KR20070051116A - Temperature control system and vehicle seat temperature control system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a temperature control system, wherein the temperature control system includes a heat pump device, a temperature regulating liquid circulation device, a pump, and a controller. The heat pump device has an inlet through which the temperature control liquid is introduced and an outlet through which the temperature control liquid is discharged, and a passage connecting the inlet and the outlet to the circulation of the temperature control liquid is formed therein, and The heat pump apparatus adjusts the temperature of the temperature regulating liquid by using the endothermic and exothermic action of the thermoelectric element. A temperature control liquid circulation device is connected to the inlet and the outlet, respectively, and forms a passage through which the temperature control liquid circulates, and includes a heat exchange part through which heat transfer by the temperature control liquid occurs. A pump pumps the thermostatic liquid such that the thermostatic liquid circulates through the heat pump apparatus and the thermostatic liquid circulator. The control unit supplies power to the heat pump device and the pump and controls the operation of the heat pump device and the pump. By controlling the temperature of the temperature control liquid using a thermoelectric element to circulate the temperature controlled liquid to adjust the temperature of the desired object, it is possible to effectively control the temperature through a simple structure.

Temperature Control, Peltier Elements, Sheets

Description

TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICLE SEAT TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM}

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle seat temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle seat temperature control system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a temperature control system and a vehicle seat temperature control system using the same, and more particularly, to a temperature control system for controlling temperature through circulation of a thermoelectric device and a liquid, and a vehicle seat temperature control system using the same.

Temperature control systems using thermoelectric modules using thermoelectric semiconductors, called Peltier devices, are known.

However, a conventional temperature control system using a thermoelectric module adopts a method of adjusting the temperature by directly contacting the thermoelectric module with an object to be cooled / heated or by circulating air to adjust the temperature. This conventional temperature control system has several problems.

Specifically, the temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the seat of the existing vehicle adopts the air circulation method, the air temperature controlled through the pipe air cooled through the thermoelectric method consisting of the heat exchanger and the thermoelectric semiconductor of the vehicle. Is adopted to flow the inside of the sheet. That is, in the conventional vehicle seat temperature control system, the cold air is made by a refrigeration method, a thermoelectric element, and a refrigeration and thermoelectric element mixing method, and the cold air is circulated to the air tube formed inside the seat by using a pump to obtain the temperature of the seat. Is an air-extruded system to control

This conventional vehicle seat temperature control system has several problems. First, the freezing method using a compressor (compressor) can obtain a certain degree of freezing effect, there are problems in the smell and hygiene coming from the air conditioner. Second, there is a problem that the cold air can leak through the connector. This is due to the phase change in the heat exchanger part by supplying the refrigerant gas, and then the refrigerant gas is converted into the liquid phase and then heat exchanged in the radiator part in the sheet, and the liquid and gas are mixed, and then the phase is converted into the liquid again. In this process, unexpected leakage may occur in a portion where the refrigerant gas exists as a liquid and a gas. Third, by injecting the refrigerant gas circulates the phase-changed cold air inside the seat of the vehicle through the air pipe by using a heat exchanger which is a component of the air conditioner can cause an environmental problem by using the refrigerant. Fourth, such a conventional temperature control system has a problem in that its structure is complicated and its energy efficiency is low. That is, such a prior art has to adjust the temperature of the seat portion in addition to the room temperature control function of the vehicle at the same time increases the energy consumption and efficiency, it is difficult to maintain and expensive due to the complex structure in case of system failure.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and solves the problems of the conventional air extrusion type temperature control system, the liquid circulation type temperature control system capable of effective temperature control with a simple structure and using the same Its purpose is to provide a vehicle seat temperature control system.

A temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a heat pump device, a temperature control liquid circulation device, a pump, and a control unit. The heat pump apparatus includes an inlet port through which the temperature control liquid flows in and an outlet port through which the temperature control liquid flows out, and a passage connecting the inlet port and the outlet port is formed therein to allow the temperature control liquid to circulate. In addition, the heat pump device adjusts the temperature of the temperature control liquid by using the endothermic and exothermic action of the thermoelectric element. A temperature control liquid circulation device is connected to the inlet and the outlet, respectively, and forms a passage through which the temperature control liquid circulates, and includes a heat exchange part through which heat transfer by the temperature control liquid occurs. A pump pumps the thermostatic liquid such that the thermostatic liquid circulates through the heat pump apparatus and the thermostatic liquid circulator. The control unit supplies power to the heat pump device and the pump and controls the operation of the heat pump device and the pump.

The heat pump device may comprise a thermoelectric module, a heat dissipation fin, and a cooling fan. The thermoelectric module regulates the temperature of the thermostatic liquid through the action of a thermoelectric element. Heat dissipation fins are disposed adjacent the thermoelectric module to dissipate heat generated in the thermoelectric module to the outside. A cooling fan cools the heat dissipation fins.

A vehicle seat temperature control system for cooling or heating a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a heat pump device, a temperature regulating liquid circulation device, a pump, and a controller. The heat pump apparatus includes an inlet port through which the temperature control liquid flows in and an outlet port through which the temperature control liquid flows out, and a passage connecting the inlet port and the outlet port is formed therein to allow the temperature control liquid to circulate. In addition, the heat pump device adjusts the temperature of the temperature control liquid by using the endothermic and exothermic action of the thermoelectric element. The temperature control liquid circulation device includes a passage through which the temperature control liquid circulates, respectively, connected to the inlet and the outlet, and a heat exchanger disposed inside the vehicle seat to allow heat transfer between the temperature control liquid and the vehicle seat. A pump pumps the thermostatic liquid such that the thermostatic liquid circulates through the heat pump apparatus and the thermostatic liquid circulator. The control unit supplies power to the heat pump device and the pump and controls the operation of the heat pump device and the pump.

A heat pump apparatus of a vehicle seat temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump apparatus, thermoelectric module for adjusting the temperature of the temperature control liquid through the action of a thermoelectric element; A heat dissipation fin disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric module to discharge heat generated from the thermoelectric module to the outside; And a cooling fan cooling the heat dissipation fins.

A heat pump apparatus of a vehicle seat temperature control system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric module for controlling the temperature of the temperature control liquid through the action of a thermoelectric element; Disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric module, the coolant supplied to the radiator of the vehicle and connected to the radiator by a coolant supply line to circulate the supplied coolant, and the heat generated from the thermoelectric module supplied from the radiator A heat sink to transfer the cooling water; And a coolant pump configured to pump the coolant of the radiator such that the coolant of the radiator circulates the radiator and the heat sink.

The temperature control system according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the temperature control liquid discharged through the outlet of the heat pump device and outputs a corresponding temperature signal. The operation of the heat pump device can be controlled based on the temperature signal of the temperature sensor.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a heat pump apparatus 10, a temperature regulating liquid circulating apparatus 20, a pump 30, and a controller 40.

The control unit 40 supplies power to the heat pump apparatus 10 and the pump 30 and controls the operation of the heat pump apparatus 10 and the pump 30.

In detail, the controller 40 may include a power source, a controller 41, and a control interface 42. The power source and the controller 41 supply power to the heat pump device 10 and the pump 30 and control its operation. The control interface 42 is a user interface that allows the user to select the desired operation of the temperature control system (ie, heating or cooling the object). The control interface 42 may include an operation switch for selecting whether to operate, an operation mode selection switch for selecting an operation mode (for example, a cooling mode or a heating mode), a temperature control switch for setting a desired predetermined temperature, and the like. have. The controller 40 may be disposed at a location that is easily accessible to the user. In addition, the power supply and the controller may be provided separately.

The power supply and controller 41 includes a microprocessor, memory, and associated hardware and software, and communicates with the sensor as described in the following, as would be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It is formed to perform temperature control of the regulating liquid.

The heat pump device 10 includes an inlet 11 through which the temperature control liquid flows in and an outlet 12 through which the temperature control liquid flows out, and includes an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 so that the temperature control liquid can circulate. A connecting passage (not shown) is formed inside the heat pump device 10.

The heat pump device 10 adjusts the temperature of the temperature control liquid by using the endothermic and exothermic action of the thermoelectric element 13.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat pump apparatus 10 comprises a thermoelectric module 14, a heat radiation fin 15, and a cooling fan 16.

The thermoelectric module 14 includes at least one thermoelectric element 13 and regulates the temperature of the thermostatic liquid by the action of the thermoelectric element 13. Although FIG. 1 shows that the thermoelectric element 13 is disposed on both sides of a block in which a passage through which the temperature control liquid is circulated, the protection scope of the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. The passage of the liquid and the arrangement of the thermoelectric elements can be variously changed. In addition, although three thermoelectric elements 13 are illustrated as being disposed on both sides of the block, the number of thermoelectric elements is not limited thereto.

The thermoelectric element 13 may be a Peltier element, and the thermoelectric element 13 operates as a heat pump according to the direction of the power of the controller 40 and the current supplied from the controller 41. That is, by controlling the direction of the current supplied to the thermoelectric element 13 by the power supply of the controller 40 and the controller 41, the thermoelectric element 13 heats or cools the temperature control liquid. Since the specific operating principle of the thermoelectric element 13 itself is obvious to those skilled in the art, more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The heat dissipation fins 15 are disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric module 14 to dissipate heat generated in the thermoelectric module 14 to the outside.

The cooling fan 16 cools the heat dissipation fins 15. For example, as the cooling fan 16 flows air around the heat dissipation fin 15, heat dissipation of the heat dissipation fin 15 is promoted.

Although the cooling fan 16 is illustrated as being disposed on one side of the heat pump device 10, the cooling fan 16 may be installed to be attached to the heat dissipation fin 15.

The thermostatic liquid circulator 20 circulates the thermostatic liquid cooled or heated by the heat pump apparatus 10 and causes heat transfer of the thermostatic liquid at a desired point.

To this end, the temperature controlled liquid circulation device 20 includes a circulation passage 21 which is respectively connected to the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 of the heat pump apparatus 10, through which the temperature passes through the circulation passage 21. Conditioning liquid circulates. For example, the circulation passage 21 may be implemented as a pipe of a material (for example, a synthetic resin material) in which soft delivery does not easily occur in order to prevent heat loss of the temperature control liquid passing through the inside thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, one end of the circulation passage 21 is connected to the inlet 11 of the heat pump apparatus 10 and the other end is connected to the outlet 12 of the heat pump apparatus 10.

In addition, the temperature control liquid circulation device 20 includes a heat exchanger 22 through which heat transfer by the temperature control liquid occurs. That is, the circulation passage 21 connects the heat exchange unit 22 and the heat pump apparatus 10, so that the temperature control liquid connects the heat pump apparatus 10, the circulation passage 21, and the heat exchange unit 22. It will cycle.

The heat regulation liquid circulates inside this heat exchange part 22, and heat exchange between the object to which temperature is to be controlled and the temperature control liquid in this heat exchange part 22 occurs. That is, when the temperature of the temperature control liquid is lower than the temperature of the portion to be temperature controlled, the temperature adjusting liquid absorbs heat to lower the temperature of the portion to be temperature controlled, and conversely, the temperature of the temperature controlled liquid When is higher than the temperature of the portion to be subjected to the temperature control, the heat of the temperature control liquid is transferred to the portion to be subjected to the temperature adjustment, thereby increasing the temperature of the portion to be subjected to the temperature regulation.

For this heat exchange, the heat exchanger 22 may be formed of a material having good heat transfer (for example, a metal material).

On the other hand, the pump 30 pumps the thermostatic liquid such that the thermostatic liquid circulates through the heat pump apparatus 10 and the thermostatic liquid circulator 20. The pump 30 may be any pump capable of pumping a temperature regulating liquid.

The pump 30 may be installed on the circulation passage 21 of the temperature control liquid circulation device 20. In FIG. 1, the pump 30 is disposed in a position for pumping the temperature control liquid flowing into the heat pump apparatus 10 after circulating the heat exchange unit 22, but the pump 30 is a heat pump apparatus ( It may be provided on the circulation passage 21 connecting the outlet 12 of the 10) and the heat exchange unit 22.

The temperature control liquid can be any liquid having good heat content and heat transfer properties, for example, water.

Temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor 50 for detecting the temperature of the temperature control liquid discharged through the outlet of the heat pump device and outputs a corresponding temperature signal, the control unit 40 ) May control the operation of the heat pump apparatus 10 based on the temperature signal of the temperature sensor 50.

For example, when it is desired to control the temperature of the thermostatic liquid to be a predetermined temperature, the power supply of the control unit 40 and the controller 41 is the temperature of the thermostatic liquid detected by the temperature signal of the temperature sensor 50 When the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature, the thermoelectric element 13 is operated and controlled so that the heat of the temperature regulating liquid is released. Control the operation.

2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle seat temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle seat temperature control system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle seat temperature control system for cooling or heating the vehicle seat according to the embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a temperature control system according to the embodiment of the present invention described above to control the temperature of the vehicle seat. The same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and description of the overlapping parts with the temperature control system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be omitted.

2 and 3, a vehicle seat temperature control system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a heat pump apparatus 10, a temperature regulating liquid circulating apparatus 20, a pump 30, and a controller 40. It includes.

The heat pump device 10 has an inlet 11 through which the temperature control liquid is introduced and an outlet 12 through which the temperature control liquid is discharged, and has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 so that the temperature control liquid can circulate. ) Is formed inside the heat pump apparatus 10. The heat pump device 10 adjusts the temperature of the temperature control liquid by using the endothermic and exothermic action of the thermoelectric element 13.

The temperature control liquid circulation device 20 is connected to the inlet 11 and the outlet 12, respectively, and forms a circulation passage 21 through which the temperature control liquid circulates, and is disposed inside the vehicle seat 60 to adjust the temperature. And a heat exchanger 22 for causing heat transfer between the liquid and the vehicle seat. At this time, a foam material may be disposed around the heat exchanger.

The pump 30 pumps the thermostatic liquid such that the thermostatic liquid circulates through the heat pump apparatus 10 and the thermostatic liquid circulator 20.

The control unit 40 supplies power to the heat pump apparatus 10 and the pump 30 and controls the operation of the heat pump apparatus 10 and the pump 30.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, by controlling the temperature control liquid temperature controlled by the heat pump device 10 passes through the heat exchange unit 22 disposed inside the vehicle seat 60, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the vehicle seat. . In particular, by using the liquid as the temperature control medium, it is possible to increase the heat transfer efficiency, and at the same time implement a vehicle seat temperature control system with a simple structure.

2, the heat pump device 10 of the vehicle seat temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, thermoelectric module 14 for controlling the temperature of the temperature control liquid through the action of the thermoelectric element (13). ), A heat dissipation fin 15 disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric module 14 to dissipate heat generated by the thermoelectric module 14 to the outside, and a cooling fan to cool the heat dissipation fin 15. 16).

3, the heat pump apparatus 10 of the vehicle seat temperature control system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a thermoelectric module 14 and a heat sink 17.

The thermoelectric module 14 regulates the temperature of the thermostatic liquid through the action of the thermoelectric element 13.

The heat sink 17 is disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric module 14, so that the coolant of the radiator 70 of the vehicle is supplied to the heat sink 17 and the supplied coolant can circulate inside the heat sink 17. 17 is connected to the radiator 70 by a coolant circulation line 71. Heat generated in the thermoelectric module 14 is transferred to the cooling water supplied from the radiator 70. Although not specifically illustrated in FIG. 3, a passage (not shown) through which cooling water flows is provided inside the heat sink 17 disposed at both sides of the thermoelectric module 14 to connect the heat sink 17 on both sides. A connecting tube (not shown) is provided. In addition, the coolant circulation line 71 connecting the heat sink 17 and the radiator 70 may be provided with a coolant pump 72 that pumps the coolant so that the coolant circulates the radiator 70 and the heat sink 17. As a result, the coolant of the radiator 70 of the vehicle circulates through the coolant circulation line 71, the heat sink 17, and the radiator 70, and in the process, the coolant absorbs and absorbs heat from the heat sink 17. Heat is released to the outside from the radiator 70.

The operation of the coolant pump 72 may be controlled by the controller 40 or may be controlled by another control unit of the vehicle.

By allowing the cooling water of the radiator 70 to flow inside the heat sink 17, heat generated in the thermoelectric module 14 is absorbed by the cooling water and discharged to the outside through the radiator 70. Therefore, the heat emitted directly from the heat sink 17 to the surroundings is greatly reduced, so that the temperature of the surroundings can be effectively prevented from rising by the heat generated by the heat pump device 10. In particular, when the heat pump apparatus 10 is disposed in a vehicle interior, the temperature of the vehicle interior can be prevented from rising by the heat emitted from the heat pump apparatus 10.

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and easily changed by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It includes all changes and / or modifications to the extent deemed acceptable.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the terminology, including its utilization, should not be construed as excluding elements other than those listed unless expressly stated to the contrary.

The temperature control system according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above uses a thermoelectric element to control the temperature of the temperature control medium, and in particular, since the liquid is used as the temperature control medium, effective temperature control is possible and its structure is very simple.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump device is provided with a heat dissipation fin and a cooling fan to control the temperature of the thermostatic liquid using a thermoelectric module and to dissipate the heat generated by the thermoelectric module. The temperature of the temperature control liquid can be controlled effectively.

Further, the temperature control system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the temperature control liquid whose temperature is adjusted by the heat pump device and based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. By controlling the operation, it is possible to accurately control the temperature of the thermostatic liquid.

In addition, the vehicle seat temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention by controlling the temperature of the vehicle seat while the temperature control liquid temperature controlled by the heat pump device directly passes through the interior of the vehicle seat, an effective vehicle through a simple structure Sheet temperature control is possible.

Furthermore, the vehicle seat temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a heat pump device using a thermoelectric module to control the temperature of the thermoregulating liquid and to release the heat generated by the thermal electrical module and cooling fins By providing a fan, it is possible to effectively control the temperature of the temperature control liquid through a simple structure.

On the other hand, the vehicle seat temperature control system according to another embodiment of the present invention is a heat pump device is provided with a heat sink that is provided for controlling the temperature of the temperature control liquid by using a thermoelectric module and for dissipating heat generated by the thermoelectric module. By allowing the cooling water of the radiator of the vehicle to flow, heat generated in the heat pump device can be discharged to the outside through the radiator. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature around the heat pump device (the engine room or the vehicle interior of the heat pump device) from rising by the heat generated in the heat pump device.

Claims (7)

And an inlet through which a temperature control liquid flows in and an outlet through which the temperature control liquid flows out, and a passage connecting the inlet and the outlet to allow the temperature control liquid to circulate is formed therein. A heat pump device for controlling the temperature of the temperature regulating liquid by using an exothermic action; A temperature controlled liquid circulating device connected to the inlet and the outlet, respectively, and forming a passage through which the temperature controlled liquid circulates, and including a heat exchange part through which heat transfer by the temperature controlled liquid occurs; A pump for pumping the thermostatic liquid such that the thermostatic liquid circulates through the heat pump apparatus and the thermostatic liquid circulator; And A control unit supplying power to the heat pump device and the pump and controlling the operation of the heat pump device and the pump; Temperature control system comprising a. In claim 1, The heat pump device, A thermoelectric module for controlling the temperature of the temperature regulating liquid through the action of a thermoelectric element; A heat dissipation fin disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric module to discharge heat generated from the thermoelectric module to the outside; And A cooling fan for cooling the heat dissipation fins; Temperature control system comprising a. The method of claim 1 or 2, Further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the temperature control liquid discharged through the outlet of the heat pump device and outputs a corresponding temperature signal, The control unit controls the operation of the heat pump device based on the temperature signal of the temperature sensor. A vehicle seat temperature control system for cooling or heating a vehicle seat, And an inlet through which a temperature control liquid flows in and an outlet through which the temperature control liquid flows out, and a passage connecting the inlet and the outlet to allow the temperature control liquid to circulate is formed therein. A heat pump device for controlling the temperature of the temperature regulating liquid by using an exothermic action; A temperature control liquid circulation device connected to the inlet and the discharge port, respectively, and forming a passage through which the temperature control liquid circulates, and including a heat exchanger disposed inside the vehicle seat to allow heat transfer between the temperature control liquid and the vehicle seat. ; A pump for pumping the thermostatic liquid such that the thermostatic liquid circulates through the heat pump apparatus and the thermostatic liquid circulator; And A control unit supplying power to the heat pump device and the pump and controlling the operation of the heat pump device and the pump; Vehicle seat temperature control system comprising a. In claim 4, The heat pump device, A thermoelectric module for controlling the temperature of the temperature regulating liquid through the action of a thermoelectric element; A heat dissipation fin disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric module to discharge heat generated from the thermoelectric module to the outside; And A cooling fan for cooling the heat dissipation fins; Vehicle seat temperature control system comprising a. In claim 4, The heat pump device, A thermoelectric module for controlling the temperature of the temperature regulating liquid through the action of a thermoelectric element; Disposed adjacent to the thermoelectric module, connected to the radiator by a coolant supply line to supply the coolant of the radiator of the vehicle and to circulate the supplied coolant, and supply the heat generated from the thermoelectric module from the radiator A heat sink to transfer the cooled water; And A cooling water pump for pumping cooling water of the radiator such that the cooling water of the radiator circulates the radiator and the heat sink; Vehicle seat temperature control system comprising a. In any one of claims 4 to 6, Further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the temperature control liquid discharged through the outlet of the heat pump device and outputs a corresponding temperature signal, And the control unit controls the operation of the heat pump device based on the temperature signal of the temperature sensor.

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