Refrigerant module in integrated thermal management system for vehicle

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant module for an integrated thermal management system for a vehicle that is connected to a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator to form a refrigerant circulation path, comprising: a first manifold body connected to the condenser and having a first internal path formed therein through which refrigerant moves; a first manifold module including a first heat exchanger and an expansion valve connected to the first manifold body; a second manifold body connected to the compressor and having a second internal path formed therein through which refrigerant moves; a second manifold module including a second heat exchanger, an opening / closing valve, and an accumulator connected to the second manifold body; and a connecting path connecting the first manifold body and the second manifold body, wherein the first manifold module and the second manifold module are separated from each other and arranged independently.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerant module of an integrated thermal management system for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, due to environmental issues surrounding internal combustion engine vehicles, the adoption of eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise. Compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs are equipped with new components such as batteries, motors, and power converters. Since the durability and performance of these components deteriorate when exposed to high or low temperatures, it is crucial to maintain the appropriate temperature for each part; consequently, electric vehicles are equipped with thermal management systems as an essential requirement.

[0003] On the other hand, conventional internal combustion engine vehicles utilize waste heat and kinetic energy generated by the engine for interior heating and cooling, so thermal management did not significantly affect fuel efficiency. In contrast, electric vehicles lack an engine and require separate electrical energy for heating; this energy consumption is a major cause of reduced fuel efficiency and shortened driving range.

[0004] Therefore, electric vehicles are equipped with heat pump systems that differ from the air conditioning systems applied to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Generally, a heat pump system is a heating and cooling device that utilizes the heat of refrigerant's exothermic or condensation to transfer heat from a low-temperature source to a high temperature or vice versa; it is configured to absorb external heat and release it into the interior during heating, and to release heat from the interior to the outside during cooling.

[0005] Heat pump systems applied to electric vehicles require thermal management for electronic components such as batteries and motors, in addition to heating and cooling the interior space. Consequently, there is a demand for integrated thermal management technology that enhances thermal efficiency by independently managing each component while simultaneously integrating the overall thermal management of the vehicle. However, implementing such integrated thermal management has presented problems, such as an increase in the number of additional components and a complex cooling system, which leads to increased vehicle weight and reduced fuel efficiency. Prior art literature

[65535] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2019-0020353 (March 4, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention aim to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a refrigerant module for an integrated thermal management system for vehicles that is compacted by integrating complex refrigerant-related components and refrigerant lines into a modular structure.

[0007] In addition, the purpose is to provide a refrigerant module for an integrated thermal management system for vehicles with improved thermal efficiency by separating and modularizing the high-pressure and low-pressure sections in the refrigerant circulation line.

[0008] However, these tasks are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the invention. means of solving the problem

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant module for an integrated thermal management system for a vehicle that is connected to a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator to form a refrigerant circulation path, comprising: a first manifold body connected to the condenser and having a first internal path formed therein through which refrigerant moves; a first manifold module including a first heat exchanger and an expansion valve connected to the first manifold body; a second manifold body connected to the compressor and having a second internal path formed therein through which refrigerant moves; a second manifold module including a second heat exchanger, an opening / closing valve, and an accumulator connected to the second manifold body; and a connecting path connecting the first manifold body and the second manifold body, wherein the first manifold module and the second manifold module are separated from each other and arranged independently.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first manifold body and the second manifold body may be positioned at different heights.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant flowing in the first manifold module may be a refrigerant with a higher temperature and higher pressure than the refrigerant flowing in the second manifold module.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting passage may include a first connecting passage connected to the output side of the first heat exchanger, a second connecting passage branched from the first connecting passage and connected to the second manifold body, and a third connecting passage branched from the first connecting passage and connected to the input side of the second heat exchanger.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant flowing between the first manifold module and the second manifold module may flow by selecting one of the second connecting channel and the third connecting channel.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first manifold body comprises a plate, a first connecting block connected to one side of the plate, and a second connecting block connected to the other side opposite to one side of the plate, and the first internal flow path may include a first-1 internal flow path formed inside the first connecting block and a first-2 internal flow path formed inside the second connecting block.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first heat exchanger is disposed at the center of the first manifold body and can be connected to the first internal flow path by being connected to the first connecting block and the second connecting block.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the expansion valve portion may be disposed on the first-1 internal passage or the first-2 internal passage.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the expansion valve section may include a first expansion valve that expands and reduces pressure on the refrigerant discharged from the condenser and supplied to the first heat exchanger, a second expansion valve that expands and reduces pressure on the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger and supplied to the evaporator, and a third expansion valve that expands and reduces pressure on the refrigerant discharged from the condenser and supplied to the evaporator.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the first heat exchanger may change according to a preset amount of heat exchange.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first heat exchanger may be provided with a plurality of first heat exchangers that are stackable in the height direction.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second manifold module may further include a check valve portion disposed on the second internal flow path portion.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, a through hole is formed in the second manifold body, and the second heat exchanger may be arranged to overlap with the through hole.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second heat exchanger may be arranged to have a step difference with one surface of the second manifold body.

[0023] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to the means for solving the problem of the present invention described above, a refrigerant module according to one embodiment of the present invention can make the parts compact by integrating complex refrigerant-related parts and refrigerant lines into a modular structure.

[0025] In addition, the refrigerant module according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce thermal interference that may occur in the refrigerant circulation line by separating the high-pressure portion and the low-pressure portion into modules, and can improve the efficiency of the integrated thermal management system of a vehicle including the refrigerant module.

[0026] In addition, a refrigerant module according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce costs and weight by designing a compact package and minimizing pipelines, thereby improving the driving range of an electric vehicle.

[0027] Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerant module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an integrated thermal management system for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first manifold module shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a first internal flow path formed in a first manifold module. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the change in height of the first heat exchange section. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the second manifold module shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a second internal flow path formed in a second manifold module. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the first manifold module and the second manifold module and the flow of the refrigerant. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Hereinafter, the following embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0030] Since the embodiments are capable of various modifications, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the embodiments and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the details described below in conjunction with the drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to those disclosed below and can be implemented in various forms.

[0031] In the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted to clearly explain the invention, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals.

[0032] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In the following examples, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0035] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a unit, area, or component is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is directly on top of another part, but also cases where another unit, area, or component is interposed in between.

[0036] In the following embodiments, terms such as "connect" or "combine" do not necessarily imply a direct and / or fixed connection or combination of two members unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, nor do they exclude the interposition of another member between the two members.

[0037] Terms used in this specification to indicate directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used merely to facilitate the description of the relationships between the components illustrated in the drawings, and do not limit the direction in which the components are arranged.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerant module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an integrated thermal management system (1000) for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerant module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is included in an integrated thermal management system (1000) for a vehicle and can perform the role of changing the flow direction of the refrigerant, expanding the moving refrigerant, heat-exchanging the refrigerant with the coolant, and separating the refrigerant into a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant.

[0040] The vehicle integrated thermal management system (1000) may include a refrigerant circulation line (CL) through which a refrigerant circulates, a first coolant circulation line (WL1) and a second coolant circulation line (WL2) through which coolant circulates, and a control unit (600). The vehicle integrated thermal management system (1000) can cool or heat the indoor air of the vehicle and cool or heat the battery (510) and the PE module (power electronics module, 520) through heat exchange between the refrigerant, the coolant, and the outside air.

[0041] A first heat exchanger (120), a second heat exchanger (220), a battery (510), a first radiator (531), a first coolant tank (541), a first coolant pump (551), a second coolant pump (552), and a heater (560) may be connected to the first coolant circulation line (WL1). A first heat exchanger (120), a PE module (520), a second radiator (532), a second coolant tank (542), and a third coolant pump (553) may be connected to the second coolant circulation line (WL2).

[0042] A compressor (410), a condenser (420), an evaporator (430), a first heat exchanger (120), a first expansion valve (131), a second expansion valve (132), a third expansion valve (133), a second heat exchanger (220), an opening / closing valve (230), a first check valve (241), a second check valve (242), a fourth expansion valve (250), and an accumulator (260) may be connected on the refrigerant circulation line (CL). A first heat exchanger (120), a first expansion valve (131), a second expansion valve (132), a third expansion valve (133), a second heat exchanger (220), an opening / closing valve (230), a first check valve (241), a second check valve (242), a fourth expansion valve (250), and an accumulator (260) connected to a refrigerant circulation line (CL) may be provided as a refrigerant module (10).

[0043] The refrigerant module (10) may be an integrated and modularized system utilizing a manifold for a plurality of refrigerant valves, a plurality of heat exchangers, a gas-liquid separator, and refrigerant piping connecting them, which constitute an integrated thermal management system (1000) for a vehicle. The refrigerant module (10) may be connected to a compressor (410), a condenser (420), and an evaporator (430) to form a refrigerant circulation line (CL), which is a circulation path for the refrigerant.

[0044] The refrigerant module (10) may include a first manifold module (100), a second manifold module (200), and a connecting passage section (300). The connecting passage section (300) may include a first connecting passage (310) connected to the first manifold module (100), a second connecting passage (320) branched from the first connecting passage (310) and connected to the second heat exchange section (220) and the fifth port (212) of the second manifold module (200), respectively, and a third connecting passage (330).

[0045] Meanwhile, the control unit (600) is connected to each component of the vehicle integrated thermal management system (1000) and can control the operation of each component. For example, the control unit (600) can determine the driving mode of the vehicle integrated thermal management system (1000) based on the temperature of the refrigerant or coolant measured by the temperature sensor, and can switch the flow path of the refrigerant according to the determined driving mode. In addition, the control unit (600) is connected to the compressor (410), condenser (420), evaporator (430), first heat exchanger (120), expansion valve (130), second heat exchanger (220), and opening / closing valve (230) to control the operation of each component.

[0046] Each configuration of the first manifold module (100) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, together with FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0047] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first manifold module (100) shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the first internal flow path (111) formed in the first manifold module (100), and FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the height change of the first heat exchanger (120).

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first manifold module (100) may include a first manifold body (110), a first heat exchanger (120), and an expansion valve unit (130). The expansion valve unit (130) may include a first expansion valve (131), a second expansion valve (132), and a third expansion valve (133).

[0049] The first manifold module (100) can be connected to a condenser (420) through a refrigerant pipe and can expand the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (420) and perform heat exchange between the expanded refrigerant and the cooling water. Additionally, the first manifold module (100) can be connected to an evaporator (430) through a refrigerant pipe and can expand the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (420) and supply it to the evaporator (430). Additionally, the first manifold module (100) can be connected to a second manifold module (200) through a connecting passage (300).

[0050] A first heat exchanger (120) and an expansion valve (130) may be installed in combination on one side of the first manifold body (110). The first heat exchanger (120) and the expansion valve (130) may be arranged and combined on the same side of the first manifold body (110). A temperature sensor (140) may be further installed on the first manifold body (110). A first internal flow path (111) through which refrigerant moves may be formed inside the first manifold body (110).

[0051] Specifically, the first manifold body (110) may include a plate (112) and a first connecting block (113) and a second connecting block (114) disposed on one side of the plate (112). The plate (112), the first connecting block (113), and the second connecting block (114) may be formed integrally, but are not limited thereto.

[0052] The first connecting block (113) may be disposed on one side of one surface of the plate (112) and may be provided in a block shape having a predetermined height. The second connecting block (114) may be disposed on the other side of one surface of the plate (112) opposite to the side where the first connecting block (113) is disposed. The second connecting block (114) may be provided in a block shape having the same height as the first connecting block (113).

[0053] A first-1 internal flow path (111a) may be formed inside the first connecting block (113), and an opening for connecting the first heat exchanger (120) and the expansion valve (130) may be formed on one side of the first connecting block (113). The first heat exchanger (120) and the expansion valve (130) may be connected to the first-1 internal flow path (111a) of the first connecting block (113) through the opening. Here, one side of the first connecting block (113) refers to the side opposite to the side in contact with the plate (112) in the first connecting block (113).

[0054] On the side of the first connecting block (113), a first port (116) connected to the condenser (420) and a second port (117) connected to the evaporator (430) may be formed. The first port (116) may be in communication with the first-1 internal passage (111a) to allow refrigerant supplied from the condenser (420) to flow into the first-1 internal passage (111a). The second port (117) may be in communication with the first-1 internal passage (111a) to serve as an output terminal through which refrigerant flowing in the first-1 internal passage (111a) is discharged to the evaporator (430).

[0055] The first internal passage (111a) connects the first port (116), the first heat exchanger (120), and the second port (117), and can guide the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (420) and flowing in through the first port (116) to the first heat exchanger (120) or to be discharged to the evaporator (430) side through the second port (117). A first expansion valve (131) and a third expansion valve (133) may be arranged on the first internal passage (111a).

[0056] The first expansion valve (131) can be positioned between the first port (116) and the first heat exchanger (120) on the first-1 internal passage (111a) and can expand and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger (120). The third expansion valve (133) can be positioned between the first port (116) and the second port (117) on the first-1 internal passage (111a) and can expand and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant supplied to the evaporator (430) through the second port (117).

[0057] A first-second internal flow path (111b) may be formed inside the second connecting block (114), and an opening for connecting the first heat exchanger (120) and the expansion valve (130) may be formed on one side of the second connecting block (114). The first heat exchanger (120) and the expansion valve (130) may be connected to the first-second internal flow path (111b) of the second connecting block (114) through the opening.

[0058] On the side of the second connecting block (114), a third port (118) connected to the evaporator (430) and a fourth port (119) connected to the connecting passage section (300) may be formed. The third port (118) is connected to the first-2 internal passage (111b) and can serve as an output terminal through which the refrigerant flowing in the first-2 internal passage (111b) is discharged to the evaporator (430). The fourth port (119) is connected to the first-2 internal passage (111b) and can serve as an output terminal through which the refrigerant flowing in the first-2 internal passage (111b) is discharged to the connecting passage section (300).

[0059] The first-2 internal passage (111b) connects the first heat exchanger (120) with the third port (118) and the fourth port (119), and can guide the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (120) to be discharged to the third port (118) or the fourth port (119). A second expansion valve (132) may be placed on the first-2 internal passage (111b). The second expansion valve (132) may be placed between the first heat exchanger (120) and the third port (118) on the first-2 internal passage (111b), and can expand and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (120) and supplied to the evaporator (430) through the third port (118).

[0060] The first heat exchanger (120) may be positioned at the center of the first manifold body (110), with one end connected to the first connecting block (113) and the other end connected to the second connecting block (114). That is, the first heat exchanger (120) may be positioned such that its lower surface is spaced apart from the plate (112) of the first manifold body (110).

[0061] Additionally, the first heat exchanger (120) may be connected to the first-1 internal passage (111a) and the first-2 internal passage (111b) between the first-1 internal passage (111a) and the first-2 internal passage (111b). The first heat exchanger (120) may perform the function of condensing and evaporating the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing between the first-1 internal passage (111a) and the first-2 internal passage (111b) and the cooling water moving to the first and second cooling water circulation lines (WL1, WL2).

[0062] For example, the first heat exchanger (120) may be a plate-type heat exchanger in which a plurality of heat transfer plates are stacked. The first heat exchanger (120) may be provided with different stacking heights according to a preset amount of heat exchange.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first heat exchanger (120) is provided with a plurality of first heat exchangers (121, 122) that can be stacked in the height direction, and the amount of heat exchange can be changed by adjusting the number of stacked first heat exchangers (121, 122). In another embodiment, the first heat exchanger (120) can change the amount of heat exchange by increasing or decreasing the number of stacked heat transfer plates in each first heat exchanger (121, 122). The refrigerant module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can save installation space by changing the height of the first heat exchanger (120) according to the required amount of heat exchange, and can provide a refrigerant module (10) corresponding to various required heat capacities.

[0064] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the second manifold module (200) shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the second internal flow path (211) formed in the second manifold module (200).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second manifold module (200) may include a second manifold body (210), a second heat exchanger (220), an opening / closing valve unit (230), and an accumulator (260), and may further include a check valve unit (240) and a temperature sensor (280). The check valve unit (240) may include a first check valve (241) and a second check valve (242).

[0066] The second manifold module (200) can be connected to the evaporator (430) through a refrigerant pipe and can supply gaseous refrigerant to the compressor (410) after separating gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator (430). Additionally, the second manifold module (200) can be connected to the first manifold module (100) through a connecting passage (300) and can supply gaseous refrigerant to the compressor (410) after separating gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant supplied from the first manifold module (100), and can perform heat exchange with cooling water before separating gaseous refrigerant.

[0067] A second internal flow path (211) through which refrigerant travels may be formed inside the second manifold body (210). In one embodiment, the second manifold body (210) may be in the shape of a plate having a predetermined thickness, and at the location where the second internal flow path (211) is formed in the second manifold body (210), one surface of the second manifold body (210) may protrude outwardly to form a protrusion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second internal flow path (211) may not form a protrusion on the second manifold body (210).

[0068] A second heat exchanger (220), an opening / closing valve (230), a check valve (240), and a temperature sensor (280) may be installed on one side of the second manifold body (210). An accumulator (260) may be installed on the other side of the second manifold body (210) opposite to the one side.

[0069] Additionally, on one side of the second manifold body (210), a fifth port (212) for connection to the second connecting passage (330), a sixth port (213) for connection to the second heat exchanger (220), a seventh port (214) for connection to the evaporator (430), and an eighth port (215) for connection to the accumulator (260) may be formed. The fifth port (212), the sixth port (213), and the seventh port (214) may be connected to the second internal passage (211) and may serve as input terminals to allow refrigerant to flow into the second internal passage (211), respectively, and the eighth port (215) may be connected to the second internal passage (211) and may serve as output terminals to allow refrigerant to flow out of the second internal passage (211).

[0070] The second internal flow path (211) may include a second-1 internal flow path (211a), a second-2 internal flow path (211b), a second-3 internal flow path (211c), and a second-4 internal flow path (211d). One end of the second-4 internal flow path (211d) may be connected to the ends of the second-1 internal flow path (211a), the second-2 internal flow path (211b), and the second-3 internal flow path (211c), and the other end may be connected to the eighth port (215). That is, the second-4 internal flow path (211d) may form a flow path where the second-1 internal flow path (211a), the second-2 internal flow path (211b), and the second-3 internal flow path (211c) merge to form a flow path connected to the accumulator (260).

[0071] The 2-1 internal passage (211a) connects the 5th port (212) and the 2-4 internal passage (211d), and can serve to guide the refrigerant discharged from the 1st manifold module (100) and flowing into the 5th port (212) through the 3rd connecting passage (330) toward the accumulator (260). The 2-2 internal passage (211b) connects the 6th port (213) and the 2-4 internal passage (211d), and can serve to guide the refrigerant discharged from the 2nd heat exchanger (220) toward the accumulator (260). The 2-3 internal passage (211c) connects the 7th port (214) and the 2-4 internal passage (211d), and can guide the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator (430) and flowing in through the 7th port (214) toward the accumulator (260).

[0072] An opening / closing valve section (230) may be disposed on the second-1 internal passage (211a). The opening / closing valve section (230) may serve to regulate the flow of refrigerant moving into the second-1 internal passage (211a). The opening / closing valve section (230) may be, for example, a solenoid valve, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] A first check valve (241) may be placed on the second-3 internal passage (211c), and a second check valve (242) may be placed on the second-2 internal passage (211b). The first check valve (241) and the second check valve (242) can prevent backflow by ensuring that the refrigerant in the second-3 internal passage (211c) and the second-2 internal passage (211b) flows in only one direction.

[0074] Specifically, the first check valve (241) can allow the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator (430) and introduced into the second-third internal passage (211c) to flow toward the accumulator (260), and the second check valve (242) can allow the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (220) and introduced into the second-second internal passage (211b) to flow toward the accumulator (260).

[0075] Meanwhile, a temperature sensor (280) may be further installed on the second-2 internal passage (211b). The temperature sensor (280) may be positioned adjacent to the second heat exchanger (220) on the second-2 internal passage (211b) and may serve to detect the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (220).

[0076] The second heat exchanger (220) can be connected to the first heat exchanger (220) through the connecting passage (300). The second heat exchanger (220) receives the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (120) and exchanges heat with the cooling water moving to the first cooling water circulation line (WL1) to condense and evaporate the refrigerant.

[0077] Specifically, the input end of the second heat exchanger (220) can be connected to the second connecting channel (320), and the refrigerant discharged from the first manifold module (100) and introduced into the second connecting channel (320) can travel along the second connecting channel (320) and be introduced into the input end of the second heat exchanger (220).

[0078] A fourth expansion valve (250) may be further installed at the input end of the second heat exchanger (220). The fourth expansion valve (250) can expand the refrigerant introduced into the second heat exchanger (220) to reduce the pressure.

[0079] The output end of the second heat exchanger (220) can be connected to the sixth port (213) of the second manifold body (210) through the output pipe (270). One end (271) of the output pipe (270) is connected to the second heat exchanger (220), and the other end (272) can be connected to the sixth port (213). That is, the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (220) can travel along the output pipe (270) and flow into the second-2 internal flow path (111b).

[0080] Meanwhile, the second manifold body (210) may include a through hole (216) formed in a portion where the second heat exchanger (220) is disposed. The through hole (216) may be provided with a size corresponding to the size of the second heat exchanger (220). The second heat exchanger (220) may be disposed so as to overlap with the through hole (216) when viewed from one side of the second manifold body (210).

[0081] Additionally, the second heat exchanger (220) may be positioned to have a step difference with respect to one side of the second manifold body (210). Specifically, a plurality of step portions (217) may be formed in the second manifold body (210), and the second heat exchanger (220) may be spaced apart from one side of the second manifold body (210) through the step portions (217). The plurality of step portions (217) may be spaced apart along the edge of the through hole (216).

[0082] The refrigerant module (10) is provided with a through hole (216) and a step portion (217) formed in the second manifold body (210), thereby minimizing interference between the second manifold body (210) and the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water performed in the second heat exchanger (220), and increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchanger (220).

[0083] The accumulator (260) is connected to the second-fourth internal passage (211d) and can temporarily store the refrigerant supplied from the evaporator (430), the refrigerant supplied from the first heat exchanger (120), and the refrigerant supplied from the second heat exchanger (220), and can separate the stored refrigerant into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant, and then supply the separated gaseous refrigerant to the compressor (410). The accumulator (260) is connected to the other end of the second manifold body (210) and can be positioned on a different plane from the second heat exchanger (220) which is connected to one side of the second manifold body (210).

[0084] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200) and the flow of the refrigerant.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 8, the first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200) can be separated from each other and arranged independently. The first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200) can each be configured as separate modules and can be connected through a connecting passage (300). The refrigerant module (10), consisting of the first manifold module (100), the second manifold module (200), and the connecting passage (300) connecting them, can form a refrigerant circulation line (CL) through which the refrigerant circulates together with a compressor (410), a condenser (420), and an evaporator (430).

[0086] Between the first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200), the refrigerant flows in a direction that is transferred from the first manifold module (100) to the second manifold module (200). That is, the refrigerant can be transferred from the first manifold module (100) to the second manifold module (200) along the connecting passage (300), or the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator (430) after being supplied from the first manifold module (100) to the evaporator (430) can be circulated to be transferred to the second manifold module (200).

[0087] The first manifold module (100) receives refrigerant discharged from the condenser (420) to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water, or reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it, so that refrigerant at a higher temperature and higher pressure flows than in the second manifold module (200). The second manifold module (200) receives refrigerant that passes through the first manifold module (100) or is discharged from the evaporator (430) to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water, so that refrigerant at a lower temperature and lower pressure flows than in the first manifold module (100).

[0088] Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200) may be positioned at different heights. That is, the two parallel surfaces formed by the first manifold body (110) and the second manifold body (210) may have a predetermined height difference (h).

[0089] Specifically, the other side (110A) of the first manifold body (110), i.e., the other side of the plate (112), and the other side (210A) of the second manifold body (210) in the second manifold module (200) may be arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by h in the height direction (z direction). Through this, the components installed in the first manifold body (110) and the components installed in the second manifold body (210) may be arranged to have different heights.

[0090] More specifically, the first manifold body (110) may be positioned at a height higher than that at which the second manifold body (210) is positioned. In this case, the components of the first manifold module (100) through which a relatively high temperature, high pressure refrigerant flows may be positioned at a higher height than the components of the second manifold module (200) through which a low temperature, low pressure refrigerant flows.

[0091] A refrigerant module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce the differential pressure of the refrigerant by arranging the first manifold body (110) and the second manifold body (210) at different heights, and can reduce heat loss that occurs as the refrigerant moves along the connecting passage (300). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200) can be arranged in various height configurations.

[0092] Meanwhile, when refrigerant flows through the connecting passage (300) between the first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200), the refrigerant may flow by selecting either the second connecting passage (320) or the third connecting passage (330). At this time, a refrigerant with a higher temperature and higher pressure than the refrigerant flowing through the third connecting passage (330) may flow through the second connecting passage (320), and a refrigerant with a lower temperature and lower pressure than the refrigerant flowing through the second connecting passage (320) may flow through the third connecting passage (330).

[0093] Below, the circulation of the refrigerant in each driving mode will be explained with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 8.

[0094] In heating mode, the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circulation line (CL) passes through the compressor (410) and condenser (420), then flows into the first manifold module (100), passes through the first expansion valve (131) and the first heat exchanger (120), then flows into the second manifold module (200) through the third connecting path (330), passes through the opening / closing valve section (150) and the accumulator (260), and then circulates to the compressor (410) to perform interior heating of the vehicle.

[0095] At this time, the condenser (420) heat exchanges the refrigerant with the air supplied to the vehicle's interior to condense the refrigerant, and heats the air with the heat of condensation to provide heating to the vehicle's interior. Additionally, during the heating mode, the refrigerant moves from the first manifold module (100) to the second manifold module (200) through the third connecting channel (330), and low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows through the third connecting channel (330), which is depressurized and expanded at the first expansion valve (131) and then vaporized by absorbing heat at the first heat exchanger (120).

[0096] In the first cooling mode, the refrigerant flow of the refrigerant circulation line (CL) passes through the compressor (410) and condenser (420), then flows into the first manifold module (100), passes through the first expansion valve (131), the first heat exchanger (120), and the second expansion valve (132), and is then delivered to the evaporator (430). From the evaporator (430), it flows into the second manifold module (200), passes through the second check valve (241) and the accumulator (260), and then circulates to the compressor (410) to perform cooling of the vehicle's interior.

[0097] At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (410) passes by bypassing the condenser (420) or without performing heat exchange in the condenser (420), and the first expansion valve (131) is opened to the maximum. Accordingly, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is supplied to the first heat exchanger (120), and in the first heat exchanger (120), the refrigerant performs heat exchange with the cooling water and condenses. In the first cooling mode, the evaporator (430) draws in the refrigerant that has been condensed in the first heat exchanger (120) and then depressurized and expanded in the second expansion valve (132), vaporizes the refrigerant, and cools the interior of the vehicle by exchanging heat with the air supplied to the interior of the vehicle.

[0098] In the second cooling mode, the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circulation line (CL) is the same as the refrigerant flow in the first cooling mode, but after passing through the first heat exchanger (120), it branches off and flows into the second manifold module (200) through the second connecting path (320), passes through the fourth expansion valve (250), the second heat exchanger (220), and the second check valve (242), flows into the accumulator (260), and then circulates to the compressor (410). In this case, the evaporator (430) cools the interior of the vehicle, and the second heat exchanger (220) performs heat exchange with the coolant in the first coolant circulation line (WL1) circulating through the battery (510) to cool the battery (510).

[0099] In the second cooling mode, the refrigerant moves from the first manifold module (100) to the second manifold module (200) through the second connecting channel (320), and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (410) and condensed in the first heat exchanger (120) flows through the second connecting channel (320).

[0100] In this way, a second connecting channel (320) through which high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows and a first connecting channel (310) through which low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows are separately provided between the first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200), and by arranging them apart from each other, the heat loss of the refrigerant flowing through the connecting channel section (300) can be reduced, and the thermal efficiency of the vehicle integrated thermal management system (1000) can be improved.

[0101] A refrigerant module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured with a first manifold module (100) and a second manifold module (200) as separate modules and arranged independently of each other, and by connecting the first manifold module (100) and the second manifold module (200) through a connecting channel (300), thermal interference that may occur on the refrigerant circulation line (CL) can be reduced, thereby improving the thermal management efficiency of the vehicle integrated thermal management system (1000).

[0102] In addition, the refrigerant module (10) can be designed in a compact package, and when installed inside a vehicle, space constraints are reduced, thereby improving the freedom of design. Furthermore, the refrigerant module (10) can achieve cost reduction and weight reduction through the minimization of pipelines, and can provide a refrigerant module (10) that improves the efficiency and cost of an integrated thermal management system (1000) for vehicles.

[0103] As such, the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0104] 10: Refrigerant Module 100 : 1st manifold module 110: 1st manifold body 120: First heat exchanger 130 : Expansion valve section 200 : 2nd manifold module 210: Second manifold body 220 : Second heat exchanger 230 : Opening / closing valve section 240 : Check valve section 260 : Accumulator 300 : Connecting Euro section

Claims

Claim 1 A refrigerant module for an integrated thermal management system for a vehicle, which is connected to a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator to form a refrigerant circulation path, comprising: a first manifold body connected to the condenser and having a first internal path formed therein through which refrigerant moves, and a first manifold module including a first heat exchanger and an expansion valve connected to the first manifold body; a second manifold body connected to the compressor and having a second internal path formed therein through which refrigerant moves, and a second manifold module including a second heat exchanger, an opening / closing valve, and an accumulator connected to the second manifold body; and a connecting path connecting the first manifold body and the second manifold body; wherein the first manifold module and the second manifold module are separated from each other and arranged independently. Claim 2 A refrigerant module according to claim 1, wherein the first manifold body and the second manifold body are positioned at different heights. Claim 3 In claim 1, the refrigerant flowing in the first manifold module is a refrigerant module in which a refrigerant of higher temperature and higher pressure flows than the refrigerant flowing in the second manifold module. Claim 4 A refrigerant module according to claim 1, wherein the connecting passage section comprises: a first connecting passage connected to the output end side of the first heat exchanger; a second connecting passage branched from the first connecting passage and connected to the second manifold body; and a third connecting passage branched from the first connecting passage and connected to the input end side of the second heat exchanger. Claim 5 In claim 4, the refrigerant flowing between the first manifold module and the second manifold module flows through one of the second connecting channel and the third connecting channel, in a refrigerant module. Claim 6 A refrigerant module according to claim 1, wherein the first manifold body comprises: a plate; a first connecting block connected to one side of the plate; and a second connecting block connected to the other side opposite to one side of the plate, wherein the first internal flow path comprises a first-1 internal flow path formed inside the first connecting block and a first-2 internal flow path formed inside the second connecting block. Claim 7 In claim 6, the first heat exchanger is disposed at the center of the first manifold body and is connected to the first connecting block and the second connecting block, and is connected to the first internal flow path, a refrigerant module. Claim 8 In claim 6, the expansion valve portion is disposed on the 1-1 internal passage or the 1-2 internal passage, a refrigerant module. Claim 9 In claim 8, the expansion valve section comprises: a first expansion valve that expands and reduces pressure on the refrigerant discharged from the condenser and supplied to the first heat exchanger; a second expansion valve that expands and reduces pressure on the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger and supplied to the evaporator; and a third expansion valve that expands and reduces pressure on the refrigerant discharged from the condenser and supplied to the evaporator. Claim 10 In claim 1, the first heat exchanger is a refrigerant module whose height changes according to a preset amount of heat exchange. Claim 11 In claim 10, the first heat exchanger comprises a plurality of first heat exchangers that are stackable in the height direction, forming a refrigerant module. Claim 12 A refrigerant module according to claim 1, wherein the second manifold module further comprises a check valve portion disposed on the second internal flow path portion. Claim 13 A refrigerant module according to claim 1, wherein a through hole is formed in the second manifold body, and the second heat exchanger is arranged to overlap with the through hole. Claim 14 In claim 13, the refrigerant module is arranged such that the second heat exchanger has a step difference with one side of the second manifold body.

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