Vehicle heat management system

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a vehicle heat management system characterized by comprising a refrigerant line through which a refrigerant circulates and a coolant line through which coolant circulates, wherein the refrigerant line comprises: a first refrigerant line in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an outdoor unit, a second heat exchanger, and a fourth heat exchanger are disposed; and a second refrigerant line connected to the first refrigerant line and in which a third heat exchanger is disposed, and in a heating mode, the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger heat a front seat space and a rear seat space, respectively, and in a cooling mode, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger cool the front seat space and the rear seat space, respectively.

Description

Thermal management system for vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicle air conditioning systems use heat pump systems that can selectively cool and heat the vehicle's interior using a refrigerant cycle.

[0003] Heat pump systems for battery-powered vehicles, such as electric vehicles, are designed to improve heat pump system performance by recovering both electrical and battery waste heat through heat exchange between refrigerant and coolant. These heat pump systems have a simple configuration, and their performance varies depending on the control of the flow of refrigerant and coolant. Therefore, methods to improve performance and efficiency are in demand, and research into these areas is ongoing.

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle thermal management system capable of improving cooling and heating performance and efficiency.

[0005] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0006] A vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerant line through which refrigerant is circulated and a coolant line through which coolant is circulated, and the refrigerant line includes a first refrigerant line in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an outdoor unit, a second heat exchanger, and a fourth heat exchanger are arranged, and a second refrigerant line connected to the first refrigerant line and in which a third heat exchanger is arranged, and in a heating mode, the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger can be configured to heat the front seat space and the rear seat space, respectively, and in a cooling mode, the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger can be configured to cool the front seat space and the rear seat space, respectively.

[0007] The system may further include a first branch line branched from the first refrigerant line and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to move to the third heat exchanger, a second branch line branched from the first refrigerant line and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit to move to the fourth heat exchanger by bypassing the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, and a third branch line branched from the first refrigerant line and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to move to the fourth heat exchanger by bypassing the outdoor unit.

[0008] In the cooling mode, the refrigerant may be configured to be discharged from the compressor, move along the first refrigerant line, exchange heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit, and then flow into the compressor after passing through the second heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger, and the remainder of the refrigerant may flow along the second refrigerant line, pass through the third heat exchanger, move along the first refrigerant line, pass through the fourth heat exchanger, and then flow into the compressor.

[0009] In the first heating mode, the refrigerant may be configured to be discharged from the compressor, move along the first refrigerant line, pass through the first heat exchanger, and a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger exchanges heat with outside air in the outdoor unit, move along the second branch line, bypass the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, pass through the fourth heat exchanger, and then flow into the compressor, and the remainder of the refrigerant may be configured to move along the first branch line to the second refrigerant line, pass through the third heat exchanger, move along the first refrigerant line, pass through the fourth heat exchanger, and then flow into the compressor.

[0010] The refrigerant flowing into the fourth heat exchanger along the second branch line and the refrigerant flowing into the fourth heat exchanger after passing through the third heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat with the cooling water of the cooling water line in the fourth heat exchanger and then flow into the compressor.

[0011] In the second heating mode, the refrigerant may be configured to be discharged from the compressor, move along the first refrigerant line, pass through the first heat exchanger, and a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger may move along the third branch line, bypassing the outdoor unit, move along the second branch line, pass through the fourth heat exchanger, and then be introduced into the compressor, and the remainder of the refrigerant may move along the first branch line to the second refrigerant line, pass through the third heat exchanger, move along the first refrigerant line, pass through the fourth heat exchanger, and then be introduced into the compressor.

[0012] The first refrigerant line may include a first valve disposed on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger, a second valve disposed on the inlet side of the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant line may include a third valve disposed on the inlet side of the third heat exchanger, a fourth valve disposed between the third valve and the third heat exchanger, and a fifth valve disposed on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger, and the second branch line may include a sixth valve.

[0013] The first branch line may have one end connected to the first refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the first valve and the other end connected to the third valve, the second branch line may have one end connected to the first refrigerant line at the outlet side of the outdoor unit and the other end connected to the fourth heat exchanger, and the third branch line may have one end connected to the first valve and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line at the outlet side of the outdoor unit.

[0014] In the cooling mode, the first valve may be operated to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to pass in a non-expanded state and then flow into the outdoor unit, the second valve may be operated to allow the refrigerant to expand and flow into the second heat exchanger, the third valve may be operated to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit to pass in a non-expanded state, the fourth valve may be operated to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the third valve to expand and flow into the third heat exchanger, and the fifth valve may be operated to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger to pass in a non-expanded state and flow into the fourth heat exchanger.

[0015] The third valve may be operable to block the first branch line to restrict the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger from moving to the third heat exchanger along the first branch line, and the sixth valve may be operable to block the second branch line to restrict the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit from moving to the fourth heat exchanger.

[0016] In the heating mode, the first valve may operate to expand the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger and to introduce it into the outdoor unit, the sixth valve may operate to pass the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit in a non-expanded state and to introduce it into the fourth heat exchanger, the third valve may operate to pass the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger in a non-expanded state, the fourth valve may operate to pass the refrigerant that has passed through the third valve in a non-expanded state and to introduce it into the third heat exchanger, and the fifth valve may operate to expand the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger and to introduce it into the fourth heat exchanger.

[0017] The second valve may be operable to block the first refrigerant line to restrict the refrigerant from flowing into the second heat exchanger, and the third valve may be operable to block the connection between the second refrigerant line and the first refrigerant line to restrict the refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit from moving to the second refrigerant line.

[0018] In cooling mode, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger may be configured to flow into the third valve after passing through the outdoor unit, and in heating mode, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger may be configured to flow directly into the third valve.

[0019] A vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first refrigerant line in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an outdoor unit, and a second heat exchanger are arranged, and a second refrigerant line connected in parallel to the first refrigerant line and in which a third heat exchanger is arranged, and can be configured such that, in a heating mode, refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger along the first refrigerant line moves through the third heat exchanger along the second refrigerant line.

[0020] The method may further include a 1-1 branch line branched from the first refrigerant line and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to move while bypassing the outdoor unit and the second heat exchanger, a 1-2 branch line branched from the outdoor unit and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to move while bypassing the second heat exchanger, a 1-3 branch line branched from the second refrigerant line and connected to the first refrigerant line, a 2-2 branch line branched from the second refrigerant line and connected to the 1-3 branch line, and a 2-3 branch line branched from the second refrigerant line and connected to the 1-3 branch line.

[0021] The first refrigerant line may include a first valve disposed on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger, a second valve disposed on the inlet side of the outdoor unit, and a third valve disposed on the inlet side of the second heat exchanger, and the second refrigerant line may include a fourth valve disposed on the inlet side of the third heat exchanger, a fifth valve disposed between the fourth valve and the third heat exchanger, and a sixth valve disposed on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger.

[0022] The 1-1 branch line may have one end connected to the second valve and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line at the inlet side of the compressor, the 1-2 branch line may have one end connected to the first refrigerant line at the inlet side of the second heat exchanger and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line at the outlet side of the second heat exchanger, the 1-3 branch line may have one end connected to the first valve and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the third valve, the 2-1 branch line may have one end connected to the fourth valve and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line at the outlet side of the first heat exchanger, the 2-2 branch line may have one end connected to the fifth valve and the other end connected to the second refrigerant line between the third heat exchanger and the sixth valve, and the 2-3 branch line may have one end connected to the sixth valve and the other end connected to the 1-3 branch line.

[0023] In the heating mode, the refrigerant may be configured to be discharged from the compressor, pass through the first heat exchanger along the first refrigerant line, then move to the second refrigerant line through the fourth valve along the 2-1 branch line, pass through the fifth valve and the third heat exchanger along the second refrigerant line, expand at the 6th valve, then move to the 1-3 branch line along the 2-3 branch line, move to the first refrigerant line through the first valve, move to the 1-1 branch line through the second valve, and then flow into the compressor.

[0024] In the first cooling mode, the refrigerant may be configured to be discharged from the compressor, pass through the first heat exchanger and the first valve along the first refrigerant line, exchange heat with outside air in the outdoor unit through the second valve, expand in the third valve, exchange heat with air of the front-side air conditioner in the second heat exchanger, and then flow into the compressor, and the remainder may be configured to pass through the fourth valve, expand in the fifth valve, exchange heat with air of the rear-side air conditioner in the third heat exchanger, and then flow along the first refrigerant line through the sixth valve and flow into the compressor.

[0025] In the second cooling mode, the refrigerant may be configured to be discharged from the compressor, pass through the first heat exchanger and the first valve along the first refrigerant line, exchange heat with outside air in the outdoor unit through the second valve, expand in the third valve, exchange heat with air of the front-side air conditioner in the second heat exchanger, and then flow into the compressor, and the remainder may be configured to pass through the fourth valve, expand in the fifth valve, and then move along the 2-2 branch line, bypassing the third heat exchanger, and then move along the first refrigerant line through the sixth valve, and flow into the compressor.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle thermal management system can be provided that can improve cooling and heating performance and efficiency while reducing costs.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing the operation in cooling mode of the thermal management system of Fig. 1.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the operation in the first heating mode of the thermal management system of Fig. 1.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing the operation in the second heating mode of the thermal management system of Fig. 2.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the operation in heating mode of the thermal management system of Fig. 5.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the operation of the thermal management system of Fig. 5 in the first cooling mode.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the operation of the second cooling mode of the thermal management system of Fig. 5.

[0036] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a second component may be referred to as a first component, and similarly, a first component may also be referred to as a second component. The term and / or includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0037] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0038] In the description of embodiments, when one component is described as being formed "on or under" another component, "on or under" includes both cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other or where one or more other components are formed indirectly between the two components. In addition, when expressed as "on or under," it can include the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0039] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0042] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle thermal management system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to the drawings, a vehicle thermal management system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a refrigerant line (100) through which refrigerant circulates and a coolant line (200) through which coolant circulates.

[0044] The refrigerant line (100) may include a first refrigerant line (101) in which a compressor (110), a first heat exchanger (120), an outdoor unit (130), a second heat exchanger (140), and a fourth heat exchanger (160) are arranged, and a second refrigerant line (102) connected to the first refrigerant line (101) and in which a third heat exchanger (145) is arranged. In an embodiment, an internal heat exchanger (150) and an accumulator (170) may be further arranged in the first refrigerant line (101). The first heat exchanger (120) and the second heat exchanger (140) may be installed in the front seat air conditioning unit (AC1), and the third heat exchanger (145) may be installed in the rear seat air conditioning unit (AC2). Here, the front seat means the row including the driver's seat (e.g., row 1), and the rear seat means at least one row among the rows excluding the row including the driver's seat.

[0045] Additionally, the refrigerant line (100) may further include a first branch line (103), a second branch line (104), and a third branch line (105).

[0046] The first refrigerant line (101) can implement a circulation loop in which the refrigerant passes through the compressor (110), the first heat exchanger (120), the outdoor unit (130), the internal heat exchanger (150), the second heat exchanger (140), the fourth heat exchanger (160), and the accumulator (170) and then moves back to the compressor (110). At this time, the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger (140) can be configured to pass through the fourth heat exchanger (160) and then the internal heat exchanger (150) again and then move to the accumulator (170). In the first refrigerant line (101), a first valve (181) can be arranged on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger (120), and a second valve (182) can be arranged on the inlet side of the second heat exchanger (140).

[0047] The second refrigerant line (102) can be connected at one end to the first refrigerant line (101) at the inlet side of the second heat exchanger (140), and at the other end to the first refrigerant line (101) at the outlet side of the second heat exchanger (140).

[0048] The second refrigerant line (102) can implement a circulation loop in which the refrigerant moving along the first refrigerant line (101) branches off from the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the third heat exchanger (145), then flows back into the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the fourth heat exchanger (160) and the accumulator (170), and then moves back to the compressor (110). A third valve (183) and a fourth valve (184) can be arranged on the inlet side of the third heat exchanger (145) in the second refrigerant line (102), and a fifth valve (185) can be arranged on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger (145).

[0049] The compressor (110) receives power from a power source such as an engine or motor and operates to compress the introduced refrigerant and then discharge it into the first refrigerant line (101) in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state.

[0050] The first heat exchanger (120) is installed inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1) and can exchange heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) and the air flowing inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1). The air is heated in the first heat exchanger (120) and supplied to the vehicle interior to heat the front-side space. In an embodiment, the first heat exchanger (120) may include a condenser.

[0051] The first valve (181) can perform expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger (120). In an embodiment, the first valve (181) can be a full open type electronic 3-way expansion valve (EXV).

[0052] The outdoor unit (130) can exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the heat medium. In an embodiment, the outdoor unit (130) may include an air-cooled condenser, and the heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may include outside air. The refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the outside air may be condensed.

[0053] The internal heat exchanger (150) may be configured to heat-exchange the refrigerant introduced through the first heat exchanger (120) with the refrigerant introduced through the fourth heat exchanger (160). For example, the refrigerant introduced through the outdoor unit (130) or through the first heat exchanger (120) may be heat-exchanged with the refrigerant introduced through the fourth heat exchanger (160).

[0054] The internal heat exchanger (150) may be placed in the first refrigerant line (101) between the outdoor unit (130) and the second heat exchanger (140). That is, the internal heat exchanger (150) may be placed so that the section of the first refrigerant line (101) connecting the outdoor unit (130) to the second heat exchanger (140) and the section connecting the fourth heat exchanger (160) to the compressor (110) pass through it.

[0055] The second valve (182) can perform expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant moving to the second heat exchanger (140). In an embodiment, the second valve (182) can be an electronic 2-way expansion valve or a solenoid type superheat control 2-way expansion valve (TXV).

[0056] The second heat exchanger (140) is installed inside the front-seat air conditioner (AC1) and can exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the air flowing inside the front-seat air conditioner (AC1). The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is supplied to the vehicle interior to cool the front-seat space.

[0057] A temperature control door (DR1) that controls the amount of air bypassing the first heat exchanger (120) and the amount of air passing through the first heat exchanger (120) can be installed between the second heat exchanger (140) and the first heat exchanger (120) inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1).

[0058] Additionally, a PTC heater (HT1) may be installed inside the front-seat air conditioner (AC1). The PTC heater (HT1) is placed inside the front-seat air conditioner (AC1) together with the first heat exchanger (120) and is used as a means of heating air, and may be used as a means of supplementing the temperature required for vehicle air conditioning when the first heat exchanger (120) does not satisfy this.

[0059] The third valve (183) and the fourth valve (184) may be arranged on the inlet side of the third heat exchanger (145) in the second refrigerant line (102). Specifically, the third valve (183) may be arranged between the branch point of the second refrigerant line (102) with the first refrigerant line (101) and the fourth valve (184), and the fourth valve (184) may be arranged between the third valve (183) and the third heat exchanger (145).

[0060] The third valve (183) may perform the functions of controlling the flow rate and opening / closing the refrigerant moving to the third heat exchanger (145), and the fourth valve (184) may perform the functions of expanding, controlling the flow rate, and opening / closing the refrigerant moving to the third heat exchanger (145). In an embodiment, the third valve (183) may be a three-way valve without an expansion function, and the fourth valve (184) may be a fully open type electronic two-way expansion valve.

[0061] Depending on the air conditioning mode, the direction of the refrigerant flowing into the third valve (183) may vary. For example, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) may flow into the third valve (183) after passing through the outdoor unit (130) and the internal heat exchanger (150). Additionally, in the heating mode, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) may flow directly into the third valve (183).

[0062] The third heat exchanger (145) is installed inside the rear seat side air conditioner (AC2) and can exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the air flowing inside the rear seat side air conditioner (AC2).

[0063] The third heat exchanger (145) may be configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant depending on the air conditioning mode. For example, in the cooling mode, the third heat exchanger (145) evaporates the refrigerant, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is supplied into the vehicle to cool the rear space. Furthermore, in the heating mode, the third heat exchanger (145) condenses the refrigerant, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is supplied into the vehicle to heat the rear space.

[0064] A PTC heater (HT2) and a temperature control door (DR2) can be installed inside the rear seat air conditioner (AC2). When the heating mode is in operation, the air is heated through the third heat exchanger (145), so the amount of PTC heater (HT2) used can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0065] The fifth valve (185) is positioned on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger (145) and can perform refrigerant expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions. In an embodiment, the fifth valve (185) may be a fully open type electronic 2-way expansion valve.

[0066] The fourth heat exchanger (160) may be configured such that the cooling water line (200) passes through it and the refrigerant and the cooling water exchange heat. That is, the fourth heat exchanger (160) may be arranged such that the refrigerant line (100) and the cooling water line (200) pass through it. In an embodiment, the fourth heat exchanger (160) may include a chiller.

[0067] The accumulator (170) can be placed on the inlet side of the compressor (110) in the first refrigerant line (101). When the refrigerant that has passed through the fourth heat exchanger (160) flows into the accumulator (170), the refrigerant can be separated into gas and liquid and supplied as gaseous refrigerant to the compressor (110).

[0068] The first branch line (103) may be configured to branch off from the first refrigerant line (101) so that the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) bypasses the outdoor unit (130) and the internal heat exchanger (150) and moves to the third heat exchanger (145). One end of the first branch line (103) may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) between the first heat exchanger (120) and the first valve (181), and the other end may be connected to the third valve (183).

[0069] The second branch line (104) may be configured so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit (130) bypasses the second heat exchanger (140) and the third heat exchanger (145) and moves to the fourth heat exchanger (160). One end of the second branch line (104) may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) at the outlet side of the outdoor unit (130), and the other end may be connected to the fourth heat exchanger (160). In the fourth heat exchanger (160), the second branch line (104) may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101).

[0070] A sixth valve (186) may be arranged in the second branch line (104). The sixth valve (186) may be an electronic two-way expansion valve capable of performing refrigerant expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions. The refrigerant passing through the sixth valve (186) may be introduced into the fourth heat exchanger (160).

[0071] The third branch line (105) may be configured to branch off from the first refrigerant line (101) and allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) to bypass the outdoor unit (130) and move to the fourth heat exchanger (160). One end of the third branch line (105) may be connected to the first valve (181), and the other end may be connected to the first refrigerant line (101) at the outlet side of the outdoor unit (130).

[0072] Meanwhile, the coolant line (200) may be configured to circulate coolant through the battery (not shown) and electrical components (not shown). The coolant line (200) may be arranged to pass through the fourth heat exchanger (160). The coolant in the coolant line (200) may exchange heat with the coolant in the coolant line (100) in the fourth heat exchanger (160).

[0073] Below, the operation according to the air conditioning mode of the vehicle thermal management system (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0074] Figure 2 shows the operation in cooling mode.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the first heat exchanger (120) and the first valve (181), and then exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit (130). A portion of the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger (140) and the fourth heat exchanger (160) and then flows into the compressor (110), and the remainder of the refrigerant moves along the second refrigerant line (102), passes through the third heat exchanger (145), moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the fourth heat exchanger (160), and then flows into the compressor (110).

[0076] In detail, the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit (130) passes through the internal heat exchanger (150) and exchanges heat with the refrigerant moving to the compressor (110).

[0077] A portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the internal heat exchanger (150) moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the second valve (182), exchanges heat with the air of the front-side air conditioner (AC1) in the second heat exchanger (140), and then flows into the fourth heat exchanger (160), where it exchanges heat with the cooling water of the cooling water line (200) in the fourth heat exchanger (160). The refrigerant that has passed through the fourth heat exchanger (160) exchanges heat with the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (130) in the internal heat exchanger (150), and then moves to the compressor (110).

[0078] The remainder of the refrigerant moves along the second refrigerant line (102), passes through the third valve (183) and the fourth valve (184), and after exchanging heat with the air of the rear-side air conditioner (AC2) in the third heat exchanger (145), passes through the fifth valve (185) and moves to the first refrigerant line (101). The refrigerant passes through the fourth heat exchanger (160) and flows into the internal heat exchanger (150), and after exchanging heat with the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (130) in the internal heat exchanger (150), moves to the compressor (110).

[0079] In cooling mode, the first valve (181) operates to block the third branch line (105) and allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) to pass in a non-expanded state and then flow into the outdoor unit (130). The second valve (182) operates to expand the refrigerant and allow it to flow into the second heat exchanger (140). The third valve (183) operates to allow the refrigerant to pass in a non-expanded state and block the first branch line (103) to restrict the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) from moving along the first branch line (103) to the third heat exchanger (145). The fourth valve (184) operates to expand the refrigerant that has passed through the third valve (183) and allow it to flow into the third heat exchanger (145). The fifth valve (185) operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger (145) to pass in a non-expanded state and to flow into the fourth heat exchanger (160). The sixth valve (186) operates to block the second branch line (104) to limit the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (130) from moving to the fourth heat exchanger (160).

[0080] Figure 3 shows the operation in the first heating mode.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the first heat exchanger (120), and a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit (130), moves along the second branch line (104) to bypass the second heat exchanger (140) and the third heat exchanger (145), passes through the fourth heat exchanger (160), and then flows into the compressor (110), and the remainder of the refrigerant moves along the first branch line (103) to the second refrigerant line (102), passes through the third heat exchanger (145), moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the fourth heat exchanger (160), and then flows into the compressor (110).

[0082] In detail, a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the first valve (181), exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit (130), passes through the internal heat exchanger (150), and moves along the second branch line (104) bypassing the second heat exchanger (140) and the third heat exchanger (145). The refrigerant that has passed through the sixth valve (186) in the second branch line (104) exchanges heat with the cooling water of the cooling water line (200) in the fourth heat exchanger (160) and then exchanges heat with the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (130) in the internal heat exchanger (150) and then moves to the compressor (110).

[0083] The remainder of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) moves along the first branch line (103) to the third valve (183) and moves to the second refrigerant line (102) through the third valve (183). In the second refrigerant line (102), the refrigerant passes through the fourth valve (184), exchanges heat with the air of the rear seat air conditioner (AC2) in the third heat exchanger (145), and then expands while passing through the fifth valve (185).

[0084] The refrigerant that has moved from the second refrigerant line (102) to the first refrigerant line (101) exchanges heat (heat absorption) with the cooling water of the cooling water line (200) in the fourth heat exchanger (160) and then flows into the internal heat exchanger (150), and then exchanges heat with the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (130) in the internal heat exchanger (150) and then flows into the compressor (110).

[0085] In the first heating mode, the first valve (181) operates to block the third branch line (105) and expand the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) so that it flows into the outdoor unit (130). The second valve (182) operates to block the first refrigerant line (101) so that it restricts the refrigerant from flowing into the second heat exchanger (140). The third valve (183) operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) to pass in a non-expanded state and to block the connection between the second refrigerant line (102) and the first refrigerant line (101) so that the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (120) is restricted from moving to the second refrigerant line (102). The fourth valve (184) operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the third valve (183) to pass in a non-expanded state so that it flows into the third heat exchanger (145). The fifth valve (185) operates to expand the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger (145) and to allow it to flow into the fourth heat exchanger (160). The sixth valve (186) operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (120) to pass in a non-expanded state and to allow it to flow into the fourth heat exchanger (160).

[0086] In addition, in the first heating mode, the refrigerant flowing into the fourth heat exchanger (160) along the second branch line (104) and the refrigerant flowing into the fourth heat exchanger (160) after passing through the third heat exchanger (145) are configured to exchange heat with the cooling water of the cooling water line (200) in the fourth heat exchanger (160) and then flow into the compressor (110).

[0087] In this way, in the first heating mode, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) passes through the first heat exchanger (120) to heat the air inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1) and perform heating of the front-side space, and the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) passes through the third heat exchanger (145) to heat the air inside the rear-side air conditioner (AC2), thereby performing heating of the rear-side space. Therefore, the amount of PTC heater (HT2) installed in the rear-side air conditioner (AC2) can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption. That is, since the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant can be used as the heating heat source of the rear-side air conditioner (AC2), there is an advantage in that the power consumption of the PTC heater (HT2) of the rear-side air conditioner (AC2) and the capacity of the PTC heater (HT2) itself can be reduced. This can lead to a cost-saving effect.

[0088] In addition, by configuring the high-temperature refrigerant to flow to the rear-side air conditioner (AC2) in heating mode, the amount of refrigerant flowing within the entire system increases compared to the existing system (refrigerant does not accumulate in the refrigerant line within the rear-side air conditioner (AC2)), and the difference in the appropriate amount of refrigerant for cooling / heating decreases compared to the existing system, which has the advantage of enabling the capacity of the accumulator (170) to be reduced or deleted. This can lead to the effect of reducing material costs.

[0089] Figure 4 illustrates operation in the second heating mode. The second heating mode may correspond to a heating and anti-fertilization mode.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (110), moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the first heat exchanger (120), and a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) moves along the third branch line (105) to bypass the outdoor unit (130), moves along the second branch line (104), passes through the fourth heat exchanger (160), and then flows into the compressor (110), and the remainder of the refrigerant moves along the first branch line (103) to the second refrigerant line (102), passes through the third heat exchanger (145), moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the fourth heat exchanger (160), and then flows into the compressor (110).

[0091] In detail, a portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) moves along the first refrigerant line (101), passes through the first valve (181), and moves along the third branch line (105) to bypass the outdoor unit (120). Then, the refrigerant passes through the internal heat exchanger (150) and then moves along the second branch line (104) to bypass the second heat exchanger (140) and the third heat exchanger (145). The refrigerant that has passed through the sixth valve (186) in the second branch line (104) exchanges heat with the cooling water of the cooling water line (200) in the fourth heat exchanger (160) and then exchanges heat with the refrigerant that has flowed in along the third branch line (105) in the internal heat exchanger (150) and then moves to the compressor (110).

[0092] The remainder of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) moves along the first branch line (103) to the third valve (183) and moves to the second refrigerant line (102) through the third valve (183). In the second refrigerant line (102), the refrigerant passes through the fourth valve (184), exchanges heat with the air of the rear seat air conditioner (AC2) in the third heat exchanger (145), and then expands while passing through the fifth valve (185).

[0093] The refrigerant that has moved from the second refrigerant line (102) to the first refrigerant line (101) exchanges heat (absorbs heat) with the cooling water of the cooling water line (200) in the fourth heat exchanger (160) and then flows into the internal heat exchanger (150), and then flows into the compressor (110) after heat exchange with the refrigerant that has flowed in along the third branch line (105) in the internal heat exchanger (150).

[0094] In the second heating mode, the first valve (181) operates to block the first refrigerant line (101) toward the outdoor unit (120) and expand the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) so that it flows into the fourth heat exchanger (160) along the third branch line (105) and the second branch line (104). The second valve (182) operates to block the first refrigerant line (101) so as to restrict the refrigerant from flowing into the second heat exchanger (140). The third valve (183) operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (120) to pass in a non-expanded state and block the connection between the second refrigerant line (102) and the first refrigerant line (101) so as to restrict the refrigerant from moving from the first refrigerant line (101) to the second refrigerant line (102). The fourth valve (184) operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the third valve (183) to pass in a non-expanded state and to flow into the third heat exchanger (145). The fifth valve (185) operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger (145) to expand and flow into the fourth heat exchanger (160). The sixth valve (186) operates to allow the refrigerant that has moved along the third branch line (105) to pass in a non-expanded state and to flow into the fourth heat exchanger (160).

[0095] In this way, in the second heating mode, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (110) is restricted from moving to the outdoor unit (130), thereby preventing frost from forming on the outdoor unit (130) in a high humidity environment where the outside temperature is approximately -5°C to 5°C.

[0096] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a vehicle thermal management system (2) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to the drawing, a vehicle thermal management system (2) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a refrigerant line (300) through which refrigerant circulates and a coolant line (400) through which coolant circulates.

[0098] The refrigerant line (300) may include a first refrigerant line (301) in which a compressor (310), a first heat exchanger (320), an outdoor unit (330), and a second heat exchanger (340) are arranged, and a second refrigerant line (302) in which a third heat exchanger (345) is arranged. In an embodiment, a water-cooled heat exchanger (350), an internal heat exchanger (370), and an accumulator (360) may be further arranged in the first refrigerant line (301). The first heat exchanger (320) and the second heat exchanger (340) may be installed in the front seat air conditioning unit (AC1), and the third heat exchanger (345) may be installed in the rear seat air conditioning unit (AC2).

[0099] In addition, the refrigerant line (300) may include branch lines that allow the refrigerant to move by selectively bypassing the outdoor unit (330), the second heat exchanger (340), and the third heat exchanger (345) depending on the operating mode. The branch lines may include a 1-1 branch line (303), a 1-2 branch line (304), and a 1-3 branch line (305) branched from the first refrigerant line (301), and may include a 2-1 branch line (306), a 2-2 branch line (307), and a 2-3 branch line (308) branched from the second refrigerant line (302).

[0100] The first refrigerant line (301) can implement a circulation loop in which the refrigerant passes through the compressor (310), the first heat exchanger (320), the water-cooled heat exchanger (350), the outdoor unit (330), the internal heat exchanger (370), the second heat exchanger (340), and the accumulator (360) and then moves back to the compressor (310). In the first refrigerant line (301), a first valve (391) may be arranged on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger (320), a second valve (392) may be arranged on the inlet side of the outdoor unit (330), and a third valve (393) may be arranged on the inlet side of the second heat exchanger (340).

[0101] The second refrigerant line (302) may be connected at one end to the first refrigerant line (301) at the inlet side of the second heat exchanger (340), and at the other end to the first refrigerant line (301) at the outlet side of the second heat exchanger (340).

[0102] The second refrigerant line (302) can implement a circulation loop in which the refrigerant moving along the first refrigerant line (301) branches off from the first refrigerant line (301), passes through the third heat exchanger (345), then flows back into the first refrigerant line (301), passes through the accumulator (360), and then moves back to the compressor (310). A fourth valve (394) and a fifth valve (395) can be arranged on the inlet side of the third heat exchanger (345) in the second refrigerant line (302), and a sixth valve (396) can be arranged on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger (345).

[0103] The compressor (310) receives power from a power source such as an engine or motor and operates to compress the introduced refrigerant and then discharge it into the first refrigerant line (301) in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state.

[0104] The first heat exchanger (320) is installed inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1) and can exchange heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (310) and the air flowing inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1). The air is heated in the first heat exchanger (320) and supplied to the vehicle interior to heat the vehicle interior. In an embodiment, the first heat exchanger (320) may include a condenser.

[0105] The first valve (391) can perform expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger (320) and moving to the outdoor unit (330). In an embodiment, the first valve (391) may be a fully open type electronic 3-way expansion valve (EXV). Of course, the first valve (391) may also be a 3-way valve without an expansion function.

[0106] A water-cooled heat exchanger (350) may be arranged between a first valve (391) and a second valve (392), and may be connected to a cooling water line (400) through which cooling water flows, so that the refrigerant and the cooling water exchange heat. In an embodiment, a receiver dryer (351) may be provided on the outlet side of the water-cooled heat exchanger (350).

[0107] The second valve (392) can perform expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant passing through the water-cooled heat exchanger (350) and moving to the outdoor unit (330). In an embodiment, the second valve (392) may be a fully open type electronic 3-way expansion valve. Of course, the second valve (392) may also be a 3-way valve without an expansion function.

[0108] The outdoor unit (330) can exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the heat medium. In an embodiment, the outdoor unit (330) may include an air-cooled condenser, and the heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant may include outside air. The refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the outside air may be condensed.

[0109] The third valve (393) can perform expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant moving to the second heat exchanger (340). In an embodiment, the third valve (393) can be a solenoid-type superheat-controlled 2-way expansion valve (TXV).

[0110] The second heat exchanger (340) is installed inside the front-seat air conditioner (AC1) and can exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the air flowing inside the front-seat air conditioner (AC1). The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is supplied to the vehicle interior to cool the front-seat space. The second heat exchanger (340) may include an evaporator.

[0111] A temperature control door (DR1) that controls the amount of air bypassing the first heat exchanger (320) and the amount of air passing through the first heat exchanger (320) can be installed between the second heat exchanger (340) and the first heat exchanger (320) inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1).

[0112] Additionally, a PTC heater (HT1) may be installed inside the front-seat air conditioner (AC1). The PTC heater (HT1) is placed inside the front-seat air conditioner (AC1) together with the first heat exchanger (320) and is used as a means of heating air, and may be used as a means of supplementing the temperature required for vehicle air conditioning when the first heat exchanger (320) does not satisfy this.

[0113] The fourth valve (394) and the fifth valve (395) may be arranged on the inlet side of the third heat exchanger (345) in the second refrigerant line (302). Specifically, the fourth valve (394) may be arranged between the branch point of the second refrigerant line (302) with the first refrigerant line (301) and the fifth valve (395), and the fifth valve (395) may be arranged between the fourth valve (394) and the third heat exchanger (345).

[0114] The fourth valve (394) may perform the functions of controlling the flow rate and opening / closing the refrigerant moving to the third heat exchanger (345), and the fifth valve (395) may perform the functions of expanding, controlling the flow rate, and opening / closing the refrigerant moving to the third heat exchanger (345). In an embodiment, the fourth valve (394) may be a three-way valve without an expansion function, and the fifth valve (395) may be a fully open type electronic three-way expansion valve.

[0115] Depending on the operating mode, the direction of the refrigerant flowing into the fourth valve (394) may vary. For example, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (320) may flow into the fourth valve (394) after passing through the water-cooled heat exchanger (350), the outdoor unit (330), and the internal heat exchanger (370). Additionally, in the heating mode, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (320) may flow directly into the fourth valve (394).

[0116] The third heat exchanger (345) is installed inside the rear seat side air conditioner (AC2) and can exchange heat between the introduced refrigerant and the air flowing inside the rear seat side air conditioner (AC2).

[0117] The third heat exchanger (345) may be configured to condense or evaporate the refrigerant depending on the operating mode. For example, in the cooling mode, the third heat exchanger (345) evaporates the refrigerant, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is supplied into the vehicle interior to cool the rear space. Furthermore, in the heating mode, the third heat exchanger (345) condenses the refrigerant, and the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant is supplied into the vehicle interior to heat the rear space.

[0118] A PTC heater (HT2) and a temperature control door (DR2) can be installed inside the rear seat air conditioner (AC2).

[0119] The sixth valve (396) is positioned on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger (345) and can perform refrigerant expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions. In an embodiment, the sixth valve (396) may be a fully open type electronic 3-way expansion valve.

[0120] An accumulator (360) may be placed on the inlet side of the compressor (310) in the first refrigerant line (301). When refrigerant flows in along the first refrigerant line (301), the accumulator (360) may separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid, and supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor (310).

[0121] In an embodiment, an internal heat exchanger (370) may be further arranged in the first refrigerant line (301). The internal heat exchanger (370) may be configured to heat-exchange the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (330) and the refrigerant that has passed through at least one of the first and third heat exchangers (340, 345).

[0122] The internal heat exchanger (370) may be arranged so that one side of the first refrigerant line (301) is disposed downstream of the outdoor unit (330) and the other side is disposed downstream of the second heat exchanger (340). That is, the internal heat exchanger (370) may be arranged so that the section of the first refrigerant line (301) from the outdoor unit (330) to the second heat exchanger (340) and the section from the second heat exchanger (340) to the compressor (310) pass through it. At this time, the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit (330) and the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger (340) may exchange heat while moving in opposite directions in the internal heat exchanger (370).

[0123] The first-first branch line (303) is configured so that the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger (320) bypasses the outdoor unit (330) and the second heat exchanger (340) and moves to the compressor (310). One end of the branch line may be connected to the second valve (392) and the other end may be connected to the first refrigerant line (301) at the inlet side of the compressor (310).

[0124] The first-second branch line (304) is configured so that the refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit (330) moves by bypassing the second heat exchanger (340), and one end may be connected to the first refrigerant line (301) at the inlet side of the second heat exchanger (340) and the other end may be connected to the first refrigerant line (301) at the outlet side of the second heat exchanger (340).

[0125] A seventh valve (397) and a chiller (380) may be arranged in the first-second branch line (304). The seventh valve (397) may be an electronic two-way expansion valve capable of performing refrigerant expansion, flow control, and opening / closing functions. The chiller (380) may be configured to heat-exchange the refrigerant passing through the seventh valve (397) with a heat medium. Here, the heat medium may include cooling water circulating along the cooling water line (400) and passing through the battery (410). That is, the chiller (380) may cool or heat up the battery (410) through heat exchange with the cooling water.

[0126] The 1-3 branch line (305) is configured so that the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger (320) bypasses the outdoor unit (330) and moves to the second heat exchanger (340). One end of the branch line may be connected to the first valve (391) and the other end may be connected to the first refrigerant line (301) between the second heat exchanger (340) and the third valve (393).

[0127] An eighth valve (398) may be arranged in the 1st-3rd branch line (305). The eighth valve (398) may be a two-way valve without an expansion function that performs flow control and opening / closing functions of the refrigerant.

[0128] The 2-1 branch line (306) is configured to branch off from the 2nd refrigerant line (302) and connect to the 1st refrigerant line (301). One end of the branch line is connected to the 4th valve (394), and the other end can be connected to the 1st refrigerant line (301) at the outlet side of the 1st heat exchanger (320).

[0129] The second-second branch line (307) is configured to allow the refrigerant to bypass the third heat exchanger (345), and one end may be connected to the fifth valve (395) and the other end may be connected to the second refrigerant line (302) between the third heat exchanger (345) and the sixth valve (396).

[0130] The 2nd-3rd branch line (308) may be branched from the 2nd refrigerant line (302) and connected to the 1st-3rd branch line (305). Specifically, the 2nd-3rd branch line (308) may have one end connected to the 6th valve (396) and the other end connected to the 1st-3rd branch line (305) between the 1st valve (391) and the 8th valve (398).

[0131] Meanwhile, the coolant line (400) may include a first coolant line (400A) through which coolant passing through the battery (410) is circulated, and a second coolant line (400B) through which coolant passing through the electrical components (460) is circulated.

[0132] The first cooling water line (400A) may be arranged to pass through the chiller (380) and the water-cooled heat exchanger (350). The first cooling water line (400A) may include a battery (410), a first pump (420) for circulating cooling water, a water heater (430) for heating the cooling water, a first radiator (440) for cooling the cooling water heated by the battery (410), and a first reservoir tank (450).

[0133] The second cooling water line (400B) may be arranged to pass through the water-cooled heat exchanger (350). The second cooling water line (400B) may include an electrical component (460), a second pump (470) for circulating cooling water, a second radiator (480) for cooling cooling water heated by the electrical component (460), and a second reservoir tank (490).

[0134] The cooling water of the first cooling water line (400A) and the cooling water of the second cooling water line (400B) can exchange heat with the refrigerant while passing through the water-cooled heat exchanger (350). In addition, the cooling water of the first cooling water line (400A) can additionally exchange heat with the refrigerant while passing through the chiller (380).

[0135] Below, the operation according to the operating mode of the vehicle thermal management system (2) according to the embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0136] Figure 6 shows the operation in heating mode.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (320) along the first refrigerant line (301) is controlled to move through the third heat exchanger (345) along the second refrigerant line (302).

[0138] The refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (310), moves along the first refrigerant line (301), passes through the first heat exchanger (320), exchanges heat with the air flowing inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1), moves along the 2-1 branch line (306), passes through the 4th valve (394), and flows into the 2nd refrigerant line (302). The refrigerant passes through the 5th valve (395) in a non-expanded state along the 2nd refrigerant line (302), flows into the 3rd heat exchanger (345), exchanges heat with the air flowing inside the rear-side air conditioner (AC2) while passing through the 3rd heat exchanger (345), expands in the 6th valve (396), and then moves along the 2-3 branch line (308) to the 1-3 branch line (305).

[0139] The refrigerant moves through the first valve (391) to the first refrigerant line (301), passes through the water-cooled heat exchanger (350), exchanges heat (absorbs heat) with the cooling water of the cooling water line (400), and then moves through the second valve (392) along the 1-1 branch line (303) and is introduced into the compressor (310).

[0140] In heating mode, the first valve (391) blocks the first refrigerant line (301) to limit the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (320) from moving along the first refrigerant line (301), and the second valve (392) blocks the first refrigerant line (301) to limit the refrigerant that has passed through the water-cooled heat exchanger (350) from moving to the outdoor unit (330).

[0141] The fourth valve (394) can block the connection between the first refrigerant line (301) and the second refrigerant line (302) to limit the refrigerant from moving from the second-first branch line (306) along the first refrigerant line (301) to the second heat exchanger (340), the fifth valve (395) can block the second-second branch line (307) to limit the refrigerant from moving while bypassing the third heat exchanger (345), and the sixth valve (396) can block the connection between the second refrigerant line (302) and the first refrigerant line (301) to limit the refrigerant from moving from the second refrigerant line (302) along the first refrigerant line (301) to the compressor (310).

[0142] In this way, in the heating mode, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (310) passes through the first heat exchanger (320) to heat the air inside the front-side air conditioner (AC1) and perform heating of the front-side space, and the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (320) passes through the third heat exchanger (345) to heat the air inside the rear-side air conditioner (AC2), thereby performing heating of the rear-side space. Therefore, the amount of PTC heater (HT2) installed in the rear-side air conditioner (AC2) can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption. That is, since the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant can be used as the heating heat source of the rear-side air conditioner (AC2), there is an advantage in that the power consumption of the PTC heater (HT2) on the rear side can be reduced and the capacity of the PTC heater (HT2) itself can be reduced. This can lead to a cost-saving effect.

[0143] In addition, by configuring the high-temperature refrigerant to flow to the rear-side air conditioner (AC2) in heating mode, the amount of refrigerant flowing within the entire system increases compared to the existing system (refrigerant does not accumulate in the refrigerant line within the rear-side air conditioner (AC2)), and the difference in the appropriate amount of refrigerant for cooling / heating decreases compared to the existing system, which has the advantage of enabling the capacity of the accumulator (360) to be reduced or deleted. This can lead to the effect of reducing material costs.

[0144] Figure 7 shows the operation in the first cooling mode.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 7, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (310) and moves along the first refrigerant line (301), passes through the first heat exchanger (320) and the first valve (391), and then passes through the second valve (392) to exchange heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit (330), and then passes through the internal heat exchanger (370) to exchange heat with the refrigerant moving to the compressor (310).

[0146] A portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the internal heat exchanger (370) is expanded through the third valve (393) along the first refrigerant line (301), heat-exchanged with the air of the front-side air conditioner (AC1) in the second heat exchanger (340), and then flows into the compressor (310). The remainder of the refrigerant is expanded through the fifth valve (395) along the second refrigerant line (302), flows into the third heat exchanger (345), heat-exchanged with the air of the rear-side air conditioner (AC2), and then flows through the sixth valve (396) along the first refrigerant line (301) and flows into the compressor (310).

[0147] In the first cooling mode, the fourth valve (394) can block the 2-1 branch line (306) to limit the refrigerant from moving along the 2-1 branch line (306), the fifth valve (395) can block the 2-2 branch line (307) to limit the refrigerant from moving while bypassing the third heat exchanger (345), and the sixth valve (396) can block the 2-3 branch line (308) to limit the refrigerant from moving along the 2-3 branch line (308).

[0148] Figure 8 shows the operation in the second cooling mode.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 8, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor (310) and moves along the first refrigerant line (301), passes through the first heat exchanger (320) and the first valve (391), and then passes through the second valve (392) to exchange heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit (330), and then passes through the internal heat exchanger (370) to exchange heat with the refrigerant moving to the compressor (310).

[0150] A portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the internal heat exchanger (370) is expanded in the third valve (393) along the first refrigerant line (301), exchanges heat with the air of the front-side air conditioner (AC1) in the second heat exchanger (340), and then flows into the compressor (310). The remainder of the refrigerant is expanded in the fifth valve (395) through the fourth valve (394) along the second refrigerant line (302), and then flows along the second-second branch line (307) bypassing the third heat exchanger (345), and then flows along the first refrigerant line (301) through the sixth valve (396) and flows into the compressor (310).

[0151] In the second cooling mode, the fourth valve (394) can block the second-first branch line (306) to limit the refrigerant from moving along the second-first branch line (306), the fifth valve (395) can block the second refrigerant line (302) to limit the refrigerant from moving to the third heat exchanger (345), and the sixth valve (396) can block the second-third branch line (308) to limit the refrigerant from moving along the second-third branch line (308).

[0152] In this way, by configuring the refrigerant to bypass the third heat exchanger (345) so that only the front space is cooled and the rear space is not cooled, the entire system can be stabilized. That is, even if cooling is not performed, the refrigerant is configured to flow to the rear air conditioner (AC2), so that the amount of refrigerant flowing within the entire system increases compared to the existing system (the phenomenon of refrigerant accumulating in the refrigerant line inside the rear air conditioner (AC2) does not occur), and the difference in the appropriate amount of refrigerant for cooling / heating is reduced compared to the existing system, so that the capacity of the accumulator (360) can be reduced or deleted, which has the advantage of being possible.

[0153] While the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims below. Furthermore, any differences resulting from such modifications and variations should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Includes a refrigerant line through which refrigerant circulates and a coolant line through which coolant circulates. The above refrigerant line includes a first refrigerant line in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an outdoor unit, a second heat exchanger, and a fourth heat exchanger are arranged, and a second refrigerant line connected to the first refrigerant line and in which a third heat exchanger is arranged. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are configured to heat the front and rear space, respectively, in heating mode, and the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are configured to cool the front and rear space, respectively, in cooling mode.

2. In paragraph 1, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that it further comprises a first branch line branched from the first refrigerant line and configured to allow refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to move to the third heat exchanger, a second branch line branched from the first refrigerant line and configured to allow refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit to move to the fourth heat exchanger by bypassing the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, and a third branch line branched from the first refrigerant line and configured to allow refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to move to the fourth heat exchanger by bypassing the outdoor unit.

3. In paragraph 2, In cooling mode, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor and moves along the first refrigerant line and exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit. A portion of the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger and the fourth heat exchanger and then flows into the compressor, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the remainder of the refrigerant moves along the second refrigerant line, passes through the third heat exchanger, moves along the first refrigerant line, passes through the fourth heat exchanger, and then flows into the compressor.

4. In paragraph 2, In the first heating mode, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, moves along the first refrigerant line, and passes through the first heat exchanger. A portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor unit, moves along the second branch line, bypasses the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger, and passes through the fourth heat exchanger before being introduced into the compressor. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the remainder of the refrigerant moves along the first branch line to the second refrigerant line, passes through the third heat exchanger, moves along the first refrigerant line, passes through the fourth heat exchanger, and then flows into the compressor.

5. In paragraph 4, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the refrigerant flowing into the fourth heat exchanger along the second branch line and the refrigerant flowing into the fourth heat exchanger after passing through the third heat exchanger are configured to exchange heat with the cooling water of the cooling water line in the fourth heat exchanger and then flow into the compressor.

6. In paragraph 2, In the second heating mode, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, moves along the first refrigerant line, and passes through the first heat exchanger. A portion of the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger moves along the third branch line, bypassing the outdoor unit, moves along the second branch line, passes through the fourth heat exchanger, and then flows into the compressor. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the remainder of the refrigerant moves along the first branch line to the second refrigerant line, passes through the third heat exchanger, moves along the first refrigerant line, passes through the fourth heat exchanger, and then flows into the compressor.

7. In paragraph 2, The first refrigerant line includes a first valve arranged on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger and a second valve arranged on the inlet side of the second heat exchanger, The second refrigerant line includes a third valve disposed on the inlet side of the third heat exchanger, a fourth valve disposed between the third valve and the third heat exchanger, and a fifth valve disposed on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the second branch line includes a sixth valve.

8. In paragraph 7, The first branch line has one end connected to the first refrigerant line between the first heat exchanger and the first valve, and the other end connected to the third valve. The second branch line is connected at one end to the first refrigerant line at the outlet side of the outdoor unit, and the other end is connected to the fourth heat exchanger. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the third branch line is connected at one end to the first valve and at the other end to the first refrigerant line at the outlet side of the outdoor unit.

9. In paragraph 7, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that, in cooling mode, the first valve operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to pass in a non-expanded state and then flow into the outdoor unit, the second valve operates to expand the refrigerant and flow into the second heat exchanger, the third valve operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit to pass in a non-expanded state, the fourth valve operates to expand the refrigerant that has passed through the third valve and flow into the third heat exchanger, and the fifth valve operates to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger to pass in a non-expanded state and flow into the fourth heat exchanger.

10. In paragraph 9, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the third valve blocks the first branch line to restrict the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger from moving to the third heat exchanger along the first branch line, and the sixth valve blocks the second branch line to restrict the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit from moving to the fourth heat exchanger.

11. In paragraph 7, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that in heating mode, the first valve operates to expand the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger and to introduce it into the outdoor unit, the sixth valve operates to pass the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit in a non-expanded state and to introduce it into the fourth heat exchanger, the third valve operates to pass the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger in a non-expanded state, the fourth valve operates to pass the refrigerant that has passed through the third valve in a non-expanded state and to introduce it into the third heat exchanger, and the fifth valve operates to expand the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger and to introduce it into the fourth heat exchanger.

12. In paragraph 11, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the second valve blocks the first refrigerant line to limit the refrigerant from flowing into the second heat exchanger, and the third valve blocks the connection between the second refrigerant line and the first refrigerant line to limit the refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit from moving to the second refrigerant line.

13. In paragraph 7, In cooling mode, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger flows into the third valve after passing through the outdoor unit. A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger in heating mode is configured to flow directly into the third valve.

14. A vehicle thermal management system comprising a first refrigerant line in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an outdoor unit, and a second heat exchanger are arranged, and a second refrigerant line connected in parallel to the first refrigerant line and in which a third heat exchanger is arranged, wherein the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger along the first refrigerant line in the heating mode moves through the third heat exchanger along the second refrigerant line.

15. In paragraph 14, A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that it further comprises a 1-1 branch line branched from the first refrigerant line and configured to allow the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger to move while bypassing the outdoor unit and the second heat exchanger, a 1-2 branch line branched from the outdoor unit to move while bypassing the second heat exchanger, a 1-3 branch line branched from the second refrigerant line to move while bypassing the outdoor unit and the second heat exchanger, a 2-1 branch line branched from the second refrigerant line and connected to the first refrigerant line, a 2-2 branch line branched from the second refrigerant line and connected to the 1-3 branch line, and a 2-3 branch line branched from the second refrigerant line and connected to the 1-3 branch line.

16. In paragraph 15, The first refrigerant line includes a first valve disposed on the outlet side of the first heat exchanger, a second valve disposed on the inlet side of the outdoor unit, and a third valve disposed on the inlet side of the second heat exchanger. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the second refrigerant line includes a fourth valve arranged on the inlet side of the third heat exchanger, a fifth valve arranged between the fourth valve and the third heat exchanger, and a sixth valve arranged on the outlet side of the third heat exchanger.

17. In paragraph 16, The above 1-1 branch line has one end connected to the second valve and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line at the inlet side of the compressor. The above 1-2 branch line has one end connected to the first refrigerant line at the inlet side of the second heat exchanger and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line at the outlet side of the second heat exchanger. The above 1-3 branch line has one end connected to the first valve and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line between the second heat exchanger and the third valve. The above 2-1 branch line has one end connected to the 4th valve and the other end connected to the first refrigerant line at the outlet side of the first heat exchanger. The above 2-2 branch line has one end connected to the 5th valve and the other end connected to the second refrigerant line between the 3rd heat exchanger and the 6th valve. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that the above 2-3 branch line is connected at one end to the 6th valve and at the other end to the 1-3 branch line.

18. In paragraph 16, In heating mode, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the first heat exchanger along the first refrigerant line, then moves to the second refrigerant line through the fourth valve along the 2-1 branch line, passes through the fifth valve and the third heat exchanger along the second refrigerant line, expands at the 6th valve, then moves to the 1-3 branch line along the 2-3 branch line, moves to the first refrigerant line through the first valve, moves along the 1-1 branch line through the second valve, and flows into the compressor.

19. In paragraph 16, In the first cooling mode, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the first heat exchanger and the first valve along the first refrigerant line, exchanges heat with outside air in the outdoor unit through the second valve, some of it expands in the third valve, exchanges heat with air of the front-seat air conditioner in the second heat exchanger, and then flows into the compressor, and the remainder passes through the fourth valve, expands in the fifth valve, exchanges heat with air of the rear-seat air conditioner in the third heat exchanger, and then flows along the first refrigerant line through the sixth valve and flows into the compressor.

20. In paragraph 16, In the second cooling mode, A vehicle thermal management system characterized in that the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor, passes through the first heat exchanger and the first valve along the first refrigerant line, exchanges heat with outside air in the outdoor unit through the second valve, some of it expands in the third valve, exchanges heat with air of the front-side air conditioner in the second heat exchanger, and then flows into the compressor, and the remainder passes through the fourth valve, expands in the fifth valve, and then moves along the 2-2 branch line, bypassing the third heat exchanger, and then flows along the first refrigerant line through the sixth valve, and flows into the compressor.

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