Heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle

Abstract

A heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle is capable of engine preheating and cabin heating even at low outside air temperatures, improves fuel efficiency by minimizing engine operation, and improves system operating efficiency by preventing pressure drop of circulating refrigerant. The heat pump system includes a first cooling device, a second cooling device, a cabin heating device, a control valve, a first connection line, a second connection line, and an air conditioner unit, the second line and the second connection line are connected to a condenser to selectively circulate a first cooling liquid and a second cooling liquid, respectively.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0180991, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a heat pump system for hybrid vehicles, and more specifically, to a heat pump system suitable for hybrid vehicles that use an engine and an electric motor as power sources. Background Technology

[0004] The vehicle's air conditioning system includes an air conditioning unit that circulates refrigerant to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0005] The air conditioning unit can maintain a suitable temperature inside the vehicle regardless of changes in the outside temperature, thus ensuring a comfortable in-vehicle environment. It is configured to heat or cool the vehicle interior through heat exchange between the condenser and the evaporator. In this process, the refrigerant discharged by the compressor is circulated back to the compressor through the condenser, receiver-dryer, expansion valve, and evaporator.

[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. After passing through the receiver-dryer and expansion valve, the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator, thereby reducing the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle.

[0007] With increasing public concern about energy efficiency and environmental pollution, there is an urgent need to develop environmentally friendly vehicles that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles. These environmentally friendly vehicles are mainly divided into two categories: electric vehicles powered by fuel cells or electricity, and hybrid vehicles powered by both engines and batteries.

[0008] In the aforementioned environmentally friendly vehicles, electric or hybrid vehicles, unlike the air conditioners in ordinary vehicles, they typically do not use independent heaters, but instead employ air conditioners commonly referred to as heat pump systems.

[0009] Electric vehicles powered by fuel cells generate their propulsion by converting the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen into electrical energy. During this process, the chemical reaction in the fuel cell produces heat. Therefore, to ensure the performance of the fuel cell, the generated heat must be effectively removed.

[0010] Furthermore, hybrid vehicles generate propulsion by using an electric motor powered by electricity from the aforementioned fuel cell or battery, supplemented by an engine powered by conventional fuel. Therefore, to ensure the performance of the electric motor, it is necessary to effectively remove the heat generated from the fuel cell, battery, and electric motor.

[0011] Therefore, in conventional hybrid vehicles, in order to prevent the accumulation of heat generated by the engine, electric motor, electrical components, and batteries including fuel cells, the battery cooling system, along with the cooling system and heat pump system, must be configured as an independent closed loop.

[0012] As a result, the size and weight of the cooling module located at the front of the vehicle have increased, 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 has also become more complicated.

[0013] Furthermore, in traditional hybrid vehicle heat pump systems, when the outside temperature is low, interior heating can only begin after the engine has preheated. Therefore, engine preheating and interior heating cannot be carried out simultaneously, resulting in a longer time required for interior heating.

[0014] Furthermore, in traditional hybrid vehicle heat pump systems, the engine may need to be run frequently to preheat it, which increases the number of times and the duration of engine operation, leading to reduced fuel efficiency.

[0015] Furthermore, in traditional heat pump systems for hybrid vehicles, when the vehicle is in heating and dehumidification mode, the refrigerant circulating along the refrigerant lines may experience pressure drop, which could lead to a decrease in overall performance and efficiency.

[0016] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that is not prior art to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0017] This disclosure provides a heat pump system for hybrid vehicles that can preheat the engine and heat the vehicle interior when the ambient air temperature is low, improve fuel efficiency by minimizing engine operation, and enhance system operating efficiency by preventing pressure drop of the circulating refrigerant.

[0018] In embodiments of this disclosure, a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle includes: a first cooling device comprising a first conduit through which a first coolant circulates, an engine valve, a first radiator, and a first water pump. Specifically, the first conduit is connected to an engine, an engine valve, a first radiator, and a first water pump. The heat pump system further includes a second cooling device comprising a second conduit through which a second coolant circulates, and electrical components, a second radiator, and a second water pump connected via the second conduit. The heat pump system also includes an in-vehicle heating device comprising a third conduit having a first end connected to the engine valve and a second end connected to the first water pump for selectively circulating the first coolant, and a heater core disposed on the third conduit. The heat pump system also includes a control valve disposed on the third conduit between the engine valve and the heater core. The heat pump system also includes a first connecting conduit having a first end connected to the control valve and a second end connected to the first conduit between the engine and the first water pump. The heat pump system also includes a second connecting conduit having a first end connected to the control valve and a second end connected to the third conduit between the control valve and the heater core. The heat pump system further includes an air conditioning unit comprising a refrigerant line through which refrigerant circulates, a compressor, a condenser, a first expansion valve, a heat exchanger, a second expansion valve, and an evaporator. Specifically, the refrigerant line is configured to connect the compressor, condenser, first expansion valve, heat exchanger, second expansion valve, and evaporator. A second line and a second connecting line are connected to the condenser to selectively circulate a first coolant and a second coolant.

[0019] The first expansion valve can be installed on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the heat exchanger, and the second expansion valve can be installed on the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the evaporator.

[0020] The heat pump system may include a first refrigerant connection line, with a first end connected to a first expansion valve and a second end connected to a refrigerant line between a second expansion valve and an evaporator. The heat pump system may also include a second refrigerant connection line, with a first end connected to a second expansion valve and a second end connected to a refrigerant line between the evaporator and a compressor.

[0021] In the vehicle cooling mode, the first expansion valve can close the first refrigerant connection line and allow refrigerant supplied from the condenser to be introduced into the heat exchanger through the refrigerant line without expansion.

[0022] In the vehicle cooling mode, the second expansion valve can close the second refrigerant connection line, expand the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger, and introduce the expanded refrigerant into the evaporator through the refrigerant line.

[0023] In the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode, the first expansion valve can close the first refrigerant connection line, expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, and introduce the expanded refrigerant into the heat exchanger through the refrigerant line.

[0024] When dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the second expansion valve can open the second refrigerant connection line, close the refrigerant line connected to the evaporator, and allow refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger to flow into the second refrigerant connection line without expansion.

[0025] When dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the first expansion valve can be configured to open the first refrigerant connection line, causing the refrigerant supplied from the condenser to expand, and the expanded refrigerant to flow along the refrigerant line and the first refrigerant connection line respectively.

[0026] When dehumidification is required in the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode, or in the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode, the engine valve can close the first pipe connected to the first radiator, so that the first coolant is not supplied to the engine.

[0027] When dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the control valve can open the first and second connecting pipes, so that the first and second connecting pipes can be connected, and a portion of the third pipe connecting the engine valve and the second end of the second connecting pipe can be closed.

[0028] The control valve can be configured to close the third pipe, the first connecting pipe, and the second connecting pipe in the vehicle cooling mode, and to open the third pipe and close the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe in the vehicle heating mode.

[0029] Once the engine has preheated, the air conditioning unit can be turned off in the vehicle's heating mode.

[0030] In the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the condenser allows the refrigerant supplied from the compressor to exchange heat with the first coolant supplied through the second connecting pipe, thereby increasing the temperature of the first coolant and supplying the high-temperature first coolant to the heater core.

[0031] The first and second expansion valves can be three-way electronic expansion valves, which are configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow movement of the refrigerant.

[0032] The accumulator can be installed on the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0033] The heat pump system may also include an auxiliary heat exchanger, which is disposed on the refrigerant line connecting the condenser and the first expansion valve and on the refrigerant line connecting the evaporator and the compressor, and is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the condenser and the refrigerant supplied from the evaporator through the refrigerant line.

[0034] The heater core can be an air-cooled heat exchanger, configured to exchange heat between the first coolant supplied from the condenser and the outside air in the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode, and supply the heated outside air to the in-vehicle interior; and to exchange heat between the first coolant supplied from the engine and the outside air in the in-vehicle heating mode, and supply the heated outside air to the in-vehicle interior.

[0035] The condenser can be a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger can be an air-cooled heat exchanger.

[0036] The heat exchanger can be configured to operate selectively according to the first expansion valve, condensing or evaporating the refrigerant introduced into it through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0037] The control valve can be a four-way valve, which controls the flow rate distribution and flow movement of the supplied first coolant.

[0038] As described above, the heat pump system for hybrid vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention preheats the engine and heats the vehicle interior during the initial stage of vehicle operation when the outside air temperature is low, thereby achieving faster engine preheating and improving the overall performance and efficiency of the system.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by employing a water-cooled heat exchanger to exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor and the coolant, and supplying the coolant, which has been heated by the heat exchange with the refrigerant, to the heating device, the interior of the vehicle can be heated efficiently even during engine preheating.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by preventing coolant from flowing into the engine during engine preheating, engine preheating can be accelerated, thereby improving fuel efficiency by minimizing engine operation compared to conventional solutions.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by using coolant that has recovered the heat from the engine to heat the vehicle interior, the air conditioning unit can be operated without operating, thereby further improving heating efficiency and performance and minimizing compressor operation, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the simplification of the entire system helps to reduce manufacturing costs and weight and improve space utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle in in-vehicle cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention in the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention when dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle in in-vehicle heating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The above illustrations are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] The embodiments and structures shown in the accompanying drawings of the present invention described in this specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and do not constitute the full scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that, provided that the technical concept of this specification is applicable, various solutions equivalent to or modified from the disclosed embodiments may still exist.

[0051] To provide clarity in illustrating the invention, parts irrelevant to the description may be omitted. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same or equivalent elements are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0052] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of the various components shown in the accompanying drawings may be arbitrary illustrations, but the present invention is not limited to this illustrative approach. For ease of explanation, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., in the figures may be appropriately exaggerated.

[0053] Furthermore, unless the opposite is explicitly stated, the words “including,” “having,” “containing,” and their variations (such as “including,” “containing,” etc.) should be understood as including the listed elements without excluding the presence of other elements.

[0054] Furthermore, all terms used in this specification, such as "...unit," "...device," "...part," "...component," and "...building element," refer to a comprehensive element unit that performs 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 certain purpose or performing a certain operation or function, it should be understood that the component, device, unit, module, controller, detector, or element is "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 similar component may be implemented independently or integrated as part of the controller or other component into a unit containing a processor and memory (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium).

[0055] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] When the outside air temperature is low, the heat pump system for hybrid vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform preheating of the engine 12 and heating of the vehicle interior, improve fuel efficiency by minimizing the operation of the engine 12, and improve system operating efficiency by preventing pressure drop of the circulating refrigerant.

[0057] The heat pump system is applicable to hybrid vehicles powered by an engine 12 and an electric motor (not shown). A first cooling device 10 for supplying a first coolant to the engine 12, a second cooling device 20 for supplying a second coolant to the electrical components 23, an interior heating device 30 for heating the interior using the first coolant, and an air conditioning unit 50 for cooling the interior can be interconnected.

[0058] In other words, reference Figure 1 The heat pump system may include a first cooling device 10, a second cooling device 20, an in-vehicle heating device 30, a control valve 40, a first connecting pipe 41, a second connecting pipe 43, and an air conditioning unit 50.

[0059] The first cooling device 10 may include a first pipe 11 through which a first coolant circulates, and an engine 12, an engine valve 13, a first radiator 14 and a first water pump 15 connected through the first pipe 11.

[0060] The first radiator 14 may be located at the front of the vehicle. A cooling fan (not shown) may be installed downstream of the first radiator 14. Therefore, the first radiator 14 can cool the first coolant by operating the cooling fan and exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0061] The engine 12 can be connected to the first radiator 14 via the first pipe 11, thereby allowing coolant to circulate within it. The engine valve 13 can be integrally disposed within the engine 12.

[0062] In the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or when dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the engine valve 13 can close the first pipe 11 connected to the first radiator 14, thereby preventing the first coolant from being supplied to the engine 12.

[0063] The first cooling device 10 configured as described above can regulate the temperature of the engine 12 by circulating the first coolant along the first pipeline 11 through the operation of the first water pump 15.

[0064] The second cooling device 20 may include a second pipe 21 through which the second coolant circulates, and an electrical component 23, a second radiator 24 and a second water pump 25 connected through the second pipe 21.

[0065] The second radiator 24 can be located in front of the first radiator 14 and can cool the second coolant through the operation of the cooling fan and heat exchange with the outside air.

[0066] Electrical components 23 may include power control unit (EPCU), motor, inverter, on-board charger (OBC), autonomous driving controller, etc.

[0067] The second cooling device 20 configured as described above can regulate the temperature of the electrical components 23 by circulating the second coolant along the second pipeline 21 through the operation of the second water pump 25.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present invention, the in-vehicle heating device 30 may include a third pipe 31 through which a first coolant selectively circulates, and a heater core 32 disposed on the third pipe 31.

[0069] The first end of the third pipe 31 can be connected to the engine valve 13. The second end of the third pipe 31 can be connected to the first water pump 15.

[0070] Therefore, the first coolant supplied from the engine 12 can flow selectively along the third pipe 31 through the engine valve 13 and the first water pump 15.

[0071] The heater core 32 can be housed inside the HVAC module (not shown). Therefore, the high-temperature first coolant supplied through the third conduit 31 can increase the temperature of the external air flowing through the heater core 32.

[0072] The introduced outside air can be converted to a high temperature state as it flows through the heater core 32, and then introduced into the vehicle to achieve vehicle interior heating.

[0073] In other words, in the vehicle interior heating mode, the heater core 32 can be an air-cooled heat exchanger, which is configured to exchange heat between the first coolant supplied from the engine 12 and the outside air, and supply the heated outside air to the vehicle interior.

[0074] The in-vehicle heating device 30 may also include an air heater 35 for increasing the temperature of the outside air introduced into the vehicle.

[0075] An air heater 35 may be disposed inside an HVAC module (not shown) and located on the downstream side of the heater core 32 facing the interior of the vehicle to selectively heat the outside air that has passed through the heater core 32.

[0076] When heating the interior of the vehicle, the interior heating device 30 configured in this way can supply high-temperature first coolant to the heater core 32 through the operation of the first water pump 15, thereby heating the interior of the vehicle.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control valve 40 may be disposed on the third pipeline 31 between the engine valve 13 and the heater core 32.

[0078] The first end of the first connecting pipe 41 can be connected to the control valve 40. The second end of the first connecting pipe 41 can be connected to the first pipe 11 between the engine 12 and the first water pump 15.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the second connecting pipe 43 may be connected to the control valve 40. The second end of the second connecting pipe 43 may be connected to the third pipe 31 between the control valve 40 and the heater core 32.

[0080] The control valve 40 can be a four-way valve, which can control the flow distribution and movement of the supplied first coolant.

[0081] In the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or when dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the control valve 40 configured in this way can open the first connecting pipe 41 and the second connecting pipe 43, thereby connecting the first connecting pipe 41 and the second connecting pipe 43. The control valve 40 can close a portion of the third pipe 31 connecting the engine valve 13 and the second end of the second connecting pipe 43.

[0082] In the vehicle cooling mode, control valve 40 can close the third pipe 31, the first connecting pipe 41, and the second connecting pipe 43.

[0083] In addition, the air conditioning unit 50 may include a refrigerant line 51 through which refrigerant circulates, and a compressor 52, a condenser 53, a first expansion valve 54, a heat exchanger 55, a second expansion valve 56, and an evaporator 57 connected through the refrigerant line 51.

[0084] The compressor 52 can compress the supplied refrigerant and make the compressed refrigerant flow along the refrigerant line 51, thereby circulating the refrigerant along the refrigerant line 51.

[0085] The condenser 53 can be connected to the compressor 52 via the refrigerant line 51. The second line 21 and the second connecting line 43 can be connected to the condenser 53 respectively to selectively circulate the first coolant and the second coolant respectively.

[0086] Therefore, the condenser 53 allows the first or second coolant supplied through at least one of the second pipe 21 and the second connecting pipe 43 to exchange heat with the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52.

[0087] In the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the condenser 53 can exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 and the first coolant supplied through the second connecting pipe 43 to increase the temperature of the first coolant, thereby supplying the high-temperature first coolant to the heater core 32.

[0088] In other words, the condenser 53 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger, which is configured to allow the introduced refrigerant and coolant to exchange heat with each other.

[0089] In the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the heater core 32 enables the first coolant supplied from the condenser 53 to exchange heat with the outside air, and supplies the heated outside air into the vehicle interior.

[0090] The first expansion valve 54 can be connected to the condenser 53 via the refrigerant line 51. The first expansion valve 54 can selectively expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 55 can be connected to the first expansion valve 54 via a refrigerant line 51.

[0092] The heat exchanger 55 can be selectively operated according to the first expansion valve 54, and condense or evaporate the refrigerant introduced into it through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0093] The heat exchanger 55 may be located in front of the second radiator 24. The heat exchanger 55 may be an air-cooled heat exchanger, which is configured to allow the introduced refrigerant to exchange heat with the outside air.

[0094] The first expansion valve 54 can be installed on the refrigerant line 51 between the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 55.

[0095] In an embodiment of the invention, the second expansion valve 56 can be connected to the heat exchanger 55 via a refrigerant line 51. The second expansion valve 56 can selectively expand the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 55.

[0096] The second expansion valve 56 can be installed on the refrigerant line 51 between the heat exchanger 55 and the evaporator 57.

[0097] The first expansion valve 54 and the second expansion valve 56 configured can be three-way electronic expansion valves, which are configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the movement of the refrigerant.

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention are described with the first expansion valve 54 and the second expansion valve 56 configured as electronic expansion valves as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first expansion valve 54 and the second expansion valve 56 may also be configured as a valve module that integrates a mechanical expansion valve and a three-way valve.

[0099] The evaporator 57 can be connected to the second expansion valve 56 via refrigerant line 51. Furthermore, the evaporator 57 can be connected to the compressor 52 via refrigerant line 51. The evaporator 57 configured as described above can be housed together with the heater core 32 within the HVAC module.

[0100] Inside the HVAC module between the evaporator 57 and the heater core 32, an on / off door (not shown) may be internally provided, which is configured to regulate the external air that has passed through the evaporator 57 to selectively introduce it into the heater core 32.

[0101] When dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or in the vehicle interior heating mode, the door can be opened to allow outside air that has passed through the evaporator 57 to be introduced into the heater core 32.

[0102] In the vehicle cooling mode, the door can be opened / closed to close the side facing the heater core 32, allowing outside air that is cooled while passing through the evaporator 57 to be directly introduced into the vehicle.

[0103] The heater core 32 may be an air-cooled heat exchanger, which is configured to allow the first coolant supplied from the engine 12 via the second connecting pipe 43, or the first coolant supplied from the condenser 53 via the first connecting pipe 41 and the second connecting pipe 43, to exchange heat with the outside air, and supply the heated outside air to the vehicle interior.

[0104] An accumulator 58 may be installed on the refrigerant line 51 between the evaporator 57 and the compressor 52. The accumulator 58 can supply only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 52, thereby improving the efficiency and durability of the compressor 52.

[0105] The air conditioning unit 50 configured as described above may also include a first refrigerant connection pipe 61 and a second refrigerant connection pipe 63.

[0106] The first end of the first refrigerant connection pipe 61 can be connected to the first expansion valve 54. The second end of the first refrigerant connection pipe 61 can be connected to the refrigerant pipe 51 between the second expansion valve 56 and the evaporator 57.

[0107] Furthermore, the first end of the second refrigerant connection line 63 can be connected to the second expansion valve 56. The second end of the second refrigerant connection line 63 can be connected to the refrigerant line 51 between the evaporator 57 and the compressor 52.

[0108] The second end of the second refrigerant connection pipe 63 can be connected to the refrigerant pipe 51 between the evaporator 57 and the accumulator 58.

[0109] The operation of the first expansion valve 54 and the second expansion valve 56 in the air conditioner unit 50 configured as described above will be explained in detail below.

[0110] In the vehicle cooling mode, the first expansion valve 54 can close the first refrigerant connection line 61. The first expansion valve 54 can allow refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53 to flow into the heat exchanger 55 through the refrigerant line 51 without expansion.

[0111] The heat exchanger 55 can condense the refrigerant supplied by the first expansion valve 54 by exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0112] In the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the first expansion valve 54 can close the first refrigerant connection line 61. The first expansion valve 54 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53, and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger 55 through the refrigerant line 51.

[0113] When dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the first expansion valve 54 can open the first refrigerant connection line 61. The first expansion valve 54 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53, and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow along the refrigerant line 51 and the first refrigerant connection line 61 respectively.

[0114] Therefore, in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or when dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the heat exchanger 55 can evaporate the expanding refrigerant introduced from the first expansion valve 54 through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0115] Furthermore, in the vehicle cooling mode, the second expansion valve 56 can close the second refrigerant connection line 63. The second expansion valve 56 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 55, and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the evaporator 57 through the refrigerant line 51.

[0116] In the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or when dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the second expansion valve 56 can open the second refrigerant connection line 63 and close the refrigerant line 51 connected to the evaporator 57.

[0117] The second expansion valve 56 allows refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 55 to flow into the second refrigerant connection line 63 without expansion.

[0118] The air conditioning unit 50 may also include a secondary heat exchanger 70.

[0119] The auxiliary heat exchanger 70 can be installed on the refrigerant line 51 connecting the condenser 53 and the first expansion valve 54, and on the refrigerant line 51 connecting the evaporator 57 and the accumulator 58.

[0120] The auxiliary heat exchanger 70 allows the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 53 via the refrigerant line 51 to exchange heat with the refrigerant supplied from the evaporator 57.

[0121] The secondary heat exchanger 70 can be a two-tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger, which is configured to allow refrigerants with different temperatures to exchange heat with each other.

[0122] When the engine 12 has finished preheating in the vehicle heating mode, the operation of the air conditioning unit 50 configured in this manner can be stopped.

[0123] The in-vehicle heating device 30 can use the first coolant, whose temperature has been increased while passing through the engine 12, to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0124] The following will combine Figures 2 to 5 This document provides a detailed explanation of the operation and function of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] The following will combine Figure 2 This section details the operation of the vehicle's cooling mode.

[0126] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle in in-vehicle cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] refer to Figure 2 The first cooling device 10 can operate the first water pump 15 to circulate the first coolant through the first pipe 11 to cool the engine 12.

[0128] Control valve 40 can close the third pipeline 31, the first connecting pipeline 41 and the second connecting pipeline 43.

[0129] Therefore, the first coolant cooled in the first radiator 14 can smoothly cool the engine 12.

[0130] The second cooling device 20 can operate the second water pump 25 to circulate the second coolant through the second pipe 21 to cool the electrical components 23. Therefore, the second coolant cooled in the second radiator 24 can smoothly cool the electrical components 23.

[0131] The third pipe 31 in the vehicle heating device 30 can be closed by operating the engine valve 13 and the control valve 40, thereby preventing the supply of high-temperature first coolant to the heater core 32. Therefore, the first coolant can stop flowing through the third pipe 31.

[0132] In this state, compressor 52 can be operated to cool the vehicle interior. Refrigerant can circulate along refrigerant line 51.

[0133] The first expansion valve 54 can open the refrigerant line 51 connecting the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 55, and can close the first refrigerant connection line 61.

[0134] The first expansion valve 54 allows refrigerant that has passed from the condenser 53 through the auxiliary heat exchanger 70 to flow into the heat exchanger 55 through the refrigerant line 51 without expansion.

[0135] In other words, the first expansion valve 54 allows refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 to flow into the refrigerant line 51 without expansion, passing sequentially through the condenser 53 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 70.

[0136] In addition, the second expansion valve 56 can open the refrigerant line 51 connected to the heat exchanger 55 and the refrigerant line 51 connected to the evaporator 57, so that the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 55 can be supplied to the evaporator 57, and can close the second refrigerant connection line 63.

[0137] The second expansion valve 56 can expand the refrigerant so that the expanded refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 57. In other words, the second expansion valve 56 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 55 and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the evaporator 57 through the refrigerant line 51.

[0138] Therefore, the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 to the condenser 53 can be initially condensed during the heat exchange with the second coolant passing through the condenser 53 along the second pipe 21.

[0139] The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 53 can be introduced into the secondary heat exchanger 70 along the refrigerant line 51. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 can be condensed again by exchanging heat with the refrigerant introduced from the evaporator 57 when passing through the secondary heat exchanger 70.

[0140] The refrigerant that has been condensed a second time in the secondary heat exchanger 70 can then be introduced into the heat exchanger 55 via the first expansion valve 54 and subsequently along the refrigerant line 51. The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 55 can be condensed a third time through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0141] The refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 55 can be expanded in the second expansion valve 56 and introduced into the evaporator 57 along the refrigerant line 51.

[0142] The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator 57 can then be supplied to the accumulator 58 via the auxiliary heat exchanger 70. The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 58 can be separated into gaseous and liquid states, and the gaseous refrigerant from the separated gaseous and liquid states can be introduced into the compressor 52.

[0143] In other words, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 52 can flow along the refrigerant line 51 to cool the vehicle interior, and can repeatedly perform the above operation while passing through the condenser 53, the auxiliary heat exchanger 70, the first expansion valve 54, the heat exchanger 55, the second expansion valve 56, the evaporator 57, the auxiliary heat exchanger 70 and the accumulator 58 in sequence.

[0144] The outside air introduced into the HVAC module can be cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 57 as it passes through the evaporator 57.

[0145] The outside air cooled by passing through the evaporator 57 can be directly introduced into the vehicle through the heater core 32, which is not supplied with coolant, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0146] In embodiments of the present invention, the combination Figure 3 Detailed explanation of how the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode works.

[0147] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention in the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode.

[0148] refer to Figure 3 The heat pump system can heat the vehicle interior when the outside temperature is low and quickly preheat the engine 12.

[0149] In the first cooling device 10, the first pipe 11 can be closed by the engine valve 13, so that the first coolant is not supplied to the engine 12. Therefore, the first coolant may not flow along the first pipe 11.

[0150] In other words, engine valve 13 can close the first pipe 11 connected to the first radiator 14, so that the first coolant is not supplied to the engine 12.

[0151] Therefore, the engine 12 can be operated while the first coolant is not flowing, thereby allowing it to be preheated more quickly.

[0152] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second cooling device 20 may operate the second water pump 25 to circulate the second coolant through the second pipeline 21 to cool the electrical components 23.

[0153] Therefore, the second coolant cooled in the second radiator 24 can smoothly cool the electrical components 23.

[0154] Control valve 40 can open the first connecting pipe 41 and the second connecting pipe 43 to connect the first connecting pipe 41 and the second connecting pipe 43. Control valve 40 can close a portion of the third pipe 31 that connects the engine valve 13 to the second end of the second connecting pipe 43.

[0155] Therefore, in the in-vehicle heating device 30, the first coolant can be supplied to the heater core 32 while the first water pump 15 is running along the second end of the first connecting pipe 41 and a part of the first pipe 11 of the first water pump 15, and circulating along the first connecting pipe 41, the second connecting pipe 43 and the opened third pipe 31.

[0156] In this state, compressor 52 can be operated to heat the vehicle interior. Refrigerant can circulate along refrigerant line 51.

[0157] The first expansion valve 54 can open the refrigerant line 51 connecting the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 55, and can close the first refrigerant connection line 61.

[0158] The first expansion valve 54 can expand the refrigerant that has passed from the condenser 53 through the auxiliary heat exchanger 70, and can allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger 55 through the refrigerant line 51.

[0159] In other words, the first expansion valve 54 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 through the condenser 53 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 70 in sequence, and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant line 51.

[0160] In addition, the second expansion valve 56 can close the refrigerant line 51 connected to the evaporator 57 so that the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 55 is not supplied to the evaporator 57, and can open the second refrigerant connection line 63.

[0161] The second expansion valve 56 allows refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 55 to flow along the second refrigerant connection line 63 without expansion.

[0162] Therefore, the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 to the condenser 53 can be initially condensed while exchanging heat with the first coolant passing through the condenser 53 along the second connecting pipe 43 and the second coolant passing through the condenser 53 along the second pipe 21.

[0163] In other words, in the heating-engine preheating mode, the condenser 53 can enable the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 to exchange heat with the first coolant supplied through the second connecting pipe 43, thereby increasing the temperature of the first coolant and supplying the high-temperature first coolant to the heater core 32.

[0164] The first coolant, heated as it passes through the condenser 53, can be introduced into the heater core 32 via the second connecting pipe 43 and the third pipe 31. The heater core 32 can exchange heat between the first coolant supplied from the condenser 53 and the outside air, and can supply the heated outside air into the vehicle.

[0165] Therefore, the heater core 32 can quickly increase the temperature inside the vehicle, thereby achieving smooth heating.

[0166] The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 53 can be introduced into the secondary heat exchanger 70 along the refrigerant line 51. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 53 can be condensed a second time by exchanging heat with the refrigerant introduced from the heat exchanger 55 through a part of the refrigerant line 51 and the second refrigerant connection line 63 as it passes through the secondary heat exchanger 70.

[0167] The refrigerant that is condensed twice in the secondary heat exchanger 70 can be expanded in the first expansion valve 54 and introduced into the heat exchanger 55 along the refrigerant line 51. The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 55 can be evaporated by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0168] Therefore, heat exchanger 55 can recover heat from the external gas during the process of evaporating the expanded refrigerant through heat exchange with the external air.

[0169] The refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 55 can pass through the second expansion valve 56 and then flow along the second refrigerant connection line 63. The refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant connection line 63 can pass through the auxiliary heat exchanger 70 along the refrigerant line 51 and then be supplied to the accumulator 58.

[0170] The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 58 can be separated into gaseous and liquid states, and the gaseous refrigerant in the separated gaseous and liquid states can be introduced into the compressor 52.

[0171] In other words, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 52 can flow along the refrigerant line 51 and the second refrigerant connection line 63 to heat the vehicle interior. The above operation can be repeatedly performed while passing through the condenser 53, the auxiliary heat exchanger 70, the first expansion valve 54, the heat exchanger 55, the second expansion valve 56, the auxiliary heat exchanger 70 and the accumulator 58 in sequence.

[0172] Outside air introduced into the HVAC module can be introduced in an uncooled state when passing through the evaporator 57, which is not supplied with refrigerant. This introduced outside air can be converted to a high-temperature state when passing through the heater core 32, and then introduced into the vehicle interior to achieve vehicle interior heating.

[0173] In other words, the heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention can recover heat from the high-temperature refrigerant passing through the condenser 53 and external air heat, and use it to heat the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 52 and improving heating efficiency.

[0174] Furthermore, by preventing the first coolant from flowing into the engine 12, the engine 12 can be preheated more quickly.

[0175] In embodiments of the present invention, the combination Figure 4 Detailed explanation of how to operate when dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode.

[0176] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention when dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode.

[0177] refer to Figure 4 The heat pump system can heat the vehicle interior when the outside temperature is low, quickly preheat the engine 12, and dehumidify the vehicle interior.

[0178] In the first cooling device 10, the first pipe 11 can be closed by the engine valve 13, so that the first coolant is not supplied to the engine 12. Therefore, the first coolant may not flow along the first pipe 11.

[0179] In other words, engine valve 13 can close the first pipe 11 connected to the first radiator 14 so that the first coolant is not supplied to the engine 12.

[0180] Therefore, the engine 12 can be operated while the first coolant is not flowing, thereby allowing it to be preheated more quickly.

[0181] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second cooling device 20 may operate the second water pump 25 to circulate the second coolant through the second pipeline 21 to cool the electrical components 23.

[0182] Therefore, the second coolant cooled in the second radiator 24 can smoothly cool the electrical components 23.

[0183] Control valve 40 can open the first connecting pipe 41 and the second connecting pipe 43, connecting the first connecting pipe 41 and the second connecting pipe 43. At the same time, control valve 40 can close a portion of the third pipe 31 connecting the engine valve 13 and the second end of the second connecting pipe 43.

[0184] Therefore, in the in-vehicle heating device 30, the first coolant can be supplied to the heater core 32 while the first water pump 15 is running along the second end of the first connecting pipe 41 and a part of the first pipe 11 of the first water pump 15, and circulating along the first connecting pipe 41, the second connecting pipe 43 and the opened third pipe 31.

[0185] In this state, compressor 52 can be operated to heat the interior of the vehicle. Refrigerant can circulate along refrigerant line 51.

[0186] The first expansion valve 54 can open the refrigerant line 51 connecting the condenser 53 and the heat exchanger 55, and can also open the first refrigerant connection line 61.

[0187] The first expansion valve 54 can expand the refrigerant that has passed from the condenser 53 through the auxiliary heat exchanger 70.

[0188] In addition, the first expansion valve 54 allows a portion of the expanded refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger 55 through the refrigerant line 51, and allows the remaining refrigerant after expansion to flow into the first refrigerant connection line 61.

[0189] In other words, the first expansion valve 54 can expand the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 through the condenser 53 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 70 in sequence, and allow the expanded refrigerant to flow along the refrigerant line 51 and the first refrigerant connection line 61 respectively.

[0190] In addition, the second expansion valve 56 can close the refrigerant line 51 connected to the evaporator 57 so that the refrigerant that has passed through the heat exchanger 55 is not supplied to the evaporator 57, and can open the second refrigerant connection line 63.

[0191] The second expansion valve 56 allows refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger 55 to flow along the second refrigerant connection line 63 without expansion.

[0192] Therefore, the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 to the condenser 53 can be initially condensed while exchanging heat with the first coolant passing through the condenser 53 along the second connecting pipe 43 and the second coolant passing through the condenser 53 along the second pipe 21.

[0193] In other words, in the heating-engine preheating mode, the condenser 53 allows the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 52 to exchange heat with the first coolant supplied through the second connecting pipe 43, thereby increasing the temperature of the first coolant and supplying the high-temperature first coolant to the heater core 32.

[0194] The first coolant, heated as it passes through the condenser 53, can be introduced into the heater core 32 via the second connecting pipe 43 and the third pipe 31. The heater core 32 allows the first coolant supplied from the condenser 53 to exchange heat with the outside air, and can supply the heated outside air into the vehicle.

[0195] Therefore, the heater core 32 can quickly raise the temperature inside the vehicle, thereby achieving stable heating.

[0196] The refrigerant discharged from the condenser 53 can be introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger 70 along the refrigerant line 51.

[0197] The refrigerant condensed in condenser 53 can be condensed a second time during its passage through secondary heat exchanger 70 by exchanging heat with refrigerant introduced from evaporator 57 and heat exchanger 55 through a portion of refrigerant line 51 and second refrigerant connection line 63.

[0198] The refrigerant that is condensed twice in the secondary heat exchanger 70 can be expanded in the first expansion valve 54. A portion of the refrigerant after expansion in the first expansion valve 54 can be introduced into the heat exchanger 55, and the remaining refrigerant can be introduced into the first refrigerant connection line 61.

[0199] The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 55 can evaporate through heat exchange with the outside air. Therefore, the heat exchanger 55 can recover heat from the outside air during the process of evaporating the expanded refrigerant through heat exchange with the outside air.

[0200] The refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger 55 can pass through the second expansion valve 56 and then flow along the second refrigerant connection line 63.

[0201] The refrigerant introduced into the first refrigerant connection line 61 can be supplied to the evaporator 57 along the refrigerant line 51 connected to the evaporator 57.

[0202] In other words, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the evaporator 57 through the first refrigerant connection line 61. The evaporator 57 can recover heat from the outside air during the process of evaporating the expanded refrigerant by exchanging heat with the outside air introduced into the HVAC module.

[0203] The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator 57 can then be supplied to the accumulator 58 along the refrigerant line 51 through the auxiliary heat exchanger 70, together with the refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant connection line 63.

[0204] The refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 58 can be separated into gaseous and liquid states, and the gaseous refrigerant in the separated gaseous and liquid states can be introduced into the compressor 52.

[0205] In other words, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 52 can flow along the opened refrigerant line 51, the first refrigerant connection line 61 and the second refrigerant connection line 63 to heat the vehicle interior. The above operation can be repeatedly performed while passing through the condenser 53, the auxiliary heat exchanger 70, the first expansion valve 54, the heat exchanger 55, the second expansion valve 56, the evaporator 57, the auxiliary heat exchanger 70 and the accumulator 58 in sequence.

[0206] The outside air introduced into the HVAC module is dehumidified by the low-temperature refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 57 as it passes through the evaporator 57. Subsequently, the outside air is converted to a high-temperature state as it passes through the heater core 32 and can be introduced into the vehicle, thereby achieving stable heating and dehumidification of the vehicle interior.

[0207] In other words, the heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention can recover heat from the high-temperature refrigerant passing through the condenser 53 and external air heat, and use it to heat the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor 52 and improving heating efficiency.

[0208] Furthermore, by preventing the first coolant from flowing into the engine 12, the engine 12 can be preheated more quickly.

[0209] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first expansion valve 54 can separately supply a portion of the expanded refrigerant to the evaporator 57 through the first refrigerant connection pipe 61, and supply the remaining refrigerant to the heat exchanger 55, thereby preventing pressure drop of the refrigerant circulating along the refrigerant pipe 51.

[0210] In addition, the following will be combined Figure 5 Detailed explanation of how the in-vehicle heating mode works.

[0211] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle in in-vehicle heating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] refer to Figure 5 The heat pump system can heat the vehicle interior after the engine 12 has finished preheating.

[0213] The first cooling device 10 can operate the first water pump 15 to circulate the first coolant through the first pipeline 11 to cool the engine 12.

[0214] Therefore, the first coolant cooled in the first radiator 14 can smoothly cool the engine 12.

[0215] The second cooling device 20 can operate the second water pump 25 to circulate the second coolant through the second pipe 21 to cool the electrical components 23. Therefore, the second coolant cooled in the second radiator 24 can smoothly cool the electrical components 23.

[0216] The control valve 40 can open the third pipeline 31 and close the first connecting pipeline 41 and the second connecting pipeline 43.

[0217] Therefore, in the vehicle heating device 30, a portion of the first coolant that has passed through the engine 12 can flow through the third pipe 31.

[0218] In other words, the first coolant heated during the cooling of engine 12 can be supplied to heater core 32 while circulating along the third pipe 31.

[0219] Furthermore, the remaining first coolant that has passed through the engine 12 can be cooled by heat exchange with the outside air as it passes through the first radiator 14 along the first pipe 11.

[0220] The first coolant cooled in the first radiator 14 can repeatedly perform the above operation.

[0221] The operation of air conditioning unit 50 can be stopped.

[0222] Therefore, the high-temperature first coolant supplied to the heater core 32 can increase the temperature of the outside air introduced into the HVAC module. The heater core 32 can rapidly increase the interior temperature, thereby achieving smooth heating.

[0223] In other words, the outside air introduced into the HVAC module can be introduced in an uncooled state when passing through the evaporator 57, which is not supplied with refrigerant. During its passage through the heater core 32, this introduced outside air can be converted to a high-temperature state and then introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the interior.

[0224] In other words, the heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention can smoothly heat the vehicle interior by utilizing the waste heat generated by the engine 12 when the air conditioning unit 50 is not in operation.

[0225] Therefore, as described above, when a heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is used, in the early stages of driving the vehicle when the outside air temperature is low, by simultaneously performing engine 12 preheating and vehicle interior heating, the engine 12 can be preheated more quickly, and the overall performance and efficiency of the system can be improved.

[0226] Furthermore, according to the invention, a condenser 53 can be applied, which is configured to allow the refrigerant supplied by the compressor 52 to exchange heat with at least one of a first coolant or a second coolant, and the coolant heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant can be supplied to the heating device 30, thereby efficiently heating the vehicle interior even before preheating the engine 12.

[0227] Furthermore, according to the present invention, blocking the flow of coolant into the engine 12 during preheating allows the engine 12 to complete preheating more quickly, thereby improving fuel efficiency by minimizing the operation of the engine 12 compared to conventional solutions.

[0228] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the heating and dehumidification mode inside the vehicle, by preventing the refrigerant circulating along the refrigerant line 51 from experiencing a pressure drop, the operating efficiency of the system can be improved, thereby minimizing the loss of heating and dehumidification performance.

[0229] Furthermore, according to the present invention, heating performance can be further improved by utilizing coolant that has already recovered the heat from engine 12 during vehicle interior heating.

[0230] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the air conditioning unit 50 is not running, by utilizing the coolant that has recovered the heat from the engine 12 in the vehicle interior heating, not only can the heating efficiency and performance be further improved, but unnecessary energy consumption can also be avoided by minimizing the operation of the compressor 52.

[0231] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the simplification of the overall system helps to reduce manufacturing costs and weight and improve space utilization efficiency.

[0232] While the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments currently considered practically feasible, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent structures within the spirit and scope defined by the claims.

[0233] Explanation of symbols

[0234] 10: Engine cooling system

[0235] 11: First Pipeline

[0236] 12: Engine

[0237] 13: Engine valve

[0238] 14: First Radiator

[0239] 15, 25: First and second water pumps

[0240] 20: Electrical component cooling device

[0241] 21: Second pipeline

[0242] 23: Electrical components

[0243] 24: Second radiator

[0244] 30: Heating device

[0245] 31: Third pipeline

[0246] 32: Heater core

[0247] 35: Air heater

[0248] 40: Control valve

[0249] 41: First connecting pipe

[0250] 43: Second connecting pipe

[0251] 50: Air Conditioner Unit

[0252] 51: Refrigerant piping

[0253] 52: Compressor

[0254] 53: Condenser

[0255] 54: First expansion valve

[0256] 55: Heat exchanger

[0257] 56: Second expansion valve

[0258] 57: Evaporator

[0259] 58: Accumulator

[0260] 61: First refrigerant connection line

[0261] 63: Second refrigerant connection line

[0262] 70: Secondary heat exchanger.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a hybrid vehicle, wherein, The heat pump system includes: A first cooling device includes a first pipe, an engine valve, a first radiator, and a first water pump, wherein a first coolant circulates along the first pipe, and the first pipe is configured to connect an engine, the engine valve, the first radiator, and the first water pump. The second cooling device includes a second pipeline, electrical components, a second radiator, and a second water pump. The second coolant circulates along the second pipeline, which is configured to connect the electrical components, the second radiator, and the second water pump. The vehicle interior heating device includes a third conduit having a first end connected to the engine valve and a second end connected to the first water pump to selectively circulate the first coolant, and a heater core disposed on the third conduit. A control valve is disposed on the third pipeline between the engine valve and the heater core; A first connecting line includes a first end connected to the control valve and a second end connected to the first line between the engine and the first water pump; The second connecting pipe includes a first end connected to the control valve and a second end connected to the third pipe between the control valve and the heater core; An air conditioning unit includes a refrigerant line, a compressor, a condenser, a first expansion valve, a heat exchanger, a second expansion valve, and an evaporator. Refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant line, which is configured to connect the compressor, the condenser, the first expansion valve, the heat exchanger, the second expansion valve, and the evaporator. The second pipeline and the second connecting pipeline are connected to the condenser to selectively circulate the first coolant and the second coolant.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The first expansion valve is located on the refrigerant line between the condenser and the heat exchanger. The second expansion valve is disposed on the refrigerant line between the heat exchanger and the evaporator.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein, include: A first refrigerant connection line includes a first end connected to the first expansion valve and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the second expansion valve and the evaporator; The second refrigerant connection line includes a first end connected to the second expansion valve and a second end connected to the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein, In the vehicle cooling mode, the first expansion valve is configured to close the first refrigerant connection line and introduce the refrigerant supplied from the condenser into the heat exchanger without expansion through the refrigerant line.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein, In the vehicle cooling mode, the second expansion valve is configured to close the second refrigerant connection line, causing the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger to expand, and the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve is introduced into the evaporator via the refrigerant line.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein, In the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode, the first expansion valve is configured to close the first refrigerant connection line, causing the refrigerant supplied from the condenser to expand, and the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion valve is introduced into the heat exchanger via the refrigerant line.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein, When dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the second expansion valve is configured to open the second refrigerant connection line, close the refrigerant line connected to the evaporator, and allow the refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger to flow along the second refrigerant connection line without expansion.

8. The heat pump system according to claim 3, wherein, When dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the first expansion valve is configured to open the first refrigerant connection line, causing the refrigerant supplied from the condenser to expand, and allowing the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion valve to flow along the refrigerant line and the first refrigerant connection line.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, When dehumidification is required in the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode, or in the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode, the engine valve is configured to close the first line connected to the first radiator, so that the first coolant is not supplied to the engine.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, When dehumidification is required in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, or in the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, the control valve is configured to open the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe, so that the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are connected, and close a portion of the third pipe connecting the engine valve and the second end of the second connecting pipe.

11. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The control valve is configured as follows: In vehicle cooling mode, the third pipe, the first connecting pipe, and the second connecting pipe are shut off; and In the vehicle heating mode, open the third pipe and close the first and second connecting pipes.

12. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, In the in-vehicle heating mode after the engine has preheated, the air conditioning unit is configured to stop operating.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, In the in-vehicle heating-engine preheating mode, the condenser exchanges heat between the refrigerant supplied from the compressor and the first coolant supplied through the second connecting pipe to increase the temperature of the first coolant, thereby supplying the first coolant to the heater core.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The first expansion valve and the second expansion valve are three-way electronic expansion valves, which are configured to selectively expand the refrigerant while controlling the flow of the refrigerant.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The accumulator is located on the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the compressor.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes: an auxiliary heat exchanger disposed on the refrigerant line connecting the condenser and the first expansion valve and on the refrigerant line connecting the evaporator and the compressor, the auxiliary heat exchanger being configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant supplied from the condenser via the refrigerant line and the refrigerant supplied from the evaporator.

17. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The heater core is an air-cooled heat exchanger, and the air-cooled heat exchanger is configured as follows: In the vehicle interior heating-engine preheating mode, heat exchange occurs between the first coolant supplied from the condenser and the outside air, and the heated outside air is supplied to the vehicle interior. In the vehicle interior heating mode, heat exchange occurs between the first coolant supplied from the engine and the outside air, and the heated outside air is supplied to the vehicle interior.

18. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The condenser is a water-cooled heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is an air-cooled heat exchanger.

19. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchanger is configured to selectively operate according to the first expansion valve, causing the refrigerant to condense or evaporate by exchanging heat with outside air.

20. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein, The control valve is a four-way valve, which is configured to control the flow distribution and movement of the supplied first coolant.

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