Temperature control device for a motor vehicle as well as motor vehicle

Abstract

Temperature control device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a first temperature control circuit (2) through which a temperature control fluid flows, a drive motor (4) arranged in the first temperature control circuit (2) and thereby temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit (2), by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, a second temperature control circuit (8) through which the temperature control fluid flows, and an electrical energy storage device (9) for storing electrical energy arranged in the second temperature control circuit (8) and thereby temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit (8), wherein: - the first temperature control circuit (2) has a first branch (Z1) in which the at least one drive machine (4) is arranged, - the first temperature control circuit (2) has a second branch (Z2) connected in parallel to the first branch (Z1), - in the second branch (Z2) a heat exchanger (6) is arranged through which the temperature control fluid flows through the second branch (Z2), and which is also arranged in a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows in addition to the temperature control circuits (2, 8), and through which heat can be exchanged between the temperature control fluid and the refrigerant, - a proportional valve (12) is arranged in the second branch (Z2), and - the temperature control device (1) has a valve device (13) arranged in the first temperature control circuit (2) and in the second temperature control circuit (8), in addition to the proportional valve (12) and external to the proportional valve (12), which is discreetly switchable at least between: o a first switching state (S1) in which a fluidic connection of the temperature control circuits (2, 8) via the valve device (13) is omitted, so that in the first switching state the temperature control fluid circulates via the valve device (13) and the branches (Z1, Z2) in the first temperature control circuit (2) and via the valve device (13) and the at least one energy storage device (9) in the second temperature control circuit (8), and a second switching state (S2) in which the temperature control circuits (2, 8) are fluidically connected to each other by means of the valve assembly (13) and are thereby connected in series with each other, whereby the branches (Z1, Z2) are connected in series with the at least one energy storage device (9) and the temperature control fluid flows through both the branches (Z1, Z2) and the at least one energy storage device (9); characterized in that the valve assembly (13) has a valve assembly housing (14) and a valve assembly element (15) which is discretely movable relative to the valve assembly housing (14) between a first position that effects the first switching state and a second position that effects the second switching state, and six connections (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), wherein: - a first sub-section (T1) of the first temperature control circuit (2), in whose first sub-section (T1) the branches (Z1, Z2) are arranged, is fluidically connected to a first of the ports (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) and fluidically to a second of the ports (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), whereby the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly (13) via the first port (A1) and introduced into the first sub-section (T1) and discharged from the first sub-section (T1) via the second port (A2) and introduced into the valve assembly (13), - a second sub-section (T2) of the first temperature control circuit (2), in the second sub-section (T2) of which an ambient air cooler (16) is arranged, via which the temperature control fluid flowing through the ambient air cooler (16) is to be cooled by means of ambient air flowing around the ambient air cooler (16), is fluidically connected to a third of the connections (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) and fluidically to a fourth of the connections (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), whereby the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly (13) via the third connection (A3) and introduced into the second sub-section (T2) and discharged from the second sub-section (T2) via the fourth connection (A4) and introduced into the valve assembly (13), and - a third sub-area (T3) of the second temperature control circuit (8), in whose third sub-area (T3) the at least one energy storage device (9) is arranged, is fluidically connected to a fifth of the ports (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) and fluidically to a sixth of the ports (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), whereby the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly (13) via the fifth port (A5) and introduced into the third sub-area (T3) and discharged from the third sub-area (T3) via the sixth port (A6) and introduced into the valve assembly (13).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a temperature control device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a car, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a car.

[0002] DE 10 2017 220 376 A1 discloses a known cooling system for a motor vehicle, including an electrical energy storage device for powering the vehicle. Furthermore, DE 10 2019 132 688 A1 discloses a thermal management system for a motor vehicle with an engine-chiller circuit in which a chiller, an electrical energy storage device, and an electric motor are arranged. In addition, US 2020 / 0 189 357 A1 discloses a known air conditioning system for a vehicle. DE 11 2013 000 833 T5 also discloses a vehicle thermal management system.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to create a temperature control device for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle, such that a particularly advantageous temperature control can be achieved.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by a temperature control device with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a temperature control device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle preferably designed as a passenger car. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, has the temperature control device in its fully manufactured state. In particular, the temperature control device can be used to achieve particularly advantageous temperature control, i.e., cooling and / or heating, of the interior of the motor vehicle, also referred to as the passenger compartment or passenger space, in which persons, such as the driver of the motor vehicle, may be located during a journey. The temperature control device has a first temperature control circuit, which is also simply referred to as the first circuit or first temperature control circuit.The first temperature control circuit is permeable to a temperature control fluid, which is preferably a liquid. For example, the temperature control fluid can consist at least, and in particular at least predominantly, of water. The temperature control device has at least one drive motor by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven. The drive motor is arranged in the first temperature control circuit and can thus be temperature-controlled, i.e., cooled and / or heated, by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit. For example, the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit can flow through at least a part of the drive motor, whereby the drive motor can be temperature-controlled, i.e., cooled and / or heated, in particular by a heat exchange between the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit and the drive motor.Preferably, the drive machine is an electric machine, which can be operated, for example, as a motor, and thus as an electric motor, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. Most preferably, the drive machine, in particular the electric machine, is a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular its operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, in particular greater than 60 volts, and most preferably several hundred volts. This allows for particularly high electrical power outputs for the, in particular, purely electric propulsion of the motor vehicle.

[0006] The temperature control device preferably includes a first pump arranged in the first temperature control circuit, by means of which the temperature control fluid can be pumped, for example, through the first temperature control circuit. The temperature control device also includes a second temperature control circuit through which the temperature control fluid can flow. The second temperature control circuit is also referred to as the second temperature control circuit or second circuit. The temperature control device also includes an electrical energy storage device by means of which electrical energy is stored. The electrical energy storage device is also simply referred to as the energy storage device and is arranged in the second temperature control circuit, whereby the electrical energy storage device can be temperature controlled, i.e., cooled and / or heated, by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit.For example, the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit can flow through at least part of the electrical energy storage device. This allows the electrical energy storage device to be temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit, in particular through heat exchange between the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit and the electrical energy storage device. The first temperature control circuit is also referred to as the first circuit. The second temperature control circuit is also referred to as the second circuit. Preferably, the electrical energy storage device is a high-voltage component whose electrical voltage, in particular its operating or nominal voltage, is preferably greater than 50 volts, more preferably greater than 60 volts, and most preferably several hundred volts.In particular, it is conceivable that the electric machine can be supplied with the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device, thereby enabling the electric machine to be operated in motor mode.

[0007] The temperature control system may include a second pump arranged in the second temperature control circuit, which may be provided in addition to the first pump. This means, in particular, that the second pump is a component provided in addition to the first pump and is external to it. Conversely, the first pump is a component provided in addition to the second pump and is external to it. Preferably, the first pump and / or the second pump is an electric pump, i.e., an electrically operated pump. The second pump can, for example, be used to pump the temperature control fluid through the second temperature control circuit.

[0008] To achieve particularly advantageous temperature control, especially of the vehicle interior and / or the electrical energy storage system and / or the drive motor, the first temperature control circuit has a first branch. The temperature control fluid flows through the first branch. The drive motor is located in the first branch, allowing it to be temperature-controlled by the temperature control fluid flowing through the first branch. The first temperature control circuit also has a second branch. The second branch is fluidically parallel to the first branch. This means that the first and second branches are fluidically parallel to each other, i.e., connected in parallel. The temperature control fluid flows through the second branch.Since the first branch and the second branch, and thus the branches, are connected in parallel from a fluid dynamics perspective, for example, a first part of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit flows through the first branch, while a second part of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit flows through the second branch. Thus, for example, a flow of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit, particularly upstream of the branches, splits into a first part and a second part, i.e., a first partial flow formed by the first part and a second partial flow formed by the second part, with the partial flows, for example, summing to form the total flow.After the partial flows have flowed through the branches, for example, the partial flows merge, especially downstream of the branches, to form the total flow.

[0009] A heat exchanger is arranged in the second branch, allowing the temperature control fluid flowing through the second branch, i.e., the second part or partial flow, to pass through it. In particular, the heat exchanger, which is also referred to as the first heat exchanger, is provided in addition to the drive motor and the energy storage device. When the heat exchanger is mentioned below, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the first heat exchanger arranged in the second branch. The heat exchanger is also arranged in a refrigerant circuit, which is provided in addition to the first and second temperature control circuits and is accessible to a refrigerant that is different from the temperature control fluid. Thus, the refrigerant also passes through the heat exchanger.For example, the refrigerant circuit, also simply called the refrigeration circuit or refrigerant circuit, and the refrigerant are components or elements of an air conditioning system, also known as an air conditioner, designed as an air conditioner, or capable of being operated or functioning as an air conditioner, by means of which, for example, the interior temperature can be regulated. In particular, the air conditioning system can regulate the temperature of the air supplied to the interior, that is, it can cool and / or heat it, thereby regulating the interior temperature. Heat can be exchanged between the temperature control fluid and the refrigerant via the heat exchanger. In particular, it is conceivable that the heat exchanger is a cooling device or can be operated as a cooling device. It is also conceivable that the heat exchanger is a condenser or can be operated as a condenser.By means of the cooling device, in particular by means of the condenser, the refrigerant can be cooled, in particular condensed, especially by means of the heat transfer from the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger to the temperature control fluid flowing through the heat exchanger. For example, the air conditioning device is a compression refrigeration machine or can be operated as a compression refrigeration machine. Alternatively or additionally, the air conditioning device can be a heat pump or can be operated as a heat pump. It can be provided that the refrigerant circuit is fluidically separated from the first temperature control circuit and / or fluidically from the second temperature control circuit.

[0010] For example, the air conditioning unit can be operated in heat pump mode and thus function as the aforementioned heat pump. In heat pump mode, the air supplied to the interior can be heated by the air conditioning unit, thereby heating the interior. Alternatively or additionally, the air conditioning unit can be operated in compression chiller mode and thus function as the aforementioned compression chiller. Using the compression chiller, that is, in compression chiller mode, the air supplied to the interior can be cooled by the air conditioning unit. This allows for particularly energy-efficient temperature control of the interior.

[0011] For example, a refrigerant compressor, also known simply as a compressor, is arranged in the refrigerant circuit, especially in addition to the pumps mentioned above, by means of which the refrigerant can be conveyed and compressed through the refrigerant circuit.

[0012] A proportional valve is arranged in the second branch, particularly upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger. The proportional valve allows for the adjustment, or modification, of the supply of the temperature control fluid to the heat exchanger, i.e., the flow rate, in particular a mass and / or volume flow rate, of the temperature control fluid through the heat exchanger. Specifically, when the proportional valve is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger in the second branch Z2, the heat exchanger can be supplied with the temperature control fluid via the proportional valve. In particular, the proportional valve allows for the adjustment, or modification, of the flow rate, in particular a mass and / or volume flow rate, of the temperature control fluid through the second branch and thus, in particular, through the heat exchanger.

[0013] The proportional valve can be switched between a first and a second valve state. In the second valve state, the proportional valve opens the second branch more fully or completely than in the first valve state, so that, for example, the proportional valve has a flow cross-section through which the temperature control fluid flows in the second branch that is larger in the second valve state than in the first valve state. In particular, the first valve state is a closed state in which the second branch is closed by the proportional valve, i.e., fluidically blocked, and thus the flow cross-section is zero. Therefore, for example, in the first valve state, especially in the closed state, the heat exchanger is not supplied with the temperature control fluid via the proportional valve.The second valve state is, for example, an open state in which the proportional valve releases the second branch, particularly to a greater extent than in the first valve state, so that in the second valve state, especially the open state, the heat exchanger can be supplied with the temperature control fluid via the proportional valve. The proportional valve can be switched between the valve states and, furthermore, can be brought into several intermediate states. In particular, the proportional valve has, for example, a proportional valve housing and a proportional valve element, which is movable relative to the proportional valve housing into a first switching position that effects the first valve state and into a second switching position that effects the second valve state. Furthermore, the proportional valve element canIn particular, the proportional valve element can be moved continuously, relative to the valve body, into several intermediate positions that produce the respective intermediate states, with each intermediate position lying between the switching positions. In each intermediate state, the proportional valve blocks the second branch more strongly than in the second valve state, and in each intermediate state, especially in each intermediate position, the proportional valve releases the second branch, releasing it more strongly or further than in the first valve state. In particular, the proportional valve element can, for example, be moved at least substantially continuously into the switching positions and into the intermediate positions.The proportional valve thus enables the adjustment of different volume and / or mass flow rates of the temperature control fluid flowing through the second branch and thus the heat exchanger, and in particular larger than zero, especially by allowing the proportional valve or proportional valve element to be switched or moved into the intermediate states or positions and the second valve state or second switching position, and in particular by allowing the proportional valve to be fluidically blocked, especially by allowing the proportional valve or proportional valve element to be switched or moved into the first valve state or first switching position.Thus, it is particularly conceivable that in each intermediate position or state, the flow cross-section is greater than zero and larger than in the first valve state or switching position, and smaller than in the second valve state or switching position. In particular, it is conceivable that by moving the proportional valve element into the switching positions and intermediate positions, the flow cross-section is at least substantially continuously and / or steadily variable, i.e., changeable, especially between a minimum value of zero, particularly in the first valve state, and a maximum value greater than both the minimum value and zero, particularly in the second valve state.The proportional valve is therefore a throttle valve, or can be operated as a throttle valve, because in the respective intermediate state, the heat exchanger can be supplied with the temperature control fluid flowing through the second branch via the proportional valve, but at a throttled rate compared to the second valve state. In other words, in the respective intermediate state, the heat exchanger can be supplied with the temperature control fluid via the proportional valve at a throttled rate compared to the second valve state, thus enabling a particularly demand-oriented supply of the temperature control fluid to the heat exchanger via the proportional valve (throttle valve). In particular, the proportional valve is, for example, designed as a 2 / 2 throttle valve.

[0014] The temperature control device also includes a valve assembly located in both the first and second temperature control circuits. This valve assembly is provided in addition to the proportional valve and is external to the proportional valve. In other words, the valve assembly is a component external to the proportional valve, and conversely, the proportional valve is a component external to the valve assembly. The valve assembly is discretely switchable between at least a first switching state and a second switching state. For this purpose, the valve assembly comprises a valve assembly housing and a valve assembly element, which is discretely movable relative to the valve assembly housing between a first position, which effects the first switching state, and a second position, which effects the second switching state, in particular translationally and / or rotationally.In the first switching state, the temperature control circuits are not fluidically connected via the valve assembly, that is, within the valve assembly or the valve assembly housing. Therefore, in the first switching state, the temperature control fluid circulates, particularly when it is pumped (especially by the first pump and the second pump), via the valve assembly and the branches in the first temperature control circuit and via the valve assembly and the energy storage device in the second temperature control circuit. This means that in the first switching state, the temperature control circuits are not fluidically connected to each other via the valve assembly. In other words, in the first switching state, the temperature control circuits are not fluidically connected to each other, at least within the valve assembly, and especially within the valve assembly housing.In other words, in the first switching state, a fluidic connection between the temperature control circuits within the valve assembly, i.e., within the valve assembly housing, is interrupted, so that the temperature control circuits within the valve assembly housing are not fluidically connected to each other. Thus, in the first switching state, the temperature control fluid circulates through the valve assembly and the branches in the first temperature control circuit, particularly when or while the temperature control fluid is being pumped through the first temperature control circuit, especially by means of the first pump. In the first switching state, the temperature control fluid circulates through the valve assembly and the energy storage device in the second temperature control circuit, particularly when or while the temperature control fluid is being pumped through the second temperature control circuit, especially by means of the second pump.Thus, in the first switching state, for example, the pumps run simultaneously, so that the temperature control fluid is pumped, especially simultaneously, by both pumps.

[0015] In the second switching state, the temperature control circuits are fluidically connected to each other by means of the valve device, i.e. within the valve device, in particular within the valve device housing, such that the branches are each connected in series to the energy storage device 9 and the temperature control fluid flows through both the branches and the energy storage device, in particular when, in the second switching state, the temperature control fluid is pumped by means of exactly one of the pumps or by means of both pumps.Thus, it is conceivable that in the second switching state, with respect to the pumps, exactly or exclusively one of the pumps is running, i.e., activated, while, for example, the other pump is deactivated, so that the temperature control fluid is conveyed exclusively by one pump, or in the second switching state, both pumps are running, especially simultaneously, so that the temperature control fluid is conveyed, especially simultaneously, by both pumps.

[0016] In other words, in the second switching state, the valve element releases the fluidic connection between the temperature control circuits within the valve assembly, i.e., within the valve assembly housing, so that the temperature control circuits within the valve assembly housing are fluidically connected. In the second switching state, for example, the temperature control fluid from the branches can be routed via the valve assembly to the second temperature control circuit leading to the energy storage device, and the temperature control fluid from the energy storage device can be routed to the first temperature control circuit leading to the branches. This means that in the second switching state, the branches are fluidically connected in series with the energy storage device, and the temperature control fluid flows through both the branches and the energy storage device, especially if the temperature control fluid is pumped by the first pump and / or the second pump.In particular, it is conceivable that in the second switching state, the pumps are connected in series, especially in the flow direction of the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control circuits. In other words, for example, in the second switching state, the pumps are arranged or connected in series with each other from a fluid dynamics perspective, so that the temperature control fluid, on its way through the temperature control circuits or at least through respective sections of the temperature control circuits, first flows through one of the pumps and then through the other pump.In particular, it is provided that in the second switching state of the valve device the temperature control circuits are coupled or connected to each other, especially fluidically, via or by means of the valve device, such that in the second switching state the pumps are connected in series with each other in terms of flow technology, so that the temperature control fluid, especially when it is conveyed by means of at least one of the pumps or by means of both pumps simultaneously, first flows through one pump and then or subsequently through the other pump.

[0017] The valve assembly and its switching states enable a particularly efficient and advantageous routing of the temperature control fluid, allowing, for example, heat contained in the temperature control fluid, which may have been transferred from the electrical energy storage device and / or the drive motor, to be used efficiently and advantageously, particularly to regulate the temperature of the vehicle's interior, especially during heat pump operation. During heat pump operation, the heat transferred to or onto the temperature control fluid, particularly via the refrigerant, can be used to heat the air supplied to the interior and thus the interior itself.A particularly significant advantage is that in the second switching state, where the branches are connected in series to the energy storage unit or the pumps are connected in series with each other, both pumps can circulate the temperature control fluid, specifically through the temperature control circuits or at least through the respective sections of these circuits. This allows, for example, each pump to be designed in a space-saving, lightweight, and cost-effective manner, especially compared to using only one pump instead of two. In the latter case, a single pump would have to be designed to circulate the temperature control fluid, particularly simultaneously, through both circuits. Thus, the costs, space requirements, and weight of the temperature control system can be kept to a minimum.Furthermore, a particularly advantageous and demand-oriented supply of the temperature control fluid to the heat exchanger, for example designed as a water-cooled condenser (WCC), can be realized, whereby in particular a particularly demand-oriented and advantageous throttling of the heat exchanger can be represented.

[0018] In particular, it is conceivable that the valve assembly is arranged upstream of the first pump in the first temperature control circuit and upstream of the second pump in the second temperature control circuit, in the direction of flow of the temperature control fluid through the temperature control circuits. Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to keep the number of actuators particularly low, so that the number of parts, the costs, the installation space required, and the weight of the temperature control system can be kept to a very low level.Furthermore, by using the valve assembly on the one hand and the proportional valve on the other, a functional separation can be achieved, whereby a switching function (also referred to as switching) can be separated from a throttling function (also referred to as throttling), in particular by using the valve assembly for the switching function and the proportional valve for the throttling function. The throttling function and the switching function are functions that can be implemented particularly advantageously and according to requirements through this functional separation. The throttling function means that in the respective intermediate state of the proportional valve, the temperature control fluid flows through the second branch and thus the first heat exchanger, or can flow through it, but at a reduced flow rate compared to the second valve state (open state).The switching function means that the valve assembly, in particular independently of the proportional valve, can be switched into the switching states. Furthermore, the proportional valve can be switched independently of the valve assembly into intermediate states and into the valve states, thus throttling the second branch or the temperature control fluid flowing through the second branch.

[0019] In the invention, the valve assembly, in particular the valve assembly housing, has exactly or at least six connections. A first section of the first temperature control circuit, also referred to as the first branch, is connected to a first of the connections and thus fluidically connected to the first connection. In other words, the first section of the first temperature control circuit is fluidically connected to the valve assembly, in particular to the valve assembly housing, via the first connection. Furthermore, the first section is connected to a second of the connections and thus fluidically connected to the second connection, so that, in particular, the first section is fluidically connected to the valve assembly or the valve assembly housing via the second connection. The branches are arranged in the first section.In other words, the first section comprises the branches, so that, for example, the first section and thus the branches can be supplied with the temperature control fluid via the first connection. In other words, the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly, in particular from the valve assembly housing, via the first connection, meaning it can be routed out and introduced into the first section, and thus supplied to the first section and thus to the branches. The temperature control fluid can be discharged from the first section via the second connection, meaning it can be routed out and introduced into the valve assembly, in particular into the valve assembly housing.

[0020] A second section of the first temperature control circuit, also referred to as the second branch, is connected to a third of the ports and thus fluidically connected to the third port. In other words, the second section is fluidically connected to the valve assembly, specifically the valve assembly housing, via the third port. Furthermore, the second section of the first temperature control circuit is connected to a fourth of the ports and thus fluidically connected to the fourth port, so that the second section of the first temperature control circuit is fluidically connected to the valve assembly, specifically the valve assembly housing, via the fourth port. An ambient air cooler is arranged within the second section. In other words, the second section includes the ambient air cooler.The ambient air cooler is provided in addition to the drive motor, the energy storage unit, and the heat exchanger. Particularly when the vehicle is moving forward, the ambient air cooler is exposed to ambient air, specifically the airflow generated by the ambient air. This allows the cooling fluid flowing through the ambient air cooler to be cooled by the surrounding air. In other words, since the ambient air cooler is located in the second section of the first cooling circuit, the cooling fluid flowing through this second section can pass through it, allowing heat to be transferred from the cooling fluid to the surrounding air.The temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly, in particular from the valve assembly housing, via the third connection and introduced into the second section, thus allowing it to be supplied to the second section. The temperature control fluid can also be discharged from the second section via the fourth connection, thus allowing it to be routed out and introduced into the valve assembly, in particular into the valve assembly housing.

[0021] A third section of the second temperature control circuit, also referred to as the third branch, is connected to a fifth of the ports and thus fluidically connected to the fifth port, so that, for example, the third section is fluidically connected to the valve assembly, in particular to the valve assembly housing, via the fifth port. The third section is also connected to a sixth of the ports and thus fluidically connected to the sixth port, so that, for example, the third section of the second temperature control circuit is fluidically connected to the valve assembly, in particular to the valve assembly housing, via the sixth port. The electrical energy storage device is located in the third section. In other words, the third section comprises the electrical energy storage device.The temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly, particularly from the valve assembly housing, via the fifth connection, and thus routed out and into the third section. The temperature control fluid can also be discharged from the third section via the sixth connection, and thus routed out and into the valve assembly, particularly into the valve assembly housing. This allows for interconnection of the sections via the valve assembly, enabling a particularly advantageous and demand-oriented flow of the temperature control fluid and, consequently, a particularly advantageous temperature control.

[0022] Another embodiment is characterized in that, in the first switching state, the first connection, particularly with respect to the connections, is fluidically connected to the fourth connection, the second connection, particularly with respect to the connections, is fluidically connected to the third connection, and the fifth connection, particularly with respect to the connections, is fluidically connected to the sixth connection, whereby the temperature control fluid circulates through the valve assembly, the branches, and the ambient air cooler in the first temperature control circuit, thus flowing through the valve assembly, the branches, and the ambient air cooler, particularly when or while the temperature control fluid is being pumped, especially by means of the first pump. This allows for a particularly advantageous temperature control.

[0023] In particular, it is provided that in the first switching state, the first connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the connections exclusively, is connected to the fourth connection, the second connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the third connection, the third connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the connections exclusively, is connected to the second connection, the fourth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the first connection, the fifth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the sixth connection, and the sixth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the fifth connection.

[0024] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous temperature control, a further embodiment of the invention provides that in the second switching state, the first connection is fluidically connected, in particular with respect to the connections exclusively, to the sixth connection and the second connection is fluidically connected, in particular with respect to the connections exclusively, to the fifth connection, while the third connection is fluidically separated from the fourth connection, whereby the temperature control fluid bypasses the ambient air cooler in the second switching state, and thus does not flow through the ambient air cooler and is therefore not cooled by means of the ambient air cooler, particularly when or while the temperature control fluid is being pumped, in particular by means of at least one of the pumps or by means of both pumps.

[0025] In particular, it is provided that in the second switching state, the first connection within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the sixth connection, the second connection within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the fifth connection, the fifth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the second connection, and the sixth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the first connection, while the third connection within the valve assembly is fluidically separated from the or all other connections, and while the fourth connection within the valve assembly is fluidically separated from the or all other connections.

[0026] In the present disclosure, ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", "third", etc. do not necessarily indicate an order or a necessarily intended set of elements to which the ordinal numbers refer, so that, for example, when a fourth element is mentioned, a first element, a second element and a third element do not necessarily have to be intended, but the ordinal numbers are used in particular to be able to conceptually distinguish from one another the concepts to which the ordinal numbers refer, in order to be able to refer to these concepts unambiguously.

[0027] To achieve particularly advantageous temperature control, a further embodiment may provide that the valve assembly is discreetly switchable between the first switching state, the second switching state, and a third switching state. Thus, for example, the valve assembly element is discreetly movable relative to the valve assembly housing between the first position, the second position, and a third position that effects the third switching state, in particular translationally and / or rotationally. In the third switching state, the first port is fluidically connected, in particular with respect to the ports exclusively, to the sixth port, and the second port is fluidically connected, in particular with respect to the ports exclusively, to the third port, while the fourth port is fluidically separated from the fifth port.In particular, it is therefore preferably provided that in the third switching state the branches are connected in series to the energy storage device and the temperature control fluid flows through both the branches and the energy storage device, especially during or when the temperature control fluid is pumped by means of at least one of the pumps or by means of both pumps.In particular, it is provided that in the third switching state, the first connection within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the sixth connection, the second connection within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the third connection, the third connection within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the second connection, and the sixth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the first connection, while the fourth connection within the valve assembly is fluidically separated from the or all other connections, and while the fifth connection within the valve assembly is fluidically separated from the or all other connections.

[0028] To achieve particularly advantageous temperature control, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the valve assembly can be discreetly switched between the first switching state, the second switching state, and a fourth switching state. For this purpose, the valve assembly element is, for example, discreetly movable relative to the valve assembly housing between the first position, the second position, and a fourth position that effects the fourth switching state, in particular rotationally and / or translationally. In the fourth switching state, the first port is fluidically connected, in particular with respect to the ports exclusively, to the fourth port, and the second port is fluidically connected, in particular with respect to the ports exclusively, to the fifth port, while the fourth port is fluidically separated from the sixth port.For example, in the fourth switching state, the temperature control fluid flows through the branches and in particular through the ambient air cooler, and preferably in the fourth switching state the temperature control fluid bypasses the energy storage device.In particular, it is provided that in the fourth switching state, the first connection within the valve device, in particular with respect to the connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the fourth connection, the second connection within the valve device, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the fifth connection, the fourth connection within the valve device, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the first connection, and the fifth connection within the valve device, in particular with respect to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the second connection, while the third connection within the valve device is fluidically separated from the or all other connections, and while the sixth connection within the valve device is fluidically separated from the or all other connections.

[0029] It has proven particularly advantageous if the valve assembly is discreetly switchable between the first switching state, the second switching state, and a fifth switching state, wherein, for example, the valve assembly element is discreetly movable relative to the valve assembly housing between the first position, the second position, and a fifth position that effects the fifth switching state, in particular rotationally and / or translationally. In the fifth switching state, the first port is fluidically connected, in particular with respect to the ports exclusively, to the fourth port, and the fifth port is fluidically connected, in particular with respect to the ports exclusively, to the second port and the sixth port, while the third port is fluidically separated from the first port, the second port, the fourth port, the fifth port, and the sixth port.Thus, for example, in the fifth switching state, the temperature control fluid flows through the branches and the energy storage device and preferably also through the ambient air cooler, in particular such that the branches are connected in series to the energy storage device, and preferably such that the ambient air cooler is connected in parallel to the energy storage device in terms of flow characteristics.

[0030] In particular, it is provided that in the fifth switching state, the first port within the valve assembly, specifically with respect to the ports exclusively, is fluidically connected to the fourth port. For example, in the fifth switching state, the second port within the valve assembly, specifically with respect to the ports exclusively, is fluidically connected to the fifth port in such a way that the temperature control fluid flowing through the second port, with respect to the ports exclusively, can be supplied to the fifth port, that is, it flows from the second port, with respect to the ports exclusively, to the fifth port. In the fifth switching state, the third port within the valve assembly is fluidically isolated from the other ports.In the fifth switching state, the fourth port within the valve assembly is fluidically connected to the first port, specifically with respect to the ports. In the fifth switching state, the fifth port within the valve assembly is fluidically connected to the second and sixth ports, specifically with respect to the ports, such that the temperature control fluid flowing through the fifth port originates exclusively from the second and sixth ports, with respect to all ports.For example, in the fifth switching state, the sixth port within the valve assembly, in particular with respect to the ports exclusively, is fluidically connected at least to the fifth port in such a way that the temperature control fluid flowing through the sixth port, with respect to the ports exclusively, can be supplied to the fifth port, i.e., from the sixth port, with respect to the ports exclusively, to the fifth port, flows through the fifth port.

[0031] To achieve demand-based temperature control, a further embodiment of the invention provides that an electric heating element for heating the temperature control fluid is arranged in the third section upstream of the energy storage device and downstream of the fifth connection. The electric heating element is, for example, an electric flow heater, which uses electrical energy to heat the temperature control fluid flowing through the third section and thus, for example, the electric heating element. Alternatively or additionally, a second heat exchanger for temperature control of the temperature control fluid is arranged in the third section upstream of the energy storage device and downstream of the fifth connection, in addition to the ambient air cooler and the heat exchanger.For example, the second heat exchanger is part of the air conditioning system, preferably being a chiller. The second heat exchanger is located, for instance, in both the refrigerant circuit and the third section, allowing both the refrigerant and the temperature control fluid flowing through the third section to pass through it. This enables heat to be transferred or exchanged between the refrigerant and the temperature control fluid flowing through the third section via the second heat exchanger. In particular, it is conceivable that heat contained in the temperature control fluid flowing through the second heat exchanger is transferred, or can be transferred, via the second heat exchanger to the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit and the second heat exchanger, thereby cooling the temperature control fluid.The heat transferred to the refrigerant via the second heat exchanger, and thus contained within the refrigerant, can be used, particularly in heat pump operation, to warm the air supplied to the interior, thereby enabling energy-efficient heating of the interior. This allows for a particularly energy-efficient and, through the use of the valve assembly and the proportional valve, cost-effective, lightweight, and space-saving temperature control system.

[0032] In order to achieve a particularly demand-oriented guidance or routing of the temperature control fluid and thus a particularly demand-oriented and advantageous temperature control, it is further provided in the invention that the temperature control device has a connecting line which is fluidically connected to the second sub-area at a first connection point arranged downstream of the third connection and upstream of the ambient air cooler in the second sub-area and to the third sub-area at a second connection point arranged downstream of the fifth connection and upstream of the energy storage device in the third sub-area.

[0033] In order to achieve particularly advantageous temperature control, it has proven especially beneficial if the second connection point is located downstream of the heating element and / or downstream of the second heat exchanger.

[0034] Another embodiment provides that, in the third switching state, at least part or all of the temperature control fluid can be diverted from the second section at the first connection point via the connecting line and introduced into the third section at the second connection point. This allows the temperature control fluid to bypass the ambient air cooler in the third switching state, meaning it does not flow through the ambient air cooler and is therefore not cooled by it. For example, the branches are connected in series with the energy storage device, and the temperature control fluid flows through both the branches and the energy storage device.

[0035] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that in the fourth switching state the temperature control fluid, i.e. at least a part of the temperature control fluid or the entire temperature control fluid, can be branched off from the third sub-area at the second connection point via the connecting line and introduced into the second sub-area at the first connection point, whereby in the fourth switching state the temperature control fluid flows through the ambient air cooler and the branches and bypasses the energy storage device, so that the energy storage device is not cooled by means of temperature control fluids, wherein it is particularly provided that the branches are connected in series with the ambient air cooler in terms of flow characteristics.

[0036] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if, in the fifth switching state, the temperature control fluid, in particular at least or exclusively a part of the temperature control fluid, can be branched off from the third sub-area at the second connection point via the connecting line and introduced into the second sub-area at the first connection point, whereby in the fifth switching state the temperature control fluid flows through the ambient air cooler, the branches and the energy storage device, in particular such that the branches are connected in series with the energy storage device and in series with the ambient air cooler, and preferably in particular such that the ambient air cooler is connected in parallel with the energy storage device.For example, in the fifth switching state, a first portion of the temperature control fluid is diverted from the third section via the connecting line at the second connection point and introduced into the second section at the first connection point, so that the first portion flows through the ambient air cooler and a second portion of the temperature control fluid remains in the third section and flows through the energy storage unit. The first and second portions are then combined, for example, by means of or within the valve assembly, and subsequently returned to the third section.

[0037] It has proven particularly advantageous if the valve device is discreetly switchable between the first switching state, the second switching state and a sixth switching state, wherein, for example, the valve device element is discreetly movable relative to the valve device housing between the first position, the second position and a sixth position that effects the sixth switching state, in particular rotationally and / or translationally.In particular, it is provided that in the sixth switching state, the first connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the connections exclusively, is connected to the second connection, the second connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the first connection, the third connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the connections exclusively, is connected to the sixth connection, the fourth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the fifth connection, the fifth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the fourth connection, and the sixth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the third connection.

[0038] It has also proven particularly advantageous if the valve device is discreetly switchable between the first switching state, the second switching state and a seventh switching state, wherein, for example, the valve device element is discreetly movable relative to the valve device housing between the first position, the second position and a seventh position that effects the seventh switching state, in particular rotationally and / or translationally.In particular, it is provided that in the seventh switching state, the first connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the connections exclusively, is connected to the sixth connection, the second connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the third connection, the third connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the connections exclusively, is connected to the second connection, the fourth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the fifth connection, the fifth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is connected to the fourth connection, and the sixth connection within the valve assembly, in particular with regard to the or all connections exclusively, is fluidically connected to the first connection.

[0039] A method for operating the temperature control device according to the first aspect of the invention is also disclosed. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the temperature control device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the method, and vice versa.

[0040] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car, which has a temperature control device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0041] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

[0042] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a temperature control device for a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the temperature control device; and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the temperature control device.

[0043] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a temperature control device 1 for a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car. The motor vehicle has an interior, also referred to as a passenger compartment, in which persons, such as the driver, can be located during a journey. The temperature control device 1 has a first temperature control circuit 2, through which a temperature control fluid, preferably liquid, can flow. In particular, the temperature control fluid comprises at least water. A component arrangement 3, through which the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit 2 flows, is arranged in the first temperature control circuit 2. This component arrangement is to be temperature controlled, i.e., cooled and / or heated, by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit 2.This includes, in particular, the following: The component arrangement 3 comprises several components, which are designed separately from one another and are arranged in the first temperature control circuit 2. Consequently, the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit 2 allows flow through these components, and thus they can be temperature controlled, i.e., cooled and / or heated, by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit 2. The component arrangement 3, and thus the components of the component arrangement 3, are components of the temperature control device 1 and thus of the motor vehicle. A first component of the component arrangement 3 is a first drive motor 4, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven. In the first embodiment, the first drive motor 4 is an electric motor, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular, purely electrically.A second component of the component arrangement 3 is a second drive machine 5, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven. In the first embodiment, the second drive machine 5 is also an electric machine, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, in particular purely electrically. For example, the motor vehicle has at least or exactly two axles arranged one behind the other and thus consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each axle comprises, for example, at least or exactly two wheels, also referred to as vehicle wheels, which are arranged on opposite sides of the motor vehicle in the transverse direction. Each wheel is a ground contact element by means of which the motor vehicle can be supported or is supported downwards on or against a road surface in the vertical direction of the vehicle. A first of the axles is a front axle, the wheels of which are also referred to as front wheels.A second axle is a rear axle, which is arranged behind the front axle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The wheels of the rear axle are also referred to as rear wheels. In the first embodiment, the drive motor 4 is assigned to the rear axle, so that the rear wheels can be driven, in particular purely electrically, by means of the drive motor 4, thereby enabling, for example, the motor vehicle to be driven, in particular purely electrically. In the first embodiment, the drive motor 5 is assigned to the front axle, so that the front wheels can be driven, in particular purely electrically, by means of the drive motor 5, thereby enabling, for example, the motor vehicle to be driven, in particular purely electrically. A third component of the component arrangement 3 is a first heat exchanger 6, which will be explained in more detail below.Overall, it can be seen that the drive machines 4 and 5 and the first heat exchanger 6 are arranged in the first temperature control circuit 2 and are thus permeable to the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit 2, whereby the drive machines 4 and 5 can be temperature controlled, i.e. cooled and / or heated, by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit 2.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the temperature control device 1 has a first pump 7, which is arranged in the first temperature control circuit 2. The temperature control fluid can be pumped through the first temperature control circuit 2, also referred to as the first circuit, by means of the first pump 7. This means that during operation of the temperature control device 1, the temperature control fluid can be pumped through, or is pumped through, the first temperature control circuit 2 by means of the first pump 7.

[0046] Furthermore, the temperature control device 1 has a second temperature control circuit 8, also referred to as the second circuit, through which the temperature control fluid flows. As will be explained in more detail below, the second circuit is a so-called HVS circuit, because an electrical energy storage device 9 is arranged in the second circuit for storing electrical energy, particularly electrochemically. The drive motors 4 and 5 can be supplied with the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device 9, enabling the drive motors 4 and 5 to be operated as electric motors, thereby driving the wheels, particularly purely electrically. Since the electrical energy storage device 9 is arranged in the second temperature control circuit 8 (second circuit), it can be temperature-controlled, i.e., cooled and / or heated, by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit 8.The second temperature control circuit 8 and thus at least a part of the electrical energy storage 9 can be permeated by the temperature control fluid.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the temperature control device 1 has a second pump 10 in addition to the pump 7, with the pump 7 being located in the first temperature control circuit 2 and the pump 10 in the second temperature control circuit 8. The temperature control fluid can be pumped through the second temperature control circuit 8 by means of the second pump 10. Preferably, the pumps 7 and 10 are designed as electric pumps, i.e., as electrically operated pumps.

[0048] In order to achieve particularly advantageous temperature control, especially of the interior and / or the drive motors 4 and 5 and / or the energy storage unit 9, the first temperature control circuit 2 has a first branch Z1 in which the drive motor 4 is arranged. Furthermore, the first temperature control circuit 2 has a second branch Z2 in which the first heat exchanger 6 is arranged. The first temperature control circuit 2 also has a third branch Z3 in which the drive motor 5 is arranged.Branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 are permeable to the temperature control fluid, such that the drive unit 4 located in branch Z1 is permeable to the temperature control fluid flowing through branch Z1, the first heat exchanger 6 located in branch Z2 is permeable to the temperature control fluid flowing through the second branch Z2, and the drive unit 5 located in the third branch Z3 is permeable to the temperature control fluid flowing through the third branch Z3. Branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 are connected in parallel flow-wise, such that the first drive unit 4, the second drive unit 5, and the first heat exchanger 6 are also connected in parallel flow-wise.This means, for example, that the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit 2 forms a total flow, also simply referred to as a flow, upstream of the components of the component arrangement 3, which on its way through the first temperature control circuit 2, in particular at a branch point AS, can be divided or is divided into at least or exactly three partial flows, namely into a first partial flow, a second partial flow and a third partial flow, wherein preferably the partial flow(s) sum to form the total flow.The first partial flow can flow through the first branch Z1, the second partial flow can flow through the second branch Z2, and the third partial flow can flow through the third branch Z3, such that the first branch Z1, or the drive machine 4, can be permeated by the first partial flow, the second branch Z2, or the first heat exchanger 6, by the second partial flow, and the drive machine 5, or the third branch Z3, by the third partial flow. For example, the partial flows can be or are permeated downstream of the components of the component arrangement 3, particularly at a merging point ZS, to form the total flow.

[0049] The second heat exchanger 6 is located in the second branch Z2 and thus in the first temperature control circuit 2, as well as in a refrigerant circuit provided in addition to the temperature control circuits 2 and 8, which is not shown in the figures and through which a refrigerant flows. Heat can be exchanged or transferred between the temperature control fluid flowing through the heat exchanger 6 and the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 6 via the first heat exchanger 6. In particular, the refrigerant circuit is part of an air conditioning unit of the temperature control unit 1 (not shown in the figures), which can therefore include the air conditioning unit. The air conditioning unit is also used to temperature-control, i.e., to cool and / or heat, the air supplied to the interior of the vehicle, which is referred to as interior air.For example, the air conditioning unit can operate as a compression chiller, thereby cooling the air supplied to the interior (interior air). Alternatively or additionally, the air conditioning unit can operate as a heat pump, thereby heating the air supplied to the interior (interior air). Cooling the supplied air cools the interior, while heating it warms the interior. The air conditioning unit includes a refrigerant circuit, also known as a refrigeration circuit, in addition to temperature control circuits 2 and 8. This circuit is designed to carry different refrigerants than the temperature control fluid.For example, in the refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant compressor, also simply called a compressor, is provided in addition to pumps 7 and 10, by means of which the refrigerant can be conveyed and compressed through the refrigerant circuit.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the temperature control unit 1 has a second heat exchanger 11, also referred to as a chiller, in addition to the heat exchanger 6. The chiller can also be a component of the air conditioning unit. The chiller is located in both the second temperature control circuit 8 and the refrigerant circuit, and is thus accessible to both the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control circuit 8 and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. Heat can be transferred or exchanged between the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit 8 and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit via the chiller.In particular, heat can be exchanged or transferred between the refrigerant and the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit 8 via the chiller, such that heat is transferred from the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit 8 to the refrigerant, especially during heat pump operation, thereby cooling the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control circuit 8. The heat transferred to the refrigerant via the chiller and thus contained within the refrigerant can, for example, be used to warm the interior air, especially during heat pump operation, and thus heat the interior, enabling particularly energy-efficient heating of the interior.

[0051] For example, the air conditioning unit has an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant, in addition to the chiller and the first heat exchanger 6. The evaporator is arranged in the refrigerant circuit and is thus permeable to the refrigerant. For example, the evaporator is permeable to the interior air, so that heat can be transferred from the air flowing around the evaporator, particularly the air supplied to the interior, to the refrigerant, which then evaporates, particularly in or by means of the evaporator. This cools the air supplied to the interior by means of the evaporator.

[0052] Preferably, the first heat exchanger 6 is a cooling device, or the heat exchanger 6 can be operated as a cooling device or functions as a cooling device. The cooling device can, for example, cool the refrigerant, in particular by transferring heat from the refrigerant flowing through the cooling device to the temperature control fluid flowing through the cooling device. More specifically, the heat exchanger 6 is a condenser for condensing the refrigerant, such that the refrigerant flowing through the condenser can be cooled and thus condensed, in particular by transferring heat from the refrigerant flowing through the condenser to the temperature control fluid flowing through the condenser.

[0053] In particular, it is conceivable that the heat that can be transferred, or is transferred, from the temperature control fluid flowing through the chiller (heat exchanger 11) to the refrigerant, and / or the heat that can be transferred, or is transferred, from the air flowing around the evaporator to the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator, is used for a primary heating purpose. This primary heating purpose involves or includes heating the air supplied to the interior, thereby heating the interior. In this way, the heat transferred to the refrigerant via the chiller and / or the heat transferred to the refrigerant via the evaporator is used to heat the air supplied to the interior and thus the interior itself.This can be done, for example, by transferring the heat transferred to the refrigerant via the chiller and / or the heat transferred to the refrigerant via the evaporator to the air supplied to the interior via a further, additional heat exchanger that can be surrounded and / or passed through by the air supplied to the interior, so that, for example, the further heat exchanger is arranged in the refrigerant circuit and can be passed through by the refrigerant.

[0054] In particular, the first heating purpose is or is achieved through or within the operation of the heat pump, meaning it is feasible or realized by means of the heat pump. The first heating purpose is also referred to as the heating case. For a cooling purpose, also referred to as the cooling case, air that flows around the evaporator and is thus cooled by the evaporator in the manner described is supplied to the interior and thus used as interior air.A second heating purpose can be provided for or include the use of the heat that can be transferred from the refrigerant to the temperature control fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger 6 via the heat exchanger 6 to heat the temperature control fluid flowing through the heat exchanger 6. The temperature control fluid flowing through the heat exchanger 6 and heated via or by means of the heat exchanger 6 can, for example, transfer its heat to the energy storage device 9, thereby heating the energy storage device 9. Furthermore, it is apparent that the temperature control fluid flowing through the heat exchanger 11 can be cooled by means of the chiller (heat exchanger 11). The drive motors 4 and 5, and the refrigerant via the heat exchanger 6, can, for example, be cooled by means of the temperature control fluid cooled by the chiller.Furthermore, especially in heat pump operation, heat transferred from the drive machines 4 and 5 to the temperature control fluid flowing through the drive machines 4 and 5 can be used, in particular in such a way that, for example, the heat transferred from the drive machines 4 and 5 to the temperature control fluid flowing through the drive machines 4 and 5 can be transferred via the chiller to or to the refrigerant flowing through the chiller, especially in heat pump operation, so that the interior can be heated efficiently, in particular by means of the heat pump operation or in the heat pump operation and thus by means of the heat pump.

[0055] In particular, the temperature control unit 1 enables the interior and the energy storage unit 9 to be heated to a particularly advantageous temperature in a way that is especially lightweight, cost-effective, space-saving, and energy-efficient. This is achieved, for example, by utilizing the heat transferred from the drive motors 4 and 5 to the temperature control fluid flowing through them to heat the energy storage unit 9 and the interior air, particularly during heat pump operation. Specifically, the heat transferred from the drive motors 4 and 5 to the temperature control fluid flowing through them, and thus contained within the temperature control fluid, can be transferred, for example, via the second heat exchanger 11 to the refrigerant, thereby heating the refrigerant.For example, in heat pump operation and / or via the condenser, the air supplied to the interior can be heated, in particular by transferring heat contained in the refrigerant—heat which is contained in the refrigerant because the heat contained in the temperature control fluid was transferred to the refrigerant via the chiller—to the air supplied to the interior during heat pump operation and / or via the condenser, thus introducing it into the interior. Alternatively or additionally, the heat contained in the temperature control fluid can be transferred to the electrical energy storage device 9 and thus heat the electrical energy storage device 9, in particular by allowing the temperature control fluid, heated especially by the drive motors 4 and 5, to flow or be passed through the energy storage device 9.

[0056] The temperature control device 1 comprises a proportional valve 12, which is arranged in the second branch Z2 upstream of the first heat exchanger 6 and, in particular, downstream of the branch point AS. The temperature control device 1 also comprises a valve assembly 13, arranged in the first temperature control circuit 2 and in the second temperature control circuit 8, which is provided in addition to the proportional valve 12 and is external with respect to the proportional valve 12, wherein, conversely, the proportional valve 12 is a valve external with respect to the valve assembly 13 and provided in addition to the valve assembly 13.

[0057] The valve device 13 can be switched discreetly between at least or exactly five switching states, namely a first switching state S1, a second switching state S2, a third switching state S3, a fourth switching state S4 and a fifth switching state S5.The valve assembly 13, for example, has a valve assembly housing 14 and a valve assembly element 15 arranged at least partially in the valve assembly housing 14, which is movable, for example, relative to the valve assembly housing 14 between at least or exactly five switching positions, in particular rotationally and / or translationally, namely a first switching position that effects the first switching state S1, a second switching position that effects the second switching state S2, a third switching position that effects the third switching state S3, a fourth switching position that effects the fourth switching state S4 and a fifth switching position that effects the fifth switching state S5, wherein the valve assembly element 15 is movable discretely between the switching positions relative to the valve assembly housing 14.This means, in particular, that the valve element 15 can only be moved into the switching positions and not into intermediate positions between the respective switching positions. Thus, the valve element 13 can only be switched into switching states S1-5, and not into any intermediate states between switching states S1-5.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the valve assembly 13, in particular the valve assembly housing 14, has exactly six ports A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6. A first subsection T1 of the first temperature control circuit 2 is connected to the first port A1 and to the second port A2 and is thus fluidically connected to the valve assembly 13, in particular to the valve assembly housing 14, via ports A1 and A2. The branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 are arranged in the first subsection T1 and are therefore components of the first subsection T1. The pump 7 is also arranged in the first subsection T1.Thus, the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly 13, in particular from the valve assembly housing 14, via the first connection A1, and can therefore be routed out and introduced into the first sub-area T1, and the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the first sub-area T1 via the second connection A2 and introduced into the valve assembly 13, in particular into the valve assembly housing 14.

[0059] A second subsection T2 of the first temperature control circuit 2 is connected to the third port A3 and the fourth port A4 and is thus fluidically connected via ports A3 and A4 to the valve assembly 13, in particular to the valve assembly housing 14. Fig. Figure 1 shows that in the second subsection T2, an ambient air cooler 16 is arranged in addition to the heat exchangers 6 and 11, and in particular also in addition to the evaporator and in addition to any further heat exchanger that may be provided. This cooler is also referred to as a radiator and is exposed to ambient air, i.e., air surrounding the vehicle. Particularly when the vehicle is moving forward, the airflow generated by the ambient air can flow around the radiator. Since the radiator is located in the second subsection T2 and thus in the first temperature control circuit 2, the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control circuit 2, or the temperature control fluid flowing through the second subsection T2, can flow through the radiator, so that heat can be transferred from the temperature control fluid flowing through the radiator to the ambient air flowing around it.This allows the temperature control fluid flowing through the radiator to be cooled.

[0060] A fan 17 is associated with the radiator (ambient air cooler 16), by means of which ambient air can be conveyed such that the ambient air conveyed by the fan 17 flows around the radiator. Preferably, the fan 17 is an electric fan, i.e., an electrically operated fan. The temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly 13, in particular from the valve assembly housing 14, via a third connection A3, and thus can be routed out and introduced into the second section T2, and thereby, for example, supplied to the radiator. The temperature control fluid can also be discharged from the second section T2 and introduced into the valve assembly 13, in particular the valve assembly housing 14, via a fourth connection A4.

[0061] A third subsection T3 of the second temperature control circuit 8 is connected to the fifth port A5 and the sixth port A6 and is thus fluidically connected via ports A5 and A6 to the valve assembly 13, in particular to the valve assembly housing 14. Fig. Figure 1 shows that the energy storage device 9 is located in sub-area T3 and is therefore part of sub-area T3. In the first embodiment, the pump 10 is also located in the third sub-area T3. Thus, the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly 13, in particular from the valve assembly housing 14, via the fifth connection A5 and introduced into the third sub-area T3, and thus supplied, for example, to the energy storage device 9 and also to the pump 10. Furthermore, the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the third sub-area T3 via the sixth connection A6 and introduced into the valve assembly 13, in particular into the valve assembly housing 14.

[0062] As will be explained in more detail below, in the first switching state S1 the temperature control fluid circulates via the valve device 13 and via the branches Z1, Z2 and Z3 in the first temperature control circuit 2, in particular when or while the temperature control fluid is pumped through the first temperature control circuit 2, especially by means of the pump 7.Furthermore, in the first switching state S1, the temperature control fluid circulates via the valve assembly 13 and the energy storage device 9 in the second temperature control circuit 8, particularly during or when the temperature control fluid is pumped through the second temperature control circuit 8, especially by means of the pump 10, a fluidic connection between the temperature control circuits 2 and 8 via the valve assembly 13 is omitted in the first switching state S1, so that in the first switching state S1 the temperature control fluid circulates via the valve assembly 13 and the branches Z1 and Z2 in the first temperature control circuit 2 and via the valve assembly 13 and the energy storage device 9 in the second temperature control circuit 8.In the first switching state S1, the circuits, in particular at least the sub-areas T1 and T3, within the valve device 13 are separated from each other, in particular fluidically, such that the temperature control fluid, which initially flows through the pump 10 and then the energy storage unit 9 or the sub-area T3, flows from the sub-area T3 to the valve device 13 and flows through the valve device 13, is not directed into the first circuit by means of the valve device 13, but remains at least temporarily or permanently in the second circuit after the valve device 13 and in particular then flows again through the pump 10 and the energy storage unit 9 or the third sub-area T3.With regard to the first circuit in particular, the circuits in the first switching state S1 within the valve device 13 are separated from each other, especially fluidically, and / or connected in parallel to each other in such a way that the temperature control fluid flowing upstream of the valve device 13 through the first circuit or at least the sub-area T1 is not directed into the second circuit on its way through the valve device 13, but remains in the first circuit downstream or after the valve device 13 and then flows through the sub-area T1 or the pump 7 and the component arrangement 3 again.

[0063] In the second switching state S2, the temperature control circuits 2 and 8 are fluidically connected to each other by means of the valve device 13, i.e. within the valve device, and are thus connected in series to each other, whereby the branches Z1 and Z2 are connected in series to the energy storage device 9 and the temperature control fluid flows through both the branches Z1 and Z2 as well as the energy storage device 9.For example, in the second switching state S2, the temperature control fluid from branches Z1, Z2 and Z3, in particular from the third sub-section T3, can be directed into the second temperature control circuit 8, in particular into the third sub-section T3, to the energy storage device 9 by means of the valve device 13, and the temperature control fluid from the energy storage device 9, in particular from the third sub-section T3, can be directed into the first temperature control circuit 2, in particular into the first sub-section T1, to branches Z1, Z2 and Z3 by means of the valve device 13 in the second switching state S2, whereby in the second switching state S2 the branches Z1, Z2 and Z3, and thus the component arrangement 3, are connected in series with the energy storage device 9 in terms of flow technology.Thus, in the second switching state S2, the temperature control fluid flows through both branches Z1, Z2 and Z3 as well as through the energy storage unit 9, particularly during or when the temperature control fluid is pumped by means of at least one of the pumps 7 and 10, in particular by means of both pumps 7 and 10.

[0064] In particular, it is provided that in the second switching state S2, the circuits, especially the sub-sections T1 and T3, are coupled, connected, or interconnected by means of the valve assembly 13 in such a way, especially fluidically, that the sub-sections T1 and T3, and thus the pumps 7 and 10, are fluidically connected in series with each other. Thus, the temperature control fluid flows on its way through the circuits or through the sub-sections T1 and T3, first through one of the pumps 7 and 10 and then through the other pump 10 or 7, that is, first, for example, through the component arrangement 3 and then through the energy storage device 9, or vice versa.

[0065] In the first embodiment, in the first switching state S1, the first port A1 is fluidically connected to the fourth port A4, the second port A2 is fluidically connected to the third port A3, and the fifth port A5 is fluidically connected to the sixth port A6, whereby the temperature control fluid circulates in the first temperature control circuit 2 via the valve assembly 13, the branches Z1, Z2, and Z3, and the ambient air cooler 16. Thus, on its way through the first temperature control circuit 2, it flows through both the branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 as well as the ambient air cooler 16. The ambient air cooler 16 is also referred to as a high-temperature cooler (HT cooler).

[0066] In the first embodiment, the second heat exchanger 11 is arranged in the third subsection T3 upstream of the energy storage device 9, in particular upstream of the pump 10. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an electric heating element 18, also referred to as an electric flow heater or electric flow heater (EDH), is arranged in the third subsection T3 upstream of the energy storage device 9, in particular upstream of the pump 10. In the first embodiment, the electric heating element 18 is arranged in the third subsection T3 upstream of the second heat exchanger 11.In the first switching state, the temperature control fluid circulates via the valve assembly 13, the energy storage unit 9, the heat exchanger 11 and the electric heating element 18 in the second temperature control circuit 8, so that the temperature control fluid flows through the energy storage unit 9 as well as the heat exchanger and the heating element 18 on its way through the second temperature control circuit 8.

[0067] In the second switching state S2, the first port A1 is fluidically connected to the sixth port A6, and the second port A2 is fluidically connected to the fifth port A5, while the third port A3 is fluidically isolated from the fourth port A4, thus bypassing the ambient air cooler 16 for the temperature control fluid. This means that in the second switching state S2, the temperature control circuits 2 and 8 are fluidically connected to each other via the valve assembly 13, i.e., within the valve assembly 13, in such a way that subsections T1 and T3 are fluidically connected to each other, so that branches Z1 and Z2 are each connected in series to the energy storage device 9, and the temperature control fluid flows through both branches Z1 and Z2 as well as the energy storage device 9, in particular while a fluidic connection of subsection T2 with subsections T1 and T3 within the valve assembly 13 is omitted.This means that sub-section T2 within the valve assembly 13 is not fluidically connected to sub-section T1, and sub-section T2 is not fluidly connected to sub-section T3 within the valve assembly 13. Sub-section T2 is therefore fluidically separated from both sub-section T1 and sub-section T3 within the valve assembly 13. Consequently, in the second switching state S2, the temperature control fluid flows through the temperature control circuits 2 and 8, passing through sub-sections T3 and T1, which are fluidically connected in series in the second switching state S2, specifically one after the other. However, in the second switching state, the temperature control fluid bypasses sub-section T2 and thus the ambient air cooler 16 on its way through the temperature control circuits 2 and 8.This is done in particular by the fact that, after flowing through the sub-area T1, the temperature control fluid is introduced into the sub-area T3 by means of the valve device 13, and, after flowing through the sub-area T3, the temperature control fluid is introduced back into the sub-area T1 by means of the valve device 13, so that the temperature control fluid does not flow through the sub-area T2, thus bypassing the sub-area.

[0068] In the third switching state S3, the first terminal A1 is fluidically connected to the sixth terminal A6, and the second terminal A2 is fluidically connected to the third terminal A3, while the fourth terminal A4 is fluidically disconnected from the fifth terminal A5. In the fourth switching state S4, the first terminal A1 is fluidically connected to the fourth terminal A4, and the second terminal A2 is fluidically connected to the fifth terminal A5, while the third terminal A3 is fluidically disconnected from the sixth terminal A6. In the fifth switching state S5, the first terminal A1 is fluidically connected to the fourth terminal A4.Furthermore, in switching state S5, the fifth port A5 is fluidically connected to both the second port A2 and the sixth port A6, and in the fifth switching state S5, the third port A3 is fluidically isolated from the first port A1, the second port A2, the fourth port A4, the fifth port A5, and the sixth port A6. Thus, in the fifth switching state S5, a first flow of the temperature control fluid flowing through port A2 and a second flow of the temperature control fluid flowing through port A6 are combined to form a third flow of the temperature control fluid flowing through port A5, with, for example, the first and second flows together resulting in the third flow.

[0069] The temperature control device 1 further includes a compensation tank 19 in which a quantity 20 of the temperature control fluid can be received or stored in order to compensate for volume and / or quantity fluctuations of the temperature control fluid in the circuits.

[0070] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the temperature control device 1 has a connecting line 21 which is fluidically connected to the second sub-section T2 at a first connection point V1 located downstream of the third connection A3 and, in particular, upstream of the ambient air cooler 16 in the second sub-section T2. ​​Furthermore, the connecting line 21 is fluidically connected to the third sub-section T3 at a second connection point V2 located downstream of the fifth connection A5 and upstream of the energy storage device 9, in particular upstream of the pump 10, in the third sub-section T3. Fig. It is evident from Figure 1 that the second connection point V2 is located in the third sub-section T3 downstream of the second heat exchanger 11 and downstream of the electric heating element 18. It is evident that the second sub-section T2 has a first length section which extends, in particular continuously, i.e., without interruption, from the third connection A3 to the connection point V1. It is also evident that the second sub-section T2 has a second length section which extends, in particular continuously, i.e., without interruption, from the first connection point V1 to the connection A4. The ambient air cooler 16 is located in this second length section. The third sub-section T3 has a third length section which extends, in particular continuously, i.e., without interruption, from the connection A5 to the connection point V2.The third subsection T3 also has a fourth length section, which extends continuously, i.e., without interruption, from connection point V2 to terminal A6. The energy storage device 9 is located in the fourth length section, and the second heat exchanger 11 and the electric heating element 18 are located in the third length section. In particular, at least a predominant portion of the temperature control fluid bypasses the first and second length sections and preferably also the connecting line 21 in the second switching state. For example, it is provided that in the first switching state, the flow of the temperature control fluid through the connecting line 21 from one of the circuits to the other is prevented, or at least a predominant portion of the temperature control fluid flowing through the respective circuit does not flow through the connecting line 21.Alternatively or additionally, it is provided, for example, that in the second switching state S2 the flow of the temperature control fluid through the connecting line 21 is prevented, or in the second switching state S2 at least a predominant part of the temperature control fluid flowing through the respective circuit does not flow through the connecting line 21.

[0071] In the third switching state S3, the temperature control fluid can be branched off from the second section T2 at the first connection point V1 via the connecting line 21 and can be introduced into the third section T3 at the second connection point V2. This means that in the third switching state S3, the temperature control fluid bypasses the ambient air cooler 16, branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 are connected in series to the energy storage device 9, and the temperature control fluid flows through both branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 as well as the energy storage device 9. Specifically, in the third switching state S3, the temperature control fluid flows through the first length section, the connecting line, and the fourth length section, bypassing the second and third length sections. Furthermore, the temperature control fluid flows through the first section T1.

[0072] In the first switching state S1, the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit 8 flows through the heating element 18, through the second heat exchanger 11, and through the energy storage unit 9. In the first switching state S1, the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit 2 flows through branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 and through the ambient air cooler 16. In the second switching state S2, the temperature control fluid flows through the heating element 18, the second heat exchanger 11, and the energy storage unit 9. In the second switching state S2, the temperature control fluid flows through branches Z1, Z2, and Z3, bypassing section T2 and thus the ambient air cooler 16.In the third switching state S3, the temperature control fluid flows through branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 and through the energy storage unit 9, the first length section, the fourth length section, and the connecting line 21, but bypasses the second and third length sections and thus the heat exchanger 11 and the heating element 18. Essentially, the third switching state corresponds to the second switching state, particularly with regard to the fact that in both the second and third switching states, branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 are connected in series to the energy storage unit 9, that in both the second switching state S2 and the third switching state S3, pumps 7 and 10 are connected in series, and that the temperature control fluid bypasses the ambient air cooler 16.

[0073] The second switching state and the third switching state S3 differ from each other in particular in that in the second switching state the temperature control fluid flows through the heating element 18 and the second heat exchanger 11, whereas in the third switching state S3 the temperature control fluid bypasses the heating element 18 and the second heat exchanger 11, in particular in that in the third switching state S3 the temperature control fluid is introduced into the sub-area T2 by means of the valve device 13 and thereby via the third connection A3 and is thus guided past the heating element 18 and the second heat exchanger 11, but is branched off from the sub-area T2 at the connection point V1 by means of the connecting line 21 and introduced into the sub-area T3 at the connection point V2.However, since the connection point V2 is located in the sub-area T3 downstream of the heating element 18 and downstream of the second heat exchanger 11, the temperature control fluid, which is introduced into the sub-area T3 at the connection point V2, does not flow through the heating element 18 or through the heat exchanger 11.

[0074] In the fourth switching state S4, the temperature control fluid can be diverted from the third section T3 via the connecting line 21 at the second connection point V2 and can be introduced into the second section T2 at the first connection point V1. In this fourth switching state S4, the temperature control fluid flows through the ambient air cooler and branches Z1, Z2, and Z3, bypassing the energy storage unit 9. In the fourth switching state S4, the temperature control fluid flows through the third length section, the connecting line 21, the second length section, and the first section, but bypasses the first and fourth length sections and thus the energy storage unit 9.The fourth switching state is essentially the same as the second switching state S2, particularly with regard to the fact that in both the second switching state S2 and the fourth switching state S4 the temperature control fluid flows through branches Z1, Z2 and Z3, and with regard to the fact that in both the second switching state S2 and the fourth switching state S4 the temperature control fluid flows through the second heat exchanger 11 and through the heating element 18, however, switching states S2 and S4 differ from each other in that in the second switching state the temperature control fluid bypasses the ambient air cooler 16 and flows through the energy storage unit 9, whereas in the fourth switching state S4 the temperature control fluid flows through the ambient air cooler 16 and bypasses the energy storage unit 9, and thus does not flow through the energy storage unit 9.This is done in such a way that the temperature control fluid coming from the fifth connection A5 flows through the heating element 18 and the second heat exchanger 11, and is then branched off at connection point V2 via the connecting line 21 from the sub-area T3 and introduced at connection point V1 into the second sub-area T2, so that the temperature control fluid coming from the fifth connection A5 does not flow to or through the energy storage device 9, but is branched off beforehand and then flows through the ambient air cooler 16 and is then introduced via connections A1 and A4 into the sub-area T1 and is then introduced again via connections A2 and A5 into the sub-area T3.

[0075] In the fifth switching state S5, the temperature control fluid can be diverted from the third section T3 via the connecting line 21 at the wide connection point V2 and introduced into the second section T2 at the first connection point V1, thus causing the temperature control fluid to flow through the ambient air cooler 16, the branches Z1, Z2 and Z3, and the energy storage unit 9 in the fifth switching state S5. For example, it is provided that in the fourth switching state, the pump 7 is operated, thus circulating the temperature control fluid, while, for example, the pump 10 is off, thus preventing the circulation of the temperature control fluid by the pump 10.In the fifth switching state, it can be configured that the temperature control fluid is pumped by pump 7, and that, for example, the temperature control fluid is pumped by pump 10, so that, for example, in the fifth switching state, both pumps 7 and 10 run or are activated simultaneously, and thus the temperature control fluid is pumped simultaneously by both pumps 7 and 10. In the third switching state, it can be configured, for example, that both pumps 7 and 10 run or are activated simultaneously, and thus the temperature control fluid is pumped simultaneously by both pumps 7 and 10. In the second switching state, it can be configured that both pumps 7 and 10 run simultaneously, that is, are activated simultaneously, so that, for example, in the second switching state S2, the temperature control fluid is pumped simultaneously by both pumps 7 and 10.In the first switching state S1, both pumps 7 and 10 can be configured to run or be activated simultaneously, meaning that the temperature control fluid is pumped simultaneously by both pumps 7 and 10. In the fifth switching state, the temperature control fluid flows through the third length section, the connecting line 21, and the second length section, and through the fourth length section, but bypasses the first length section.

[0076] In the fifth switching state S5, the energy storage device 9 is connected in parallel with the ambient air cooler 16 in terms of flow characteristics. Furthermore, in the fifth switching state S5, for example, both the energy storage device 9 and the ambient air cooler 16 are connected in series with the branches Z1, Z2 and Z3, and in particular also in series with the second heat exchanger 11 and the heating element 18.

[0077] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the temperature control device 1. In the second embodiment, the valve assembly 13 can be discreetly switched between the first switching state S1, the second switching state S2, the third switching state S3, the fourth switching state S4, the fifth switching state S5, and a sixth switching state S6, so that, for example, the valve assembly element 15 can also be discreetly moved into a sixth switching position relative to the valve assembly housing 14, which effects the sixth switching state S6. In the optionally provided sixth switching state S6, port A2 is fluidically connected to port A1, port A4 is fluidically connected to port A5, and port A6 is fluidically connected to port A3.For example, in the sixth switching state S6, the temperature control fluid is pumped by means of pump 7, in particular through the first subsection T1, while pump 10 does not pump the temperature control fluid. Thus, in the sixth switching state S6, for example, the temperature control fluid circulates via the valve assembly 13 and the branches Z1, Z2 and Z3 in the first temperature control circuit 2, in particular in subsection T1, bypassing the ambient air cooler 16, in particular the second subsection T2.

[0078] In particular, in the second switching state S2, the flow of the temperature control fluid through the ambient air cooler 16 is prevented. In the third switching state, the flow of the temperature control fluid through the ambient air cooler 16 can be prevented, thus preventing the flow of the temperature control fluid through the heat exchanger 11 and the heating element 18. In the fourth switching state S4, for example, the flow of the temperature control fluid through the energy storage unit 9 is prevented. In the sixth switching state S6, for example, the flow of the temperature control fluid through the ambient air cooler 16 is prevented, as is the flow of the temperature control fluid through the energy storage unit 9, the second heat exchanger 11, and the heating element 18.

[0079] Fig.Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the temperature control device 1. In the third embodiment, the valve device 13 can be discreetly switched between the switching state S1, the switching state S2, the switching state S3, the switching state S4, the switching state S5 and a seventh switching state S7 and, for example, also the sixth switching state S6, wherein, for example, in the third embodiment, the valve device element 15 can be moved discreetly relative to the valve device housing 14 between the first switching position, the second switching position, the third switching position, the fourth switching position, the fifth switching position and a seventh switching position that effects the seventh switching state S7, as well as preferably a sixth switching position, in particular rotationally and / or transitively.In the seventh switching state S7, the first terminal A1, in particular with respect to terminals A1-6 (exclusively), is fluidically connected to terminal A6, and the terminal A2, in particular with respect to terminals A1-6 exclusively, is fluidically connected to terminal A3, and the terminal A4, in particular with respect to terminals A1-6 exclusively, is fluidically connected to terminal A5.

[0080] For example, in the seventh switching state S7, no temperature control fluid flows through connecting line 21, or at least a predominant portion of the temperature control fluid flowing through the respective circuit does not flow through connecting line 21. In the seventh switching state S7, branches Z1, Z2, and Z3 are arranged in series with respect to the ambient air cooler 16, the energy storage unit 9, the heating element 18, and the second heat exchanger 11. In other words, in the seventh switching state S7, the component arrangement 3, the ambient air cooler 16, the heating element 18, the second heat exchanger 11, and the energy storage unit 9 are all connected in series with each other, so that pumps 7 and 10 are also connected in series with each other.For example, in the seventh switching state S7, pumps 7 and 10 are activated simultaneously, so that, for example, in the seventh switching state S7, the temperature control fluid is pumped by both pumps 7 and 10 simultaneously. In the first switching state, branches Z1, Z2, and Z3, and thus component arrangement 3, are fluidically connected in series with the ambient air cooler 16, whereby, for example, component arrangement 3 and the ambient air cooler 16 form a component arrangement that is fluidically connected in parallel with the energy storage device 9 in the first switching state S1. In the second switching state S2, component arrangement 3 is fluidically connected in series with the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, and also with the energy storage device 9, because the temperature control fluid bypasses the ambient air cooler 16 in the second switching state S2.In the third switching state S3, the component arrangement 3 is fluidically connected in series with the energy storage device 9, whereby the temperature control fluid bypasses both the ambient air cooler 16 and the heating element 18 and the second heat exchanger. In the fourth switching state S4, the component arrangement 3 is fluidically connected in series with the ambient air cooler 16 and also in series with the heating element 18 and the second heat exchanger 11, so that the ambient air cooler 16 is fluidically connected in series with the component arrangement 3, the heating element 18 and the heat exchanger 11, whereby the temperature control fluid bypasses the energy storage device 9.In the fifth switching state S5, the component assembly 3 is fluidically connected in series with the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, and the ambient air cooler 16, such that the ambient air cooler 16 is fluidically connected in series with the component assembly 3, the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, and the component assembly 3, and the energy storage device 9 is connected in series with the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, and the component assembly 3, with the energy storage device 9 being fluidically connected in parallel with the ambient air cooler 16. In the fifth switching state S5, the temperature control fluid flows through the component assembly 3, the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, the energy storage device 9, and the ambient air cooler 16.In the fourth switching state S4, the temperature control fluid flows through the component assembly 3, the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, and the ambient air cooler 16, bypassing the energy storage unit 9. In the third switching state S3, the temperature control fluid flows through the component assembly 3 and into the energy storage unit 9, bypassing the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, and the ambient air cooler 16. In the second switching state S2, the temperature control fluid flows through the component assembly 3, the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, and the energy storage unit 9, bypassing the ambient air cooler 16. In the first switching state S1, the temperature control fluid flows through the component assembly 3, the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, the energy storage unit 9, and the ambient air cooler 16.In the sixth switching state S6, the temperature control fluid flows through the component assembly 3, bypassing the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, the energy storage unit 9, and the ambient air cooler 16. In the seventh switching state S7, the temperature control fluid flows through the component assembly 3, the ambient air cooler 16, the heating element 18, the heat exchanger 11, and the energy storage unit 9, serially, that is, one after the other in the aforementioned order. This allows for a particularly advantageous and demand-based temperature control.

Claims

[1] Temperature control device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a first temperature control circuit (2) through which a temperature control fluid flows, a drive motor (4) arranged in the first temperature control circuit (2) and thereby temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first temperature control circuit (2), by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, a second temperature control circuit (8) through which the temperature control fluid flows, and an electrical energy storage device (9) for storing electrical energy arranged in the second temperature control circuit (8) and thereby temperature-controlled by means of the temperature control fluid flowing through the second temperature control circuit (8), wherein: - the first temperature control circuit (2) has a first branch (Z1) in which the at least one drive machine (4) is arranged, - the first temperature control circuit (2) has a second branch (Z2) connected in parallel to the first branch (Z1), - in the second branch (Z2) a heat exchanger (6) is arranged through which the temperature control fluid flows through the second branch (Z2), and which is also arranged in a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows in addition to the temperature control circuits (2, 8), and through which heat can be exchanged between the temperature control fluid and the refrigerant, - a proportional valve (12) is arranged in the second branch (Z2), and - the temperature control device (1) has a valve device (13) arranged in the first temperature control circuit (2) and in the second temperature control circuit (8), in addition to the proportional valve (12) and external to the proportional valve (12), which is discreetly switchable at least between: o a first switching state (S1) in which a fluidic connection of the temperature control circuits (2, 8) via the valve device (13) is omitted, so that in the first switching state the temperature control fluid circulates via the valve device (13) and the branches (Z1, Z2) in the first temperature control circuit (2) and via the valve device (13) and the at least one energy storage device (9) in the second temperature control circuit (8), and a second switching state (S2) in which the temperature control circuits (2, 8) are fluidically connected to each other by means of the valve device (13) and are thereby connected in series to each other, whereby the branches (Z1, Z2) are connected in series to the at least one energy storage device (9) and the temperature control fluid flows through both the branches (Z1, Z2) and the at least one energy storage device (9); characterized by, that the valve assembly (13) comprises a valve assembly housing (14) and a valve assembly element (15) which is discretely movable relative to the valve assembly housing (14) between a first position that effects the first switching state and a second position that effects the second switching state, and has six terminals (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), wherein: - a first sub-section (T1) of the first temperature control circuit (2), in whose first sub-section (T1) the branches (Z1, Z2) are arranged, is fluidically connected to a first of the ports (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) and fluidically to a second of the ports (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), whereby the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly (13) via the first port (A1) and introduced into the first sub-section (T1) and discharged from the first sub-section (T1) via the second port (A2) and introduced into the valve assembly (13), - a second sub-section (T2) of the first temperature control circuit (2), in the second sub-section (T2) of which an ambient air cooler (16) is arranged, via which the temperature control fluid flowing through the ambient air cooler (16) is to be cooled by means of ambient air flowing around the ambient air cooler (16), is fluidically connected to a third of the connections (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) and fluidically to a fourth of the connections (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), whereby the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly (13) via the third connection (A3) and introduced into the second sub-section (T2) and discharged from the second sub-section (T2) via the fourth connection (A4) and introduced into the valve assembly (13), and - a third sub-area (T3) of the second temperature control circuit (8), in whose third sub-area (T3) the at least one energy storage device (9) is arranged, is fluidically connected to a fifth of the ports (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6) and fluidically to a sixth of the ports (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6), whereby the temperature control fluid can be discharged from the valve assembly (13) via the fifth port (A5) and introduced into the third sub-area (T3) and discharged from the third sub-area (T3) via the sixth port (A6) and introduced into the valve assembly (13). [2] Temperature control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that in the first switching state (S1) the first port (A1) within the valve assembly (13) is fluidically connected to the fourth port (A4), the second port (A2) within the valve assembly (13) is fluidically connected to the third port (A3) and the fifth port (A5) within the valve assembly (13) is fluidically connected to the sixth port (A6). [3] Temperature control device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that in the second switching state (S2) the first terminal (A1) is fluidically connected to the sixth terminal (A6) and the second terminal (A2) is fluidically connected to the fifth terminal (A5), while the third terminal (A3) and the fourth terminal (A4) are fluidically separated from each other and from the other terminals (A1, A2, A5, A6), thus allowing the temperature control fluid to bypass the ambient air cooler (16). [4] Temperature control device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the valve device (13) is discreetly switchable at least between the first switching state (S1), the second switching state (S2) and a third switching state (S3) in which the first port (A1) is fluidically connected to the sixth port (A6) and the second port (A2) is fluidically connected to the third port (A3), while the fourth port (A4) and the fifth port (A5) are fluidically separated from each other and from the other ports (A1, A2, A3, A6). [5] Temperature control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the valve device (13) is discretely switchable at least between the first switching state (S1), the second switching state (S2) and a fourth switching state (S4) in which the first port (A1) is fluidically connected to the fourth port (A4) and the second port (A2) is fluidically connected to the fifth port (A5), while the third port (A3) and the sixth port (A6) are fluidically separated from each other and from the other ports (A1, A2, A4, A5). [6] Temperature control device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by, that the valve device (13) is discretely switchable at least between the first switching state (S1), the second switching state (S2) and a fifth switching state (S5) in which the first port (A1) is fluidically connected to the fourth port (A4) and the fifth port (A5) is fluidically connected to the second port (A2) and the sixth port (A6), while the third port (A3) is separated from the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth ports (A1, A2, A4, A5, A6). [7] Temperature control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that in the third sub-area (T3) upstream of the at least one energy storage device (9) and downstream of the fifth connection (A5) an electric heating element (18) for heating the temperature control fluid and / or a second heat exchanger (11) for temperature control of the temperature control fluid is arranged in addition to the ambient air cooler (16) and in addition to the heat exchanger (6). [8] Temperature control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a connecting line (21) which is fluidically connected to the second sub-area (T2) at a first connection point (V1) arranged downstream of the third connection (A3) and upstream of the ambient air cooler (16) and fluidically connected to the third sub-area (T3) at a second connection point (V2) arranged downstream of the fifth connection (A5) and upstream of the at least one energy storage device (9). [9] Temperature control device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the second connection point (V2) is located downstream of the heating element (18) and / or the second heat exchanger (11). [10] Temperature control device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by, that in the third switching state (S3) at least a predominant part of the temperature control fluid flowing through the second sub-area (T2) can be branched off from the second sub-area (T2) at the first connection point (V1) via the connecting line (21) and introduced into the third sub-area (T3) at the second connection point (V2), whereby in the third switching state (S3) the temperature control fluid bypasses the ambient air cooler (16), the branches (Z1, Z2) are connected in series to the at least one energy storage device (9) and the temperature control fluid flows through both the branches (Z1, Z2) and the at least one energy storage device (9). [11] Temperature control device (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by, that in the fourth switching state (S4) at least a predominant part of the temperature control fluid flowing through the third sub-area (T3) can be diverted from the third sub-area (T3) at the second connection point (V2) via the connecting line (21) and introduced into the second sub-area (T2) at the first connection point (V1), whereby in the fourth switching state (S4) the temperature control fluid flows through the ambient air cooler (16) and the branches (Z1, Z2) and bypasses the at least one energy storage device (9). [12] Temperature control device (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by, that in the fifth switching state (S5) a part of the temperature control fluid flowing through the third sub-area can be diverted from the third sub-area (T3) at the second connection point (V2) via the connecting line (21) and introduced into the second sub-area (T2) at the first connection point (V1), whereby in the fifth switching state (S5) the temperature control fluid flows through the ambient air cooler (16), the branches (Z1, Z2) and the at least one energy storage device (9). [13] Motor vehicle, with a temperature control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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