Thermal management system

Abstract

A kind of heat management system, including compressor, heat exchange element and fluid control component, fluid control component includes first valve element, second valve element and valve block, first valve element, second valve element are fixedly connected or positionally connected with valve block respectively, fluid control component has passage, first valve element can switch the communication mode of passage, second valve element can be connected or not connected two or more in passage, passage has interface, and passage is communicated with compressor, heat exchange element respectively by interface, so that by first valve element, second valve element and valve block assembly form fluid control component, and by the interface of fluid control component respectively with compressor, heat exchange element is communicated, it is advantageous to simplify the pipe connection of heat management system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, specifically to a thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of thermal management systems, their complexity has gradually increased. Thermal management systems typically include compressors, heat exchange elements, multiple valve elements, gas-liquid separation elements, etc. This involves pipeline connections between multiple components, resulting in complex pipeline connections. How to simplify the pipeline connections of thermal management systems is a technical problem that needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a thermal management system that simplifies pipe connections.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A thermal management system includes a compressor and a heat exchange element. The thermal management system further includes a fluid control component, which includes a first valve element, a second valve element, and a valve block. The first valve element and the second valve element are respectively fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the valve block. The fluid control component has a channel. The first valve element can switch the connection mode of the channel. The second valve element can connect or not connect to two or more of the channels. The channel has an interface, and the channel is connected to the compressor and the heat exchange element through the interface.

[0006] This application provides a thermal management system, including a compressor, a heat exchange element, and a fluid control assembly. The fluid control assembly includes a first valve element, a second valve element, and a valve block. The first valve element and the second valve element are fixedly connected to or limited by the valve block. The fluid control assembly has channels. The first valve element can switch the connection mode of the channels. The second valve element can connect or not connect two or more channels. The channels have interfaces and are connected to the compressor and the heat exchange element through the interfaces. In this way, the first valve element, the second valve element, and the valve block are assembled to form the fluid control assembly, and the fluid control assembly is connected to the compressor and the heat exchange element through the interfaces, which helps to simplify the piping connection of the thermal management system. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of a fluid control component;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve block;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional structural diagram of the fluid control component;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of the middle valve block along the AA direction;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a gas-liquid separation element;

[0012] Figure 6 This is a connection diagram of an embodiment of a fluid control component applied to a thermal management system;

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A system diagram illustrating the first operating mode of the central heat management system;

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the second working mode of the central heat management system;

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the third working mode of the medium-heat management system. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0017] See Figure 1 The fluid control component can be applied in a thermal management system, which can be a vehicle thermal management system, specifically a new energy vehicle thermal management system. The fluid control component 100 includes a valve element and a valve block 1. The valve element and valve block 1 are fixedly connected or limit-connected. Furthermore, a sealing arrangement can be provided between the valve element and valve block 1 to reduce leakage of the working fluid from the assembly gap between the valve element and valve block 1. In this embodiment, the valve element includes a first valve element 21 and a second valve element 22. The first valve element 21 has a multi-way reversing function, such as a four-way reversing valve, enabling two-way conduction between different channels of the fluid control component 100. The second valve element 22 has direct-flow and throttling functions, such as a multi-way throttling valve, capable of connecting or disconnecting two or more different channels of the fluid control component 100. When connected, it can either allow direct flow or throttle the flowing working fluid. Connectivity is defined as having two states: direct flow and throttling. Direct flow does not change the pressure of the flowing working fluid, while throttling changes the pressure of the flowing working fluid.

[0018] See Figures 1 to 3The valve block 1 has mounting cavities, and the number of mounting cavities can be multiple. In this embodiment, the mounting cavities include a first mounting cavity 31 and a second mounting cavity 32. The openings of the first mounting cavity 31 and the second mounting cavity 32 are located on the first side of the outer wall surface of the valve block 1, facilitating the installation of the valve element and the valve block 1. A portion of the first valve element 21 is located in the first mounting cavity 31, and the first valve element 21 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the first mounting portion forming the first mounting cavity 31. A portion of the second valve element 22 is located in the second mounting cavity 32, and the second valve element 22 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the second mounting portion forming the second mounting cavity 32. The fluid control assembly 100 has channels, and the number of channels can be multiple. The first valve element 21 has two or more working positions, enabling two or more channels to be connected. The second valve element 22 can connect or not connect two or more channels, and when connected, it can straighten or throttle the flowing working fluid. In this embodiment, the channels include a first channel 41, a second channel 42, a third channel 43, a fourth channel 44, a fifth channel 45, and a sixth channel 46. The first channel 41 has a first interface 411 for connecting to a system pipeline. The opening of the first interface 411 is located on the second side of the outer wall of the valve block 1 or flush with the second side of the outer wall of the valve block 1. The second channel 42 has a second interface 421 for connecting to a system pipeline. The opening of the second interface 421 is located on the third side of the outer wall of the valve block 1 or flush with the third side of the outer wall of the valve block 1, wherein the second and third sides are arranged opposite to each other. The third channel 43 has a third interface 431 for connecting to a system pipeline. The opening of the third interface 431 is located on the fourth side of the outer wall of the valve block 1 or flush with the fourth side of the outer wall of the valve block 1. The fourth channel 44 has a fourth interface 441 for connecting to a system pipeline. The opening of the fourth interface 441 is located on the fifth side of the outer wall of the valve block 1 or flush with the fifth side of the outer wall of the valve block 1, wherein the fourth and fifth sides are arranged opposite to each other. The valve block 1 is arranged side-to-side with the central axis of the first channel 41 and the central axis of the second channel 42, which can coincide or nearly coincide. The central axis of the third channel 43 and the central axis of the fourth channel 44 can coincide or nearly coincide. The central axis of the first channel 41 and the central axis of the third channel 43 can be perpendicular or nearly perpendicular. This helps to reduce the flow path of the channels and facilitates the miniaturization of the valve block 1. The sixth channel 46 is connected to the fourth channel 44. The central axis of the fifth channel 45 and the central axis of the sixth channel 46 can coincide or nearly coincide. The central axis of the sixth channel 46 and the central axis of the fourth channel 44 can be perpendicular or nearly perpendicular. This helps to reduce the flow path of the sixth channel 46 and the fourth channel 44. The fifth channel 45 has a fifth interface 451, which is used to connect with the system pipeline. The opening of the fifth interface 451 is located on the sixth side of the outer wall of the valve block 1 or is flush with the sixth side of the outer wall of the valve block 1.Setting different interfaces on different sides of valve block 1 helps to avoid the risk of incorrect connection and also helps to reduce the size of valve block 1.

[0019] See Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first valve element 21 is a four-way directional valve, such as a four-way directional ball valve. The valve core of the first valve element 21 has channels, including a first channel 211 and a second channel 212. The first valve element 21 has a first working position and a second working position. When the first valve element 21 is in the first working position, the first valve element 21 connects the first channel 41 and the third channel 43 through the first channel 211, and connects the second channel 42 and the fourth channel 44 through the second channel 212. When the first valve element 21 is in the second working position, the first valve element 21 can connect the first channel 41 and the fourth channel 44 through the first channel 211, and connect the second channel 42 and the third channel 43 through the second channel 212. Of course, as in other embodiments, depending on the needs of the system, the first valve element 21 can also be a three-way directional valve or other multi-way directional valve, and the number of channels can also be other. In this embodiment, the second valve element 22 is a two-way throttle valve, such as a two-way throttle ball valve. The second valve element 22 can connect or disconnect the fifth channel 45 and the sixth channel 46, and can directly or throttle the working fluid flowing through the fifth channel 45 and the sixth channel 46 by adjusting the opening of the second valve element 22. Specifically, the second valve element 22 has a third channel 221 and a throttling groove 222, which are connected. Of course, in other embodiments, the third channel 221 and the throttling groove 222 may not be connected. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​221 is much larger than that of the throttling groove 222. When the second valve element 22 connects the fifth channel 45 and the sixth channel 46 through the third channel 221, the fifth channel 45 and the sixth channel 46 are directly connected. When the second valve element 22 connects the fifth channel 45 and the sixth channel 46 through the third channel 221 and the throttling groove 222, or vice versa, the fifth channel 45 and the sixth channel 46 are throttled and connected. The second valve element 22 changes the pressure of the working fluid flowing through the fifth channel 45 and the sixth channel 46 through the throttling groove 222. "Much larger" is defined as: the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the third channel 221 is S1, the maximum flow cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling groove 222 is S2, and the two satisfy the relationship S1 / S2≥9.

[0020] See Figure 3In this embodiment, the fluid control assembly 100 further includes a one-way valve 5, which is located in the fourth channel 44. Along the axial direction of the fourth channel 44, the communication port of the sixth channel 46 connecting to the fourth channel 44 is positioned closer to the opening of the fourth interface 441 than the one-way valve 5. The fourth interface 441 is located on the back pressure side of the one-way valve 5. The one-way valve 5 is fixedly connected or limited to the valve block 1. The one-way valve 5 can be provided according to the needs of the system's operating mode. Of course, in other embodiments, the fluid control assembly 100 may not include the one-way valve 5.

[0021] See Figures 1 to 5The fluid control assembly 100 also includes a gas-liquid separation element 6, which is fixedly connected or limited to the valve block 1. In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separation element 6 and the valve block 1 are fixedly connected by screws. Furthermore, a sealing arrangement can be provided between the gas-liquid separation element 6 and the valve block 1 to prevent leakage of the working fluid from the assembly gap between them. Along the axial direction of the gas-liquid separation element 6, the valve element and the gas-liquid separation element 6 are located on opposite sides of the valve block 1, which helps to make the fluid control assembly 100 structurally compact. The fluid control assembly 100 has a gas-liquid separation chamber, at least a portion of which is located within the gas-liquid separation element 6. The gas-liquid separation chamber communicates with at least one of the channels. The gas-liquid separation element 6 separates the gas and liquid phases of the working fluid through the gas-liquid separation chamber. In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separation chamber is located within the gas-liquid separation element 6. Of course, in other embodiments, the gas-liquid separation chamber can also be formed jointly by connecting the gas-liquid separation element and the valve block. In this embodiment, the valve block 1 further includes a seventh channel 47 and an eighth channel 48. The seventh channel 47 is connected to the second channel 42. The central axis of the seventh channel 47 may be perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the central axis of the second channel 42. The seventh channel 47 has an eighth interface 471. The opening of the eighth interface 471 is located on the seventh side of the outer wall of the valve block 1 or is flush with the seventh side of the outer wall of the valve block 1. The eighth interface 471 is used to connect with the gas-liquid separation element 6. The eighth channel 48 is a separate channel that passes through the valve block 1. The central axis of the eighth channel 48 may be parallel or nearly parallel to the central axis of the seventh channel 47. The eighth channel 48 has a seventh interface 481 and a sixth interface 482. The opening of the seventh interface 481 may be located on the seventh side of the outer wall of the valve block 1 or is flush with the seventh side of the outer wall of the valve block 1. The seventh interface 481 is used to connect with the gas-liquid separation element 6. The opening of the sixth interface 482 may be located on the first side of the outer wall of the valve block 1 or is flush with the first side of the outer wall of the valve block 1. The sixth interface 482 is used to connect with the system pipeline. Accordingly, the gas-liquid separation element 6 includes an inlet connector 61 and an outlet connector 62. The inlet connector 61 has an inlet 611, and the outlet connector 62 has an outlet 621. The inlet 611 and the outlet 621 are respectively connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber of the gas-liquid separation element 6. The working fluid enters from the inlet 611, and after gas-liquid two-phase separation, the liquid phase working fluid is located inside the gas-liquid separation element 6, and the gas phase working fluid flows out from the outlet 621 and flows to a subsequent circuit such as a compressor. When the gas-liquid separation element 6 is connected to the valve block 1, at least part of the inlet connector 61 is located in the seventh channel 47, and the inlet connector 61 is mated with the eighth interface 471, and the inlet 611 is connected to the seventh channel 47. At least part of the outlet connector 62 is located in the seventh interface 481, and the outlet connector 62 is mated with the seventh interface 481, and the outlet 621 is connected to the eighth channel 48. Furthermore, a sealing arrangement can be made between the inlet connector 61 and the eighth interface 471 and / or between the outlet connector 62 and the seventh interface 481 to prevent leakage of the working fluid.

[0022] The fluid control component 100 can be applied to a thermal management system, specifically an air conditioning system within the thermal management system. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 6 to 9 This is one embodiment of the fluid control component 100 applied to a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a compressor 201, an indoor condenser 202, an indoor evaporator 203, an outdoor heat exchanger 204, and a throttling valve 205. The outlet of the compressor 201 is connected to one interface of the indoor condenser 202, and the other interface of the indoor condenser 202 is connected to the first interface 411 of the fluid control component 100. One interface of the outdoor heat exchanger 204 is connected to the third interface 431, and the other interface of the outdoor heat exchanger 204 is connected to the fifth interface 451. One interface of the throttling valve 205 is connected to the fourth interface 441, and the other interface of the throttling valve 205 is connected to one interface of the indoor evaporator 203. The other interface of the indoor evaporator 203 is connected to the second interface 421. The sixth interface 482 of the eighth channel 48 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 201. The fluid control component 100 applied to the thermal management system includes, but is not limited to, three operating modes:

[0023] First working mode: First valve element 21 is in the first working position, second valve element 22 is open and in a straight-through state. At this time, first channel 41 is connected to third channel 43 through first valve element 21, second channel 42 is connected to fourth channel 44 through first valve element 21, and fifth channel 45 is connected to sixth channel 46 through second valve element 22.

[0024] At this time, the high-temperature and high-pressure working fluid (such as refrigerant) at the outlet side of compressor 200 flows through the indoor condenser 202, condenses and dissipates heat, and then flows into the first channel 41 through the first interface 411. It then flows out through the third interface 431 of the third channel 43 via the first valve element 21, flowing towards the outdoor heat exchanger 204. After further heat exchange and condensation in the outdoor heat exchanger 204, it flows into the fifth channel 45 through the fifth interface 451, and then flows into the sixth channel 46 via the second valve element 22. The high-pressure working fluid in the sixth channel 46 flows into the fourth channel 44 and is located on the back pressure side of the check valve 5. Under the reverse flow control of valve 5, the working fluid located in the sixth channel 46 flows out from the fourth port 441, and after being throttled by the throttling valve 205 (at this time, the throttling valve 205 is open), it becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure working fluid and flows to the indoor evaporator 203. After evaporation and heat absorption by the indoor evaporator 203, the low-pressure working fluid flows into the second channel 42 through the second port 421, and then into the gas-liquid separation element 6 through the seventh channel 47. After gas-liquid separation by the gas-liquid separation element 6, the gas phase working fluid flows into the eighth channel 48, and then flows back to the inlet of the compressor 201 from the sixth port 482 for recirculation. It should be noted that since the working fluid flowing into the second channel 42 is a low-pressure working fluid, that is, the working fluid flowing into the fourth channel 44 through the first valve element 21 and located on the forward pressure side of the check valve 5 is a low-pressure working fluid, while the working fluid located on the back pressure side of the check valve 5 is a high-pressure working fluid, under the action of the pressure difference, the check valve 5 is in the closed state at this time.

[0025] Second working mode: The first valve element 21 is in the second working position, the second valve element 22 is open and in a throttling state. At this time, the first channel 41 is connected to the fourth channel 41 through the first valve element 21, the second channel 42 is connected to the third channel 43 through the first valve element 21, and the fifth channel 45 is connected to the sixth channel 46 through the second valve element 22.

[0026] At this time, the high-temperature and high-pressure working fluid at the outlet of compressor 200 flows through the indoor condenser 202 for condensation and heat dissipation, then flows into the first channel 41 through the first interface 411, and into the fourth channel 44 through the first valve element 21 and is located on the forward pressure side of the one-way valve 5. Under the action of the working fluid pressure, the one-way valve 5 is forward-biased and in the open state. The working fluid flows from the fourth channel 44 into the sixth channel 46 (at this time, the throttle valve 205 is closed). After being throttled by the second valve element 22, it becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure working fluid that flows into the fifth channel 45 and from the fifth interface 451 into the outdoor heat exchanger 204. After evaporation and heat absorption by the outdoor heat exchanger 204, it flows into the third channel 43 through the third interface 431 and into the second channel 42 through the first valve element 21. The working fluid located in the second channel 42 flows into the gas-liquid separation element 6 through the seventh channel 47. After gas-liquid separation, the gas phase working fluid flows into the eighth channel 48 and returns to the inlet of compressor 201 from the sixth interface 482 for recirculation.

[0027] Third working mode: The first valve element 21 is in the second working position, the second valve element 22 is in the closed state, the first channel 41 is connected to the fourth channel 41 through the first valve element 21, the second channel 42 is connected to the third channel 43 through the first valve element 21, and the fifth channel 45 is not connected to the sixth channel 46.

[0028] At this time, the high-temperature and high-pressure working fluid at the outlet of compressor 200 flows through the indoor condenser 202 for condensation and heat dissipation, then flows into the first channel 41 through the first interface 411, and into the fourth channel 44 through the first valve element 21 and is located on the forward pressure side of the one-way valve 5. Under the action of the working fluid pressure, the one-way valve 5 is forward-biased and in the open state. Since the second valve element 22 is closed, the working fluid flows out from the fourth interface 441, and after being throttled by the throttling valve 205 (at this time, the throttling valve 205 is open), it becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure working fluid and flows to the indoor evaporator 203. After evaporation and heat absorption by the indoor evaporator 203, it flows into the second channel 42 through the second interface 421. With the second valve element 22 closed, the working fluid located in the second channel 42 flows into the gas-liquid separation element 6 through the seventh channel 47. After gas-liquid separation, the gas phase working fluid flows into the eighth channel 48 and returns to the inlet of compressor 201 from the sixth interface 482 for recirculation.

[0029] The fluid control assembly 100 can achieve reversing communication between multiple channels through the first valve element 21, and can achieve straight-through and throttling between channels through the second valve element 22. In this way, when the fluid control assembly 100 is applied to the thermal management system, compared with the prior art which uses multiple switching valve elements and multiple throttling valve elements to achieve different working modes, it is beneficial to reduce the number of valve elements. In addition, the first valve element 21 and the second valve element 22 are respectively fixedly connected or limited to the valve block 1. Furthermore, the gas-liquid separation element 6 is also fixedly connected or limited to the valve block 1, and the gas-liquid separation element 6 and the valve element are set on both sides of the valve block 1 along the axial direction of the gas-liquid separation element 6. Compared with the prior art where each element is connected by a pipeline, it is beneficial to make the structure more compact.

[0030] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in this application. For example, the directional definitions such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "up", and "down" are used. Although this specification has described this application in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to this application. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this application should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management system comprising a compressor, a heat exchanging element, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a fluid control component, which includes a first valve element, a second valve element, and a valve block. The first valve element and the second valve element are respectively fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the valve block. The fluid control component has a channel. The first valve element can switch the connection mode of the channel. The second valve element can connect or not connect two or more of the channels. The channel has an interface, and the channel is connected to the compressor and the heat exchange element through the interface. The channels include a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, a fourth channel, a fifth channel, and a sixth channel, the sixth channel being connected to the fourth channel. The first valve element has a first orifice and a second orifice, the first orifice being connected to the first channel and the third channel, and the second orifice being connected to the second channel and the fourth channel. Alternatively, the first channel connects the first channel and the fourth channel, and the second channel connects the second channel and the third channel; The second valve element has a third channel and a throttling groove. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the third channel is defined as S1, and the maximum flow cross-sectional area of ​​the throttling groove is defined as S2. The two satisfy the relationship: S1 / S2≥9. The second valve element is connected to the fifth channel and the sixth channel through the third channel and / or the throttling groove.

2. The thermal management system of claim 1, wherein, The fluid control assembly further includes a gas-liquid separation element, which is fixedly connected or limited to the valve block. The fluid control assembly has a gas-liquid separation chamber that can communicate with the inlet of the compressor. At least a portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber is located within the gas-liquid separation element, and at least one of the channels communicates with the gas-liquid separation chamber.

3. The thermal management system of claim 2, wherein, The thermal management system also includes a throttling valve, the heat exchange elements include an indoor condenser, an indoor evaporator, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and the interfaces include a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, a fourth interface, a fifth interface, and a sixth interface. The compressor outlet is connected to the first interface through the indoor condenser, the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the third interface and the fifth interface respectively, the indoor evaporator is connected to the fourth interface through the throttle valve, the indoor evaporator is connected to the second interface, and the compressor inlet is connected to the sixth interface.

4. The thermal management system of claim 3, wherein, The opening of the first interface is located on the second side of the valve block or the opening of the first interface is flush with the second side of the valve block; the opening of the second interface is located on the third side of the valve block or the opening of the second interface is flush with the third side of the valve block. The opening of the third interface is located on the fourth side of the valve block or the opening of the third interface is flush with the fourth side of the valve block. The opening of the fourth interface is located on the fifth side of the valve block or the opening of the fourth interface is flush with the fifth side of the valve block. The opening of the fifth interface is located on the sixth side of the valve block or is flush with the sixth side of the valve block; the opening of the sixth interface is located on the first side of the valve block or is flush with the first side of the valve block.

5. The thermal management system of claim 3 or 4, wherein, The first channel has the first interface, the second channel has the second interface, the third channel has the third interface, the fourth channel has the fourth interface, and the fifth channel has the fifth interface.

6. The thermal management system of claim 5, wherein, The fluid control assembly also includes a one-way valve located in the fourth channel. The one-way valve is fixedly connected or limited to the valve block. Along the axial direction of the fourth channel, the communication port of the sixth channel connecting to the fourth channel is positioned closer to the opening of the fourth interface than the one-way valve.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The channel also includes a seventh channel and an eighth channel, the seventh channel being connected to the second channel, and the eighth channel having the sixth interface; The gas-liquid separation element has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet are respectively connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber, the seventh channel is connected to the inlet, and the eighth channel is connected to the outlet.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The thermal management system includes, but is not limited to, three operating modes: First operating mode: The first channel connects the first channel and the third channel, the second channel connects the second channel and the fourth channel, the third channel connects the fifth channel and the sixth channel, and the throttle valve is open; in the first operating mode, the first interface, the second interface, and the fifth interface are inlets, and the third interface, the fourth interface, and the sixth interface are outlets; Second working mode: The first channel is connected to the first channel and the fourth channel, the second channel is connected to the second channel and the third channel, the throttling groove is connected to the fifth channel and the sixth channel, or the third channel and the throttling groove are connected to the fifth channel and the sixth channel, and the throttling valve is closed; In the second working mode, the first interface and the third interface are the inlet, and the fifth interface and the sixth interface are the outlet; Third working mode: The first channel is connected to the first channel and the fourth channel, the second channel is connected to the second channel and the third channel, the fifth channel and the sixth channel are not connected, and the throttle valve is open; In the third working mode, the first interface and the second interface are inlets, and the fourth interface and the sixth interface are outlets.

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