Control device for a fluid circuit of a vehicle and method for operating such a control device and vehicle

Abstract

Control device (1) for a fluid circuit of a vehicle (50), comprising a valve housing (2) with several connection openings (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) and a first cylinder (4.1) rotatably mounted in the valve housing (2), a second cylinder (4.2) rotatably mounted in the valve housing (2), and a drive element (5) arranged axially between the two cylinders (4.1, 4.2) with two end faces (5.1, 5.2), wherein each cylinder (4.1, 4.2) has at least one flow opening (6.1, 6.2) for at least indirect fluid connection of at least two connection openings (3.1, 3.2) in a respective positioning position, wherein the first cylinder (4.1) is configured to be rotated by an actuator (40) about a rotational axis (8) in order to adjust at least the positioning position of the first cylinder (4.1) in the valve housing (2), wherein the second cylinder (4.2) is configured to via the drive element (5) and the first cylinder (4.1) to be rotated by the actuator (40) about the axis of rotation (8) in order to adjust the position of the second cylinder (4.2) in the valve housing (2), characterized in that the drive element (5) is designed as an annular disk, wherein a projection (9.1, 9.2) is formed on each of the two end faces (5.1, 5.2) of the drive element (5), wherein the respective projection (9.1, 9.2) extends axially into a partially circumferential recess (10.1, 10.2) on the respective cylinder (4.1, 4.2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for a fluid circuit of a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a control device and a vehicle with such a control device.

[0002] Thermostats are known for controlling the fluid circuit of a vehicle, in particular the cooling and heating circuit of a vehicle's drive engine. Furthermore, pulsed valves are known that switch the coolant flows in the heating circuit according to predefined requirements.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2014 014 964 A1 discloses a multi-way valve for controlling fluid circuits. The multi-way valve is a control device with a valve housing having several connection ports and containing a valve body rotatably mounted in the valve housing about a rotary axis by means of a rotary actuator. Furthermore, the multi-way valve has a flow port penetrating it, wherein at least one sealing arrangement is provided between this port and the valve body for sealing. The valve body is designed as a rotary piston arranged in a cylindrical interior of the valve housing. The rotary piston contains at least one flow port.

[0004] Furthermore, WO 2021 / 122 056 A1 discloses a valve system comprising a first valve and a second valve, each valve having a housing with a plurality of housing openings, each for flow-conducting connection with an external flow channel for a fluid, and a valve body rotatably arranged in the housing about an axis of rotation, with at least one connecting channel for flow-conducting connection of at least two of the housing openings. A seal is arranged between the housing and the valve body, with sealing openings corresponding to the housing openings in the housing for sealing the flow-conducting connections against a free environment.The valve body of the first valve and the valve body of the second valve can be mechanically coupled to each other by means of a coupling device of the valve system, wherein the coupling device is designed such that the valve bodies can be rotated together by means of the coupling device in a first operating state of the valve system and can be rotated independently of each other by means of the coupling device in a second operating state of the valve system.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2012 022 238 A1 discloses a thermostatic valve for an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing having several coolant connections and comprising at least one first hollow valve element having a spherical or spherical segment-shaped outer surface and rotatably mounted in the housing. The at least one first valve element has several openings bounded by the outer surface, which can be selectively connected to one or more of the coolant connections of the housing by rotating the at least one first valve element. Furthermore, at least one second valve element is provided, which is rotatably mounted in the housing relative to the at least one first valve element, wherein the at least one second valve element can selectively close or open one or more of the coolant connections of the housing by rotating it.Furthermore, a rotary drive is provided with which the at least one first valve element and / or the at least one second valve element can be rotatably driven.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative control device for a fluid circuit. In particular, the control device should be cost-effective to manufacture and designed to be compact and lightweight. Furthermore, the control device should be able to switch a plurality of fluid-carrying lines, especially different temperature zones of a coolant system. Additionally, an improved method for operating a control device and a vehicle equipped with a control device are to be provided.

[0007] These problems are solved by a control device having the features of claim 1, by a method having the features of claim 8, and by a vehicle having the features of claim 9. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims of the following description and in the accompanying figures.

[0008] A control device according to the invention for a fluid circuit of a vehicle comprises a valve housing with several connection openings, a first cylinder rotatably mounted in the valve housing, a second cylinder rotatably mounted in the valve housing, and a drive element with two end faces arranged axially between the two cylinders, wherein each cylinder has at least one flow opening for at least indirect fluid connection of at least two connection openings in a respective positioning position, wherein the first cylinder is configured to be rotated by an actuator about an axis of rotation in order to adjust at least the positioning position of the first cylinder in the valve housing, wherein the second cylinder is configured to be rotated by the actuator about the axis of rotation via the drive element and the first cylinder in order to adjust the positioning position of the second cylinder in the valve housing.

[0009] In other words, the two cylinders are arranged coaxially within a cylindrical interior of the valve housing, with the valve housing thus serving as a common housing for both cylinders. A rotary motion is introduced into the control device via the actuator, which is located outside the valve housing and effectively connected to the first cylinder, in order to position the respective cylinder within the valve housing. Specifically, the rotary motion of the actuator is transmitted, at least indirectly via other components, first to the first cylinder, then from the first cylinder to the drive element, and finally from the drive element to the second cylinder. Therefore, the two cylinders are connected to each other in at least one direction of rotation via the drive element. In particular, each cylinder is designed as a rotary valve.Each cylinder has an outer circumferential surface that corresponds to an inner circumferential surface of the valve housing, as well as two substantially planar end faces. In particular, at least one flow opening is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of each cylinder, extending at least partially as a channel through the cylinder and / or forming a recess with variable geometry. For example, the flow opening can extend axially from one end face of the cylinder to the other. Specifically, the flow opening has an axial and a radial extension. The terms axial and radial refer specifically to the common axis of rotation of the two cylinders.

[0010] Preferably, the drive element is designed as a drive disc. Alternatively, the drive element is designed as a freewheel element. The freewheel element transmits a rotary motion in a first direction of rotation between the two cylinders, while allowing a rotary motion in a second, opposite direction of rotation. This means that the two cylinders are decoupled in the second direction of rotation via the freewheel element, and therefore no rotary motion is transmitted. The arrangement and coupling of the two cylinders via the drive element in at least one direction of rotation enables the positioning of each cylinder within the valve housing, i.e., the fluid-carrying connection or separation of port openings via the respective cylinder using exactly one actuator. This saves not only costs but also installation space and weight.

[0011] The actuator is preferably designed as an electric machine and comprises a housing-mounted stator and a rotatable rotor, wherein the rotor or the rotor shaft is effectively connected to the first cylinder. For example, further shafts and / or gears can be arranged between the first cylinder and the rotor shaft.

[0012] In particular, at least one of the connection openings is configured as a fluid inlet, i.e., for introducing a fluid into the control device. The fluid is preferably a liquid, especially coolant or heating fluid. Furthermore, at least one of the connection openings is configured as a fluid outlet, i.e., for discharging the fluid from the control device. For example, the connection opening configured as a fluid inlet is fluidically connected to a pump. For example, the connection opening configured as a fluid outlet is fluidically connected to a cooling circuit of a drive motor. A fluidic connection is understood to be a connection between two conduit elements designed for fluid conveyance, which enables the circulation of a fluid, especially a liquid. Coolant is used in vehicles, in particular, for cooling, i.e., for heat dissipation.In particular, the control unit and the pump, as well as a heat exchanger, are part of the vehicle's fluid circuit. For example, the fluid circuit is designed to regulate the temperature of a drive motor and / or other drive components of the vehicle. Temperature regulation refers to setting an optimal operating temperature for the respective component to increase vehicle efficiency. For example, the drive motor can be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to regulate the temperature of an energy storage device, such as an electric battery connected to the electric motor.

[0013] In a flow-through position of the cylinder, at least one inlet port is fluidically connected to at least one outlet port, so that at least one fluid flows through the control device. For example, the fluid can flow either only through the first cylinder, only through the second cylinder, or through both cylinders. Alternatively, two fluids can be guided separately through the control device, one flowing through the first cylinder and the other through the second. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that two fluids are mixed within the control device. For this purpose, at least one cylinder is configured as a mixing valve, thus connecting at least two fluid inlets to one fluid outlet.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive element bears against the first cylinder with its first end face, while the drive element bears against the second cylinder with its second end face. Preferably, the two cylinders are axially separated from each other by the drive element. Thus, the two cylinders do not come into contact with each other, so that at least an air gap is formed between the two cylinders to allow independent rotation. Advantageously, this prevents wear due to rubbing end faces and allows for easy rotation of each cylinder.

[0015] According to the invention, the drive element is designed as an annular disk, with a projection formed on each of its two end faces. Each projection extends axially into a partially circumferential recess on the respective cylinder. Thus, the drive element has an outer circumference and an inner circumference. A projection is understood to be a local thickening of the annular disk. In particular, the two projections are formed opposite each other on the respective end faces of the annular disk. In other words, a first projection is formed on the first end face of the annular disk in a first axial direction, and a second projection is formed on the second end face of the annular disk in a second axial direction, which is arranged opposite to the first axial direction. Each projection has a stop in both circumferential directions.The first projection penetrates axially into a partially circumferential recess in an end face of the first cylinder, while the second projection penetrates axially into a partially circumferential recess in an end face of the second cylinder. The respective recess in the end face of each cylinder is annular and extends over a maximum of 95% of the end face in the circumferential direction. For example, the respective recess extends over 270° in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the respective recess can extend over a smaller or larger area of ​​the end face of each cylinder in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the respective projection extends over 90° in the circumferential direction on the respective end face of the drive element. Alternatively, the respective projection can extend over a smaller or larger area of ​​the respective end face of the drive element in the circumferential direction.Each recess forms a stop for the lifting mechanism in both circumferential directions. This creates a particularly compact and lightweight drive system in a simple and cost-effective manner, enabling relative positioning of the two cylinders over 360°. In other words, the first cylinder can assume a rotational position independent of the set rotational position of the second cylinder, with each cylinder being adjustable to any position over 360°.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a drive section is formed on the first cylinder, projecting axially from the valve housing. This drive section is configured to be effectively connected to the actuator motor. For example, the drive section is cylindrical and integrally connected to the first cylinder. A toothed section is preferably arranged on a circumferential surface of the drive section, the toothed section being part of a belt drive or a pinion drive. For example, a traction element or another gear engages with the toothed section to transmit the rotary motion of the actuator motor to the first cylinder. The drive section projecting axially from the valve housing enables a compact and cost-effective connection of the actuator motor.Alternatively, the drive section on the first cylinder can also protrude radially from the valve housing and be effectively connected to the actuator motor.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first cylinder is fluid-conductingly connected to the second cylinder. For example, an axial channel section on the first cylinder is fluid-conductingly connected to an axial channel section on the second cylinder. In particular, the fluid-conducting connection between the two cylinders extends axially through the drive element.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two connection openings are formed on a circumferential side of the valve housing in a first common plane extending transversely to the axis of rotation, wherein at least one connection opening is formed on a circumferential section of the valve housing in a second plane arranged parallel to the axis of the first plane. Preferably, the first cylinder is arranged in the first common plane, and the second cylinder is arranged in the second common plane. In particular, at least one connection opening on the circumferential side of the valve housing is fluidically connected to the respective flow opening in the respective cylinder by rotating the respective cylinder about the axis of rotation, so that in the flow position then set, the fluid can circulate between the connection opening in the valve housing and the flow opening in the cylinder.In contrast, to set a position designed as a locking position, the respective cylinder is rotated in such a way that at least one wall section on the respective cylinder seals at least one connection opening on the valve housing and thus blocks fluid circulation.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one connection opening is formed coaxially or parallel to the axis of rotation on an end face of the valve housing. Preferably, exactly one connection opening is formed coaxially or parallel to the axis of rotation and opposite to the drive section of the first cylinder on the end face of the valve housing, wherein the connection opening is configured in the flow position of the second cylinder for fluidic connection with the flow opening in the second cylinder.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one sealing element is arranged between the valve housing and the second cylinder. This sealing element, in addition to providing a fluidic seal, is designed to prevent the second cylinder from rotating within the valve housing. Thus, the sealing element bears against both the valve housing and the second cylinder. Preferably, the sealing element is annular in shape. By preventing the second cylinder from rotating, unwanted rotation is prevented. Preferably, the sealing element is fixed in position on the second cylinder. For example, the sealing element is arranged around a flow opening on the second cylinder. Alternatively, the sealing element is fixed in position on the valve housing.For example, the sealing element is arranged coaxially to a connection opening in a recess provided for this purpose on the valve housing. Furthermore, the control device can have additional sealing elements, wherein the sealing elements are designed for the fluidic sealing of the fluid lines and connections.

[0021] According to a method according to the invention for operating a control device according to the invention, the positioning position on the second cylinder is first set by introducing a first rotary movement into the control device, wherein the positioning position on the first cylinder is then set by introducing a second rotary movement into the control device, which is opposite to the first rotary movement.

[0022] A vehicle according to the invention comprises a fluid circuit, an actuator, and a control device according to the invention, wherein the control device is connected to the actuator in a drive-effective manner. In particular, the control device is part of the fluid circuit, wherein the fluid circuit is preferably configured for temperature control of a high-voltage battery and / or a drive motor of the vehicle.

[0023] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 a highly simplified schematic representation of a vehicle with a control device according to the invention for a fluid circuit, Fig. 2 a highly simplified schematic sectional view of the control device according to the invention Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a highly simplified schematic perspective view of a control device according to the invention in an alternative embodiment, Fig. 4 a highly simplified schematic exploded view of the control device according to the invention Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a highly simplified schematic perspective view of a drive element of the control device according to the invention. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, Fig. 6 a section of a highly simplified schematic perspective view of the first cylinder of the control device according to the invention. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, Fig. 7a-7c each represent a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a positioning position of a respective cylinder of a control device according to the invention, and Fig. 8a-8c are each a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a positioning position of a respective cylinder of a control device according to the invention.

[0024] According to Fig. 1 A vehicle 50 according to the invention comprises a fluid circuit 51 with a control device 1 and an actuator 40, which is connected to the control device 1 in a drive-effective manner. In this case, the actuator 40 is designed as an electric machine and transmits a rotary motion to a drive section 11 of the control device 1 via a rotor shaft 41.

[0025] In the valve housing 2, a first cylinder 4.1 and a second cylinder 4.2 are rotatably mounted. A drive element 5 is arranged axially between the two cylinders 4.1 and 4.2. The first cylinder 4.1 is rotated by the actuator 40 about an axis of rotation 8 to set a position of the first cylinder 4.1 in the valve housing 2. The second cylinder 4.2 is rotated by the actuator 40 about the axis of rotation 8 via the drive element 5 and the first cylinder 4.1 to set a position of the second cylinder 4.2 in the valve housing 2. The drive section 11 is integrally connected to the first cylinder 4.1 and projects axially from the valve housing 2. Specifically, the position of the second cylinder 4.2 is first set by initiating a first rotational movement on the first cylinder 4.1 and the drive element 5, followed by the position of the first cylinder 4.1.1. The flow position is set by initiating a second rotary movement, opposite to the first, on the first cylinder 4.1. Depending on the respective position of the respective cylinder 4.1, 4.2, at least one connection opening in the valve housing 2, designed as a fluid inlet, is connected to at least one connection opening in the valve housing 2, designed as a fluid outlet, thus setting a flow position. Furthermore, connection openings can also be blocked by a wall section of the respective cylinder 4.1, 4.2 fluidically sealing the respective connection openings in a blocked position.

[0026] The fluid circuit 51 extends through a drive motor 52 of the vehicle 50 to regulate its temperature, in particular cooling it, according to a control unit 53. A pump device 54 for circulating a fluid through the fluid circuit 51 and a heat exchanger 55 for adjusting the fluid temperature are also part of the fluid circuit 51. In this case, the vehicle 50 is a passenger car and the fluid is a liquid. The control unit 53 is connected to the pump device 54 on one side and to the actuator 40 on the other via signal-transmitting lines. The vehicle 50 includes, for example, a vehicle control unit 56, which is configured to control various components installed in the vehicle 50. The vehicle control unit 56 is connected to the control unit 53 via a signal-transmitting line.In particular, the vehicle control unit 56 and the control unit 53 include LIN interfaces (Local Interconnect Network) for signal transmission. For example, the vehicle control unit 56 generates a signal for operating the control unit 53, in particular for controlling the actuator 40 and the pump device 54, wherein this signal is transmitted to the control unit 53, and wherein the control unit 53 accordingly controls at least the actuator 40 and the pump device 54.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows the control device 1 according to the invention with the valve housing 2, which has three connection openings 3.1, 3.2, 3.3. The control device 1 is shown in section, showing the first cylinder 4.1 rotatably mounted in the valve housing 2, the second cylinder 4.2 rotatably mounted in the valve housing 2, and the drive element 5 arranged axially between the two cylinders 4.1, 4.2. Fig. Figure 3 is used in particular to visualize and explain the arrangement and function of the two cylinders 4.1, 4.2 rotatably mounted in the valve housing 2 and the drive element 5 arranged between them.

[0028] The first cylinder 4.1 has a first flow opening 6.1 for fluid connection with the connection openings 3.1, 3.2 in the valve housing 2 and for indirect fluid connection via the second cylinder 4.2 with the connection opening 3.3 in the valve housing 2. The second cylinder 4.2 has a second flow opening 6.2 for fluid connection with the connection opening 3.3 in the valve housing 2 and for indirect fluid connection via the first cylinder 4.1 with the connection openings 3.1, 3.2 in the valve housing 2. In this configuration, the two cylinders 4.1, 4.2 are fluidically connected to each other via a respective axial section of their respective flow openings 6.1, 6.2. A sealing element 12 is arranged between the valve housing 2 and the second cylinder 4.2, the sealing element 12 being designed, in addition to its fluidic sealing function, to prevent rotational movement of the second cylinder 4.2 in the valve housing 2. The sealing element 12 is coaxial with the connection opening 3.3 is arranged in the valve housing 2 and comes into contact with the second cylinder 4.2. Furthermore, the control device 1 has additional sealing elements, which are not shown here for the sake of simplicity, since the additional sealing elements only provide a fluidic seal for fluid-carrying connections.

[0029] The drive element 5 comes into contact with the first cylinder 4.1 at its first end face 5.1. Furthermore, the drive element 5 comes into contact with the second cylinder 4.2 at its second end face 5.2. The two cylinders 4.1 and 4.2 are axially separated from each other by the drive element 5 and do not come into contact with each other. The drive element 5 is in Fig. Figure 5 is enlarged and shown in perspective. The drive section 11, which projects axially from the valve housing 2, is formed on the first cylinder 4.1, wherein the drive section 11 is configured to actuate the actuator 40 according to Fig. 1. The drive section 11 has circumferential teeth. When a rotary motion is transmitted to the first cylinder 4.1 via the drive section 11, the latter rotates about the axis of rotation 8. The drive element 5 is designed as an annular disk, with a projection 9.1, 9.2 formed on each of its two end faces 5.1, 5.2. The respective projection 9.1, 9.2 extends axially into a partially circumferential recess 10.1, 10.2 on the respective cylinder 4.1, 4.2. The projection 9.1 on the first end face 5.1 of the drive element 5 interacts with a circumferential stop in the recess 10.1 or with the two circumferential ends of the recess 10.1 on the first cylinder 4.1 in such a way that the rotary motion of the first cylinder 4.1 is transmitted to the drive element 5. The elevation 9.2 on the second front surface 5.The drive element 5 interacts with a circumferential stop in the recess 10.2, or with the two circumferential ends of the recess 10.2 on the second cylinder 4.2, such that the rotational movement of the drive element 5 is transmitted to the second cylinder 4.2. First, the position of the second cylinder 4.2 is set by rotating it indirectly about the axis of rotation 8 via the first cylinder 4.1 and the drive element 5. Then, the direction of rotation is reversed to set the position of the first cylinder 4.1 in the valve housing 2. The two projections 9.1, 9.2 are arranged radially opposite each other on the drive element 5 and, together with the recesses 10.1, 10.2 in the respective cylinders 4.1, 4.2, allow for 360° free rotation or decoupling between the two cylinders. In other words, the first cylinder 4.1 can, after the positioning position of the second cylinder 4.Once set to 2, it can be rotated into any desired position by changing the direction of rotation.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative control device 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. The control device 1 has a valve housing 2 with several connection openings 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7. In this case, four connection openings 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 are arranged uniformly distributed in a first common plane on a circumferential section of the valve housing 2, the first plane extending transversely to the axis of rotation 8 of the two cylinders rotatably arranged in the valve housing 2. Two further connection openings 3.5, 3.6 are arranged in a second common plane, which is arranged parallel to the axis of rotation 8, on a circumferential section of the valve housing 2. Furthermore, another connection opening 3.7 is formed coaxially to the axis of rotation 8 on an end face of the valve housing 2 opposite the drive section 11, which projects axially from the valve housing 2. The drive section 11 has circumferential teeth.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows the control device 1 according to Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view, with the two cylinders 4.1 and 4.2 and the drive element 5 shown in perspective outside the valve housing 2. A cover 15 of the valve housing 2 is not shown in an exploded view and thus remains attached to the end face of the valve housing 2. The control device 1, excluding sealing elements, consists of exactly five components: the two cylinders 4.1 and 4.2, the drive element 5, and the valve housing 2 with cover 15. This simplified design saves, in particular, costs and assembly time.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 shows the drive element 5. Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 enlarged in a perspective view. From Fig. Figure 5 clearly shows the geometry of the drive element 5, in particular its design as an annular disk with an inner and an outer circumference. Furthermore, the projection 9.1 on the first end face 5.1 of the drive element 5 and the projection 9.2 on the second end face 5.2 of the drive element 5, as well as their opposing arrangement on the drive element 5, are also shown. The first end face 5.1 of the drive element 5 is rotated 180° about the axis of rotation 8, but is otherwise identical in design to the second end face 5.2 of the drive element 5. The respective projection can, for example, extend over an angle of 90° on the respective end faces 5.1 and 5.2 of the drive element 5.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 shows an end face of the first cylinder 4.1 facing the drive element 5. This end face of the first cylinder 4.1 essentially corresponds to the end face of the second cylinder 4.2 facing the drive element 5. In other words, the end face of the first cylinder 4.1 facing the drive element 5 is identically shaped to the end face of the second cylinder 4.2 facing the drive element 5. A partially circumferential recess 10.1 on the first cylinder 4.1 can extend over 75% to 90% of the end face in the circumferential direction. The recess 10.1 forms two stop surfaces 13.1 and 13.2 for the projection 9.1 on the first end face 5.1 of the drive element 5. The interaction between the projection 9.1 on the first end face 5.1 of the drive element 5 and the stop surfaces 13.1, 13.2 in the recess 10.1 on the first cylinder 4.1 enables a transmission of a rotary movement, whereby free guidance of the projection 9.The space between the two stop surfaces 13.1, 13.2 in the recess 10.1 serves as a decoupling element between the drive element 5 and the first cylinder 4.1, preventing the transmission of any rotational movement. Furthermore, an annular centering section 14 is formed on the end face of the first cylinder 4.1 facing the drive element 5. This section simplifies the assembly of the drive element 5 and guides the fluid axially through the drive element 5.

[0034] The Fig. 7a and Fig. Figure 7b shows a first cylinder 4.1 according to the invention in different positions, wherein four connection openings 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 are arranged evenly distributed on the circumferential surface of the valve housing 2 in a common plane. A connection opening 3.5 is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation of the cylinder 4.1 on an end face of the valve housing 2. Fig. 7a The flow opening 6.1 in the cylinder 4.1 is designed as a Y-shaped channel, wherein a radial connection opening 3.1 in the valve housing 2 is fluidically connected to an axial connection opening 3.5 in the valve housing 2. Thus, the cylinder 4.1 is in a flow position for the connection openings 3.1 and 3.5, wherein the connection openings 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 are blocked for fluid flow by a respective wall section 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 of the cylinder 4.1. Therefore, the cylinder 4.1 is in a blocking position for the connection openings 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4. Fig. 7b The cylinder 4.1 is rotated such that two radial connection openings 3.1, 3.2 in the valve housing 2 are fluidically connected to the axial connection opening 3.5 in the valve housing 2. Thus, the cylinder 4.1 is in a flow position for the connection openings 3.1, 3.2 and 3.5, while the connection openings 3.3 and 3.4 are blocked for fluid flow by a respective wall section 7.1, 7.2 of the cylinder 4.1. Therefore, the cylinder 4.1 is in a blocking position for the connection openings 3.3 and 3.4. Fig. 7c, the flow opening 6.1 in the alternatively configured cylinder 4.1 is designed for the fluidic coupling of exactly one of the four radial connection openings 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4. In this case, the radial connection opening 3.1 in the valve housing 2 is fluidically connected to an axial connection opening 3.5 in the valve housing 2. Thus, the cylinder 4.1 is in a flow position for connection openings 3.1 and 3.5, while connection openings 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 are blocked for fluid flow by a wall section 7.1 of the cylinder 4.1. Therefore, the cylinder 4.1 is in a blocking position for connection openings 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4.

[0035] The Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b and Fig. Figure 8c shows a first cylinder 4.1 according to the invention in different positions, wherein the flow opening 6.1 in the cylinder 4.1 is formed as a recess. The flow opening 6.1 extends over a circular angle of approximately 80° along the circumference of the cylinder 4.1. Furthermore, four connection openings 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 are arranged asymmetrically on the circumferential surface of the valve housing 2 in a common plane, wherein a connection opening 3.5 is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation of the cylinder 4.1 on an end face of the valve housing 2. Fig. 8a The radial connection opening 3.4 in the valve housing 2 is fluidically connected to the axial connection opening 3.5 in the valve housing 2. Thus, the cylinder 4.1 is in a flow position for the connection openings 3.4 and 3.5, whereby the connection openings 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 are blocked for fluid flow by a wall section 7.1 of the cylinder 4.1. Therefore, the cylinder 4.1 is in a blocking position for the connection openings 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. Fig. 8b The cylinder 4.1 is rotated such that the two radial connection openings 3.1 and 3.2 in the valve housing 2 are fluidically connected to the axial connection opening 3.5 in the valve housing 2. Thus, the cylinder 4.1 is in a flow position for the connection openings 3.1, 3.2, and 3.5, while the connection openings 3.3 and 3.4 are blocked for fluid flow by a wall section 7.1 of the cylinder 4.1. Therefore, the cylinder 4.1 is in a blocking position for the connection openings 3.3 and 3.4. Fig.In Figure 8c, the cylinder 4.1 is rotated such that the two radial connection openings 3.3 and 3.4 in the valve housing 2 are fluidically connected to the axial connection opening 3.5 in the valve housing 2, whereby the fluid from the two radial connection openings 3.3 and 3.4 is mixed. The angular position of the cylinder 4.1 shown here is advantageous for this purpose. Thus, the cylinder 4.1 is in a flow position for the connection openings 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5, with the connection openings 3.1 and 3.2 being blocked for fluid flow by a wall section 7.1 of the cylinder 4.1. Therefore, the cylinder 4.1 is in a blocking position for the connection openings 3.1 and 3.2. Reference symbol list 1 Control device 2 Valve housings 3.1 Connection opening 3.2 Connection opening 3.3 Connection opening 3.4 Connection opening 3.5 Connection opening 3.6 Connection opening 3.7 Connection opening 4.1 first cylinder 4.2 second cylinder 5 Drive element 5.1 First end face of the drive element 5.2 Second end face of the drive element 6.1 Flow opening of the first cylinder 6.2 Flow opening of the second cylinder 7.1 Wall section 7.2 Wall section 7.3 Wall section 8 Rotation axis 9.1 Survey 9.2 Survey 10.1 In-depth study 10.2 In-depth study 11 Drive section 12 Sealing element 13.1 Stop surface 13.2 Stop surface 14 Centering section 15 Valve housing cover 40 Actuator 50 vehicles 51 Fluid circuit 52 Drive machine 53 Control unit 54 Pump device 55 heat exchangers 56 Vehicle control unit

Claims

Control device (1) for a fluid circuit of a vehicle (50), comprising a valve housing (2) with several connection openings (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) and a first cylinder (4.1) rotatably mounted in the valve housing (2), a second cylinder (4.2) rotatably mounted in the valve housing (2), and a drive element (5) arranged axially between the two cylinders (4.1, 4.2) with two end faces (5.1, 5.2), wherein each cylinder (4.1, 4.2) has at least one flow opening (6.1, 6.2) for at least indirect fluid connection of at least two connection openings (3.1, 3.2) in a respective positioning position, wherein the first cylinder (4.1) is configured to be rotated by an actuator (40) about a rotational axis (8) in order to adjust at least the positioning position of the first cylinder (4.1) in the valve housing (2), wherein the second cylinder (4.2) is configured to via the drive element (5) and the first cylinder (4.1) to be rotated by the actuator (40) about the axis of rotation (8) in order to adjust the position of the second cylinder (4.2) in the valve housing (2), characterized in that the drive element (5) is designed as an annular disk, wherein a projection (9.1, 9.2) is formed on each of the two end faces (5.1, 5.2) of the drive element (5), wherein the respective projection (9.1, 9.2) extends axially into a partially circumferential recess (10.1, 10.2) on the respective cylinder (4.1, 4.2). Control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive element (5) comes into contact with the first end face (5.1) on the first cylinder (4.1), wherein the drive element (5) comes into contact with the second end face (5.2) on the second cylinder (4.2). Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive section (11) is formed on the first cylinder (4.1), which projects axially out of the valve housing (2), wherein the drive section (11) is configured to be effectively connected to the actuator motor (40). Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cylinder (4.1) is fluid-carrying connected to the second cylinder (4.2). Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two connection openings (3.1, 3.2) are formed in a first common plane extending transversely to the axis of rotation (8) on a circumferential section of the valve housing (2), wherein at least one connection opening (3.3) is formed in a second plane arranged parallel to the first plane on a circumferential section of the valve housing (2). Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connection opening (3.7) is formed coaxially or parallel to the axis of rotation (8) on an end face of the valve housing (2). Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sealing element (12) is arranged between the valve housing (2) and the second cylinder (4.2), wherein the at least one sealing element (12) is provided, in addition to a fluidic sealing function, to inhibit a rotational movement of the second cylinder (4.2) in the valve housing (2). Method for operating a control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning position on the second cylinder (4.2) is first set by introducing a first rotary movement into the control device (1), wherein the positioning position on the first cylinder (4.1) is then set by introducing a second rotary movement into the control device (1) opposite to the first rotary movement. Vehicle (50) with a fluid circuit, an actuator (40) and a control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 - 7, wherein the control device (1) is connected to the actuator (40) in a drive-effective manner.

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