HEAT EXCHANGE MODULE FOR ENERGY STORAGE MODULES AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH HEAT EXCHANGE MODULE - Patent application

Abstract

To provide a heat exchange module for an energy storage module, and a production method for such a heat exchange module.SOLUTION: Provided is a heat exchange module 1 that includes an energy storage module 2, a module housing 3, an operating medium channel, and at least one fluid connection 5 for at least one external line for the operating fluid. The operating medium channel is formed by a plurality of channel sections. At least one receiving opening 7 with a predetermined cross section is formed in an extension of the channel section in a channel direction. A plug 8 with a shape filling the predetermined cross section of the receiving opening is received such that the receiving opening is bonded to the plug in a fluid-tight manner, and a structural space is efficiently used by a stepless transition between the channel section and the receiving opening, and the heat exchange module can be made at low cost.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchange module for an energy storage module and to a method for manufacturing such a heat exchange module. [Background technology]

[0002] Energy storage modules in fully or partly electrically operated vehicles are cooled according to the prior art by liquid cooling. In order to achieve low costs, it is conceived to manufacture the corresponding battery module housings by extrusion. In this case, cooling channels for the liquid cooling can be integrated in the form of chambers into the extrusion profile of the battery module housing. For good packing density (high space utilization efficiency), cooling channels with a non-circular cross section are advantageous.

[0003] According to the prior art, axially compressed molded seals are used to seal such non-circular cross sections. In the case of extruded integral cooling channels, this increases the structural space requirements in the extrusion direction, since such (wedge-shaped) molded seals must protrude outwards in the extension of the channel to achieve a reliable sealing action. Efficient utilization of structural space is always a goal, and even a few millimeters can lead to a significant competitive advantage. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Starting from this, the object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks known from the prior art. The features according to the invention are evident from the independent claims, and in accordance with them advantageous configurations are presented in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in a technically meaningful way, and it is also possible to use for this purpose features from the illustrations and figures from the following description which cover additional configurations of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to a heat exchange module for an energy storage module, comprising at least the following components: - a module housing for thermal contact with the energy storage module, at least one working medium channel for a working fluid for heat transfer, and - at least one fluid connection for at least one external line for the working fluid of the working medium channel;

[0006] The heat exchange module is particularly characterized in that the working medium channel is formed of a plurality of channel sections, at least one receiving opening having a predetermined cross-section is formed in the channel-wise extension of the channel section, a plug having a shape filling the predetermined cross-section of the receiving opening is received in such a way that the receiving opening is fluid-tightly connected to the plug, and the transition between the channel section and the receiving opening is step-free.

[0007] Hereinafter, unless expressly indicated otherwise, axial, radial, or circumferential directions and corresponding expressions are used with reference to the axis of rotation mentioned. The ordinal numbers used in the above and following descriptions, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, merely serve to distinguish clearly and do not reflect an order or priority of the specified components. An ordinal number greater than 1 does not require that the presence of further such components is absolutely necessary.

[0008] The heat exchange module proposed here is configured to cool (or possibly heat) an energy storage module, for example of a vehicle battery (for example the main battery of a so-called electric drivetrain of an automobile), thereby making it possible to operate the energy storage module in an optimal temperature range and / or to prevent or retard the known dendrite formation of lithium-based electric accumulators. The module housing has maximum contact with the energy storage module for this purpose and comprises a material with maximum thermal conductivity. Furthermore, under some circumstances, free-standing structures and / or devices are provided for crash safety.

[0009] At least one working medium channel can flow for conducting a working fluid, preferably a liquid or alternatively a coolant or gas, where good heat transfer between the working fluid and the module housing is required. Whenever a fluid-tight coupling is mentioned here, this relates to the working fluid used. A fluid-tight coupling is sufficient under some circumstances, for example for a (always) liquid working fluid, the gas fraction of which is insignificant. In one embodiment, a serpentine channel path is formed, where the channel parts are arranged such that they are mutually parallel to the extrusion direction, for example in the case of an extrusion heat exchange module, and each form a channel bend on the surface side. It is not necessary to make the channel sections fluid-tight from each other. Rather, it is the case that leakage between each channel section is allowed.

[0010] At least one fluid connection is configured for the introduction and / or discharge of the working fluid, for which an external line, for example a component of the cooling circuit of the vehicle, can be connected and is connected in the assembled state in the vehicle. In one embodiment, the external line can be press-fitted into the fluid connection. In one embodiment, the external line is already connected to the fluid connection before assembly, for example integrally formed therewith. In one embodiment, the heat exchange module comprises two fluid connections, in particular an inlet and an outlet, where the entire working medium channel extends as a functional group between the inlet and the outlet. In another embodiment, a plurality of such functional groups is provided in the heat exchange module.

[0011] It is proposed here that a receiving opening for the plug is formed in the extension in the channel direction of the working medium channel (or of the channel section). The plug is formed with a corresponding shape, so that the plug completely fills the given cross section of said receiving opening. It should be pointed out here that in a preferred embodiment, the plug is received in the receiving opening with play. In one embodiment, said play is eliminated after the assembly in a subsequent step, so that the connection between the plug and the receiving opening is fluid-tight. In one embodiment, the plug is wedge-shaped in the channel direction at least on the introduction side (i.e. towards the working medium channel), and the plug is received in the receiving opening over its entire length. The plug is received in a fluid-tight manner in the receiving opening, for example when the plug is in a completely face-to-face or circumferential abutment, or is received without play or relatively oversized, with the respective contact surfaces being formed in a sealing manner.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the (predetermined) cross section of the receiving opening is identical to the cross section of the working medium channel or each channel section, i.e. there are no constrictions or expansions, no local protrusions or recesses. For example, the receiving opening is formed during the extrusion of the heat exchange modules, each heat exchange module being a cut-off part of a strand formed during extrusion. The at least one working medium channel and the receiving opening are therefore not different from each other, except that the receiving opening is located on the surface side after each heat exchange module is cut off. In this embodiment, the location in the extension in the channel direction is along the axis of manufacture (which is inherent due to extrusion).

[0013] More generally, the extension in the channel direction forms an axis determined by the path of the through-flowable part of the working medium channel. For example, the extension in the channel direction is the path of the working medium channel extrapolated to the receiving opening. For example, the extension in the channel direction is perpendicular to a given cross-section of the working medium channel at the transition to the receiving opening. With respect to its length extent, the receiving opening is formed by the length of the plug or its installation length (which depends on the assembly principle and / or the sealing principle). The receiving opening and the through-flowable working medium channel preferably transition into each other without further intermediate elements and / or without changes in cross-section.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, at least one plug is provided on the face side of the heat exchange module in the direction of each channel, which is particularly advantageous when the heat exchange module is manufactured by extrusion.

[0015] A cooling connection interface for a cooling system of an energy storage module, for example of a vehicle battery, is thus formed. Proposed is a modular housing, for example extruded, with working medium channels, at least one of which has a non-circular cross section, integrated into a hollow chamber and integrated with a cooling circuit arranged outside the energy storage module. In the end region (in the channel direction), the extruded modular housing is machined in such a way that the working medium channels have a receiving opening in which a plug is arranged. The plug is connected to the modular housing in a watertight manner by at least one joining method and preferably has a circular hole forming a fluid connection. Via the fluid connection, a media-guiding coolant connection of an external line can be connected and is connected in a watertight manner during operation.

[0016] In a preferred configuration, the receiving opening is arranged in the module housing such that it does not protrude beyond the remaining extent of the module housing. The extent of the extension of the working medium channel in the channel direction is therefore arranged in the module housing. The receiving opening results in a uniform, preferably flat, surface-side surface of the module housing. As a result, in this preferred embodiment, the receiving opening is not a component that extends the channel-wise extent of the module housing, for example in the direction of the extrusion axis. For example, the module housing produced by extrusion is separated in a flat manner, preferably with a cutting surface to which the extrusion axis has an orientation perpendicular to it. Said cutting surface is a surface-side surface. The extent of the receiving opening in the channel-wise extension of the working medium channel extends inside the channel with respect to the direction of the extrusion axis.

[0017] In one embodiment, the module housing is machined by milling.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the heat exchange module it is further provided that the plug comprises a fluid connection.

[0019] In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the fluid connection is formed by or directly in the plug, so that for the fluid connection no additional openings to be sealed need to be formed in the heat exchange module. In one embodiment, the region of the line-side connection piece and the fluid connection, preferably the entire plug, are formed from a material pair that can be hermetically realised in a form-fitting manner. As a result, no additional steps for sealing are necessary. In one embodiment, the fluid connection is already formed before the introduction of the plug into the receiving opening of the heat exchange module, in another embodiment said fluid connection is formed only after the introduction of the plug. Preferably, the fluid connection has a (narrowest) flow cross-section that is significantly smaller than the (narrowest) flow cross-section of the working medium channel (irrespective of the position of the introduction in the heat exchange module). This results in a throttling effect, which improves the distribution of the flow in terms of uniformity and thus promotes efficient heat exchange. The hole in the plug for forming the fluid connection is formed in different ways with respect to its diameter depending on the desired throttling of the cooling medium.

[0020] An advantageous embodiment of the heat exchange module further proposes that the outer wall of the channel bend is formed by a plug.

[0021] In this embodiment, the channel bends are formed at the surface side of the plugs, respectively, in the case of channel sections of the working medium channels that meander (for example parallel to each other). According to this embodiment, the plugs simultaneously form the outer wall of the channel bends, i.e. the wall sections arranged on the surface side of the heat exchange module. A channel separation web, by which two (for example parallel) channel sections are fluidically separated from each other, is formed in the region of the channel bends in such a way that it is set back from the plug channel direction, so that, preferably for the lowest possible flow resistance, the narrowest cross section of the channel bend is not smaller than the cross section of the remaining working medium channels. In one embodiment, fewer plugs are provided than channel sections occurring on the surface side, for example only one plug is present at one end of the heat exchange module, one plug fluid-tightly closing off several channel sections in the channel direction. In one embodiment, or at the corresponding position of the working medium channel, the plugs are arranged edge-to-edge against the channel separation web, where in one embodiment a play is provided, so that leakages may exist between these adjacent channel sections due to component tolerances and / or due to assembly. In one embodiment, or at a corresponding location in the working medium channel, the plug is significantly spaced from the channel separating web, so that a channel bend is formed therein with as low a flow resistance as possible.

[0022] One or more of the plugs are formed without holes and are configured to divert the coolant from the channel section to an adjacent channel section.

[0023] It is further proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the heat exchange module that the plug is fluid-tightly bonded to the receiving opening by at least one of the following material bonding methods: -Friction stir welding, -Laser welding, -Gas shielded welding, and / or -Adhesive.

[0024] Friction stir welding allows reliable fluid-tight welds to be achieved for multiple contact surfaces by reliable simple means and over a very large heat affected area of ​​the friction stir pin. This is a low cost method and does not require large expenditures on checking that the contact surfaces have been sufficiently sealed in a fluid-tight manner due to the large heat affected area and the resulting interfaces that melt therein.

[0025] Laser welding allows for precise and relatively low-energy welding. If a consistent weld seam is ensured throughout, the resulting seal is very reliable. At the same time, defects related to the heat input and therefore to the more delicate microstructure of the heat exchanger module are only localized to a very small extent, especially at the weld seam itself.

[0026] Gas shielded welding is a very low-cost method and can be realized mechanically or manually. Essentially, it is still true that the heat affected area is limited, with the stated advantages and disadvantages of laser welding. Compared to laser welding, the heat affected area is slightly larger and, compared to the above welding methods, the susceptibility to leakage as a result of weld failure is increased.

[0027] During the welding process, multiple plugs can be joined to the module housing and can be coupled to the module housing in a fluid-tight manner in the same work step.

[0028] The bond can be performed without or with only negligible (damaging) heat effects on the material and is very reliable and fluid tight by simple means under suitable process control. In some cases durability is important, e.g. under vibratory loads during mobile use in automobiles and / or in the sought or maximum permitted temperature range.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the heat exchange module it is further proposed that the module housing comprises a receiving chamber for the energy storage module, the receiving chamber being adjacent to the working medium channel.

[0030] In this embodiment, the receiving chamber for the energy storage module is pre-integrated in the module housing of the heat exchange module, preferably as one piece. As a result, it is possible to achieve a very small wall thickness and therefore a very low thermal resistance between at least one working medium channel and the receiving chamber (or the energy storage module). As a result, it is in turn possible to demand high power peaks from the energy storage module, since the heat generated thereby can be effectively dissipated and a very finely regulated temperature control is possible. It is true that an effectively regulated temperature control in turn allows the operating costs or the energy consumption of the cooling circuit to be reduced.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the heat exchange module, it is further proposed that the module housing is terminated on the outside by a plug in a flush manner with the receiving opening of the working medium channel, or that the plug is received in the receiving opening in a recessed manner inwardly with respect to the channel.

[0032] In this embodiment, a high power density of heat transfer can be achieved in a very small construction space, especially with regard to the flush termination of the plug relative to the receiving opening of the working medium channel. In a preferred embodiment, the plug connected by material bonding can be formed with a very small installation length (covering the sealing surface) compared to a press-fitted plug. By means of suitable connecting methods, for example welding, it is possible with a very short width of the (peripheral) sealing surface to create a sufficiently strong and sufficiently fluid-tight connection of the working medium pressure in the working medium channel.

[0033] According to a further aspect, a method for manufacturing a heat exchange module according to an embodiment according to the above description is proposed, which method comprises at least the following steps: a. providing a module housing and at least one plug; b. inserting at least one plug into a corresponding receiving opening; and c. fluid-tightly coupling the plug to the receiving opening.

[0034] Proposed here is a manufacturing method by which the heat exchange module of the embodiment according to the above description can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner. First, in step a, a module housing and at least one plug, preferably at least one plug per surface side of the working medium channel, are provided. In step b, the plug is inserted, for example, into a corresponding receiving opening, which is formed slightly smaller, and pressed therein along its extension in the channel direction. Finally, the remaining gap or the two corresponding contact surfaces are closed in a fluid-tight manner. Here, at the same time, the plug is mechanically sufficiently fixed, so that under the working medium pressure in the working medium channel and under any external loads (for example vibration loads), the plug remains in the receiving opening, in particular in this case in a fluid-tight manner, for the expected service life.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the production method it is further proposed that before step b, or - After step c, In step d, a fluid connection is formed in a manner according to the embodiment described above.

[0036] In one embodiment, the fluid connection is pre-formed before inserting the plug into the receiving opening, i.e. before step b. This allows the plug to be manufactured in a very low-cost (separate) manner prior to the manufacturing method described herein.

[0037] In another embodiment, the fluid connection is preferably formed on the plug only after the plug is fluid-tightly coupled to the receiving opening. This allows a process control during the formation of the fluid-tight coupling, without the shape and type of the fluid connection having to be taken into account yet. In particular in the case of friction stir welding, which requires a very large heat-affected area, a preformed fluid connection would result in deformation of the fluid connection and / or make it difficult to set the heat-affected corresponding (peripheral) contact surface of the fluid-tight coupling between the plug and the receiving opening. The fluid connection is formed, for example, by cutting, preferably by drilling.

[0038] The plug hole can be formed in various ways with regard to its diameter, which can be individually adapted to existing tolerances in flow resistance, for example, according to the desired throttling of the cooling medium.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the manufacturing method it is further proposed that, prior to step b, in step e, a channel bend in the module housing is prepared, and the channel separating web is shortened inside the channel bend in the insertion direction of the corresponding plug.

[0040] In this embodiment, which is preferably used for extruded module housings, the individual channel separating webs are shortened, for example milled, in step e in the channel direction at the places where the channel bends are to be formed. The channel bends are formed (after step b or in a fluid-tight manner after step c) as soon as plugs terminating at least two individual channel sections on both sides of the shortened channel separating webs on the surface side are inserted into the corresponding receiving openings. In this way, the plugs then form the outer walls of the channel bends.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of the manufacturing method it is further proposed that, prior to step b, in a step f, the receiving opening is fitted with a plug.

[0042] In this embodiment, the receiving opening is further machined before the plug can be inserted in step b. In one embodiment, this step f is even performed before step a, for example immediately after separating the individual module housings from the extrusion blank that includes a plurality of module housings over the extrusion length. The inner channel surface of the working medium channel is mechanically machined in the region of the surface side of the extrusion profile according to the tolerances of the extrusion profile. Such adaptations include, for example: changing the surface roughness, introducing chamfers to facilitate assembly, widening the receiving opening compared to the through-flowable section of the working medium channel, forming a stop or a mistake-proofing receptacle for the plug, surface coating, surface treatment and / or reducing the relative tolerances. In one embodiment, cleaning is performed before joining the plug and / or as a final step of the method to remove chips, welding residues and / or oil residues and other impurities.

[0043] According to a further aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle having at least one electric drive machine connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the propulsion wheels and at least one energy storage module in a heat exchange module according to an embodiment according to the above description, wherein a supply voltage can be supplied by the energy storage module to the electric drive machine for the propulsion of the motor vehicle.

[0044] What is proposed here is a motor vehicle, for example a passenger car, which comprises at least one drive machine, for example an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive machine, for its own propulsion, and at least one propulsion wheel. The propulsion wheel is torque-transmittingly connected to the at least one drive machine via a transmission and preferably via a differential. In this way, the motor vehicle can be propelled by the at least one drive machine. The power demands of the at least one drive machine and, under some circumstances, of further consumers of the motor vehicle, cause the generation of heat in the energy storage module, for example in this case the so-called main battery, which can be dissipated effectively and with very little construction space by the heat exchange module. In an alternative application, the heat exchange module is used to heat the energy storage module (for example in winter) to an optimal temperature, whereby the useful output of the energy storage module is increased.

[0045] The above invention will now be discussed in detail against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings showing preferred improvements. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the simple schematic drawings, which are not drawn to scale and are not appropriate with respect to the definition of size ratios. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 shows a front side plan view of a heat exchange module. [Diagram 2] A detail of the heat exchange module according to FIG. 1 is shown in cross-sectional view AA. [Diagram 3] 2 shows a detail of a heat exchange module of an alternative embodiment in a view corresponding to section AA of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 1 shows a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a heat exchange module. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a vehicle equipped with a heat exchange module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a heat exchange module 1 in a front view, the module housing 3 of which is produced, for example, by extrusion. The module housing 3 comprises a receiving chamber 11 (optionally integrated in this case as one piece), which is configured to receive an energy storage module 2. According to the figure, above the receiving chamber 11, in the extension in the channel direction of the channel section (see FIG. 2), receiving openings 7 are formed, in this case in the form of two elongated holes, which are produced, for example, by milling. The two receiving openings 7 are separated by a channel separating web 12, which is here (optionally) formed in one piece together with the module housing 3. The receiving openings 7 are each inserted with one plug 8 having a corresponding shape, so that the plug 8 completely fills the given cross section of the receiving opening 7. Preferably, the plugs 8 are each received with play in the corresponding receiving opening 7. Then, for connecting the plugs 8 to the receiving openings 7 and for terminating them in a fluid-tight manner, friction stir welding is used in this embodiment as a material joining method. For this purpose, a friction-stirring pin 15 moves in a friction-stirring direction 16, in this case from left to right according to the figure, across the front side (located in the plane of the page) of the heat exchange module 1. The kinetic energy is converted into heat, and at the interface of the plug 8 (and preferably of the receiving opening 7), the material is melted and materially bonded, thus forming a reliable fluid-tight connection between the inserted plug 8 and the receiving opening 7. Furthermore, the plug 8 arranged on the left side according to the figure comprises a fluid connection 5 (optionally circular in this case), which is configured for the introduction and / or discharge of the working fluid and is connected to an external line 6 (see Figs. 2 and 3). Furthermore, a cross-sectional plane AA corresponding to the cross-sectional views of Figs. 2 and 3 (Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment) is shown here.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a detail of the heat exchange module 1 according to FIG. 1 in the cross-sectional view AA. Here, it can be clearly seen that on the plug 8 on the left side of the heat exchange module 1 according to the figure, the working medium channel 4 is formed, and on the plug 8 on the right side according to the figure, the working medium channel 4 forms a channel bend 10. In this embodiment, the working medium channel 4 is formed in (in this case, roughly three) channel sections arranged parallel to one another. Here, it can be seen that the receiving openings 7 are formed in the extension in the channel direction, i.e. in the extension in the direction of the channel sections parallel to the channel separating web 12 in this case. For example, the fluid connection 5 is an inlet, and on the opposite surface side (outside the shown detail) of the rightmost channel section according to the figure, a further fluid connection is formed as an outlet for the working fluid, or vice versa. In such an embodiment, the module housing 3 thus comprises a single working medium channel 4. Alternatively, several working medium channels 4 are formed, each with one inlet and one outlet, i.e. with two fluid connections 5. In the embodiment shown, the leftmost and middle channel sections are fluidically separated from each other by a channel separating web 12, and the middle and rightmost channel sections are fluidically separated from each other (up to a predefined length, i.e., the channel bend 10) by a further channel separating web 12. The channel bend 10 shown in this detail between the middle and right channel sections is in this case formed to be recessed (from the plug 8), for example by milling the right channel separating web 12. Here, the plug 8 on the right side according to the figure simultaneously forms the outer wall 9 for the illustrated channel bend 10. For example, the cross section of the receiving opening 7 formed in the extension in the channel direction is identical to the cross section of the respective channel section, and according to the figure the plug 8 on the right side overlaps the corresponding channel separating web 12 of the channel bend 10. A step-free transition between the channel sections and the receiving opening 7 is advantageous, for example, when the module housing 3 is manufactured by extrusion, in which case no reconfiguration of the receiving opening 7 is necessary.Here, the plugs 8 are respectively inserted in an insertion direction 13 (from bottom to top according to the figure) into the receiving openings 7 of the module housing 3. The insertion direction 13 is oriented in the channel direction. The plugs 8 are then connected in the respective receiving openings 7 to the module housing 3 in a materially and fluid-tight manner by friction stir welding. Here, the end of the plugs 8 with respect to the module housing 3, which is flat in the channel direction or flush with the front-side surface of the module housing 3, is (optionally) formed such that for a (given) construction depth of the plugs 8 in the insertion direction 13 (in the channel direction), the overall construction length of the heat exchanger module 1 is minimal while having a long length of the working medium channels 4. It is pointed out at this stage that the construction depth of the plugs 8 is considerably shorter than in the conventional embodiment, in which the connecting pieces are pressed in (for example in the insertion direction 13). Furthermore, the fluid connection 5 of the left-hand plug 8 is shown here, preferably connected in a watertight manner to the external line 6. The fluid connection 5 is formed, for example, by subsequent drilling.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a detail of an alternative embodiment of a heat exchange module 1 in the cross-sectional view AA according to FIG. 1. In the following, the differences shown therein are described, further reference being made to the above description regarding the embodiment according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In contrast to FIG. 2, in the embodiment shown, only one receiving opening 7 is formed in the module housing 3. A single corresponding plug 8 is received therein. In this embodiment, a play is (optionally) formed between the channel separating web 12 on the left side according to the figure and the (single) plug 8, so that due to component tolerances and / or assembly tolerances, leakage may exist between adjacent channel sections. The working medium channel 4 on the right side according to the figure is formed in the same way as in FIG. 2, where the (single) plug 8 forms the outer wall 9 of the channel bend 10. Regardless of the embodiment of the plug 8, said plug is here (optionally) terminated in a fluid-tight manner materially connected to the receiving opening 7 by a laser welded seam 17.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a heat exchange module 1 with optional steps d, e and f. To understand the manufacturing method, reference is made to the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 3. In step a, a module housing 3 and at least one plug 8 are provided, then in step b, the plug 8 is inserted in an insertion direction 13, for example by pushing, into the corresponding receiving opening 7. Before that, in (optional) step e, a channel bend 10 of the module housing 3 is prepared, in which the channel separating web 12 is shortened inside the channel bend 10 in the insertion direction 13 of the corresponding plug 8, for example by milling. Furthermore, in (optional) step f, the receiving opening 7 is adapted to the requirements of the plug 8 and / or of the joining method of step c, i.e. is reshaped and / or has its surface machined. In embodiments in which the receiving opening 7 is reconfigured according to step f, the receiving opening 7 is preferably reconfigured simultaneously with the formation of the channel bend 10 in a milling process, whereby possibly (in the case of an end milling cutter with a constant diameter over its penetration length) a channel section is extended in the region of the channel bend 10. Step c comprises fluid-tightly coupling a plug 8 to the receiving opening 7, for example by laser welding or friction stir welding. (Optionally finally) In an (optional) step d, a fluid connection 5 is formed in the plug 8, for example by drilling.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows the motor vehicle 14 in a schematic plan view. In the area of ​​the rear end, a (optionally electric) drive machine 18 is (optionally) arranged, which is connected to a left rear propulsion wheel 20 and a right rear propulsion wheel 21 via a transmission 24 and a differential 25 for propelling the motor vehicle 14. In the front area of ​​the motor vehicle 14, preferably steerably, a left front propulsion wheel 22 and a right front propulsion wheel 23 are arranged, which are (optionally additionally or alternatively) torque-transmittingly connected to a second (optionally electric) drive machine 19, also for propulsion. Now, then, for example, a heat exchange module 1 according to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3 is provided (optionally between the rear propulsion wheels 20, 21 and the front propulsion wheels 22, 23), which preferably comprises an energy storage module 2 in the form of a main battery for providing a supply to at least one of the drive machines 18, 19.

[0052] With the heat exchange module proposed here, the structural space is used efficiently and said heat exchange module can at the same time be manufactured at low cost. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 Heat exchange module 2 Energy Storage Module 3 Module Housing 4 Working medium channel 5 Fluid Connections 6 External Lines 7 Receiving opening 8 Plug 9. Exterior Wall 10 Channel Bend 11 Receiving chamber 12 Channel Separation Web 13 Insertion direction

Claims

1. At least the following components: - a module housing (3) for thermally contacting the energy storage module (2), at least one working medium channel (4) for a working fluid for heat transfer, and at least one fluid connection (5) for at least one external line (6) for said working fluid of said working medium channel (4), A heat exchange module (1) for an energy storage module (2), comprising: The working medium channel (4) is formed in a plurality of channel sections, at least one receiving opening (7) having a predetermined cross-section is formed in the channel-direction extension of the channel section, in which a plug (8) having a shape filling the predetermined cross-section of the receiving opening (7) is received such that the receiving opening (7) is coupled to the plug (8) in a fluid-tight manner; A heat exchange module (1) characterized in that the transition between said channel sections and said receiving openings (7) is stepless.

2. 2. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plug (8) comprises the fluid connection (5).

3. 3. A heat exchange module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer walls (9) of the channel bends (10) are formed by said plugs (8).

4. Two channel separation webs (12) each fluidly separating the channel sections from each other, among the channel separation webs (12): one of the channel separating webs (12) is formed in the region of the channel bend (10) so as to be set back from the plug (8) in the channel direction, 4. A heat exchange module (1) according to claim 3, which is dependent on claim 2, in which the other of the channel separating webs (12) is arranged edge-to-edge against the plugs (8).

5. The plug (8) is a material bonding method comprising: - Friction stir welding, - Laser welding, - gas shielded welding, and / or -adhesion, The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat exchange module (1) is fluid-tightly coupled to the receiving opening (7) by at least one of the following:

6. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the module housing (3) comprises a receiving chamber (11) for an energy storage module (2), the receiving chamber being adjacent to the working medium channel (4).

7. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the module housing (3) is terminated externally by the plug (8) in a flush manner with the receiving opening (7) of the working medium channel (4) or the plug (8) is received in the receiving opening (7) in a recessed manner inwardly with respect to the channel.

8. At least the following steps: a. providing said module housing (3) and said at least one plug (8); b. inserting said at least one plug (8) into a corresponding receiving opening (7); and c. coupling said plug (8) to said receiving opening (7) in a fluid-tight manner; A method for producing a heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

9. - before step b, or - after step c, Method according to claim 8, wherein in step d, the fluid connection (5) is formed in a manner as claimed in claim 2.

10. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, prior to step b, in step e, a channel bend (10) in the module housing (3) is prepared, in which a channel separating web (12) is shortened inside the channel bend (10) in the insertion direction (13) of the corresponding plug (8).

11. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, prior to step b, in a step f, said receiving opening (7) is adapted to said plug (8).

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