Cooling module for a motor vehicle for cooling a drive unit of the motor vehicle, as well as motor vehicle and method for mounting a motor vehicle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling module for a motor vehicle for cooling at least one drive unit of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a corresponding cooling module. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a motor vehicle with a cooling module.

[0002] Vehicles with an internal combustion engine or an electric motor use complex cooling systems to cool the respective engine. For example, the combustion of a fuel (diesel or gasoline) can produce temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius, which are detrimental to the engine's operation. It is therefore necessary to cool the engine, especially an internal combustion engine, to a specified operating temperature. For cooling purposes, common cooling systems in motor vehicles have a cooling circuit in the engine compartment, with the cooling circuit pumping a coolant into the engine compartment. The coolant can absorb heat generated by the engine or other engine components and dissipate it, for example, to the outside air via a coolant radiator. The heat is thus circulated via the cooling circuit.For example, additional mechanical or electrically driven fans can improve heat dissipation through the radiator (especially those located on the radiator grille). To keep the coolant or engine temperature relatively constant, the coolant flow 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. Using an actuator, the heat transfer medium (cooling water) of an engine, such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, can be controlled.

[0004] From DE 10 2013 204 766 A1 an electric vehicle axle device is known, which has a cooling circuit for cooling vehicle components.

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

[0006] For example, a cooling system for a vehicle is also known from US 2012 / 0153718 A1, with which a cooling circuit for cooling an electric motor can be controlled.

[0007] Furthermore, EP 1 201 889 A1 discloses a water cooling unit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, wherein the unit is connected via a main circuit formed by suitable lines, in particular with at least one cooler for cooling the water or a similar coolant and with the circuits for cooling the cylinder block and the cylinder heads.

[0008] A disadvantage of conventional vehicle cooling systems is that the cooling system components are arranged in a wide variety of positions within or on the vehicle. This makes the integration of cooling systems in vehicles complex, as each component requires a separate installation space or mounting position.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide cooling systems for vehicles which allow for easier assembly.

[0010] This object is achieved by a cooling module according to claim 1, a motor vehicle according to claim 6 and a method according to claim 9. Useful further developments emerge from the subclaims.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a cooling module for a motor vehicle for cooling at least one drive unit of the motor vehicle, with a cooling module housing comprising the following components: a coolant container for providing a liquid or gaseous cooling medium; a first interface unit for receiving a predetermined pump unit; a second interface unit for receiving a predetermined filter unit; a third interface unit for receiving a predetermined heat exchange unit.

[0012] With the aid of the cooling module according to the invention, a compact, universal, and space-saving cooling system for a vehicle can be provided. In particular, the cooling module and, above all, the cooling module housing contain the interface units and the coolant tank. Thus, in addition to the coolant tank, the coolant housing contains all the important interfaces for the corresponding components for carrying out a cooling operation or cooling process of the at least one drive unit (electric motor or internal combustion engine) of the motor vehicle. In other words, the cooling module housing of the cooling module is designed such that it can accommodate all the components or units required for carrying out the cooling process. For this purpose, the cooling module housing can contain a wide variety of interface units or interfaces for accommodating the corresponding components.

[0013] Due to the possibility of attaching or removing the components at the respective interfaces, the cooling module housing of the cooling module enables universal and flexible installation in motor vehicles.

[0014] The cooling module can be integrated as an assembled unit into the engine compartment of a vehicle to save space. In particular, the universal design of the cooling module allows for simple and straightforward assembly, disassembly, or replacement. In particular, the cooling module can be removed from the vehicle at any time and used as a component in other vehicles. This allows the cooling module to be used universally in a wide variety of vehicle types.

[0015] The modular design of the cooling module offers advantages in assembly, particularly in the assembly steps during the assembly of the motor vehicle. This allows, in particular, the sequencing of the motor vehicle assembly to be improved. Furthermore, the cooling module according to the invention can achieve a high degree of integration in a wide variety of motor vehicles, particularly in assembly components. In particular, the cooling module can be used as a standard part or as a COP (Carry of Parts) part.

[0016] In particular, the cooling module can be used in motor vehicles or in trucks or in vehicles with internal combustion engines or in hybrid vehicles or in electric vehicles.

[0017] The cooling module housing is designed, in particular, as a compact housing, which is designed to be placed in the vehicle's engine compartment in a space-saving manner. The coolant reservoir (coolant tank) can be used to provide or store the liquid or gaseous cooling medium (e.g., cooling water) or various types of cooling media for cooling the motor vehicle's drive unit.

[0018] For example, the first interface unit, the second interface unit, and the third interface unit can be attached or arranged on the cooling module housing such that the specified units can be optimally accommodated in the cooling module housing according to their function and size. In particular, the interface units are positioned such that the respective unit to be accommodated can be accommodated in such a way that the most functional connection or arrangement of the units to be accommodated is achieved. In particular, the cooling module according to the invention can be used to provide an integrated liquid-cooled system for cooling a drive unit of the motor vehicle.

[0019] One embodiment of the invention provides that the pump unit, the filter unit, and the heat exchange unit are arranged on the respective associated interface units of the cooling module housing. In other words, the pump unit, the filter unit, and the heat exchange unit are attached or integrated to the first interface unit, the second interface unit, and the third interface unit. Thus, all components required to carry out the cooling process of the motor vehicle's drive unit are installed, integrated, or attached to the cooling module housing.

[0020] In particular, the pump unit, the filter unit, and the heat exchanger unit are exclusively attached to the corresponding interface units of the cooling module housing. This allows the cooling module to be used in a compact and space-saving manner.

[0021] The pump unit (mechanically and / or electrically operated coolant pump or cooling water pump) serves to supply the liquid or gaseous coolant stored in the coolant tank to a cooling circuit. In particular, the pump unit serves to ensure a continuous, cyclical cooling circuit. The filter unit is in particular a filter (for example a particle filter) with which the coolant pumped by the pump unit can be filtered for impurities and / or interfering objects. The heat exchange unit is, for example, a heat exchanger or heat transfer device. With the help of the heat exchanger unit, the heat absorbed by the coolant from the drive unit of the motor vehicle can be used as thermal energy to heat or warm a passenger compartment or vehicle interior of the motor vehicle.This allows the heat released by the drive unit to be reused, resulting in improved efficiency. In particular, the cooling module can be used not only to cool the drive unit, but also to simultaneously heat the passenger compartment of the vehicle without requiring significant energy. This results in a dual functionality of the cooling module.

[0022] In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cooling module housing has a further interface unit, wherein an electronic control unit can be arranged on the further interface unit and, in particular, the pump unit can be controlled with the electronic control unit. Thus, in addition to the previously mentioned interface units, the cooling module housing can have at least one further interface unit. This allows the cooling module to be used even more universally and in a more space-saving manner. If necessary, the cooling module housing can have further interface units, in particular a plurality of further interface units. Thus, the cooling module housing and thus also the cooling module can be expanded depending on the vehicle type and / or vehicle type and / or application. The cooling module can thus be provided more universally.

[0023] Optionally, the electronic control unit can be attached to the additional interface unit. In particular, the electronic control unit is attached exclusively to the additional interface unit. The electronic control unit can be used to control and / or regulate the pump unit in particular. Depending on the current state of the drive unit (with regard to the current temperature of the drive unit), the cooling capacity of the cooling module can be increased. Thus, for example, the flow rate of the cooling medium can be set or adjusted using the electronic control unit. An electric motor (electrical supply unit) can also be used to control the pump unit. Depending on the cooling capacity currently required, the performance of the pump unit can be increased or decreased using this electric motor.For example, the electronic control unit can be designed as a control valve or at least include a control valve. The control valve can be used to adjust the flow of cooling medium.

[0024] Furthermore, the electronic control unit can include a cooling water regulator (thermostat). This cooling water regulator (thermostat) can be used to regulate the water circulation (coolant circulation) depending on the cooling medium temperature.

[0025] It is provided that the cooling module housing has a bearing interface, wherein a cardan shaft unit of the motor vehicle for supporting the steering shaft unit can be arranged at the bearing interface. In other words, the bearing interface serves in particular to accommodate and firmly support a cardan shaft unit (cardan shaft of the motor vehicle). The cooling module housing of the components can thus have an additional function or functionality for cooling the drive unit. The cooling module can be positioned or fastened in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle in such a way that the cooling module can also be used to support a cardan shaft of the motor vehicle. The cooling module can thus be arranged even more efficiently and in a more space-saving manner in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle.The cooling module housing can accommodate the motor vehicle's drive shaft unit using the bearing interface, allowing the drive shaft unit to be movably attached to the interface unit. This eliminates the need for additional fastening devices for at least one of the motor vehicle's drive shaft units, allowing for more effective use of the space in the motor vehicle's engine compartment.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a housing of the coolant tank is at least partially, in particular completely, integrated into the cooling module housing. In other words, the coolant tank can already be an integral part of the cooling module housing. Parts of the cooling module housing and parts of the housing of the coolant tank can thus be combined. In principle, the cooling module housing can already contain the housing of the coolant tank. In other words, the housing of the coolant tank can already be integrated during the manufacturing process of the cooling module housing. Therefore, the cooling module housing can be designed to be even more compact and save space. This allows the cooling module to be used even more universally in a wide variety of vehicles.

[0027] Specifically, the cooling module housing and the coolant reservoir housing can be one and the same housing. Therefore, in this case, the coolant reservoir housing is identical to the cooling module housing. Therefore, the interface units would be integrated into a common housing for the coolant reservoir and the cooling module.

[0028] In order to be able to use the cooling module in an even more space-saving and compact manner, it is further provided that the interface units of the cooling module housing are all arranged in a common half of the cooling module housing. By arranging the interface units in a common half of the coolant housing, the shape of the cooling module housing and thus also the shape of the cooling module can be kept compact. In other words, the interface units can be arranged, integrated or attached to the cooling module housing in such a way that they are compact and arranged directly adjacent to one another. This prevents the cooling module from having parts that protrude far apart. When designing the cooling module housing, care can be taken to ensure that the interface units are arranged efficiently on the cooling module housing depending on the component location.When arranging the interface units on the cooling module housing, care can be taken to ensure that the respective geometries and / or conditions of the engine compartment are taken into account, depending on the installation situation and / or installation position in the vehicle.

[0029] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a cooling module according to an embodiment of the previously described aspect. In particular, the embodiments of the previously described aspect can be considered advantageous embodiments of the motor vehicle.

[0030] In particular, the motor vehicle includes the cooling module, which can be used to cool at least one drive unit (internal combustion engine or electric motor). For this purpose, the cooling module is designed in such a way that it is mounted, arranged, or positioned in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle in a space-saving and universally usable manner. In particular, the cooling module can be designed in such a way that it is adapted to the respective vehicle type. Furthermore, the design of the cooling module can take into account a wide variety of requirement profiles, particularly with regard to the respective motor vehicle.

[0031] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a passenger car, a truck, a bus, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the cooling module is connected to the drive unit of the motor vehicle by means of a connection point on the cooling module housing. In other words, the connection point of the cooling module housing can ensure that the cooling medium can be conveyed or pumped to the drive unit by means of the cooling module for cooling the drive unit. For example, the connection point can be provided with a plurality of fastenings so that the cooling module housing can be arranged in the region of the drive unit by means of a plurality of fastenings or fastening devices, in particular if the connection point is used to directly thermally connect the cooling module to the drive unit. The cooling module housing can be fastened in a region of an engine compartment of the motor vehicle by means of the connection point on the cooling module housing or by means of a fastening device additional to the connection point.The cooling module housing can be attached to the vehicle in such a way that it is detachably secured. This allows the cooling module housing, and especially the entire cooling module, to be removed and replaced at any time.

[0033] In particular, the connection point is designed as a mechanical device, which is arranged in particular on the cooling module housing. It is also conceivable for the connection point to be a separate unit from the cooling module housing, with which the cooling module housing can be connected to the drive unit. For example, the connection point can consist of several individual parts arranged around the cooling module housing.

[0034] In a further exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a cooling circuit of the drive unit of the motor vehicle is connected to cooling channels of the cooling module, such that the cooling medium of the cooling module can be supplied to the cooling circuit of the drive unit for cooling the drive unit. For example, the connection point can have a plurality of cooling channels which are additionally connected to the cooling circuit of the drive unit by the connection of the cooling module to the drive unit. With the aid of the cooling channels of the cooling module, the cooling medium provided by the coolant reservoir can be supplied to the cooling circuit. In particular, the cooling medium is pumped through the cooling channels with the aid of the pump unit and thus supplied to the cooling circuit. In particular, the cooling circuit of the drive unit forms a self-contained circuit with the cooling channel of the cooling module.The cooling circuit is located in particular in the engine compartment and serves to absorb the heat of the drive unit or other components of the drive unit.

[0035] The coolant can be used to dissipate the heat from the drive unit. In order to cool the coolant or dissipate the absorbed heat, the drive unit's cooling circuit includes a coolant cooler (located on the radiator grille) with which the coolant can be dissipated into the outside air or the vehicle's external environment. For example, one or more fans (mechanical or electric) can be arranged on the coolant cooler, located in front of or behind the coolant cooler. This also allows for an improved cooling process for the coolant. In particular, this process can be monitored using the cooling water regulator (thermostat), since cooling of the coolant is only necessary when a predetermined temperature of the coolant is reached.

[0036] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a motor vehicle with a cooling module according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the pump unit, the filter unit, the heat exchange unit, and the coolant tank of the cooling module are simultaneously fastened in an engine compartment of the motor vehicle by fastening a cooling module housing of the cooling module with the pump unit, the filter unit, the heat exchange unit, and the coolant tank in the engine compartment. In particular, the proposed method can be used to assemble a cooling module according to one of the preceding aspects and / or a development thereof in a motor vehicle. In other words, the cooling module is combined with the motor vehicle in one assembly process of the motor vehicle.The individual components of the cooling module (pump unit, filter unit, heat exchanger unit, and coolant tank) are mounted or integrated in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle by securing these components to the cooling module housing. The cooling module housing, which contains the various interface units for accommodating the respective components, is mounted in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle, and thus the individual components that are attached to the respective interface unit are also mounted in the engine compartment. Therefore, by simply mounting the cooling module housing in the engine compartment, all components of the cooling module can be integrated or secured in the engine compartment at the same time. This means that the assembly process of the cooling module, and in particular the assembly process of the motor vehicle, can be carried out more efficiently.

[0037] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a cooling module; Fig. 2 an exemplary representation of the cooling module from Fig. 1 ; and Fig. 3 a further schematic representation of the cooling module from Fig. 1 .

[0039] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0040] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote elements with the same function.

[0041] The Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 with at least one drive unit 2. The motor vehicle 1 can be a passenger car or a truck, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. The motor vehicle 1 can be driven by means of the drive unit 2 (internal combustion engine or electric motor). The drive unit 2 can be arranged in an engine compartment 3 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0042] During operation of the drive unit 2, the drive unit 2 generates a thermal amount of heat. In particular, the drive unit 2 can have temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius. To prevent the drive unit 2 from being damaged by excessively high temperatures, it is necessary to cool the drive unit 2. To cool the drive unit 2, the cooling module 4 according to the invention can be used. The cooling module 4 can be connected to a cooling module housing 6 by means of a connection point 5 (see Fig. 2 ) are connected or coupled to the drive unit 2. Thus, the cooling module 4 is arranged, fastened or integrated in the engine compartment 3.

[0043] In order for the cooling module 4 to be arranged in the engine compartment 3 in a space-saving manner, it is necessary for the cooling module 4 to be designed to be compact and space-saving. This is achieved by integrating or mounting all necessary components of the cooling module on the cooling module housing 6.

[0044] In the Fig. 2 a possible embodiment of the cooling module 4 is shown. In order to make the cooling module 4 compact and, in particular, universally integrable, the cooling module housing 6 has a plurality of interface units. The cooling module housing 6 (which is constructed, for example, as a mechanical housing) can have a first interface unit 7 for accommodating a predetermined pump unit 8. Thus, a coolant pump or water pump can be accommodated using the first interface unit. Furthermore, the cooling module housing 6 has a second interface unit 9, with which a predetermined filter unit 10 (filter) can be accommodated. Likewise, the cooling module housing 6 has a third interface unit 11 for accommodating a predetermined heat exchange unit 12. Furthermore, in addition to the interface units 7, 9, 11, the cooling module housing 6 has a coolant container 13 (coolant tank).With the help of the coolant tank 13, a liquid or gaseous cooling medium 14 (see . Fig. 3 ) are provided or stored. The cooling medium 14 can be, for example, cooling water or a mixture of water and coolant additive. With the help of the cooling medium 14, the thermal energy (heat) generated by the drive unit 2 can be absorbed and transported away. Optionally, with the help of the cooling module 4, a wide variety of cooling media, particularly those commonly used in automotive technology, can be used or applied. As a result, the cooling module 4 can be used universally.

[0045] The interface units 7, 9, 11 offer the advantage that, in a basic or raw state of the cooling module 4, the components 8, 10, 12 are not attached to the cooling module 4. This results in particular in advantages when installing the cooling module 4 in the motor vehicle 1. In particular, the cooling module 4 and in particular the cooling module housing 6 can have multiple interfaces, wherein the respective number of interfaces can be adapted to the respective location of the cooling module 4. For example, the cooling module housing 6 can have multiple dummy interface units. This allows a universally applicable cooling module housing 6 to be produced, and the corresponding interfaces can only be activated and installed together with the respective components depending on the vehicle type and / or application.

[0046] In order to be able to use the cooling module 4 in a compact and space-saving manner, a housing 15 of the coolant tank 13 can be integrated at least partially, in particular completely, into the cooling module housing 6. Thus, the housing 15 of the coolant tank 13 and the cooling module housing 6 are essentially a single component or element. Therefore, the housing 15 of the coolant tank 13 can be integrated during a single manufacturing process of the cooling module housing 6. For example, the cooling module housing 6 serves not only as the housing of the cooling module 4, but simultaneously also as the housing 15 of the coolant tank 13. This eliminates the need for two different housings, allowing the cooling module 4 to be manufactured in an even more compact and space-saving manner. Likewise, costs and manufacturing processes or manufacturing times can be minimized or reduced.

[0047] The cooling module housing 6 can also be two partial housings, so that at least one part can be used for the cooling module housing 6 itself and the other part as the housing 15 of the coolant container 13. Thus, the cooling module housing 6 can be used in a variety of ways and for a variety of functions.

[0048] In order to achieve a compact shape or a compact geometry of the cooling module 4, the interface units 7, 9, 11 are optionally arranged in a common half 16 of the cooling module housing 6. For example, all interface units 7, 9, 11 can be arranged in the upper or lower half of the cooling module housing 6. It is also conceivable for all interface units 7, 9, 11 to be arranged in a front or a rear area of ​​the cooling module housing 6. The arrangement of the interface units 7, 9, 11 can be adapted taking into account the respective application of the cooling module 4 and / or the respective shape of the engine compartment 3 or the vehicle type of the motor vehicle 1. In particular, all interface units 7, 9, 11 should be arranged such that the cooling module housing 6 has the most compact, self-contained geometry or shape possible.This means that the cooling module housing 6 should not have any prominently protruding components. Thus, the cooling module 4 can be positioned, arranged, or mounted in a space-saving manner in a specified area within the engine compartment 6.

[0049] For example, the cooling module housing 6 can have further interface units 17. For example, an electronic control unit 18 can be arranged or connected or fastened or connected to the further or at least one further interface unit 17. The electronic control unit 18 can be, for example, a control valve or a cooling water regulator or a thermostat. The pump unit 10 can be controlled or activated by the electronic control unit 18. Accordingly, a delivery rate of the pump unit 10 and thus a delivery rate of the cooling medium 14 can be controlled with the aid of the electronic control unit 18. In particular, a coolant flow or a coolant circulation can be regulated with the aid of the control unit 18.This control can be implemented, in particular, as a function of the temperature of the cooling medium 14. For example, the pump unit 8 can additionally be coupled or connected to an electric motor or electromechanical motor 19 via the additional interface unit 17. Thus, the pump unit 8 can be supplied with voltage as a function of the electronic control unit 18.

[0050] In order to efficiently cool the drive unit 2 of the motor vehicle 1, a closed coolant circuit must be created. This is achieved, on the one hand, via the connection point 5, which connects the cooling module 4 to the drive unit 2. In order to be able to convey the cooling medium 14 from the cooling module 4 to the drive unit 2 for the cooling process of the drive unit 2, the cooling module 4 has cooling channels 20. Consequently, the cooling module 4 contains additional integrated cooling channels so that the cooling medium 14 can be efficiently provided to the drive unit 2. This is achieved in particular by connecting or coupling a cooling circuit 21 of the drive unit 2 of the motor vehicle 1 to the cooling channels 20 of the cooling module 4. The cooling medium 14 can thus be supplied to the cooling circuit 21 with the aid of the pump unit 8. Accordingly, a self-contained cooling circuit for cooling the drive unit 2 is created in a simple and efficient manner.In particular, the cooling medium 14 can circulate in the cooling circuit 21 for cooling the drive unit 2 until the cooling medium 14 reaches a predetermined temperature. When this is the case, the heat of the cooling medium 14 is dissipated to the outside environment or the outside air surrounding the motor vehicle 1 by means of a coolant cooler 22 of the motor vehicle 1. This occurs, as in conventional motor vehicles, in the area of ​​the radiator grille of the motor vehicle 1. To cool the cooling medium 14 even more efficiently and quickly, additional fans (electrically or mechanically operated) can be used.

[0051] To prevent the cooling medium 14 from beginning to boil at 100 degrees Celsius, the cooling medium 14 is maintained at a predetermined constant pressure in the cooling channels 20 and in the cooling circuit 21. This can, for example, ensure that the increased pressure in the cooling circuit 21 causes the cooling medium (e.g., water) to only begin to boil between 115 degrees Celsius and 130 degrees Celsius. This allows the cooling medium 14 to circulate longer in the cooling circuit 21.

[0052] As an additional functionality, the cooling module 4 can be used to support a propeller shaft unit 23 of the motor vehicle 1. The propeller shaft unit 23 is, in particular, a propeller shaft of the motor vehicle 1. In order to fulfill this functionality, the cooling module housing 6 additionally has a bearing interface 24. By means of this bearing interface 24, the cooling module housing 6 can provide the additional functionality of supporting the propeller shaft unit 23. In particular, a propeller shaft of the motor vehicle 1 can be movably supported at this bearing interface 24, in particular at several bearing interfaces. In particular, the propeller shaft or the propeller shaft unit 23 is attached to the bearing interface 24 in a freely movable manner. The engine compartment 3 of the motor vehicle 1 can thus be designed more compactly, since additional fastening devices for the propeller shaft unit 23 can be dispensed with.

[0053] The Fig. 3 For clarity, a schematic block diagram of the cooling module 4 is shown. This shows, for example, the arrangement or the arrangement in a functional chain of the individual components. The cooling medium 14 can be pumped or directed via the cooling channels 20 from the coolant tank 13 toward the heat exchanger 12 using the pump unit 8. The cooling medium 14 is then filtered by the filter unit 10 and subsequently supplied or made available to the cooling circuit 21 or the drive unit 2 via the connection point 5. This ensures, in particular, a self-contained cooling circuit.

[0054] In order to be able to use a unit (cooling module 4) that is as compact, self-contained and universally applicable as possible, the components (pump unit 8, filter unit 10 and heat exchange unit 12) can be attached exclusively to the respective associated interface units 7, 9, 11. This is particularly advantageous when installing the cooling module 4 in the motor vehicle 1. This makes it possible to provide a compact unit that can be easily and space-savingly integrated into a wide variety of vehicle models or types. The interface units also offer the advantage that the individual units can be replaced without major modifications or repairs. This means that the individual components can be easily replaced or exchanged at any time in the event of a defect or during maintenance.Another advantage is that the integrated universally applicable unit (cooling module) allows the cooling module to be easily removed when the motor vehicle 1 is dismantled and can be reused in another motor vehicle.

[0055] Therefore, an integrated liquid-cooled system for cooling the drive unit 2 can be provided using the cooling module 4.

[0056] Overall, the examples show how an integrated, liquid-cooled system can be provided.

Claims

1. Cooling module (4) for a motor vehicle (1) for cooling at least one drive unit (2) of the motor vehicle, with - a cooling module housing (6) which has the following components: - a coolant reservoir (13) for providing a liquid or gaseous coolant medium (14); - a first interface unit (7) for accommodating a predetermined pump unit (8); - a second interface unit (9) for accommodating a predetermined filter unit (10); - a third interface unit (11) for accommodating a predetermined heat exchanger unit (12), characterized in that the cooling module housing (6) has a bearing interface (24), wherein a drive shaft unit (23) of the motor vehicle (1) can be arranged on the bearing interface (24) in order to support the drive shaft unit (23).

2. 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 at the respective associated interface units (7, 9, 11) of the cooling module housing (6).

3. Cooling module (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cooling module housing (6) has a further interface unit (17), wherein an electronic control unit (18) can be arranged on the further interface unit (17), and in particular the pump unit (8) can be controlled by means of the electronic control unit (18).

4. Cooling module (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing (15) of the coolant reservoir (13) is integrated at least in part, in particular completely, into the cooling module housing (6).

5. Cooling module (4) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the interface units (7, 9, 11, 17) of the cooling module housing (6) are all arranged in a common half of the cooling module housing (6).

6. Motor vehicle (1) with a cooling module (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the cooling module (4) is connected to the drive unit (2) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of a connection point (5) of the cooling module housing.

8. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a cooling circuit (21) of the drive unit (2) of the motor vehicle (1) is connected to cooling channels (20) of the cooling module (4), so that the cooling medium (14) of the cooling module (4) can be supplied to the cooling circuit (21) of the drive unit (2) in order to cool the drive unit (2).

9. Method for assembling a motor vehicle (1) with a cooling module (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein - the pump unit (8), the filter unit (10), the heat exchange unit (12) and the coolant reservoir (13) of the cooling module (4) are mounted simultaneously in an engine compartment (3) of the motor vehicle (1) by fastening a cooling module housing (6) of the cooling module (4) with the pump unit (8), the filter unit (10), the heat exchange unit (12) and the coolant reservoir (13) in the engine compartment (3).