Valve arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve arrangement (1) comprising a valve (2) and a processor unit (3). The valve (2) has a valve housing (4), a valve spool (5), and an actuator (7) with an electric actuator (8). The actuator (7) is configured to exert a displacement force (F) on the valve spool (5) by means of its electric actuator (8), such that the valve spool (5) is moved within the valve housing (4) to at least one end position. The current consumption of the electric actuator (8) increases when the valve spool (5) has reached the at least one end position.The processor unit (3) is designed to record a time course of the current consumption of the electric actuator (8) and to detect that the valve slide (5) is in at least one end position when the processor unit (3) recognizes that the recorded time course of the current consumption increases by at least a defined degree.

Description

The invention relates to a valve arrangement. A further claim is directed to a thermal management system comprising the valve assembly.Electric vehicles require a cooling system in order to dissipate the power losses of their assemblies (battery, electric machine, reduction gearing, bearings, etc.) and electronic components (inverters, DC / DC converters, DC-AC converters, etc.) during operation and during charging of the battery. For this purpose, electric vehicles typically have a plurality of cooling circuits, which can be partially coupled to one another in order to form a thermal management system. As a rule, a water-glycol mixture circulates in a coolant circuit, via which the waste heat is dissipated to the environment. A further cooling circuit comprises a heat pump or an air conditioning system for air conditioning the passenger compartment or for supporting the heat dissipation from the units. A third cooling circuit is provided in some systems for heat dissipation from the lubricating and cooling oil system of the transmission.To control the heat flows, devices are required which direct the fluid flows in different directions or assign them to different circuits. Solenoid-operated valves are customary in 2 / 3 or 2 / 4 or 3 / 4-way design, which are connected in different combinations in order to represent the coolant circuits provided. Furthermore, designs in the form of rotary slide valves with stepper motor control are known, which make possible the interconnections of the circuits. In addition, the function can be implemented with axial slide valves.The position of a valve slide of such a valve must be known for a satisfactory functioning of the cooling system. This can be implemented by incorporating additional sensor systems. Alternatively, the actuator (e.g. a stepper motor) of the valve can already comprise this sensor system. Depending on the design or type of sensor, it is possible to ensure from this an accurate determination of the position of the valve slide and thus also a diagnosis of the operability of the valve by detecting the discrete position of the valve slide. However, this requires additional processing and evaluation of the additional signals and also a complex hardware installation or an increased installation space requirement. Both cause costs in particular.An object of the present invention can be seen in providing a technology which avoids the disadvantages described above and in particular enables a particularly simple determination of a valve slide position. The object is achieved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.To avoid additional sensors, the invention proposes using data and signals that are already available or present and, in particular, to ensure the required diagnostic requirement by means of a skillful evaluation and evaluation. According to one embodiment, a coolant distribution module with axial slide valves with DC servomotors is proposed. Such a coolant distribution module, which is also referred to below as a valve arrangement, enables a detection of a valve slide position, a diagnosis of the valve state and an automatic calibration in a simple manner. The valve arrangement according to the invention can be used for a method for calibrating the axial valve slide position by determining an end position of the valve slide without additional sensor systems. Furthermore, the valve arrangement according to the invention can be used for a method for diagnosing and eliminating piston clamps or difficulty on the piston.The present invention is based in particular on the finding that the power of the servomotor is in a direct relationship to the current consumption of the servomotor. Thus, the servomotor has a relatively constant power requirement when the valve slide is moved. This power requirement depends in particular only on a resistance of the valve slide or its piston. Thus, the current consumption also remains relatively constant. However, as soon as one of the two end positions is reached, the current consumption of the servomotor increases, so that by evaluating the current curve as a function of time (current consumption gradient), this point can be determined as end position or end position. This applies correspondingly in the opposite direction of movement of the valve slide.In this sense, according to a first aspect of the invention, a valve arrangement is proposed, which comprises a valve and a processor unit. The valve has a valve housing, a valve slide and an actuator with an electric servomotor. The actuator is configured to exert a displacement force on the valve slide by means of its electric servomotor, so that the valve slide is displaced within the valve housing into at least one end position. The displacement / positioning of the valve slide can be carried out, for example, by means of a linear actuator with a spindle gear or by means of a linear motor with a direct drive of the piston.In particular, the valve slide can be displaced back and forth in an axial direction within the valve housing by means of the actuator. The axial direction refers to a longitudinal axis of the valve housing and / or of the valve slide. A current consumption of the electric servomotor increases when the valve slide has reached the at least one end position. The processor unit is configured to record a time profile of the current consumption of the electric servomotor and to detect that the valve slide is in the at least one end position when the processor unit recognizes that the recorded time profile of the current consumption rises at least by a defined degree. This degree of the increase in the current consumption over time can be stored, for example, in a database which can be accessed by the processor unit.The valve slide can be designed in particular in such a way that in the respective end position a further movement is restricted or an increasing displacement force is required or a fixed stop prevents a further movement and a defined end position is thus determined. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that a stop buffer restricts a further displacement of the valve slide or causes an increase (this increase can be progressive or exponential or even linear) of the displacement force when the valve slide has reached the at least one end position. Alternatively, a mechanical stop element can prevent a further displacement of the valve slide when the valve slide has reached the at least one end position.The dimensioning of the servomotor is selected in such a way that during the displacement of the valve slide, the output limit of the servomotor is exhausted to a maximum of 60%, in particular. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the servomotor is dimensioned such that its maximum permissible power is not reached, while the actuator displaces the valve slide into the first end position or into the second end position.In particular, the actuator is configured to exert the displacement force on the valve slide by means of its electric servomotor, so that the valve slide is selectively displaced into a first end position or into a second end position within the valve housing. When the valve slide is in the first end position, a first end face of the valve slide is located in particular in a first end region on a corresponding first end face of the valve housing. If, on the other hand, the valve slide is in the second end position, then a second end face of the valve slide is located in particular in a second end region on a corresponding second end face of the valve housing.By adjusting the two end positions, simple calibration or simple adjustment is possible. A running time of the valve slide in order to move from one end position to the next is relatively constant or can be matched via a characteristic diagram, wherein the time or duration between the two end positions can be used meaningfully as a basis for function or fault diagnosis. By means of this characteristic map it is possible to carry out a trend analysis which allows conclusions to be drawn about the position and the state of the valve and thus enables fault detection. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the actuator is configured to exert the displacement force on the valve slide by means of its electric servomotor, so that the valve slide is displaced within the valve housing into a first end position and into a second end position. The processor unit is configured to access time information describing the desired time period within which the valve slide is moved by means of the actuator from the first switching position into the second switching position and vice versa, when the valve functions correctly. Furthermore, the processor unit is configured to determine, based on the time information, in which position the valve slide is located. The processor unit may further be configured to obtain the time information from data of a characteristic map.In the event of a fault (for example in the event of difficulty, contamination or jamming of the valve slide or piston), the running time changes, so that, depending on the result (shorter or longer), the cause of the fault can be limited and corresponding remedial measures can be initiated. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the processor unit is configured to determine, based on the time information, whether the valve is fully functional or has a malfunction, in that the processor unit compares an actually measured time period, within which the detected time profile of the current consumption has increased at least by the defined degree, with the desired time period.In the case of a suddenly shorter running time, a blocked valve piston can be assumed. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the processor unit is configured to recognize that the valve slide is blocked within the valve housing instead of being in the first end position or in the second end position-as provided-when the desired time period is many times greater than the actually measured time period.In the case of a longer running time, it can be concluded that the piston is slow, wherein here too the average power of the servomotor will increase, whereby the current consumption of the servomotor is higher. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the processor unit is configured to recognize that the valve slide does not have to overcome provided resistances while it is being displaced from the first end position into the second end position or vice versa, when the actually measured time period exceeds the desired time period by a defined limit value. This defined limit value can be stored, for example, in a database which can be accessed by the processor unit.If a malfunction is detected, suitable countermeasures can be initiated. For example, it is possible to attempt to achieve the displacement of the valve slide by repeating a previous rearward movement. Alternatively or additionally, the servomotor can also be controlled in such a way that the actuator exerts a shaking movement on the valve slide. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the processor unit is configured to control the servomotor in such a way that a detected malfunction of the valve is counteracted.If no remedy can be provided by these measures, then an error entry and possibly a message can be executed in the system. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the processor unit is configured to generate an error message and to transmit it to a superordinate control module (for example to an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle; in English: electronic control unit ECU) if the detected malfunction of the valve could not be counteracted by controlling the servomotor.Furthermore, it is possible to attempt to achieve a defined piston position in order to achieve calculable conditions. In this sense, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the processor unit is configured to control the servomotor in such a way that the actuator displaces the valve slide into a safety position, so that the valve is in a calculable state. This security position can be defined and stored in a database which can be accessed by the processor unit.According to a second aspect of the invention, a power distribution system or a thermal management system is proposed. The thermal management system comprises at least one valve according to the first aspect of the invention. Furthermore, the thermal management system may comprise at least one coolant pump. Furthermore, at least two connections for line sections can be provided. The line sections are fluidically connected to the components to be supplied with coolant and form a closed coolant circuit in that a return from the components is fluidically connected to the suction side of the coolant pump(s). The at least one coolant pump serves for circulating the coolant within the coolant circuit. At least two coolant pumps can be incorporated into the coolant circuit in a series circuit. As a result, the pressure level within the cooling circuit can be increased. Alternatively, a parallel connection of at least two coolant pumps can be provided. A combination of series and parallel connection can likewise be realized depending on the goals or requirements of the components.According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for determining a position of a valve slide is provided. According to the method, there is provided a valve assembly according to the first aspect of the invention or a thermal management system according to the second aspect of the invention. The method further comprises the steps ofdetecting a time profile of the current consumption of the electric servomotor; anddetecting that the valve slide is in the at least one end position when the processor unit recognizes that the detected time profile of the current consumption rises at least by a fixed degree.The embodiments described in connection with the valve arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention are analogously also applicable to the method according to the third aspect of the invention. Thus, according to one embodiment of the method, time information can be accessed which describes within which setpoint time period the valve slide is displaced by means of the actuator from the first switching position into the second switching position and vice versa when the valve functions correctly. Furthermore, it is possible to determine, based on the time information, in which position the valve slide is located. The time information can be obtained in particular from data of a characteristic diagram.According to a further embodiment, it can be determined on the basis of the time information whether the valve is fully functional or has a malfunction by comparing an actually measured period of time, within which the detected temporal profile of the current consumption has increased at least by the defined degree, with the desired period of time. It can also be recognized that the valve slide is blocked within the valve housing instead of being in the first end position or in the second end position if the setpoint time period is many times greater than the actually measured time period. In the event of a malfunction, the servomotor can be controlled in such a way that the detected malfunction of the valve is counteracted. If the detected malfunction of the valve could not be counteracted by controlling the servomotor, an error message can be generated and transmitted to a higher-level control module. In addition, the actuator may be controlled such that the actuator displaces the valve spool to a safety position such that the valve is in a calculable state.Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawing, wherein identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals. This shows FIG. 1a is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of a valve arrangement according to the present invention, FIG. 1 bshows a force-path diagram for a valve of the valve arrangement according to FIG. 1 a, FIG. 1c is a flow time diagram for the valve arrangement of FIG. 1a, FIG. 2 ashows the valve arrangement according to FIG. 1 awith a first alternative valve, FIG. 2 bshows a force-path diagram for the valve from FIG. 2 a, FIG. 3 ashows the valve arrangement according to FIG. 1 awith a second alternative valve, FIG. 3 bshows a force-path diagram for the valve from FIG. 3 a, FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermal management system according to the invention having two valve arrangements according to FIG. 1 a or FIG. 2 a or FIG. 3 a, and FIG. 5 shows a variation of the thermal management system according to FIG. 4.FIG. 1 ashows a valve arrangement 1 comprising a valve 2 and a processor unit 3. The valve 2 in turn comprises a valve housing 4, a valve slide 5 with a piston 6 fastened thereto and an actuator 7 with an electric servomotor 8, the actuator 7 exerting a displacement force F on the valve slide 5 by means of its electric servomotor 8. The actuator 7 can be designed, for example, as a linear actuator which is configured to exert the displacement force F on the valve slide 5 either directly or via a spindle gear.The displacement force F allows the valve slide 5 to be displaced back and forth within the valve housing 4. The displacement force F can act in a first axial direction x 1 of the valve slide 5, so that the valve slide 5 is displaced into a first end position. The displacement force F can furthermore act in a second axial direction x 2 of the valve slide 5, with the result that the valve slide 5 is displaced into a second end position. When the valve slide 5 is in the first end position, a first end face 9 of the piston 6 of the valve slide 5 is located in a first end region on a corresponding first end face S 1 of the valve housing 4.In the first end region on the first end side S 1, a first stop buffer 11 is arranged. In the second end region on the second end side S 2, a second stop buffer 12 is arranged. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 1a, both stop buffers 11, 12 are formed by a rubber spring with progressive characteristic curve. As soon as the first end face 9 of the piston 6 has arrived at the first stop buffer 11 and contacts it, the valve slide 5 is in the first end position. The valve slide 5 can be displaced a further distance in the first axial direction x 1 counter to a restoring force of the first stop buffer 11 as a function of the rigidity of the first stop buffer 11. However, an increased displacement force F is necessary for this purpose. Similarly, the valve slide 5 is in the second end position as soon as the second end face 10 of the piston 6 has arrived at the second stop buffer 12 and contacts it. The valve slide 5 can be displaced a further distance in the second axial direction x 2 counter to a restoring force of the second stop buffer 12 depending on the rigidity of the second stop buffer 12. However, an increased displacement force F is necessary for this purpose. The two stop buffers 11, 12 thus restrict a further displacement of the valve slide 5 and thereby cause a progressive increase of the displacement force F.In an alternative embodiment, the two stop buffers 11, 12 can be omitted and the valve housing 4 can be made correspondingly shorter if necessary. A first inner end face 15 of the valve housing 4 can in this case form a mechanical stop element which prevents a further displacement of the valve slide 5 as soon as the first end face 9 of the piston 6 of the valve slide 5 has arrived at the first inner end face 15 of the valve housing 4 and contacts it. Analogously, a second inner end face 16 of the valve housing 4 can form a mechanical stop element which prevents a further displacement of the valve slide 5 as soon as the second end face 10 of the piston 6 of the valve slide 5 has arrived at the second inner end face 16 of the valve housing 4 and touches it.The actuating motor 8 is dimensioned in such a way that during the above-described displacement of the valve slide 5 into the first or into the second end position, the maximum 60% of the output limit of the actuating motor 8 is exhausted. FIG. 1 bshows a profile of the displacement force F which the actuator 7 must exert on the valve slide 5 in order to move the valve slide 5 along its piston path s from the first end position into the second end position and vice versa and beyond. The displacement force F is largely constant and only increases exponentially in the region of the two end positions when the piston 6 has reached the first stop buffer 11 or the second stop buffer 12. In order to displace the valve slide 5 by means of the actuator 7, as described above, the actuating motor 8 must be energized. FIG. 1 cshows a diagram in which a graph 14 represents a corresponding time current consumption I(t) of the electric servomotor 8. The values of the current consumption I(t) increase when the valve slide 5 has reached the first or second end position and is moreover intended to be moved further.The processor unit 3 can record a time profile 14 of the current consumption I of the electric servomotor 8. If the processor unit 3 recognizes that the recorded temporal profile 14 of the current consumption I rises at least by a defined degree, then it can detect or establish based thereon that the valve slide 5 is in one of the two end positions. This degree of the increase in the current consumption I over the time t can be stored, for example, in a database 13 which can be accessed by the processor unit 3. The degree of increase in current draw I over time t may be graphically illustrated by a slope of graph 14. FIG. 1 cshows an increased slope 18 in the region of the first end position by way of example. The value of this slope correspondsThe processor unit 3 accesses time information 17 which can be stored, for example, in the database 13, for example in the form of characteristic map data. The time information 17 describes the desired time period t m within which the valve slide 5 is displaced by means of the actuator 7 from the first switching position into the second switching position and vice versa, when the valve 2 functions correctly. Based on the time information 17, the processor unit 3 can determine in which position the valve slide 5 is located.In the event of a fault (for example in the event of difficulty, contamination or jamming of the piston 6), the running time changes, so that, depending on the result (shorter or longer), the cause of the fault can be narrowed down and corresponding remedial measures can be initiated. The processor unit 3 can compare an actually measured time period t m1, within which the detected temporal profile of the current consumption I(t) has increased at least by the defined degree, with the desired time period t m. The actually measured time period t m1 may be included in the time information 17. The actually measured time period t m1 can also be determined by the processor unit 3 itself. Based on the comparison between the actually measured time period t m1 and the target time period t m the processor unit 3 can determine whether the valve 2 is fully functional or has a malfunction.If the setpoint time period t m is many times greater than the actually measured time period t m1, then the processor unit 3 recognizes that the valve slide 5 is blocked within the valve housing 4 instead of being in the first end position or in the second end position. If the actually measured time period t m1 exceeds the desired time period t m by a defined limit value t lim the processor unit 3 recognizes that the valve slide 4 does not have to overcome provided resistances, i.e. is slow while it is being displaced from the first end position into the second end position or vice versa. This defined limit value t lim can be stored, for example, in the database 13, which the processor unit 3 can access.If the processor unit 3 detects a malfunction, then the processor unit 3 can initiate suitable countermeasures, e.g. repetition with a previous rearward movement, shaking or the like. If no remedy can be provided by these measures, then an error entry and possibly a message can be executed in the system. For this purpose, the processor unit 3 can generate an error message and transmit it to a superordinate control module (for example to an electronic control unit 19 of the motor vehicle; in English: electronic control unit ECU). Furthermore, it is possible to attempt to achieve a defined piston position in order to achieve calculable conditions. For this purpose, the processor unit 3 can control the servomotor 8 in such a way that the actuator 7 displaces the valve slide 5 into a safety position s savety so that the valve 2 is in a calculable state. This security position s savety can be defined and stored in the database 13.FIG. 2a shows the valve arrangement according to FIG. 1a, wherein the valve 2 has been replaced by an alternative valve 2'. The valve 2' according to FIG. 2a is in principle of the same construction as the valve 2 according to FIG. 1a. However, the valve 2' according to FIG. 2a has two air springs 11', 12' with progressive characteristic curve as stop buffer instead of the rubber springs 11, 12. FIG. 2 bshows a profile of the displacement force F which the actuator 7 must exert on the valve slide 5 in order to move the valve slide 5 along its piston travel s from the first end position into the second end position and vice versa. The displacement force F is largely constant and increases exponentially only in the region of the two end positions when the piston 6 has reached the first air spring 11' or the second air spring 12'. In comparison with the rubber springs 11, 12 according to FIG. 1a, the progressive increase in the displacement force F in the air springs 11', 12' according to FIG. 2a is less.FIG. 3 ashows the valve arrangement according to FIG. 1 a, wherein the valve 2 has been replaced by a further alternative valve 2". The valve 2" according to FIG. 3a is in principle of the same construction as the valve 2 according to FIG. 1a. However, the valve 2" according to FIG. 3a has two mechanical springs 11'', 12'' with a linear characteristic as a stop buffer instead of the rubber springs 11, 12. FIG. 3 bshows a profile of the displacement force F which the actuator 7 must exert on the valve slide 5 in order to move the valve slide 5 along its piston travel s from the first end position into the second end position and vice versa. The displacement force F is largely constant and only increases linearly in the region of the two end positions when the piston 6 has reached the first mechanical spring 11'' or the second mechanical spring 12''.FIG. 4 shows a thermal management system 20 with two valve arrangements 1, as shown for example by FIG. 1 a. In the exemplary embodiment shown, thermal management system 20 furthermore includes a coolant pump 21, a heat exchanger 22, a radiator 23, and components 24 to be cooled. The coolant pump 21 circulates a coolant within the coolant circuit 25, thereby absorbing heat from the elements to be cooled 24, and may be cooled back by the heat exchanger 23 and / or the radiator 23. By means of the two valve arrangements 1, fluid flows can be divided or directed between the elements 24 to be cooled, the coolant pump 21, the heat exchanger 22 and the radiator 23.FIG. 5 shows a variation 20' of the thermal management system 20 according to FIG. 4. the thermal management system 20' according to FIG. 4 comprises a separate, independent battery cooling circuit 26 with an optional BMS cooling 27 (BMS stands for battery management system) and an incorporated electronic component 28 (e.g. an on-board charger OBC) with pump and heat exchanger. FIG. 4 shows two different variants of the battery cooling circuit 26.Reference numerals denote reference numerals degree of the increase in the current consumption over time I current consumption s piston travel s savety safety position S1 first end face S2 second end face t lim limit value t m setpoint period t m1 actually measured period z time x1 first axial direction x2 second axial direction 1 valve arrangement 2 valve 2' alternative valve 2" further alternative valve 3 processor unit 4 valve housing 5 valve slide 6 piston 7 actuator 8 electric servomotor 9 first end face 10 second end face 11 first rubber spring 12 second rubber spring 11' first air spring 12' second air spring 11'' first mechanical spring 12'' second mechanical spring 13'' second mechanical spring 13 database 14 temporal course of the current consumption 15 first mechanical stop element 16 second mechanical stop element Mechanical stop element 17 Time information 18 Slope 19 Electronic control unit 20 Thermal management system 20' Thermal management system 21 Coolant pump 22 Heat exchanger 23 Radiator 24 Components to be cooled 25 Coolant circuit 26 Separate battery cooling circuit 27 BMS cooling 28 Integrated electronic component

Claims

Valve arrangement (1) comprising a valve (2) and a processor unit (3), wherein - the valve (2) has a valve housing (4), a valve slide (5) and an actuator (7) with an electric servomotor (8), - the actuator (7) is configured to exert a displacement force (F) on the valve slide (5) by means of its electric servomotor (8), such that the valve slide (5) is displaced within the valve housing (4) into at least one end position, - a current consumption (I) of the electric servomotor (8) increases when the valve slide (5) has reached the at least one end position, and - the processor unit (3) is configured to detect a temporal profile (14) of the current consumption (I) of the electric servomotor (8) and to detect that the valve slide (5) is in the at least one end position, when the processor unit (3) recognizes that the detected temporal profile (14) of the current consumption (I) increases at least by a defined degree (18).Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein - a stop buffer (11, 12) restricts a further displacement of the valve slide (5) or causes an increase in the displacement force (F), or - a mechanical stop element (15, 16) prevents a further displacement of the valve slide (5) when the valve slide (5) has reached the at least one end position.Valve arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the servomotor (8) is dimensioned such that its maximum permissible power is not reached, while the actuator (7) displaces the valve slide (5) into the first end position or into the second end position.Valve arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the actuator (7) is configured to exert the displacement force (F) on the valve slide (5) by means of its electric servomotor (8), such that the valve slide (5) is displaced within the valve housing (4) selectively into a first end position or into a second end position, and - the processor unit (3) is configured to - access time information (17) which describes within which setpoint time period (t m) the valve slide (5) is displaced by means of the actuator (7) from the first switching position into the second switching position and vice versa, if the valve (2) functions correctly, and - determine, based on the time information (17), in which position the valve slide (5) is located.Valve arrangement (1) according to Claim 4, wherein the processor unit (3) is configured to determine, based on the time information, whether the valve (2) is fully functional or has a malfunction, by the processor unit (3) comparing an actually measured period of time (t m1), within which the detected temporal profile of the current consumption (I(t)) has increased at least by the defined degree (18), with the desired period of time (t m).Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 5, wherein the processor unit (3) is configured to detect that the valve slide (5) is blocked within the valve housing (4) instead of being in the first end position or in the second end position if the desired time period (t m) is many times greater than the actually measured time period (t m).Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the processor unit (3) is configured to detect that the valve slide (4) does not have to overcome provided resistances while it is being displaced from the first end position into the second end position or vice versa, if the actually measured time period (t m1) exceeds the desired time period (t m) by a defined limit value (t lim).Valve arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the processor unit (3) is configured to control the actuating motor (8) in such a way that a detected malfunction of the valve (2) is counteracted.Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the processor unit (3) is configured to generate an error message and to transmit it to a higher-level control module (19) if the detected malfunction of the valve (2) could not be counteracted by controlling the servomotor (7).Valve arrangement (1) according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the processor unit (3) is configured to control the actuating motor (8) in such a way that the actuator (7) displaces the valve slide (5) into a safety position (s savety) such that the valve (2) is in a calculable state.Thermal management system (20; 21') comprising at least one valve assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims.Method for determining a position of a valve slide (5), the method comprising the steps of: - providing a valve arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10 or a thermal management system (20; 20') according to Claim 11, - detecting a temporal profile (14) of the current consumption (I) of the electric actuating motor (8), and - detecting that the valve slide (5) is in the at least one end position if the processor unit (3) recognizes that the detected temporal profile (14) of the current consumption (I) increases at least by a fixed degree (18).

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