Thermal Management Systems for Motor Vehicles

Abstract

To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. [Solution] A thermal management system for a motor vehicle having a cooler circuit 31 in which a cooler 32, a cooler circuit pump 33 and a first heat source 35 are connected in series, a battery branch 40 in which a cooling device 6 and a traction battery 46 are connected in series, a first connection 39 arranged downstream of the first heat source 35 and upstream of the cooler 32 in the cooler circuit 31, a second connection 48 having a second valve device 49 extending from the battery branch 40 to a point 52 of the cooler circuit 31, and a third connection 55 between the battery branch 40 and the cooler circuit 31, a condenser branch 57 extending between the second connection 48 and the first connection 39 is provided, and the condenser branch 57 has a condenser 3, and the condenser 3 can be flowed through by a low-temperature medium circuit separately from the condenser branch 57.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system having a temperature control circuit and a low-temperature medium circuit cooperating with said temperature control circuit. The thermal management system is used for temperature control of vehicle components and for temperature control of the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle having such a thermal management system. [Background technology]

[0002] A thermal management system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 10 200 03 13 A1. In said thermal management system, the heating of the vehicle interior takes place by means of a heat pump function via a condenser 42 and an electric heater 46. The heating of the high-voltage battery 16 takes place, for example, via an inefficient operation of the drive motor 24. For the heating of the high-voltage battery via the electric heater 46 or the heat pump function, it is necessary to flow through the cooler 26, which can lead to heat losses to the surroundings. This in turn can lead to efficiency losses and heating power losses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3711983 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by a thermal management system according to claim 1 and by a motor vehicle according to claim 14. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cooling circuit in which a cooling device, a cooling circuit pump and a first heat source are connected in series, a battery branch (string, line) in which a cooling device and a traction battery are connected in series, the cooling device being capable of being flowed by a low temperature medium circuit (refrigeration medium circuit) fluidly separate from the battery branch, and a first coupling arranged in the cooling circuit downstream of the first heat source and upstream of the cooling device, the first coupling being configured to selectively introduce a refrigerant into the battery branch by means of a first valve device. a second coupling extending from the battery branch to a point in the cooler circuit downstream of the cooler and upstream of the first heat source, the second coupling including a second valve device capable of fluidly coupling to the battery branch and the cooler circuit and / or for connecting the cooling device and the traction battery to the ring-shaped battery circuit, and a third coupling between the battery branch and the cooler circuit, the third coupling including a cooling device disposed at the battery branch between the first coupling and the third coupling. The thermal management system includes a condenser string extending between the second coupling and the first coupling, the condenser string including a condenser, the condenser being fluidly separate from the condenser string and also being circulated by the low-temperature medium circuit. This modified coupling of the condenser cooling liquid allows for direct heating of the traction battery while bypassing the cooler. Heating of the vehicle interior can be carried out efficiently via the heat pump function, which results in improvements in terms of efficiency and heating output.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, the condenser branch extends between the second connection and the first connection, bypassing the first heat source. In particular, the condenser branch is connected in parallel to the first heat source. Since the condenser branch and the first heat source can be flowed through independently of each other, additional operating modes arise.

[0008] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the flow of the condenser branch can be adjusted by means of a flow control valve or a first valve device.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, the thermal management system further comprises a branch extending between the second connection and the first connection in parallel to the condenser branch while bypassing the first heat source, in which the second heat source is arranged. The coupling of the second heat source in the other branch as the first heat source makes it possible to respond in particular to the temperature regulation requirements of the individual heat sources.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the battery branch includes a heat source between the first coupling and the cooling device.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the battery branch includes a heat source between the third coupling and the traction battery.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a heating heat exchanger is arranged in the condenser branch, so that the condenser branch also serves as a heating branch for heating the vehicle interior.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the thermal management system further comprises a battery bypass line branching off from the battery branch, bypassing the traction battery and opening back onto the battery branch, thereby enabling an operating state to be implemented in which the battery branch is flowed through but the traction battery is bypassed.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the thermal management system further comprises a cooling device bypass line branching off from the battery branch upstream of the cooling device and opening back into the battery branch downstream of the cooling device, thereby making it possible to avoid hydraulic pressure losses through the cooling device in operating conditions where the cooling device is not required, or to prevent heat losses in the cooling circuit if the cooling device is not closable on the low-temperature medium (refrigeration medium) side.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second coupling further comprises a coupling line directly connected to the second valve device and extending to a point in the chiller circuit downstream of the chiller and upstream of the first heat source.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the condenser branch branches off from the connecting line.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the thermal management system further comprises an NT cooler, from which a supply line of the cooler circuit branches off and whose discharge line opens into a connecting line, in which a one-way valve is arranged between said opening and the cooler circuit, for closing the flow from the cooler circuit to the connecting line. The NT cooler makes it possible to reduce the flow temperature of the components arranged downstream.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the condenser branch is directly connected to a second valve device, which has a switching position that simultaneously closes the connecting line and the condenser branch, making it possible to eliminate a one-way valve, since the valve-side closure prevents backflow in certain operating states.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second valve device has at least three switching positions, in a first switching position the cooling device and the traction battery can be connected to a battery circuit closed in the form of a ring, in a second switching position the battery branch is connected fluid-directing to the condenser branch and the connecting line is closed, and in a third switching position the battery branch is connected fluid-directing to the condenser branch and the connecting line simultaneously.

[0020] The present invention further provides a motor vehicle having such a thermal management system.

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a first configuration of a low temperature circuit. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a second configuration of the low temperature circuit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a third configuration of the low temperature circuit. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a fourth configuration of the low temperature circuit. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 30 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 70 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first operating state of a temperature adjustment circuit 70 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second operating state of the temperature adjustment circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third operating state of the temperature adjustment circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth operating state of the temperature adjustment circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth operating state of the temperature adjustment circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sixth operating state of the temperature adjustment circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 80 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 90 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first operating state of the temperature adjustment circuit 100 based on FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second operating state of the temperature adjustment circuit 100 based on FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 110 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 120 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 130 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an operation state of the temperature adjustment circuit 130 based on FIG. 20 according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a temperature adjustment circuit 140 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The low-temperature medium circuit (refrigeration medium circuit) and the temperature control circuit of the thermal management system according to the present invention described below can be installed individually or in combination in a motor vehicle (not shown), particularly a passenger car, for example an electric vehicle.

[0024] In Fig. 1 a first configuration of a low temperature circuit (refrigeration circuit) 1 is shown diagrammatically. The low temperature circuit 1 comprises a low temperature medium compressor 2, a condenser 3 with a liquid collector 4, an air conditioning evaporator 5, a cooling device (chiller) 6 and an internal heat exchanger 7 or an internal heat transfer device. Furthermore, an evaporator valve 8 and a cooling device valve 9 are provided. The valves 8, 9 are adapted to close or (partially or completely) allow the flow and also function as expansion devices in the partially open state.

[0025] The air conditioning evaporator 5 and the cooling device 6 are connected in parallel to one another. More precisely, the series connection consisting of the evaporator valve 8, the air conditioning evaporator 5 and the one-way valve 10 or non-return valve is arranged in parallel to the series connection consisting of the cooling device valve 9 and the cooling device 6. The above elements are arranged in each series connection, in particular in the flow direction, in the above-mentioned sequence.

[0026] In the low temperature circuit 1, a low temperature medium, such as R134a, R1234yf, R290, R744 or the like, circulates in particular through the components of the low temperature circuit 1.

[0027] In the low-temperature circuit 1, a low-temperature medium compressor 2, a condenser 3, and a parallel connection consisting of an air-conditioning evaporator 5 and a cooling device 6 are connected in series. In particular, the above components are connected in series in this order in a closed ring shape as viewed in the flow direction of the low-temperature medium.

[0028] The air conditioning evaporator 5 is in particular an air-liquid heat transfer device (air-liquid heat exchanger) through which a low-temperature medium can flow and which is arranged in the air conditioning device 11. More precisely, the air conditioning evaporator 5 is arranged in an air guide of the air conditioning device 11, via which air (outside air or circulated air) can be fed into the vehicle interior, such that the air can be temperature-adjusted, in particular cooled, by means of the air conditioning evaporator 5.

[0029] The low-temperature medium and a refrigerant of a temperature control circuit, which will be described later, can flow through the condenser 3. At this time, the low-temperature medium and the refrigerant are fluidically separated from each other in the condenser 3 and exchange heat with each other. Therefore, the condenser 3 is a so-called liquid-cooled condenser.

[0030] The cooling device 6 is a heat transfer device that transfers thermal energy between the low temperature medium in the low temperature circuit 1 and the refrigerant in the temperature control circuit (see FIG. 5 and subsequent figures). For this reason, the low temperature medium and the refrigerant are fluidically separated from each other and flow through the cooling device 6 while exchanging heat with each other.

[0031] An evaporator valve 8 is connected upstream of the air conditioning evaporator 5 for adjusting the flow through it, for adjusting the expansion of the cold medium upstream of the air conditioning evaporator 5 and therefore for adjusting the cooling lines thereof. A cooling device valve 8 is connected upstream of the cooling device 6 for adjusting the flow through it and for adjusting the expansion of the cold medium upstream of the cooling device 6. This can be, for example, a self-regulated, electrically closable expansion device or a motor-controlled (actuated) expansion device with a freely selectable opening cross section.

[0032] The low temperature circuit 1 further comprises an internal heat exchanger 7, which has two chambers that can be passed through in thermal contact but fluidically separated from each other, one chamber being arranged between the condenser 3 and the parallel connection of the air conditioning evaporator 5 and the cooling device 6, and the other chamber being arranged between said parallel connection and the low temperature medium compressor 2. The chambers are preferably passed through in opposite directions, thus forming a countercurrent heat exchanger. Thus, in one chamber, the low temperature medium at a low pressure level in gaseous form passes through the internal heat exchanger 7 upstream of the low temperature medium compressor 2, while in the other chamber, the high pressure liquid low temperature medium coming from the condenser 3 passes through. By means of the internal heat exchanger 7, thermal energy is removed from the liquid low temperature medium, which further cools it. This energy is mostly transferred to the gaseous low temperature medium, so that an even larger proportion is evaporated and present in gaseous form. This contributes to an improved performance and efficiency of the low temperature circuit 1. However, the internal heat exchanger 7 is not necessarily required for the functioning of the low temperature circuit 1 .

[0033] Furthermore, a pressure / temperature sensor 12 is disposed on the inlet side of the low-temperature medium compressor 2, and a pressure / temperature sensor 13 is disposed on the outlet side.

[0034] In Fig. 2 a second configuration of a low temperature circuit 14 is shown diagrammatically. The low temperature circuit 14 differs from the low temperature circuit 1 according to Fig. 1 in that it is provided with a heating condenser 15, an air-side temperature sensor 16 assigned to the heating condenser 15 and a pressure-temperature sensor 17 arranged downstream of the condenser 3 and upstream of the internal heat exchanger 7.

[0035] Thus, in the low-temperature circuit 14, the low-temperature medium compressor 2, the heating condenser 15, the condenser 3 and the parallel connection of the air conditioning evaporator 5 and the cooling device 6 are connected in series. In particular, the above-mentioned components are connected in series in this order in a closed ring, as viewed in the flow direction of the low-temperature medium. However, other orders are also possible, for example the heating condenser 15 and the condenser 3 can be swapped in terms of order.

[0036] The heating condenser 15 is in particular an air-liquid heat transfer device (air-liquid heat exchanger) through which a low-temperature medium can flow and which is arranged in the air conditioner 11. More precisely, the heating condenser 15 is arranged together with the air conditioning evaporator 5 in an air guide of the air conditioner 11 and can feed air via the air guide to the vehicle interior such that the air can be thermostated, in particular heated, by means of the heating condenser 15. Typically, the heating condenser 15 can be fully or partially closed on the air side in the air conditioner 11 via an air flap valve.

[0037] Other than those differences, reference is made to the description of the low temperature circuit in FIG. 1 to avoid repetition.

[0038] In Fig. 3 a third configuration of the low temperature circuit 18 is shown diagrammatically. The low temperature circuit 18 differs from the low temperature circuit 14 according to Fig. 2 in that it further comprises a first valve 19, a return line 20 and a second valve 21 arranged in the return line. The valves 19, 21 are adapted to close or allow the flow, in particular to close, partially allow or completely allow the flow, and in the partially open state they also function as expansion devices.

[0039] A main circuit 22 is formed in the low-temperature circuit 18, in which the low-temperature medium compressor 2, the first valve 19, the heating condenser 15, the condenser 3, and a parallel connection consisting of the air-conditioning evaporator 5 and the cooling device 6 are connected in series. In particular, the above-mentioned components are connected in series in this order in a closed ring shape as seen in the flow direction of the low-temperature medium.

[0040] The return line 20 branches off from the main circuit 22 on the high pressure side of the low temperature medium compressor 2, in particular between the low temperature medium compressor 2 and the first valve 19, and returns to the main circuit 22 upstream of the chiller 6, precisely between the chiller valve 9 and the chiller 6.

[0041] Instead of both valves 19, 21, it is conceivable to provide one valve, for example a three-way two-position valve having one inlet and two outlets, which may then be provided at the branch of the return line 20 from the main circuit 22.

[0042] In an operating state in which the first valve 19 closes the flow and the second valve 21 allows the flow, a bypass circuit is formed via the return circuit 20, and the bypass circuit includes the low-temperature medium compressor 2, the return pipe 20 including the second valve 21, the cooling device 6, and the internal heat exchanger 7. In this operating state, the low-temperature medium circulates only in the bypass circuit, and does not circulate in the main circuit 22 due to the closure of the first valve 19.

[0043] The cold medium in the form of hot gas is taken from the high pressure side via the bypass circuit, expanded to a low pressure level by the second valve 21 and supplied at the low pressure side to the cold medium compressor 2. Due to the cold medium hot gas injection at the low pressure side of the cold medium compressor 2, it is possible to achieve a very fast start-up of the cold circuit 18, especially during the start-up phase, since thermal energy is supplied to the cold medium via the cold medium compressor 2, which thermal energy is essentially not taken away from the cold medium again but circulates back to the inlet of the cold medium compressor 2 and receives new thermal energy.

[0044] The low temperature circuit 18 can also be operated in an operating state in which the first valve 19 is partially or completely open and the second valve 21 is closed off, such that the main circuit 22 is active (low temperature medium circulates) and the bypass circuit is inactive (no low temperature medium circulates), which is then suitable, for example, for cases where the low temperature circuit performance requirements (e.g. for heating the vehicle interior) are not very high, and thus the above-mentioned additional heat energy from the bypass circuit is not required.

[0045] Furthermore, the low temperature circuit 18 can be operated in an operating state in which the first valve 19 is partially or fully open and the second valve 21 is likewise partially or fully open, so that the bypass circuit and also the main circuit 22 are in operation. Such an operating state is suitable, for example, after a start-up phase, when in continued operation a high low temperature circuit performance (for heating the vehicle interior) is still required.

[0046] In Fig. 4, a fourth configuration of the low temperature circuit 23 is shown diagrammatically. The low temperature circuit 23 differs from the low temperature circuit 18 according to Fig. 3 in that the parallel connection of the air conditioning evaporator 5 and the cooling device 6 is configured slightly differently: downstream of the cooling device 6, a one-way valve 24 or check valve is provided. More precisely, the series connection of the evaporator valve 8, the air conditioning evaporator 5 and the check valve 10 is arranged in parallel to the series connection of the cooling device valve 9, the cooling device 6 and the check valve 24. The elements mentioned above are arranged in each series connection, particularly in the flow direction, in the above-mentioned sequence.

[0047] Furthermore, the low temperature circuit 23 differs from the low temperature circuit 18 in that, for the parallel connection of the air conditioning evaporator 5 and the cooling device 6, a bypass line 25 is provided which runs parallel to the parallel connection of the air conditioning evaporator 5 and the cooling device 6. A bypass valve 26 is arranged in the bypass line 25, which is adapted to close or allow the flow, in particular to close, partially allow or completely allow the flow.

[0048] The bypass valve 26 is controlled (operated) in particular in such a way that it allows the flow (fully or partially) when the bypass circuit and the main circuit 22 are in operation. The flow through the air conditioning evaporator 5 and the cooling device 6 is prevented by closing them via the evaporator valve 8 and the cooling device valve 9 on the high pressure side and via the check valves 10, 24 on the low pressure side. Thus, during operation of the bypass circuit, it is possible to suck the low-temperature medium into the cooling device 6 and the evaporator 5 via the check valves 10, 24, since it is avoided that a lower pressure exists at the outlet of the cooling device 6 and the air conditioning evaporator 5 than at their inlets.

[0049] Furthermore, the low temperature circuit 23 differs from the low temperature circuit 18 in that the return line 27, in which the second valve 21 is arranged, branches off from the main circuit 22 on the high pressure side of the low temperature medium compressor 2, in particular between the low temperature medium compressor 2 and the first valve 19, and opens back into the main circuit 22 downstream of the cooling device 6, more precisely downstream of the check valve 10 and downstream of the check valve 24 and upstream of the internal heat exchanger 7.

[0050] Apart from the above differences, the low temperature circuit 23 corresponds to the low temperature circuit 18, so reference is made to its description.

[0051] In Fig. 5 a temperature control circuit 30 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The temperature control circuit 30 comprises a cooler circuit 31 in which a cooler 32, a cooler circuit pump 33, a first heat source 35 and a first valve device 36 are arranged in series. In the switching state of the first valve device 36 shown in Fig. 5, the components of the cooler circuit 31 form a closed circuit in which a coolant, for example water mixed with an additive, can circulate when the cooler circuit pump 33 is running.

[0052] The cooler 32 is in particular a so-called high-temperature cooler, which is assigned in a known manner to a fan 37. Furthermore, a refrigerant compensation vessel 38 is provided in a known manner.

[0053] The flow direction of the coolant is set by the one-way valve 34 and / or the conveying direction of the cooling device circuit pump 33. Downstream of the first heat source 35 and upstream of the cooler 32, a first connection 39 is arranged, at which a battery branch (battery string, battery line) 40 branches off. The course of the battery branch 40 is indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 6 and 6. It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the first connection 39 is formed by the first valve device 36, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. Thus, for example, the first connection 39 can also simply be a line branch, the first valve device being formed in the form of two shut-off valves, one at the battery branch 40 and the other downstream of the first connection in the cooling device circuit 31.

[0054] In the battery branch 40, a third heat source 41, a cooling device 6, a battery pump 43, a fourth heat source 44, a battery bypass valve 45, a traction battery 46 and a one-way valve 47 are arranged in series, in particular in the above-mentioned order. The one-way valve 47, together with the battery bypass valve 45, prevents the inflow of coolant into the traction battery 46 in the event of an internal traction battery leak. The traction battery 46 comprises a number of electrochemical storage cells, which store and provide electrical energy for at least the drive of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the storage cells and thus the traction battery 46 are rechargeable.

[0055] Furthermore, a second connection 48 is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a second valve device 49 and a connection line 50. The connection line 50 runs from the second valve device 49 to the cooler circuit 31 to a point 52 downstream of the cooler circuit pump 33 and upstream of the first heat source 35, in particular downstream of the one-way valve 34 and upstream of the first heat source 35. Also, a circulation line 51 is provided, which runs from the second valve device 49 to the battery branch 40 to a point between the first connection 39 and the cooler 6, in particular between the first connection 39 and the third heat source 41.

[0056] The second valve device 49 has a first switching state shown in FIG. 5, in which the refrigerant coming from the battery branch 40 is guided to the circuit line 51 and the connecting line 50 is closed by the second valve device 49, thereby forming a battery cooling circuit 53 (shown by a dashed line) through which refrigerant can flow in a ring shape, in which the components of the battery branch 40 are in series and it is possible to flow the refrigerant in the form of a ring-shaped circuit.

[0057] In addition, the second valve device 49 has a second switching state, in which the refrigerant coming from the battery branch 40 is guided to the connecting line 50 and the circuit line 51 is closed by the second valve device 49, so that the refrigerant coming from the battery branch 40 can be guided to the cooler circuit 31.

[0058] Intermediate locations are also contemplated such that refrigerant flows simultaneously through circuit line 51 and combination line 50.

[0059] The battery bypass line 54 branches off from the battery branch 40, bypasses the traction battery 46 and the one-way valve 47, in particular only the traction battery 46 and the one-way valve 47, and opens back to the battery branch 40 at a point between the one-way valve 47 and the second valve device 49. The coolant flow coming from the cooler circuit pump 33 can be selectively guided by the battery bypass valve 45 to the battery bypass line 54 or through the traction battery 46. Intermediate positions are also conceivable, such as to flow through the battery bypass line 54 and the traction battery 46 simultaneously.

[0060] Additionally, a third connection 55 is provided which connects the battery branch 40 to the cooler circuit 31 at a location between the cooling device 6 and the battery pump 43, downstream of the first connection 39 and upstream of the cooler 32. In the embodiment shown, the third connection includes a connecting line 56 which does not have a valve, but a valve may also be provided.

[0061] Between the second connection 48 and the first connection 39, a condenser branch (condenser string, condenser line) 57 is provided. In particular, the condenser branch 57 is arranged downstream of the second connection 48 and upstream of the first connection 39. In the embodiment shown, the condenser branch 57 is connected in parallel with the first heat source 35. However, it is also conceivable that the condenser branch 57 is connected in series with the first heat source 35, which requires an adaptation of the low-temperature circuit. In the embodiment shown, the condenser branch 57 branches off from the cooler circuit 31 downstream of the point 52. In the condenser branch 57, a condenser branch pump 58, a condenser 3 (described above in connection with Figures 1 to 4), an electric heater 59, a heating heat exchanger 60 and a condenser branch valve 61 are arranged in series, in particular in the above-mentioned order, from the second connection 48 to the first connection 39. The electric heater 59 is an electrically operable auxiliary heater which selectively heats the refrigerant flowing through the condenser branch 57. The heating heat exchanger 61 is a heat transfer device around which air can flow, which is arranged in the air conditioner 11, in particular in the air guide of the air conditioner 11, in order to heat the air to be supplied to the vehicle interior. The condenser branch valve 61 is a proportional valve which can control the flow through the condenser branch 57. A return line 62 which runs to the inlet side of the condenser branch pump 58 branches off between the heating heat exchanger 60 and the condenser branch valve 61. The return line 62 is provided with a one-way valve 63 which allows flow only in the direction of the inlet side of the condenser branch pump 58.

[0062] In addition, a second heat source 64 is connected in parallel to the first heat source 53 and in parallel to the condenser branch 57 .

[0063] The first heat source 35 and the second heat source 64 are, for example, electric drive machines, electric heaters, controls, power electronics, DC-DC converters, etc. These heat sources can be operated to generate heating power at efficient or inefficient operating points.

[0064] The third heat source 41 and the fourth heat source 44 are, for example, electric heaters, controls, power electronics, DC-DC converters, etc. These heat sources can also be operated to generate heating power at efficient or inefficient operating points.

[0065] Also, a temperature sensor 65 is provided at the downstream outlet of the cooler 32. Another temperature sensor 66 is provided upstream of the cooler 32, more precisely between the third junction 56 in the cooler circuit 31 and the cooler 32. Also, a temperature sensor 67 is provided between the fourth heat source 44 and the battery bypass valve 45.

[0066] The temperature regulation circuit 30 according to Fig. 5 cooperates, for example, with a low temperature circuit 1 according to Fig. 1. For example, in the low temperature circuit 1, thermal energy is absorbed via an evaporator 5 and / or a cooling device 6 and released via a condenser 3 to a condenser branch 57. There, the transfer of the thermal energy to an air flow of an air conditioning device 11 for regulating the temperature of the vehicle interior takes place by means of a heating heat exchanger 60.

[0067] Various specific operation modes of the temperature adjustment circuit 30 will be described later.

[0068] In Fig. 6 a temperature control circuit 70 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. The temperature control circuit 70 differs from the temperature control circuit 30 according to Fig. 5 in that the condenser branch 71 is modified and there is no return line 62. In comparison with the condenser branch 57, the condenser branch 71 does not have the condenser branch pump 58, the electric heater 59 and the heating heat exchanger 60. In other words, the condenser branch 71 has the condenser 3 and the condenser branch valve 61 in series.

[0069] Except for the above differences, the temperature regulation circuit 70 corresponds to the temperature regulation circuit 30, so reference is made to that description to avoid repetition.

[0070] The heating heat exchanger 61, which is not provided in the temperature control circuit 70, is replaced for heating the vehicle interior by using the heating condenser 15 (see Figures 2 to 4) on the low-temperature medium side. That is to say, the temperature control circuit 70 cooperates in particular with the low-temperature circuits of the second to fourth configurations described in Figures 2 to 4. A controlled heat release of the condenser 15 to the temperature control circuit 70 is possible via the condenser branch valve 61 so that a sufficient heating power for the vehicle interior is provided.

[0071] In Fig. 7 to Fig. 12, different operating states of the temperature control circuit 70 according to the second embodiment are shown, which will be described later. However, the description also applies correspondingly to the temperature control circuit 30 according to the first embodiment, which may be in the same operating states. In Fig. 7 to Fig. 12 as well as Fig. 14, Fig. 16, Fig. 17 and Fig. 21, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant branches (refrigerant strings, refrigerant lines) shown as solid lines, i.e. the refrigerant moves relative to the branches. In contrast, the refrigerant branches shown as dashed lines are not flowed through or the refrigerant does not move in the branches relative to the branches. Furthermore, the valves are always drawn in the same switching positions regardless of the operating state, but the skilled person will naturally recognize which switching positions of the valves correspond to the drawn and / or depicted flow patterns in the temperature control circuit.

[0072] 7 shows a first operating state of the temperature control circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. In this operating state, the cooler circuit pump 33 is deactivated and a return flow through the cooler 32 is prevented by the one-way valve 34. The first valve arrangement 36, the second valve arrangement 49 and the battery bypass valve 45 are connected in such a way that the first and second heat sources 35, 64 and the condenser 3 are connected in parallel to each other. The parallel connection is in turn connected in series to the fourth heat source 44 and the traction battery 46. This allows the traction battery 46 to be heated using the exhaust heat of the first heat source 35, the second heat source 64, the fourth heat source 44 and the condenser 3. The refrigerant volume flow through the condenser 3 is adjusted by means of the condenser branch valve 61 in order to achieve a defined heat release to the condenser branch 71. This is necessary in particular in case of simultaneous heating of the vehicle interior by means of the heating condenser 15, i.e. when heat is removed from the low temperature circuit by means of the condenser 3 at the same time as the heating condenser 15. The volume flow control by means of the condenser branch valve 61 is necessary in order not to remove too much heat from the low temperature circuit, since this would reduce the heating performance of the vehicle interior and the pressure and temperature levels in the low temperature circuit and therefore make comfortable temperature regulation of the vehicle interior more difficult.

[0073] The cooling device 6 and the third heat source 41 are bypassed and not passed through in the first operating state. This can be advantageous for two reasons. Firstly, hydraulic pressure losses through the cooling device 6 and the third heat source 41 are avoided, which can lead to better efficiency, increased volume flow or smaller dimensions of the battery pump 43. Secondly, in a low-temperature circuit configuration with a compressor bypass, as for example in FIG. 3, it is not advantageous for low-temperature refrigerant (below about 15° C.) to pass through the cooling device 6, since this would result in excessive heat being taken away from the low-temperature circuit, since the cooling device 6 is not closable on the low-temperature medium side. As a result, not enough heating performance is provided, especially for the vehicle interior. The fourth configuration of the low-temperature circuit (FIG. 4) does not have this limitation, since the cooling device 6 can be bypassed in bypass operation on the low-temperature medium side by means of the bypass valve 26 functioning as an expansion device. Thus, heat sources requiring continuous flow of coolant and lower temperature levels, such as many electronic components, can be positioned only at the location of the fourth heat source 44 or directly upstream of the second valve device 49 under these operating conditions.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows a second operating state of the temperature control circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. In this operating state, the first valve device 36 is switched, unlike the first operating state according to FIG. 7, to additionally pass through the cooling device 6 and the third heat source 41, i.e. to be connected in series. This is particularly advantageous in combination with the low-temperature circuits of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The second operating state is also conceivable in combination with the low-temperature circuit 23 of FIG. 3 from a refrigerant temperature above about 15° C., since in this case heat from the temperature control circuit 70 is transferred to the low-temperature circuit 23. If the temperature level in the temperature control circuit 70 is greater than the temperature level corresponding to the suction pressure in the low-temperature circuit 23 (pressure level at the pressure-temperature sensor 12), it is possible to bring about an additional load in the low-temperature circuit 23 via the cooling device 6 as a measure to increase the heating capacity. This leads to an increased power consumption (energy consumption) of the low-temperature medium compressor 2 and an increased heating capacity. The heating capacity can be used for the vehicle interior or for the traction battery 41.

[0075] In addition, in the same switching (connection) state, an operating state is possible in which the cooler 32 is bypassed, thereby pre-heating the drive branches (drive strings, drive lines), in particular the drive motors, to an optimal temperature in terms of efficiency (approximately 50° C.). This is advantageous when heat pump operation is performed and the outside temperature is, for example, higher than 20° C.

[0076] FIG. 9 illustrates a third operating state of the temperature control circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. In this operating state, a ring-shaped closed battery cooling circuit 53 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) and a ring-shaped closed cooler circuit 31 are formed, and cooling circulates simultaneously in both circuits without substantial refrigerant exchange between the two circuits. The third operating state is a cooling operation in which the first to fourth heat sources 35, 64, 41, and 44 are operated at efficient operating points. Heat is released to the surroundings via the cooler 32. The waste heat of the third and fourth heat sources 41 and 44 and the traction battery 46 is released to the low-temperature circuit using the cooling device 6.

[0077] A particularly efficient operation envisages buffering the waste heat of the third heat source 41 and the fourth heat source 44 in the thermal mass of the traction battery 46. This has the advantage that the cooling device 6 does not have to be operated, but only the battery pump 43. The waste heat can be used for heating the traction battery 46 at low temperatures or for downstream heat pump applications for efficient heating of the vehicle interior.

[0078] 10 shows a fourth operating state of the temperature control circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. In this fourth operating state, the first valve device 36, the second valve device 49 and the battery bypass valve 45 are connected in parallel to the first and second heat sources 35, 64 and the condenser 3. At this time, the traction battery 46 is bypassed via the battery bypass line 54, and the fourth heat source 44 and the battery pump 43 (not in operation) are passed in the opposite direction. In other words, the cooler circuit 31 is passed in a ring shape, and at the point 52 a parallel branch (parallel string, parallel line) branches off, which extends along the connecting line 50, the battery bypass line 54, the fourth heat source 44 and the connecting line 56 so that the third connecting part 55 opens into the cooler circuit 31 again. The advantage is then taken of a particularly energy-efficient cooling of the fourth heat source 44, since the battery pump 43 and the cooling device 6 do not have to be operated.

[0079] Optionally, the traction battery 46 can also be circulated by switching the battery bypass valve 45, but this requires that the one-way valve 47 be omitted.

[0080] 11 shows a fifth operating state of the temperature control circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. In this fifth operating state, unlike the fourth operating state according to FIG. 10, the first valve device 36 is in another switching position and the third heat source 41 and the cooling device 6 are connected in series to the parallel connection of the first heat source 35, the second heat source 64 and the condenser branch 57. The connection is again connected in parallel to the fourth heat source 44, which is passed through in the opposite direction. This operating state is particularly useful for efficient cooling of the third and fourth heat sources 41, 44. In other words, in this operating state, a ring-shaped circuit is formed, which consists of the cooler 32, the cooler circuit pump 33, the parallel connection (first heat source 35, second heat source 64 and condenser 3), the third heat source 41, the cooling device 6 and the third connection 55 in series. For this purpose, a parallel branch is formed which branches off at point 52 and comprises a series connection of the connecting line 50, the battery bypass line 54 and the fourth heat source 44, and opens back into the circuit described above at a third junction 55.

[0081] 12 shows a sixth operating state of the temperature control circuit 70 according to the second embodiment. In this operating state, the second valve device 49 is connected in such a way that the connecting line 50 is not circulated and a battery cooling circuit 53 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is formed bypassing the traction battery 46. At the same time, a ring-shaped circuit is formed consisting of the cooler 32, the cooler circuit pump 33, the parallel connection (first heat source 35, second heat source 64 and condenser 3), the third heat source 41, the cooling device 6 and the series connection of the third connection 55. When the battery pump 43 is operating, the fourth heat source 44 is circulated counterclockwise, which leads to a mixture of refrigerant flows at the opening of the circuit line 51 upstream of the third heat source 41, which come from the fourth heat source 44 on the one hand and the first heat source 35, the second heat source 64 and the condenser 3 on the other hand. This operating mode is particularly useful in heat pump operation, since it allows the waste heat of the fourth heat source 44 to be used for heating the vehicle interior via the cooling device 6.

[0082] If the battery pump 43 is not activated, it is passively circulated in the reverse direction, so that the fourth heat source 44 is circulated in parallel to the cooling device 6 and the third heat source 41. This operating state is advantageous, in particular with regard to the pump power, since it is not necessary to operate the battery pump 43. Compared to the fourth and fifth operating states, the advantage is obtained that the fourth heat source 44 is arranged in series rather than in parallel to the first and second heat sources and the condenser 3, so that there is no reduction in the volume flow rate through it.

[0083] FIG. 13 shows a temperature control circuit 80 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The temperature control circuit 80 differs from the temperature control circuit 70 only in that the second connection 48 comprises only one second valve device 81 and does not comprise a connecting line 50. The arrangement of the second valve device 81 in the battery cooling circuit 53 corresponds to the arrangement of the second valve device 49. For example, the second valve device 81 is configured as a 2 / 2-way valve. The second valve device 81 has two switching positions, in the first switching position the refrigerant flow coming from the battery bypass line 54 or the traction battery 46 is directed to the circuit line 51. At the same time, in this switching position the second valve device 81 directs the refrigerant coming from the cooler 32 to the parallel connection consisting of the condenser 3, the first heat source 35 and the second heat source 64. The second coupling 48 according to FIG. 13 corresponds functionally to the second coupling 48 according to FIGS. 5 and 6 only in that in FIGS. 5 and 6 a connection is realized using the second valve device and the coupling line 50, whereas in FIG. 13 a connection is realized only using the second valve device 81.

[0084] Furthermore, unlike the temperature regulation circuit 70 , the cooler circuit pump 33 is arranged in the cooler circuit 31 downstream of the second connection 48 or downstream of the second valve device 81 .

[0085] In the second switching position, the circuit line 51 is closed in the second valve device 81, as is the branch coming from the cooler 32 in the second valve device 81. The coolant flow coming from the battery bypass line 54 or the traction battery 46 is guided to the cooling circuit pump 33 and to the parallel connection consisting of the heat source 35, the second heat source 64 and the condenser 3. In the second switching position, for example, the parallel connection (first and second heat sources 35, 64 and the condenser 3), the fourth heat source 44 and optionally the traction battery 46 and / or the battery bypass line 54 are connected in series in a closed ring shape. The selective presence or absence of a series connection consisting of the third heat source 41 and the cooling device 6 between the parallel connection and the fourth heat source 44 depends on the switching position of the first valve device 36.

[0086] The third embodiment thus allows the realization of a series connection of the cooler circuit pump 33 and the battery pump 43 in the above-mentioned first and second operating states. In the first and second operating states, both the cooler circuit pump 33 and the battery pump 43 are controlled (activated), which can result in a smaller size of the battery pump 43. The one-way valve 34 can be omitted. In addition, a temperature sensor 82 is provided, which is arranged between the second valve device 82 and the cooler circuit pump 33, because it allows the return flow temperature of the traction battery 46 or the cooler 32 to be detected.

[0087] 14 shows a temperature control circuit 90 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Compared to the temperature control circuit 70, this embodiment further includes a cooling device valve 91 and a cooling device bypass line 92.

[0088] The cooling device bypass line 92 branches off from the battery branch 40 and bypasses the cooling device 6 (only) and opens back again to the battery branch 40. By means of the cooling device bypass valve 91, the coolant flow coming from the third heat source 41 can be selectively guided either to the battery bypass line 92 or through the traction battery 6. Intermediate positions are also conceivable, so as to flow through the cooling device bypass line 92 and the cooling device 6 simultaneously.

[0089] As already mentioned above, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant branching portions shown in solid lines in FIG. 14, and does not flow through the refrigerant branching portions shown in dashed lines.

[0090] According to this embodiment, in a first operating state, the passage of the third heat source 41 and subsequently the cooling device bypass line 92 is possible.

[0091] 15 shows a thermoregulation circuit 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. In comparison with the thermoregulation circuit 70, this embodiment further comprises an NT cooler (so-called low-temperature cooler). The NT cooler is arranged in an NT cooler branch (NT string, NT cooler line) 102, which branches off from the cooler circuit 31 downstream of the cooler circuit pump 33, in particular between the cooler circuit pump 33 and the one-way valve 34, and opens into a second junction 103, more precisely into a connecting line 104. The connecting line 104 differs from the connecting line 50 only in that the NT cooler branch 102 opens into the connecting line at a node 105, the condenser branch 71 branches off from the connecting line at the node 105, as well as a branch of the second heat source 64 branching off from the connecting line at the node, and a one-way valve 106 is arranged between the node 105 and the point 52. One-way valve 106 only allows flow from node to point 52. Other than the differences in coupling line 104 relative to coupling line 50, second coupling 104 corresponds to second coupling 48.

[0092] Furthermore, a one-way valve 107 is disposed between the node 105 and the NT cooler 101 , and the one-way valve allows flow only in the direction from the NT cooler 101 to the node 105 .

[0093] For other points, reference is made to the description of the temperature adjustment circuit 70 based on FIG.

[0094] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the flow temperature of the condenser 3 and the second heat source 64.

[0095] FIG. 16 shows a first operating state of the temperature regulation circuit 100 based on FIG.

[0096] The first operating state of the temperature regulation circuit 100 is heating operation, in which the cooler circuit pump 33 is deactivated and the return flow through both coolers 32, 101 is blocked by the one-way valves 34, 107. In addition, in terms of function, the first operating state corresponds to the first operating state illustrated in FIG.

[0097] As already described above, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant branching portions shown by solid lines in each of FIGS. 16 and 17, and does not flow through the refrigerant branching portions shown by dashed lines.

[0098] FIG. 17 illustrates a second operating state of the temperature regulation circuit 100 based on FIG.

[0099] The second operating state of the temperature control circuit 100 is cooling operation. The cooling circuit pump 33 is then running. An unexpected flow from point 52 to the condenser branch 71 and / or the second heat source 64 is prevented by the one-way valve 106, because at point 52 a higher pressure level exists due to the pressure losses through the chiller circuit pump 33 and the NT chiller 101 than at the node 105.

[0100] The second operating state essentially corresponds to the operating state illustrated in FIG. 9, except that both coolers 32, 101 are circulated, which, as already mentioned above, leads to lower flow temperatures of the condenser 3 and the second heat source 64.

[0101] Fig. 18 shows a temperature control circuit 110 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, only the differences from the temperature control circuit 100 according to the fifth embodiment based on Fig. 15 are mentioned, and for other points, the description thereof (the description of the temperature control circuit 100 according to the fifth embodiment) is referred to.

[0102] The second valve arrangement 111 differs from the second valve arrangement 49 in that two separate lines are connected at one of the valve connections. In a first switching position of the second valve arrangement 111, this valve connection is inactivated or closed, so that the two lines in the second valve arrangement 111 are also separated from each other. In a second switching position, the second valve arrangement 111 connects the one-way valve 47 and the battery bypass line 54 with the two separated lines. One of the lines is then the connecting line 50, and the other line runs to a junction 112 from which runs a condenser branch 71, to which a second heat source 64 is connected in parallel.

[0103] The NT cooler branch 102, in contrast to Fig. 15, opens into the node 112. Therefore, it is possible to omit the one-way valve 106 according to Fig. 15. An unexpected flow during cooling operation from the point 52 via the connecting line 50 to the condenser branch 71 and / or the second heat source 64 is prevented by the second valve device 111.

[0104] A temperature control circuit 120 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 19. This embodiment will be described only in terms of the differences with respect to the temperature control circuit 70 according to the second embodiment based on Fig. 6. For the rest, reference is made to the description therein.

[0105] In contrast to the temperature control circuit 70, the temperature control circuit 120 comprises a second valve device 121, which differs from the second valve device 49 in that it has three switching positions. A connecting line 50 extends between the second valve device 121 and point 52. A parallel connection consisting of the condenser branch 71 and the second heat source 64 extends from the second valve device 121 to the first connection 39. A one-way valve 122 is provided between point 52 and the side of the parallel connection to which the second valve device is connected.

[0106] In a first switching position of the second valve device 121, the coolant flow is conducted from the traction battery 46 or from the battery bypass line 54 to the circuit line 51, so that, for example, a battery cooling circuit 53 is formed. The coolant flow from the second valve device 121 to the condenser branch 71, the second heat source 64 and the connecting line 50 is closed.

[0107] In the second switching position of the second valve device 121, refrigerant flow from the second valve device 121 is blocked to the circuit line 51, allowed to the condenser branch 71 and the second heat source 64, and blocked to the connecting line 50.

[0108] In the third switching position of the second valve device 121, refrigerant flow from the second valve device 121 is blocked to the circuit line 51 and allowed to the condenser branch 71 and the second heat source 64, as well as to the connecting line 50.

[0109] Fig. 20 shows a temperature adjustment circuit 130 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Regarding this embodiment, only the differences from the temperature adjustment circuit 110 according to the sixth embodiment based on Fig. 18 will be described, and for other points, the description thereof (the description of the temperature adjustment circuit 110 according to the sixth embodiment) is referred to.

[0110] The temperature adjustment circuit 130 comprises a second valve device 131 which differs from the second valve device 111 in that it has three switching positions instead of two.

[0111] In a first switching position of the second valve device 131, the coolant flow is conducted from the traction battery 46 or from the battery bypass line 54 to the circuit line 51, so that, for example, a battery cooling circuit 53 is formed. The coolant flow from the second valve device 131 to the condenser branch 71, the second heat source 64 and the connecting line 50 is closed.

[0112] In the second switching position of the second valve device 131, refrigerant flow from the second valve device 131 is blocked to the circuit line 51, allowed to the condenser branch 71 and the second heat source 64, and blocked to the connecting line 50.

[0113] In the third switching position of the second valve device 131, refrigerant flow from the second valve device 131 is blocked to the circuit line 51 and allowed to the condenser branch 71 and the second heat source 64, as well as to the connecting line 50.

[0114] Fig. 21 shows the operating state of the temperature adjustment circuit 130 based on Fig. 20. As already mentioned above, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant branching parts shown as solid lines in Fig. 21, and does not flow through the refrigerant branching parts shown as dashed lines.

[0115] In this operating state, the cooling circuit pump 33 is inactive. Closing of the connecting line 50 blocks the flow of the first heat source 35. This is particularly meaningful if the first heat source 35 does not require a volume flow and does not generate a heating power. This means that the heating power of the condenser 3 and the second heat source 64 can be provided to the traction battery 46 or the cooling device 6 as appropriate, so that there is no need to heat the thermal mass of the first heat source 35. In addition, the first heat source 35 does not need to be flowed through, which results in hydraulic advantages due to better efficiency, a larger volume flow through the condenser 3 and the second heat source 64 or smaller dimensions of the battery pump 43.

[0116] Fig. 22 shows a temperature control circuit 140 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Regarding this embodiment, only the differences from the temperature control circuit 80 according to the third embodiment based on Fig. 13 will be described, and for other points, the description thereof (the description of the temperature control circuit 80 according to the third embodiment) is referred to.

[0117] Like the temperature control circuit 80, the temperature control circuit 140 also comprises only one second valve device 141 at the second coupling 48 and does not comprise a coupling line 50. Here, the second valve device 141 differs from the second valve device 81 in that the second valve device 141 has a third switching position in addition to the above-mentioned two switching positions of the second valve device 81. The arrangement of the second valve device 14 in the battery cooling circuit 53 corresponds to the arrangement of the second valve device 81.

[0118] In the third switching position of the valve device 141, the battery cooling circuit 53 is interrupted, i.e. the refrigerant flow coming from the battery bypass line 54 or the traction battery 46 is blocked. At the same time, the cooler circuit 31 is formed, i.e. the refrigerant coming from the cooler 32 is led further into the parallel connection of the condenser branch 71, the first heat source 35 and the second heat source 64.

[0119] Another difference of the temperature control circuit 140 with respect to the temperature control circuit 80 is that in the temperature control circuit 140, the condenser branch valve 61 and the first valve device 36 of the first temperature control circuit 80 are combined in a first valve device 142. That is to say, the first valve device 142 of the temperature control circuit 140 enables the same connection and function as the condenser branch valve 61 and the first valve device 36, for which the valve device 142 has four switching positions. The first valve device 142 is arranged in the first connection 39.

[0120] By combining the valves, the condenser branch 143 still has a condenser 3, but no longer has a condenser branch valve. The condenser branch 143 is connected at one end to the inlet side of the first heat source 35 and the second heat source 64. The other end of the condenser branch 143 is directly connected to the inlet connection of the first valve device 142. Another inlet connection is connected to the outlet side of the first heat source 35 and the second heat source 64. The valve device 142 has two outlet connections, one of which is connected to the battery branch 40, and the other one directs the refrigerant further along the cooler circuit 31 to the third connection 56.

[0121] The first valve device 142 can be used in place of the condenser branch valve 61 and the first valve device 36 in all of the above-described embodiments.

[0122] The operating conditions described herein are not definitive and one skilled in the art can certainly advantageously utilize alternative operating modes based on the illustrated circuit diagrams and the functionality of the thermal management system.

[0123] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, said description is to be understood as illustrative and not restrictive, and is not intended to limit the invention to the disclosed embodiment. The mere fact that certain features are recited in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1 Low temperature circuit 2. Low temperature medium compressor 3. Condenser 4 Liquid Collector 5. Air conditioning evaporator 6 Cooling device 7. Internal Heat Exchanger 8 Evaporator Valve 9 Cooling System Valve 10 One-way valve 11 Air conditioning equipment 12 Pressure and temperature sensors 13 Pressure and temperature sensors 14 Low temperature circuit 15 Heating condenser 16 Temperature Sensor 17 Pressure and temperature sensors 18 Low temperature circuit 19 First Valve 20 Return pipe 21 Second Valve 22 Main Circuit 23 Low temperature circuit 24 Check valve 25 Bypass Pipe 26 Bypass valve 27 Return Pipe 30 Temperature control circuit 31 Cooler circuit 32 Cooler 33 Cooler circuit pump 34 One-way valve 35 First heat source 36 First valve device 37 Fans 38 Refrigerant compensation vessel 39 First Joint 40 Battery branch 41 The third heat source 43 Battery Pump 44 The fourth heat source 45 Battery Bypass Valve 46 Traction Battery 47 One-way valve 48 Second Joint 49 Second valve gear 50 Combined conduit 51 Circuit conduit 52 locations 53 Battery cooling circuit 54 Battery bypass line 55 Third Joint 56 Combined conduit 58 Condenser branch pump 59 Electric Heater 60 Heating heat exchanger 61 Condenser branch valve 62 Return pipe 63 One-way valve 64 Secondary Heat Source 65 Temperature Sensor 66 Temperature Sensor 67 Temperature Sensor 70 Temperature control circuit 71 Condenser branch 80 Temperature control circuit 81 Second valve gear 82 Temperature Sensor 90 Temperature control circuit 91 Cooling system bypass valve 92 Cooling system bypass line 100 Temperature control circuit 101 NT Cooler 102 NT cooler branch 103 First joint 104 Combined conduit 105 Node 106 One-way valve 107 One-way valve 110 Temperature control circuit 111 Second valve device 112 Node 120 Temperature control circuit 121 Second valve gear 122 One-way valve 130 Temperature control circuit 131 Second valve gear 140 Temperature control circuit 141 Second valve gear 142 First valve device 143 Condenser branch

Claims

1. a cooler circuit (31) in which a cooler (32), a cooler circuit pump (33) and a first heat source (35) are connected in series; a battery branch (40) in which a cooling device (6) and a traction battery (46) are connected in series, the cooling device (6) being fluidly separated from the battery branch (40) and capable of being circulated by a low-temperature medium circuit (1; 14; 18; 23); a first coupling (39) arranged in the cooler circuit (31) downstream of the first heat source (35) and upstream of the cooler (32), wherein a coolant can be selectively introduced into the battery branch (40) at the first coupling (39) by means of a first valve device (36; 142); a second coupling (48:103) extending from the battery branch (40) to a location (52) of the cooler circuit (31) downstream of the cooler (32) and upstream of the first heat source (35), the second coupling including a second valve device (49; 81; 111; 121; 131; 141) connectable to conduct fluid to the battery branch (40) and the cooler circuit (31) and / or connect the cooling device (6) and the traction battery (46) to the ring-shaped battery circuit (53); a third connection (55) between the battery branch (40) and the cooler circuit (31), in which a cooling device (6) is arranged in the battery branch (40) between the first connection (39) and the third connection (48; 103); 1. A thermal management system for a motor vehicle, comprising: a condenser branch (57; 71; 143) extending between the second connection (48; 103) and the first connection (39), the condenser branch (57; 71; 143) comprising a condenser (3), the condenser (3) being fluidically separate from the condenser branch (57; 71; 143) and capable of being also flowed through by the low-temperature medium circuit (1; 14; 18; 23).

2. 2. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein a condenser branch (57; 71; 143) extends between the second coupling (48; 103) and the first coupling (39) while bypassing the first heat source (35).

3. 3. A thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow of the condenser branch (57; 71; 143) can be adjusted by means of a flow control valve (61) or a first valve device (142).

4. 3. A thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a branch extending between the second junction (48; 103) and the first junction (39) in parallel to the condenser branch (57; 71; 143) while bypassing the first heat source (35), said other branch having a second heat source (64) arranged therein.

5. 3. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the battery branch (40) comprises a heat source (41) between the first connection (39) and the cooling device (6).

6. 3. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the battery branch (40) comprises a heat source (44) between the third coupling (55) and the traction battery (46).

7. 3. A thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a heating heat exchanger (60) is arranged in the condenser branch (57).

8. 3. The thermal management system of claim 1, further comprising a battery bypass line (54) branching off from the battery branch (40), bypassing the traction battery (46), and opening back into the battery branch (40).

9. 3. The thermal management system of claim 1, further comprising a cooling device bypass line (92) that branches off from the battery branch (40) upstream of the cooling device (6) and opens back into the battery branch (40) downstream of the cooling device (6).

10. 3. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein the second coupling (48; 103) further comprises a coupling line (50; 104) directly connected to the second valve device (49; 111; 121; 131) and extending to a point (52) in the cooler circuit (31) downstream of the cooler (32) and upstream of the first heat source (35).

11. 11. The thermal management system of claim 10, further comprising an NT cooler (101), from which a supply line of the cooler circuit (31) branches and whose discharge line opens into a connecting line (104), and a one-way valve (106) is arranged in the connecting line (104) between the opening and the cooler circuit (31) to close the flow from the cooler circuit (31) to the connecting line (104).

12. 11. The thermal management system of claim 10, wherein the condenser branch (57; 71) branches off from the connecting line (104).

13. 11. A thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that the condenser branch (57; 71) is directly connected to the second valve device, the second valve device (111; 121; 131) having a switching position that simultaneously closes the connecting line (111; 121; 131) and the condenser branch (57; 71).

14. 11. A thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that the second valve device (111; 121; 131) has at least three switching positions, in a first switching position the cooling device (6) and the traction battery (46) can be connected to the battery circuit (52) closed in a ring shape, in a second switching position the battery branch (40) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the condenser branch (57; 71) and the connecting line (50) is closed, and in a third switching position the battery branch (40) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the condenser branch (57; 71) and the connecting line (50) simultaneously.

15. A motor vehicle comprising the thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2.

Images