Fluid control device for a thermal management system

Abstract

Fluid control device (1) for a thermal management system, in particular a thermal management system of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one actuating element (2), in particular a piston rod, which can be selectively set to one of at least two actuating element positions and which is configured to at least partially open or close at least one fluid opening depending on the actuating element position of the actuating element (2), wherein the actuating element (2) has at least two locking engagements (7-9) assigned to the at least two actuating element positions for a locking element (5) of the actuator (4) which can be brought into the locking engagement (7-9) by means of an actuator (4), wherein the locking engagements (7-9) are configured to have different depths, wherein a position determination device (12) of the fluid control device (1) is configured to determine an actuating element position of the actuating element (2) depending on a locking position of the locking element (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid control device for a thermal management system, in particular a thermal management system of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one actuating element, in particular a piston rod, which can be selectively set to one of at least two actuating element positions and which is designed to at least partially open or close at least one fluid opening depending on the actuating element position of the actuating element, wherein the actuating element has at least two locking engagements for a locking element of the actuator which can be brought into locking engagement by means of an actuator, which are assigned to the at least two actuating element positions.

[0002] Thermal management systems, particularly for motor vehicles, which incorporate a fluid control device to direct the fluid, for example, coolant, through different fluid paths by means of an actuator, are generally known from the prior art. This typically involves a decentralized distribution of the fluid via several motor-driven rotary valves. However, this requires a comparatively large installation space to integrate the individual rotary valves and their associated actuators. Consequently, the effort required for controlling or electrically contacting the actuators is also considerable. Furthermore, there is usually a requirement to determine the actuator position or state of the fluid control device. In other words, it should typically be possible to determine whether a specific actuator position has been reached or not.in which actuator position an actuator of the fluid control device is currently located.

[0003] This typically requires additional sensors, which are provided for the actuator and the actuator that operates the actuator. Since corresponding actuator positions must be provided for the different fluid paths, for example, to individual thermal consumers, a correspondingly large number of sensors, actuators, and the like are needed to map and determine the required states.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved fluid control device for a thermal management system, in which, in particular, the determination of the actuator position of the at least one actuator is improved.

[0005] The problem is solved by a fluid control device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] As described, the invention relates to a fluid control device for a thermal management system, specifically a thermal management system of a motor vehicle. The fluid control device comprises at least one actuator that can be selectively set to one of at least two actuator positions. For example, a piston rod can be used or understood as the actuator, which is movable to different actuator positions. Different closing elements or openings can be coupled to the actuator, so that different fluid paths can be realized in the thermal management system depending on the current actuator position. Specifically, depending on the actuator position, at least one fluid opening is at least partially opened or closed.

[0007] The actuator has at least two locking engagements assigned to at least two actuator positions for a locking element of the actuator that can be brought into locking engagement by means of an actuator. In other words, a locking element can be selectively brought into engagement with the locking engagements on the actuator by means of an actuator. The actuator can, for example, be moved to a specific actuator position, whereby the actuator can lock the actuator in the actuator position by engaging the locking element in the locking engagement assigned to that actuator position. Clearly, the actuator is not used to position the actuator, but rather the actuator actuates the locking element. In particular, it can be provided that the actuator moves the locking element into the engaged position by means of a spring mechanism, so that the default state is the engaged state of the locking element.The actuator can, for example by means of electromagnetic action, move the locking element out of the locking engagement when the actuator is activated, so that the actuating element is released and can be repositioned.

[0008] The invention is based on the finding that the locking engagements are formed to different depths, wherein a position determination device of the fluid control device is configured to determine the position of the actuating element as a function of the locking element's locking position. Advantageously, therefore, no additional sensor is required for determining the position of the actuating element, which, for example, actively detects the current position of the actuating element. Instead, it is proposed here that the position of the actuating element is determined indirectly, namely based on the locking position of the locking element.

[0009] The current position of the actuator can be identified by determining the depth to which the locking element is currently engaged in a locking action. Since the locking engagements vary in depth for each actuator position, the current actuator position can be differentiated based on this engagement depth. In other words, the current locking position of the locking element can be determined, for example, by identifying the depth to which the locking element is currently engaged. Based on this, the locking engagement can be identified because it has a specific depth. Since there is a clear correlation between the locking engagement and the actuator position, the actuator position is thus indirectly determined based on the locking engagement of the locking element.

[0010] This allows, particularly without additional sensors for determining the actuator's position, both the identification of the actuator's current position and simultaneous verification of whether the locking element is correctly engaged and thus locking the actuator. Therefore, without additional sensors, it is possible to perform a dual function: identifying the actuator's current position and verifying that it is correctly locked or engaged.

[0011] As described, the locking engagement can be formed on the actuating element, which can be pin-like or rod-like. A locking engagement can be, for example, a groove that extends circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the actuating element, particularly continuously. Different locking engagements can thus have different diameters or radii relative to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element, or the outer surface of the actuating element may be located at different distances from the longitudinal axis. A locking engagement can also be understood as a separating section or an intermediate area between two different positions of the actuating element with respect to the locking engagements. By appropriately determining the locking position of the locking element, it can also be ascertained that the actuating element is in such an intermediate state and is therefore not locked.Currently, no actuator position or locking position is in place.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the fluid control device can be configured to adjust the actuating element in a release position of the locking element, particularly by means of fluid pressure. As described, the actuator is not designed to move the actuating element, but rather to move the locking element between the locked position and the release position. Specifically, by actively controlling the actuator, the locking element can be released from a locking engagement and moved into a release position. The locked position of the locking element can, for example, be assumed by a spring mechanism that moves the locking element towards the locked position or into a locking engagement. This means that, to assume the release position, the actuator moves the locking element against the spring force of the spring mechanism and releases it from the locking engagement.

[0013] When the locking element is in the release position, meaning it is not engaged in a locking action, the actuator can be moved. Relative movement of the actuator is possible with respect to the locking element. The locking element is oriented, for example, radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the actuator. For instance, the actuator can be adjusted by fluid pressure control, meaning it can be moved by the pressure of the fluid being controlled by the fluid control device.

[0014] For example, a specific fluid pressure can be set to move the actuator to a desired position. The actuator can, in turn, be spring-mounted with respect to movement along a longitudinal axis by a further spring assembly. For example, the fluid pressure can be set so that the further spring assembly is compressed to a defined extent to achieve a specific actuator position. Once the actuator position is reached, the locking element can be moved from the enable position to the locked position by appropriately controlling the actuator. As already described, this engages the locking element, which corresponds to the actuator position. This fixes the actuator in its current position.

[0015] As previously described, the locking element can be arranged radially to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element, which can specifically be designed as a piston rod. The locking engagements can, in particular, form or be designed with different diameters of the actuating element. For example, the different locking engagements can be designed as "diameter jumps" at different positions in the axial direction of the actuating element. In principle, any number of actuating element positions can be provided, and corresponding locking engagements can be provided for the locking element. For example, at least three actuating element positions, and thus at least three locking engagements, can be formed on the actuating element.

[0016] In a further development of the fluid control device, the actuator may be designed as an electromagnetic actuator, with the position determination device configured to output a diagnostic current signal to the actuator for determining the position of the locking element. The diagnostic current signal may, in particular, be output to the actuator such that the current is below a threshold value required to move the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position. In other words, the diagnostic current signal does not move the locking element out of its current locked position.

[0017] As previously described, the locking element is engaged in a locked position by a spring force from the spring mechanism. To release the locking element from this engagement, or to "pull" it out, the actuator requires a sufficient current signal, specifically a release current signal. However, in this case, the diagnostic current signal is intended solely to introduce an electrical signal to determine the current position of the locking element without changing its locked position. Based on the actuator's behavior and its response to the diagnostic current signal, the current position of the locking element is determined, specifically how far it is extended from the actuator and how deeply it is engaged in the locking position.Since it was already described at the beginning that the locking engagements are implemented to different depths for different actuator positions, it is possible to clearly determine, based on the diagnostic current signal or the reaction following the diagnostic current signal, how deep the locking element is in a locking engagement and thus, based on the unambiguous depth, in which locking engagement the locking element is currently engaged.

[0018] The described fluid control device can be further developed such that the position detection unit is configured to output the diagnostic current signal in the form of a two-point controller and to determine the temporal profile of the diagnostic current signal output by the two-point controller, and from this, the operating state of the actuator. The two-point controller can, for example, be designed such that the diagnostic current signal is induced in the actuator, for example, an electrical coil that interacts with the locking element. Here, an upper and a lower current limit can be specified to restrict the diagnostic current. Specifically, the diagnostic current can flow between the two current limits, or be switched or "toggled." As already described, the stroke of the locking element is determined from the reaction or system response to the diagnostic current.

[0019] The position determination device can therefore include a two-point controller for operating the actuator and a detection means. Advantageously, the detection means is designed to determine the time course of a diagnostic current signal output by the two-point controller and to determine the operating state from this. In particular, the dynamics of the diagnostic current signal are determined for this purpose.

[0020] Based on the diagnostic current signal, an electrical signal, specifically an electrical current (hereinafter referred to as the "diagnostic current"), is supplied to the actuator. Corresponding to the temporal profile of the diagnostic current signal, a characteristic temporal profile of the diagnostic current develops. This profile inherently contains the operating state of the actuator, as it significantly determines the rate at which the diagnostic current builds up and decays, as well as its maximum and average values.

[0021] It was recognized that, due to the characteristic control behavior of a two-point controller, the operating state of the actuator is also reflected in the diagnostic current signal itself. The temporal profile of the diagnostic current is, in fact, reflected in the diagnostic current signal. The invention utilizes this finding and accordingly uses the diagnostic current signal of the two-point controller to deduce the operating state of the actuator very simply and accurately.

[0022] The electromagnetic actuator is, in particular, an electromagnetic linear actuator. The electromagnetic actuator can, in particular, have at least one or exactly one coil. This coil (or coils) allows the actuator's armature to be magnetically moved, which is connected to the locking element. This movement can be detected at the actuator and used mechanically as a positioning movement of the actuator. The position of the locking element corresponds to a position of the armature within the actuator or to a locking position that the actuator or the locking element assumes externally.

[0023] The proposed concept offers the advantage that only minimal resources are required to obtain information about the actuator's current operating state. This information can be immediately processed, for example, to control or regulate the actuator. By utilizing the actuator's integrated sensor capabilities, the tolerance chain can be shortened compared to the external sensors typically used.

[0024] Preferably, the two-point controller is an analog two-point controller. This can be, in particular, a discrete, i.e., hardware-implemented, two-point controller. With sufficiently fast hardware, the analog two-point controller can also be implemented as a software module, for example, within a control unit or other microcontroller.

[0025] Preferably, the two-point controller is predefined with an upper and a lower current limit, which it uses to limit the diagnostic current. The two-point controller also includes, in particular, a comparator circuit and an RS flip-flop (reset-set flip-flop). The two-point controller then uses the comparator circuit and the RS flip-flop to toggle the diagnostic current between the current limits, i.e., the diagnostic current fluctuates between the current limits. The current limits can, for example, be predefined to the two-point controller by a microcontroller.

[0026] Within the two-point controller, the current diagnostic current, which might be measured, is compared to predefined current limits. If the upper limit is exceeded, the actuator is switched off. Conversely, if the lower limit is undershot, the actuator is switched on. The signal output by the RS flip-flop for starting and stopping the actuator's current is preferably used as the diagnostic current signal for a bridge driver in a bridge circuit, particularly an H-bridge. This bridge circuit then provides the diagnostic current. The outputs of the bridge circuit are therefore electrically connected to the inputs of the actuator, specifically the actuator's coil. The bridge driver controls the bridge circuit according to the diagnostic current signal.This in turn causes the actuator to be supplied with the diagnostic current. This results in the temporal profile of the diagnostic current.

[0027] By defining upper and lower current limits, a current band is established within which the actuator operates. This current band results in a characteristic dynamic of current rise and fall, which contains information about the actuator's operating state, particularly its position and temperature. The key finding is that this dynamic can be extracted from the frequency (or period) and duty cycle (also called duty-cycle or DC), i.e., the ratio of the on-time to the switching period, of the diagnostic current signal output by the two-point controller. Therefore, the diagnostic tool can deduce the actuator's operating state from the frequency (or period) and duty cycle (or DC) of the diagnostic current signal.

[0028] The diagnostic tool features, for example, a so-called capture input, which it uses to tap the diagnostic current signal from the two-point controller. Such a capture input is an input, for example on a microprocessor, that allows the switching times of binary signals to be determined with high accuracy. The diagnostic current signal is specifically a PWM signal (PWM = pulse-width modulated).

[0029] The diagnostic tool can also be designed to determine the frequency and current of the diagnostic signal, and to calculate the actuator's position from the frequency and current. This allows for easy determination of the actuator's position.

[0030] Preferably, the detection method is also designed to include the current supply voltage of the actuator when determining the operating state. Normally, the supply voltage is essentially constant. In this case, changes in the supply voltage do not need to be specifically considered when determining the operating state. However, in some cases, the supply voltage can fluctuate. Then it is advantageous to take this into account when determining the operating state.

[0031] The diagnostic tool preferably includes at least one lookup table, a characteristic map, or another function and is designed to determine the operating state from the diagnostic current signal. In particular, the relationship between actuator position, diagnostic current, and frequency can each be stored in a lookup table, a characteristic map, or another function. The dependence on the supply voltage can then be stored as a further factor in the lookup table, characteristic map, or other function. The lookup table, characteristic map, or other function can, in particular, have been determined empirically beforehand or pre-defined using model calculations.

[0032] By using a highly electrically conductive material, such as aluminum or copper, in specific areas of the actuator, the dependence of the actuator's current build-up dynamics on the operating state can be optimized for monitoring purposes. This is due to the fact that the proposed approach essentially evaluates position-dependent eddy current effects within the actuator. In particular, it has therefore proven advantageous to equip the actuator's armature and / or magnetic yoke with a highly electrically conductive eddy current ring, for example, made of a copper or aluminum alloy.

[0033] The fluid control device can be further developed to verify the actuator position, repeat the actuator positioning, and / or issue an error message, depending on a determination result. For example, the determination result can specify a particular actuator position in which the actuator should currently be located. The corresponding comparison then confirms that the actuator is in the correct position.

[0034] If the actuator deviates from a required position, i.e., if the actuator is incorrectly positioned, the actuator can be repositioned. This can be done by removing the locking element from its current locking engagement and moving the actuator to the desired position. The locking element can then be moved into the locking engagement corresponding to the desired position. Once this is done, the actuator position can be verified, or an error message can be displayed if there is any remaining or existing deviation. In any case, an error message can be displayed if there is a discrepancy between the required actuator position and the actual actuator position.

[0035] As previously described, different actuator positions correspond to different locking depths in the actuator. In one embodiment of the fluid control device, the deepest locking depth of the actuator can be configured to correspond to a maximum position of the locking element, with this deepest locking depth being associated with a safety-relevant state of the fluid control device. This approach utilizes the fact that the maximum position of the locking element can be reliably reached and detected. For example, in an intermediate position that does not correspond to the maximum position, the locking element could potentially jam. If such a position of the locking element is detected, it cannot be determined with absolute certainty whether the locking element is jammed or whether such a locking engagement is actually present.

[0036] When the maximum position of the locking element is used, it cannot be caused by jamming or any other fault; rather, it can be reliably assumed that the corresponding actuator position is indeed engaged and locked. Therefore, it is advantageous if the deepest locking engagement is assigned to a safety-relevant state. In principle, the most critical state of the fluid control device or a critical function of the fluid control device can be used as a safety-relevant state, for example, the cooling of a particularly sensitive component, such as an electronic component.

[0037] Furthermore, the fluid control device can be designed to diagnose the position determination device, particularly when a known actuator position is assumed. This embodiment essentially reverses the principle described above. Instead of inferring the actuator position based on the depth of engagement of the locking element and in conjunction with the locking engagement and the actuator position, a known actuator position can be assumed to verify the functionality of the position determination device. For example, a known actuator position could be a home position, a fully open position, a fully closed position, and the like. For example, the position of the actuator in a pressureless state or at maximum pressure could be used as a known actuator position.

[0038] This means that the actuator is set to a known, secure position, not an intermediate position. Since the actuator position is known, it's possible to determine the locking action detected by the position detection device and whether the known actuator position corresponds to it. The result of the position detection device's determination can then be compared with the known actuator position. This allows for the device to be trained, calibrated, checked, or validated.

[0039] In addition to the fluid control device, the invention relates to a thermal management system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a fluid control device as described above. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a fluid control device as described above and / or a thermal management system as described above.

[0040] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining an actuator position of an actuator of a fluid control device for a thermal management system, in particular a thermal management system of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one actuator that can be selectively set to one of at least two actuator positions, in particular a piston rod, which is configured to at least partially open or close at least one fluid opening depending on the actuator position of the actuator, wherein the actuator has at least two locking engagements for a locking element of the actuator that can be brought into locking engagement by means of an actuator, the locking engagements being configured to different depths, wherein an actuator position of the actuator is determined depending on a locking position of the locking element.

[0041] The method can be implemented in all its details and features, in particular by means of the fluid control device described above. Therefore, all the advantages, details, and features described in relation to the fluid control device are fully transferable to the thermal management system, the motor vehicle, and the method.

[0042] The invention is explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures are schematic representations and show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a section of a fluid control device for a thermal management system in a first state; Fig. 2 the fluid control device of Fig. 1 in a second state; and Fig. 3 the fluid control device of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 in a third state.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid control device 1 for a thermal management system (not shown in detail), specifically a thermal management system for a motor vehicle. The fluid control device 1, or more generally the thermal management system, is designed to supply fluid, for example a liquid or gas, in particular water or oil, to various thermal consumers in order to regulate their temperature, in particular to heat and / or cool them. Different temperature control circuits can be formed, which are supplied by the thermal management system. The thermal management system can, in particular, include a heat pump that is coupled to at least one temperature control circuit. Thermal consumers can be selectively integrated into different temperature control circuits. In particular, the supply of fluid to the individual thermal consumers can be controlled and / or regulated.

[0044] To modify or create fluid paths, the fluid control device has an actuating element 2 that can be set to different positions. For example, the actuating element 2 can be designed as a piston rod or described as such. By way of example, the actuating element 2 is shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 1-3, the actuator can be set to at least two positions. For this purpose, the actuator 2 can be moved axially with respect to a longitudinal axis 3. Examples are given in Figures 1-3. Fig. 1-3 Three different actuator positions are possible. The number can be changed as desired.

[0045] In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 1, the actuating element 2 is positioned in a second of three possible positions. An actuator 4 is provided to fix or lock the position of the actuating element. The actuator 4 is designed to move a locking element 5, for example, against a first spring assembly 6. In particular, the actuator 4 is designed as an electromagnetic actuator and includes, for example, a coil by which the locking element 5, for example, an armature of the locking element 5, can be moved away from the actuating element 2. It is evident that the actuator 4 is not intended to move the actuating element 2 along the longitudinal axis 3, but rather the actuator 4 is intended to fix or lock an actuating element position assumed by the actuating element 2.

[0046] For this purpose, the locking element 5 selectively engages in one of several locking engagements 7-9. In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 1, the locking element 5 engages in the locking engagement 8, which is assigned to the second actuating element position. The individual locking engagements 7-9 are separated from each other by intermediate sections. The locking engagements 7-9 have different depths, meaning that the locking element 5 has different thicknesses or strengths, or different outer diameters or diameter discontinuities.

[0047] In principle, the actuating element 2 can be movable in any axial direction, for example by means of a motion device. Advantageously, the fluid pressure of the fluid controlled by the fluid control device 1 can be used to position the actuating element 2. To position the actuating element 2, the locking element 5 is moved into a release position by appropriate control of the actuator 4, which is Fig. 2 is shown. In other words, the locking element 5 is withdrawn from the current locking engagement 7-9, so that the locking effect on the actuating element 2 in the axial direction is eliminated.

[0048] In this in Fig. In the released state shown in Figure 2, as indicated by arrow 10, the actuating element 2 is movable in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 3. By way of example, the fluid control device 1 is configured to exert a fluid pressure on the actuating element 2, which moves the actuating element 2 towards a further spring assembly 11 and compresses it. In other words, the fluid pressure can be adjusted so that the actuating element 2 is moved against the spring assembly 11 to the desired position. The fluid control device 1 is configured to set a fluid pressure for moving the actuating element 2 depending on a target position to which the actuating element 2 is to be moved.The balance of forces between an adjusting force acting on the actuating element 2 due to the fluid pressure and the spring force caused by the compression of the spring device 11 is thus adjustable for different actuating element positions.

[0049] For example, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the fluid pressure is set such that the actuating element 2 is moved to a third actuating element position along the longitudinal axis 3. By eliminating the control signal from the actuator 4, the spring device 6 can be relaxed, thereby moving the locking element 5 into the locking engagement 9, whereby the deflection of the locking element 5 depends on or is limited by the depth of the locking engagement 9, so that the actuating element 2 is in the Fig. The actuator position shown in section 3 is locked.

[0050] In Fig. Figures 1-3 also show a position determination device 12, which is designed to determine the position of the actuating element 2. The position determination device 12 determines the position of the actuating element depending on the locking position of the locking element 5. As already described, the locking engagements 7-9 have different depths. This means that the locking element 5 engages the locking engagements 7-9 to varying degrees. In other words, the locking element 5 is moved out of the actuator 4 to a different degree depending on which locking engagement 7-9 it engages. For example, the armature of the locking element 5 remains in a coil of the actuator 4 to a different degree depending on which locking engagements 7-9 are to be locked.

[0051] This can be determined using the position determination device 12. Since there is a relationship between the locking engagements 7-9 and the actuating element position of the actuating element 2, by determining which locking engagement 7-9 is locked by the locking element 5, it can be deduced in which actuating element position the actuating element 2 is located.

[0052] This is particularly advantageous because no additional sensor is required. The position determination device 12 can correspond to, or be integrated into, the control of the actuator 4. For example, the position determination device 12 is generally designed to control the actuator 4 or to release the locking element 5 from its current locking engagement 7-9 by energizing the coil of the actuator 4. For determining the position of the actuating element 2, the position determination device 12 can output a diagnostic current. This diagnostic current is so low that it does not move the locking element 5 from its current locking engagement 7-9. For example, the diagnostic current is insufficient to generate a release force on the locking element 5 that is sufficient to move it against the spring force of the spring assembly 6.

[0053] Specifically, the diagnostic current can be applied in the form of a two-point controller. As already described in general terms, this allows determination of the extent to which the armature of the locking element 5 still protrudes into the coil in the actuator 4, or how far the locking element 5 protrudes from the actuator 4. This allows determination of which locking engagement 7-9 the locking element 5 engages, and thus the position of the actuating element 2 can be determined.

[0054] The advantage is that the position determination device 12 ensures, firstly, that the locking element 5 engages in one of the locking engagements 7-9 and reliably locks the actuating element 2. Secondly, the position of the actuating element 2 can be identified, as this position can be distinguished by the different configurations of the locking engagements 7-9. No additional sensors are required for either function, such as actively determining the axial position of the actuating element 2 or the radial position of the locking element 5. Instead, both determination tasks are performed by the position determination device 12, which can ultimately serve as the control unit for the actuator 4.

[0055] The in Fig. The actuator position 3 shown for actuator 2 can, in particular, represent or be associated with a safety-relevant state of the fluid control device 1. The locking engagement 9 represents the deepest locking engagement of actuator 2, meaning that in the Fig. Figure 3 shows the engagement of the locking element 5 in the locking engagement 9, indicating that the locking element 5 is in its maximum position, specifically, fully extended from the actuator 4. When this state is reached, it can be reliably assumed that the locking element 5 is precisely engaged in the locking engagement 9 and not in any of the other locking engagements 7, 8, as these are not sufficiently deep. Furthermore, it can be ruled out that the locking element 5 is jammed or otherwise blocked, for example, by being abutted against an intermediate section, as otherwise the maximum position of the locking element 5 could not be reached. Compared to the other locking engagements 7, 8, the locking engagement 9, which is the deepest locking engagement of the actuator 2, therefore provides a particularly secure actuator position.

[0056] In addition to the procedure described above, it is also possible to diagnose the position determination device 12 using the fluid control device 1. For this purpose, a known position of the actuator 2 can be assumed, allowing for a subsequent comparison with the position of the actuator 2 determined by the position determination device 12. For example, a mechanically fixed position of the actuator 2 can be assumed. This can be done, for instance, in a depressurized state, so that the spring device 11 moves the actuator 2, for example, against a stop. It is also possible to use an actuator position as a known position in which the actuator 2 is deflected to its maximum extent in the axial direction, i.e., along the longitudinal axis 3, for example, by setting a maximum fluid pressure.

[0057] In the described state, the locking engagement 7-9 is then determined using the position determination device 12, and the actuator position is thereby inferred. Since the actuator position is already known, the procedure described herein can be verified using the position determination device 12. If deviations occur, calibration or learning can be performed. Otherwise, confirmation or verification can be carried out.

[0058] The method described herein can be carried out using the fluid control device 1. The advantages, details, and features described with respect to the individual embodiments or states can be combined, interchanged, and transferred to one another as desired. As already described, the actuating element 2 can be moved to any number of actuating element positions. A corresponding number of locking engagements 7-9 can be provided into which the locking element 5 can be moved. The arrangement of the different depths of the locking engagements 7-9 is described in Fig. 1-3 are chosen to be descending in the axial direction. This is also an example and can be implemented in any other way, for example ascending in the axial direction or alternating.

[0059] The spring devices 6 and 11 in the figures are each supported by the housing, which is not shown.

[0060] The locking element 5 can also be placed on the locking contour, e.g. axially between two of the locking engagements 7 to 9. This enables a currentless storage without a locking effect. Reference sign 1 Fluid control device 2 Actuator 3 Longitudinal axis 4 Actuator 5 Locking element 6 Spring assembly 7-9 Locking intervention 10 Arrow 11 Spring mechanism 12 Position determination device

Claims

[1] Fluid control device (1) for a thermal management system, in particular a thermal management system of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one actuating element (2) which can be selectively set to one of at least two actuating element positions, in particular a piston rod, which is configured to at least partially open or close at least one fluid opening depending on the actuating element position of the actuating element (2), wherein the actuating element (2) has at least two locking engagements (7-9) assigned to the at least two actuating element positions for a locking element (5) of the actuator (4) which can be brought into the locking engagement (7-9) by means of an actuator (4), characterized by , that the locking engagements (7-9) are formed to different depths, wherein a position determination device (12) of the fluid control device (1) is designed to determine an actuating element position of the actuating element (2) depending on a locking position of the locking element (5). [2] Fluid control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the fluid control device (1) is designed to adjust the actuating element (2) in a release position of the locking element (5), in particular by fluid pressure control. [3] Fluid control device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the locking element (5) is arranged radially to the longitudinal axis (3) of the actuating element (2), in particular designed as a piston rod, wherein the locking engagements (7-9) are formed by different diameters of the actuating element (2). [4] Fluid control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuator (4) is designed as an electromagnetic actuator (4), wherein the position determination device (12) is designed to output a diagnostic current signal to the actuator (4) for the purpose of determining the position of the locking element (5). [5] Fluid control device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the position determination device (12) is designed to output the diagnostic current signal in the form of a two-point controller and to determine a time course of the diagnostic current signal output by the two-point controller and from this the operating state of the actuator (4). [6] Fluid control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fluid control device (1) is designed to verify the actuator position depending on a determination result or to repeat a positioning of the actuator (2) and / or to output an error message. [7] Fluid control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a lowest locking engagement (7-9) of the actuating element (2) corresponds to a maximum position of the locking element (5), wherein the lowest locking engagement (7-9) is assigned to a safety-relevant state of the fluid control device (1). [8] Fluid control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fluid control device (1) is designed to diagnose the position determination device (12), in particular when assuming a known actuator position. [9] Thermal management system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a fluid control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. [10] Motor vehicle comprising a fluid control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a thermal management system according to the preceding claim. [11] Method for determining an actuating element position of an actuating element (2) of a fluid control device (1) for a thermal management system, in particular a thermal management system of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one actuating element (2) which can be selectively set to one of at least two actuating element positions, in particular a piston rod, which is configured to at least partially open or close at least one fluid opening depending on the actuating element position of the actuating element (2), wherein the actuating element (2) has at least two locking engagements (7-9) assigned to the at least two actuating element positions for a locking element (5) of the actuator (4) which can be brought into the locking engagement (7-9) by means of an actuator (4), characterized by , that the locking engagements (7-9) are formed to different depths, whereby an actuating element position of the actuating element (2) is determined depending on a locking position of the locking element (5).

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