Flow guiding device, thermal management system and method of operation, thermal management assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a flow guide device, a thermal management system and an operation method, a thermal management assembly and a vehicle. The flow guide device comprises a flow guide body, an upper end surface of the flow guide body is provided with a first groove with an opening facing upward, a bottom wall of the first groove is provided with a second groove, a first inlet part and a second inlet part are arranged on a side wall of the flow guide body, the first inlet part is communicated with the second groove through an inlet flow channel, and the second inlet part is cut off from the second groove, a first outlet part and a second outlet part are arranged on the side wall of the flow guide body, the first outlet part is communicated with the first groove through an outlet flow channel, and the second outlet part is cut off from the first groove. The flow guide device can realize flow channel on-off switching through the on-off inlet part and the outlet part on the flow guide body, can realize the sealing of the corresponding flow channel when the fluid executing element is disassembled without emptying the cooling liquid, and can balance the integrated assembly performance and the maintenance and disassembly convenience of the thermal management integrated module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to a flow guiding device, a thermal management system and its operation method, a thermal management assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As automotive components become increasingly integrated, thermal management systems often integrate fluid actuators such as water pumps and valves into integrated modules. By integrating multiple fluid actuators onto a water circuit board, piping layout can be reduced, system integration can be improved, and vehicle assembly can be simplified, leading to its widespread application in the thermal management of new energy vehicles.

[0003] In existing integrated modules, fluid actuators such as water pumps and water valves are generally mounted on the water manifold base plate. During normal vehicle use, the internal flow channels of the integrated module are continuously filled with coolant, and the fluid actuators remain connected to the flow channels of the water manifold base plate, thereby realizing the fluid circulation regulation of the thermal management system.

[0004] When a fluid actuator malfunctions and requires disassembly and repair, the existing assembly structure cannot cut off the fluid passage of the water circuit board side channel at the disassembly location, making coolant leakage likely during disassembly. To avoid leakage, the coolant inside the module needs to be drained before repair, increasing repair time; if disassembled directly, the leaked coolant will lead to material loss, environmental pollution, and the risk of failure of surrounding electrical components. Existing integrated modules struggle to balance integrated assembly performance with disassembly and repairability.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to design a flow guiding device, a thermal management system and its operation method, a thermal management assembly and a vehicle to promptly seal the coolant flow channels on the water flow base plate to prevent coolant leakage in the thermal management system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address some or all of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a flow guiding device, a thermal management system and its operating method, a thermal management assembly, and a vehicle. This flow guiding device can switch the flow channel on / off via a circumferentially spaced inlet and outlet portion that is open and closed at a first angle. It can achieve isolation and sealing of the corresponding flow channel when the fluid actuator is disassembled without draining the coolant, while also considering the integrated assembly performance of the thermal management module and the convenience of maintenance and disassembly.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flow guiding device is provided, comprising a flow guiding fluid, wherein the upper end face of the flow guiding fluid is provided with a first groove with an upward opening, the first groove being a blind hole; a second groove is provided on the bottom wall of the first groove, the second groove being a blind hole; a first inlet and a second inlet spaced circumferentially at a first angle from the first inlet are provided on the side wall of the flow guiding fluid, the first inlet communicating with the second groove through an inlet flow channel, and the second inlet being disconnected from the second groove; and a first outlet and a second outlet spaced circumferentially at the first outlet spaced circumferentially at the first angle are provided on the side wall of the flow guiding fluid, the first outlet communicating with the first groove through an outlet flow channel, and the second outlet being disconnected from the first groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, an upward-facing stepped surface is provided on the wall of the second groove, and a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on the stepped surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, a circumferentially extending internal sealing groove is provided on the groove wall of the second groove above the stepped surface, and an internal sealing ring is provided in the internal sealing groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, a first inlet sealing ring is provided at the first inlet portion, surrounding the opening of the inlet flow channel, and a second inlet sealing ring is provided at the second inlet portion, the second inlet sealing ring having the same structure as the first inlet sealing ring.

[0011] In one embodiment, both the first inlet sealing ring and the second inlet sealing ring are made of Teflon material.

[0012] In one embodiment, a first outlet sealing ring is provided at the first outlet portion, surrounding the opening of the outlet flow channel, and a second outlet sealing ring is provided at the second outlet portion, the second outlet sealing ring having the same structure as the first outlet sealing ring.

[0013] In one embodiment, both the first outlet sealing ring and the second outlet sealing ring are made of Teflon material.

[0014] In one embodiment, the lower end face of the fluid guide is provided with a first circumferential guide.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first circumferential guide is a circumferentially extending guide groove, and the extension angle of the guide groove is the first angle.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a thermal management system is provided, comprising: A water channel substrate has a mounting groove on its upper surface, and an input flow channel and an output flow channel communicating with the mounting groove are provided on the wall of the water channel substrate. The aforementioned flow guiding device, wherein the flow guiding fluid is installed into the mounting groove, A fluid actuator is disposed within the first groove. In the first operating state, the input flow channel is connected to the inlet flow channel, the output flow channel is connected to the outlet flow channel, and the inlet of the fluid actuator is connected to the second slot and the outlet is connected to the first slot; in the second operating state, the input flow channel and the second inlet are respectively connected to achieve fluid blockage, and the output flow channel and the second outlet are respectively connected to achieve fluid blockage.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fluid actuator is provided with a snap-fit ​​element for engaging with a snap-fit ​​groove on a stepped surface disposed in the second groove.

[0018] In one embodiment, a second circumferential guide is provided on the bottom wall of the mounting groove, the second circumferential guide being used to cooperate with a first circumferential guide provided on the bottom wall of the fluid guide.

[0019] In one embodiment, an overlap platform is formed on the outer side of the mounting groove of the water circuit substrate, and a mounting flange is provided on the outer wall of the fluid actuator, the mounting flange being connected to the overlap platform and being detachably connected.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a thermal management assembly is provided, comprising the thermal management system described above.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising the thermal management assembly described above.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for operating the above-described thermal management system is provided, comprising actuating the fluid guide to rotate relative to the water channel substrate about its own axis, so as to change the operating state from a first operating state to a second operating state, wherein in the second operating state, the fluid actuator can be detached and removed relative to the water channel substrate.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: In application, the flow guiding device is assembled into the mounting groove of the water circuit substrate, and the fluid actuator is installed in the first groove of the flow guiding device. In the first working state, the input flow channel of the water circuit substrate is connected to the inlet flow channel of the flow guiding device, and the output flow channel is connected to the outlet flow channel. The inlet of the fluid actuator is connected to the second groove, and the outlet is connected to the first groove, ensuring normal circulation of the thermal management system water circuit. When it is necessary to disassemble a faulty fluid actuator, the flow guiding device is rotated relative to the water circuit substrate around its own axis to switch to the second working state. At this time, the input flow channel of the water circuit substrate corresponds to the second inlet, and the output flow channel corresponds to the second outlet. The second inlet is cut off from the second groove, and the second outlet is cut off from the first groove, thereby cutting off the fluid passage between the side flow channel of the water circuit substrate and the fluid actuator. This thermal management system allows for the disassembly of the fluid actuator without pre-draining the coolant inside the module, effectively avoiding media loss, environmental pollution, and short circuit risks to surrounding electrical components caused by coolant leakage during disassembly. While retaining the compact advantages of the integrated structure of the water circuit substrate, it significantly reduces maintenance time and improves the system's maintenance and disassembly performance. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to understand the purpose and advantages of the present invention, wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of a flow guiding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of a flow guiding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the viewing angle is... Figure 1 different; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a flow guiding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the cross-section passes through the center of a first inlet and a first outlet; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a flow guiding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the cross-section passes through the center of the second inlet and the second outlet. Figure 5 An application of a flow guiding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the thermal management system is in a first operating state; Figure 6 An application of a flow guiding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connection between the fluid actuator and the water circuit substrate is disconnected; Figure 7 An application of a flow guiding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the thermal management system is in a second operating state.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, the directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are defined with reference to the normal horizontal driving state of the vehicle. They are only used to clearly define the relative layout of the structure and do not constitute a limitation on the specific structure, installation posture, and protection range of the product. This is a common way of defining the orientation of automotive chassis structure patents in this field.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0032] This invention provides a flow guiding device. For example... Figures 1 to 7As shown, the basic base component of the flow guiding device 1 is the flow guide body. The flow guide body serves as the supporting base for the entire flow guiding device 1, and all flow channels, grooves, and sealing mounting positions are formed on the flow guide body. In this preferred embodiment, the flow guide body adopts a cylindrical rotating structure, with the outer cylindrical surface of this structure serving as a mating surface to form a clearance rotational fit with the inner wall of the mounting groove 21 of the external water channel substrate 2.

[0033] At the upper end face of the fluid guide, a first groove 13 with an upward opening is provided. This first groove 13 is a blind hole structure. A blind hole means that the first groove 13 does not completely penetrate the fluid guide along its axial direction. The first groove 13 is recessed axially downward from the upper end face of the fluid guide into the fluid guide. The internal cavity of the first groove 13 primarily serves to accommodate the lower structure of the main body of the fluid actuator 3, providing assembly and accommodating space for the fluid actuator 3. The radial dimension of the first groove 13 needs to match the outer diameter of the outer wall of the fluid actuator 3, with a reasonable assembly gap between them. This ensures that the fluid actuator 3 can be smoothly installed into the first groove 13 without causing unnecessary accumulation of media due to excessive gap.

[0034] A second groove 14 is formed downwards on the bottom wall of the first groove 13. The second groove 14 is also a blind hole structure and does not penetrate the lower end face of the fluid guide. The first groove 13 and the second groove 14 are strictly coaxially arranged and share the central axis of rotation of the fluid guide. The radial profile dimension of the second groove 14 is smaller than that of the first groove 13. The internal cavity of the second groove 14 is mainly used to connect to the medium input port of the fluid actuator 3, and the coolant medium will flow from the second groove 14 into the input port of the fluid actuator 3.

[0035] A first inlet 111 and a second inlet 112 are provided on the cylindrical sidewall of the guide fluid. The second inlet 112 and the first inlet 111 are spaced apart by a first angle along the circumference of the guide fluid. The first angle mentioned here is a pre-designed circumferential rotation angle, which is the angle value of rotation required to switch between conduction and blocking modes. In this preferred embodiment, the first angle is selected as 45°; those skilled in the art should understand that the first angle is not limited to 45°. Depending on the arrangement of the surrounding flow channels and the spatial layout of the components, the first angle can also be selected as other angles such as 30°, 60°, and 90°, as long as the first inlet 111 and the second inlet 112 are circumferentially offset and can be respectively aligned with the external water input interface.

[0036] An inlet channel 11 is provided between the first inlet 111 and the second tank 14, enabling fluid communication between the first inlet 111 and the second tank 14. Coolant can flow smoothly from outside the guide fluid through the first inlet 111 and the inlet channel 11 into the cavity of the second tank 14. However, the second inlet 112 is a disconnect between the second inlet 111 and the second tank 14. "Disconnect" means that there is no through-flow channel between them; the second inlet 112 is merely a port on the side wall of the guide fluid, not extending into the second tank 14. Therefore, coolant cannot flow into the second tank 14 through the second inlet 112. In other words, even if the external water inlet is aligned with the second inlet 112, coolant cannot enter the second tank 14 inside the guide fluid through the second inlet 112.

[0037] Matching the inlet-side structure, the sidewall of the guide fluid is also provided with a first outlet 121 and a second outlet 122. The second outlet 122 and the first outlet 121 are spaced apart by the aforementioned first angle along the circumferential direction of the guide fluid. The first outlet 121 is fluidly connected to the first tank 13 via the outlet channel 12. The medium discharged by the fluid actuator 3 can flow outward from the first tank 13, through the outlet channel 12, and then outward from the first outlet 121. The second outlet 122 is cut off from the first tank 13. There is no channel connecting the second outlet 122 to the first tank 13, and the medium cannot flow between the second outlet 122 and the first tank 13.

[0038] From the perspective of the circumferential arrangement of the ports: the first inlet 111 and the first outlet 121 constitute a set of working ports in the conductive working state; the second inlet 112 and the second outlet 122 constitute a set of sealed ports in the blocked maintenance state; the two sets of ports are offset by the same first angle in the circumferential direction. When the guide fluid rotates around its own central axis by the first angle, the positions of the two sets of ports can be interchanged and aligned.

[0039] During operation, the fluid guide is assembled inside the mounting groove 21 of the water circuit base plate 2, and the fluid guide can rotate around its own central axis.

[0040] When the guide fluid rotates to the first set of port alignment positions: the input channel 22 of the water circuit substrate 2 aligns with the first inlet 111, and the output channel 23 of the water circuit substrate 2 aligns with the first outlet 121, at which point it is in the conductive working position. The coolant medium from the external water circuit flows into the second tank 14 sequentially through the input channel 22, the first inlet 111, and the inlet channel 11; the second tank 14 connects to the medium input end of the fluid actuator 3, and the coolant enters the interior of the fluid actuator 3, where the fluid actuator performs pumping or throttling and pressure regulation on the coolant medium; after the work is done, the coolant medium is discharged into the cavity of the first tank 13; the medium continues to flow through the outlet channel 12 and the first outlet 121, into the output channel 23 of the water circuit substrate 2, and is output outward, establishing a complete medium circulation path, and the thermal management water circuit can circulate normally.

[0041] After the guide fluid rotates around its own axis by the aforementioned first angle, it reaches the second set of port alignment positions. At this time, the input flow channel 22 of the water circuit substrate 2 is aligned with the second inlet 112, and the output flow channel 23 of the water circuit substrate 2 is aligned with the second outlet 122. Since the second inlet 112 is cut off from the second groove 14 and the second outlet 122 is cut off from the first groove 13, although the external flow channel ports are geometrically opposite to the second inlet 112 and the second outlet 122, there is no through fluid channel. The medium passage on the external water circuit substrate side and the groove cavity inside the guide fluid are physically cut off, achieving fluid blockage. At this blockage position, even if the fluid actuator 3 assembled inside the first groove 13 is completely removed, the coolant medium on the water circuit substrate 2 side will not leak outward through the mounting groove 21.

[0042] It should be emphasized that the blocking function of the flow guiding device 1 in this application is achieved by the opening layout of the flow channel of the flow guiding body, and does not rely on additional independent valve cores or electromagnetic drive valve components. The conduction and blocking features of the flow channel are all integrated on the same flow guiding body.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow guiding device integrates both the conduction and blocking ports onto the same fluid guiding substrate component. Switching between the conduction and blocking modes of the thermal management water circuit can be achieved simply by rotating the fluid guiding component itself by a fixed first angle. This eliminates the need for additional independent components such as solenoid valves and mechanical shut-off valves, resulting in fewer components, higher overall integration, and better control of component material costs and mold development costs, while also reducing the number of assembly steps. Furthermore, the fluid guiding component features blind-hole-type first grooves 13 and second grooves 14, directly forming the accommodating cavity for the fluid actuator 3. All media input and output interfaces are arranged on the outer cylindrical sidewall of the fluid guiding component, allowing the entire flow guiding device to be nested into the mounting groove 21 cavity of the water circuit substrate 2, adapting to the structure of the integrated water circuit substrate module. Moreover, this embodiment provides a complete structural foundation for replacing the fluid actuator without disassembling and draining the coolant in subsequent maintenance scenarios. In traditional technologies, when the water pump or valve inside the integrated module malfunctions and components need to be disassembled, either the entire module's coolant must be drained beforehand, increasing maintenance time and coolant loss; or the module can be disassembled directly, resulting in a large amount of coolant spraying out, causing waste, environmental pollution, and even splashing onto surrounding electrical components, causing short circuits and damage. This embodiment's flow guiding device, relying on its own rotating switching port, can achieve the blocking and sealing of the water path on the substrate side without draining the coolant, fundamentally improving the after-sales maintenance performance of the integrated thermal management module.

[0044] In one embodiment, an upward-facing stepped surface 141 is provided on the wall of the second groove 14, and a snap-fit ​​groove 142 is provided on the stepped surface 141.

[0045] The stepped surface 141 is an annular stepped structure formed by the radially inward protrusion of the groove wall of the second groove 14. The stepped surface 141 faces axially upward, that is, towards the side facing the first groove 13. The stepped surface 141 extends circumferentially along the second groove 14, dividing the cavity of the second groove 14 into upper and lower axial spaces. Except for the partial notch where the snap-fit ​​groove 142 is formed, most of the area of ​​the stepped surface 141 is a continuous annular support plane. The snap-fit ​​groove 142 is formed and arranged on the stepped surface 141, and the snap-fit ​​groove 142 can be in the form of a notch or a keyway. In this preferred embodiment, the snap-fit ​​groove 142 is a notch formed on the annular stepped surface 141. The outline dimensions and number of the snap-fit ​​grooves 142 are matched with the snap-fit ​​member 31 at the lower end of the fluid actuator 3. This embodiment provides one set of snap-fit ​​grooves 142. Of course, in other embodiments, two or more sets of snap-fit ​​grooves 142 can also be arranged circumferentially.

[0046] In this embodiment, the stepped surface 141 is a bearing surface that can axially limit the downwardly mounted fluid actuator 3. The stepped surface 141 also provides a machining reference plane for opening the snap-fit ​​groove 142 to realize the snap-fit ​​engagement position for torque transmission.

[0047] During operation, when the fluid actuator 3 is inserted into the cavity of the first groove 13 from above the guide fluid, the media connector at the lower end of the fluid actuator 3 extends into the second groove 14. The snap-fit ​​part 31 provided at the lower end of the fluid actuator 3 moves downward accordingly and finally falls into the snap-fit ​​groove 142 opened on the stepped surface 141, and the two form a snap-fit ​​engagement relationship.

[0048] After the engagement is complete, if the maintenance personnel rotate the upper housing of the fluid actuator 3, the circumferential rotational torque applied to the fluid actuator 3 will be transmitted to the side wall of the engagement groove 142 through the engagement member 31. The engagement groove 142 is a structure on the fluid guide body, and the torque is further transmitted to the entire fluid guide, thereby causing the entire fluid guide to rotate synchronously around its own central axis along with the fluid actuator 3. In other words, the operator only needs to rotate the externally accessible fluid actuator 3 to indirectly drive the fluid guide nested inside the water circuit board 2 to complete the circumferential rotation, thus achieving the switching between conduction and blocking conditions. There is no need to use a long, thin tool to reach into the narrow cavity of the mounting groove 21 to move the fluid guide; the object of the maintenance operation is still the faulty fluid actuator itself.

[0049] Meanwhile, the stepped surface 141 can also serve as an axial limiting device: when the fluid actuator 3 is assembled downwards, the shoulder structure of the lower end connector of the fluid actuator 3 can abut against the upward-facing plane of the stepped surface 141, restricting the fluid actuator 3 from continuing to move downwards, preventing excessive downward pressure during assembly of the fluid actuator 3, avoiding excessive compression of the lower end of the fluid actuator 3 against the sealing component below, preventing the seal from being over-compressed and undergoing permanent plastic deformation, and protecting the long-term service life of the sealing component.

[0050] When the maintenance work is completed and the fluid actuator 3 needs to be removed, simply pull the fluid actuator 3 upward along the axial direction, and the snap-fit ​​31 will disengage from the snap-fit ​​groove 142, releasing the snap-fit ​​engagement between the two, and the fluid actuator 3 can be easily removed.

[0051] In this embodiment, the torque transmission path between the fluid actuator 3 and the guide fluid is established by relying on the snap-fit ​​groove 142 opened on the stepped surface 141. Maintenance personnel can directly rotate the fluid actuator to drive the guide fluid to complete the working condition switching, without the need for an independent drive mechanism or additional operation of the internally concealed guide parts. Maintenance operations are simple and intuitive, adapting to the working habits of after-sales maintenance technicians. Without this snap-fit ​​transmission structure, rotating the guide fluid located inside the substrate would require a special tool inserted into the gap, resulting in limited operating space, inconvenient on-site maintenance, and a risk of tools falling into the water channel and contaminating the water system. Furthermore, the stepped surface 141 provides a reference for the arrangement of the snap-fit ​​groove 142 and also achieves axial hard limiting of the fluid actuator assembly. The same structure achieves both torque transmission support and axial assembly limiting functions, reducing the need for additional parts, simplifying the overall structure of the guide device, and reducing the complexity of the parts. The snap-fit ​​groove 142 is directly formed on the stepped surface of the guide fluid body, facilitating mass production. The snap-fit ​​groove and snap-fit ​​component have good disassembly and assembly tolerance. During assembly, after aligning the angle, you can directly press down to complete the engagement, making the assembly process easy.

[0052] It is easy to understand that the positions of the snap-fit ​​groove 142 and the snap-fit ​​member 31 can be interchanged. That is, the groove-shaped structure like the snap-fit ​​groove 142 is set on the fluid actuator 3, while the protruding structure like the snap-fit ​​member 31 is set on the stepped surface 141. The number of snap-fit ​​grooves can be set in multiple sets according to the torque magnitude; the stepped surface can be non-completely annular, retaining only the local support area around the snap-fit ​​groove, which can also achieve the function of this application.

[0053] In one embodiment, refer to Appendix Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 An internal sealing groove 143 extending circumferentially is provided on the groove wall of the second groove 14 above the step surface 141, and an internal sealing ring 144 is installed inside the internal sealing groove 143.

[0054] The internal sealing groove 143 is located axially above the stepped surface 141, that is, above the snap-fit ​​groove 142, on the cylindrical groove wall of the second groove 14. The internal sealing groove 143 is an annular groove that surrounds the entire circumference of the second groove 14. The cross-section of the groove can be rectangular, semi-circular, or other commonly used groove shapes for sealing rings. The internal sealing ring 144 is snap-fitted and installed within the cavity of the internal sealing groove 143. The inner diameter of the internal sealing ring 144 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the media connector at the lower end of the fluid actuator 3, and the outer diameter of the internal sealing ring 144 is limited by the bottom wall of the groove. When the media connector of the fluid actuator 3 is inserted into the second groove 14, the outer wall of the media connector will compress the inner diameter of the internal sealing ring 144, forming a radial compression seal.

[0055] After the fluid actuator 3 is assembled, the outer cylindrical surface of the medium connector at the lower end of the fluid actuator 3 comes into contact with the inner ring of the inner sealing ring 144. The inner sealing ring 144 undergoes elastic deformation, establishing a complete radial annular sealing barrier between the outer wall of the fluid actuator connector and the wall of the second groove 14.

[0056] In the first operating state of the thermal management system, the coolant medium enters the second tank 14 cavity through the inlet channel 11, and all the medium should flow into the medium inlet of the fluid actuator 3. Without the internal sealing ring 144, some coolant medium will flow upwards along the gap between the outer wall of the fluid actuator connector and the wall of the second tank 14, and then flow from the second tank 14 into the upper first tank 13 cavity, causing internal leakage. This internal leakage has multiple negative consequences: some coolant bypasses the fluid actuator and flows directly, reducing the efficiency of the fluid actuator; the medium leakage disrupts the pressure state of the medium inside the first tank 13, causing unstable water flow and pressure; long-term internal leakage can also generate bubbles inside the gap, causing cavitation, noise, and other problems in the thermal management circuit.

[0057] In this embodiment, the internal sealing ring 144 is used to block the internal leakage passage, prevent the medium from flowing from the second tank 14 to the first tank 13, and ensure that almost all of the coolant flowing into the second tank 14 from the inlet channel 11 enters the input end of the fluid actuator 3.

[0058] Regardless of whether the fluid guide rotates to the open position or the closed maintenance position, the relative positions of the internal sealing groove 143 and the internal sealing ring 144 remain fixed relative to the wall of the second groove 14; that is, the circumferential rotation of the fluid guide itself will not change the sealing fit between the internal sealing ring 144 and the fluid actuator connector. No matter which circumferential angle the fluid guide rotates to, the internal sealing ring 144 always maintains an effective radial sealing state, and the sealing performance is not affected by the rotation of the fluid guide.

[0059] In this embodiment, the internal sealing ring 144 establishes a radial sealing barrier, preventing the coolant medium from flowing upwards from the second groove 14 along the outer wall of the connector into the first groove 13. This suppresses internal medium leakage, ensuring that all medium flow enters the input end of the fluid actuator, guaranteeing the working efficiency of the fluid actuator, and avoiding a series of derivative problems such as flow loss, water bubble formation, and operating noise caused by internal leakage. Furthermore, the internal sealing groove 143 is directly formed on the inner wall of the second fluid-guiding groove 14, and the sealing element is integrated inside the body of the guiding device. This eliminates the need for additional sealing groove processing on the outside of the fluid actuator connector, reducing the complexity of fluid actuator component processing and simplifying component design. Additionally, the sealing position is above the stepped surface 141, with the fluid actuator connector abutting against the stepped surface. The axial assembly position is determined, ensuring a stable and controllable compression of the internal sealing ring. Fluctuations in assembly depth will not cause excessive or insufficient compression, resulting in good sealing performance consistency. In particular, the annular full-circle sealing groove structure is easy to process and form; standard O-rings can be used for the sealing ring, making component procurement convenient and cost-effective.

[0060] The internal sealing groove 143 can also be configured with multiple layers, including two or more internal sealing rings, to achieve multiple seals and further enhance the ability to prevent internal leakage. The cross-section of the sealing groove can be selected from different forms such as trapezoidal or semi-circular.

[0061] In one embodiment, see [see] Figure 1 and 2 A first inlet sealing ring 113 is provided at the first inlet portion 111, surrounding the opening of the inlet flow channel 11. A second inlet sealing ring 114 is provided at the second inlet portion 112. The second inlet sealing ring 114 has the same structure as the first inlet sealing ring 113.

[0062] A first inlet sealing ring 113 is arranged around the outer periphery of the first inlet portion 111, completely surrounding the port opening of the inlet flow channel 11 on the guide fluid sidewall. A second inlet sealing ring 114 is arranged around the outer periphery of the second inlet portion 112, completely surrounding the port position of the second inlet portion 112. An annular sealing groove is provided at a corresponding position on the guide fluid sidewall, and the first inlet sealing ring 113 and the second inlet sealing ring 114 are respectively embedded in their respective sealing grooves. The outer radial direction of the sealing ring protrudes outward from the cylindrical sidewall surface of the guide fluid. When the guide fluid is loaded into the mounting groove 21 of the water channel substrate 2, the outer wall of the guide fluid and the inner wall of the mounting groove 21 are in clearance fit. The protruding part of the sealing ring is radially squeezed by the inner wall of the mounting groove 21, generating elastic compression and forming a radial seal.

[0063] "The second inlet sealing ring 114 has the same structure as the first inlet sealing ring 113" means that the cross-sectional profile, wire diameter, and inner and outer diameter dimensions of the sealing rings are completely identical, and the two sealing rings are interchangeable parts of the same specification.

[0064] During operation, the flow guiding device 1 is assembled inside the mounting groove 21 of the water circuit substrate 2. The outer cylindrical surface of the flow guiding device is in clearance fit with the inner cylindrical wall of the mounting groove 21, and there will be a tiny assembly gap between them. If this gap is not sealed, the coolant medium will leak along this annular gap.

[0065] When the flow guiding device is in its first working state (conduction state), the port of the input flow channel 22 of the water circuit substrate 2 is directly opposite the first inlet 111. The first inlet sealing ring 113 is sandwiched between the side wall of the flow guiding fluid and the inner wall of the mounting groove 21, and completely surrounds the mating gap between the input flow channel 22 and the first inlet 111. The first inlet sealing ring 113 undergoes elastic deformation under compression, completely sealing the annular gap around the port, preventing coolant from leaking outward from the gap around the first inlet 111 along the gap between the flow guiding fluid and the substrate, ensuring that the medium can only flow into the second groove 14 inside the flow guiding fluid through the inlet flow channel 11.

[0066] When the operator rotates the guide fluid to switch to the second working state (blocking maintenance state), the port of the water circuit board 2 input channel 22 is aligned with the second inlet 112. At this time, the second inlet sealing ring 114 is squeezed around the port, completely surrounding the opening of the input channel 22. Although the second inlet 112 and the internal second groove 14 are closed, the inside of the water circuit board 2 input channel 22 is still filled with pressurized coolant. Without the second inlet sealing ring 114, the coolant would leak out from the port of the input channel 22 along the gap between the outer wall of the guide fluid and the inner wall of the mounting groove. The second inlet sealing ring 114 at this time acts to seal and block the port of the input channel 22, blocking the coolant from leaking out along the side wall gap.

[0067] Since the first inlet sealing ring 113 and the second inlet sealing ring 114 have the same structure, the two sealing ring components are interchangeable and there is no distinction during assembly. The two sealing rings can be used interchangeably during material storage, component assembly, and spare parts replacement.

[0068] In this embodiment, two sets of ports on the inlet side are each equipped with an independent sealing ring. Regardless of whether the flow guiding device is in the open working position or the maintenance blocked position, the port facing the substrate input channel 22 has an independent annular sealing ring for sealing. In the open working condition, it seals the media connection gap; in the blocked working condition, it directly seals the substrate-side flow channel port. Both working conditions provide reliable sealing protection on the inlet side, preventing coolant leakage along the assembly gap of the guide fluid's outer wall. Simultaneously, the two sets of sealing rings have completely identical structures, achieving component standardization. This reduces the types of components, the number of molds, and lowers the costs of component procurement, inventory management, and production assembly. During assembly, there is no need to distinguish between the two sealing rings, preventing misassembly and improving assembly yield. Furthermore, all sealing rings are embedded in the guide fluid's side wall, and the sealing rings rotate circumferentially along with the guide fluid. The sealing rings always follow the current working port; there is no relative sliding between the sealing rings and the guide fluid. The relative movement of the sealing rings only occurs between the outer ring of the sealing ring and the inner wall of the water channel substrate mounting groove, resulting in good sealing performance.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, both the first inlet sealing ring 113 and the second inlet sealing ring 114 are made of Teflon material. Teflon is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0070] In the thermal management system of new energy vehicles, the coolant medium is generally an ethylene glycol-water antifreeze mixture. The system operates over a wide temperature range, from as low as -40°C to over 120°C. Throughout the vehicle's lifespan, the fluid guide needs to repeatedly rotate and switch between conduction and blocking conditions, causing sliding friction between the outer ring of the sealing ring and the inner wall of the water channel plate mounting groove. Ordinary rubber sealing rings are prone to wear under repeated sliding friction conditions. In environments with alternating high and low temperatures and long-term immersion in antifreeze, they are susceptible to swelling, aging, and stress relaxation, leading to a gradual decline in sealing performance.

[0071] As can be seen, this application utilizes the extremely low coefficient of friction and excellent self-lubricating properties of Teflon material. When the guide fluid rotates circumferentially relative to the inner wall of the water circuit substrate mounting groove, the outer ring of the first inlet sealing ring 113 or the second inlet sealing ring 114 experiences sliding friction with the inner wall of the mounting groove. The Teflon material can significantly reduce the sliding friction, resulting in less rotational resistance when the operator rotates the fluid actuator to drive the guide fluid to rotate, making rotation easier and maintenance work smoother. Simultaneously, its excellent wear resistance means that even after repeated rotational friction, the wear of the sealing ring is minimal, preventing a large amount of wear debris from falling into the water circuit, thus avoiding debris contamination of the entire thermal management circuit and preventing the risk of pump or throttle valve jamming and failure.

[0072] In addition to filling with PTFE sealing rings, other wear-resistant and media-resistant sealing materials such as PEEK and modified rubber can also be used as replacements in some application scenarios.

[0073] In one embodiment, a first outlet sealing ring 123 is provided at the first outlet 121, surrounding the opening of the outlet flow channel 12, and a second outlet sealing ring 124 is provided at the second outlet 122. The second outlet sealing ring 124 has the same structure as the first outlet sealing ring 123.

[0074] The first outlet sealing ring 123 is arranged around the opening of the outlet flow channel 12 on the outer periphery of the first outlet portion 121. The second outlet sealing ring 124 is arranged around the outer periphery of the second outlet portion 122. The first outlet sealing ring 123 and the second outlet sealing ring 124 are embedded in the corresponding annular sealing grooves on the sidewall of the fluid guide; the outer circular surface of the sealing ring protrudes outward from the surface of the cylindrical sidewall of the fluid guide. "Identical structure" means that the two outlet sealing rings are completely identical in size and cross-sectional shape, and the two parts are interchangeable.

[0075] The outlet and inlet sides face the same sealing problem. There is an assembly gap between the outer wall of the guide fluid and the inner wall of the water circuit substrate mounting groove 21. If a sealing ring is not installed, the coolant medium will leak along the gap.

[0076] When the flow guiding device is in the first working state, the water circuit board output flow channel 23 is directly opposite the first outlet 121. The first outlet sealing ring 123 is squeezed around the docking port to block the annular gap at the docking position of the output flow channel 23 and the outlet flow channel 12, preventing the coolant that has flowed out of the guide fluid from leaking out along the assembly gap, and ensuring that all the medium flows into the water circuit board output flow channel 23.

[0077] When the guide fluid rotates to the first angle and switches to the second working state, the water circuit substrate output channel 23 aligns with the second outlet 122, and the second outlet sealing ring 124 squeezes and wraps around the port of the output channel 23, completely sealing the port of the substrate-side output channel 23. Although the second outlet 122 and the first groove 13 are closed, the inside of the output channel 23 is still filled with coolant. The second outlet sealing ring 124 prevents the coolant from leaking outward along the gap between the outer wall of the guide fluid and the inner wall of the mounting groove, thus achieving a seal on the outlet port.

[0078] The first outlet sealing ring 123 and the second outlet sealing ring 124 have completely identical structural dimensions. The two parts can be interchanged and assembled, and there is no distinction between the components.

[0079] In this embodiment, each of the two outlet ports is equipped with an independent sealing ring. This seals the connection gap of the flow channel during open operation and directly seals the outlet flow channel port of the substrate during closed operation. This ensures reliable sealing protection on the outlet side under both operating conditions, preventing leakage of the medium along the assembly gap. Furthermore, the two sealing rings on the outlet side have identical structures, making components interchangeable, reducing the variety of parts, lowering production, warehousing, and assembly costs, and avoiding incorrect assembly. Thirdly, the outlet-side sealing ring rotates synchronously with the guide fluid, ensuring good sealing performance and eliminating relative slippage between the sealing ring and the guide fluid body, resulting in high sealing reliability. Fourthly, it forms a complete match with the inlet-side sealing system, providing dual-position sealing for both open and closed operation on both the inlet and outlet sides. The entire flow guiding device has a complete sealing system, preventing a situation where one side is perfectly sealed while the other side has a leakage shortcoming.

[0080] Both the first outlet sealing ring 123 and the second outlet sealing ring 124 are made of Teflon material. The operating environment of the outlet sealing ring and the inlet sealing ring is the same. During the vehicle's life cycle, the guide fluid rotates and switches between conduction and blocking conditions multiple times. The outer ring of the outlet sealing ring will slide against the inner wall of the water circuit board mounting groove. At the same time, the sealing ring is immersed in ethylene glycol antifreeze for a long time and is subjected to temperature changes of -40℃ to 130℃.

[0081] In this embodiment, the outlet-side sealing ring is made of Teflon, which has low rotational sliding friction, low rotational resistance during maintenance and switching, smooth operation, and reduces the risk of rotational jamming failure. Simultaneously, it has excellent wear resistance, with minimal wear after repeated rotational switching, reducing wear debris generation, protecting the cleanliness of the thermal management circuit medium, and preventing debris from causing jamming failures in downstream water pumps and valves. Furthermore, it is resistant to coolant corrosion and has stable physical and chemical properties over a wide temperature range, meeting the durability requirements throughout the vehicle's entire lifecycle. In particular, the two sets of outlet-side sealing rings are made of the same material, and the inlet-side sealing ring also uses Teflon. The selection of materials for all external rotating seals in the flow guiding device is coordinated and unified, ensuring that the entire sealing system has matched temperature resistance, media resistance, and wear resistance, preventing any local seal performance deficiencies.

[0082] In one embodiment, a first circumferential guide 15 is provided on the lower end face of the fluid guide.

[0083] The lower end face of the guide fluid is the end face away from the opening of the first groove 13, that is, the end face facing the bottom wall of the mounting groove after the guide device is installed in the mounting groove 21. The first circumferential guide 15 is arranged on this lower end face. The first circumferential guide 15 is a limiting structure used to limit the circumferential rotation stroke of the guide fluid. The first circumferential guide 15 can be a circumferentially extending guide groove, or a circumferentially extending limiting rib, limiting protrusion, or other structural forms. The first circumferential guide 15 is used to cooperate with the second circumferential guide 24 provided on the bottom wall of the mounting groove 21 of the water channel substrate 2, and the two together form a set of rotation angle limiting mechanisms.

[0084] After the flow guiding device is installed into the mounting groove 21 of the water channel base plate 2, the first circumferential guide 15 on the lower end face of the flow guide comes into contact with and cooperates with the second circumferential guide 24 fixed on the bottom wall of the mounting groove. The first circumferential guide 15 rotates circumferentially along with the flow guide, while the second circumferential guide 24 remains stationary on the base plate. This cooperation physically restricts the circumferential rotation of the flow guide, limiting it to a preset angle range, which is the first angle mentioned above. This prevents excessive rotation beyond this angle and also indicates to the operator that the rotation has reached the correct position.

[0085] When one end of the first circumferential guide 15 abuts against the second circumferential guide 24, it indicates that the fluid guide has rotated to the first limit position, which is the first working state (conduction state). When the fluid guide rotates in the opposite direction, the other end of the first circumferential guide 15 abuts against the second circumferential guide 24, indicating that it has reached the second limit position, which is the second working state (blocking maintenance state). When the fluid guide is fully rotated, a distinct mechanical stop will be felt, and the maintenance technician can sense that it has been fully rotated by touch when rotating the fluid actuator.

[0086] Without this circumferential guide and limiting structure, maintenance personnel rotating the fluid actuator would face two types of malfunction risks due to the lack of a clear stop position: First, insufficient rotation angle would result in incomplete port alignment and incomplete sealing ring coverage of the substrate flow channel port, leading to coolant leakage; second, excessive rotation angle would cause the guide fluid to rotate beyond the target angle, resulting in port misalignment and sealing failure. Within the confined mounting cavity, the alignment of the guide fluid ports is not visually observable, relying entirely on the operator's subjective experience to judge the rotation angle, which carries a high risk of human error. This embodiment eliminates the risk of operational errors caused by relying on subjective angle judgment through physical hard limiting.

[0087] As can be seen, the first circumferential guide 15, in conjunction with the second circumferential guide 24 on the substrate side, forms a hard limiting mechanism. This physically limits the maximum rotation stroke of the guide fluid, ensuring that the guide fluid can only rotate within a first angular range. This prevents incomplete or excessive rotation, and avoids coolant leakage due to human error causing seal failure. The complete rotation provides a clear mechanical stop feel, allowing maintenance personnel to directly determine whether the target position has been reached through tactile feedback, eliminating the need for visual inspection of internal port alignment. This is suitable for maintenance operations in confined, non-visually accessible mounting cavities, reducing maintenance difficulty and improving the error tolerance of after-sales maintenance operations. Furthermore, the limiting structure is directly molded on the lower end face of the guide fluid, eliminating the need for additional independent limiting parts and reducing the number of components. The structure is simple and can be directly generated through injection molding.

[0088] The first circumferential guide 15 can be a groove or a rib; it can be a continuous structure or a segmented structure. As long as it can achieve circumferential rotation stroke limitation, it falls within the protection scope of this application.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the first circumferential guide 15 is a circumferentially extending guide groove, and the extension angle of the guide groove is the first angle.

[0090] The first circumferential guide 15 is an arc-shaped groove, or guide groove, formed on the lower end face of the guide fluid. This arc-shaped guide groove extends circumferentially, and the central angle corresponding to the arc is exactly equal to the first angle mentioned above. The corresponding second circumferential guide 24 on the substrate side is a limiting protrusion fixed to the bottom wall of the mounting groove 21 and protruding upwards; this limiting protrusion extends into the cavity of the arc-shaped guide groove. The end walls of the two grooves of the arc-shaped guide groove form mechanical stop surfaces in two directions.

[0091] After the flow guiding device is assembled, the second circumferential guide 24 (limiting protrusion) on the substrate side is accommodated inside the arc-shaped guide groove on the lower end face of the flow guide. When the flow guide rotates circumferentially, the arc-shaped guide groove rotates with the flow guide, and the stationary limiting protrusion slides relative to the flow guide inside the cavity of the arc-shaped guide groove.

[0092] When the guide fluid rotates, it continues until one end of the arc-shaped guide groove abuts against the limiting protrusion, preventing further rotation in that direction. At this point, the guide fluid is in its first working state (conduction state). When the guide fluid rotates in the opposite direction, the other end of the arc-shaped guide groove abuts against the limiting protrusion, preventing further reverse rotation. At this point, the guide fluid is in its second working state (blocking / maintenance state). The extended center angle of the arc-shaped guide groove is equal to the first angle. Therefore, the rotation angle between the two stop positions is exactly equal to the first angle required to achieve the conduction-blocking switch, achieving precise angle constraint.

[0093] In this embodiment, the extension angle of the arc guide groove directly defines the maximum rotatable angle of the guide fluid, ensuring that the rotation angle between the two limit stations is strictly equal to the first angle. This guarantees that the port is perfectly aligned after rotation, eliminating the need for manual estimation of the rotation angle and ensuring high angle control precision. The structure is integrally molded on the lower end face of the guide fluid, eliminating the need for additional independent limiting parts. This results in fewer parts, a simpler structure, and suitability for mass production via injection molding.

[0094] This application also relates to a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a water circuit board 2, the aforementioned flow guiding device 1, and a fluid actuator 3.

[0095] The water channel substrate 2 is the base of the integrated thermal management module. It is typically a large-size injection-molded water channel substrate with multiple pre-fabricated coolant channels inside. Multiple fluid actuators are integrated and arranged on the same substrate, achieving high integration and reducing external piping in the vehicle. A downwardly recessed mounting groove 21 is formed on the upper surface of the water channel substrate 2. The mounting groove 21 is a cylindrical cavity for accommodating the assembly of the flow guiding device 1. An input flow channel 22 and an output flow channel 23 are pre-fabricated inside the wall of the water channel substrate. Both the input flow channel 22 and the output flow channel 23 are connected to the cavity of the mounting groove 21. The input flow channel 22 is used to receive upstream coolant, and the output flow channel 23 is used to output coolant downstream.

[0096] The guide fluid of the flow guiding device 1 is nested inside the cavity of the mounting groove 21. The outer cylindrical surface of the guide fluid is in rotatable engagement with the inner wall of the mounting groove 21, allowing the guide fluid to rotate circumferentially around its central axis within the mounting groove 21. The fluid actuator 3 is installed inside the first groove 13 cavity of the guide fluid. The fluid actuator 3 can be a water pump or a water valve or other functional component of the thermal management water circuit.

[0097] This thermal management system has two distinct operating states, which are detailed below.

[0098] First operating state (normal conduction operating state, see appendix) Figure 5 The input flow channel 22 of the water circuit substrate 2 is connected to the inlet flow channel 11 of the flow guiding device 1. The output flow channel 23 of the water circuit substrate 2 is connected to the outlet flow channel 12 of the flow guiding device 1. The medium inlet of the fluid actuator 3 is connected to the second tank 14, and the medium outlet of the fluid actuator 3 is connected to the first tank 13.

[0099] In this working state, the coolant medium flow path is as follows: water circuit board input channel 22, first inlet 111, inlet channel 11, second tank 14, medium input end of fluid actuator 3. After the fluid actuator performs work, the medium is discharged from the output end of the fluid actuator into the cavity of the first tank 13, outlet channel 12, first outlet 121, and water circuit board output channel 23. A complete coolant circulation path is established, and the thermal management system can carry out cooling or heating circulation work normally.

[0100] Second operating state (maintenance interruption state, see appendix) Figure 7The guide fluid rotates relative to the water channel substrate 2 around its central axis by the aforementioned first angle. After the rotation is completed, the input channel 22 of the water channel substrate 2 corresponds spatially to the second inlet 112 of the guide fluid sidewall, and the output channel 23 of the water channel substrate 2 corresponds spatially to the second outlet 122 of the guide fluid sidewall. Since the second inlet 112 is closed to the second groove 14 and the second outlet 122 is closed to the first groove 13, the fluid in the input channel 22 and the output channel 23 are blocked. The medium passage of the input channel 22 and the output channel 23 on the substrate side is blocked and sealed by the guide device.

[0101] During normal vehicle operation, the thermal management system maintains its first operating state, the coolant medium circulates normally, and the fluid actuator 3 performs functions such as pumping and throttling to achieve thermal management temperature regulation of components such as the battery and motor.

[0102] When the fluid actuator 3 malfunctions, it requires after-sales disassembly and replacement. Maintenance personnel do not need to drain the coolant medium from the entire integrated module. The operator manipulates the fluid actuator 3, causing the guide fluid nested inside the mounting slot 21 to rotate relative to the water channel substrate 2 by a first angle, and the system switches to the second operating state. In the second operating state, the input flow channel 22 and output flow channel 23 on the substrate side are blocked and sealed by the guide fluid device. At this time, maintenance personnel can directly remove the fluid actuator 3 from the cavity of the first slot 13. Although the water channel substrate 2 and the entire integrated module's flow channels are still filled with pressurized coolant, the coolant will not leak out from the opening of the mounting slot 21.

[0103] After replacing the fluid actuator 3, rotate the fluid actuator 3 in the reverse direction to drive the guide fluid to rotate back to the first working state, and the system resumes normal water circulation. The entire maintenance and replacement process does not require performing the series of traditional maintenance procedures that are essential, such as draining coolant, adding coolant, and venting the circuit.

[0104] Therefore, this thermal management system retains the advantages of the original integrated water circuit board module: highly integrated components, fewer external pipes, compact layout in the vehicle's front compartment, fewer pipe joints, reduced risk of pipe joint leakage, and inherits all the advantages of the existing integrated module layout. However, when the fluid actuator fails and needs to be disassembled and replaced, simply rotating the fluid actuator switches to the second working state to block the water circuit on the board side; the faulty fluid actuator can be disassembled without pre-draining the coolant inside the integrated module, eliminating the entire process of draining, refilling, and venting, significantly reducing after-sales maintenance time and improving the efficiency of 4S store after-sales maintenance operations. During the maintenance and disassembly process, the flow channel on the board side is blocked and sealed by the flow guiding device, preventing coolant leakage from the mounting slot. This reduces coolant medium loss, saves maintenance materials, avoids environmental pollution caused by coolant leakage, and eliminates the risk of short circuit damage to surrounding high-voltage electrical components caused by coolant splashing, improving the safety of maintenance operations. This system supports individual replacement of the fluid actuator without replacing the entire expensive integrated water circuit board module, significantly reducing after-sales maintenance parts costs. In many cases, traditional integrated modules require the entire substrate assembly to be replaced if the interface is damaged, resulting in high repair costs. This application only requires the replacement of the faulty fluid actuator.

[0105] Multiple mounting slots can be set on a single water circuit board. Each mounting slot is equipped with a flow guiding device and a corresponding fluid actuator, enabling multiple water pumps and valves to be independently repairable and replaceable.

[0106] In one embodiment, a snap-fit ​​element 31 is provided on the fluid actuator 3, which is used to form a snap-fit ​​engagement with a snap-fit ​​groove 142 provided on the stepped surface 141 in the second groove 14.

[0107] The snap-fit ​​element 31 is formed on the outer wall of the lower end medium connector of the fluid actuator 3. The snap-fit ​​element 31 can be a claw, a flat key, or a raised key block structure that extends radially outward. The fluid actuator 3 is inserted downward into the first groove 13, and the lower end connector of the fluid actuator 3 extends into the second groove 14. The snap-fit ​​element 31 then falls into the snap-fit ​​groove 142 opened on the stepped surface 141, forming a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0108] After assembly, the fluid actuator 3 and the guide fluid establish a torque transmission relationship through the snap-fit ​​engagement of the snap-fit ​​member 31 and the snap-fit ​​groove 142. When maintenance personnel rotate the upper housing of the fluid actuator 3, the rotational torque is transmitted to the snap-fit ​​groove 142 via the snap-fit ​​member 31, thereby causing the entire guide fluid to rotate synchronously around its own axis. By operating only the exposed, easily accessible fluid actuator, the guide fluid hidden inside the mounting cavity can be driven, completing the switch between the first and second operating states.

[0109] After the operating condition switch is completed, pull the fluid actuator 3 upwards directly. The snap-fit ​​31 will disengage from the snap-fit ​​groove 142, releasing the snap-fit ​​engagement. The fluid actuator 3 can then be easily removed for replacement. When assembling a new fluid actuator, align the circumferential angle and press downwards. The snap-fit ​​31 will fall back into the snap-fit ​​groove 142, re-establishing the torque transmission engagement.

[0110] In this embodiment, torque transmission is achieved through a snap-fit ​​connector and a snap-fit ​​groove. The operator's work focuses solely on the fluid actuator body, eliminating the need for additional long, thin tools to reach into the narrow mounting groove and manipulate the fluid guide. This simplifies maintenance and avoids the risk of tools falling into the water system and causing contamination. The snap-fit ​​engagement transmission structure is simple, provides reliable torque transmission, and is less prone to slippage. Assembly and disassembly are simple; engagement is achieved by pressing down at the correct angle, and disengagement by pulling upwards. The assembly process is straightforward. The entire transmission structure is housed within the internal cavity of the fluid guide, without occupying radial space on the outer side of the fluid guide or interfering with the sealing fit between the outer sealing ring of the fluid guide and the inner wall of the substrate.

[0111] The snap-fit ​​connectors can be configured in two or more sets to improve torque transmission capability.

[0112] In one embodiment, a second circumferential guide 24 is provided on the bottom wall of the mounting groove 21, and the second circumferential guide 24 is used to cooperate with a first circumferential guide 15 provided on the bottom wall of the guide fluid.

[0113] In this preferred embodiment, the second circumferential guide 24 is an upwardly protruding limiting protrusion integrally formed on the bottom wall of the mounting groove 21; after the fluid guide is assembled in place, the second circumferential guide 24 extends into the interior of the first circumferential guide 15 (arc guide groove) on the lower end face of the fluid guide.

[0114] The working principle of this embodiment is explained in detail: When the fluid guide rotates circumferentially following the fluid actuator, the first circumferential guide 15 (arc guide groove) on the lower end face of the fluid guide rotates synchronously, while the second circumferential guide 24 (limiting protrusion) on the bottom wall of the substrate remains stationary, and the limiting protrusion slides relative to the fluid guide inside the arc guide groove. When one end of the guide groove wall abuts against the limiting protrusion, it reaches the first working state; when the other end of the guide groove wall abuts against the limiting protrusion, it reaches the second working state. Relying on the mechanical stops of these two components, the rotation angle of the fluid guide is strictly constrained, preventing it from rotating beyond the specified angle. A distinct tactile feedback from the operator is provided when the fluid guide reaches its designated position.

[0115] As can be seen, the first circumferential guide 15 and the second circumferential guide 24 form a complete rotation limiting mechanism, providing a physical hard stop to ensure that the guide fluid accurately stops at the conduction position or blocking position after rotation, avoiding insufficient rotation angle or overtravel, and preventing port misalignment, sealing failure and coolant leakage caused by human operation angle deviation.

[0116] In one embodiment, an overlap platform 25 is formed on the outer side of the mounting groove 21 of the water channel substrate 2. A mounting flange 32 is provided on the outer wall of the fluid actuator 3. The mounting flange 32 is connected to the overlap platform 25 and is detachably connected.

[0117] The overlapping platform 25 is an annular support platform extending outward from the water channel base plate body, surrounding the upper edge of the mounting groove 21. The upper surface of the overlapping platform 25 is a flat support surface, and bolt through holes are pre-drilled on the overlapping platform 25. The outer wall of the fluid actuator 3 extends radially outward to form a mounting flange 32, and bolt through holes are opened at corresponding positions on the mounting flange 32. During assembly, the lower surface of the mounting flange 32 of the fluid actuator 3 is pressed against the upper surface of the overlapping platform 25, and bolts are used to fasten the flange and the overlapping platform to achieve detachable locking.

[0118] The flow guiding device 1 is pre-placed inside the mounting groove 21 of the water circuit base plate 2; the fluid actuator 3 is placed from top to bottom into the first groove 13 cavity, and the lower end snap-fit ​​31 of the fluid actuator snaps into the flow guiding snap-fit ​​groove 142. The lower surface of the mounting flange 32 of the fluid actuator is attached to the bearing platform surface of the overlapping platform 25; the bolts are tightened to lock and fix the mounting flange 32 on the overlapping platform 25, completing the assembly and fixing of the fluid actuator 3. The overlapping platform 25 bears all the axial compression and fixing load of the fluid actuator.

[0119] When the faulty fluid actuator 3 needs to be disassembled for after-sales service, first loosen the removal locking bolts to release the locking constraint between the mounting flange 32 and the overlapping platform 25; at this time, the fluid actuator 3 can rotate freely in the circumferential direction; the operator rotates the fluid actuator 3 to drive the guide fluid to rotate and switch to the second working blocking state; then the fluid actuator 3 can be pulled out as a whole to complete the disassembly. The assembly of the new fluid actuator is carried out in reverse order, and after it is in place, the bolts are tightened to lock the flange.

[0120] The axial clamping force of the fluid actuator is entirely borne by the overlapping platform 25 of the water circuit base plate. The clamping load will not be transmitted downward to squeeze the internal flow guide device 1. The flow guide device 1 remains in a floating and rotating assembly state inside the mounting groove and will not bear a huge axial clamping load.

[0121] In this embodiment, the fluid actuator is detachably connected via a mounting flange-lap joint bolt, a mature and reliable fixing structure. Flange bolt fixing structures are widely used in automotive thermal management water pumps and valves, and the development experience of these components is mature. Disassembly and assembly are convenient; the fluid actuator can be rotated and removed simply by loosening the bolts. The axial locking force of the fluid actuator is borne by the lap joint 25 of the water circuit board body. The axial load is not transmitted to the internal flow guiding device 1, preventing excessive axial compressive stress on the flow guiding device and internal sealing ring, preventing permanent plastic deformation due to seal crushing, and protecting the long-term service life of the flow guiding device and seal.

[0122] In addition to bolt connections, detachable connections can also employ other detachable mechanical connection methods such as quick clamps and quick-release buckles.

[0123] This application also relates to a thermal management assembly. The thermal management assembly includes the thermal management system described above.

[0124] The thermal management assembly is an integrated assembly component supplied to complete vehicles. In addition to the core thermal management system (water circuit board, flow guide device, fluid actuator), the thermal management assembly can also be equipped with auxiliary components such as external pipe joints, assembly mounting brackets, protective housings, and shock-absorbing pads.

[0125] This application also relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes the thermal management assembly described in Embodiment 14. In this embodiment, the vehicle is a new energy vehicle, including a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0126] This application also relates to a method for operating a thermal management system. The method includes the steps of: actuating the fluid guide to rotate relative to the water channel substrate 2 about its own axis, so that the operating state changes from a first operating state to a second operating state; in the second operating state, the fluid actuator 3 can be detached and removed relative to the water channel substrate 2.

[0127] The following section breaks down this operating method in detail, based on the actual maintenance process, explaining each step in detail: S1: As Figure 5 As shown, during the normal operation phase of the thermal management system, the system is in its first working state. The input flow channel 22 of the water circuit board is interconnected with the inlet flow channel 11 of the flow guide device; the output flow channel 23 is interconnected with the outlet flow channel 12. The fluid actuator 3 performs its work normally, and the coolant medium circulates according to the designed circuit to complete the thermal management and temperature control of the vehicle battery and motor. The interior of the vehicle thermal management circuit and the interior of the integrated module are filled with coolant medium.

[0128] S2: When the fluid actuator 3 malfunctions, repair or replacement work is required. First, loosen the fasteners (bolts) that detachably connect the mounting flange 32 of the fluid actuator 3 to the water circuit board mounting platform 25, such as... Figure 6 As shown; after removing the bolts, the fluid actuator 3 is no longer axially locked and can rotate freely in the circumferential direction. At this time, the thermal management circuit is still full of coolant, and no coolant evacuation operation is required.

[0129] S3: The operator applies a circumferential rotation operation to the fluid actuator 3; the snap-fit ​​31 at the lower end of the fluid actuator 3 engages with the guide fluid, causing the guide fluid to rotate a first angle relative to the water circuit substrate 2 around its own central axis; the first circumferential guide 15 on the lower end face of the guide fluid rotates accordingly until the stop wall of the first circumferential guide 15 abuts against the second circumferential guide 24 on the substrate side, generating a mechanical stop feel, indicating to the operator that the rotation has reached the correct position; the system completes the switch from the first working state to the second working state. After the switch is completed, the water circuit substrate input channel 22 and the second inlet 112 of the guide fluid are correspondingly blocked to achieve fluid blockage; the water circuit substrate output channel 23 and the second outlet 122 of the guide fluid are correspondingly blocked to achieve fluid blockage, and the flow passage on the substrate side is sealed and cut off.

[0130] S4: Maintaining the system in the second operating state, directly pull out the fluid actuator 3 axially upwards. The snap-fit ​​31 of the fluid actuator 3 disengages from the fluid guide snap-fit ​​groove 142, and the fluid actuator 3 is removed from the water circuit base plate 2. Figure 7 As shown. At this time, although the water circuit board 2 and the integrated module are still full of coolant, the flow guiding device 1 has blocked and sealed the input flow channel 22 and the output flow channel 23, so the coolant medium will not leak out from the opening of the mounting groove 21.

[0131] S5: Assemble the new fluid actuator 3: Align the new fluid actuator 3 with the angle downward and insert it into the first guide groove 13. The lower end snap-fit ​​31 of the fluid actuator is then snapped back into the snap-fit ​​groove 142. Rotate the fluid actuator 3 in the reverse direction, causing the guide fluid to rotate in the opposite direction by the first angle. The circumferential guide then abuts against the stop on the other side, and the system switches from the second working state back to the first working state, restoring water flow. Reattach the mounting flange 32 of the fluid actuator 3 to the overlapping platform 25 and tighten the bolts to complete the locking and fixing. The thermal management system resumes normal operating cycle, and all maintenance and replacement are complete.

[0132] In the above method, before repairing and disassembling the faulty fluid actuator, the flow channel port on the water circuit board side is sealed and blocked by rotating the guide fluid to switch between conduction and blockage conditions. Under the premise that the flow channel on the board side is blocked and sealed, the fluid actuator is disassembled without the need to drain the coolant from the entire thermal management circuit, and the parts are directly disassembled and replaced.

[0133] As can be seen, this method eliminates the entire process of draining coolant, adding new coolant, and purging the circuit in traditional maintenance procedures, significantly shortening maintenance time and improving after-sales maintenance efficiency. Simultaneously, the entire maintenance process prevents large-scale coolant leakage, reducing coolant material loss and saving maintenance material costs; it avoids environmental pollution caused by waste coolant discharge; and it eliminates the risk of short-circuit damage to surrounding high-voltage electrical components caused by coolant splashing, improving maintenance safety. Furthermore, the entire maintenance operation is simple and intuitive, requiring no special tools or equipment; ordinary maintenance technicians can complete the operation after simple training, facilitating large-scale implementation.

[0134] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A flow guiding device, characterized in that, The device includes a guide fluid, the upper end face of which is provided with a first groove facing upwards, the first groove being a blind hole; the bottom wall of the first groove is provided with a second groove, the second groove being a blind hole; a first inlet and a second inlet spaced circumferentially at a first angle from the first inlet are provided on the side wall of the guide fluid, the first inlet being connected to the second groove through an inlet flow channel, while the second inlet being disconnected from the second groove; a first outlet and a second outlet spaced circumferentially at the first outlet spaced circumferentially at the first angle are provided on the side wall of the guide fluid, the first outlet being connected to the first groove through an outlet flow channel, while the second outlet being disconnected from the first groove.

2. The flow guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An upward-facing stepped surface is provided on the wall of the second groove, and a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on the stepped surface.

3. The flow guiding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, An internal sealing groove extending circumferentially is provided on the groove wall of the second groove above the stepped surface, and an internal sealing ring is provided in the internal sealing groove.

4. The flow guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first inlet sealing ring is provided at the first inlet portion, surrounding the opening of the inlet flow channel, and a second inlet sealing ring is provided at the second inlet portion, the second inlet sealing ring having the same structure as the first inlet sealing ring.

5. The flow guiding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the first inlet sealing ring and the second inlet sealing ring are made of Teflon material.

6. The flow guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first outlet sealing ring is provided at the first outlet portion, surrounding the opening of the outlet flow channel, and a second outlet sealing ring is provided at the second outlet portion, the second outlet sealing ring having the same structure as the first outlet sealing ring.

7. The flow guiding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the first outlet sealing ring and the second outlet sealing ring are made of Teflon material.

8. The flow guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The lower end face of the fluid guide is provided with a first circumferential guide.

9. The flow guiding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first circumferential guide is a circumferentially extending guide groove, and the extension angle of the guide groove is the first angle.

10. A thermal management system, characterized in that, include: A water channel substrate has a mounting groove on its upper surface, and an input flow channel and an output flow channel communicating with the mounting groove are provided on the wall of the water channel substrate. According to any one of claims 1 to 9, the flow guiding device is installed in the mounting groove. A fluid actuator is disposed within the first groove. In the first operating state, the input flow channel is connected to the inlet flow channel, the output flow channel is connected to the outlet flow channel, and the inlet of the fluid actuator is connected to the second slot and the outlet is connected to the first slot; in the second operating state, the input flow channel and the second inlet are respectively connected to achieve fluid blockage, and the output flow channel and the second outlet are respectively connected to achieve fluid blockage.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fluid actuator is provided with a snap-fit ​​element for engaging with a snap-fit ​​groove on the stepped surface of the second groove.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 10, characterized in that, A second circumferential guide is provided on the bottom wall of the mounting groove, which is used to cooperate with a first circumferential guide provided on the bottom wall of the guide fluid.

13. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, An overlap platform is formed on the outer side of the mounting groove of the water circuit substrate, and a mounting flange is provided on the outer wall of the fluid actuator. The mounting flange is connected to the overlap platform and is detachably connected.

14. A thermal management assembly, characterized in that, Includes a thermal management system according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the thermal management assembly as described in claim 14.

16. A method for operating a thermal management system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, This includes actuating the fluid guide to rotate relative to the water channel substrate around its own axis, so that the operating state changes from a first operating state to a second operating state, in which the fluid actuator can be detached and removed relative to the water channel substrate.

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