Ball valve, heat pump system including ball valve, and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ball valve and a heat pump system including the ball valve. The ball valve, the heat pump system including the ball valve, and a control method thereof according to the present invention include a valve housing having three orthogonal openings and two balls having different types of flow paths, and thus can control refrigerant flow in up to seven modes including a mode in which every inlet and outlet is completely open and a mode in which every inlet and outlet is completely closed. Accordingly, the number of expansion valves applied to the heat pump system can be reduced to simplify a control algorithm and a refrigerant circuit shape, and reduce manufacturing costs.

Description

Heat pump system including ball valve and ball valve and control method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a ball valve and a heat pump system including the ball valve.

[0002]

[0003] As with many other interior spaces, vehicles require cooling and heating to ensure passenger comfort. In this regard, heating devices for use in vehicles have been proposed in the past. Furthermore, flow valves for commonly used air conditioners have been proposed. However, heat pump systems have the disadvantage of requiring an additional expansion valve to expand the refrigerant.

[0004] Accordingly, conventional expansion valves have been proposed for applying heat pump systems to vehicles. More specifically, the structure of the existing expansion valve is a 3 / 2-way expansion valve, comprising a housing with one inlet and two outlets, and a ball embedded in the inner center of the housing and designed with a communication port and an expansion slot.

[0005] However, conventional 3 / 2-way expansion valves were designed so that refrigerant entering the inlet could only expand through one outlet, making complete opening and closing of all fluid inlets and outlets impossible. Consequently, they were difficult to apply to complex heat pump systems. Even when applied, the requirement for multiple expansion valves increased manufacturing costs, increased control difficulty, and complicated the refrigerant circuit structure.

[0006]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball valve and a heat pump system including the ball valve and a control method thereof, which can control the flow of refrigerant in up to seven modes including the fully open and fully closed modes of all inlets and outlets by including a valve housing having three orthogonal openings and a ball having two different types of flow paths, thereby reducing the number of expansion valves applied to the heat pump system, simplifying the control algorithm and the circuit shape of the refrigerant, and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0008]

[0009] In order to solve the above-described problem, a ball valve according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ball having one side coupled to a shaft and rotating around the shaft, and a valve housing having a ball inserted therein, one end in contact with the ball, the other end communicating with an external space, and including a plurality of inlets and outlets, wherein the ball includes a first flow path portion formed penetrating the ball and a second flow path portion extending along a circumferential direction centered on the rotational axis of the ball and communicating with or closing the plurality of inlets and outlets according to the rotation of the ball, and wherein the plurality of inlets and outlets are characterized in that they can all be opened or all closed by the ball.

[0010] In addition, the refrigerant is characterized in that it is expandable as the refrigerant flows in through one of the plurality of inlets and outlets as the ball rotates and then flows out through at least one of the remaining inlets and outlets.

[0011] In addition, as the ball rotates, the refrigerant is introduced into one of the plurality of outlets and then flows out through two of the remaining outlets, and the refrigerant is characterized by being expandable.

[0012] In addition, when all of the plurality of inlets and outlets are capable of being connected as the ball rotates, it is characterized in that a mode in which the refrigerant flows into one of the plurality of inlets and outlets and then flows out of the remaining inlets without expansion, and a mode in which the refrigerant expands into the remaining inlets and outlets can be selected.

[0013] Additionally, each of the plurality of inlets and outlets is characterized by being capable of communicating without expansion, closing, or communicating while expanding.

[0014] In addition, the valve housing includes a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet formed orthogonally to each other, the first outlet is formed in the axial direction of the shaft and contacts the ball on the other side of the ball, the second flow path portion forms a flow path that is narrower and longer than the first flow path portion, and the refrigerant that flows through the second outlet or the third flow path portion after passing through the second flow path portion expands.

[0015] In addition, the first euro portion is characterized by including a 1-1 euro, which is a groove having one end positioned at the center of the ball and the other end connected to one end of the first inlet and outlet, a 1-2 euro, which has one end connected to one end of the 1-1 euro and is formed in a direction perpendicular to the 1-1 euro, and a 1-3 euro, which has one end connected to one end of the 1-1 euro and the 1-2 euro and is formed in a direction perpendicular to both the 1-1 euro and the 1-2 euro.

[0016] In addition, the second flow section is characterized by including a 2-1 flow section having one end contacting one side of the other end of the 1-2 flow section and the other end extending along the circumference of the ball but extending away from the 1-3 flow section, a 2-2 flow section having one end contacting one side of the other end of the 1-3 flow section and the other end extending along the circumference of the ball but extending toward a side closer to the 1-2 flow section, and a 2-3 flow section having one end contacting the other side of the other end of the 1-2 flow section and the other end extending along the circumference of the ball but extending toward a side farther from the 1-2 flow section.

[0017] In addition, the 1st-2nd euro, the 1st-3rd euro and the 2nd euro portion are characterized in that they are formed at the same height based on the axial direction of the ball.

[0018] In addition, the ball valve is characterized in that it includes an arrangement in which all the channels included in the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet and the first flow section are connected to each other as the ball rotates, and an arrangement in which all the channels included in the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet and the first flow section are arranged out of alignment with each other and are not all connected to each other.

[0019] In addition, the ball valve is characterized in that it includes an arrangement in which the second outlet and the second-first flow path are connected to each other as the ball rotates, and the third outlet and the second-second flow path are connected to each other, so that the refrigerant flowing in through one of the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet and exhausted through the other all expands.

[0020] In addition, the extension length of the 2-1 euro is characterized in that it is shorter than the limiting length of the radius length of the 1-2 euro and the radius length of the third outlet at 1 / 4 of the maximum circumference of the ball, and the extension length of the 2-3 euro is characterized in that it is shorter than the limiting length of the radius length of the 1-3 euro and the radius length of the second outlet at 1 / 4 of the maximum circumference of the ball.

[0021] A heat pump system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ball valve unit including a first ball valve and a second ball valve having the characteristics of the first clause, a first heat exchanger communicating with a first inlet / outlet of the first ball valve, a second heat exchanger communicating with a second inlet / outlet of the first ball valve, a third heat exchanger communicating with the first inlet / outlet of the second ball valve, a fourth heat exchanger communicating with the third inlet / outlet of the second ball valve, and a compressor communicating with the fourth heat exchanger to perform heat exchange of a fluid, wherein the third inlet / outlet of the first ball valve is characterized in that it communicates with the second inlet / outlet of the second ball valve.

[0022] In addition, the first heat exchanger is a chiller, the second heat exchanger is an outdoor unit, the third heat exchanger is an indoor unit placed inside the HVAC, and the fourth heat exchanger is a double-pipe heat exchanger that is connected to the outdoor unit, an accumulator, and a compressor to perform heat exchange of fluids flowing in and out.

[0023] In addition, when the first ball valve is in the first mode and the second ball valve is in the fifth mode, the cooling mode or the dehumidifying heating mode is activated, when the first ball valve is in the sixth mode and the second ball valve is in the fifth mode, the cooling and battery cooling modes are activated, and when the first ball valve is in the sixth mode and the second ball valve is in the first mode, the battery cooling mode is activated.

[0024] In addition, when the first ball valve is in the second mode and the second ball valve is in the fifth mode, the first heating mode that uses outside air + waste heat for heating is activated, when the first ball valve is in the first mode and the second ball valve is in the fifth mode, the second heating mode that uses only outside air for heating is activated, when the first ball valve is in the fifth mode and the second ball valve is in the second mode, the third heating mode that uses waste heat for heating is activated, and when the first ball valve is in the third mode and the second ball valve is in the sixth mode, the fourth heating mode that uses waste heat for heating is activated.

[0025] In addition, the controller is characterized by including a step of (a) determining a mode of the ball valve, and a step of (b) rotating the ball according to the mode of the ball valve determined in step (a).

[0026] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve is a predetermined first mode, step (b) is characterized by including a step of rotating the ball so that (b1) the first-second flow path is located on the opposite side of the second inlet / outlet with respect to the rotation axis of the ball, and the first-third flow path is located on the opposite side of the third inlet / outlet with respect to the rotation axis of the ball.

[0027] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve is a predetermined second mode, step (b) is characterized by including a step of rotating the ball so that (b2) the first to third flow paths are connected to the second inlet and outlet, and the first to second flow paths are located on the opposite side of the third inlet and outlet with respect to the rotation axis of the ball.

[0028] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve is a predetermined third mode, step (b) is characterized by including a step of rotating the ball so that (b3) the first-second flow path is connected to the third inlet / outlet, but the first-third flow path is located on the opposite side of the second inlet / outlet with respect to the rotation axis of the ball.

[0029] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve is a predetermined fourth mode, step (b) is characterized by including a step of rotating the ball so that (b4) the first-second euro is connected to the third inlet and outlet, and the first-third euro is connected to the second inlet and outlet.

[0030] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve is a predetermined fifth mode, step (b) is characterized by including a step of rotating the ball so that the other end of the second-first euro (b5) is connected to the third inlet / outlet.

[0031] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve is a predetermined sixth mode, step (b) is characterized by including a step of rotating the ball so that the other end of the second-third euro (b6) is connected to the third inlet / outlet.

[0032] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve is a predetermined seventh mode, step (b) is characterized by including a step of rotating the ball so that the other end of the 2-1 euro is connected to the second inlet and the other end of the 2-2 euro is connected to the third inlet and the other end of the 2-2 euro is connected to the third inlet.

[0033]

[0034] The ball valve of the present invention and the heat pump system including the ball valve and the control method thereof having the above configuration include a valve housing having three orthogonal openings and a ball having two different types of flow paths, thereby controlling the flow of refrigerant in up to seven modes including the fully open and fully closed modes of all inlets and outlets, thereby reducing the number of expansion valves applied to the heat pump system, simplifying the control algorithm and the circuit shape of the refrigerant, and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0035]

[0036] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ball of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ball of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow and the ball phase in the first mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow and the ball phase in the second mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow and the ball phase in the third mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow and the ball phase in the fourth mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow and the ball phase in the fifth mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow and the ball phase in the sixth mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow and the ball phase in the seventh mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a heat pump system including a ball valve of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 12 is a table showing the air conditioning mode of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 13 is a table showing the cooling mode among the air conditioning modes of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 14 is a table showing the cooling and battery cooling modes among the air conditioning modes of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 15 is a table showing the battery cooling mode among the air conditioning modes of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 16 is a table showing the dehumidification heating mode among the air conditioning modes of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 17 is a table showing the first heating mode among the air conditioning modes of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 18 is a table showing the second heating mode among the air conditioning modes of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 19 is a table showing the third heating mode among the air conditioning modes of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 20 is a table showing the fourth heating mode among the air conditioning modes of the heat pump system according to the mode of the ball valve of the present invention.

[0056]

[0057] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention will be described in more detail using the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical concept of the present invention.

[0058]

[0059] Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the ball valve (100) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ball valve (100) of the present invention may include a valve housing (120) and a ball (110). More specifically, the ball (110) may have one side coupled to a shaft (S) and may rotate in one direction around the shaft (S). At this time, the shaft (S) may be connected to an actuator (A) to rotate and rotate the ball (110). In addition, the valve housing (120) may include a first inlet / outlet (121), a second inlet / outlet (122), and a third inlet / outlet (123) in which the ball (110) is inserted, one end is in contact with the ball (110), the other end is connected to an external space, and is formed orthogonally to each other. At this time, a seal that prevents leakage of refrigerant may be combined at each corner where the first outlet (121), the second outlet (122), the third outlet (123) and the ball (110) come into contact.

[0061] At this time, the first inlet / outlet (121) may be formed in a direction parallel to the shaft (S), i.e., in the axial direction of the shaft (S), and may come into contact with the ball (110) on the other side of the ball (110). At this time, each of the first inlet / outlet (121), the second inlet / outlet (122), and the third inlet / outlet (123) may all function as an inlet through which refrigerant flows in according to the operation of the heat pump system described later, and may also function as an outlet through which refrigerant flows out.

[0062] In this way, the ball valve (100) of the present invention includes a ball (110) inserted into the inside of the valve housing (120) and rotating in one direction, thereby being able to control the degree of opening of the first outlet (121), the second outlet (122), and the third outlet (123), thereby determining the flow path of the refrigerant and whether the refrigerant expands.

[0063]

[0064] Hereinafter, the ball (110) of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the ball (110) may include a first flow path portion (111) and a second flow path portion (112) that are formed separately from each other. More specifically, the first flow path portion (111) may be formed penetrating the ball (110), and the second flow path portion (112) may be a slit that extends along a circumferential direction centered on the rotational axis of the ball (110). At this time, the second flow path (112) can be connected to or closed with the second inlet / outlet (122) and the third inlet / outlet (123) according to the rotation of the ball (110). In addition, the second flow path (112) can be formed in a narrower and longer shape than the first flow path (111), and accordingly, the refrigerant that flows into the second inlet / outlet (122) or the third inlet / outlet (123) formed in the valve housing (120) after passing through the second flow path (112) can be expanded and cooled.

[0066] In more detail, the first flow path (111) may include a 1-1 flow path (111a) which is a groove having one end positioned at the center of the ball (110) and the other end connected to one end of the first inlet / outlet (121), a 1-2 flow path (111b) which is connected to one end of the 1-1 flow path (111a) but formed in a direction perpendicular to the 1-1 flow path (111a), and a 1-3 flow path (111c) which is connected to one end of the 1-1 flow path (111a) and the 1-2 flow path (111b) but formed in a direction perpendicular to the 1-1 flow path (111a) and the 1-2 flow path (111b). Each of the first-first euro (111a), the first-second euro (111b), and the first-third euro (111c) can be formed along the radial direction of the ball (110).

[0067] At this time, the 1-1 flow path (111a) may always be in a state of being in communication with the 1st inlet / outlet (121), and may always be in an open state regardless of the rotation and phase change of the ball (110), and the 2nd inlet / outlet (122) and the 3rd inlet / outlet (123) may be opened and closed by the 1-2 flow path (111b), the 1-3 flow path (111c) of the 1st flow path section (111) or the 2nd flow path section (112) to be described later, and may be in communication with the 1st inlet / outlet (121). In addition, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the 1-1 flow path (111a) may be formed to be identical to the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the 1st inlet / outlet (121) within a predetermined error range.

[0068] The ball valve (100) of the present invention includes a 1-1 flow path (111a), a 1-2 flow path (111b), and a 1-3 flow path (111c) that are orthogonal to each other, so that the 1-1 flow path (111a), the 1-2 flow path (111b), and the 1-3 flow path (111c) correspond to the first inlet / outlet (121), the second inlet / outlet (122), and the third inlet / outlet (123), respectively, so that a position in which all flow paths are open can be implemented, and the 1-1 flow path (111a), the 1-2 flow path (111b), and the 1-3 flow path (111c) are arranged to be misaligned with the first inlet / outlet (121), the second inlet / outlet (122), and the third inlet / outlet (123), so that a position in which all flow paths are closed can be implemented.

[0069] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second flow path (112) may include a second-first flow path (112a) having one end in contact with the other end of the first-second flow path (111b) and the other end extending along the circumferential direction of the ball (110), but extending away from the first-third flow path (111c). Accordingly, at a specific position of the ball (110), when the refrigerant flows out of the ball (110) through the second-first flow path (112a), the refrigerant can be induced to expand, thereby allowing the refrigerant to be cooled instantaneously.

[0070] In addition, the second flow path (112) may include a second flow path (112b) which has one end in contact with the other end of the first-third flow path (111c) and the other end extending along the circumferential direction of the ball (110), but extending toward a side closer to the first-second flow path (111b). Accordingly, at a specific position of the ball (110), when the refrigerant flows out of the ball (110) through the second-second flow path (112b), the refrigerant can be induced to expand, thereby allowing the refrigerant to be cooled instantaneously.

[0071] In addition, the second flow path (112) may include a second-third flow path (112c) which has one end in contact with the other end of the first-third flow path (111c) and the other end extending along the circumferential direction of the ball (110), but extending away from the first-second flow path (111b). Accordingly, at a specific position of the ball (110), when the refrigerant flows out of the ball (110) through the second-third flow path (112c), the refrigerant can be induced to expand, thereby allowing the refrigerant to be cooled instantaneously.

[0072] On the other hand, since the 1-1 flow path (111a), the 1-2 flow path (111b), and the 1-3 flow path (111c) have the same flow cross-sectional areas as the 1st inlet / outlet (121), the 2nd inlet / outlet (122), and the 3rd inlet / outlet (123) within a predetermined error range, the refrigerant flowing in and out through the 1-1 flow path (111a), the 1-2 flow path (111b), and the 1-3 flow path can be induced not to expand. By adopting such a structure, the flow paths through which the 2nd inlet / outlet (122) and the 3rd inlet / outlet (123) pass can be determined simply by adjusting the phase of the ball (110), and ultimately the mode of the ball valve (100) can be changed.

[0073] Furthermore, the first-second flow path (111b), the first-third flow path (111c), and the second flow path portion (112) may be formed at the same height based on the axial direction of the ball (110). At this time, the axial heights of the first-second flow path (111b), the first-third flow path (111c), and the second flow path portion (112) may be the same as the axial heights of the second inlet (122) and the third inlet (123). Accordingly, when the ball (110) rotates around the rotation axis, the communication between the 1st-2nd flow path (111b) and the 1st-3rd flow path (111c) and the 2nd flow path part (112) and the 2nd inlet / outlet (122) and the 3rd inlet / outlet (123) can be changed, and the mode of the ball valve (100) can be changed according to the direction in which the refrigerant flows in and out and whether the refrigerant expands or not.

[0074] In addition, it is preferable that the extension length of the 2-1st flow path (112a) is shorter than the limiting length of the radius length of the 1-2nd flow path (111b) and the radius length of the 3rd inlet / outlet (123) at 1 / 4 of the maximum circumference of the ball (110), and the extension length of the 2-3rd flow path (112c) is shorter than the limiting length of the radius length of the 1-3rd flow path (111c) and the radius length of the 2nd inlet / outlet (122) at 1 / 4 of the maximum circumference of the ball (110). Accordingly, when the 1-2 and 1-3 flow paths (111c) are connected to the second inlet / outlet (122) or the third inlet / outlet (123), the second flow path section (112) can be closed (refrigerant non-cooling mode), and when the 2nd flow path section (112) is connected to the second inlet / outlet (122) or the third inlet / outlet (123), the 1-2 flow path (111b) and the 1-3 flow path (111c) can be closed (refrigerant cooling mode).

[0075] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the ball (110) may include a shaft coupling groove (113) coupled to a shaft (S) on one side. The shaft coupling groove (113) may be formed on the opposite side of the 1-1 flow path (111a).

[0076]

[0077] Hereinafter, each mode of the ball valve (100) of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10.

[0078] The ball valve (100) of the present invention may include modes 1 through 7. Each mode may be a mode depending on the direction in which the refrigerant flows in and out and whether the refrigerant expands. Each mode is described in more detail in the following paragraphs.

[0079] The first mode of the ball valve (100) of the present invention is a mode in which both the second outlet (122) and the third outlet (123) are closed so that no refrigerant flows through any of the first outlet (121), the second outlet (122), and the third outlet (123), as shown in (a) of FIG. 4. To implement this, as shown in (b) of FIG. 4, the phase of the ball (110) can be adjusted so that the first-second flow path (111b) is located on the opposite side of the second outlet (122) with respect to the rotation axis of the ball (110), and the first-third flow path (111c) is located on the opposite side of the third outlet (123) with respect to the rotation axis of the ball (110).

[0080] The second mode of the ball valve (100) of the present invention is a mode in which the second inlet / outlet (122) is opened so that the first inlet / outlet (121), which is always open, and the second inlet / outlet (122) are connected to each other, as shown in (a) of FIG. 5. To implement this, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5, the phase of the ball (110) can be adjusted so that the 1-3 flow path (111c) is connected to the 2nd flow path (122), but the 1-2 flow path (111b) is located on the opposite side of the 3rd flow path (123) with respect to the rotation axis of the ball (110).

[0081] The third mode of the ball valve (100) of the present invention is a mode in which the third outlet (123) is opened so that the first outlet (121) and the third outlet (123), which are always open, are connected to each other, as shown in (a) of FIG. 6. To implement this, as shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the phase of the ball (110) can be adjusted so that the first-second flow path (111b) is connected to the third flow path (123), but the first-third flow path (111c) is located on the opposite side of the second flow path (122) with respect to the rotation axis of the ball (110).

[0082] The fourth mode of the ball valve (100) of the present invention is a mode in which the second outlet (122) and the third outlet (123) are all opened so that the first outlet (121), the second outlet (122), and the third outlet (123) are all connected to each other and the refrigerant flows, as shown in (a) of FIG. 7. To implement this, as shown in (b) of FIG. 7, the phase of the ball (110) can be adjusted so that the first-second flow path (111b) is connected to the third flow path (123), and the first-third flow path (111c) is connected to the second flow path (122).

[0083] The fifth mode of the ball valve (100) of the present invention may be a mode in which the refrigerant can flow in and out from the first inlet / outlet (121), as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 8, and the refrigerant can flow in and out from the 2-1 passage (112a) so that the refrigerant can expand in the 2-1 passage (112a). Here, the darkened portion illustrates the high-temperature refrigerant, and the bright portion illustrates the refrigerant that has been cooled after expansion to a low-temperature state. To implement this, the phase of the ball (110) may be adjusted so that the other end of the 2-1 passage (112a) communicates with the third inlet / outlet (123), as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 8.

[0084] The sixth mode of the ball valve (100) of the present invention may be a mode in which the refrigerant can flow in and out from the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant can flow in and out from the 2-3 passage (112c), thereby allowing the refrigerant to expand in the 2-3 passage (112c), as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 9. Here, the darkened portion illustrates high-temperature refrigerant, and the bright portion illustrates refrigerant that has been cooled after expansion to a low-temperature state. To implement this, the phase of the ball (110) may be adjusted so that the other end of the 2-3 passage (112c) communicates with the second inlet / outlet (122), as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 9.

[0085] The seventh mode of the ball valve (100) of the present invention may be a mode in which, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 10, the refrigerant can be introduced and discharged from the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant can be introduced and discharged from both the 2-1 flow path (112a) and the 2-2 flow path (112b), thereby simultaneously expanding the refrigerant in both directions of the 2-1 flow path (112a) and the 2-2 flow path (112b). Here, the darkened portion illustrates the high-temperature refrigerant, and the brightly colored portion illustrates the refrigerant that has been cooled after expansion and has become a low-temperature state. To implement this, as shown in (b) of Fig. 10, the phase of the ball (110) can be adjusted so that the other end of the 2-1 flow path (112a) is connected to the second inlet / outlet (122), and the other end of the 2-2 flow path (112b) is connected to the third inlet / outlet (123).

[0086]

[0087] Hereinafter, the heat pump system of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 20.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 11, the present invention comprises a ball valve unit including a first ball valve (100-1) and a second ball valve (100-2) (the first ball valve (100-1) and the second ball valve (100-2) have the same configuration) having the characteristics of the ball valve (100) described above, a first heat exchanger (200) communicating with the first inlet / outlet (121) of the first ball valve (100-1), a second heat exchanger (300) communicating with the second inlet / outlet (122) of the first ball valve (100-1), a third heat exchanger (400) communicating with the first inlet / outlet (121) of the second ball valve (100-2), and a third heat exchanger (400) communicating with the third inlet / outlet (123) of the second ball valve (100-2). 4. It may include a heat exchanger (500). At this time, the third inlet / outlet (123) of the first ball valve (100-1) may be connected to the second inlet / outlet (122) of the second ball valve (100-2).

[0089] At this time, the first heat exchanger (200) is a chiller, the second heat exchanger (300) is an outdoor unit, the third heat exchanger (400) is an indoor unit placed inside the HVAC (800), and the fourth heat exchanger (500) may be a double-pipe type heat exchanger that performs heat exchange of fluids flowing in and out by communicating with the outdoor unit, the accumulator (600), and the compressor (700). At this time, only one heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger (400), may be placed as the heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant placed inside the HVAC (800). Accordingly, the number of packages and components can be minimized. In addition, the HVAC (800) may include an electric heater (810). The electric heater (810) may be an Air PTC.

[0090] In addition, the heat pump system may include a four-way valve (930) that is connected to the compressor (700), the second heat exchanger (300), and the third heat exchanger (400) to control the supply and discharge of the fluid. In addition, the heat pump system may include a first branch pipe (910) that is connected to the second inlet / outlet (122) of the first ball valve (100-1) and the second heat exchanger (300) and the fourth heat exchanger (500) to control the supply and discharge of the fluid, and a second branch pipe (920) that is connected to the first heat exchanger (200), the accumulator (600), and the four-way valve (930) to control the supply and discharge of the fluid.

[0091] By configuring the heat pump system in this way, the flow of refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger (200), the second heat exchanger (300), the third heat exchanger (400), and the fourth heat exchanger (500) can all be controlled with only a small number of ball valves (100), simplifying the control algorithm of the heat pump system and the circuit shape of the refrigerant, and reducing the manufacturing cost. More specifically, since the first ball valve (100-1) and the second ball valve (100-2) that are independently driven are included, eight air conditioning modes of the heat pump system can be implemented, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0092] Modes 1 to 8 for heating and cooling of the heat pump system (1000) are illustrated in FIG. 12. More specifically, the cooling mode, which is mode 1 of the heat pump system, may be a mode in which the first ball valve (100-1) is in the first mode, that is, a mode in which fluids are not exchanged at the first inlet / outlet (121), the second inlet / outlet (122), and the third inlet / outlet (123), as illustrated in FIG. 13, and the second ball valve (100-2) may be in the fifth mode, that is, a mode in which refrigerant can be introduced and introduced at the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant can be introduced and introduced at the second-first passage (112a) so that the refrigerant can be expanded at the second-first passage (112a). In addition, the temp door in the HVAC (800) may close the warm air passage passing through the electric heater (810). Accordingly, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (700) can pass through the four-way valve (930) to the second heat exchanger (300), exchange heat with the outdoor air, and then expand in the second ball valve (100-2), pass through the third heat exchanger (400), pass through the four-way valve (930), pass through the accumulator (600), and circulate through the compressor (700). The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can perform cooling by exchanging heat with the air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0093] In addition, the mode 2 of the heat pump system (1000), which is the cooling and battery cooling mode, may be a mode in which the first ball valve (100-1) is in the sixth mode, that is, the refrigerant can flow in and out of the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant flows in and out of the 2-3 passage (112c), so that the refrigerant expands in the 2-3 passage (112c), and the second ball valve (100-2) may be in the fifth mode, that is, the refrigerant can flow in and out of the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant flows in and out of the 2-1 passage (112a), so that the refrigerant expands in the 2-1 passage (112a), so that the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the first heat exchanger (200) and the third heat exchanger (400), respectively. At this time, the temp door in the HVAC (800) can close the hot air passage passing through the electric heater (810). Accordingly, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (700) can pass through the four-way valve (930) to the second heat exchanger (300) to exchange heat with the outdoor air, and then flow into the first branch pipe (910). Some of the refrigerant can be expanded in the second ball valve (100-2) and pass through the third heat exchanger (400), the four-way valve (930), the accumulator (600), and circulate through the compressor (700). The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can perform cooling by exchanging heat with the air blown into the vehicle interior. Afterwards, the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger (300) and exchanges heat with the outdoor air. Then, another portion of the refrigerant that flows into the first branch pipe (910) is expanded in the first ball valve (100-1) through the chiller refrigerant line, passes through the first heat exchanger (200), cools the coolant circulating in the battery, and then passes through the accumulator (600) and circulates through the compressor (700). That is, the refrigerant that has passed through the four-way valve (930) can flow into the second branch pipe (920) and into the accumulator (600).

[0094] In addition, the battery cooling mode, which is mode 3 of the heat pump system (1000), as illustrated in FIG. 15, may be a mode in which the first ball valve (100-1) is in the sixth mode, so that the refrigerant can flow in and out of the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant flows in and out of the second-third flow path (112c) so that the refrigerant expands in the second-third flow path (112c), and the second ball valve (100-2) is in the first mode, so that the fluids are not exchanged in the first inlet / outlet (121), the second inlet / outlet (122), and the third inlet / outlet (123). In addition, the temp door in the HVAC (800) may close the hot air passage passing through the electric heater (810). Accordingly, the refrigerant may not flow to the third heat exchanger (400). In addition, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (700) can pass through the four-way valve (930) to the second heat exchanger (300) to exchange heat with the outdoor air, then expand in the first ball valve (100-1) through the chiller refrigerant line, then pass through the first heat exchanger (200) to cool the coolant circulating in the battery, and then pass through the accumulator (600) to circulate through the compressor (700).

[0095] In addition, the dehumidification heating mode, which is mode 4 of the heat pump system (1000), may have the first ball valve (100-1) as the first mode and the second ball valve (100-2) as the fifth mode, as illustrated in FIG. 16, similar to mode 1 of the heat pump system (1000). Accordingly, the refrigerant may not flow to the first heat exchanger (200). In addition, unlike mode 1, the temp door may be opened in mode 4. Accordingly, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (700) can pass through the four-way valve (930) to the second heat exchanger (300) to exchange heat with the outdoor air, then expand in the second ball valve (100-2), pass through the third heat exchanger (400), pass through the four-way valve (930), pass through the accumulator (600), and circulate through the compressor (700). In addition, the refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can exchange heat with the air blown into the vehicle interior to perform dehumidification. In addition, the electric heater (810) is operated to heat the air passing through the electric heater (810), thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0096] In addition, the first heating mode, which is mode 5 of the heat pump system (1000), as illustrated in FIG. 17, may be a mode in which the first ball valve (100-1) is in the second mode, the second inlet / outlet (122) is opened so that the first inlet / outlet (121), which is always open, and the second inlet / outlet (122) are connected, and the second ball valve (100-2) may be in the fifth mode, that is, a mode in which the refrigerant can be introduced / extracted from the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant can be introduced / extracted from the second-first flow path (112a), so that the refrigerant can be expanded in the second-first flow path (112a). Accordingly, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (700) can pass through the third heat exchanger (400) through the four-way valve (930). In addition, the refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can perform heat exchange with the air blown into the vehicle interior to perform heating. The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can be expanded in the second ball valve (100-2), and then some of it can pass through the first ball valve (100-1) as is via the chiller refrigerant line, pass through the first heat exchanger (200), the accumulator (600), and circulate through the compressor (700). Another part of the refrigerant expanded in the second ball valve (100-2) can pass through the second heat exchanger (300), pass through the four-way valve (930), pass through the accumulator (600), and circulate through the compressor (700). The refrigerant can absorb the waste heat of the entire system in the first heat exchanger (200) and absorb the outside air in the second heat exchanger (300).

[0097] In addition, the second heating mode, which is mode 6 of the heat pump system (1000), as illustrated in FIG. 18, may be the first mode for the first ball valve (100-1) and the fifth mode for the second ball valve (100-2), similar to mode 1 of the heat pump system (1000). However, in mode 1, expansion occurs on the second inlet / outlet (122) side, but in mode 6, expansion may occur on the first inlet / outlet (121) side. Accordingly, the refrigerant may not flow to the first heat exchanger (200). In addition, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (700) may pass through the third heat exchanger (400) through the four-way valve (930). In addition, the refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can perform heat exchange with the air blown into the vehicle interior to perform heating. The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can be expanded in the second ball valve (100-2), then pass through the second heat exchanger (300), the four-way valve (930), the accumulator (600), and circulate through the compressor (700). The refrigerant can absorb heat from the outside air in the second heat exchanger (300). Mode 6 can be used in environments such as when the waste heat from the electric system is insufficient at the beginning of the vehicle startup.

[0098] In addition, the third heating mode, which is mode 7 of the heat pump system (1000), as illustrated in FIG. 19, may be a mode in which the first ball valve (100-1) is in the fifth mode, that is, a mode in which the refrigerant can flow in and out from the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant flows in and out from the second-first flow path (112a) so that the refrigerant expands in the second-first flow path (112a), and the second ball valve (100-2) is in the second mode, a mode in which the second inlet / outlet (122) is opened so that the first inlet / outlet (121) and the second inlet / outlet (122), which are always open, are connected. Accordingly, the expanded refrigerant can be supplied to the first heat exchanger (200) by the first ball valve (100-1), and the refrigerant can pass through the second ball valve (100-2) without being expanded. Accordingly, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (700) can pass through the third heat exchanger (400) through the four-way valve (930). The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can exchange heat with the air blown into the vehicle interior to perform heating. The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can pass through the second ball valve (100-2) as is and flow to the first ball valve (100-1) through the expansion valve connection line. After the refrigerant is expanded in the first ball valve (100-1), it can circulate through the first heat exchanger (200) and accumulator (600) and the compressor (700).

[0099] In addition, the fourth heating mode, which is mode 8 of the heat pump system (1000), as illustrated in FIG. 20, may be a mode in which the first ball valve (100-1) is in the third mode, the third inlet / outlet (123) is opened so that the first inlet / outlet (121), which is always open, and the third inlet / outlet (123) are connected, and the second ball valve (100-2) may be in the sixth mode, so that the refrigerant can flow in and out of the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant can flow in and out of the second-third flow path (112c), thereby allowing the refrigerant to expand in the second-third flow path (112c). Accordingly, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (700) can pass through the third heat exchanger (400) through the four-way valve (930). In addition, the refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can exchange heat with the air blown into the vehicle interior to perform heating. The refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (400) can be expanded in the second ball valve (100-2) and then flow to the first ball valve (100-1) through the expansion valve connection line. The refrigerant can pass through the first ball valve (100-1) as is and then circulate through the first heat exchanger (200) and the accumulator (600) to the compressor (700).

[0100]

[0101] Hereinafter, the control method of the heat pump system of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0102] The heat pump system of the present invention may include a controller capable of controlling an actuator (A) that adjusts the phase of a ball (110) included in a ball valve (100), and a control method of the heat pump system may be performed by the controller. More specifically, the control method of the heat pump system may include a step of (a) determining a mode of the ball valve (100), and a step of (b) rotating the ball (110) according to the mode of the ball valve (100) determined in step (a).

[0103] In step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve (100) is a predetermined first mode, step (b) may include a step of rotating the ball (110) such that (b1) the first-second flow path (111b) is located on the opposite side of the second inlet / outlet (122) with respect to the rotational axis of the ball (110), and the first-third flow path (111c) is located on the opposite side of the third flow path with respect to the rotational axis of the ball (110). Accordingly, both the second inlet / outlet (122) and the third inlet / outlet (123) may be closed so that no refrigerant flows through any of the first inlet / outlet (121), the second inlet / outlet (122), and the third inlet / outlet (123).

[0104] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve (100) is a predetermined second mode, step (b) may include a step of rotating the ball (110) such that the first-third flow path (111c) is connected to the second inlet / outlet (122), but the first-second flow path (111b) is located on the opposite side of the third inlet / outlet (123) with respect to the rotational axis of the ball (110). Accordingly, the second inlet / outlet (122) is opened, so that the first inlet / outlet (121), which is always open, and the second inlet / outlet (122) can be connected.

[0105] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve (100) is a predetermined third mode, step (b) may include a step of rotating the ball (110) such that (b3) the first-second flow path (111b) is connected to the third inlet / outlet (123), but the first-third flow path (111c) is located on the opposite side of the second inlet / outlet (122) with respect to the rotational axis of the ball (110). Accordingly, the third inlet / outlet (123) is opened, so that the first inlet / outlet (121), which is always open, and the third inlet / outlet (123) can be connected.

[0106] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve (100) is a predetermined fourth mode, step (b) may include a step of rotating the ball (110) so that the first-second flow path (111b) communicates with the third inlet / outlet (123) and the first-third flow path (111c) communicates with the second inlet / outlet (122). Accordingly, the first inlet / outlet (121), the second inlet / outlet (122), and the third inlet / outlet (123) are all connected, so that refrigerant can flow through all of them.

[0107] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve (100) is a predetermined fifth mode, step (b) may include a step of rotating the ball (110) so that the other end of the second-first flow path (112a) communicates with the third inlet / outlet (123). Accordingly, the refrigerant can be supplied / exited from the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant can be supplied / exited from the second-first flow path (112a), thereby allowing the refrigerant to expand in the second-first flow path (112a).

[0108] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve (100) is a predetermined sixth mode, step (b) may include a step of rotating the ball (110) so that the other end of the second-third flow path (112c) is connected to the third inlet / outlet (123). Accordingly, the refrigerant can be supplied / exited from the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant can be supplied / exited from the second-third flow path (112c), thereby allowing the refrigerant to expand in the second-third flow path (112c).

[0109] In addition, in step (a), if the mode of the determined ball valve (100) is a predetermined seventh mode, step (b) may include a step of rotating the ball (110) so that the other end of the 2-1 flow path (112a) is connected to the second inlet / outlet (122) and the other end of the 2-2 flow path (112b) is connected to the third inlet / outlet (123). Accordingly, the refrigerant can be introduced / extracted from the first inlet / outlet (121), and the refrigerant can be simultaneously introduced / extracted from the 2-1 flow path (112a) and the 2-2 flow path (112b), so that the refrigerant can be expanded in both directions of the 2-1 flow path (112a) and the 2-2 flow path (112b).

[0110]

[0111] The technical concept of the present invention should not be construed solely based on the above-described embodiments. The scope of application is diverse, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the claims. Therefore, such improvements and modifications, as long as they are obvious to those skilled in the art, fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ball that is connected to a shaft on one side and rotates around the shaft; and A valve housing having a ball inserted therein, one end in contact with the ball, the other end communicating with an external space, and including a plurality of inlet and outlet ports; The above ball is, A first euro portion formed through the above ball and It includes a second flow path formed along a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis of the ball, and which is connected to or closed by a plurality of the inlet and outlet ports according to the rotation of the ball. A ball valve characterized in that the plurality of said inlets and outlets can be all opened or all closed by the ball.

2. In paragraph 1, A ball valve characterized in that the refrigerant is expandable as the refrigerant flows in through one of the plurality of inlets and outlets as the ball rotates and then flows out through at least one of the remaining inlets and outlets.

3. In paragraph 1, A ball valve characterized in that the refrigerant is expandable as the refrigerant flows in through one of the plurality of outlets and then flows out through two of the remaining outlets as the ball rotates.

4. In paragraph 1, A ball valve characterized in that, when all of the plurality of inlets and outlets are capable of communicating as the ball rotates, a mode in which the refrigerant flows into one of the plurality of inlets and outlets and then flows out through the remaining inlets and outlets without expansion, and a mode in which the refrigerant expands through the remaining inlets and outlets can be selected.

5. In paragraph 1, A ball valve characterized in that each of the plurality of above inlets and outlets can be opened, closed, or opened while expanding without expansion.

6. In paragraph 1, The above valve housing, It includes a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet formed orthogonally to each other, The above first inlet / outlet is, Formed in the axial direction of the above shaft, and in contact with the ball on the other side of the ball, The above second euro section is, It forms a narrow and long path compared to the first path above, A ball valve characterized in that the refrigerant that has flowed through the second outlet or the third outlet after passing through the second euro section expands.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first euro section is, A 1-1 groove, which is located at the center of the ball at one end and is connected to one end of the first inlet / outlet at the other end, A first end is connected to a first end of the first-first euro, and a first-second euro is formed in a vertical direction of the first-first euro, A ball valve characterized in that it includes a first end connected to one end of the first-first euro and the first-second euro, and a first-third euro formed in a direction perpendicular to both the first-first euro and the first-second euro.

8. In paragraph 7, The above second euro section is, A 2-1 euro that is formed by contacting one side of the other end of the 1-2 euro and extending along the circumference of the ball, but extending away from the 1-3 euro, A 2-2 euro that is formed by contacting one side of the other end of the 1-3 euro and extending along the circumference of the ball, but extending toward the side closer to the 1-2 euro, A ball valve characterized in that one end is in contact with the other end of the first-second euro, and the other end is formed to extend along the circumferential direction of the ball, and includes a second-third euro that extends away from the first-second euro.

9. In paragraph 7, A ball valve characterized in that the first and second euros, the first and third euros, and the second euro portion are formed at the same height based on the axial direction of the ball.

10. In paragraph 6, The above ball valve, As the above ball rotates The arrangement in which the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet and all the channels included in the first flow path are connected to each other; and A ball valve characterized in that the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet and all the channels included in the first flow path are arranged so as to be misaligned with each other and are not all connected to each other.

11. In paragraph 8, The above ball valve, As the above ball rotates A ball valve characterized in that it includes an arrangement in which the second outlet and the second-first flow path are connected to each other, the third outlet and the second-second flow path are connected to each other, and the refrigerant flowing in through one of the first outlet, the second outlet, and the third outlet and exhausted through the other all expands.

12. In paragraph 8, The extension length of the above 2-1 euro is, The radius length of the first and second euros and the radius length of the third inlet are shorter than the limit length by 1 / 4 of the maximum circumference of the ball, The extension length of the above 2-3 euros is, A ball valve characterized in that the radius length of the first to third euros and the radius length of the second inlet and outlet are shorter than the limit length at 1 / 4 of the maximum circumference of the ball.

13. A ball valve unit including a first ball valve and a second ball valve having the characteristics of Article 1; A first heat exchanger communicating with the first inlet / outlet of the first ball valve; A second heat exchanger communicating with the second inlet / outlet of the first ball valve; A third heat exchanger communicating with the first inlet / outlet of the second ball valve; A fourth heat exchanger communicating with the third inlet / outlet of the second ball valve; and A compressor that is connected to the fourth heat exchanger and performs heat exchange of the fluid; A heat pump system characterized in that the third outlet of the first ball valve is connected to the second outlet of the second ball valve.

14. In paragraph 13, The above first heat exchanger is a chiller, The above second heat exchanger is an outdoor unit, The above third heat exchanger is an indoor unit placed inside the HVAC, A heat pump system characterized in that the fourth heat exchanger is a double-pipe heat exchanger that performs heat exchange of fluids flowing in and out through communication with the outdoor unit, accumulator, and compressor.

15. In paragraph 14, When the first ball valve is in the first mode and the second ball valve is in the fifth mode, the cooling mode or the dehumidifying heating mode is activated. When the first ball valve is in the 6th mode and the second ball valve is in the 5th mode, the cooling and battery cooling modes are activated. A heat pump system characterized in that the battery cooling mode is activated when the first ball valve is in the sixth mode and the second ball valve is in the first mode.

16. In paragraph 14, When the first ball valve is in the second mode and the second ball valve is in the fifth mode, the first heating mode that uses outside air + waste heat is activated. When the first ball valve is in the first mode and the second ball valve is in the fifth mode, the second heating mode that heats only using the outside is activated. When the first ball valve is in the fifth mode and the second ball valve is in the second mode, the third heating mode that uses waste heat for heating is activated. A heat pump system characterized in that a fourth heating mode that uses waste heat for heating is operated when the first ball valve is in the third mode and the second ball valve is in the sixth mode.

17. In the control method of the heat pump system that controls the heat pump system of Article 13, The controller, (a) a step of determining the mode of the ball valve; and (b) A control method for a heat pump system, characterized in that it comprises a step of rotating the ball according to the mode of the ball valve determined in the step (a).

18. In paragraph 17, In the above step (a), if the mode of the ball valve determined is a predetermined first mode, Step (b) above, (b1) A control method of a heat pump system, characterized in that it comprises a step of rotating the ball so that the first and second flow paths are located on the opposite side of the second inlet and outlet with respect to the rotation axis of the ball, and the first and third flow paths are located on the opposite side of the third inlet and outlet with respect to the rotation axis of the ball.

19. In paragraph 17, In the above step (a), if the mode of the ball valve determined is a predetermined second mode, Step (b) above, (b2) A control method of a heat pump system, characterized in that it includes a step of rotating the ball so that the first to third flow paths are connected to the second flow paths, and the first to second flow paths are located on the opposite side of the third flow paths with respect to the rotational axis of the ball.

20. In paragraph 17, In the above step (a), if the mode of the ball valve determined is a predetermined third mode, Step (b) above, (b3) A control method of a heat pump system, characterized in that it includes a step of rotating the ball so that the first and second euros are connected to the third inlet and outlet, and the first and third euros are located on the opposite side of the second inlet and outlet with respect to the rotational axis of the ball.

21. In paragraph 17, In the above step (a), if the mode of the ball valve determined is a predetermined fourth mode, Step (b) above, (b4) A control method of a heat pump system, characterized in that it comprises a step of rotating the ball so that the first and second euros are connected to the third inlet and outlet and the first and third euros are connected to the second inlet and outlet.

22. In paragraph 17, In the above step (a), if the mode of the ball valve determined is a predetermined fifth mode, Step (b) above, (b5) A control method of a heat pump system, characterized in that it includes a step of rotating the ball so that the other end of the 2-1 euro is connected to the third inlet / outlet.

23. In paragraph 17, In the above step (a), if the mode of the ball valve determined is a predetermined 6th mode, Step (b) above, (b6) A control method of a heat pump system, characterized in that it includes a step of rotating the ball so that the other end of the second-third euro is connected to the third inlet / outlet.

24. In paragraph 17, In the above step (a), if the mode of the ball valve determined is the predetermined seventh mode, Step (b) above, (b7) A control method of a heat pump system, characterized in that it includes a step of rotating the ball so that the other end of the 2-1 euro is connected to the second inlet and the other end of the 2-2 euro is connected to the third inlet and the other end of the 2-2 euro is connected to the third inlet.

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