REFRIGERANT MODULE GROUP

Abstract

A refrigerant module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a refrigerant module in which a refrigerant, while flowing, performs a heat exchange, a control unit configured to control a valve and a sensor provided in the refrigerant module, and a mounting bracket connected to the refrigerant module and the control unit and configured to attach the refrigerant module and the control unit to a vehicle body.

Description

Refrigerant module assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerant module assembly, and more particularly, to a refrigerant module assembly in which heat exchanger and valve components are modularized into one.

[0002] With the trend toward environmentally friendly industrial development and the development of energy sources that replace fossil fuels, electric and hybrid vehicles are currently attracting the most attention in the automotive industry. Electric and hybrid vehicles are equipped with batteries to provide propulsion, and these batteries are used not only for driving but also for heating and cooling.

[0003] In vehicles that use batteries to provide driving power, the use of the batteries as a heat source for heating and cooling means that the driving range is reduced. To overcome the above problem, a method of applying a thermal management system, which has been widely used in household heating and cooling devices, to automobiles has been proposed.

[0004] For reference, a thermal management system refers to a system that absorbs low-temperature heat and transfers it to a higher temperature. As an example, a thermal management system involves a cycle in which a liquid evaporates in an evaporator, absorbing heat from the surroundings and becoming a gas, then liquefies by releasing heat to the surroundings through a condenser. Applying this to electric or hybrid vehicles offers the advantage of securing a heat source that conventional air conditioning systems lack.

[0005] Current modularized thermal management systems for electric vehicles utilize a partially modular approach, with key components (valves, accumulators, chillers, condensers, internal heat exchangers, and sensors) connected via piping. These vehicle thermal management systems include a refrigerant module, which combines components that flow through the refrigerant as it exchanges heat, and a controller, which serves as an integrated driver for communicating the refrigerant module's valves and sensors with the vehicle's upper control unit.

[0006] However, since the refrigerant module and the controller are installed separately from each other in the vehicle, there was a problem that the assembly work increased and the wiring for connecting the valves and sensors in the refrigerant module to the controller became longer.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant module assembly that can reduce assembly work and is advantageous in package configuration because the refrigerant module and controller are mounted to a vehicle body through a mounting bracket.

[0008] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant module assembly in which wiring for connection between valves and sensors of the refrigerant module and the controller can be configured short because the refrigerant module and the controller are arranged in close proximity through a mounting bracket.

[0009] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant module assembly capable of preventing heat conduction due to high temperature of the refrigerant module by separating the refrigerant module and the controller from each other, excluding the mounting bracket.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0011] A refrigerant module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a refrigerant module in which refrigerant flows inside and exchanges heat; a controller for controlling valves and sensors provided in the refrigerant module; and a mounting bracket coupled to the refrigerant module and the controller to mount the refrigerant module and the controller on a vehicle body.

[0012] The above refrigerant module and the above controller can be spaced apart from each other and coupled to the above mounting bracket.

[0013] The above mounting bracket may include a first bracket coupled to one surface of the refrigerant module; and a second bracket intersectingly connected to the first bracket and to which the controller is coupled.

[0014] The first bracket may include a module coupling portion coupled to one surface of the refrigerant module; and a body coupling portion bent and extended from the module coupling portion and coupled to the body.

[0015] The second bracket may be formed by bending at least a portion thereof and may be combined with at least two surfaces of the controller.

[0016] The above controller may be coupled to the mounting bracket so as to be positioned between the refrigerant module and the vehicle body.

[0017] The above mounting bracket is composed of a plurality of pieces and can be mounted on the vehicle body by being connected to one side of the refrigerant module.

[0018] An expansion valve, a directional valve, and a PT sensor may be placed in the above refrigerant module.

[0019] It may further include at least one sub-bracket coupled to one side of the refrigerant module and fixed to the vehicle body.

[0020] The above mounting bracket includes a first bracket coupled to one side of the refrigerant module; a second bracket intersectingly connected to the first bracket, and the controller can be coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket on opposite sides of the coupled portion of the refrigerant module.

[0021] The above refrigerant module and controller can be electrically connected by a wire unit.

[0022] The above wire unit may include a connector connected to one side of the refrigerant module; and a plurality of wires branching out from the connector and extending and connected to the valve and sensor sides of the controller, respectively.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the refrigerant module and the controller are mounted to the vehicle body through a mounting bracket, assembly work can be reduced and package configuration can be advantageous.

[0024] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the refrigerant module and the controller are arranged in close proximity through a mounting bracket, the wiring for connection between the valves and sensors of the refrigerant module and the controller can be configured to be short.

[0025] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention can prevent heat conduction due to high temperature of the refrigerant module by separating the refrigerant module and the controller from each other, excluding the mounting bracket.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one side of a refrigerant module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the other side of a refrigerant module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one side of a refrigerant module assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a controller mounted in a refrigerant module assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted if they are deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0031] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0032] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "has" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "connected," this does not only mean that two or more components are directly connected, but also that two or more components are indirectly connected through other components, that they are electrically connected as well as physically connected, or that they are referred to by different names depending on location or function but are one.

[0034] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a refrigerant module assembly according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one side of a refrigerant module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the other side of the refrigerant module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] As shown therein, a refrigerant module assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a refrigerant module (10) in which refrigerant flows inside and exchanges heat, a controller (60) for controlling valves and sensors provided in the refrigerant module (10), and a mounting bracket (100) coupled to the refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) to mount the refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) on a vehicle body.

[0037] The refrigerant module (10) has a plate shape with a predetermined thickness and a fluid path formed therein. In this way, the refrigerant module (10) is modularized by combining a heat exchanger (20, 40), which is a heat exchange device of a thermal management system, an expansion valve (50), and a directional control valve (30, 32), thereby reducing the manufacturing work of the product and the work of the vehicle assembly line. In addition, the refrigerant module (10) simultaneously performs the functions of piping, fittings, and housing, thereby reducing costs and improving workability.

[0038] The refrigerant module (10) includes an assembly composed of a bottom plate (11) and a top plate (12), and can be manufactured by joining them using brazing, structural adhesives, gaskets, etc. In addition, the material of the refrigerant module (10) can be applied in various ways depending on the manufacturing method, purpose, and function, such as aluminum, thermoplastic, stainless steel, etc.

[0039] The bottom plate (11) is formed in a plate shape, and the top plate (12) is joined to one side of the bottom plate (11) so as to protrude with a predetermined thickness, thereby forming a fluid path between the top plate and the bottom plate (11).

[0040] A first heat exchanger (20) and a second heat exchanger (40) are combined as heat exchange devices in the refrigerant module (10). The refrigerant and cooling water can exchange heat by passing through each of the first heat exchanger (20) and the second heat exchanger (40).

[0041] In this embodiment, a water-cooled condenser may be used as the first heat exchanger (20), and a chiller may be used as the second heat exchanger (40). The water-cooled condenser functions to condense high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous fluid (refrigerant) discharged from a compressor or an internal condenser into a high-pressure liquid by exchanging heat with an external heat source. The chiller is a device in which a low-temperature, low-pressure fluid is supplied and heat is exchanged with cooling water moving in a cooling water circulation line (not shown). The cold cooling water heat-exchanged in the chiller may circulate in the cooling water circulation line and exchange heat with the battery.

[0042] The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger (20) flows into the first directional switching valve (30). The first directional switching valve (30) controls the direction of the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger (20). The refrigerant flowing into the first directional switching valve (30) can flow to an external heat exchanger (not shown). In the dehumidification mode, the refrigerant can flow to the second directional switching valve (32) and then to the evaporator (not shown).

[0043] The second heat exchanger (40) is supplied with low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and heat is exchanged with the cooling water flowing in the cooling water circulation line (not shown). The cold cooling water heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (40) can circulate in the cooling water circulation line and exchange heat with the battery. The refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the external heat exchanger is introduced into the expansion valve (50), and the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve (50) is introduced into the second heat exchanger (40). The refrigerant heat-exchanged in the second heat exchanger (40) flows out through the bottom and into an accumulator (not shown).

[0044] Referring to Fig. 2, a PT sensor (52) for measuring the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant may be placed on a low-temperature passage through which the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger (40) flows. The PT sensor (52) may be mounted on the top plate (12) like the second heat exchanger (40) to sense the refrigerant status.

[0045] The controller (60) is an integrated driver for communicating the valves and sensors of the refrigerant module (10) with the upper controller of the vehicle. The controller (60) is a part for controlling the valves (expansion valve, directional control valve, etc.) and sensors (PT sensor) described above. The controller (60) may be formed in a roughly flat rectangular shape. In the past, the controller (60) was mounted separately from the refrigerant module (10), but in this embodiment, it is configured to be mounted together with the vehicle body through a mounting bracket (100).

[0046] The refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) can be electrically connected by a wire unit (70). The wire unit (70) can include a connector (72) fastened to one side of the refrigerant module (10), and a wire (74) branching from the connector (72) and extending and connected to the valve and sensor sides of the controller (60), respectively. In the present embodiment, since the refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) are mounted together by a mounting bracket (100), they are arranged close to each other, so that the wiring can be shortened when configuring the wire unit (70), thereby reducing the increase in product cost.

[0047] The mounting bracket (100) is configured in multiple pieces, one end of which is connected to one surface of the refrigerant module (10), and the other end of which can be connected to the vehicle body. Since the mounting bracket (100) is configured in multiple pieces in this way and is connected to the vehicle body at multiple points, the refrigerant module (10) can be stably mounted to the vehicle body.

[0048] The mounting bracket (100) may include a first bracket (110) coupled to one side of the refrigerant module (10), a second bracket (120) intersectingly connected to the first bracket (110) and to which a controller (60) is coupled.

[0049] The first bracket (110) may include a module coupling portion (112) coupled to one surface of the refrigerant module (10) and a body coupling portion (114) that is bent and extended from the module coupling portion (112) and coupled to the vehicle body. Here, the body coupling portion (114) is bent and extended from the module coupling portion (112) to increase space efficiency by having the connection portion with the second bracket (120) be on one side. A bending portion (116) is formed at the end of the body coupling portion (114) so ​​as to be in surface contact with the vehicle body, and a fastening hole (118) is formed in the bending portion (116) to which a fastening means such as a screw is fastened.

[0050] In the above, the first bracket (110) is described as being composed of a module coupling portion (112) and a body coupling portion (114), but it is not limited thereto, and the first bracket (110) itself may be responsible for mounting the refrigerant module (10).

[0051] The second bracket (120) is a part provided for coupling the controller (60) and can be connected to the first bracket (110) in a cross-wise manner. In this embodiment, the second bracket (120) can be vertically connected to the body coupling portion (114). When the second bracket (120) is coupled to the body in a cross-wise manner with the first bracket (110) in this manner, the refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) can be more stably mounted on the body. The end of the first bracket (120) is formed with a bending portion (122) that is bent so as to be in surface contact with the body, and a fastening hole (124) into which a fastening means such as a screw is fastened is formed in the bending portion (122).

[0052] The second bracket (120) is formed by bending at least a portion thereof so that at least two or more surfaces of the controller (60) can be coupled. The first bracket (120) can be formed by bending once into an approximately 'ㄱ' shape as illustrated in the drawing, and the upper surface and one side surface of the controller (60) can be coupled to the inner surface of the first bracket (120), respectively. When the second bracket (120) is formed by bending in this manner, at least two or more surfaces of the controller (60) can be coupled, so that the controller (60) can be mounted more firmly.

[0053] As described above, the refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) can be separately coupled to the first bracket (110) and the second bracket (120), respectively. When the refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) are coupled so as to be in contact with each other, heat conduction by high-temperature fluid flowing through the refrigerant module (10) can be prevented, and the heat dissipation performance of the controller (60) can be increased.

[0054] In addition, the controller (60) may be coupled to the mounting bracket (100) so as to be positioned between the refrigerant module (10) and the vehicle body. That is, when the second bracket (120) is coupled to the first bracket (110) so as to be positioned between the refrigerant module (10) and the vehicle body, the controller (60) may be positioned between the refrigerant module (10) and the vehicle body. In this way, the refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) can be positioned in a compact space, thereby increasing the efficiency of the component space within the vehicle body.

[0055] Meanwhile, a sub-bracket (130) may be coupled to one side of the refrigerant module (10) to be fixed to the vehicle body. At least one sub-bracket (130) may be coupled to the refrigerant module (10), and for example, as shown in the drawing, the sub-brackets (130) may be coupled to the lower left and lower right sides of the refrigerant module (10), respectively, to mount the refrigerant module (10) to the vehicle body. A bending portion (132) is formed at the end of the sub-bracket (130) so as to be in surface contact with the vehicle body, and a fastening hole (134) is formed in the bending portion (132) to which a fastening means such as a screw is fastened.

[0056] In this way, by using the mounting bracket (100), the refrigerant module (10) is fixed to the vehicle body at a total of four locations through the first bracket (110) and the sub-bracket (130), and the controller (60) is fixed to the vehicle body at a total of one location through the second bracket (120), so that the refrigerant module (10) and the controller (60) can be stably mounted to the vehicle body.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one side of a refrigerant module assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a controller mounted in a refrigerant module assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] With reference to this, in this embodiment, most of the configuration is the same as in the above-described embodiment, but there is a difference in the position where the controller (60) is placed. In this embodiment, the controller (60) may not be placed between the refrigerant module (10) and the vehicle body, but may be placed above the refrigerant module (10).

[0059] At this time, the controller (60) can be coupled to the upper surfaces of the first bracket (110) and the second bracket (120) that are cross-connected. That is, the controller (60) can be coupled to the opposite sides of the first bracket (110) and the second bracket (120) to which the refrigerant module (10) is coupled.

[0060] When the controller (60) is coupled in this way, the heat dissipation performance can be improved because it is separated from the top plate (12) portion of the refrigerant module (10) that is at the highest temperature, and the controller (60) can be stably coupled to the upper surface of the mounting bracket (100). At this time, the controller (60) can be coupled to the mounting bracket (100) through a plurality of controller fastening portions (62).

[0061] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0062] [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10: Refrigerant module 11: Bottom plate

[0064] 12: Top plate 20: First heat exchanger

[0065] 30: First directional valve 40: Second heat exchanger

[0066] 50: Expansion valve 52: PT sensor

[0067] 60: Controller 62: Controller fastening part

[0068] 70: Wire unit 72: Connector

[0069] 74: Wire 100: Mounting bracket

[0070] 110: First bracket 112: Module joint

[0071] 114: Body joint 116: Bending section

[0072] 118: Fastening hole 120: Second bracket

[0073] 122: Bending section 124: Fastening hole

[0074] 130: Sub-bracket 132: Bending section

[0075] 134: Fastening hole

Claims

1. A refrigerant module that exchanges heat while the refrigerant flows inside; A controller for controlling the valves and sensors provided in the above refrigerant module; and A refrigerant module assembly comprising a mounting bracket coupled to the refrigerant module and controller to mount the refrigerant module and controller to a vehicle body.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerant module assembly in which the above refrigerant module and the above controller are spaced apart from each other and coupled to the above mounting bracket.

3. In paragraph 1, The above mounting bracket is, A first bracket coupled to one side of the above refrigerant module; and A refrigerant module assembly comprising a second bracket intersectingly connected to the first bracket and to which the controller is coupled.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first bracket is, A module coupling part coupled to one side of the above refrigerant module; and A refrigerant module assembly including a body joint portion that is bent and extended from the above module joint portion and is joined to the body.

5. In paragraph 3, A refrigerant module assembly in which at least a portion of the second bracket is formed by bending and is connected to at least two surfaces of the controller.

6. In paragraph 1, The above controller is a refrigerant module assembly coupled to the mounting bracket so as to be placed between the refrigerant module and the vehicle body.

7. In paragraph 1, A refrigerant module assembly in which the above mounting brackets are composed of a plurality of pieces and are joined to one surface of the refrigerant module to be mounted on the vehicle body.

8. In paragraph 1, A refrigerant module assembly in which an expansion valve, a directional valve, and a PT sensor are arranged in the above refrigerant module.

9. In paragraph 1, A refrigerant module assembly further comprising at least one sub-bracket coupled to one side of the refrigerant module and fixed to the vehicle body.

10. In paragraph 1, The above mounting bracket is, A first bracket coupled to one side of the above refrigerant module; including a second bracket intersectingly connected to the first bracket; The above controller is a refrigerant module assembly coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket on opposite sides of the coupled portion of the refrigerant module.

11. In paragraph 1, A refrigerant module assembly in which the above refrigerant module and controller are electrically connected by a wire unit.

12. In paragraph 11, The above wire unit, A connector connected to one side of the above refrigerant module; and A refrigerant module assembly including wires branching out from the connector and extending into multiple branches and respectively connected to the valve and sensor sides of the controller.

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