HEAT EXCHANGER FOR A COOLANT CIRCUIT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat exchangers for a refrigerant loop for a vehicle, in particular an automobile, and more particularly for hybrid or electric vehicles. The present invention relates in particular to heat exchangers as defined by the preamble of claim 1, and as illustrated by document US 8,118,084B.

[0002] Such refrigerant loops are intended for the circulation of a refrigerant, in particular in the context of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system for vehicles. These refrigerant loops make it possible, thanks to a heat exchanger, to modify the temperature inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This modification of the temperature within the passenger compartment results in particular from the circulation of a refrigerant in the refrigerant loop, between a heat exchange device arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a heat exchanger located in contact with the ambient air at the front of the vehicle. Thus, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant loop absorbs or releases calories at the heat exchanger or the heat exchange device depending on the cooling or heating needs of the passenger compartment.

[0003] The heat exchanger located on the front of the vehicle allows the exchange of calories between the refrigerant and an air flow passing through this heat exchanger. One of the problems with such a heat exchanger is that its direct exposure to the outside air is likely to form frost on the latter when the outside temperature is low, and the humidity level in the outside air is high. Indeed, the encounter between the cold and humid outside air flow and the low-temperature refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger causes the water vapor contained in the air flow to frost on the heat exchanger. Such frosting of the heat exchanger thus generates additional thermal resistance between the air flow and the refrigerant and tends to block the passage of the air flow through the heat exchanger.We can therefore understand that frost tends to reduce the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger installed on the front face when the refrigerant loop is used in passenger compartment heating mode.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a heat exchanger limiting the formation of frost on the latter while having a reduced footprint. The invention therefore makes it possible to increase the heat exchange capacities of the heat exchanger, and a fortiori of the refrigerant loop.

[0005] In this context, the main subject of the present invention is a heat exchanger for a refrigerant fluid loop, comprising a heat exchange surface, the heat exchanger comprising a first heat exchange circuit comprising a first inlet manifold and a first outlet manifold between which a first set of tubes extend longitudinally, the first inlet manifold participating in delimiting at least two collecting chambers each supplied by at least one inlet orifice, the first outlet manifold comprising at least one outlet orifice, the heat exchanger comprising a second heat exchange circuit comprising a second inlet manifold and a second outlet manifold between which a second set of tubes extend longitudinally, the second inlet manifold comprising at least one inlet,the second outlet manifold participating in delimiting at least two collector cavities each opening onto at least one outlet, the tubes of the first set of tubes stacking alternately with the tubes of the second set of tubes, the heat exchanger comprising a refrigerant fluid inlet line and a refrigerant fluid outlet line configured to be fluidically connected to the refrigerant loop, the inlet line being fluidically connected on the one hand to one of the inlet ports of the first inlet manifold and on the other hand to the inlet of the second inlet manifold, the outlet line being fluidically connected to one of the outlet ports of the second outlet manifold and to the outlet of the first outlet manifold,characterized in that the heat exchanger comprises at least one four-way valve capable of taking a first position in which the four-way valve fluidly connects one of the inlet ports of the first inlet manifold to the inlet line and one of the outlets of the second outlet manifold to the outlet line, and at least a second position in which the four-way valve fluidly connects one of the inlet ports of the first inlet manifold to the outlet line and one of the outlets of the second outlet manifold to the inlet line.,

[0006] The refrigerant loop may be arranged within a vehicle, for example an electric or hybrid vehicle, in order to heat or cool a passenger compartment of said vehicle, in particular via an exchange of calories within the heat exchanger between the refrigerant and an outside air flow. The refrigerant loop may consist of a reversible heat pump and the heat exchanger may be an evaporator-condenser within which the refrigerant circulates.More precisely, the heat exchanger comprises a heat exchange surface within which the heat exchanges take place between the air flow passing through said exchange surface and the refrigerant circulating within the tubes extending between the different collectors of the heat exchanger, the refrigerant capturing or giving up heat to the air flow depending on the operating mode of the refrigerant loop, i.e. a heating mode or a cooling mode of the passenger compartment.

[0007] Furthermore, it is understood here that a first part of the refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger by circulating in the first heat exchange circuit, and that a second part of the refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger by circulating in the second heat exchange circuit.

[0008] For this, the first part of the refrigerant circulates in the first set of tubes, for example from the first inlet manifold to the first outlet manifold, the second part of the refrigerant circulating in the second set of tubes, for example from the second inlet manifold to the second outlet manifold.

[0009] To contribute to the resistance to frosting of the exchange surface, the first inlet manifold and the second outlet manifold are arranged at a first longitudinal end of the tubes while the second inlet manifold and the first outlet manifold are installed at a second longitudinal end of the tubes opposite the first longitudinal end of said tubes. It is understood from this that the direction of circulation of the first portion of refrigerant fluid in the first set of tubes is opposite to the direction of circulation of the second portion of refrigerant fluid in the second set of tubes.

[0010] According to an alternative of the invention, the first inlet manifold and the second outlet manifold form a single-piece assembly.

[0011] According to another alternative of the invention, the second inlet manifold and the first outlet manifold form a single-piece assembly.

[0012] The term "monobloc" means, for example, inseparable from each other without destroying either of the collectors. The first collector and the second collector are, for example, two brazed tubes, or a single tube that includes an internal partition.

[0013] Alternating the direction of circulation of the refrigerant between two successive tubes optimizes the resistance to frosting of the exchange surface. We understand here that this opposition of direction of circulation of the refrigerant between two neighboring tubes is a clever solution to limit the appearance of frost on and between the tubes of the heat exchanger.

[0014] Furthermore, the four-way valve allows the fluid to be guided in a first refrigerant circulation pattern or in a second refrigerant circulation pattern through the first and second heat exchange circuits. It is understood that in each of the refrigerant circulation patterns, the latter circulates in a first circulation direction in a tube, and in an opposite circulation direction in at least one of the neighboring tubes.

[0015] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, at least the first inlet manifold comprises a separating wall participating in defining a first collecting chamber and a second collecting chamber, at least a first inlet orifice supplying the first collecting chamber and at least a second inlet orifice supplying the second collecting chamber.

[0016] The first collecting chamber is made fluidically sealed with respect to the second collecting chamber by the separating wall. This means that the separating wall between the first collecting chamber and the second chamber prevents any circulation of refrigerant fluid directly between the two collecting chambers. The refrigerant fluid thus passes through at least one tube to circulate from one collecting chamber to the other.

[0017] Furthermore, it is understood that each of the collecting chambers is supplied by a refrigerant fluid inlet port, that is to say that, for example, the refrigerant fluid enters one of the collecting chambers through the inlet port connected to said chamber before circulating through the chamber and then towards at least one of the tubes of the first heat exchange circuit.

[0018] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, at least the second outlet collector comprises a separating wall participating in defining a first collector cavity and a second collector cavity, the first collector cavity opening onto a first outlet and the second collector cavity opening onto a second outlet.

[0019] The first collecting cavity is made fluidically sealed with respect to the second collecting cavity by the separating wall. Here, it is understood that the separating wall between the first collecting cavity and the second cavity prevents any circulation of refrigerant fluid directly between the two collecting cavities. The refrigerant fluid thus passes through at least one tube to circulate from one collecting cavity to the other.

[0020] Furthermore, it is understood that each of the collecting cavities has a refrigerant fluid outlet, that is to say that, for example, the refrigerant fluid enters one of the collecting cavities through at least one of the tubes of the second heat exchange circuit connected to said cavity before circulating through the cavity and then exiting this cavity through the refrigerant fluid outlet connected to said cavity.

[0021] According to another optional feature of the invention, the inlet line is fluidically connected to the first inlet port, the second inlet port of the first inlet manifold and the inlet of the second inlet manifold when the four-way valve is in the first position, the outlet line being fluidically connected to the outlet port of the first outlet manifold and to the first outlet and the second outlet of the second outlet manifold.

[0022] According to another optional feature of the invention, the inlet line is fluidically connected to the first inlet port of the first inlet manifold and to the second outlet of the second outlet manifold when the four-way valve is in the second position, the outlet line being fluidically connected to the second inlet port of the first inlet manifold and to the first outlet of the second outlet manifold.

[0023] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the outlet line comprises at least a first pipe connected to the outlet orifice of the first outlet manifold and on which a valve is installed, the valve being capable of taking a first position authorizing circulation of refrigerant fluid in the first pipe and a second position prohibiting circulation of refrigerant fluid in the first pipe.

[0024] It is understood here that the valve, when in the first position, allows the refrigerant to be discharged from the outlet port of the first outlet manifold directly to the outlet line through the first pipe.

[0025] Conversely, when the valve is in the second position, the valve blocks the flow of refrigerant directly to the outlet line through the first line, forcing the refrigerant to flow to the second collection chamber and to the second inlet port.

[0026] Advantageously, the valve is placed only in the first position or in the second position. In other words, the valve can either allow the flow of refrigerant through the first line or block it.

[0027] According to another optional feature of the invention, the outlet line comprises a second pipe fluidly connected to the first outlet of the second outlet manifold. The second pipe is separate from the first pipe.

[0028] According to another optional feature of the invention, the outlet line comprises a third pipe connected to the four-way valve, the four-way valve fluidly connecting the third pipe to the second outlet of the second outlet manifold when the four-way valve takes the first position, the four-way valve fluidly connecting the third pipe to the second inlet port of the first inlet manifold when the four-way valve takes the second position.

[0029] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the inlet line comprises at least a first channel connected to the inlet of the second inlet manifold and on which a valve is installed, the valve being capable of taking a first position authorizing circulation of refrigerant fluid in the first channel and a second position prohibiting circulation of refrigerant fluid in the first channel.

[0030] It is understood here that the valve, when in the first position, allows refrigerant to be supplied to the second inlet manifold directly from the inlet line, the refrigerant circulating through the first channel.

[0031] Conversely, when the valve is in the second position, the valve blocks the flow of refrigerant directly to the refrigerant inlet of the second inlet manifold from the inlet line through the first channel, the refrigerant then feeding the second heat exchange circuit through the second refrigerant outlet of the second manifold cavity of the second outlet manifold.

[0032] Advantageously, the valve is placed only in the first position or in the second position. In other words, the valve can either allow the flow of refrigerant through the first channel or block it.

[0033] According to another optional feature of the invention, the inlet line comprises a second channel fluidically connected to the first inlet port of the first inlet manifold. The second channel is distinct from the first channel.

[0034] According to another optional feature of the invention, the inlet line comprises a third channel connected to the four-way valve, the four-way valve fluidly connecting the third channel to the second inlet port of the first inlet manifold when the four-way valve takes the first position, the four-way valve fluidly connecting the third channel to the second outlet of the second outlet manifold when the four-way valve takes the second position.

[0035] According to another optional feature of the invention, the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are each in their first position to use the heat exchanger according to the invention in a refrigerant evaporation mode.

[0036] The term "first position" refers to the fact that the four-way valve, the valve, and the valve cooperate to guide the refrigerant through the heat exchanger used in refrigerant evaporation mode. The four-way valve, the valve, and the valve are in the first position, particularly when the refrigerant loop is used to heat an airflow sent to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0037] Furthermore, in the evaporation mode of the refrigerant, the refrigerant captures calories by circulating through the tubes, the calories being released by an air flow circulating through the heat exchange surface, that is to say around and between the tubes. The refrigerant arriving in the liquid or two-phase state in the arrival line, it changes state to pass from a liquid state to a gaseous state because of the increase in its temperature caused by the capture of calories by passing through the tubes.

[0038] According to another optional feature of the invention, the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are each in their second position to use the heat exchanger according to the invention in a refrigerant condensation mode.

[0039] The term "second position" means that the four-way valve, the valve, and the valve cooperate to guide the refrigerant through the heat exchanger used in refrigerant condensation mode. The four-way valve, the valve, and the valve are in the second position, particularly when the refrigerant loop is used to cool an airflow sent to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0040] Furthermore, in the condensation mode of the refrigerant fluid, the refrigerant fluid releases calories by circulating through the tubes to the benefit of the air flow circulating through the heat exchange surface, that is to say around and between the tubes. The refrigerant fluid then arriving in the gaseous state in the arrival line, it changes state to pass from a gaseous state to a liquid state because of the decrease in its temperature caused by the release of calories by passing through the tubes.

[0041] According to another optional feature of the invention, the first circuit and the second circuit are "I" circuits seen in a main plane of extension of the heat exchange surface when the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are in their first position.

[0042] “I” circuits” mean that the refrigerant fluid circulates in a single direction of circulation, parallel to the main axis of elongation of the tubes, from the first inlet manifold to the second outlet manifold for the first heat exchange circuit and from the second inlet manifold to the second outlet manifold for the second heat exchange circuit.

[0043] Thus, when the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are each in the first position, the inlet line supplies refrigerant, in the first heat exchange circuit, the first collector chamber and the second collector chamber by passing respectively through the first inlet port and the second inlet port, then the refrigerant circulates to the first outlet collector through the first set of tubes, the refrigerant finally being discharged through the outlet port of the first outlet collector to the outlet line.

[0044] Similarly, in the second heat exchange circuit, when the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are each in the first position, the inlet line supplies refrigerant to the second inlet manifold, the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant inlet to supply the second inlet manifold, the refrigerant then circulating to each of the collector cavities of the second outlet manifold, the refrigerant finally being discharged through each of the outlets of the second outlet manifold to the outlet line.

[0045] According to another optional feature of the invention, the first circuit and the second circuit are "U"-shaped circuits seen in a main plane of extension of the heat exchange surface when the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are in their second position.

[0046] The term “U-shaped circuits” means that the refrigerant circulates in a first direction of circulation and in a second direction of circulation within the heat exchange surface, each of these directions of circulation being parallel to the main axis of elongation of the tubes, the refrigerant passing from one collector to the other in the first direction of circulation, then returning to the first collector in the second direction of circulation.

[0047] Thus, when the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are each in the second position, the inlet line supplies refrigerant, in the first heat exchange circuit, only to the first collector chamber via the first inlet port, the refrigerant then circulating to the first outlet collector through a portion of the first set of tubes, the refrigerant then circulating from the first outlet collector to the second collector chamber through another portion of the first set of tubes to finally be discharged to the outlet line through the second inlet port. It is understood that the valve positioned in the second position blocks the circulation of the refrigerant to the outlet line and forces the circulation of the refrigerant from the first outlet collector to the second collector chamber of the first inlet collector.

[0048] Similarly, when the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are each in the second position, the inlet line supplies refrigerant, in the second heat exchange circuit, only to the second collector cavity via the second refrigerant outlet, the refrigerant then circulating to the second inlet manifold through a portion of the second set of tubes, the refrigerant then circulating from the second inlet manifold to the first collector cavity through another portion of the second set of tubes to finally be discharged to the outlet line through the first refrigerant outlet.It is understood that the valve positioned in the second position blocks the flow of refrigerant from the inlet line to the refrigerant inlet of the second inlet manifold and forces the flow of refrigerant from the second inlet manifold to the first manifold cavity of the second outlet manifold.

[0049] The present invention also relates to a refrigerant loop of a vehicle comprising at least one compression member, a heat exchanger as described in the present document, a first expansion member and a second expansion member, a first heat exchanger and a pipe network connecting these components of the refrigerant loop together.

[0050] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the arrival line of the heat exchanger is connected to the second expansion member.

[0051] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the refrigerant fluid loop comprises at least one refrigerant fluid accumulation device and a second heat exchanger.

[0052] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the refrigerant fluid loop comprises at least one refrigerant fluid regulating member, the regulating member being capable of taking a first position directly fluidly connecting the first heat exchanger to the outlet line and a second position blocking the circulation of the refrigerant fluid through a portion of the outlet line.

[0053] The present invention finally relates to a method for controlling a refrigerant fluid loop according to one of the preceding characteristics, method comprising a step of heating a passenger compartment of the vehicle during which the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are each placed in the first position and a step of cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle during which the four-way valve, the valve and the valve are each placed in the second position.

[0054] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective representation of a heat exchanger according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] is a schematic representation of the heat exchanger shown in the figure 1 of which a four-way valve is positioned in a first position; [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic representation of the heat exchanger shown in the figure 1 of which a four-way valve is positioned in a second position; [ Fig. 4 ] is a schematic representation of a refrigerant loop including the heat exchanger shown in the figure 1 and of which a four-way valve of the heat exchanger is positioned in a first position; [ Fig. 5 ] is a schematic representation of a refrigerant loop including the heat exchanger shown in the figure 1 and a four-way valve of the heat exchanger is positioned in a second position.

[0055] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0056] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0057] Additionally, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" used in the remainder of the description refer to the direction of flow of a refrigerant through the heat exchanger and the refrigerant loop.

[0058] On the figure 1 a heat exchanger 1 according to the invention is illustrated and capable of being crossed by an air flow, outside of it, and by a refrigerant circulating inside this heat exchanger 1, the latter being configured to be integrated into a refrigerant loop installed on an electric and / or hybrid vehicle. More precisely, within the heat exchanger 1, the refrigerant is thermally treated so as to be heated or cooled, then is driven in circulation through the refrigerant loop.

[0059] As illustrated on the figure 1 , the heat exchanger 1 according to the invention comprises a heat exchange surface 2 which extends in a main extension plane and which is intended to be crossed by an air flow coming from outside a passenger compartment of a vehicle. It is at the level of the heat exchange surface 2 of the heat exchanger 1 that the heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the air flow takes place.

[0060] According to the invention, the heat exchanger 1 also comprises at least a first heat exchange circuit 4 and a second heat exchange circuit 6 through which the refrigerant circulates. These two heat exchange circuits participate at least in part in delimiting the heat exchange surface 2.

[0061] As seen on the figure 1 , the first heat exchange circuit 4 comprises a first refrigerant inlet manifold 8, a first refrigerant outlet manifold 10 and at least one first set of tubes 12 extending longitudinally between the first inlet manifold 8 and the first outlet manifold 10. In other words, the tubes 12 of the first heat exchange circuit 4 extend along a main elongation direction between the first inlet manifold 8 and the first outlet manifold 10. In addition, the first set of tubes 12 fluidically connects the first inlet manifold 8 to the first outlet manifold 10, i.e. a fluid circulating in the first inlet manifold 8 can circulate to the first outlet manifold 10 through the first set of tubes 12.

[0062] According to the invention and as more particularly visible on the figures 2 And 3, the first inlet manifold 8 houses at least two collecting chambers 14, 18 each supplied by at least one inlet orifice 16, 20. More precisely, the first inlet manifold 8 comprises a first collecting chamber 14 supplied with refrigerant fluid by a first refrigerant fluid inlet orifice 16 and a second collecting chamber 18 supplied with refrigerant fluid by a second refrigerant fluid inlet orifice 20.

[0063] Furthermore, the figures 2 And 3 are each a representation of at least the first heat exchange circuit 4 and the second heat exchange circuit 6 illustrated separately, to facilitate understanding. However, these heat exchange circuits 4, 6 are nested within each other to form a component which is the heat exchanger 1 according to the invention.

[0064] The first inlet manifold 8 comprises a separating wall 22 participating in delimiting the first collecting chamber 14 and the second collecting chamber 18. Advantageously, the separating wall 22 delimits the two collecting chambers 14, 18 so that they have the same volume.

[0065] The first collecting chamber 14 is fluidically sealed relative to the second collecting chamber 18 by the separating wall 22. It is understood here that the separating wall 22 between the first collecting chamber 14 and the second collecting chamber 18 prevents any circulation of refrigerant fluid directly between the two collecting chambers 14, 18.

[0066] Each of the collecting chambers 14, 18 is connected to the first outlet manifold 10 by the first set of tubes 12. More particularly, the first inlet orifice 16 and the first collecting chamber 14 are fluidically connected to the first outlet manifold 10 by a portion 21 of the first set of tubes 12, while the second inlet orifice 20 and the second collecting chamber 18 are fluidically connected to the first outlet manifold 10 by another portion 23 of the first set of tubes 12.

[0067] The first outlet manifold 10 comprises at least one outlet orifice 24 fluidly connecting the first outlet manifold 10 to a pipe, for example.

[0068] Similarly, the second heat exchange circuit 6 further comprises a second refrigerant inlet manifold 26, a second refrigerant outlet manifold 28 and at least one second set of tubes 30 extending longitudinally between the second inlet manifold 26 and the second outlet manifold 28. In other words, the tubes 30 of the second heat exchange circuit 6 extend along the main elongation direction between the second inlet manifold 26 and the second outlet manifold 28. In addition, the second set of tubes 30 fluidically connects the second inlet manifold 26 to the second outlet manifold 28, that is to say that a fluid circulating in the second inlet manifold 26 can circulate to the second outlet manifold 28 through the second set of tubes 30.

[0069] The second inlet manifold 26 comprises at least one refrigerant fluid inlet 32 ​​fluidically connecting the second inlet manifold 26 to a channel, for example.

[0070] The second outlet manifold 28 participates in delimiting at least two collecting cavities 34, 38 each opening onto at least one refrigerant outlet 36, 40. More precisely, the second outlet manifold 28 comprises a first collecting cavity 34 opening onto a first refrigerant outlet 36 and a second collecting cavity 38 opening onto a second refrigerant outlet 40.

[0071] The second outlet collector 28 comprises another separating wall 42 participating in delimiting the first collecting cavity 34 and the second collecting cavity 38. Advantageously, the separating wall 22 delimits the two collecting cavities so that they have the same volume.

[0072] The first collecting cavity 34 is fluidically sealed relative to the second collecting cavity 38 by the separating wall 42. It is understood here that the separating wall 42 between the first collecting cavity 34 and the second collecting cavity 38 prevents any circulation of refrigerant fluid directly between the two collecting cavities 34, 38.

[0073] Each of the collector cavities 34, 38 is connected to the second inlet manifold 26 by the second set of tubes 30. More particularly, the second inlet manifold 26 is fluidically connected to the first collector cavity 34 and to the first outlet 36 by a portion 31 of the second set of tubes 30, the second inlet manifold 26 being fluidically connected to the second collector cavity 38 and to the second outlet 40 by another portion 33 of the second set of tubes 30.

[0074] According to the invention and as illustrated in the figures 1 à 3 , the tubes of the first set of tubes 12 are stacked alternately with the tubes of the second set of tubes 30 along a stacking direction E falling within an extension plane of the heat exchange surface 2 and perpendicular to a main elongation direction of at least one of the tubes 12, 30. In other words, at least one of the tubes of the first set of tubes 12 is framed on either side along the stacking direction E by two tubes of the second set of tubes 30, and at least one of the tubes of the second set of tubes 30 is framed on either side along the stacking direction E by two tubes of the first set of tubes 12.

[0075] In addition, the first inlet manifold 8 and the second outlet manifold 28 are arranged at a first longitudinal end of the tubes 12, 30, the second inlet manifold 26 and the first outlet manifold 10 being installed at a second longitudinal end of the tubes 12, 30. In other words, the first inlet manifold 8 and the second outlet manifold 28 are opposite the second inlet manifold 26 and the second outlet manifold 28 with respect to the tubes 12, 30.

[0076] According to an alternative of the invention, the first inlet manifold 8 and the second outlet manifold 28 form a single-piece assembly. In other words, the first inlet manifold 8 and the second outlet manifold 28 are associated from the time of their manufacture so that a dissociation of one of the manifolds 8, 28 would result in the at least partial destruction of one or other of the manifolds 8, 28.

[0077] According to another alternative of the invention, the second inlet manifold 26 and the first outlet manifold 10 form a single-piece assembly. In other words, the second inlet manifold 26 and the first outlet manifold 10 are associated from the time of their manufacture so that the dissociation of one of the manifolds 10, 26 would result in the at least partial destruction of one or other of the manifolds 10, 26.

[0078] As more particularly visible on the figures 2 And 3, the heat exchanger 1 comprises a refrigerant fluid inlet line 44 and a refrigerant fluid outlet line 46 configured to be fluidically connected to the refrigerant fluid loop. The inlet line 44 is at least fluidically connected on the one hand to one of the inlet ports 16, 20 of the first inlet manifold 8 and on the other hand to the inlet 32 ​​of the second inlet manifold 26. The outlet line 46 being at least fluidically connected to the outlet port 24 of the first outlet manifold 10 and to one of the outlets 36, 40 of the second outlet manifold 28.

[0079] According to the invention, the heat exchanger 1 comprises at least one four-way valve 48 capable of taking a first position in which the four-way valve 48 fluidly connects one of the inlet ports 16, 20 of the first inlet manifold 8 to the inlet line 44 and one of the outlets 36, 40 of the second outlet manifold 28 to the outlet line 46, and at least a second position in which the four-way valve 48 fluidly connects one of the inlet ports 16, 20 of the first inlet manifold 8 to the outlet line 46 and one of the outlets 36, 40 of the second outlet manifold 28 to the inlet line 44.

[0080] More particularly, the four-way valve 48 comprises a first pass 50 fluidly connected to the inlet line 44 regardless of the position of the four-way valve 48, and a second pass 52 fluidly connected to the outlet line 46 regardless of the position of the four-way valve 48.

[0081] Furthermore, when the four-way valve 48 is in the first position, the first pass 50 fluidly connects the inlet line 44 to the second inlet port 20 of the first inlet manifold 8, the second pass 52 fluidly connecting the second outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28 to the outlet line 46. When the four-way valve 48 is in the second position, the first pass 50 fluidly connects the inlet line 44 to the second outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28, the second pass 52 fluidly connecting the second inlet port 20 of the first inlet manifold 8 to the outlet line 46.

[0082] It is understood from the above that, when the four-way valve 48 is in the first position, the inlet line 44 is fluidically connected to the first inlet orifice 16 and to the second inlet orifice 20 of the first inlet manifold 8 as well as to the inlet of the second inlet manifold 26. The outlet line 46 is fluidically connected to the outlet orifice 24 of the first outlet manifold 10 and to the first outlet 36 and to the second outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28.

[0083] In the case where the four-way valve 48 is in the second position, the inlet line 44 is then fluidically connected to the first inlet port 16 of the first inlet manifold 8 and to the second outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28, while the outlet line 46 is fluidically connected to the second inlet port 20 of the first inlet manifold 8 and to the first outlet 36 of the second outlet manifold 28.

[0084] Furthermore, the inlet line 44 comprises at least a first channel 54 fluidically connected to the inlet 32 ​​of the second inlet manifold 26 and on which a valve 56 is installed. According to the invention, the valve 56 is capable of taking a first position authorizing circulation of refrigerant fluid in the first channel 54 and a second position prohibiting circulation of refrigerant fluid in the first channel 54.

[0085] It is understood here that the valve 56, when it is in the first position, makes it possible to supply refrigerant fluid to the second inlet manifold 26 directly from the inlet line 44, the refrigerant fluid circulating through the first channel 54. Conversely, when the valve 56 is in the second position, the valve 56 blocks the circulation of the refrigerant fluid directly to the refrigerant fluid inlet 32 ​​of the second inlet manifold 26 from the inlet line 44 through the first channel 54.

[0086] Advantageously, the valve 56 is placed only in the first position or in the second position. In other words, the valve 56 can either allow the circulation of the refrigerant fluid through the first channel 54 or block it.

[0087] In addition, the inlet line 44 comprises a second channel 58 fluidly connected to the first inlet port 16 of the first inlet manifold 8 and a third channel 60 connected to the four-way valve 48. More particularly, the third channel 60 is fluidly connected to the first pass 50 of the four-way valve 48 when the latter is in the first position and also when the latter is in the second position. In other words, the third channel 60 is fluidly connected to the second inlet port 20 of the first inlet manifold 8 via the first pass 50 of the four-way valve 48 or to the second outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28 via the first pass 50 of the four-way valve 48.

[0088] Similarly, the outlet line 46 comprises at least a first pipe 62 connected to the outlet orifice 24 of the first outlet manifold 10 and on which a valve 64 is installed. The valve 64 is capable of taking a first position authorizing circulation of refrigerant fluid in the first pipe 62 and a second position prohibiting circulation of refrigerant fluid in the first pipe 62.

[0089] It is understood here that the valve 64, when in the first position, allows the refrigerant to be discharged from the outlet orifice 24 of the first outlet manifold 10 directly to the outlet line 46 through the first conduit 62. Conversely, when the valve 64 is in the second position, the valve 64 blocks the circulation of the refrigerant directly to the outlet line 46 from the outlet orifice 24 of the first outlet manifold 10 through the first conduit 62.

[0090] Advantageously, the valve 64 is placed only in the first position or in the second position. In other words, the valve 64 can either allow the circulation of the refrigerant fluid through the first pipe 62 or block it.

[0091] In addition, the outlet line 46 comprises a second conduit 66 fluidly connected to the first outlet 36 of the second outlet manifold 28 and a third conduit 68 connected to the four-way valve 48. More specifically, the third conduit 68 is fluidly connected to the first pass 50 of the four-way valve 48 when the latter is in the second position or also when the latter is in the first position. In other words, the third conduit 68 is fluidly connected to the second inlet port 20 of the first inlet manifold 8 via the second pass 52 when the four-way valve 48 is in the second position, or is fluidly connected to the second outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28 via the second pass 52 when the four-way valve 48 is in the first position.

[0092] We will now describe the circulation of the refrigerant fluid within the heat exchanger 1, in particular with reference to the figures 2 And 3 .

[0093] As seen on the figures 2 And 3 , the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger 1 by circulating through the inlet line 44, then through first, second and third channels 54, 58, 60.

[0094] Depending on the position of the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56, the refrigerant circulates in the first heat exchange circuit 4 and in the second heat exchange circuit 6 in different ways.

[0095] As illustrated on the figure 2 , the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are each in their first position and define a refrigerant evaporation mode, that is to say that the refrigerant passes from a liquid state to a gaseous state by circulating through the heat exchanger 1, by heat exchange with the air flow which passes through the exchange surface. In the refrigerant evaporation mode, the refrigerant captures calories by circulating through the tubes 12 of the first heat exchange circuit 4 and through the tubes 30 of the second heat exchange circuit 6, the calories being given off by an air flow circulating in the heat exchange surface 2, that is to say around and between the tubes 12, 30.The refrigerant fluid arriving in the liquid or two-phase state in the inlet line 44, it can change state from a liquid state to a gaseous state because of the increase in its temperature caused by the capture of calories present in the air flow passing through the tubes 12, 30.

[0096] The term "first position" of the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 refers to a simultaneous cooperation between them to guide the refrigerant through the heat exchanger 1 in the refrigerant evaporation mode. The four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in the first position in particular when the refrigerant loop is used to heat an air flow intended to circulate towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0097] More particularly, when the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in the first position, a first portion of the refrigerant fluid circulates towards the first heat exchange circuit 4 through on the one hand the second channel 58, and therefore towards the first inlet orifice 16 of the first inlet manifold 8, and on the other hand the third channel 60 towards the second inlet orifice 20 of the first inlet manifold 8. It is understood here that the refrigerant fluid circulating in the third channel 60 by passing through the first pass 50 of the four-way valve 48 to circulate through the second inlet orifice 20 of refrigerant fluid. The first portion of the refrigerant fluid then circulates in the first collector chamber 14 and in the second collector chamber 18 towards the first outlet manifold 10 through the first set of tubes 12.The first portion of refrigerant fluid then flows from the first outlet manifold 10 to the first conduit 62 of the outlet line 46 through the outlet port 24 of the first outlet manifold 10.

[0098] Similarly, when the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in the first position, a second portion of the refrigerant flows to the second heat exchange circuit 6 through the first channel 54 to the second inlet manifold 26. The second portion of the refrigerant enters the second inlet manifold 26 through the fluid inlet 32, then flows to the second outlet manifold 28 through the second set of tubes 30. More specifically, the second portion of refrigerant flows to the first manifold cavity 34 and the second manifold cavity 38 of the second outlet manifold 28. The refrigerant flowing in the first manifold cavity 34 then flows to the second conduit 66 of the outlet line 46 by passing through the first fluid outlet 36 of the second outlet manifold 28.The refrigerant fluid circulating in the second collector cavity 38 then circulates towards the third conduit 68 of the outlet line 46 by passing through the second refrigerant fluid outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28. More particularly, the refrigerant fluid circulates towards the third conduit 68 of the outlet line 46 by passing through the second refrigerant fluid outlet 40 and then through the second pass 52 of the four-way valve 48.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first heat exchange circuit 4 and the second heat exchange circuit 6 are traversed by the refrigerant fluid according to an “I” profile seen in a main plane of extension of the heat exchange surface 2 when the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in their first position. It is understood here that the refrigerant fluid circulates in a single direction of circulation in the first heat exchange circuit 4 from the first inlet manifold 8 to the first outlet manifold 10, and also in a single direction of circulation in the second heat exchange circuit 6 from the second inlet manifold 26 to the second outlet manifold 28.

[0100] Thus, when the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in the first position, the refrigerant circulates in the first heat exchange circuit 4 in a first direction and in the second heat exchange circuit 6 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. By the arrangement of the first set of tubes 12 relative to the second set of tubes 30, the refrigerant circulates in a tube in the direction opposite to the circulation of the refrigerant in the neighboring tubes.

[0101] As illustrated on the figure 3 , the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are each in their second position and define a refrigerant condensation mode, that is to say that the refrigerant passes from a gaseous state to a liquid state. In the refrigerant condensation mode, the refrigerant gives up calories by circulating through the tubes 12, 30 to the benefit of an air flow circulating in the heat exchange surface 2, that is to say around and between the tubes. The refrigerant arriving in the gaseous state in the inlet line 44, it can change state to pass from a gaseous state to a liquid state because of the decrease in its temperature caused by the transfer of calories to the air flow, passing through the tubes.

[0102] The term "second position" of the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 refers to a simultaneous cooperation between them to guide the refrigerant through the heat exchanger 1 in the refrigerant condensation mode. The four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in the second position in particular when the refrigerant loop is used to cool an air flow intended to circulate towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0103] More particularly, when the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in the second position, a first portion of the refrigerant circulates to the first heat exchange circuit 4 through only the second channel 58 to the first inlet orifice 16 of the first inlet manifold 8. It is understood here that unlike the evaporation mode, the first portion of the refrigerant enters the first heat exchange circuit 4 only through the first inlet orifice 16 of the first outlet manifold 10. The refrigerant then circulates from the first manifold chamber 14 through the portion 21 of the first set of tubes 12 to the first outlet manifold 10. The position of the valve 64 here prevents the refrigerant from circulating from the outlet orifice 24 of the first outlet manifold 10 to the outlet line 46 through the first conduit 62.The refrigerant then flows to the first inlet manifold 8, and more particularly to the second collecting chamber 18 of the first inlet manifold 8 through another portion 23 of the first set of tubes 12. The refrigerant circulating in the second collecting chamber 18 then flows to the third pipe 68 of the outlet line 46 by passing through the second refrigerant inlet orifice 20 of the first inlet manifold 8. More particularly, the refrigerant flows to the third pipe 68 of the outlet line 46 by passing through the second refrigerant inlet orifice 20 and then through the second pass 52 of the four-way valve 48.

[0104] When the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in the second position, a second portion of the refrigerant circulates to the second heat exchange circuit 6 through the third channel 60 to the second refrigerant outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28. Indeed, the second position of the valve 56 blocks the circulation of the refrigerant through the first channel 54, the second portion of the refrigerant then passing through the first pass 50 of the four-way valve 48 to circulate from the third channel 60 to the second refrigerant outlet 40 of the second outlet manifold 28. The second portion of refrigerant thus enters the second outlet manifold 28 through the second refrigerant outlet 40 and through the second manifold cavity 38, then circulates to the second inlet manifold 26 through a portion 33 of the second set of tubes 30.Then, the second portion of refrigerant fluid flows to the first manifold cavity 34 of the second outlet manifold 28 from the second inlet manifold 26 through another portion 31 of the second set of tubes 30. The refrigerant fluid flowing in the first manifold cavity 34 then flows to the second conduit 66 of the outlet line 46 by passing through the first fluid outlet 36 of the second outlet manifold 28.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first heat exchange circuit 4 and the second heat exchange circuit 6 are traversed by the refrigerant fluid according to a “U” profile seen in a main plane of extension of the heat exchange surface 2 when the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are in their second position.It is understood here that the refrigerant fluid circulates in two directions of circulation in the first heat exchange circuit 4 from the first inlet manifold 8 to the first outlet manifold 10 through the part 21 of the first set of tubes 12, then from the first outlet manifold 10 to the first inlet manifold 8 through another part 23 of the first set of tubes 12, and in the second heat exchange circuit 6 from the second outlet manifold 28 to the second inlet manifold 26 through a part 33 of the second set of tubes 30, then from the second inlet manifold 26 to the second outlet manifold 28 through another part 31 of the second set of tubes 30.

[0106] Similar to what has been described above, the refrigerant thus circulates in a tube 12, 30 always in a direction opposite to at least one neighboring tube 12, 30. More particularly, a tube 12 of the first heat exchange circuit 4 is framed in the stacking direction E by at least one tube 30 of the second heat exchange circuit 6. It is therefore understood that even when the first heat exchange circuit 4 and the second heat exchange circuit 6 are traversed by the refrigerant in a “U” profile, the refrigerant circulates in a first direction in the tube 12 of the first heat exchange circuit 4 and in an opposite direction in the tube 30 of the second heat exchange circuit 6, neighboring said tube 12.

[0107] As illustrated on the figures 4 And 5, the refrigerant fluid loop 70 comprises at least one compression member 72 of the refrigerant fluid, the heat exchanger 1 described above, a first expansion member 74 and a second expansion member 76, a first heat exchanger 78 between the refrigerant fluid and an air flow, and a network of pipes connecting these components of the refrigerant fluid loop 70 together. Advantageously, the refrigerant fluid loop 70 comprises a detour line 80 and a second heat exchanger 82 installed on the detour line 80.

[0108] More particularly, the inlet line 44 of the heat exchanger 1 extends from the first heat exchanger 78 to the heat exchanger 1, the outlet line 46 of the heat exchanger 1 extending between the heat exchanger 1 and the compression member 72, the compression member 72 being fluidically connected to the first heat exchanger 78 by a pipe 84. It is understood that the refrigerant loop 70 forms a closed circuit in which the refrigerant circulates, for example, in the outlet line 46 from the heat exchanger 1 to the compression member 72, then through the pipe 84 from the compression member 72 to the first heat exchanger 78, and finally in the inlet line 44 from the first heat exchanger 78 to the heat exchanger 1.

[0109] As described above, the heat exchanger 1 carries out a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and a first flow of air coming from outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0110] The first heat exchanger 78 and the second heat exchanger 82 are configured to carry out a heat exchange between the refrigerant and a second air flow intended to circulate towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle, called the interior air flow. In this configuration, the refrigerant circulating through each of these heat exchangers exchanges calories to heat or cool the second air flow.

[0111] The compression member 72 is configured to increase the pressure of the refrigerant fluid. It is understood from this that a pressure of the refrigerant fluid in the outlet line 46 is lower than a pressure of the refrigerant fluid circulating in the pipe 84 between the compression member 72 and the first heat exchanger 78.

[0112] The detour line 80 comprises a first intersection 86 with the outlet line 46 and a second intersection 88 with the outlet line 46, the detour line 80 extending between these two intersections 86, 88. The refrigerant circulating in the outlet line 46 can circulate directly from the heat exchanger 1 to the compression member 72, or circulate through the detour line 80 to pass through the second heat exchanger 82.

[0113] Preferably, the refrigerant loop 70 comprises at least one regulating member 90 for the circulation of the refrigerant capable of taking a first position directly fluidly connecting the first heat exchanger 78 to the outlet line 46 and a second position blocking the circulation of the refrigerant through a portion of the outlet line 46. The change in position of the regulating member 90 is here correlated with the change in positions of the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56. It is understood that, when the regulating member 90 is in the first position, the refrigerant circulates through the outlet line 46 directly to the compression member 72 while it circulates through the bypass line 80 when the regulating member 90 is in the second position.

[0114] Advantageously, the first expansion member 74 is installed on the detour line 80, between the second heat exchanger 82 and the heat exchanger 1. The first expansion member 74 is configured to lower the pressure of the refrigerant fluid when the heat exchanger 1 is in condenser mode. It is understood from this that a pressure of the refrigerant fluid in the detour line 80 between the first expansion member 74 and the second heat exchanger 82 is lower than a pressure of the refrigerant fluid circulating between the heat exchanger 1 and the first expansion member 74.

[0115] Similarly, the second expansion member 76 is installed on the inlet line 44, between the first heat exchanger 78 and the heat exchange circuits 4, 6 of the heat exchanger 1 and is also configured to lower the pressure of the refrigerant fluid when the heat exchanger 1 is in evaporator mode. It is understood from this that a pressure of the refrigerant fluid in the inlet line 44 between the first heat exchanger 78 and the second expansion member 76 is lower than a pressure of the refrigerant fluid circulating between the second expansion member 76 and the heat exchanger 1.

[0116] Furthermore, the refrigerant fluid loop 70 comprises at least one refrigerant fluid accumulation device 92 installed on the outlet line 46 between the compression member 72 and the heat exchanger 1. Advantageously, the accumulation device 92 is arranged between the second intersection 88 and the compression member 72. The accumulation device 92 is configured to contain a fluctuating volume of refrigerant fluid making it possible to absorb variations in the volume occupied by the refrigerant fluid in the refrigerant fluid loop 70, this volume varying due to the changes in pressure and temperature experienced.

[0117] The refrigerant loop 70 also comprises a thermal management line 94 of a thermal management system 96 of an electrical and / or electronic element 98 of the vehicle, the thermal management line 94 extending from the detour line 80 to the outlet line 46. More specifically, the refrigerant loop 70 comprises a first bifurcation 100 between the thermal management line 94 and the detour line 80 and a second bifurcation 102 between the thermal management line 94 and the outlet line 46, the first bifurcation 100 being arranged between the first intersection 86 and the first expansion member 74, the second bifurcation 102 being arranged between the second intersection 88 and the accumulation device 92.

[0118] The refrigerant loop 70 comprises a heat exchange member 104 between the refrigerant circulating in the thermal management line 94 and a heat transfer fluid circulating through the thermal management system 96. The latter further comprises a heat transfer fluid line 106 and at least one pumping member 108 forcing the circulation of the heat transfer fluid through the heat transfer fluid line 106. It is understood that the refrigerant circulating in the thermal management line 94 through the heat exchange member 104 exchanges calories with the heat transfer fluid of the thermal management system 96 for the purpose of heating and / or cooling the electrical and / or electronic element 98 of the vehicle.

[0119] Furthermore, the refrigerant fluid loop 70 may comprise a third expansion member 110 arranged on the thermal management line 94 between the first bifurcation 100 and the heat exchange member 104, and intended to expand the refrigerant fluid upstream of the heat exchange member 104, in particular when the heat exchanger 1 is in condenser mode.

[0120] The circulation of the refrigerant fluid through the refrigerant loop 70 will now be described with reference to figures 4 And 5 .

[0121] The refrigerant loop 70 implements a function of heating the air flow sent into the passenger compartment, as illustrated in the figure 4 . The refrigerant loop 70 also implements a cooling function of the air flow sent into the passenger compartment, as illustrated in the figure 5 .

[0122] As seen on the figure 4 , the four-way valve 48, the valve 64, the valve 56 as well as the regulating member 90 are in their first position so as to guide the refrigerant fluid through a heating circuit of the air flow sent into the passenger compartment, that is to say respectively through the heat exchanger 1, the outlet line 46, the accumulation device 92, the compression member 72, the first heat exchanger 78, the inlet line 44, the second expansion member 76 and finally through the heat exchanger 1. In this configuration, the compression member 72 raises the pressure of the refrigerant fluid, thus increasing its temperature, then the refrigerant fluid circulates through the first heat exchanger 78 where it is condensed. The refrigerant fluid is heated by the compression member 72, then releasing calories to the air flow sent towards the passenger compartment circulating through the first heat exchanger 78.The refrigerant fluid then circulates through the inlet line 44 to the expansion member 76 lowering the pressure of the refrigerant fluid. The latter then circulates through the heat exchanger 1, then operating in evaporator mode, then returns to the compression member 72.

[0123] Conversely, and as visible on the figure 5, the four-way valve 48, the valve 64, the valve 56 as well as the regulating member 90 are in their second position so as to guide the refrigerant fluid through a cooling circuit of the air flow sent into the passenger compartment, that is to say respectively through the heat exchanger 1, the outlet line 46, the detour line 80 the first expansion member 74, the second heat exchanger 82, the accumulation device 92, the compression member 72, the first heat exchanger 78, the inlet line 44, the second expansion member 76 and finally the heat exchanger 1. In this configuration, the refrigerant fluid is cooled in the heat exchanger 1, operating in condenser mode, then is expanded at the first expansion member 74. The refrigerant fluid then circulates through the second heat exchanger 82 to cool the second air flow.

[0124] A portion of the refrigerant fluid circulates through the thermal management line 94 so as to thermally treat the heat transfer fluid of the thermal management system 96.

[0125] It is understood from the above that the present invention finally relates to a method for controlling the refrigerant loop 70, the method comprising a step of heating a passenger compartment of the vehicle during which the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are each placed in the first position and a step of cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle during which the four-way valve 48, the valve 64 and the valve 56 are each placed in the second position. In addition, the regulating member 90 is placed in the first position during the heating step and in the second position during the cooling step.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (1) for a refrigerant-fluid loop (70), comprising a heat exchange surface (2), the heat exchanger (1) comprising a first heat exchange circuit (4) having a first inlet header (8) and a first outlet header (10) between which a first set of tubes (12) longitudinally extends, the first inlet header (8) contributing to delimiting at least two collecting chambers (14, 18) each supplied via at least one inlet orifice (16, 20), the first outlet header (10) comprising at least one outlet orifice (24), the heat exchanger (1) comprising a second heat exchange circuit (6) having a second inlet header (26) and a second outlet header (28) between which a second set of tubes (30) longitudinally extends, the second inlet header (26) comprising at least one inlet (32), the second outlet header (28) contributing to delimiting at least two collecting cavities (34, 38) each opening into at least one outlet (36, 40), the heat exchanger being characterized in that the tubes of the first set of tubes (12) are stacked alternately with the tubes of the second set of tubes (30), the heat exchanger (1) comprising a refrigerant-fluid inlet line (44) and a refrigerant-fluid outlet line (46) which are configured to be fluidically connected to the refrigerant-fluid loop (70), the inlet line (44) being fluidically connected on one side to one of the inlet orifices (16, 20) of the first inlet header (8) and on the other side to the inlet (32) of the second inlet header (26), the outlet line (46) being fluidically connected to one of the outlet orifices (36, 40) of the second outlet header (28) and to the outlet of the first outlet header (10), characterized in that the heat exchanger (1) comprises at least one four-way valve (48) capable of adopting a first position in which the four-way valve (48) fluidically connects one of the inlet orifices (16, 20) of the first inlet header (8) to the inlet line (44) and one of the outlets (36, 40) of the second outlet header (28) to the outlet line (46), and at least one second position in which the four-way valve (48) fluidically connects one of the inlet orifices (16, 20) of the first inlet header (8) to the outlet line (46) and one of the outlets (36, 40) of the second outlet header (28) to the inlet line (44).

2. Heat exchanger (1) according to Claim 1, wherein at least the first inlet header (8) comprises a separating wall (22) contributing to defining a first collecting chamber (14) and a second collecting chamber (18), at least a first inlet orifice (16) supplying the first collecting chamber (14) and at least a second inlet orifice (20) feeding the second collecting chamber (18).

3. Heat exchanger (1) according to either one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second outlet header (28) comprises a separating wall (42) contributing to defining a first collecting cavity (34) and a second collecting cavity (38), the first collecting cavity (34) opening into a first outlet (36) and the second collecting cavity (38) opening into a second outlet (40).

4. Heat exchanger (1) according to Claims 2 and 3, wherein the inlet line (44) is fluidically connected to the first inlet orifice (16) of the first inlet header (8), to the second inlet orifice (20) of the first inlet header (8) and to the inlet (32) of the second inlet header (26) when the four-way valve (48) is in the first position, the outlet line (46) being fluidically connected to the outlet orifice (24) of the first outlet header (10), to the first outlet (36) of the second outlet header (28) and to the second outlet (40) of the second outlet header (28).

5. Heat exchanger (1) according to Claims 2 and 3, wherein the inlet line (44) is fluidically connected to the first inlet orifice (16) of the first inlet header (8) and to the second outlet (40) of the second outlet header (28) when the four-way valve (48) is in the second position, the outlet line (46) being fluidically connected to the second inlet orifice (20) of the first inlet header (8) and to the first outlet (36) of the second outlet header (28).

6. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet line (46) comprises at least a first conduit (62) which is connected to the outlet orifice (24) of the first outlet header (10) and on which a valve (64) is installed, the valve (64) being able to adopt a first position allowing refrigerant fluid to circulate in the first conduit (62) and a second position preventing refrigerant fluid from circulating in the first conduit (62).

7. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with Claim 3, wherein the outlet line (46) comprises a second conduit (66) fluidically connected to the first outlet (36) of the second outlet header (28).

8. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with Claims 2 and 3, wherein the outlet line (46) comprises a third conduit (68) connected to the four-way valve (48), the four-way valve (48) fluidically connecting the third conduit (68) to the second outlet (40) of the second outlet header (28) when the four-way valve (48) adopts the first position, the four-way valve (48) fluidically connecting the third conduit (68) to the second inlet orifice (20) of the first inlet header (8) when the four-way valve (48) adopts the second position.

9. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet line (44) comprises at least a first channel (54) which is connected to the inlet of the second inlet header (26) and on which a valve (56) is installed, the valve (56) being able to adopt a first position allowing refrigerant fluid to circulate in the first channel (54) and a second position preventing refrigerant fluid from circulating in the first channel (54).

10. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with Claim 2, wherein the inlet line (44) comprises a second channel (58) fluidically connected to the first inlet orifice (16) of the first inlet header (8).

11. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with Claims 2 and 3, wherein the inlet line (44) comprises a third channel (60) connected to the four-way valve (48), the four-way valve (48) fluidically connecting the third channel (60) to the second inlet orifice (20) of the first inlet header 8 when the four-way valve (48) adopts the first position, the four-way valve (48) fluidically connecting the third channel (60) to the second outlet (40) of the second outlet header (28) when the four-way valve (48) adopts the second position.

12. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with Claims 6 and 9, wherein the four-way valve (48), the valve (64) and the valve (56) are each in their first position to define a refrigerant-fluid evaporation mode.

13. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with Claims 6 and 9, wherein the four-way valve (48), the valve (64) and the valve (56) are each in their second position to define a refrigerant-fluid condensation mode.

14. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with Claims 6 and 9, wherein the first heat exchange circuit (4) and the second heat exchange circuit (6) are "I"-shaped circuits as seen in a main plane of extent of the heat exchange surface (2) when the four-way valve (48), the valve (64) and the valve (56) are in their first position.

15. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with Claims 6 and 9, wherein the first heat exchange circuit (4) and the second heat exchange circuit (6) are "U"-shaped circuits as seen in a main plane of extent of the heat exchange surface (2) when the four-way valve (48), the valve (64) and the valve (56) are in their second position.

16. Refrigerant-fluid loop (70) of a vehicle comprising at least a compression member (72), a heat exchanger (1) characterized according to any one of the preceding claims, a first expansion member (74) and a second expansion member (76), a first heat exchanger (78) and a network of pipes interconnecting these components of the refrigerant-fluid loop (70).

17. Method for controlling a refrigerant-fluid loop (70) according to the preceding claim, this method comprising a step of heating a vehicle interior during which the four-way valve (48), the valve (64) and the valve (56) are each switched to the first position and a step of cooling the vehicle interior during which the four-way valve (48), the valve (64) and the valve (56) are each switched to the second position.