Coolant circuit with a central coolant distribution system and motor vehicle

Abstract

A coolant circuit (10) for a motor vehicle (12), comprising a coolant distribution device (14) which has a heating device (32) by means of which heat can be introduced into a coolant which flows through the coolant distribution device (14) during operation of the coolant circuit (10), wherein the coolant distribution device (14) has an inlet (16) through which coolant can be introduced into the coolant distribution device (14), which can be heated by means of a refrigerant cooler (18) connected to the coolant circuit (10) and to a refrigerant circuit (20), wherein the coolant distribution device (14) has at least one outlet (26, 34, 44) through which the heated coolant can be supplied to at least one heat exchanger (28, 36, 84) of the coolant circuit (10), and wherein a valve device is integrated into the coolant distribution device (14).by means of which a coolant flow through the coolant distribution device (14) can be influenced, characterized in that the coolant distribution device (14) has a further inlet (74) through which coolant can be introduced into the coolant distribution device (14), which can be cooled by means of an evaporator (76) integrated into the coolant circuit (10) and into the refrigerant circuit (20), wherein the coolant distribution device (14) has at least one further outlet (26, 44, 80) through which the cooled coolant can be supplied to at least one further heat exchanger (28, 82, 84) of the coolant circuit (10), wherein a first pump device (86) is integrated into the coolant distribution device (14), which is designed to pump the heated coolant coming from the refrigerant cooler (18), and wherein a second pump device (88) is integrated into the coolant distribution device (14),which is designed to convey the cooled refrigerant coming from the evaporator (76).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coolant circuit for a motor vehicle, comprising a coolant distribution device having a heating device. By means of the heating device, heat can be introduced into a coolant, which flows through the coolant distribution device during operation of the coolant circuit. The coolant distribution device has an inlet via which coolant can be introduced into the coolant distribution device, which can be heated by means of a refrigerant cooler integrated into the coolant circuit and into a refrigerant circuit. The coolant distribution device has at least one outlet via which the heated coolant can be supplied to at least one heat exchanger of the coolant circuit. A valve device is integrated into the coolant distribution device, by means of which a coolant flow through the coolant distribution device can be influenced.Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a coolant circuit.

[0002] German patent DE 10 2020 215 280 A1 describes an integrated coolant heating module for a vehicle, comprising a water-cooled condenser. The condenser has refrigerant inlet and outlet ports, as well as coolant inlet and outlet ports. The coolant heating module includes a water heater coupled to the water-cooled condenser, which heats the coolant flowing through the condenser; a multi-way valve coupled to an attachment of the water heater, which regulates the flow direction of the coolant; and a water pump coupled to an attachment of the water heater, which generates coolant pressure between the multi-way valve and the water-cooled condenser.

[0003] A disadvantage here is that such a coolant heating module has limited functionality.

[0004] DE 11 2015 001 115 T5 describes a thermal management system for vehicles, in which a refrigeration cycle unit has a housing in which a low-temperature side pump, a high-temperature side pump, a first switching valve, a second switching valve and a refrigeration cycle with a coolant cooler, a coolant heater, a compressor, an expansion valve and a relief valve are accommodated.

[0005] A refrigerant circuit in which heat is initially transferred from the refrigerant flowing through the circuit to a liquid coolant, or vice versa, is also called an indirect refrigerant circuit. This is because the coolant circulating in the circuit then transfers heat to the air, or it absorbs heat from the air. In contrast, a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant cooler, for example, a condenser, releases heat directly to the air is also called a direct refrigerant circuit.

[0006] When an indirect refrigerant circuit is used in a motor vehicle, this generally requires more space. This is because, firstly, a coolant circuit must be coupled to the refrigerant circuit for heat transfer. Secondly, the coolant lines used in a coolant circuit usually have a larger diameter than the refrigerant lines used in a refrigerant circuit. Therefore, especially when using an indirect refrigerant circuit in a motor vehicle, it is desirable for the coolant circuit to be as compact as possible.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create a coolant circuit of the type mentioned at the outset which has extended functionality, and to provide a motor vehicle with such a coolant circuit.

[0008] This problem is solved by a coolant circuit with the features of claim 1 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0009] The coolant circuit according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a coolant distribution device having a heating device. By means of the heating device, heat can be introduced into a coolant, which flows through the coolant distribution device during operation of the coolant circuit. The coolant distribution device has an inlet via which coolant can be introduced into the coolant distribution device, which can be heated by means of a refrigerant cooler integrated into the coolant circuit and into a refrigerant circuit. The coolant distribution device has at least one outlet via which the heated coolant can be supplied to at least one heat exchanger of the coolant circuit. A valve device is integrated into the coolant distribution device, by means of which a coolant flow through the coolant distribution device can be influenced.The coolant distribution device has a further inlet through which coolant can be introduced into the device, which can be cooled by means of an evaporator integrated into both the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit. The coolant distribution device has at least one further outlet through which the cooled coolant can be supplied to at least one further heat exchanger of the coolant circuit.

[0010] In the coolant circuit according to the invention, a first pump is integrated into the coolant distribution device, which is designed to pump the heated coolant coming from the refrigerant cooler. A second pump is also integrated into the coolant distribution device, which is designed to pump the cooled coolant coming from the evaporator. The integration of both pumps into the coolant distribution device results in a particularly compact design for the device. Furthermore, the lines between the pumps and the coolant distribution device can be made particularly short or even eliminated entirely. This is advantageous with regard to the compact design of the coolant distribution device containing the pumps.

[0011] The coolant distribution device has extended functionality. The coolant, heated by the refrigerant cooler, can be introduced into the device via the inlet or first inlet and fed to at least one outlet or at least one first outlet. The coolant, previously cooled by the evaporator, can be introduced into the device via the second inlet. Finally, this cooled coolant can be fed to at least one further heat exchanger via the second outlet of the device.

[0012] The coolant distribution device thus enables, in a compact design, both the distribution of heated coolant to the at least one heat exchanger, which can be used to heat a medium, and the supply of cooled coolant to the at least one further heat exchanger in order to implement a cooling function. This is advantageous.

[0013] The heating element is integrated into the coolant distribution system, which preferably allows additional heat to be introduced into the coolant, which is heated by the refrigerant cooler, if desired. The valve assembly is also integrated into the coolant distribution system. This results in a very compact design for the coolant distribution system compared to an arrangement where, for example, the heating element and the valve assembly are designed as external components. In such cases, lines would have to be provided between these external components and the coolant distribution system. In this design, such lines are reduced to a minimum or eliminated entirely because both the heating element and the valve assembly are integrated into the coolant distribution system.

[0014] The compact design of the central, highly integrated coolant distribution system results in the advantageously small installation space required for the coolant circuit. This, in turn, results in less material being used for the coolant circuit and for the coolant itself. Consequently, the coolant circuit is advantageously lightweight. This, in turn, facilitates the assembly of the coolant circuit, for example, during production of the motor vehicle incorporating the coolant circuit on an assembly line or similar.

[0015] Furthermore, the reduced material usage and weight of the coolant circuit lower the costs associated with its installation. Moreover, the integration of components, particularly the heating element and valve assembly, into the coolant distribution system eliminates the need to connect these components during assembly. Instead, the coolant distribution system can be supplied as a largely pre-assembled unit. This reduces the assembly effort during the manufacturing of the coolant circuit and, in particular, the vehicle itself.

[0016] The refrigerant cooler is integrated into the coolant circuit and can therefore be flowed through by the coolant contained in the coolant circuit. The refrigerant cooler is integrated into the refrigerant circuit and can therefore be flowed through by the refrigerant. Depending on the refrigerant used, the refrigerant cooler can be designed as a condenser, by means of which the refrigerant can be converted into a liquid state, or as a gas cooler. In both cases, the resulting cooling of the refrigerant ensures heat transfer from the refrigerant to the coolant flowing through the refrigerant cooler, thus heating the coolant.

[0017] The evaporator, through which both the coolant and the refrigerant flow, and which is integrated into the coolant circuit on one side and the refrigerant circuit on the other, is also called a chiller. Within the chiller, heat is transferred from the coolant to the refrigerant due to the evaporation of the refrigerant, thus cooling the coolant. In this way, the coolant, cooled by the evaporator, can be supplied to the further inlet of the coolant distribution system. The use of such a chiller is advantageous because it allows for particularly thorough cooling of the coolant. This is beneficial for a number of cooling applications, such as those found in motor vehicles.

[0018] Depending on the arrangement and design of the respective heat exchanger, the coolant heated by the refrigerant cooler and the coolant cooled by the evaporator can be used for different heating and cooling purposes in the motor vehicle, in particular to increase user comfort for a user of the motor vehicle equipped with the coolant circuit.

[0019] For example, the heated and / or cooled refrigerant can be introduced into a temperature control container or a thermal box, which is designed to hold items and / or food and / or beverages to be heated and / or cooled. Accordingly, at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one additional heat exchanger can be arranged in such a temperature control container or thermal box.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to use the at least one heat exchanger to cool or heat areas or surfaces in the motor vehicle with which an occupant of the motor vehicle comes or may come into contact. For example, the at least one heat exchanger and / or the at least one further heat exchanger can be arranged in a vehicle seat of the motor vehicle, for example, to provide seat heating and / or to cool the seat.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, integrating at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one further heat exchanger into an interior trim panel and / or an interior fitting can achieve cooling and / or heating of such a panel. For example, surfaces such as the surfaces of a vehicle's center console and / or instrument panel and / or an armrest in the area of ​​a door or the vehicle's center console, or the like, can be cooled or heated by means of the heat exchanger or the further heat exchanger.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to cool the floor and / or provide floor heating by arranging at least one heat exchanger and / or at least one further heat exchanger in the area of ​​the floor of the motor vehicle.

[0023] Analogously, it is possible to arrange the at least one heat exchanger and / or the at least one further heat exchanger in the region of a roof of the motor vehicle. In this way, heat or cold can be introduced into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via the roof during operation of the coolant circuit.

[0024] Such heating purposes and / or cooling purposes can be implemented particularly easily since the coolant distribution device has at least one outlet via which the heated coolant can be supplied to the at least one heat exchanger, and at least one further outlet via which the cooled coolant can be supplied to the at least one further heat exchanger.

[0025] The at least one heat exchanger, which can be supplied with the heated coolant, can be designed to heat the air in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Accordingly, the at least one heat exchanger, which can be supplied with the heated coolant, can provide a heat source designed in the manner of a radiator, by means of which the air in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle can be heated by thermal radiation.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, at least one further heat exchanger, which can be supplied with the cooled coolant, can be designed as a cooling device by means of which the air in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle can be cooled. This is also advantageous for providing a comfortable climate in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one heat exchanger, which can be supplied with the heated coolant, is designed to heat an airflow that can be introduced into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Such a heat exchanger can therefore be designed, for example, like a heating heat exchanger, by means of which the temperature of the airflow introduced into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle can be raised. This is advantageous with regard to providing a comfortably warm interior climate for the vehicle occupants.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, at least one further heat exchanger, which can be supplied with the cooled coolant, can be designed as a cooling device by means of which an airflow can be cooled and introduced into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. In this way, a pleasantly cool climate can be provided in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle when required, especially at high ambient temperatures. This is advantageous.

[0029] In particular, the heat exchanger designed to heat the air flow and the additional heat exchanger designed as a cooling device can be arranged in a housing of an air conditioning unit of the motor vehicle. This advantageously allows both cooling and heating of the air flow guided through the air conditioning unit. If the heat exchanger designed to heat the air flow is arranged in the housing of the air conditioning unit downstream of the additional heat exchanger designed as a cooling device, it is advantageously possible to heat the air flow, which has previously been dehumidified by means of the cooling device. This is advantageous for providing a pleasant indoor climate for the vehicle occupants in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. At the same time, fogging of the vehicle windows on their inner sides facing the passenger compartment can be largely prevented.

[0030] In particular, if the motor vehicle having the coolant circuit is designed as an electric vehicle or as a hybrid vehicle, the at least one further heat exchanger that can be supplied with the cooled coolant can be used advantageously for cooling electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle.

[0031] For example, at least one additional heat exchanger, capable of being supplied with the cooled coolant, can be designed to cool an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle and / or at least one electric drive motor of the motor vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, at least one additional heat exchanger, capable of being supplied with the cooled coolant, can be designed to cool at least one power electronics unit of the motor vehicle and / or a charger of the motor vehicle. In this case, the charger is used when charging an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle.

[0032] By means of at least one additional heat exchanger, heat can thus be advantageously dissipated from such components of a motor vehicle designed as an electric vehicle or as a hybrid vehicle in order to prevent detrimental overheating of these components or to keep the components within a temperature range favorable for their operation. This is advantageous.

[0033] Preferably, the at least one heat exchanger that can be supplied with the heated coolant is designed to heat an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle. This is particularly advantageous when the electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle is to be thermally preconditioned in order to enable efficient charging, in particular rapid charging, of the electrical energy storage device. Furthermore, heating the electrical energy storage device can ensure that the electrical energy storage device quickly reaches its operating temperature, at which the provision of electrical energy by the electrical energy storage device takes place particularly effectively and thus the performance of the electrical energy storage device can be very well or very extensively utilized.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one heat exchanger capable of handling the heated coolant can be designed to heat or warm at least one electric drive motor of the motor vehicle and / or at least one power electronics unit of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one heat exchanger capable of handling the heated coolant is designed to heat or warm a charger of the motor vehicle. In this case, the charger is used when charging an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle.

[0035] Heating or warming such electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle can advantageously ensure that these components are quickly brought into a temperature range that is conducive to their efficient operation. This is particularly advantageous at low ambient temperatures.

[0036] It has proven advantageous if the heating element of the coolant distribution system is designed as a high-voltage heating element, which can be supplied by the vehicle's electrical energy storage system, specifically a high-voltage battery. Such a high-voltage heating element or heater allows a large amount of heat to be generated and transferred to the coolant very quickly. This is beneficial because a relatively large amount of heat is then available for heating purposes very rapidly. The heat from the coolant can be used, for example, to heat the vehicle's passenger compartment and / or to heat the high-voltage battery. The latter is particularly advantageous when the high-voltage battery needs to be charged, especially during a fast-charging process.

[0037] The electrical energy storage device, designed as a high-voltage battery, has a nominal voltage of more than 60 volts, in particular a nominal voltage of up to several hundred volts. Such a high-voltage battery can advantageously be provided to supply the at least one electric drive motor of the motor vehicle with electrical energy, by means of which the motor vehicle can be propelled. Accordingly, the high-voltage battery can advantageously be used in an electrified motor vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0038] The coolant distribution device can, in particular, be designed in the manner of a distribution plate or coolant distribution plate. The heating device, in particular, can be particularly easily integrated into such a plate-like distribution device, so that the coolant flows around the heating device during operation. Furthermore, the valve device can be very easily integrated into the plate-like coolant distribution device, in particular by screwing at least one valve of the valve device into a plate-like base body of the coolant distribution device.

[0039] The plate-like base body of the coolant distribution device can be manufactured, in particular, by a casting process and can be made, for example, of a metal and / or a plastic. If the plate-like base body is made of plastic, it is preferably ensured that the plastic is temperature-resistant at the temperatures of the coolant occurring during operation of the coolant circuit.

[0040] The valve device preferably comprises at least one first valve integrated into the coolant distribution device, which is designed to block and at least partially open the inlet and the at least one outlet. The valve device also comprises at least one second valve integrated into the coolant distribution device, which is designed to block and at least partially open the further inlet and the at least one further outlet. This allows the coolant flow, which is guided through the coolant distribution device during operation of the coolant circuit, to be influenced very easily and as needed.

[0041] In particular, the valves can be designed as multi-way valves, in which the inlet and a plurality of outlets, or the additional inlet and a plurality of further outlets, are integrated. The provision of such multi-way valves is advantageous for a particularly compact design of the coolant distribution system.

[0042] Particularly in direct refrigerant circuits in electrified vehicles, so-called safety refrigerants can be used. These refrigerants do not ignite in the event of damage to the refrigerant circuit and a potential leak into the surrounding environment. However, such non-flammable refrigerants, for example, in the form of fluorinated and / or chlorinated hydrocarbons, can sometimes have adverse environmental impacts. Examples of refrigerants in the form of fluorinated and / or chlorinated hydrocarbons include those with the designations R-12, R-134a, or R-1234yf. Such refrigerants, especially those used in automotive refrigerant circuits, can be detrimental to ozone depletion and / or the greenhouse effect if released into the environment.Furthermore, such non-flammable refrigerants could lead to the formation of reactive degradation products. R-744 (carbon dioxide) can also be used as a non-flammable refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. In this case, such non-flammable safety refrigerants can be used in the refrigerant circuit, which includes the refrigerant cooler and the evaporator.

[0043] However, for reasons of environmental compatibility, especially with regard to avoiding ozone depletion and the formation of reactive degradation products, the use of flammable refrigerants, for example in the form of hydrocarbons such as propane or butane or the like, in the refrigerant circuit may also be advantageous.

[0044] Preferably, a flammable refrigerant flows through the refrigerant cooler and the evaporator integrated into the coolant circuit during operation of the refrigerant circuit. This is because flammable refrigerants are advantageous in terms of their environmental compatibility. Furthermore, a central positioning of the refrigerant circuit in the motor vehicle can ensure that damage to the refrigerant circuit is largely avoidable and that, even in the event of damage to the refrigerant circuit, only a very small amount of refrigerant is released.

[0045] Preferably, a coolant pump is arranged in at least one branch of the coolant circuit, by means of which the coolant can be circulated in that branch. In this at least one branch, at least one electric drive motor of the vehicle and / or an electrical energy storage device of the vehicle is arranged. Circulating the coolant, including the electrical energy storage device, can be used in particular to compensate for temperature differences within the electrical energy storage device. This is advantageous.

[0046] The same applies to the circulation of the coolant in the line branch if at least one electric drive motor of the motor vehicle is arranged or integrated into the line branch. In particular, if the line branch comprising the electric drive motor is coupled to a cooler that can be exposed to ambient air, very simple and low-cost cooling of at least the electric drive motor of the motor vehicle can be achieved by exposing the cooler to ambient air. This is advantageous.

[0047] Furthermore, in the wiring section where at least one of the vehicle's electric drive motors is located, a vehicle charger and / or at least one power electronics unit can be additionally or alternatively installed. This is also advantageous with regard to temperature uniformity for such electrical and / or electronic components of the vehicle. Moreover, by operating the coolant pump and providing a radiator that can be cooled with ambient air, effective heat dissipation from such electrical and / or electronic components of the vehicle can be achieved simply.

[0048] Preferably, a coolant line coupled to a cooler is connected to the at least one outlet of the coolant distribution device, wherein the cooler can be supplied with air originating from an environment of the coolant circuit during operation of the coolant circuit. When the coolant circuit is integrated into the motor vehicle, the air can in particular originate from the environment of the motor vehicle. Coupling the at least one outlet of the coolant distribution device to such a cooler makes it possible to dissipate heat from the coolant to the environment. This can be advantageous in operating states of the coolant circuit in which the heated coolant would otherwise cause undesirably strong heating in the at least one heat exchanger of the coolant circuit.

[0049] It can be advantageous to prevent heat loss from the radiator to the air surrounding the vehicle. For this purpose, the radiator can be designed to allow bypassing of the coolant circuit by means of a bypass line. Additionally or alternatively, the radiator can be designed to be sealed off by means of an air-side shut-off device. Such a shut-off device can, for example, be designed like a radiator shutter. When the radiator shutter is closed, it prevents air from the surrounding air from reaching the radiator.

[0050] By bypassing the radiator using the bypass line of the coolant circuit and / or by blocking the radiator using the air-side shut-off device, it can be ensured in a very simple and effective way that the heated coolant is supplied to at least one heat exchanger with particularly low loss.

[0051] The motor vehicle according to the invention has a coolant circuit according to the invention. Furthermore, the motor vehicle has a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant cooler and the evaporator of the coolant circuit are integrated. In such a motor vehicle, the expanded functionality of the coolant circuit can be used particularly effectively and in a variety of ways.

[0052] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or as a truck or similar commercial vehicle, or as a passenger bus.

[0053] Preferably, the motor vehicle is designed as an electric vehicle or as a hybrid vehicle. Particularly in such electrified motor vehicles, the provision of a coolant circuit coupled to the refrigerant circuit in a heat-transferring manner is advantageous.

[0054] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the coolant circuit according to the invention also apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.

[0055] The invention therefore also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the coolant circuit according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0056] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0057] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 schematically a coolant circuit of a motor vehicle which has a central, highly integrated coolant distribution device; and Fig. Figure 2 highly schematically depicts the motor vehicle, which is designed as an electric vehicle or as a hybrid vehicle.

[0058] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0059] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0060] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a coolant circuit 10 as it is used in a motor vehicle 12 (compare Fig. 2) can be used. The coolant circuit 10 has a highly integrated coolant distribution device 14 as its central component or assembly. From this central coolant distribution device 14, heated or cooled coolant can be supplied as required to the respective heat exchangers, which are integrated into the coolant circuit 10 and are therefore permeable to the coolant contained in the coolant circuit 10.

[0061] The coolant distribution device 14 has a first inlet 16 through which coolant heated by means of a refrigerant cooler 18 can be introduced into the coolant distribution device 14. The refrigerant cooler 18 can be designed as a condenser or as a gas cooler, which is connected to a refrigerant circuit 20 of the motor vehicle (compare Fig. 2) is integrated.

[0062] The refrigerant circuit 20 includes a compressor 22, which supplies the refrigerant cooler 18 with the compressed and therefore hot refrigerant during operation of the refrigerant circuit 20. During operation of the refrigerant circuit 20, heat is transferred from the compressed, hot refrigerant to the coolant supplied to the refrigerant cooler 18, which is integrated into both the refrigerant circuit 20 and the coolant circuit 10. This results in the heating of the liquid coolant.

[0063] The coolant distribution device 14, which has a preferably plate-shaped base body 24, can also be referred to as a coolant distribution plate or distribution plate. The coolant distribution device 14 or coolant distribution plate has a first outlet 26 through which the coolant, heated during operation of the refrigerant circuit 20 by means of the refrigerant cooler 18, can be supplied to a heat exchanger 28. This can serve the purpose of heating an electrical energy storage device 30 of the motor vehicle 12, which in this case is designed as a high-voltage battery (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) to warm up.

[0064] Such heating of the high-voltage battery or the electrical energy storage device 30 is advantageous, for example, to quickly bring the high-voltage battery up to its operating temperature. Furthermore, it is advantageous to heat the electrical energy storage device 30 when it is to be charged, particularly during a fast-charging process.

[0065] To introduce a particularly large amount of heat into the coolant, which can be supplied to the heat exchanger 28 via the first outlet 26, a heating device 32 is integrated into the coolant distribution device 14. The heating device 32 is designed as a high-voltage heating device or high-voltage heater. Accordingly, the heating device 32 can be supplied with electrical energy by the electrical energy storage device 30 of the motor vehicle 12, which is designed as a high-voltage battery. Furthermore, the heating device 32 can also introduce heat into the coolant flowing through the coolant distribution device 14 even when the refrigerant circuit 20 is not in operation.

[0066] The coolant distribution device 14 has a second outlet 34 through which the coolant, heated by the refrigerant cooler 18 and / or the heating device 32, can be supplied to a heat exchanger in the form of a heating heat exchanger 36, which, like the heat exchanger 28, is integrated into the coolant circuit 10. The heating heat exchanger 36 is preferably arranged in a housing of an air conditioning unit of the motor vehicle 12, though not shown in detail here. Accordingly, an airflow passing through the housing of the air conditioning unit can be heated by the heating heat exchanger 36 before this airflow enters a passenger compartment 38 of the motor vehicle 12 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2).

[0067] After flowing through the heat exchanger 28 and / or the heating heat exchanger 36, the coolant can be returned to the refrigerant cooler 18. For this purpose, corresponding coolant lines 40 of the coolant circuit 10, connected to the heating heat exchanger 36 and the heat exchanger 28, can be joined at a junction 42, which is located upstream of the refrigerant cooler 18 in the coolant circuit 10.

[0068] The coolant heated by means of the refrigerant cooler 18 and / or the heating device 32 can be discharged from the coolant distribution device 14 at a third outlet 44. A coolant line 46 leads from the third outlet 44 to a radiator 48, which can be designed as a low-temperature radiator. The radiator 48 is supplied with coolant from the surroundings 50 of the coolant circuit 10 or the motor vehicle 12 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) originating from air.

[0069] To prevent heat loss to the air originating from the surroundings 50 of the coolant circuit 10 or the vehicle 12 in the radiator 48, an air-side shut-off device 52 can be assigned to the radiator 48. The air-side shut-off device 52 can, for example, be designed as a radiator louver. In addition to or as an alternative to the shut-off device 52, the coolant circuit 10 can have a bypass line 56 through which the coolant can bypass the radiator 48. This also prevents heat loss from the coolant to the surrounding air 50 at the radiator 48. To supply the radiator 48 with air from the surroundings 50, the coolant circuit 10 includes a fan 54.

[0070] The coolant coming from the radiator 48 or from the bypass line 56 can in this case be supplied to the node 42 and / or a plurality of electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle 12, for example at least one electric drive motor 58, 60, which is designed to move the motor vehicle 12 (cf. Fig. 2).

[0071] The heated coolant discharged from the coolant distribution device 14 via the third outlet 44, which subsequently flows through the cooler 48 or the bypass line 56, can be used, for example, to heat or warm up the at least one electric drive motor 58, 60 and thus bring it into a temperature range suitable for efficient operation of the drive motor 58, 60. This is particularly advantageous at low ambient temperatures.

[0072] Depending on the design of the motor vehicle 12, for example, the first electric drive motor 58 can be configured to drive the wheels on a rear axle of the motor vehicle 12 and the second electric drive motor 60 to drive the wheels on a front axle of the motor vehicle 12. Additionally or alternatively, one of the electric drive motors 58, 60 can be configured to drive at least one left-hand wheel of the motor vehicle 12 in the direction of travel and the other of the electric drive motors 58, 60 can be configured to drive at least one right-hand wheel of the motor vehicle 12 in the direction of travel.

[0073] The coolant used for temperature control of the drive motors 58, 60 can additionally be used for temperature control of at least one power electronics unit 62 of the motor vehicle 12, wherein in Fig. 1 Two power electronic devices 62 are shown schematically and by way of example. In an analogous manner, the coolant can be used to temperature control a charger 64 of the motor vehicle 12, which is used when charging the electrical energy storage device 30.

[0074] As described for the drive motors 58, 60, the heated coolant can accordingly be used to heat or warm up the at least one power electronics unit 62 and the charger 64 as needed, in order to enable efficient operation of such electronic and / or electrical components of the motor vehicle 12. Such heating is particularly advantageous when low ambient temperatures are present.

[0075] The coolant coming from the radiator 48 or from the bypass line 56 can therefore first be supplied to the electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle 12, for example in the form of the at least one power electronics device 62, the at least one electric drive motor 58, 60 and the charger 64, before it reaches the junction 42, which is located upstream of the refrigerant cooler 18 in the coolant circuit 10.

[0076] Upstream of this junction 42, in the exemplary embodiment of the coolant circuit 10 shown here, a valve 98 is arranged in a coolant line 90 of the coolant circuit 10. In a first switching position of the valve 98, a flow path for the coolant towards the junction 42 is opened. By moving the valve 98 into the first switching position, it can thus be ensured that the coolant is returned to the refrigerant cooler 18 after the aforementioned exemplary electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle 12 have warmed up.

[0077] In the present case, a coolant pump 68 is arranged in a line branch 66 of the coolant circuit 10, which makes it possible to convey the coolant used for tempering the power electronics devices 62, the drive motors 58, 60 and the charger 64 in the line branch 66 in a circuit in which the cooler 48 is integrated.

[0078] In an analogous manner, the coolant circuit 10 can have a further line branch 70, in which a further coolant pump 72 and the heat exchanger 28 are arranged. By means of this further coolant pump 72, the coolant coming from the first outlet 26 can be circulated in the further line branch 70, in particular to compensate for temperature differences within the electrical energy storage device 30.

[0079] The coolant distribution device 14 has a further inlet 74, or second inlet, through which coolant can be introduced into the coolant distribution device 14, which can be cooled by means of an evaporator 76. The evaporator 76 is integrated into the coolant circuit 10 and is thus permeable to the coolant that flows through the coolant distribution device 14 during operation of the coolant circuit 10. Furthermore, the evaporator 76 is integrated into the refrigerant circuit 20. Such an evaporator 76, through which a refrigerant and a liquid coolant flow, is also referred to as a chiller.

[0080] During operation of the refrigerant circuit 20, the cooled or condensed refrigerant coming from the refrigerant cooler 18 is expanded by an expansion device 78 of the refrigerant circuit 20. The expansion device 78 can be designed as an expansion valve, in particular as a thermal expansion valve. In the evaporator 76, the evaporating refrigerant absorbs heat and thus cools the coolant, which is then introduced into the coolant distribution device 14 via the further inlet 74 or second inlet 74. The expanded refrigerant coming from the evaporator 76 is then recompressed by the compressor 22, which can be designed in particular as an electric refrigerant compressor.

[0081] The coolant, cooled by the evaporator 76 and entering the coolant distribution device 14 via the further inlet 74, can be fed to a further outlet or fourth outlet 80 of the coolant distribution device 14. From the fourth outlet 80, the cooled coolant can be fed to a further heat exchanger designed as a cooling device 82, which is integrated into the coolant circuit 10. This cooling device 82 can be used to cool the airflow that enters the passenger compartment 38 of the motor vehicle 12 (see figure). Fig. 2). The cooling device 82, which is preferably arranged together with the heating heat exchanger 36 in the housing of the air conditioning unit of the motor vehicle 12, can therefore also be referred to as a cold heat exchanger. Because the cooling device 82, which is introduced into the passenger compartment 38 of the motor vehicle 12 (cf. Fig. 2) introduced air flow, which flows over the cooling device 82, is cooled by means of the cooling device 82.

[0082] In this case, the coolant introduced into the coolant distribution device 14 at the further inlet 74 and thus cooled, can also be supplied via the first outlet 26 to the heat exchanger 28, which serves to regulate the temperature of the electrical energy storage device 30. In this case, the heat exchanger 28 is then not used to heat the electrical energy storage device 30, but to cool it.

[0083] The first outlet 26 can also be referred to as a further outlet 26 of the coolant distribution device 14, since the cooled coolant can be discharged from the coolant distribution device 14 via this outlet. Similarly, the heat exchanger 28 associated with the electrical energy storage device 30 can be referred to as a further heat exchanger 28, since the cooled coolant can be supplied to this heat exchanger 28. This convention applies to all outlets and heat exchangers of the coolant circuit 10, provided that the cooled coolant can be supplied to the respective heat exchanger via these outlets of the coolant distribution device 14. This will be explained below using further examples.

[0084] The coolant entering the coolant distribution device 14 at the further inlet 74, cooled by means of the evaporator 76, can be introduced into the coolant line 46 at the third outlet 44 of the coolant distribution device 14 and used to cool the electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle 12 mentioned above by way of example, i.e., for example, to cool the power electronics devices 62, the electric drive motors 58, 60, and the charger 64. Accordingly, in Fig. Figure 1 shows that each of the electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle 12 is assigned a further heat exchanger 84. These further heat exchangers 84 enable the cooling of the electrical and / or electronic component of the motor vehicle 12 assigned to each further heat exchanger 84 during operation of the coolant circuit 10.

[0085] The third outlet 44 can therefore also be referred to as a further outlet 44. Likewise, the further heat exchangers 84 can be referred to as heat exchangers 84, because they can be supplied with either the cooled coolant or the coolant entering the coolant distribution device 14 at the first inlet 16, which is heated by the refrigerant cooler 18 and / or by the heating device 32.

[0086] According to Fig. In the coolant distribution device 14, a first pumping device 86 is integrated, which is designed to pump the heated coolant coming from the refrigerant cooler 18. Accordingly, the first pumping device 86 is designed to pump the coolant from the first inlet 16 to at least one of the outlets 26, 34, 44 of the coolant distribution device 14, through which the heated coolant can be discharged from the coolant distribution device 14.

[0087] Furthermore, a second pump assembly 88 is integrated into the coolant distribution device 14, which is designed to pump the cooled coolant coming from the evaporator 76. By means of this second pump assembly 88, the coolant can accordingly be pumped from the second inlet 74 to one of the further outlets 26, 44, 80 of the coolant distribution device 14, through which the cooled coolant can be discharged from the coolant distribution device 14.

[0088] The coolant coming from the heat exchangers 84, the cooling unit 82, and the heat exchanger 28 can be fed back to an inlet side of the evaporator 76 or chiller via further coolant lines 90 of the coolant circuit 10. For this purpose, these coolant lines 90 can be joined together at a further junction 92 of the coolant circuit 10, as shown by way of example.

[0089] As described above, the coolant cooled by the evaporator 76 can be used in the heat exchangers 84 to cool the electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle 12, such as the power electronics 62 and / or the electric drive motors 58, 60 and / or the charger 64. To ensure that the coolant from such electrical and / or electronic components of the motor vehicle 12 is returned to the evaporator 76, the valve 98 located in the coolant line 90 can be moved to a second switching position. In the second switching position of the valve 98, the flow path for the coolant towards the junction 42, which is located upstream of the refrigerant cooler 18, is blocked. Conversely, a flow path for the coolant towards the junction 92, which is located upstream of the evaporator 76, is opened.

[0090] To control whether the coolant from the first inlet 16 of the coolant distribution device 14 is supplied to one of the outlets 26, 34, 44 or a plurality of these outlets 26, 34, 44, at least one valve of a valve assembly can be integrated into the coolant distribution device 14. The at least one valve can, in particular, be designed as a multi-way valve. A corresponding first valve, associated with the inlet 16 and the outlets 26, 34, 44, is shown in Fig. 1 is schematically illustrated by a plurality of symbols 94. Accordingly, the use of the symbols 94 in Fig. 1 that at least one corresponding first valve can be integrated into the coolant distribution device 14.

[0091] The valve assembly of the coolant distribution device 14 preferably comprises at least one further valve by means of which the cooled coolant entering the coolant distribution device 14 at the further inlet 74 can be supplied to one of the outlets 26, 44, 80 or further outlets 26, 44, 80. Accordingly, at least one second valve can be integrated into the coolant distribution device 14, which can in particular also be designed as a multi-way valve. This second valve is in Fig. 1 is illustrated by further symbols 96, which are shown in the area of ​​the second inlet 74 and the outlets 26, 44, 80 or further outlets 26, 44, 80.

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, valves can be arranged at the positions of symbols 94 and 96 shown by way of example and thus integrated into the coolant distribution device 14. The valve assembly of the coolant distribution device 14 can also be provided by such individual valves.

[0093] The central and highly integrated coolant distribution plate or coolant distribution device 14 shown here as an example can also be used in a simpler coolant circuit than the one shown here to illustrate a possible application, or can be used advantageously.

[0094] In Fig.In Figure 2, the coolant circuit 10 and the refrigerant circuit 20 of the motor vehicle 12, which is designed for heat exchange with the coolant circuit 10, are only highly schematic and are not realistically depicted with regard to an actual installation position. The same applies to the electrical energy storage device 30 of the motor vehicle 12 and the electric drive motors 58, 60 of the motor vehicle 12, which are shown schematically and by way of example. List of reference symbols 10 Coolant circuit 12 Motor vehicle 14 Coolant distribution device 16 Entrance 18 refrigerant coolers 20 Refrigerant circuit 22 compressors 24 basic shapes 26 Outlet 28 heat exchangers 30 energy storage units 32 Heating system 34 Outlet 36 heating heat exchangers 38 Passenger compartment 40 coolant line 42 Junction 44 Outlet 46 coolant line 48 coolers 50 surroundings 52 Shut-off device 54 fans 56 bypass line 58 drive motor 60 drive motor 62 Power electronics device 64 charger 66 line branch 68 Coolant pump 70 line branch 72 Coolant pump 74 Entrance 76 evaporators 78 Expansion device 80 outlet 82 Cooling unit 84 heat exchangers 86 Pumping equipment 88 Pumping equipment 90 Coolant line 92 Junction 94 Symbol 96 Symbol

Claims

[1] A coolant circuit (10) for a motor vehicle (12), comprising a coolant distribution device (14) having a heating device (32) by means of which heat can be introduced into a coolant which flows through the coolant distribution device (14) during operation of the coolant circuit (10), wherein the coolant distribution device (14) has an inlet (16) via which coolant can be introduced into the coolant distribution device (14), which coolant can be heated by means of a refrigerant cooler (18) integrated into the coolant circuit (10) and into a refrigerant circuit (20), wherein the coolant distribution device (14) has at least one outlet (26, 34, 44) via which the heated coolant can be supplied to at least one heat exchanger (28, 36, 84) of the coolant circuit (10), and wherein a valve device is integrated into the coolant distribution device (14),by means of which a coolant flow through the coolant distribution device (14) can be influenced, , characterized byin that the coolant distribution device (14) has a further inlet (74) via which coolant can be introduced into the coolant distribution device (14), which coolant can be cooled by means of an evaporator (76) integrated into the coolant circuit (10) and into the refrigerant circuit (20), wherein the coolant distribution device (14) has at least one further outlet (26, 44, 80) via which the cooled coolant can be supplied to at least one further heat exchanger (28, 82, 84) of the coolant circuit (10), wherein a first pumping device (86) is integrated into the coolant distribution device (14), which is designed to convey the heated coolant coming from the refrigerant cooler (18), and wherein a second pumping device (88) is integrated into the coolant distribution device (14), which is designed to convey the cooled coolant coming from the evaporator (76). [2] Coolant circuit (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one heat exchanger (36) to which the heated coolant can be applied is designed to heat air located in a passenger compartment (38) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or an air flow which can be introduced into a passenger compartment (38) of the motor vehicle (12), and / or the at least one further heat exchanger to which the cooled coolant can be applied is designed as a cooling device (82) by means of which air located in a passenger compartment (38) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or an air flow which can be introduced into a passenger compartment (38) of the motor vehicle (12) can be cooled. [3] Coolant circuit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one further heat exchanger (28, 84) which can be supplied with the cooled coolant is designed for cooling - an electrical energy storage device (30) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or - at least one electric drive motor (58, 60) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or - at least one power electronics device (62) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or - a charging device (64) of the motor vehicle (12), which is used when charging an electrical energy storage device (30) of the motor vehicle (12). [4] Coolant circuit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one heat exchanger (28, 84) which can be supplied with the heated coolant is designed for heating - an electrical energy storage device (30) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or - at least one electric drive motor (58, 60) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or - at least one power electronics device (62) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or - a charging device (64) of the motor vehicle (12), which is used when charging an electrical energy storage device (30) of the motor vehicle (12). [5] Coolant circuit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating device (32) of the coolant distribution device (14) is designed as a high-voltage heating device which can be supplied by an electrical energy store (30) of the motor vehicle designed as a high-voltage battery. [6] Coolant circuit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coolant distribution device (14) is designed in the manner of a distribution plate. [7] Coolant circuit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the valve device comprises at least a first valve (94) integrated into the coolant distribution device (14), which is designed to block and at least partially release the inlet (16) and the at least one outlet (26, 34, 44), wherein the valve device comprises at least a second valve (96) integrated into the coolant distribution device (14), which is designed to block and at least partially release the further inlet (74) and the at least one further outlet (26, 44, 80). [8] Coolant circuit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that a coolant pump (68, 72) is arranged in at least one line branch (66, 70) of the coolant circuit (10), by means of which the coolant in the line branch (66, 70) can be conveyed in a circuit, wherein at least one electric drive motor (58, 60) of the motor vehicle (12) and / or an electrical energy store (30) of the motor vehicle (12) is arranged in the at least one line branch (66, 70). [9] Coolant circuit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that a coolant line (46) is connected to the at least one outlet (44) of the coolant distribution device (14), which is coupled to a cooler (48) which can be bypassed in particular by means of a bypass line (56) of the coolant circuit (10) and / or blocked by means of an air-side shut-off device (52), wherein the cooler (48) can be supplied with air originating from an environment (50) of the coolant circuit (10), in particular from an environment (50) of the motor vehicle (12), during operation of the coolant circuit (10). [10] Motor vehicle (12) with a coolant circuit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, and with a refrigerant circuit (20) in which the refrigerant cooler (18) and the evaporator (76) are integrated, wherein the motor vehicle (12) is designed as an electric vehicle or as a hybrid vehicle.

Images