Valve device for proportional coolant volume distribution in a coolant circuit, coolant circuit having a valve device of this type, and motor vehicle having a coolant circuit of this type

Abstract

Described is a valve device (32) for a coolant circuit, wherein the valve device is designed with a valve insert (38) having two flow sections (40-1, 40-2) which are fluidically separated from one another, wherein a first flow section (40-1) is designed in such a way that, depending on a valve setting, it is fluidically connected to at least two and at most three valve connections (A, B, C, D) of the valve device (32). According to the invention, a second flow section (40-2) is designed in such a way that, depending on the valve position, it is fluidically connected to only one valve connection (A, B, C, D) and at most two valve connections (A, B, C, D) of the valve device (32). The invention also relates to a coolant circuit (10) of a motor vehicle (200), comprising a valve device (32) of this type, and to a motor vehicle (200) comprising a coolant circuit (10) of this type.

Description

[0001] Valve device for a proportional coolant volume distribution in a coolant circuit, coolant circuit with such a valve device and motor vehicle with such a coolant circuit

[0002] DESCRIPTION:

[0003] The invention relates to a valve device for a coolant circuit, wherein it is designed with a valve insert having two fluidically separated flow sections, wherein a first flow section is designed such that, depending on a valve setting, it is in fluid communication with at least two and a maximum of three valve ports of the valve device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a coolant circuit for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle, which in particular has such a valve device, and to a motor vehicle with such a coolant circuit.

[0004] Such a valve device is known, for example, from EP 3 384 187 B1. Furthermore, with regard to coolant circuits, reference is made to DE10 2021 204 380 A1, DE10 2023 115 860 A1, and DE 10 2021 207 249 A1.

[0005] In the coolant circuits of electric vehicles, there are switching valves in the battery cooling circuit that make it impossible to regulate the flow rate distribution between the battery and the chiller when using "battery cooling via chiller." This can result in high coolant temperatures during battery cooling operation (active battery cooling via chiller). In a refrigeration system integrated via the chiller and operating with R744 (CO2) as the refrigerant, this can lead to problematic refrigeration circuit operation due to excessive suction pressures.

[0006] The object underlying the invention is seen in specifying a valve device, a coolant circuit and a motor vehicle in order to avoid the above disadvantages, in particular to enable an optimized thermal interaction between the coolant circuit and the refrigeration system or the refrigerant circuit.

[0007] This object is achieved by a valve device, a coolant circuit, and a motor vehicle having the features of the respective independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0008] The invention therefore proposes a valve device for a coolant circuit, wherein it is designed with a valve insert having two fluidically separated flow sections, wherein a first flow section is designed such that, depending on a valve setting, it is in fluid communication with at least two and a maximum of three valve ports of the valve device. A second flow section is designed such that, depending on the valve position, it is in fluid communication with only one valve port and a maximum of two valve ports of the valve device.

[0009] By means of such a valve device, different connections can be made possible within the coolant circuit, whereby the valve device enables a variable setting of two other valve connections while simultaneously shutting off one valve connection.

[0010] In the valve device, the valve insert can have a substantially cylindrical shape with a first recess forming the first flow section and with a second recess forming the second flow section.

[0011] In the valve device, approximately 40% to 60% of the cylinder's base area can be recessed in the region of the first recess relative to an imaginary cross-sectional plane. In particular, the first recess can be semicircular. In the valve device, the second recess can be lens-shaped.

[0012] In the valve device, the second flow section, when in fluid communication with a single valve port, can block that valve port, and the first flow section can be in fluid communication with three valve ports.

[0013] The valve insert can be adjustable in different rotational positions within an adjustment range, whereby in each of the rotational positions one valve connection is blocked by the second flow section and an effective flow cross-section can be adjusted for two valve connections.

[0014] The valve device may have four valve ports, wherein two adjacent valve ports are arranged substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0015] Also proposed is a coolant circuit for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a battery circuit configured to cool at least one energy storage device of the motor vehicle and having a first coolant pump; a component circuit configured to cool at least one electrical component, in particular a drive component and / or control component, of the motor vehicle and having a second coolant pump; a first heat exchanger, in particular a low-temperature cooler, around which ambient air flows; a first valve device configured to conduct coolant to the first heat exchanger or to the second coolant pump;a second heat exchanger, in particular a chiller, which can be brought into thermal operative connection with the battery circuit and / or the component circuit and through which a coolant can flow, wherein the second heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the energy storage device with respect to a thermal operative connection in the battery circuit and downstream of the at least one electrical component with respect to a thermal operative connection in the component circuit;and with a second valve device having an inlet-side valve connection connected to the battery circuit and a plurality of outlet-side valve connections. One of the outlet-side valve connections is connected to the first valve device, such that coolant circulation from the battery circuit into the component circuit is enabled or disabled depending on a respective valve setting of the first valve device and / or the second valve device.

[0016] This makes it possible to enable a large number of connections in the coolant circuit by means of the first and second valve devices, whereby the number of valve devices required for this purpose is minimized.

[0017] In the coolant circuit, one of the outlet-side valve connections of the second valve device can be connected to the second heat exchanger.

[0018] In the coolant circuit, one of the output-side valve connections of the second valve device can be connected to a return line section leading directly to the first coolant pump.

[0019] In other words, the second valve device can have three output-side valve connections which are in direct or immediate connection with the first valve device, the second heat exchanger and the first coolant pump.

[0020] In the coolant circuit, the second valve device can be configured to direct a coolant volume flow downstream of the energy storage device proportionally to the second heat exchanger and to the first coolant pump when the output-side valve connection is closed to the first valve device.

[0021] In the coolant circuit, the first valve device can have two inlet-side valve connections and two outlet-side valve connections, wherein one inlet-side valve connection is connected to one of the outlet-side valve connections of the second valve device, in particular by means of a valve connection line section running directly between the first and second valve devices. In other words, the first and second valve devices are directly connected to one another in this regard, without any further component of the coolant circuit, such as a heat exchanger or a component of the motor vehicle to be cooled, being arranged or connected in or on the valve connection line section.

[0022] In the coolant circuit, the first valve device can be adjustable so that coolant circulates in the component circuit, bypassing the first heat exchanger.

[0023] In the coolant circuit, the second heat exchanger can be arranged upstream of the second valve device with respect to a respective flow direction of the coolant when thermally connected to the component circuit and downstream of the second valve device when thermally connected to the battery circuit.

[0024] In the coolant circuit, the second valve device can be designed as the valve device described above.

[0025] A motor vehicle with an at least partially electric drive can be designed with such a coolant circuit.

[0026] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the figures.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a simplified and schematic representation of a coolant circuit in a motor vehicle; Fig. 2 is a simplified and schematic sectional view of a valve device in a first valve position;

[0028] Fig. 3 is a simplified and schematic sectional view of a valve device in a second valve position;

[0029] Fig. 4 is a simplified and schematic sectional view of a valve device in a third valve position;

[0030] Fig. 5 a simplified and schematic representation of the coolant circuit in a possible circuit;

[0031] Fig. 6 a simplified and schematic representation of the coolant circuit in a possible circuit;

[0032] Fig. 7 a simplified and schematic representation of the coolant circuit in a possible circuit;

[0033] Fig. 8 shows a simplified and schematic representation of the coolant circuit in a possible configuration;

[0034] Fig. 9 a simplified and schematic representation of the coolant circuit in a possible circuit;

[0035] Fig. 10 a simplified and schematic representation of the coolant circuit in a possible circuit;

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a simplified and schematic representation of a coolant circuit 10 for an at least partially electrically driven motor vehicle 200.

[0037] The coolant circuit 10 has a battery circuit 12, which is configured to heat or cool at least one energy storage device 14, for example, a high-voltage battery, of the motor vehicle 200. The coolant circuit 10 further has a component circuit 16, which is configured to cool at least one electrical component, such as an electric drive 18 of the motor vehicle 200. An electrical control unit (power electronics) or the like can also be integrated into the component circuit 18 for its temperature control.

[0038] A first heat exchanger 20, in particular a low-temperature cooler, around which ambient air UL flows, is integrated into the coolant circuit 10. A first valve device 22 is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger 20 with respect to the coolant flow direction.

[0039] The first valve device 22 is shown here in a simplified form as an octagon. It has four valve ports I to IV. In the coolant circuit 10, the coolant can enter the valve device 22 through valve port I or valve port III and then exit at valve ports II and / or IV, depending on the valve setting.

[0040] In this context, it should be noted that switching states of the first valve device 22 are also possible in which the first heat exchanger 20 is bypassed (bypass function). This is the case, for example, when the coolant enters the valve device 22 at valve connection I and exits again at valve connection IV, with valve connections II and III being closed. The first valve device 22 serves in particular to separate or connect the various circuits of the entire coolant circuit 10 or the system as required (combined circuit). The first heat exchanger 20 can be bypassed or partially bypassed, for example to regulate the temperature in the component circuit 16. In other words, the first valve device 22 can be set so that coolant circulates in the component circuit 16, bypassing the first heat exchanger 22.It is further pointed out that the first valve device 22 serves to regulate (coolant) temperatures, for example by a setting in which a respective partial volume flow is directed to the first heat exchanger 20 (partially opened valve connection II) and past the first heat exchanger 20 (partially opened valve connection IV).

[0041] The coolant circuit 10 further comprises at least one first coolant pump 24 associated with the battery circuit 12. A second heat exchanger 26, in particular a chiller, is arranged in the coolant circuit 10 and is optionally in thermal communication with the battery circuit 12 and / or the component circuit 16, through which a coolant can flow.

[0042] The integration of the second heat exchanger 26 into a refrigerant circuit 28 or a refrigeration system of the motor vehicle 200 is indicated by the dashed lines. A third heat exchanger 30, in particular a condenser or gas cooler, is also integrated into the refrigerant circuit 28. In the example shown, the third heat exchanger 30 is arranged downstream of the first heat exchanger or low-temperature cooler 20 of the coolant circuit 10, relative to a flow direction of ambient air UL.

[0043] In the battery circuit 12, a second valve device 32 is arranged downstream of the energy storage device 14, which second valve device is configured to direct a coolant volume flow downstream of the energy storage device 14 partially or completely to the second heat exchanger 26 and / or to the coolant pump 24 and / or to the first valve device 22 (valve connection III).

[0044] The second valve device 32 is shown here in a simplified form as an octagon.

[0045] It has four valve connections A to D, wherein in the battery circuit 12, the coolant passes downstream of the energy storage device 14 through the valve connection A into the valve device 32 and can then exit at the valve connections B and / or C and / or D, depending on the setting of the valve. Further details of the second valve device 32 will be described later with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0046] In the coolant circuit 10, the second heat exchanger 26 is arranged downstream of the energy storage device 14 with respect to a thermal connection in the battery circuit 12. With respect to a thermal connection in the component circuit 16, the second heat exchanger 26 is arranged downstream of the at least one electrical component, for example, the electric drive 18.

[0047] In the coolant circuit 10, the output-side valve connection C of the second valve device 32 is connected to the first valve device 22 such that a coolant circulation from the battery circuit 12 into the component circuit 16 is enabled or disabled depending on a respective valve setting of the first valve device 22 and / or the second valve device 32.

[0048] The output-side valve connection D of the second valve device 32 is connected to the second heat exchanger 26.

[0049] The output-side valve connection B is connected to a return line section 12r leading to the first coolant pump 24.

[0050] The second valve device 32 is configured to direct a coolant volume flow downstream of the energy storage device 32 proportionally to the second heat exchanger 26 and to the first coolant pump 24 (via the valve connections B and D) when the output-side valve connection C is closed to the first valve device 22.

[0051] The first valve device 22 has two inlet-side valve connections I, III and two outlet-side valve connections II, IV, wherein the inlet-side valve connection III is connected to the outlet-side valve connection C of the second valve device 32, in particular by means of a valve connecting line section 23v running directly between the first and the second valve device 22, 32.

[0052] The second heat exchanger 26 is arranged upstream of the second valve device 32 in the case of a thermal operative connection with the component circuit 16 and downstream of the second valve device 32 in the case of a thermal operative connection with the battery circuit 12, with respect to a respective flow direction of the coolant.

[0053] Figure 1 shows several branches Ab1 to Ab4 for the coolant circuit 10. It should be noted that the arrangement of these branches Ab1 to Ab4 is intended to be exemplary and not necessarily restrictive. The representation of branches Ab1 to Ab4 serves in particular to enable the topology and functioning of the coolant circuit 10 to be described in more detail below.

[0054] The following components, for example, can be assigned to the battery circuit 12 within the coolant circuit 10: branch Ab4, first coolant pump 24 and second valve device 32. Optionally, the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) and branch Ab3 can be integrated into the battery circuit 12.

[0055] The following components, for example, can be assigned to the component circuit 16 within the coolant circuit 10: a second coolant pump 34, the first valve device 22, branches Ab1 and Ab2 and the first heat exchanger 20. Optionally, the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) and the branch Ab3 can be integrated into the component circuit 16.

[0056] Branch Ab3, together with first valve device 22 and second valve device 32, forms a connection between battery circuit 12 and component circuit 16. It should be noted that an (adjustable or controllable) valve device 33, which is illustrated by dotted lines in Fig. 1 and Figs. 5 to 10 and which can be (partially) opened or (partially) closed depending on the configuration of coolant circuit 10, can optionally be arranged in return line section 12r. The valve device 33 can also be designed as a fixed (non-adjustable) throttle device in order to regulate the distribution of the coolant volume flows by means of pressure loss.

[0057] The second valve device 32 is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 2 to 4 using simplified and schematic sectional views.

[0058] From these illustrations, it can be seen that the four valve ports A, B, C, D open into a cylindrical valve seat 36. The second valve device 32 has a valve insert 38, which has two fluidically separated flow sections 40-1, 40-2.

[0059] A first flow section 40-1 is designed such that it is in fluid communication with at least two and a maximum of three valve connections A, B, C, D of the second valve device 32 depending on a valve setting or a rotational position of the valve insert 38 in the valve seat 36.

[0060] In the example of Fig. 2, the first flow section 40-1 is in fluid communication with the two valve ports A and B, which is illustrated by the two contour arrows.

[0061] The valve insert 38 has a second flow section 40-2, which is designed such that, depending on the valve position, it is in fluid communication with only one valve port A, B, C, D and a maximum of two valve ports A, B, C, D of the second valve device 32. In the example of Fig. 2, the second flow section 40-2 is in fluid communication with the two valve ports C and D, which is illustrated by the curved contour arrow.

[0062] In the example of Fig. 3, the valve insert 38 is rotated or positioned in a different valve position.

[0063] In this valve position, the first flow section 40-1 is in fluid communication with the valve ports A and D. The second flow section 40-2 is in fluid communication with the valve ports B and C.

[0064] In the example of Fig. 4, the valve insert 38 is rotated or positioned in a different valve position.

[0065] In this valve position, the first flow section 40-1 is in fluid communication with the valve ports A, B, and D. The second flow section 40-2 is positioned to block or close the valve port C.

[0066] From Fig. 4 it can also be seen that the valve insert is adjustable with respect to a flow cross-section effective in the direction of the valve connections B and D, so that depending on the rotational position of the valve insert 38 more or less coolant passes through the valve connections B and D.

[0067] An adjustment range for the valve insert 38, in which coolant reaches both the valve port B and the valve port D, is simplified by the dash-dotted lines and the double arrow EB.

[0068] In other words, the second flow section 40-2 blocks the valve port C when it is in fluid communication with this valve port C. The first flow section 40-1 is in fluid communication with the three valve ports A, B, and D. The valve insert 38 is adjustable in different rotational positions within the adjustment range EB, wherein in each of the rotational positions, one valve port C is blocked by the second flow section 40-2, and an effective flow cross-section is adjustable for two valve ports B, D.

[0069] The four valve connections A, B, C, D of the second valve device 32 are arranged in particular such that two adjacent valve connections A, B, C, D are arranged substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0070] The valve insert 38 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a first recess 42-1 forming the first flow section 40-1 and with a second recess 42-2 forming the second flow section 40-2.

[0071] In the region of the first recess 42-1, approximately 40% to 60% of a base area of ​​the cylinder or valve seat 36 is recessed, relative to an imaginary cross-sectional plane formed by the drawing plane in Figs. 2 to 4. As can be seen from Figs. 2 to 4, the first recess 42-1 can be approximately semicircular.

[0072] The second recess 42-2 is lens-shaped in Figs. 3 and 4. However, it can also be designed as a type of bypass channel in the valve insert 38, as indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 2.

[0073] 5 to 10, exemplary connections of the coolant circuit 10 are described below, wherein in particular the setting of the second valve device 32 is represented by means of a valve insert 38, which is shown bottom left in each respective figure. In Figs. 5 to 10, simplified black arrows are shown along the coolant lines when coolant is circulating in a respective coolant line, wherein the arrowheads illustrate the main flow direction. In coolant lines without an arrow, the coolant is without active circulation. Fig. 5 shows a connection of the coolant circuit 10, wherein the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) is integrated into the component circuit 16 with regard to the thermal active connection.the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) operates as a water heat pump evaporator with respect to the refrigerant circuit 28, whereby heat is extracted from the coolant of the component circuit 16 in order to evaporate refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 28.

[0074] In this connection, the second heat exchanger 26 is arranged or integrated upstream of the second valve device 32, relative to the flow direction of coolant.

[0075] In the component circuit 16, the coolant circulates in this circuit as follows: (second) coolant pump 34 electric drive 18 Branch Ab2 Branch Ab3 second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) second valve device 32 (valve connection D -> C) -> first valve device 22 (valve connection III IV) Branch Ab1 Coolant pump 34.

[0076] In this circuit, the first valve device 22 is set such that the valve connections I, II are closed or blocked, so that the coolant does not circulate through the first heat exchanger 20 or the first heat exchanger 20 is bypassed.

[0077] In the battery circuit 12, the coolant circulates in this circuit as follows: (first) coolant pump 24 Energy storage 14 (high-voltage battery) second valve device 32 (valve connection A -> B) -> branch Ab4 Coolant pump 24.

[0078] In this configuration, a so-called battery purge occurs in the battery circuit 12, i.e., the coolant circulating in thermal communication with the energy storage device 14 releases heat solely through the coolant lines by convection, without flowing through a specific heat exchanger. Fig. 6 shows a configuration in which the second valve device 32 is set such that the valve connection D is closed or blocked. Accordingly, the coolant line section between the second valve device 32 and the branch Ab3 with the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) is closed, so that the coolant does not circulate through the second heat exchanger 26.

[0079] In this circuit, the component circuit 16 and the battery circuit are in circulation connection with each other, with the coolant circulating as follows: (first) coolant pump 24 Energy storage 14 (high-voltage battery) second valve device 32 (valve connection A -> B and C) first valve device 22 (valve connection III -> IV) -> branch Ab1 second coolant pump 34 electric drive 18 Junction Ab2 Junction Ab3, Junction Ab4 first coolant pump 24.

[0080] In this connection, coolant can circulate in both directions in the return line section 12r, which depends in particular on how the two coolant pumps 24, 34 are set with regard to their power consumption.

[0081] In this circuit, the energy storage device 14 can be heated by using waste heat from the electric drive 18.

[0082] In this circuit, the first valve device 22 is set such that the valve connections I, II are closed or blocked, so that the coolant does not circulate through the first heat exchanger 20 or the first heat exchanger 20 is bypassed.

[0083] Fig. 7 shows a circuit which, except for the setting of the first valve device 22, is the same as the circuit in Fig. 6.

[0084] In the circuit shown in Fig. 7, valve ports II and III of the first valve device 22 are closed or blocked. Accordingly, the coolant cannot circulate from the second valve device 32 (valve port C) to the first valve device 22 (valve port III).

[0085] In the component circuit 16, the coolant circulates in this circuit as follows: (second) coolant pump 34 electric drive 18 Branch Ab2 first valve device 22 (valve connection I -> IV) -> branch Ab1 Coolant pump 34.

[0086] In the battery circuit 12, the coolant circulates in this circuit as follows: (first) coolant pump 24 Energy storage 14 (high-voltage battery) second valve device 32 (valve connection A -> B) -> branch Ab4

[0087] Coolant pump 24.

[0088] In this connection, a so-called battery flushing takes place in the battery circuit 12, ie the coolant circulating in thermal connection with the energy storage device 14 only releases heat via the coolant lines by convection, without flowing through a specific heat exchanger.

[0089] The circuit in Fig. 7 can be described as a so-called hot gas bypass: the circulating coolant is not in thermal connection with the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller), in which hot, gaseous refrigerant usually circulates on the refrigerant side, provided the refrigeration system is operated accordingly, which, however, is not described in detail here.

[0090] In this circuit, the first valve device 22 is set such that the valve connections II, III are closed or blocked, so that the coolant does not circulate through the first heat exchanger 20 or the first heat exchanger 20 is bypassed.

[0091] However, it should be noted that the first valve device 22 could also be adjusted so that the valve ports III, IV are closed and the coolant circulates through the valve ports I, II, thus integrating the first heat exchanger 20. With regard to the circulation of the coolant in the battery circuit 12, such an adjustment of the first valve device 22 would not change anything.

[0092] Fig. 8 shows a circuit in which the second valve device 32 is set such that the valve port B is closed or blocked. Accordingly, the return line section 12r between the second valve device 32 and the branch Ab4 is closed.

[0093] In this circuit, the component circuit 16 and the battery circuit are in circulation connection with each other, with the coolant circulating as follows: (first) coolant pump 24 Energy storage 14 (high-voltage battery) second valve device 32 (valve connection A -> C and D) first valve device 22 (valve connection III -> IV) -> branch Ab1 second coolant pump 34 electric drive 18 Junction Ab2 Junction Ab3, Junction Ab4 first coolant pump 24.

[0094] Depending on the control of a power consumption of the coolant pumps 24, 34, it is possible for coolant to flow in the coolant line section between the branch Ab3 and the second valve device 32 in one direction or the other through the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller).

[0095] The circuitry shown in Fig. 8 can be used in particular to heat the energy storage unit 14, using, on the one hand, waste heat from the electric drive 18 and / or, on the other hand, heat from the refrigerant circuit 28 (second heat exchanger 26). Furthermore, this circuitry can also be used to have the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) function as a water heat pump evaporator for the refrigeration circuit 28, with heat from the electric drive 18 and the energy storage unit 14 being transferred to the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 28.

[0096] Fig. 9 shows a circuit in which the second valve device

[0097] 32 is set so that the valve connection C is closed or blocked. Accordingly, the valve connection section 23v between the second

[0098] Valve device 32 and the first valve device 22 are blocked.

[0099] The setting of the second valve device 32 in the circuit shown in Fig. 9 is as explained above with reference to Fig. 4. The valve insert 38 (Fig. 4) can be adjusted within the adjustment range EB (Fig. 4) so ​​that different partial volume flows of coolant are present or can be adjusted at the valve connections B, D. This is also illustrated in Fig. 9 by the white contour arrows on the valve insert 38 (bottom left).

[0100] In this circuit, the coolant circulates in the battery circuit 12 as follows: (first) coolant pump 24 Energy storage 14 second valve device 32 (valve connection A -> B and A D);

[0101] Partial flow from valve port B Return line section 12r Junction Ab4 Coolant pump 24;

[0102] Partial flow from valve port D second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) Junction Ab3 Junction Ab4 Coolant pump 24.

[0103] In the component circuit 16, the coolant circulates in this circuit as follows: (second) coolant pump 34 electric drive 18 Branch Ab2 first valve device 22 (valve connection I -> IV) -> branch Ab1 Coolant pump 34.

[0104] In a circuit according to Fig. 9, a volume flow control with partial flows via the second heat exchanger 26 or the return line section 12r (directly to the coolant pump 24) is thus carried out. Such a circuit can be used to cool the energy storage device 14 as needed, whereby, depending on the setting of the second valve device 28, more or less coolant is passed via the second heat exchanger 26, so that the active cooling is adjustable or controllable. Such a volume flow distribution between the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) and the return line section 12r thus also enables control with a lower volume flow via the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) when

[0105] Refrigerant circuit 28 has a high refrigerant temperature in order to avoid, for example, a so-called candle process, in particular with R744 as refrigerant, but at the same time a high coolant volume flow circulates via the energy storage device 14 (and the return line section).

[0106] Fig. 10 shows a circuit in which the second valve device 32 is set so that the valve connections A, D are connected to one another and the valve connections B, C are connected to one another.

[0107] The first valve device 22 is set so that the inlet-side valve connection III is blocked so that the coolant from the second valve device 32 no longer circulates.

[0108] In this circuit, the coolant circulates in the battery circuit 12 as follows: (first) coolant pump 24 Energy storage 14 second valve device 32 (valve connection A -> D) -> second heat exchanger 26 (chiller) branch Ab3 Junction Ab4 Coolant pump 24.

[0109] The valve connection section 23v and the return line section 12r are not flowed through due to the blocked valve connection III of the first valve device 22.

[0110] In the component circuit 16, the coolant circulates in this circuit as follows: (second) coolant pump 34 electric drive 18 Branch Ab2 first valve device 22 (valve connection I -> IV) -> branch Ab1 Coolant pump 34.

[0111] 5 to 10, it should be noted with regard to the first valve device 22 that in all illustrations this is set so that the coolant bypasses the first heat exchanger 20, i.e. valve connection II of the first valve device 22 is always shown closed or blocked. If required, the first valve device 22 can also be set so that coolant also actively flows through the first heat exchanger 20 in connections, in which case valve connection IV of the first valve device would be closed and valve connection II would be connected to one of the inlet-side valve connections I, III of the first valve device 22.

[0112] With renewed reference to Fig. 1 , but also Figs. 5 to 10, it is again pointed out that the invention also relates to a motor vehicle 200 with at least partially electric drive 18, at least one energy storage device 14, a refrigeration system 28 and a coolant circuit 10 described above, wherein the refrigeration system 28 and the coolant circuit 10 are in thermal operative connection with one another through the second heat exchanger 26 (chiller), such that coolant guided to the energy storage device 14 (high-voltage battery) can be cooled or heated by means of the second heat exchanger 26.

[0113] In this case, the motor vehicle 200 can have a control unit 202 which is designed to regulate the second valve device 32 of the battery circuit 12 in such a way that, when the energy storage device 14 is actively cooled, the coolant volume conducted via the second heat exchanger 26 is adjusted as a function of a suction pressure detected in the refrigeration system 28, wherein a portion of the coolant volume not conducted via the second heat exchanger 26 is conducted to the coolant pump 24 in order to enable flushing in the battery circuit 12, in particular a direct return to the energy storage device 14.

Claims

1. Valve device (32) for a coolant circuit, wherein it is designed with a valve insert (38) which has two fluidically separated flow sections (40-1, 40-2), wherein a first flow section (40-1) is designed such that it is in fluid communication with at least two and a maximum of three valve connections (A, B, C, D) of the valve device (32) depending on a valve setting, characterized in that a second flow section (40-2) is designed such that it is in fluid communication with only one valve connection (A, B, C, D) and a maximum of two valve connections (A, B, C, D) of the valve device (32) depending on the valve position.

2. Valve device (32) according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve insert (38) has a substantially cylindrical shape with a first recess (42-2) forming the first flow section (40-1) and with a second recess (42-2) forming the second flow section (40-2).

3. Valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that in the region of the first recess (42-1) with respect to an imaginary cross-sectional plane, approximately 40% to 60% of a base area of ​​the cylinder are recessed, in particular the first recess (42-1) is semicircular.

4. Valve device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second recess (42-2) is lens-shaped.

5. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second flow section (40-2), when in fluid communication with a single valve port (A, B, C, D), blocks this valve port (A, B, C, D), and that the first Flow section (40-1) is in fluid communication with three valve connections (A, B, C, D).

6. Valve device according to claim 5, wherein the valve insert (38) is adjustable in different rotational positions within an adjustment range (EB), wherein in each of the rotational positions the one valve connection is blocked by the second flow section (40-2) and an effective flow cross-section is adjustable for two valve connections.

7. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has four valve connections (A, B, C, D), wherein two adjacent valve connections (A, B, C, D) are arranged substantially orthogonally to one another.

8. A coolant circuit (10) for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle (200), comprising a battery circuit (12) configured to cool at least one energy storage device (14) of the motor vehicle (200) and having a first coolant pump (24); a component circuit (16) configured to cool at least one electrical component, in particular a drive component and / or control component, (18) of the motor vehicle (200), and having a second coolant pump;a first heat exchanger (20), in particular a low-temperature cooler, around which ambient air (UL) flows, a first valve device (22) which is designed to conduct coolant to the first heat exchanger (20) or to the second coolant pump, a second heat exchanger (26), in particular a chiller, which can be brought into thermal operative connection with the battery circuit (12) and / or the component circuit (16) and through which a coolant can flow, wherein the second heat exchanger (26) is located downstream of the first heat exchanger (20) with respect to a thermal operative connection in the battery circuit (12); Energy storage device (14) is arranged and, with respect to a thermal operative connection in the component circuit (16), is arranged downstream of the at least one electrical component; a second valve device (32) which has an inlet-side valve connection (A) connected to the battery circuit (12) and a plurality of outlet-side valve connections (B, C, D), characterized in that one of the outlet-side valve connections (B, C, D) is connected to the first valve device (22) in such a way that a coolant circulation from the battery circuit (12) into the component circuit (16) is enabled or disabled depending on a respective valve setting of the first valve device (22) and / or the second valve device (32).

9. Coolant circuit (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that one of the outlet-side valve connections (D) of the second valve device (32) is connected to the second heat exchanger (26).

10. Coolant circuit (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that one of the output-side valve connections (B) of the second valve device (32) is connected to a return line section (12r) leading directly to the first coolant pump (24).

11. Coolant circuit (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the second valve device (32) is designed to direct a coolant volume flow downstream of the energy store (14) proportionally to the second heat exchanger (26) and to the first coolant pump (24) when the outlet-side valve connection (C) is blocked to the first valve device (22).

12. Coolant circuit (10) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the first valve device (22) has two inlet-side valve connections (I, III) and two outlet-side valve connections (II, IV), wherein the one inlet-side valve connection (III) is provided with which is connected to one of the output-side valve connections (C) of the second valve device (32), in particular by means of a valve connecting line section (23v) running directly between the first and the second valve device (22, 23).

13. Coolant circuit (10) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the first valve device (22) is adjustable so that coolant circulates in the component circuit (16) bypassing the first heat exchanger (20).

14. Coolant circuit (10) according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the second heat exchanger (26) is arranged upstream of the second valve device (32) with respect to a respective flow direction of the coolant when thermally connected to the component circuit (16) and downstream of the second valve device (32) when thermally connected to the battery circuit (12).

15. Coolant circuit (10) according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the second valve device (32) is designed as a valve device according to one of claims 1 to 7.

16. Motor vehicle (200) with an at least partially electric drive and with a coolant circuit (10) according to one of claims 8 to 15.

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