Vehicle cooling module for cooling a vehicle drive unit, vehicle and method for installing a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling module (4) for a motor vehicle (1) for cooling at least one drive unit (2) of the motor vehicle, having a cooling module housing (6) with the following components: a coolant container (13) for providing a cooling medium (14) in liquid or gaseous form; a first interface unit (7) for receiving a predetermined pump unit (8); a second interface unit (9) for receiving a predetermined filter unit (10); a third interface unit (11) for receiving a predetermined heat exchanger unit (12). Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) and a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle cooling module for cooling at least one drive unit of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a corresponding cooling module. The invention also relates to a method for installing a cooling module in a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines or electric motors use complex cooling systems to cool their respective engines. For example, the temperatures generated during fuel combustion (diesel or gasoline) can reach as high as 500 degrees Celsius, which is detrimental to engine operation. Therefore, it is necessary to cool the engine, especially the internal combustion engine, to a predetermined operating temperature. For this purpose, a common cooling system in motor vehicles has a cooling circuit in the engine compartment, through which coolant is delivered to the engine compartment. The coolant absorbs heat generated by the engine or by other engine components and dissipates this heat to the outside air, for example, via a coolant radiator. Thus, a thermal cycle occurs via the cooling circuit. Here, for example, an additional mechanically or electrically driven fan can improve the heat dissipation effect through the coolant radiator (especially radiators arranged on the radiator grille). To maintain a relatively constant temperature for the coolant or engine, the coolant flow rate can be controlled by a thermostat.

[0003] For example, EP 3 670 858 A1 discloses an engine temperature control unit for pumping and / or distributing a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium (cooling water) of an engine, such as an electric motor or internal combustion engine, can be controlled by means of an actuator.

[0004] An electric vehicle axle device is known from DE 10 2013 204 766 A1, wherein the electric vehicle axle device has a cooling circuit for cooling vehicle components.

[0005] DE 10 2018 128 480 A1 discloses a method for controlling a vehicle cooling system.

[0006] For example, a vehicle cooling system is also known from US2012 / 0153718 A1, which allows control of a cooling circuit used to cool an electric motor.

[0007] A known drawback of vehicle cooling systems is that the components are located in different places within or on the vehicle. This makes the integration of the cooling system within the vehicle complex, as each component must have its own structural space or its own installation location identified. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle cooling system that can be installed more simply.

[0009] This objective is achieved by the cooling module according to claim 1, the motor vehicle according to claim 7, and the method according to claim 10. Meaningful improvements are given in the dependent claims.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a cooling module for a motor vehicle, the cooling module being used to cool at least one drive unit of the motor vehicle, the cooling module having:

[0011] - Cooling module housing, the cooling module housing has the following components:

[0012] - A coolant container used to provide liquid or gaseous cooling media;

[0013] - A first interface unit for receiving a predetermined pump unit;

[0014] - A second interface unit for receiving predetermined filtering units;

[0015] - A third interface unit for receiving a predetermined heat exchange unit.

[0016] The cooling module according to the invention provides a compact, versatile, and space-saving cooling system for vehicles. Specifically, the cooling module, and particularly the cooling module housing, includes interface units and a coolant container. Therefore, in addition to the coolant container, the coolant housing also includes all the essential interfaces for corresponding components that perform a cooling process or cooling method on at least one drive unit (electric motor or internal combustion engine) of the motor vehicle. In other words, the cooling module housing is designed to accommodate all the necessary components or units for performing the cooling process. For this purpose, the cooling module housing may include various different interface units or interfaces for accommodating the corresponding components.

[0017] Based on the possibility of accommodating components at or removing them from the corresponding interfaces, the cooling module housing of the cooling module can be universally and flexibly installed in motor vehicles.

[0018] Cooling modules can be integrated into the engine compartment of a vehicle as pre-assembled units in a space-saving manner. In particular, the universal design of cooling modules simplifies installation, removal, and replacement. Furthermore, cooling modules can be easily removed from the vehicle and used as components in other vehicles. Therefore, cooling modules can be universally applied to various vehicle models and types.

[0019] The modular construction of the cooling module provides advantages in installation procedures, particularly during vehicle assembly. Therefore, the installation sequence of the vehicle can be significantly improved. Furthermore, the cooling module according to the invention can be integrated with a wide variety of vehicles, especially into ZSB components, with a high degree of integration. Specifically, the cooling module can be used as a standard part or a COP (Carry of Parts) component.

[0020] Specifically, cooling modules can be used in motor vehicles or commercial vehicles, vehicles with internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles, or electric vehicles.

[0021] Specifically, the cooling module housing is constructed as a compact housing that can be designed to be placed in the vehicle's engine compartment in a space-saving manner. A coolant container (coolant tank) can provide or store liquid or gaseous cooling media (such as coolant water) or various different types of cooling media for cooling the drive unit of the motor vehicle.

[0022] For example, a first interface unit, a second interface unit, and a third interface unit can be fastened or arranged on the cooling module housing, so that predetermined units can be optimally received within the cooling module housing according to their function and size. Specifically, the interface units are positioned such that the respective units to be received are received in a manner that provides the most functional connection or arrangement possible for the units to be received. In particular, the cooling module according to the invention can provide an integrated liquid cooling system for cooling the drive unit of a motor vehicle.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pump unit, filter unit, and heat exchange unit are arranged on corresponding interface units of the cooling module housing. In other words, the pump unit, filter unit, and heat exchange unit are fastened or integrated onto the first, second, and third interface units. Therefore, all components required to perform the cooling method on the vehicle drive unit are mounted, integrated, or fastened onto the cooling module housing.

[0024] Specifically, the pump unit, filter unit, and heat exchange unit are simply secured to their respective interface units within the cooling module housing. This allows the cooling module to be used in a compact and space-saving manner.

[0025] A pump unit (mechanically and / or electrically operated coolant pump or coolant pump) is used to supply liquid or gaseous cooling medium stored in a coolant container to the cooling circuit. Specifically, the pump unit ensures a continuous, circulating cooling circuit. A filtration unit, particularly a filter (such as a particulate filter), is used to filter impurities and / or foreign matter from the cooling medium supplied by the pump unit. A heat exchange unit is, for example, a heat exchanger or heat transfer device. With the aid of a heat exchange unit, the heat absorbed by the cooling medium from the drive unit of the motor vehicle can be used as thermal energy to heat the passenger compartment or interior space of the vehicle, or to raise the temperature of the passenger compartment or interior space. Therefore, the heat discharged by the drive unit can be reused. Thus, efficiency improvements can be achieved. In particular, the cooling module can therefore be used not only to cool the drive unit but also to simultaneously heat or raise the temperature of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle without requiring a large energy expenditure. Thus, the cooling module achieves a dual function.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the cooling module housing has an additional interface unit on which an electronic control unit can be arranged, and the pump unit can be controlled specifically using this electronic control unit. Therefore, in addition to the aforementioned interface unit, the cooling module housing may have at least one additional interface unit. This allows the cooling module to be used in a more versatile and space-saving manner. If necessary, the cooling module housing may also have additional interface units, particularly multiple additional interface units. Therefore, the cooling module housing and, consequently, the cooling module, can be expanded according to vehicle model and / or vehicle type and / or application. This allows the cooling module to be provided in a more universal manner.

[0027] Optionally, the electronic control unit can be mounted on a separate interface unit. Specifically, the electronic control unit is mounted only on the separate interface unit. The electronic control unit allows for the dedicated control and / or regulation of the pump unit. The cooling capacity of the cooling module can be increased based on the current state of the drive unit (in terms of the current temperature of the drive unit). Therefore, the flow rate of the cooling medium can be adjusted or adapted, for example, using the electronic control unit. Furthermore, a motor (electric power supply unit) can be used to operate the pump unit. The power of the pump unit can be increased or decreased using this motor, depending on the currently required cooling capacity. For example, the electronic control unit can be configured as a control valve or include at least one control valve. The flow rate of the cooling medium can be adjusted using the control valve.

[0028] In addition, the electronic control unit may also include a cooling water regulator (thermostat). This cooling water regulator (thermostat) can be used to regulate the water circulation (cooling medium circulation) based on the temperature of the cooling medium.

[0029] In another embodiment, the cooling module housing has a support interface on which a universal joint unit of the vehicle can be arranged to support the steering shaft unit. In other words, the support interface is specifically designed to receive and securely support the universal joint unit (the universal joint of the vehicle). Therefore, the cooling module housing for cooling components of the drive unit can have additional functions or roles. The cooling module can be positioned or secured in the engine compartment of the vehicle, allowing it to be additionally used to support the universal joint of the vehicle. Thus, the cooling module can be arranged in the engine compartment of the vehicle in a more efficient and space-saving manner. The cooling module housing can receive the universal joint unit of the vehicle via the support interface, thereby allowing the universal joint unit to be movably secured to the interface unit. This eliminates the need for additional fastening devices for at least one universal joint unit of the vehicle, thereby enabling more efficient use of the structural space of the vehicle's engine compartment.

[0030] In one embodiment, the coolant container housing is at least partially, and particularly completely, integrated into the cooling module housing. In other words, the coolant container can also be a fixed component of the cooling module housing. Therefore, a portion of the cooling module housing and a portion of the coolant container housing can be integrated. In principle, the cooling module housing can already include the coolant container housing. In other words, the coolant container housing can already be integrated during the manufacturing process of the cooling module housing. Therefore, the cooling module housing can be designed more compactly and with less structural space. Consequently, the cooling module can be more universally applied to a variety of different vehicles.

[0031] Specifically, the cooling module housing and the coolant container housing can be the same housing. Therefore, in this case, the coolant container housing and the cooling module housing are identical. Consequently, the interface unit is integrated onto the common housing of the coolant container and the cooling module.

[0032] Furthermore, to enable a more space-saving and compact use of the cooling module, it is stipulated that all interface units of the cooling module housing are arranged in a common half / same half of the cooling module housing. By compactly arranging the interface units in the common half of the cooling module housing, the shape of the cooling module housing can be kept compact, and therefore the shape of the cooling module can also be kept compact. In other words, the interface units can be arranged, integrated, or fastened to the cooling module housing in such a way that they are arranged compactly and directly adjacent to each other. This prevents the cooling module from having parts that are far apart. When designing the cooling module housing, it is important to arrange the interface units on the cooling module housing efficiently according to the component location. When arranging the interface units on the cooling module housing, it is important to consider the corresponding geometry and / or actual conditions of the engine compartment, based on the installation situation and / or installation location in the motor vehicle.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a cooling module according to embodiments of the above aspects. In particular, embodiments or examples of the above aspects can be considered advantageous embodiments of the motor vehicle.

[0034] Specifically, the motor vehicle includes a cooling module, which can cool at least one drive unit (internal combustion engine or electric motor). For this purpose, the cooling module is specifically designed to be securely mounted, arranged, or positioned in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle in a space-saving and universal manner. In particular, the cooling module can be designed to be compatible with the corresponding model of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, various different requirements, especially those specific to the corresponding motor vehicle, can be taken into account when designing the cooling module.

[0035] For example, a motor vehicle can be a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, a bus, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cooling module is connected to the drive unit of the motor vehicle via a connection point on the cooling module housing. In other words, the connection point on the cooling module housing ensures that cooling medium is delivered or pumped to the drive unit via the cooling module for cooling the drive unit. For example, the connection point may have multiple fastening parts, allowing the cooling module housing to be arranged in the area of ​​the drive unit by means of multiple fastening parts or fastening devices, particularly when the cooling module is directly thermally connected to the drive unit via the connection point. The cooling module housing can be fastened to the area of ​​the motor vehicle's engine compartment via the connection point on the cooling module housing or by using additional fastening devices on the connection point. Here, the cooling module housing can be fastened in a detachable manner to the motor vehicle. Therefore, the cooling module housing, and particularly the entire cooling module, can be removed and replaced at any time.

[0037] Specifically, the connection point is constructed as a mechanical device, specifically arranged on the cooling module housing. It is also conceivable that the connection point is a unit independent of the cooling module housing, which can be used to connect the cooling module housing to the drive unit. For example, the connection point could consist of multiple separate components arranged around the cooling module housing.

[0038] In another embodiment, the cooling circuit of the vehicle's drive unit is connected to the cooling channels of the cooling module, allowing the cooling medium from the cooling module to be supplied to the cooling circuit of the drive unit for cooling the drive unit. For example, the connection may have multiple cooling channels, which are additionally connected to the cooling circuit of the drive unit via the connection between the cooling module and the drive unit. The cooling channels of the cooling module allow the cooling medium supplied by the coolant container to be supplied to the cooling circuit. Specifically, a pump unit pumps the cooling medium through the cooling channels and supplies it to the cooling circuit. Specifically, the cooling circuit of the drive unit and the cooling channels of the cooling module form an independent cooling circuit. The cooling circuit is specifically located in the engine compartment and is used to absorb heat from the drive unit or other components of the drive unit.

[0039] Cooling of the drive unit can be achieved using a cooling medium. To cool the cooling medium or dissipate the absorbed heat, the drive unit's cooling circuit includes a coolant radiator (arranged on a radiator grille) through which the cooling medium can dissipate heat to the outside air or the vehicle's external environment. For example, one or more fans (mechanical or electric) can be arranged on the coolant radiator, positioned in front of or behind it. This allows for an additional, improved cooling process for the coolant. Specifically, this process can be monitored using a coolant regulator (thermostat) because cooling of the cooling medium is only required when a predetermined temperature is reached.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for installing a cooling module according to one of the foregoing aspects in a motor vehicle, wherein the cooling module housing, comprising a pump unit, a filter unit, a heat exchange unit, and a coolant container, is secured to the engine compartment of the motor vehicle, and the pump unit, filter unit, heat exchange unit, and coolant container of the cooling module are simultaneously secured to the engine compartment. Specifically, the proposed method allows the installation of a cooling module according to one of the foregoing aspects and / or improvements thereof in a motor vehicle. In other words, the cooling module is integrated with the motor vehicle during installation. Here, the various components of the cooling module (pump unit, filter unit, heat exchange unit, and coolant container) are thus secured or integrated into the engine compartment of the motor vehicle, for which these components are secured to the cooling module housing. The cooling module housing, including different interface units for receiving the respective components, is secured to the engine compartment of the motor vehicle, and thus the respective components secured to the corresponding interface units are also secured to the engine compartment. Therefore, by simply installing the cooling module housing in the engine compartment, all components of the cooling module can be simultaneously integrated or secured to the engine compartment. Therefore, the installation process of cooling modules, especially in motor vehicles, can be performed more efficiently.

[0041] In particular, an advantageous implementation and embodiment in one aspect may be regarded as an advantageous implementation or embodiment in other aspects, and vice versa.

[0042] The present invention also includes improvements to the motor vehicle and method according to the invention, the features of which have been described in conjunction with improvements to the cooling module according to the invention. For this reason, corresponding improvements to the motor vehicle and method according to the invention will not be described here.

[0043] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as an automobile, particularly a passenger car or a commercial vehicle, or as a bus or a motorcycle.

[0044] The present invention also includes feature combinations of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention also includes implementations having multiple feature combinations of the described embodiments, provided that these implementations are not described as mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. Wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle with a cooling module is shown;

[0047] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 An exemplary illustration of the cooling module; and

[0048] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the cooling module. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the components described are individual, independent features of the present invention, and these features also independently improve the present invention. Therefore, this disclosure should also include feature combinations different from the feature combinations of the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the embodiments can also be supplemented by other features among the features already described in the present invention.

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote elements that have the same function.

[0051] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 with at least one drive unit 2 is shown. The motor vehicle 1 can be a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. The motor vehicle 1 can be driven by the drive unit 2 (internal combustion engine or electric motor). Here, the drive unit 2 can be arranged in the engine compartment 3 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0052] During operation, drive unit 2 generates heat. Specifically, drive unit 2 may reach temperatures as high as 500 degrees Celsius. To prevent damage to drive unit 2 due to overheating, cooling is necessary. To cool drive unit 2, a cooling module 4 according to the invention can be used. Cooling module 4 can be achieved via a cooling module housing 6 (see...). Figure 2 The connection part 5 is connected or coupled to the drive unit 2. Therefore, the cooling module 4 is arranged, fastened or integrated in the engine compartment 3.

[0053] In order to arrange the cooling module 4 in the engine compartment 3 in a space-saving manner, the cooling module 4 needs to be designed to be compact and save structural space. This can be achieved by integrating or housing all the necessary components of the cooling module on the cooling module housing 6.

[0054] exist Figure 2The diagram illustrates a possible design for the cooling module 4. To allow for a compact design and particularly versatility in integration, the cooling module housing 6 has multiple interface units. The cooling module housing 6 (which is designed, for example, as a mechanical housing) may have a first interface unit 7 for receiving a predetermined pump unit 8. Thus, a coolant pump or water pump can be received via the first interface unit. Furthermore, the cooling module housing 6 also has a second interface unit 9, through which a predetermined filter unit 10 (filter) can be received. The cooling module housing 6 also has a third interface unit 11 for receiving a predetermined heat exchange unit 12. In addition to interface units 7, 9, and 11, the cooling module housing 6 also has a coolant container 13 (coolant tank). The coolant container 13 can provide or store liquid or gaseous cooling medium 14 (see...) Figure 3 For example, the cooling medium 14 can be cooling water or a mixture of water and coolant additives. The cooling medium 14 allows the heat generated by the drive unit 2 to be absorbed and carried away. Alternatively, various different cooling media, particularly those commonly used in vehicle technology, can be used or applied with the cooling module 4. Therefore, the cooling module 4 can be universally applicable.

[0055] The advantage provided by interface units 7, 9, and 11 is that components 8, 10, and 12 are not fastened to the cooling module 4 in its basic or original state. Therefore, this is particularly advantageous when the cooling module 4 is installed in the motor vehicle 1. Specifically, the cooling module 4, and especially the cooling module housing 6, can have multiple interfaces, wherein a corresponding number of interfaces can be adapted to the corresponding usage location of the cooling module 4. For example, the cooling module housing 6 can have multiple dummy interface units. Therefore, a universal cooling module housing 6 can be manufactured, and the corresponding interfaces can be activated and installed with the corresponding components simply according to the vehicle type and / or application.

[0056] To enable the use of the cooling module 4 in a compact and space-saving manner, the housing 15 of the coolant container 13 can be integrated, at least partially and particularly completely, into the cooling module housing 6. Therefore, the housing 15 of the coolant container 13 and the cooling module housing 6 are virtually the only components or structural elements. Thus, the housing 15 of the coolant container 13 can be integrated during the manufacturing process of the cooling module housing 6. Therefore, the cooling module housing 6 serves not only as the housing of the cooling module 4 but also as the housing 15 of the coolant container 13. Thus, two different housings can be eliminated, allowing the cooling module 4 to be manufactured in a more compact and space-saving manner. This also minimizes or shortens costs, manufacturing processes, and manufacturing time.

[0057] The cooling module housing 6 can also consist of two sub-housings, such that at least one portion can be used for the cooling module housing 6 itself, while the other portion can be used as the housing 15 of the coolant container 13. Therefore, the cooling module housing 6 can be used in various ways and according to its function.

[0058] To achieve a compact shape or geometry for the cooling module 4, the interface units 7, 9, and 11 are arranged, if necessary, in the common half 16 of the cooling module housing 6. For example, all interface units 7, 9, and 11 can be arranged in the upper or lower half of the cooling module housing 6. It is also conceivable that all interface units 7, 9, and 11 are arranged in the front or rear region of the cooling module housing 6. The arrangement of the interface units 7, 9, and 11 can be adapted to the corresponding application of the cooling module 4 and / or the corresponding styling of the engine compartment 3 or the vehicle model of the motor vehicle 1. In particular, all interface units 7, 9, and 11 should be arranged such that the cooling module housing 6 has the most compact and independent geometry or shape possible. This means that the cooling module housing 6 should not have any highly protruding components. Therefore, the cooling module 4 can be positioned, arranged, or secured in a predetermined area of ​​the engine compartment 6 in a space-saving manner.

[0059] For example, the cooling module housing 6 may have an additional interface unit 17. An electronic control unit 18 may be arranged, connected, secured, or connected to this additional interface unit or at least one additional interface unit 17. For example, the electronic control unit 18 may be a control valve, a cooling water regulator, or a thermostat. The electronic control unit 18 can be used to control or manipulate the pump unit 10. Therefore, the pumping capacity of the pump unit 10 can be controlled by the electronic control unit 18, and thus the amount of cooling medium 14 delivered can be controlled. In particular, the coolant flow rate or coolant circulation can be adjusted by the control unit 18. Here, such adjustment may be particularly dependent on the temperature of the cooling medium 14. For example, the pump unit 8 may also be additionally connected or coupled to an electric motor or electromechanical motor 19 via an additional interface unit 17. Therefore, the pump unit 8 may be supplied with voltage dependent on the electronic control unit 18.

[0060] To efficiently cool the drive unit 2 of the vehicle 1, a closed cooling circuit must be established. This is achieved via connection part 5, through which the cooling module 4 is connected to the drive unit 2. Now, to allow the cooling medium 14 to be supplied from the cooling module 4 to the drive unit 2 for cooling, the cooling module 4 has a cooling channel 20. Therefore, the cooling module 4 additionally includes an integrated cooling channel, thereby efficiently supplying the cooling medium 14 to the drive unit 2. This is specifically achieved by connecting or coupling the cooling circuit 21 of the drive unit 2 of the vehicle 1 to the cooling channel 20 of the cooling module 4. Thus, the cooling medium 14 can be supplied to the cooling circuit 21 by means of the pump unit 8. Therefore, the independent cooling circuit for cooling the drive unit 2 is closed in a simple and efficient manner. Specifically, the cooling medium 14 can continuously circulate in the cooling circuit 21 to cool the drive unit 2 until the cooling medium 14 reaches a predetermined temperature. If this is the case, the heat of the cooling medium 14 is output to the external environment or the outside air surrounding the vehicle 1 by means of the coolant radiator 22 of the vehicle 1. This is done in the area of ​​the radiator grille of vehicle 1, as is done in a conventional motor vehicle. To cool the coolant 14 more efficiently and quickly, an additional fan (electric or mechanical) can be used.

[0061] To prevent the cooling medium 14 from boiling at 100 degrees Celsius, the cooling medium 14 in the cooling channel 20 and cooling circuit 21 is maintained at a predetermined constant pressure. Therefore, for example, it can be achieved by increasing the pressure in the cooling circuit 21 so that the cooling medium (e.g., water) only begins to boil between 115 and 130 degrees Celsius. Thus, the cooling medium 14 can circulate in the cooling circuit 21 for a longer period.

[0062] As an additional function, the cooling module 4 can be used as a support for the universal joint unit 23 of the vehicle 1. The universal joint unit 23 is specifically the universal joint of the vehicle 1. To achieve this function, the cooling module housing 6 additionally has a support interface 24. With the aid of this support interface 24, the cooling module housing 6 can provide the additional function of supporting the universal joint unit 23. The universal joint of the vehicle 1 can be supported in a movable manner on the support interface 24, especially on multiple support interfaces. In particular, the universal joint or universal joint unit 23 is fastened to the support interface 24 in a freely movable manner. Therefore, the engine compartment 3 of the vehicle 1 can be designed to be more compact because the additional fastening device for the universal joint unit 23 can be eliminated.

[0063] To illustrate, Figure 3A schematic block diagram of the cooling module 4 is shown, illustrating, for example, the arrangement of the individual components or their arrangement in a chain of action. The cooling medium 14 can be pumped or guided from the coolant container 13 toward the heat exchanger 12 via the cooling channel 20 using the pump unit 8. The cooling medium 14 is then filtered using the filter unit 10 and subsequently delivered or supplied to the cooling circuit 21 or the drive unit 2 via the connection point 5. This ensures a separate cooling circuit.

[0064] To utilize a compact, independent, and universally compatible unit (cooling module 4), the components (pump unit 8, filter unit 10, and heat exchange unit 12) can be secured only to their respective interface units 7, 9, and 11. This is particularly advantageous for installing the cooling module 4 in the vehicle 1. Therefore, a compact unit can be provided that can be integrated into various vehicle models or types in a simple and space-saving manner. The interface units also offer the advantage of allowing replacement of individual units without major modifications or repairs. Thus, in the event of a malfunction or maintenance, individual components can be replaced or replaced without any problems. Equally advantageous is that the integrated, universally compatible unit (cooling module) allows the cooling module to be easily removed when disassembling the vehicle 1 and reused in other vehicles.

[0065] Therefore, an integrated liquid cooling system for cooling the drive unit 2 can be provided by means of the cooling module 4.

[0066] Overall, examples of how an integrated liquid cooling system can be provided are shown.

Claims

1. A cooling module (4) for a motor vehicle (1), the cooling module being used to cool at least one drive unit (2) of the motor vehicle, the cooling module having: - Cooling module housing (6), the cooling module housing has the following components: - A coolant container (13) for providing a liquid or gaseous cooling medium (14); - First interface unit (7) for receiving the predetermined pump unit (8); - A second interface unit (9) for receiving a predetermined filter unit (10); - A third interface unit (11) for receiving a predetermined heat exchange unit (12). The cooling module housing (6) has a support interface (24), wherein, The universal joint unit (23) of the motor vehicle (1) can be arranged on the support interface (24) for supporting the universal joint unit (23).

2. The cooling module (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pump unit (8), the filter unit (10) and the heat exchange unit (12) are arranged on the interface units (7, 9, 11) respectively provided on the cooling module housing (6).

3. The cooling module (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cooling module housing (6) has an additional interface unit (17), on which an electronic control unit (18) can be arranged.

4. The cooling module (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The housing (15) of the coolant container (13) is at least partially integrated into the housing (6) of the cooling module.

5. The cooling module (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The interface units (7, 9, 11, 17) of the cooling module housing (6) are all arranged in the common half of the cooling module housing (6).

6. The cooling module (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pump unit (8) can be controlled using the electronic control unit (18).

7. The cooling module (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing (15) of the coolant container (13) is completely integrated into the housing (6) of the cooling module.

8. A motor vehicle (1) having a cooling module (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cooling module (4) is connected to the drive unit (2) of the motor vehicle (1) via the connection part (5) of the cooling module housing.

10. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (21) of the drive unit (2) of the motor vehicle (1) is connected to the cooling channel (20) of the cooling module (4), so that the cooling medium (14) of the cooling module (4) can be delivered to the cooling circuit (21) of the drive unit (2) for cooling the drive unit (2).

11. A method for installing a cooling module (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 7 on a motor vehicle (1), wherein, - By fastening the cooling module housing (6) of the cooling module (4) with the pump unit (8), filter unit (10), heat exchange unit (12) and coolant container (13) in the engine compartment (3) of the motor vehicle (1), the cooling module is used as a support for the universal joint unit of the motor vehicle.

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