery module 5 while repeating the above operations.

[0176] The refrigerant passing through the cooler 20, along with the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 16, can be introduced into the receiver 17. The refrigerant can then pass through the receiver 17 and be introduced into the compressor 10, where it can be compressed.

[0177] The refrigerant compressed in compressor 10 can be supplied to external heat exchanger 14 along refrigerant line 11 and second connecting line 43. When the above process is repeated, the heat pump system can effectively cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0178] When cooling of battery module 5 is required in the first cooling mode, the heat pump system can use the low-temperature coolant cooled in cooler 20 to effectively cool battery module 5.

[0179] The following is for reference. Figure 3 The operation of the second refrigeration mode for cooling the interior of a vehicle, as described in this embodiment of the invention, is described in detail, in which the gas injection device 30 operates.

[0180] Figure 3 This is an operational diagram of the second cooling mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] Reference Figure 3 The first end of the second connecting line 43 in the refrigerant line 11 is connected to the internal condenser 13, the third expansion valve 32 and the fourth expansion valve 41, and can be closed by the third expansion valve 32 and the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0182] In addition, a portion of the second end of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the fourth expansion valve 41 to the external heat exchanger 14 and the third connecting line 45 can be opened via the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0183] The second end of the third connecting line 45 in the refrigerant line 11 is connected to the second expansion valve 23, and can be closed by the second expansion valve 23.

[0184] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the second expansion valve 23 to the first expansion valve 15, the evaporator 16, the receiver 17, and the compressor 10 can be opened via the first expansion valve 15.

[0185] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pipeline 33 can be opened via the third expansion valve 32. The second pipeline 34 can also be opened.

[0186] A portion of the second end of the third pipeline 35 connecting the flash tank 31 and the fourth connecting pipeline 47 can be opened, while the remaining portion of the third pipeline 35 connecting the second end of the fourth connecting pipeline 47 to the fourth expansion valve 41 can be closed by the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0187] The second connecting line 43 can be opened by the fourth expansion valve 41, allowing the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to flow to the second connecting line 43.

[0188] The third connecting line 45 can be opened via the third expansion valve 32, and the fourth connecting line 47 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0189] In this state, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can be introduced into the fourth expansion valve 41 along a portion of the refrigerant line 11 and the second connecting line 43.

[0190] The fourth expansion valve 41 can supply refrigerant introduced via the second connecting line 43 to the external heat exchanger 14 without expansion through the open portion of the refrigerant line 11.

[0191] The external heat exchanger 14 can condense the refrigerant supplied from the fourth expansion valve 41 by exchanging heat with the ambient air.

[0192] The refrigerant discharged from the external heat exchanger 14 can be introduced into the third expansion valve 32 through a portion of the refrigerant line 11 and the third connecting line 45.

[0193] The third expansion valve 32 allows the refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger 14 via a portion of the refrigerant line 11 and the third connecting line 45 to expand, and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the flash tank 31 via the first line 33.

[0194] Therefore, the expanded refrigerant can be introduced into the flash tank 31. The flash tank 31 can supply the gaseous refrigerant in the introduced refrigerant to the compressor 10 via the open second line 34.

[0195] In other words, the gas injection device 30 allows the gaseous refrigerant separated when passing through the flash tank 31 to flow back to the compressor 10 through the second line 34, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 11.

[0196] The liquid refrigerant stored in the flash tank 31 can be introduced into the fourth connecting line 47 through the open portion of the third line 35.

[0197] The refrigerant introduced into the fourth connecting line 47 can be supplied to the second expansion valve 23.

[0198] The second expansion valve 23 allows refrigerant introduced from the flash tank 31 via a portion of the third line 35 and the fourth connecting line 47 to flow unexpanded into the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first expansion valve 15.

[0199] Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the second expansion valve 23 can be introduced into the first expansion valve 15 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0200] The first expansion valve 15 can expand the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant line and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator 16.

[0201] In this state, the ambient air introduced into the HVAC module 12 is cooled as it passes through the evaporator 16 due to the introduction of the low-temperature refrigerant. The cooled ambient air is then introduced directly into the vehicle interior after passing through the internal condenser 13, which is not supplied with refrigerant, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0202] Furthermore, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 16 can be introduced into the receiver 17 along the refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant can then pass through the receiver 17 and be introduced into the compressor 10.

[0203] When the battery module 5 needs to be cooled in the second cooling mode, the first connecting line 21 can be opened through the second expansion valve 23.

[0204] The second expansion valve 23 can expand a portion of the refrigerant introduced via the fourth connecting line 47 so that the expanded refrigerant can be introduced into the cooler 20 and flow to the first connecting line 21.

[0205] In other words, a portion of the refrigerant introduced from the flash tank 31 via a portion of the third line 35 and the fourth connecting line 47 into the second expansion valve 23 can flow to the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first expansion valve 15 without being expanded by the second expansion valve 23.

[0206] The remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant introduced from the flash tank 31 via a portion of the third line 35 and the fourth connecting line 47 into the second expansion valve 23 can be introduced into the cooler 20 along the first connecting line 21 in a state of expansion by the second expansion valve 23.

[0207] The refrigerant introduced into the cooler 20 exchanges heat with the refrigerant supplied from the battery module 5 via the second refrigerant line 4, thereby cooling the refrigerant.

[0208] The coolant cooled in the cooler 20 can be supplied to the battery module 5 along the second coolant line 4. Therefore, the battery module 5 can be efficiently cooled by the coolant cooled in the cooler 20.

[0209] In other words, the coolant circulating through the second coolant line 4 can efficiently cool the battery module 5 during the repeated operation described above.

[0210] The refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 20 can be introduced into the receiver 17 along with the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 16. The refrigerant can then pass through the receiver 17 and be introduced into the compressor 10. The introduced refrigerant can be compressed by the compressor 10.

[0211] When the above process is repeated, the heat pump system can increase the flow rate of refrigerant along refrigerant line 11.

[0212] In addition, the heat pump system can increase the flow rate of refrigerant along the refrigerant line 11 to improve the overall cooling performance and efficiency of the system and achieve efficient cooling of the vehicle interior.

[0213] When cooling of battery module 5 is required in the second cooling mode, the heat pump system can use the low-temperature coolant cooled in cooler 20 to efficiently cool battery module 5.

[0214] The following is for reference. Figure 4 The operation of the first heating mode for heating the interior of a vehicle in this embodiment of the invention is described in detail, in which the gas injection device 30 is not in operation.

[0215] Figure 4 This is an operational diagram of a first heating mode for a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0216] Reference Figure 4 In the first heating mode, the refrigerant line 11, which connects to the compressor 10, the internal condenser 13, the third expansion valve 32, the fourth expansion valve 41, the external heat exchanger 14, and a portion of the second expansion valve 23, can be opened through the second expansion valve 23, the third expansion valve 32, and the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0217] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the receiver 17 and the compressor 10 can be opened.

[0218] In addition, the first connecting line 21 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0219] In an embodiment of the invention, the first pipeline 33 can be closed via the third expansion valve 32. Furthermore, the second pipeline 34 can be closed.

[0220] In addition, the third pipeline 35 can be closed via the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0221] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting line 43 can be closed by the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0222] The third connecting line 45 can be closed via the third expansion valve 32. Furthermore, the fourth connecting line 47 can be closed via the second expansion valve 23.

[0223] In this state, the refrigerant compressed in compressor 10 can be supplied to the internal condenser 13 along the open refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant supplied to the internal condenser 13 can raise the temperature of the ambient air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0224] Therefore, ambient air introduced from the outside can be transformed into a high-temperature state when passing through the internal condenser 13, and then introduced into the vehicle interior to achieve heating inside the vehicle.

[0225] Furthermore, the refrigerant condensed in the internal condenser 13 can be introduced into the third expansion valve 32 along the refrigerant line 11. The third expansion valve 32 expands the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser 13 via the refrigerant line 11 and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0226] In other words, the refrigerant that expands in the third expansion valve 32 can be introduced into the fourth expansion valve 41 through the open portion of the refrigerant line 11.

[0227] The fourth expansion valve 41 can supply refrigerant supplied from the third expansion valve 32 to the external heat exchanger 14 without expansion via the open portion of the refrigerant line 11.

[0228] The external heat exchanger 14 allows the refrigerant to evaporate during heat exchange between the ambient air and the refrigerant supplied from the fourth expansion valve 41. The refrigerant can directly absorb heat from the ambient air.

[0229] The refrigerant that evaporates in the external heat exchanger 14 can be introduced into the second expansion valve 23 through the open portion of the refrigerant line 11.

[0230] The second expansion valve 23 allows the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger 14 to expand, and the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 20 via the first connecting line 21.

[0231] The refrigerant introduced into the cooler 20 can exchange heat with the coolant supplied from the electrical components 3 via the first coolant line 2, thereby cooling the coolant.

[0232] By recovering waste heat from the cooling electrical components 3 while simultaneously cooling them, the temperature of the coolant is increased. The coolant whose temperature has increased through this operation can then be supplied to the cooler 20.

[0233] When the coolant supplied from the electrical component 3 via the first coolant line 2 exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the cooler 20 can recover the waste heat of the electrical component 3.

[0234] The refrigerant that has recovered the waste heat of the electrical components 3 in the cooler 20 can be introduced into the compressor 10 through the receiver 17 via the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first connection line 21.

[0235] When dehumidification is required in the first heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the second expansion valve 23 to the first expansion valve 15, the evaporator 16, and the receiver 17 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0236] The second expansion valve 23 allows a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger 14 to flow unexpanded into the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first expansion valve 15.

[0237] In other words, when dehumidification is required in the first heating mode, the second expansion valve 23 allows a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger 14 to flow through the open refrigerant line 11 without expansion.

[0238] The second expansion valve 23 can expand the remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger 14, and can allow the expanded refrigerant to flow to the first connecting line 21.

[0239] The first expansion valve 15 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the second expansion valve 23 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator 16.

[0240] Therefore, the air introduced into the HVAC module 12 is dehumidified by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 16 as it passes through the evaporator 16. Then, it is converted to a high-temperature state as it passes through the internal condenser 13 and introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving smooth heating and dehumidification of the vehicle interior.

[0241] The refrigerant passing through the evaporator 16, together with the refrigerant passing through the cooler 20, can be introduced into the receiver 17 along the refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant can then pass through the receiver 17 and be introduced into the compressor 10. The introduced refrigerant can be compressed by the compressor 10.

[0242] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can be supplied to the internal condenser 13 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0243] The heat pump system can repeat the above process.

[0244] Thus, the heat pump system according to the embodiment of the present invention can recover ambient air heat at the external heat exchanger 14 during vehicle operation, and smoothly recover waste heat from the coolant that has been heated after passing through the electrical components 3 at the cooler 20, thereby improving the overall heating performance and efficiency of the system.

[0245] Furthermore, this invention can improve heating efficiency and performance while minimizing the use of a separate electric heater.

[0246] The following is for reference. Figure 5 The operation of the second heating mode for heating the interior of a vehicle in this embodiment of the invention is described in detail, in which the gas injection device 30 can operate.

[0247] Figure 5 This is an operational diagram of the second heating mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0248] Reference Figure 5The compressor 10, the internal condenser 13 and a portion of the third expansion valve 32 in the refrigerant line 11 can be opened through the third expansion valve 32.

[0249] Furthermore, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the third expansion valve 32 to the fourth expansion valve 41 can be closed via the third expansion valve 32 and the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0250] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the receiver 17 and the compressor 10 can be opened.

[0251] In addition, the first connecting line 21 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0252] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pipeline 33 can be opened via the third expansion valve 32. The second pipeline 34 can also be opened.

[0253] In addition, the third pipeline 35 can be opened via the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0254] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting line 43 can be closed by the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0255] The third connecting line 45 can be closed via the third expansion valve 32. Furthermore, the fourth connecting line 47 can be closed via the second expansion valve 23.

[0256] In this state, the refrigerant compressed in compressor 10 can be supplied to the internal condenser 13 along the open refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant supplied to the internal condenser 13 can raise the temperature of the ambient air introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0257] Therefore, ambient air introduced from the outside can be transformed into a high-temperature state when passing through the internal condenser 13, and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0258] In addition, the refrigerant condensed in the internal condenser 13 can be introduced into the third expansion valve 32 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0259] The third expansion valve 32 allows the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser 13 via the refrigerant line 11 to expand, and the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the flash tank 31 via the first line 33.

[0260] Therefore, the expanded refrigerant can be introduced into the flash tank 31. The flash tank 31 can supply the gaseous refrigerant in the introduced refrigerant to the compressor 10 via the open second line 34.

[0261] In other words, the gas injection device 30 allows the gaseous refrigerant separated when passing through the flash tank 31 to flow back to the compressor 10 via the second line 34, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 11.

[0262] The liquid refrigerant stored in the flash tank 31 can be introduced into the fourth expansion valve 41 through the open third line 35.

[0263] The fourth expansion valve 41 allows the refrigerant introduced via the third line 35 to expand, and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the external heat exchanger 14 via the refrigerant line 11.

[0264] The external heat exchanger 14 allows the refrigerant to evaporate as it exchanges heat with the ambient air and the refrigerant supplied from the fourth expansion valve 41. The refrigerant can directly absorb heat from the ambient air.

[0265] The refrigerant that evaporates in the external heat exchanger 14 can be introduced into the second expansion valve 23 through the open portion of the refrigerant line 11.

[0266] The second expansion valve 23 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger 14, and can supply the expanded refrigerant to the cooler 20 via the first connecting line 21.

[0267] The refrigerant introduced into the cooler 20 can be cooled when it exchanges heat with the refrigerant supplied from the electrical components 3 via the first refrigerant line 2.

[0268] By recovering waste heat from electrical component 3 while cooling it, the temperature of the coolant can be increased. The coolant heated in this way can then be supplied to cooler 20.

[0269] While the coolant supplied from the electrical component 3 via the first coolant line 2 exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the cooler 20 can recover the waste heat of the electrical component 3.

[0270] The refrigerant that has recovered the waste heat of the electrical components 3 in the cooler 20 can be introduced into the compressor 10 through the receiver 17 via the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first connection line 21.

[0271] When dehumidification is required in the second heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the second expansion valve 23 to the first expansion valve 15, the evaporator 16, and the receiver 17 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0272] The second expansion valve 23 allows a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger 14 to flow unexpanded into the refrigerant line 11 connected to the first expansion valve 15.

[0273] In other words, when dehumidification is required in the second heating mode, the second expansion valve 23 can allow a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger 14 to flow through the open refrigerant line 11 without expansion.

[0274] The second expansion valve 23 can expand the remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger 14 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow to the first connecting line 21.

[0275] The first expansion valve 15 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the second expansion valve 23 and supply the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator 16.

[0276] Therefore, the air introduced into the HVAC module 12 can be dehumidified by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 16 as it passes through the evaporator 16, and then transformed into a high-temperature state as it passes through the internal condenser 13 and is introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving smooth heating and dehumidification of the vehicle interior.

[0277] The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator 16 can be introduced into the receiver 17 along the refrigerant line 11, together with the refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 20. The refrigerant can then pass through the receiver 17 and be introduced into the compressor 10. The introduced refrigerant can be compressed by the compressor 10.

[0278] The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can be supplied to the internal condenser 13 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0279] The heat pump system can repeat the above process.

[0280] Thus, the heat pump system according to the present invention can recover ambient air heat at the external heat exchanger 14 during vehicle operation and smoothly recover waste heat from the coolant that has heated up after passing through the electrical components 3 at the cooler 20, thereby improving the overall heating performance and efficiency of the system.

[0281] Furthermore, this invention can improve heating efficiency and performance while minimizing the use of electric heaters alone.

[0282] In addition, the heat pump system can operate a gas injection device 30 to increase the flow rate of refrigerant flowing along the refrigerant line 11.

[0283] Furthermore, according to the heat pump system of the present invention, the gas injection device 30 can increase the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 11, thereby maximizing the heating performance.

[0284] The following is for reference. Figure 6 The operation of the first hot gas heating mode for heating the interior of a vehicle using refrigerant without recovering heat is described in detail in an embodiment of the present invention, in which the gas injection device 30 is not operated.

[0285] Figure 6 This is an operational diagram of the first hot gas heating mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0286] Reference Figure 6 When the heat from the ambient air, the waste heat from the electrical components 3, and the waste heat from the battery module 5 are insufficient to generate heat, the heat pump system may not recover heat.

[0287] In other words, when the external temperature is low and the heat generated by the electrical components 3 and battery module 5 is insufficient to heat the vehicle interior during the initial stage of vehicle operation, the heat pump system can directly use high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant to heat the vehicle interior.

[0288] Thus, heating the vehicle interior using only refrigerant can be called hot air heating mode.

[0289] In an embodiment of the present invention, in the first hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the compressor 10, the internal condenser 13, the third expansion valve 32, and the fourth expansion valve 41 can be opened through the third expansion valve 32 and the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0290] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the receiver 17 and the compressor 10 can be opened.

[0291] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the second expansion valve 23 to the first expansion valve 15, the evaporator 16, and the receiver 17 can be closed via the second expansion valve 23.

[0292] The operation of the first expansion valve 15 can be stopped. Therefore, refrigerant is not supplied to the evaporator 16.

[0293] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the second end of the third connecting line 45 to the second expansion valve 23 can be opened by the second expansion valve 23.

[0294] In addition, the first connecting line 21 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0295] In an embodiment of the invention, the first pipeline 33 can be closed via the third expansion valve 32. Furthermore, the second pipeline 34 can be closed.

[0296] In addition, the third pipeline 35 can be closed via the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0297] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting line 43 can be opened via the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0298] The third connecting line 45 can be opened via the third expansion valve 32. Furthermore, the fourth connecting line 47 can be closed via the second expansion valve 23.

[0299] In this state, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow along the second connecting line 43 and then be supplied to the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0300] The fourth expansion valve 41 allows the refrigerant introduced from the compressor 10 via the second connecting line 43 to expand. The fourth expansion valve 41 allows the expanded refrigerant to flow to a portion of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the third expansion valve 32.

[0301] The remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant compressed by compressor 10 can be supplied to internal condenser 13 along open refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant supplied to internal condenser 13 can raise the temperature of the ambient air introduced into HVAC module 12.

[0302] Therefore, ambient air introduced from the outside will be converted to a high temperature state when passing through the internal condenser 13, and then introduced into the vehicle interior to achieve heating of the vehicle interior.

[0303] In addition, the refrigerant condensed in the internal condenser 13 can be introduced into the third expansion valve 32 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0304] The refrigerant that has passed through the internal condenser 13 and the refrigerant supplied from the fourth expansion valve 41 can be introduced into the third expansion valve 32, respectively.

[0305] The third expansion valve 32 allows refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser 13 via the refrigerant line 11 to flow together with refrigerant introduced from the fourth expansion valve 41 via a portion of the refrigerant line 11 to the third connecting line 45.

[0306] The third expansion valve 32 allows the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser 13 via the refrigerant line 11 to expand.

[0307] The third expansion valve 32 allows refrigerant introduced from the fourth expansion valve 41 via a portion of the refrigerant line 11 to flow without expansion.

[0308] In other words, the third expansion valve 32 allows the refrigerant condensed in the internal condenser 13 to expand, and then the expanded refrigerant flows together with the refrigerant introduced after expansion in the fourth expansion valve 41 to the third connecting line 45.

[0309] The refrigerant flowing through the third connecting line 45 can be supplied to the second expansion valve 23 along a portion of the second end of the refrigerant line 11 connected to the third connecting line 45.

[0310] The second expansion valve 23 allows refrigerant introduced via the third connecting line 45 and a portion of the refrigerant line 11 to flow to the first connecting line 21 without expansion. The refrigerant flowing through the first connecting line 21 can be supplied to the cooler 20.

[0311] The first coolant line 2 and the second coolant line 4 can be shut off, so that the refrigerant and coolant do not exchange heat with each other in the cooler 20.

[0312] In other words, since the heat generated by electrical components 3 and battery module 5 is insufficient, coolant may not be introduced into cooler 20.

[0313] The refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 20 can be introduced into the compressor 10 via the receiver 17 through the first connecting line 21. The introduced refrigerant can then be compressed by the compressor 10.

[0314] In addition, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can be supplied to the internal condenser 13 and the fourth expansion valve 41 respectively.

[0315] The heat pump system can repeat the above process.

[0316] Thus, when the external temperature is low and the heat source is insufficient during the initial stage of vehicle operation, the heat pump system according to the embodiment of the present invention can repeatedly perform the above operation to heat the vehicle interior by using high-temperature refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10.

[0317] In addition, refer to the following Figure 7 The operation of the second hot gas heating mode, which uses refrigerant to heat the interior of the vehicle without recovering heat, is described in detail. In this mode, the gas injection device 30 is not in operation.

[0318] Figure 7 This is an operational diagram of the second hot gas heating mode of a heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0319] Reference Figure 7 When the heat generated by the ambient air heat, the waste heat of electrical components 3 and the waste heat of battery module 5 is insufficient, the heat pump system may not recover heat.

[0320] In other words, when the external temperature is low and the heat generated by the electrical components 3 and battery module 5 is insufficient to heat the vehicle interior during the initial stage of vehicle operation, the heat pump system can directly use high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant to heat the vehicle interior.

[0321] Thus, using only refrigerant to heat the interior of a vehicle can be called hot air heating mode.

[0322] In an embodiment of the present invention, in the second hot gas heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 connecting the compressor 10, the internal condenser 13 and the third expansion valve 32 can be opened through the third expansion valve 32.

[0323] Furthermore, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the third expansion valve 32 to the fourth expansion valve 41, the external heat exchanger 14, and the second expansion valve 23 can be closed via the second expansion valve 23, the third expansion valve 32, and the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0324] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the second expansion valve 23 to the first expansion valve 15, the evaporator 16, and the receiver 17 can be closed via the second expansion valve 23.

[0325] The operation of the first expansion valve 15 can be stopped, therefore, refrigerant is not supplied to the evaporator 16.

[0326] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant line 11 that connects the receiver 17 and the compressor 10 can be opened.

[0327] In addition, the first connecting line 21 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0328] In an embodiment of the invention, the first pipeline 33 can be opened via the third expansion valve 32. Furthermore, the second pipeline 34 can be opened.

[0329] In addition, the third pipeline 35 can be opened via the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0330] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting line 43 can be opened via the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0331] The third connecting line 45 can be closed via the third expansion valve 32. Furthermore, the fourth connecting line 47 can be opened via the second expansion valve 23.

[0332] In this state, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 can flow along the second connecting line 43 and then be supplied to the fourth expansion valve 41.

[0333] The fourth expansion valve 41 allows the refrigerant introduced from the compressor 10 via the second connecting line 43 to expand. The fourth expansion valve 41 allows the expanded refrigerant to flow through a portion of the third line 35 that connects the fourth expansion valve 41 to the second end of the fourth connecting line 47.

[0334] The remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant compressed by compressor 10 can be supplied to internal condenser 13 along open refrigerant line 11. The refrigerant supplied to internal condenser 13 can raise the temperature of the ambient air introduced into HVAC module 12.

[0335] Therefore, ambient air introduced from the outside will be converted to a high temperature state when passing through the internal condenser 13, and then introduced into the vehicle interior to heat the vehicle interior.

[0336] In addition, the refrigerant condensed in the internal condenser 13 can be introduced into the third expansion valve 32 along the refrigerant line 11.

[0337] The third expansion valve 32 allows the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser 13 via the refrigerant line 11 to expand, and supplies the expanded refrigerant to the flash tank 31 via the first line 33.

[0338] Therefore, the expanded refrigerant can be introduced into the flash tank 31. The flash tank 31 can supply the gaseous refrigerant in the introduced refrigerant to the compressor 10 via the open second line 34.

[0339] In other words, the gas injection device 30 can cause the gaseous refrigerant separated when passing through the flash tank 31 to flow back to the compressor 10 via the second line 34, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 11.

[0340] The liquid refrigerant stored in the flash tank 31 can flow along a portion of the third line 35 connected to the second end of the fourth connecting line 47.

[0341] Therefore, a portion of the refrigerant flowing from the flash tank 31 through the third line 35, together with the remaining portion of the refrigerant that expands in the fourth expansion valve 41 and flows through the third line 35, is introduced into the second expansion valve 23 via the fourth connecting line 47.

[0342] The second expansion valve 23 allows refrigerant introduced via the fourth connecting line 47 to flow to the first connecting line 21 without expansion. The refrigerant flowing through the first connecting line 21 can be supplied to the cooler 20.

[0343] The first coolant line 2 and the second coolant line 4 can be shut off, so that the refrigerant and coolant do not exchange heat with each other in the cooler 20.

[0344] In other words, because the heat generated in electrical components 3 and battery module 5 is insufficient, coolant is not introduced into cooler 20.

[0345] The refrigerant that has passed through the cooler 20 can be introduced into the compressor 10 via the receiver 17 through the first connecting line 21. The introduced refrigerant can then be compressed by the compressor 10.

[0346] In addition, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 10 can be supplied to the internal condenser 13 and the fourth expansion valve 41 respectively.

[0347] The heat pump system can repeat the above process.

[0348] Thus, when the external temperature is low and the heat source is insufficient at the beginning of vehicle operation, the heat pump system of this embodiment can repeatedly perform the above operation to heat the vehicle interior by using the high-temperature refrigerant supplied from the compressor 10.

[0349] In addition, the gas injection device 30 can increase the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line 11, thereby maximizing the heating performance of the system.

[0350] Therefore, as described above, the heat pump system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention can selectively recover waste heat from electrical components 3 and battery module 5 by using a single cooler 20 in which coolant and refrigerant exchange heat, based on the air conditioning mode inside the vehicle, and can regulate the temperature of battery module 5.

[0351] Furthermore, the present invention can improve the cooling and heating performance of the system by using a gas injection device 30 that operates selectively in a selected vehicle interior air conditioning mode to increase the flow rate of refrigerant introduced into the HVAC module 12.

[0352] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the system performance can be optimized by using the gas injection device 30 while minimizing the required system components, thus achieving system streamlining and simplification.

[0353] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the optimal performance of the battery module 5 can be achieved by effectively regulating the temperature of the battery module 5, and the overall driving range of the vehicle can be increased through the effective management of the battery module 5.

[0354] Furthermore, when heating the interior of a vehicle, the present invention can selectively utilize ambient air heat and waste heat from electrical components 3, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the system.

[0355] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the opening and / or closing doors provided inside conventional HVAC modules can be removed, thereby making the HVAC module more compact by reducing the number of components, thereby reducing manufacturing time and increasing productivity.

[0356] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by streamlining the entire system, manufacturing costs and weight can be reduced, and space utilization of the vehicle and vehicle system can be improved.

[0357] Although the invention has been described above in conjunction with embodiments currently considered practically applicable, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent configurations contained within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a vehicle, the heat pump system comprising: The compressor is configured to compress the refrigerant; The HVAC module has an internal condenser and evaporator connected to the compressor via refrigerant lines; An external heat exchanger, connected to the internal condenser via the refrigerant line, is configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant by exchanging heat with air. A first expansion valve is installed on the refrigerant line between the external heat exchanger and the evaporator; A liquid receiver is provided on the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor; A first connecting line, the first end of which is connected to the liquid reservoir; A cooler is disposed on the first connecting line and configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant introduced through the first connecting line and the coolant to regulate the temperature of the coolant. A second expansion valve is disposed on the refrigerant pipeline between the external heat exchanger and the first expansion valve, and the second expansion valve is connected to the second end of the first connecting pipeline. A gas injection device is connected to the refrigerant line between the internal condenser and the external heat exchanger. The gas injection device is configured to selectively expand the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser or the external heat exchanger and to allow the refrigerant expanded by the gas injection device to flow. The gas injection device is configured to selectively supply a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser or the external heat exchanger to the compressor to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line. as well as The second connecting line has its first end connected to the refrigerant line between the compressor and the internal condenser. The direction of refrigerant flow is controlled according to at least one mode of the heat pump system used for vehicle interior temperature control.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The gas injection device includes: Flash tanks are configured to separate refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant, and selectively discharge the gaseous and liquid refrigerant. The third expansion valve is installed on the refrigerant pipeline between the internal condenser and the external heat exchanger; The first pipeline has its first end connected to the flash tank and its second end connected to the third expansion valve; A second pipeline, connecting the compressor and the flash tank, is configured to selectively supply gaseous refrigerant from the flash tank to the compressor; and The third pipeline has its first end connected to the flash tank.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein, The flash tank is configured to operate when refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve is supplied via the first line, and wherein the flash tank is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant supplied via the first line to the compressor via the second line to increase the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant line.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein, When the gas injection device needs to be operated, the third expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant supplied from the internal condenser or the external heat exchanger, and to supply the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve to the flash tank via the first pipeline.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 2, further comprising: A fourth expansion valve is disposed on the refrigerant pipeline between the third expansion valve and the external heat exchanger, and the fourth expansion valve is connected to the second end of the third pipeline and the second end of the second connecting pipeline; The third connecting line has its first end connected to the third expansion valve and its second end connected to the refrigerant line between the external heat exchanger and the second expansion valve. as well as The fourth connecting line has its first end connected to the second expansion valve and its second end connected to the third line.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 5, wherein, The second expansion valve, the third expansion valve, and the fourth expansion valve are four-way expansion valves configured to operate selectively in at least one of the said modes and to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow direction of the supplied refrigerant.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one mode includes: A first cooling mode is used to cool the vehicle interior without operating the gas injection device; The second cooling mode is used to cool the vehicle interior by operating the gas injection device; A first heating mode is used to heat the vehicle interior without operating the gas injection device; The second heating mode is used to heat the vehicle interior by operating the gas injection device; A first hot gas heating mode is used to heat the vehicle interior using refrigerant without recovering heat or operating the gas injection device; and The second hot gas heating mode is used to heat the vehicle interior using refrigerant by operating the gas injection device without recovering heat.

8. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein, In the first cooling mode: The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the first end of the second connecting line to the internal condenser, the third expansion valve, and the fourth expansion valve is configured to be closed by the third expansion valve and the fourth expansion valve; The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the fourth expansion valve to the external heat exchanger and the second expansion valve is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, the evaporator, the receiver, and the compressor is configured to open via the first expansion valve; The first pipeline is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve; The second pipeline is configured to be closed; The third pipeline is configured to be closed via the fourth expansion valve; The second connecting line is configured to open via the fourth expansion valve, such that refrigerant discharged from the compressor is configured to flow to the second connecting line; The third connecting line is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve; The fourth connecting line is configured to be closed via the second expansion valve; The first expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced via the refrigerant line and to supply the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion valve to the evaporator; The second expansion valve is configured to allow refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger via the refrigerant line to flow unexpanded to the refrigerant line connected to the first expansion valve; The operation of the third expansion valve is configured to stop; and The fourth expansion valve is configured to supply refrigerant introduced via the second connecting line to the external heat exchanger without expansion.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein, In the second cooling mode: The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the first end of the second connecting line to the internal condenser, the third expansion valve, and the fourth expansion valve is configured to be closed by the third expansion valve and the fourth expansion valve; A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the fourth expansion valve to the external heat exchanger and the third connecting line is configured to open via the fourth expansion valve. The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the second end of the third connecting line to the second expansion valve is configured to be closed; The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, the evaporator, the receiver, and the compressor is configured to open via the first expansion valve; The first pipeline is configured to open via the third expansion valve; The second pipeline is configured to be open; A portion of the second end of the third pipeline connecting the flash tank and the fourth connecting pipeline is configured to be open; The remaining portion of the third pipeline that connects the second end of the fourth connecting pipeline to the fourth expansion valve is configured to be closed; The second connecting line is configured to open via the fourth expansion valve, such that refrigerant discharged from the compressor is configured to flow to the second connecting line; The third connecting line is configured to open via the third expansion valve; The fourth connecting line is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The first expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced via the refrigerant line and to supply the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion valve to the evaporator; The second expansion valve is configured to allow refrigerant introduced via the fourth connection line to flow unexpanded into the refrigerant line connected to the first expansion valve; The third expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger via a portion of the refrigerant line and the third connecting line, and to allow the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve to flow to the first line. The fourth expansion valve is configured to supply refrigerant introduced via the second connecting line to the external heat exchanger without expansion; and The flash tank is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant to the compressor via an open second line.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein, When the battery module needs to be cooled in both the first and second cooling modes: The first connecting line is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The second expansion valve is configured to expand a portion of the refrigerant introduced from the external heat exchanger, such that the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve is introduced into the cooler, and the second expansion valve is configured to allow the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve to flow to the first connecting line.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein, In the first heating mode: A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, the internal condenser, the third expansion valve, the fourth expansion valve, the external heat exchanger, and the second expansion valve is configured to open via the second expansion valve, the third expansion valve, and the fourth expansion valve; A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the receiver and the compressor is configured to be open; The first connecting line is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The first pipeline is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve; The second pipeline is configured to be closed; The third pipeline is configured to be closed via the fourth expansion valve; The second connecting line is configured to be closed via the fourth expansion valve; The third connecting line is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve; The fourth connecting line is configured to be closed via the second expansion valve; The second expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger and to supply the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve to the cooler via the first connecting line; The third expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line, and to supply the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve to the fourth expansion valve; and The fourth expansion valve is configured to supply refrigerant introduced via a portion of the refrigerant line to the external heat exchanger without expansion.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein, In the second heating mode: A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, the internal condenser, and the third expansion valve is configured to open via the third expansion valve; The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the third expansion valve to the fourth expansion valve is configured to be closed via both the third and fourth expansion valves; A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the receiver and the compressor is configured to be open; The first connecting line is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The first pipeline is configured to open via the third expansion valve; The second pipeline is configured to be open; The third pipeline is configured to open via the fourth expansion valve; The second connecting line is configured to be closed via the fourth expansion valve; The third connecting line is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve; The fourth connecting line is configured to be closed via the second expansion valve; The second expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger and to supply the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve to the cooler via the first connecting line; The third expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line, and to allow the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve to flow to the first line. The fourth expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced via the third pipeline and to supply the refrigerant expanded by the fourth expansion valve to the external heat exchanger; and The flash tank is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant to the compressor via an open second line.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein, When dehumidification is required in both the first heating mode and the second heating mode: A portion of the refrigerant line that connects the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, the evaporator, and the receiver is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The first expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced via the refrigerant line and to supply the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion valve to the evaporator; and The second expansion valve is configured to allow a portion of the refrigerant supplied from the external heat exchanger to flow unexpanded into the refrigerant line connected to the first expansion valve.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein, In the first hot gas heating mode: A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, the internal condenser, the third expansion valve, and the fourth expansion valve is configured to open via the third expansion valve and the fourth expansion valve; A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the receiver and the compressor is configured to be open; The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, the evaporator, and the receiver is configured to be closed via the second expansion valve; The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the second end of the third connecting line to the second expansion valve is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The first connecting line is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The first pipeline is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve; The second pipeline is configured to be closed; The third pipeline is configured to be closed via the fourth expansion valve; The second connecting line is configured to open via the fourth expansion valve; The third connecting line is configured to open via the third expansion valve; The fourth connecting line is configured to be closed via the second expansion valve; The operation of the first expansion valve is configured to stop; The second expansion valve is configured to allow refrigerant introduced via the third connecting line and a portion of the refrigerant line to flow to the first connecting line without expansion; The third expansion valve is configured to allow refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line to flow together with refrigerant introduced from the fourth expansion valve via a portion of the refrigerant line to the third connecting line; and The fourth expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the compressor via the second connection line, and to allow the refrigerant expanded by the fourth expansion valve to flow to a portion of the refrigerant line connected to the third expansion valve.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 14, wherein, The third expansion valve is configured as follows: This causes the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line to expand; and This allows the refrigerant introduced from the fourth expansion valve via a portion of the refrigerant line to flow without expansion.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 7, wherein, In the second hot gas heating mode: A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the compressor, the internal condenser, and the third expansion valve is configured to open via the third expansion valve; The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the third expansion valve to the fourth expansion valve, the external heat exchanger, and the second expansion valve is configured to be closed via the second expansion valve, the third expansion valve, and the fourth expansion valve; The portion of the refrigerant line that connects the second expansion valve to the first expansion valve, the evaporator, and the receiver is configured to be closed via the second expansion valve; A portion of the refrigerant line connecting the receiver and the compressor is configured to be open; The first connecting line is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The first pipeline is configured to open via the third expansion valve; The second pipeline is configured to be open; The third pipeline is configured to open via the fourth expansion valve; The second connecting line is configured to open via the fourth expansion valve; The third connecting line is configured to be closed via the third expansion valve; The fourth connecting line is configured to open via the second expansion valve; The operation of the first expansion valve is configured to stop; The second expansion valve is configured to allow refrigerant introduced via the fourth connection line to flow to the first connection line without expansion; The third expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the internal condenser via the refrigerant line, and to allow the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve to flow to the first line. The flash tank is configured to supply gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant to the compressor via an open second line, and to allow liquid refrigerant to flow to a portion of the third line; and The fourth expansion valve is configured to expand the refrigerant introduced from the compressor via the second connecting line, and to allow the refrigerant expanded by the fourth expansion valve to flow to the remainder of the third line connecting the fourth expansion valve and the second end of the fourth connecting line.

17. The heat pump system of claim 1, further comprising electrical components through which the coolant circulates and a battery module, in, The cooler is connected to the electrical component via a first coolant line through which the coolant circulates, and to the battery module via a second coolant line through which the coolant circulates.

18. The heat pump system according to claim 17, wherein, When recovering waste heat from the electrical components, the first coolant line is configured to open to connect the cooler and the electrical components.

19. The heat pump system according to claim 17, wherein, When cooling the battery module or recovering waste heat from the battery module, the second coolant line is configured to open to connect the cooler and the battery module.

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