Thermal conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (100), comprising:- a heat transfer fluid circuit (20),- a refrigerant fluid circuit (10) successively comprising:- a compressor (11),- a first exchanger (1), arranged jointly on the heat transfer circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10),- an expansion valve (15),- a second exchanger (2), arranged jointly on the heat transfer circuit (20) and on the refrigerant circuit (10),in which the heat transfer circuit (20) comprises a third (20C), a fourth (20D), a fifth (20E) and a sixth branch (20F) respectively comprising a third (3), a fourth (4), a fifth (5) and a sixth (6-a) exchanger,a first six-way valve (7) and a second six-way valve (8) connected to each of the six branches (20A, …, 20F) of the circuit (20), the two six-way valves (7,8) allowing to switch from one configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) to another configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit (20). Abstract figure: Figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal conditioning system Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning systems. Such systems can, for example, be fitted to motor vehicles. These systems make it possible to ensure thermal regulation of various parts of the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment or an electrical energy storage battery, when the vehicle is electrically powered. Heat exchanges are managed in particular by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant circulating in a circuit in which several heat exchangers are arranged. A compressor delivers the refrigerant in a high-pressure state and allows circulation of the refrigerant in the circuit. The refrigerant can absorb heat or release heat at various heat exchangers arranged on the circuit. Prior art

[0002] Refrigerants based on fluorinated compounds generally have the disadvantage of having a high global warming potential (GWP coefficient). Some hydrocarbons, for example propane, have thermodynamic properties making their use as a refrigerant possible, and have a lower global warming coefficient. However, it is preferable that heat exchangers located in the passenger compartment of vehicles do not contain hydrocarbons. In this case, the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant performs an intermediate heat exchange with a water-based heat transfer fluid, and this heat transfer fluid then circulates in heat exchangers arranged in the passenger compartment. Heating and cooling of the passenger compartment can thus be ensured by circulating heat transfer fluid, either preheated by the refrigerant or precooled by the refrigerant.

[0003] In order to achieve different operating modes, it is customary to equip the heat transfer fluid circuit with a certain number of valves, making it possible to block the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in certain portions of the circuit and to allow circulation in other portions. Different configurations of the heat transfer fluid circuit can thus be obtained, which makes it possible to choose the nature and intensity of the heat exchange for each heat exchanger.

[0004] In order to be able to optimize thermal management for many different use cases, a high number of valves is often required, which makes the circuit complex to install.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to have thermal conditioning systems that are simpler to install and allow for optimized thermal management. Summary

[0006] For this purpose, a thermal conditioning system is proposed, comprising: - a heat transfer liquid circuit configured to circulate a heat transfer liquid, the heat transfer liquid circuit comprising: — a first branch, — a second branch, - a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit successively comprising, according to a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: — a compression device, — a first heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant fluid circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — a regulator, — a second heat exchanger, arranged jointly on the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit and on the refrigerant circuit so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid, in which the heat transfer fluid circuit comprises: - a third branch comprising a third heat exchanger, - a fourth branch comprising a fourth heat exchanger, - a fifth branch comprising a fifth heat exchanger, - a sixth branch comprising a sixth heat exchanger, each of the branches extending respectively between a first end and a second end, a first six-way valve comprising six inlets / outlets, each inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve being connected to the first end of a respective branch among the six branches of the heat transfer liquid circuit, a second six-way valve comprising six inlets / outlets, each inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve being connected to the second end of a respective branch among the six branches of the heat transfer liquid circuit, and in which each six-way valve is configured to: - in a first state of each of the six-way valves, establishing a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve so as to form a first configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit, - in a second state of each of the six-way valves, establish a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve so as to form a second configuration of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0007] In terms of valves for selectively allowing or preventing circulation of heat transfer fluid in the different branches of the heat transfer fluid circuit of the thermal conditioning system, only two six-way valves are used. The installation of the thermal conditioning system is thus simplified, and its size reduced.

[0008] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0009] According to one embodiment, the first six-way valve has exactly six separate inlets / outlets.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the second six-way valve has exactly six separate inlets / outlets.

[0011] Each six-way valve is configured to allow circulation of heat transfer fluid between at least one of its inlets / outlets and at least one other of its inlets / outlets.

[0012] For each six-way valve, the circulation of heat transfer fluid between two inlets / outlets between which fluid communication is established can be bidirectional.

[0013] The thermal conditioning system may be a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle.

[0014] The first exchanger can operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser.

[0015] The first exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section arranged on the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section arranged on the first branch of the heat transfer liquid circuit.

[0016] The second exchanger can operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator.

[0017] The second exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section arranged on the refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange section arranged on the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit comprises an accumulation device arranged downstream of the second exchanger and upstream of an inlet of the refrigerant compressor.

[0019] Alternatively, the accumulation device is arranged downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the pressure reducer.

[0020] The refrigerant circuit forms a single refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circuit has no bypass branches.

[0021] The regulator is for example an electronic regulator.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an airflow inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the fourth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an air flow inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the fifth heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an air flow outside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0025] Depending on the operating modes, the fifth heat exchanger makes it possible to dissipate heat into the outside air flow, or to receive heat in order to recover thermal energy.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the sixth heat exchanger is thermally coupled with a first element of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle.

[0027] Depending on the operating mode used, the sixth heat exchanger makes it possible to receive heat from the first element of the traction chain, in order to cool it, or to supply it with heat in order to heat it.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first element of the electric powertrain of the vehicle comprises an electrical energy storage battery.

[0029] The sixth heat exchanger comprises a wall of a casing of the element of the electric traction chain.

[0030] According to an exemplary implementation of the thermal conditioning system, the set of combinations of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve is identical to the set of combinations of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve.

[0031] In other words, the first six-way valve and the second six-way valve allow the same circulation of heat transfer liquid between their respective inlets / outlets. The two six-way valves can thus be constructed in a similar, or even identical, manner. In addition, the control of each of the valves is simplified since the same type of command can be applied. The same command can also be sent in parallel to each of the two six-way valves.

[0032] During operation of the thermal conditioning system, the combination of fluid connections established between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve is identical to the combination of fluid connections established between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve.

[0033] In other words, at a given instant the first six-way valve and the second six-way valve establish the same combination of fluid connections between their respective inputs / outputs. This combination is specific to a mode of operation. given operation. A change in the combination of established fluid connections allows the operating mode to be changed. In other words, a transition from one operating mode to another operating mode is achieved by transitioning from one combination of fluid connections to another combination of fluid connections, i.e. by transitioning from one state of the six-way valves to another state of the six-way valves.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer liquid circuit comprises a seventh branch arranged in parallel with the sixth branch, the seventh branch comprising a seventh heat exchanger.

[0035] The seventh heat exchanger can be thermally coupled with a second element of the electric drive train of the motor vehicle.

[0036] The second element of the electric traction chain of the vehicle comprises for example an electric traction motor of the vehicle.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the second element of the electric traction chain of the vehicle comprises an electronic unit for controlling the electric traction motor of the vehicle.

[0038] The seventh branch connects a first connection point arranged on the sixth branch between the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and the sixth exchanger to a second connection point arranged on the sixth branch between the sixth exchanger and the third inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first branch comprises a first pump for circulating the heat transfer liquid.

[0040] The first circulation pump is for example arranged between the first inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve and the first exchanger.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the second branch comprises a second pump for circulating the heat transfer liquid.

[0042] The second circulation pump is for example arranged between the sixth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve and the second exchanger.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the seventh branch comprises a third pump for circulating the heat transfer liquid.

[0044] Each heat transfer fluid circulation pump may be an electrically controlled pump.

[0045] The first heat transfer liquid circulation pump may be a one-way pump.

[0046] The second heat transfer liquid circulation pump may be a one-way pump.

[0047] The third heat transfer fluid circulation pump may be a one-way pump.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first branch comprises an electric heating device configured to heat the heat transfer liquid.

[0049] The electric heating device makes it possible to supplement the effect of the first exchanger, to heat the heat transfer fluid. The electric heating device also makes it possible to ensure heating of the heat transfer fluid in the absence of circulation of refrigerant fluid in the circuit.

[0050] The electric heating device is for example arranged between the first exchanger and the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first six-way valve and the second six-way valve are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.

[0052] The first six-way valve comprises a valve body.

[0053] The valve body of the first six-way valve is for example a foundry body. Alternatively, the valve body of the first six-way valve may be made of plastic.

[0054] The inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve are defined by recesses in the valve body.

[0055] For each of the six-way valves, the movable shutter is configured to move from a position corresponding to one combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve to another position corresponding to another combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve.

[0056] A movement of the first rotary shutter from a first position to a second position makes it possible to switch from a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve to a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve.

[0057] The first movable shutter is arranged in the valve body of the first six-way valve.

[0058] The first movable shutter is for example a rotary shutter.

[0059] The first six-way valve comprises a first electric motor configured to drive the first movable shutter.

[0060] A movement of the second rotary shutter from a first position to a second position makes it possible to switch from a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve to a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve.

[0061] The second six-way valve comprises a valve body.

[0062] The valve body of the second six-way valve is for example a foundry body. Alternatively, the valve body of the second six-way valve may be made of plastic.

[0063] The inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve are defined by recesses in the valve body.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first six-way valve and the second six-way valve comprise a common valve body.

[0065] Mechanical integration is thus facilitated.

[0066] The valve body common to the two six-way valves is, for example, a foundry body. As before, the valve body common to both six-way valves can be made of plastic.

[0067] The second movable shutter is arranged in the valve body of the second six-way valve.

[0068] The second movable shutter is for example a rotary shutter.

[0069] The second six-way valve includes a second electric motor configured to drive the second rotary shutter.

[0070] The valve body of the first six-way valve and the valve body of the second six-way valve are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.

[0071] The first movable shutter and the second movable shutter are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first six-way valve comprises a first movable shutter configured to selectively establish a combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve, from among a set of combinations of fluid connections.

[0073] Similarly, the second six-way valve may include a second movable shutter configured to selectively establish a combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve, from among a set of combinations of fluid connections.

[0074] The first six-way valve and the second six-way valve have, for example, a common electric motor configured to jointly drive the first movable shutter and the second movable shutter.

[0075] The first movable shutter and the second movable shutter may have a common control shaft.

[0076] The first six-way valve and the second six-way valve have, for example, a common electric motor configured to drive the common rotation shaft. first rotary shutter and second rotary shutter.

[0077] The first rotary shutter and the second rotary shutter may form a single-piece assembly.

[0078] There is also provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, according to a first operating mode, called first passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0079] Similarly, according to the first operating mode, called first passenger compartment heating mode, the second six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve is connected only to the second inlet / outlet of the second six-way valve.

[0080] According to this operating method according to the first operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0081] For each of the operating modes proposed below, the combination of fluid connections of the second six-way valve is identical to the combination of fluid connections of the first six-way valve and will not be copied. For each operating mode below, the detailed title of the fluid connection combination formed for the second six-way valve is obtained by replacing the term "first valve" with the term "second valve" in the title formed for the first valve.

[0082] Also provided is a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, according to a second operating mode, called second passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0083] According to this operating method according to the second operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expander expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0084] There is further provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, according to a third mode of operation, called first mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0085] According to this method of operation according to the third mode of operation: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh branch and in part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0086] There is also proposed a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, according to a fourth operating mode, called second mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0087] According to this operating method according to the fourth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in part of the sixth branch, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch.

[0088] Also provided is a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, according to a fifth operating mode, called battery heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked

[0089] According to this method of operation according to the fifth mode of operation: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0090] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.

[0091] Optionally, an interior airflow rate may be zero.

[0092] A method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above is also proposed, according to a sixth operating mode, called the third passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0093] According to this operating method according to the sixth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0094] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.

[0095] We further propose a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, according to a seventh operating mode, called the fourth passenger compartment heating mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0096] According to this operating method according to the seventh operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0097] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.

[0098] There is also provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, according to an eighth operating mode, called fifth passenger compartment heating mode in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the second inlet / outlet and to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0099] According to this operating method according to the eighth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of refrigerant fluid at high pressure in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0100] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.

[0101] There is further provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, according to a ninth operating mode, called passenger compartment heating and battery cooling mode in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the second inlet / outlet and to the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0102] According to this operating method according to the ninth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch and in a part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0103] Optionally, the electric heating device can be activated.

[0104] There is further provided a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described previously, according to a tenth operating mode, called joint passenger compartment and battery cooling mode, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve and to the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve.

[0105] According to this operating method according to the tenth operating mode: - the compressor circulates a flow of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger, the expansion valve expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch and in the fifth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a fourth flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fourth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0106] We further propose a method of operating a thermal conditioning system as described above, according to an eleventh operating mode, called passive battery cooling, in which the first six-way valve is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the third inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is connected only to the second inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve, - the fourth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the fifth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet of the first six-way valve is blocked.

[0107] According to this method of operation according to the eleventh mode of operation: - the compressor is inactive, - a first flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a second flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in a first part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - a third flow of heat transfer fluid circulates in the fifth branch and in a second part of the sixth branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit. Brief description of the drawings

[0108] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0109] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a thermal conditioning system according to an embodiment,

[0110] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.l], operating according to a first operating mode, called the first passenger compartment heating mode,

[0111] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.l], operating according to a second mode called second passenger compartment heating mode,

[0112] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.l], operating according to a third mode called the first mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating,

[0113] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.l], operating according to a fourth mode called the second mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating,

[0114] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.l], operating according to a fifth mode called battery heating mode,

[0115] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.l], operating according to a sixth mode called third passenger compartment heating mode,

[0116] [Fig-8] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.l], operating according to a seventh mode called the fourth passenger compartment heating mode,

[0117] [Fig.9] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of the [Fig.l], operating according to an eighth mode called the fifth passenger compartment heating mode,

[0118] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.l], operating according to a ninth mode called passenger compartment heating and battery cooling mode,

[0119] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.l], operating according to a tenth mode called joint passenger compartment and battery cooling mode,

[0120] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.l], operating according to an eleventh mode called passive battery cooling,

[0121] [Fig. 13] is a partial perspective view of a six-way valve which can equip the thermal conditioning system of [Fig.l],

[0122] [Fig. 14] is a partial perspective view of a member of the six-way valve of [Fig.13]. Description of the embodiments

[0123] In order to facilitate the reading of the figures, the different elements are not necessarily represented to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same references. Certain elements or parameters may be indexed, that is to say designated for example by first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing is intended to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element or parameter over another and the names may be interchanged. Similarly, the terms primary, secondary, tertiary correspond to an indexing and can be interchanged.

[0124] In the following description, the expression "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed before the second element relative to the direction of circulation, or path, of a fluid. Similarly, the term "a first element downstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed after the second element relative to the direction of circulation, or path, of the fluid in question. In the case of the refrigerant circuit, the term "a first element is upstream of a second element" means that the refrigerant passes successively through the first element, then the second element, without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant fluid leaves the compression device, possibly passes through one or more elements, then passes through the first element, then the second element, then returns to the compression device, possibly after passing through other elements.

[0125] The expression "a second element is placed between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path to go from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0126] When it is specified that a subsystem comprises a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in this subsystem.

[0127] The thermal conditioning system 100 which will be described comprises an electronic control unit 60 receiving information from different sensors measuring in particular the characteristics of the refrigerant fluid at various points of the circuit. The electronic control unit 60 also receives instructions issued by the occupants of the vehicle, such as for example the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit 60 can also receive instructions from other electronic subsystems, such as for example the electrical energy storage battery management system. The electronic control unit 60 implements control laws allowing the control of the different actuators, in order to ensure the control of the thermal conditioning system 100 so as to ensure the instructions received.

[0128] A compression device 11, also called a compressor, makes it possible to circulate a refrigerant fluid in a refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The compression device 11 may be an electric compressor, that is to say a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor. The compression device 11 comprises a suction side for the refrigerant fluid at low pressure, also called the inlet 11a of the compression device, and a discharge side for the refrigerant fluid at high pressure, also called the outlet 11b of the compression device 11. The internal moving parts of the compressor 11 cause the refrigerant fluid to pass from a low pressure on the inlet side 11a to a high pressure on the outlet side 11b. After expansion in one or more expansion members and circulation in at least part of the circuit, the refrigerant fluid returns to the inlet 11a of the compressor 11 and begins a new thermodynamic cycle.

[0129] The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a closed circuit in which the refrigerant can circulate. The refrigerant circuit 10 is sealed when it is in a nominal operating state, i.e. without fault or leak.

[0130] The refrigerant fluid used by the refrigerant circuit 10 is here a natural fluid, such as R290 or R744. A chemical refrigerant fluid such as R1234yf, or 134a could also be used.

[0131] Each refrigerant fluid expansion device, also called an expansion valve, may be an electronic expansion valve. In an electronic expansion valve, the passage section allowing the refrigerant fluid to pass through can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. For this, an electronic expansion valve control module drives an electric motor which moves a movable shutter controlling the passage section offered to the refrigerant fluid.

[0132] Interior air flow Fi is understood to mean an air flow to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This interior air flow Fi can circulate in a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation 70, frequently referred to by the English term “HVAC”, for “Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning”, and shown schematically in the various figures. A first motor-fan unit 41 is arranged in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation 70 in order to increase the flow rate of the interior air flow Fi if necessary.

[0133] Outside air flow Fe is understood to mean an air flow that is not intended for the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In other words, this air flow Fe remains outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A second motor-fan unit 42 can be activated in order to increase the flow rate of the outside air flow Fe if necessary. The air flow rate provided by the first as well as by the second motor-fan unit can be adjusted in real time according to the heat exchange requirements, for example by the electronic unit 60 for controlling the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0134] The term "first exchanger" is equivalent to the term "first heat exchanger". The term "accumulation device" is equivalent to the term "refrigerant fluid accumulation device".

[0135] The heat transfer liquid circuit(s) also form one or more closed and sealed circuits in which a heat transfer liquid can circulate.

[0136] A "loop" means a closed circuit. Starting from any initial point of a loop and following this loop, we return to this initial point. Each branch has exactly one input and one output. A branch branch can connect a loop and another branch branch. A branch branch can connect two other branch branches. The network formed by the different loops and the different branch branches can be configured in different ways depending on the position of the different valves present, in order to create different circuits so as to allow different operating modes.

[0137] [Fig.l] schematically represents a thermal conditioning system 100. The thermal conditioning system 100 comprises a heat transfer fluid circuit 20 configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 heat transfer fluid includes: - a first 20A branch, - a second branch 20B. The thermal conditioning system 100 comprises a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 10 successively comprises, according to a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: - a compression device 11, - a first heat exchanger 1, arranged jointly on the first branch 20A of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, - a 15 regulator, - a second heat exchanger 2, arranged jointly on the second branch 20B of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and on the refrigerant fluid circuit 10 so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 includes: - a third branch 20C comprising a third heat exchanger 3, - a fourth branch 20D comprising a fourth heat exchanger 4, - a fifth branch 20E comprising a fifth heat exchanger 5, - a sixth branch 20F comprising a sixth heat exchanger 6, each of the branches 20A, ..., 20F extending respectively between a first end and a second end, a first six-way valve 7 comprising six inlets / outlets 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, each inlet / outlet 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F of the first six-way valve 7 being connected to the first end of a respective branch among the six branches 20A, ..., 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, a second six-way valve 8 comprising six inlets / outlets 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, each inlet / outlet 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F of the second six-way valve 8 being connected to the second end of a respective branch among the six branches 20A, ..., 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20. Each 7.8 six-way valve is configured to: - in a first state of each of the six-way valves 7, 8, establish a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve 7, 8 so as to form a first configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - in a second state of each of the six-way valves 7, 8, establish a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve ways 7,8 so as to form a second configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0138] The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 of the thermal conditioning system 100 comprises only two six-way valves. These two six-way valves are sufficient to achieve all of the desired configurations to enable the desired operating modes. The installation and control of the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 are thus simplified, and its size reduced.

[0139] The term "six-way valve" means that this valve comprises six separate inlets / outlets.

[0140] The first valve 7 is a six-way valve. The first valve 7 thus comprises six separate inlets / outlets 7A, 7B, ..., 7F. According to the illustrated example, the first six-way valve 7 has exactly six separate inlets / outlets 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E 7F.

[0141] The second valve 8 is a six-way valve 8. The second valve 8 comprises six separate inlets / outlets 8A, 8B, ..., 8F. According to the illustrated example, the second six-way valve has exactly six separate inlets / outlets 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F.

[0142] Each six-way valve 7,8 is configured to allow circulation of heat transfer liquid between at least one of its inlets / outlets and at least one other of its inlets / outlets.

[0143] For each six-way valve 7,8, the circulation of heat transfer liquid between two inlets / outlets between which fluid communication is established can be bidirectional. Thus, depending on the operating modes, some inputs / outputs can be a heat transfer fluid inlet, or a heat transfer fluid outlet. We will therefore speak of input / output.

[0144] A fluid connection between two inlets / outlets means that these two inlets / outlets are placed in fluid communication. In other words, an internal passage of the valve is open between these two inlets / outlets, and the heat transfer liquid can flow from one to the other. When one inlet / outlet and another inlet / outlet are placed in fluid communication, the circulation of heat transfer fluid can be bidirectional. In other words, the passage of heat transfer fluid between one inlet / outlet and another inlet / outlet does not include any element that would allow circulation in one direction of flow and that would prohibit circulation in an opposite direction of flow. The direction of circulation of the refrigerant liquid in the valve depends only on the conditions external to the valve. In particular, the direction of circulation is imposed by the circulation pump(s) supplying one or other of the different inlets / outlets of the valve.

[0145] A combination of fluid connections is understood to mean the set of fluid connections that are established for a given state of the six-way valve. For example, in a given combination, the first inlet / outlet is in communication with the second inlet / outlet while being isolated from the other inlets / outlets, the third inlet / outlet is in communication with the fourth inlet / outlet while being isolated from the other inlets / outlets, and the fifth inlet / outlet is in communication with the sixth inlet / outlet while being isolated from the other inlets / outlets. In another example combination, the first input / output is in communication with the third input / output while being isolated from the other inputs / outputs, the second input / output is in communication with the fourth input / output while being isolated from the other inputs / outputs, and the third input / output is in communication with the fifth input / output while being isolated from the other inputs / outputs.

[0146] Each six-way valve 7,8 includes a selection member for managing the state of each input / output. Each input / output can thus: - either be put in fluid communication with at least one other inlet / outlet, - or be closed. By "closed" we mean that this inlet / outlet is not connected to another inlet / outlet. This inlet / outlet then acts as a shut-off valve interrupting the flow of heat transfer fluid. Depending on the position of the selection member, the communication of the different inputs / outputs can be modified. The combination of the different branches of the circuit 20 connected can therefore also be modified, which makes it possible to create different circuit configurations. The selection member is a movable member. The selection member can be controlled by an electric motor and an actuating mechanism. The selection member makes it possible to selectively connect or isolate from each other different chambers containing heat transfer liquid.

[0147] Each six-way valve 7,8 can operate according to a set of states. Each state of the set of states establishes a combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve 7,8 so as to form a configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20. Each given state of the set of states corresponds to a given combination of fluid connections and an associated configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0148] The thermal conditioning system 100 is here a thermal conditioning system for a motor vehicle.

[0149] The first exchanger 1 can operate as a refrigerant fluid condenser. The first exchanger 1 comprises a first heat exchange section 1a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 1b arranged on the first branch 20A of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20. The first exchanger 1 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchange section 1a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 1b. The first heat exchange section 1a of the first exchanger 1 receives gaseous refrigerant fluid, at high pressure and high temperature, coming from the compressor 11. The condensation heat of the refrigerant fluid is transferred to the heat transfer liquid of the second heat exchange section 1b.

[0150] The second exchanger 2 can operate as a refrigerant fluid evaporator. The second exchanger 2 comprises a first heat exchange section 2a arranged on the refrigerant circuit 10 and a second heat exchange section 2b arranged on the second branch 20B of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20. The second exchanger 2 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid in the first heat exchange section 2a and the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchange section 2b. The first heat exchange section 2a of the second exchanger 2 is arranged downstream of the expansion valve 15 and can therefore receive low-pressure refrigerant fluid after expansion in the expansion valve 15. The refrigerant fluid can evaporate completely or partially in the first heat exchange section 2a, the heat of vaporization being provided by the heat transfer liquid of the second heat exchange section 2b.

[0151] The heat transfer fluid is for example a mixture of water and glycol.

[0152] According to the example illustrated, the refrigerant circuit 10 comprises an accumulation device 12 arranged downstream of the second exchanger 2 and upstream of an inlet 11a of the refrigerant compressor 11. The accumulation device 12 is an accumulator.

[0153] According to a variant not illustrated, the accumulation device 12 is arranged downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the pressure reducer 15. The accumulation device 12 is then a dehydrating bottle.

[0154] The refrigerant circuit 10 forms a single refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circuit 10 has no bypass branches.

[0155] The regulator 15 is for example an electronic regulator.

[0156] The third heat exchanger 3 is configured to exchange heat with an interior air flow Fi to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0157] The third heat exchanger 3 makes it possible to heat the interior air flow Fi, and thus to heat the passenger compartment. The third heat exchanger 3 is arranged in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system 70 of the vehicle.

[0158] The fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat with an interior air flow Fi to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The fourth heat exchanger 4 allows the interior air flow Fi to be cooled, and thus the passenger compartment to be cooled. The fourth heat exchanger 4 is also arranged in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation 70. The fourth heat exchanger 4 is arranged upstream of the third heat exchanger 3 in a direction of flow of the interior air flow Fi.

[0159] The fifth heat exchanger 5 is configured to exchange heat with an external air flow Fe to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Depending on the operating mode selected, the fifth heat exchanger 5 makes it possible to dissipate heat into the outside air flow Fe, or to receive heat from this outside air flow Fe in order to recover thermal energy. The fifth heat exchanger 5 is, for example, arranged in the front of the vehicle. The fifth heat exchanger 5 may be arranged just behind the grille of the vehicle.

[0160] According to the example illustrated, the sixth heat exchanger 6 is thermally coupled with a first element 25 of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle. In other words, the sixth heat exchanger 6 is configured to exchange heat with a first element 25 of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle.

[0161] Depending on the operating mode used, the sixth heat exchanger 6 can receive heat from the first element 25 of the traction chain, in order to cool it, or supply it with heat in order to heat it.

[0162] In the illustrated example, the first element 25 of the electric powertrain of the vehicle comprises an electrical energy storage battery.

[0163] The sixth heat exchanger 6-a comprises a wall of a casing of the element 25 of the electric traction chain. The heat transfer fluid passing through the sixth exchanger 6-a is in contact with the wall of the casing. The heat released by the operation of the element 25 of the electric traction chain passes through the wall of the casing and is transferred to the heat transfer fluid.

[0164] According to the example illustrated, all of the combinations of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7 is identical to the set of combinations of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8. In other words, the first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 allow the same circulation of heat transfer liquid between their respective inlets / outlets. The two six-way valves 7, 8 can thus be constructed in a similar, or even identical, manner, which simplifies the production of the thermal conditioning system. In addition, the control of each of the valves is simplified. Indeed, even the same type of control can be applied to the two six-way valves 7, 8. The same control can also be sent in parallel to each of the two six-way valves 7, 8.

[0165] According to the example illustrated, the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a seventh branch 20G arranged in parallel with the sixth branch 20F. The seventh branch 20G comprises a seventh heat exchanger 6-b.

[0166] The seventh heat exchanger 6-b can be thermally coupled with a second element 26 of the electric drive chain of the motor vehicle. In other words, the seventh heat exchanger 6-b is configured to exchange heat with the second element 26 of the electric powertrain of the motor vehicle.

[0167] The second element 26 of the electric traction chain of the vehicle here comprises an electric traction motor of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the second element 26 of the electric traction chain of the vehicle comprises an electronic unit for controlling the electric traction motor of the vehicle.

[0168] The seventh branch 20G connects a first connection point C1 arranged on the sixth branch 20F between the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and the sixth exchanger 6-a to a second connection point C2 arranged on the sixth branch 20F between the sixth exchanger 6-a and the third inlet / outlet 8C of the second six-way valve 8. The seventh branch 20G is optional.

[0169] The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises several circulation pumps.

[0170] The first branch 20A comprises a first pump 21 for circulating the heat transfer liquid. The first circulation pump 21 is for example arranged between the first inlet / outlet 8A of the second six-way valve 8 and the first exchanger 1.

[0171] The second branch 20B comprises a second pump 22 for circulating the heat transfer liquid. The second circulation pump 22 is for example arranged between the sixth inlet / outlet 8F of the second six-way valve 8 and the second exchanger 2.

[0172] The seventh branch 20G comprises a third pump 23 for circulating the heat transfer liquid. The third circulation pump 23 is here arranged between the seventh heat exchanger 6-b and the second connection point C2.

[0173] Each heat transfer liquid circulation pump 21, 22, 23 may be an electrically controlled pump. Each of the circulation pumps comprises an electric motor driving a set of moving parts configured to draw in the heat transfer fluid at an inlet and to discharge the heat transfer fluid at an outlet. The pump can also be inactive, i.e. not discharge any heat transfer fluid, when the electric motor is not controlled and is stationary.

[0174] The first pump 21 for circulating the heat transfer liquid may be a one-way pump. The second heat transfer fluid circulation pump 22 may be a one-way pump. The third pump 23 for circulating the heat transfer liquid can be a one-way pump.

[0175] For a one-way pump, the direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid is fixed. The heat transfer fluid is sucked in from the inlet side of the pump and is discharged from the outlet side of the pump. The inlet and outlet of the pump cannot be interchanged without modifying the assembly.

[0176] According to the illustrated example, the first branch 20A comprises an electric heating device 24 configured to heat the heat transfer liquid. The electric heating device 24 makes it possible to supplement the effect of the first exchanger 1 in order to heat the heat transfer fluid. The electric heating device 24 also makes it possible to ensure heating of the heat transfer fluid in the absence of circulation of refrigerant fluid in the circuit 10. The electric heating device 24 comprises an electrical resistor that dissipates heat when an electric current flows through it. The dissipated heat is transferred to the heat transfer fluid. The thermal power supplied can be controlled by controlling the current passing through the electric heating device 24. The heating device is inactive, i.e., does not provide any heat, when no electric current is flowing. The electric heating device 24 can be selectively activated or deactivated, depending on the operating mode. The thermal power supplied by the electric heating device 24 can be controlled in real time, for example by the control unit 60.

[0177] The electric heating device 24 is here arranged between the first exchanger 1 and the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7.

[0178] According to an exemplary embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, the first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.

[0179] The first six-way valve 7 comprises a valve body. The valve body of the first six-way valve 7 is, for example, a cast body. Alternatively, the valve body 31 of the first six-way valve 7 may be made of plastic. The valve body 31 is for example cast.

[0180] The inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7 are defined by recesses in the valve body 31.

[0181] The first six-way valve 7 comprises a first movable shutter 33 configured to selectively establish a combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7, from among a set of combinations of fluid connections.

[0182] Similarly, the second six-way valve 8 comprises a valve body. The valve body 32 of the second six-way valve 8 is for example a foundry body. Alternatively, the valve body 32 of the second six-way valve 8 may be made of plastic. The valve body 32 is for example cast.

[0183] The inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8 are defined by recesses in the valve body.

[0184] The second six-way valve 8 comprises a second movable shutter 34 configured to selectively establish a combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8, from among a set of combinations of fluid connections.

[0185] The first movable shutter 33 is arranged in the valve body of the first six-way valve 7. The first movable shutter 33 is for example a rotary shutter. The first six-way valve 7 comprises a first electric motor, not shown, configured to drive the first movable shutter 33.

[0186] The second movable shutter 34 is arranged in the valve body of the second six-way valve 8. The second movable shutter 34 is for example a rotary shutter. The second six-way valve 8 comprises a second electric motor, also not shown, configured to drive the second rotary shutter.

[0187] For each of the six-way valves 7, 8, the movable shutter 33, 34 is configured to move from a position corresponding to a combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve 7, 8 to another position corresponding to another combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the six-way valve 7, 8.

[0188] A movement of the first rotary shutter 33 from a first position to a second position makes it possible to switch from a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7 to a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7. Likewise, a movement of the second rotary shutter 34 from a first position to a second position makes it possible to switch from a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8 to a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8.

[0189] The valve body of the first six-way valve 7 and the valve body of the second six-way valve 8 are for example symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.

[0190] [Fig. 13] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100 in which the first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 comprise a common valve body 30. The valve body 30 common to the two six-way valves 7,8 is for example a foundry body.

[0191] The valve body 30 is of substantially cylindrical shape. A set of fittings connects the valve body to a set of hoses. Each fitting can be connected to a hose. Each connecting fitting forms an inlet / outlet of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8. In the example of [Fig. 13], six end pieces corresponding respectively to the six inlets / outlets 7A, ..., 7F of the first valve 7 are arranged on the periphery of a first axial surface of the valve body 30. Six other end pieces corresponding respectively to the six inlets / outlets 8A, ..., 8F of the second valve 8 are arranged on the periphery of the second axial surface of the valve body 30, opposite the first axial surface. The different tips have not been numbered in [Fig. 13].

[0192] The first movable shutter 33 and the second movable shutter 34 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane P. The first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 have, for example, a common electric motor configured to jointly drive the first movable shutter 33 and the second movable shutter 34.

[0193] The first movable shutter 33 and the second movable shutter 34 may have a common control shaft 37. The first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 have, for example, a common electric motor configured to drive the rotation shaft 37 common to the first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34.

[0194] The first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34 are for example made of plastic. For example, the first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34 are obtained by molding.

[0195] [Fig. 14] shows an embodiment in which the first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34 form a single-piece assembly 35. In [Fig. 14], the rotary shutter 35 forming both the first rotary shutter 33 and the second rotary shutter 34, is disassembled from the valve body 30. The rotary shutter 35 is symmetrical with respect to the plane P. The rotary shutter 35 comprises ports 38, allowing different chambers of the valve body 30 to be connected.

[0196] The thermal conditioning system 100 can selectively operate in many operating modes. Different operating modes will now be described from among the set of possible operating modes. These operating modes are illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 12.

[0197] The expression "one inlet / outlet is connected to another inlet / outlet" means that a fluid connection is established between the two inlets / outlets. The circulation can take place in both directions of circulation, depending on the direction of discharge imposed by the active circulation pump on the part of the circuit comprising the inlets / outlets concerned. The expression "an inlet / outlet is blocked" means that no fluid connection is established with another inlet / outlet. In other words, the inlet / outlet in question acts as a shut-off valve preventing the flow of the heat transfer fluid.

[0198] When operating the thermal conditioning system 100 according to the operating modes described, the combination of fluid connections established between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve 7 is identical to the combination of fluid connections established between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve 8.

[0199] [Fig.2] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to a first operating mode, called first passenger compartment heating mode. In this first mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7 A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7.

[0200] Similarly, according to this first operating mode, called first passenger compartment heating mode, the second six-way valve 8 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 8A of the second six-way valve 8 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 8D of the second six-way valve 8, - the second inlet / outlet 8B of the second six-way valve 8 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 8F of the second six-way valve 8, - the third inlet / outlet 8C of the second six-way valve 8 is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet 8D of the second six-way valve 8 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 8A of the second six-way valve 8, - the fifth inlet / outlet 8E of the second six-way valve 8 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 8F of the second six-way valve 8 is connected only to the second inlet / outlet 8B of the second six-way valve 8.

[0201] According to this operating method according to the first operating mode: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow Qr of high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant fluid coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low-pressure state, and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B and in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0202] According to the first mode of operation: The compressor 11 is activated. A flow Qr of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A, in the expander 15 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 where it receives heat from the heat transfer liquid circulating in the second branch 20B, then circulates in the accumulation device 12 and returns to the inlet 11a of the compressor 11, thus completing the thermodynamic cycle. The first circulation pump 21 is activated. A first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A, in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the third branch 20C, in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the interior air flow Fi, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the first branch 20A. The second circulation pump 22 is activated. A second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B, in the second exchanger 2 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the fifth branch 20E, in the fifth exchanger 5 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the outside air flow Fe, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the second branch 20B.

[0203] The first flow rate QL1 of heat transfer liquid is discharged by the first pump 21 into the first branch 20A, circulates in the first exchanger 1, and reaches the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first valve 7. This flow rate QL1 of heat transfer liquid leaves the first valve 7 through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D, then circulates in the third branch 20C, passes through the third exchanger 3 in which it heats the interior air flow Fi, and reaches the fourth inlet / outlet 8D of the second valve 8. The flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid leaves the second valve 8 through the first inlet / outlet 8A and returns to the first branch 20A. The first branch 20A, the portion of the first valve 7 connecting the first inlet / outlet 7A to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D, the third branch 20C and the portion of the second valve 8 connecting the fourth inlet / outlet 7D to the first inlet / outlet 7A form a first heat transfer liquid circulation loop.

[0204] The second flow rate QL2 of heat transfer liquid is discharged by the second pump 22, circulates in the second branch 20B, circulates in the second exchanger 2, and joins the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first valve 7. This flow rate QL2 of heat transfer liquid leaves the first valve 7 via the second inlet / outlet 7B, then circulates in the fifth branch 20E, passes through the fifth exchanger 5 while being heated by the outside air flow Fe, and joins the second inlet / outlet 8B of the second valve 8. The QL2 flow of heat transfer fluid comes out of the second valve 8 through the sixth inlet / outlet 8F and returns to the second branch 20B where it joins the second pump 22. The second branch 20B, the portion of the first valve 7 connecting the sixth inlet / outlet 7F to the second inlet / outlet 7B, the fifth branch 20E and the portion of the second valve 8 connecting the second inlet / outlet 8B to the sixth inlet / outlet 8F form a second heat transfer liquid circulation loop, independent of the first circulation loop. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant fluid by the compressor 11 and the thermal energy extracted from the outside air flow Fe both contribute to heating the inside air flow Fi and thus the vehicle interior. The third circulation pump 23 is inactive. The fifth inlet / outlet 7E, 8E of each valve 7,8 is blocked. The third inlet / outlet 7C, 8C of each valve 7,8 is also blocked. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the fourth branch 20D, nor in the sixth branch 20F, nor a fortiori in the seventh branch 20G. The fourth exchanger 4, the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b are not crossed by a flow of heat transfer liquid and do not contribute to the heat exchanges.

[0205] At a given moment the first six-way valve 7 and the second six-way valve 8 establish the same combination of fluid connections between their respective inputs / outputs. This combination is specific to a given operating mode. A modification of the combination of established fluid connections makes it possible to change the operating mode. In other words, a transition from one operating mode to another operating mode is achieved by transitioning from one combination of fluid connections to another combination of fluid connections, i.e. by transitioning from one state of the six-way valves to another state of the six-way valves.

[0206] [Fig.3] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to a second operating mode, called second passenger compartment heating mode. In this second mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7.

[0207] For each of the proposed operating modes, the combination of fluid connections of the second six-way valve 8 is identical to the combination of fluid connections of the first six-way valve 7 and will only be formulated for the first operating mode already described. For each operating mode, the detailed title of the combination formed for the second six-way valve 8 is obtained by replacing the term “first valve 7” with the term “second valve 8”, and by replacing the inputs 7A, ..., 7F respectively with the inputs 8A, ..., 8F.

[0208] According to this operating method according to the second operating mode: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B and in the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0209] The compressor 11 is activated. The circulation of the refrigerant fluid is the same as for operation according to the first operating mode, and will not be described again.

[0210] The first circulation pump 21 is activated. A first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A, in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the third branch 20C, in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the interior air flow Fi, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the first branch 20A. The second circulation pump 22 is activated. A second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B, in the second exchanger 2 where the heat transfer fluid gives off heat to the refrigerant fluid, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the sixth branch 20F, divides at the first connection point Cl between a flow circulating in the sixth exchanger 6-a and a flow com additional flow circulating in parallel in the seventh exchanger 6-b. At the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b, the heat transfer fluid receives heat, respectively from the first element 25 of the traction chain and from the second element 26 of the traction chain. The two flows circulating in parallel join at the second connection point C2 and reform the second flow QL2, which passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the second branch 20B. The third circulation pump 23 is activated.

[0211] The first flow rate QL1 of heat transfer liquid is discharged by the first pump 21, circulates in the first branch 20A, circulates in the first exchanger 1, and joins the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first valve 7. This flow rate QL1 of heat transfer liquid leaves the first valve 7 via the fourth inlet / outlet 7D, then circulates in the third branch 20C, passes through the third exchanger 3 while heating the interior air flow Fi, and joins the fourth inlet / outlet 8D of the second valve 8. The flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid leaves the second valve 8 through the first inlet / outlet 8A and returns to the first branch 20A. The first branch 20A, the third branch 20C, and the portions of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 joining these branches form a first heat transfer liquid circulation loop. The second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid is discharged by the second pump 22, circulates in the second branch 20B, circulates in the second exchanger 2, and joins the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first valve 7. This flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid leaves through the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first valve 7, then circulates in the sixth branch 20F, divides and circulates in parallel in the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b while being heated by the thermal losses of the traction chain, and joins the third inlet / outlet 8C of the second valve 8. The flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid leaves the second valve 8 through the sixth inlet / outlet 8F and returns to the second branch 20B. The second branch 20B, the sixth branch 20F and the portions of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 joining these branches form a second heat transfer liquid circulation loop, independent of the first circulation loop. The second inlet / outlet 7B, 8B of each valve 7,8 is closed. The fifth inlet / outlet 7E, 8E of each valve 7,8 is also closed. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the fourth branch 20D, nor in the fifth branch 20E. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant fluid by the compressor 11 and the thermal energy recovered from the drive train both contribute to heating the interior air flow Fi and thus the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Neither the fourth exchanger 4 nor the fifth exchanger 5 carry a flow of heat transfer liquid, and they do not contribute to the heat exchanges within the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0212] [Fig.4] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to a third operating mode, called the first mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating. In this third mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.

[0213] According to this method of operation according to the third mode of operation: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B and in the fourth branch 20D of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the seventh branch 20G and in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0214] The compressor 11 is activated. The circulation of the refrigerant fluid is the same as for operation according to the first operating mode, and will not be described again. Likewise, the circulation of the first flow rate QL1 of heat transfer liquid in the first branch 20A and the third branch 20C is the same as for the first and second operating modes and will not be described again. The second circulation pump 22 is activated. A second flow QL2 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the second branch 20B, in the second exchanger 2 where the heat transfer fluid gives up heat to the refrigerant fluid, then passes through the first six-way valve 7, then circulates in the fourth branch 20D, in the fourth exchanger 4 where it receives heat from the interior air flow Fi, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the second branch 20B. The third circulation pump 23 is activated. A third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the seventh branch 20G, circulates in a portion of the sixth branch 20F from the second connection point C2 to the first connection point Cl, passing through the sixth exchanger 6-a, joins the seventh branch 20G and circulates in the seventh exchanger 6-b. The heat transfer fluid receives heat at the seventh exchanger 6-b and gives off heat at the sixth exchanger 6-a. The first branch 20A, the part of the first valve 7 connecting the first inlet / outlet 7A to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D, the third branch 20C, and the part of the second valve 8 connecting the fourth inlet / outlet 8D to the first inlet / outlet 8A form a first circulation loop, in which the first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates. The second branch 20B, the part of the first valve 7 connecting the sixth inlet / outlet 7F to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E, the fourth branch 20D, and the part of the second valve 8 connecting the fifth inlet / outlet 8E to the sixth inlet / outlet 8F form a second circulation loop, in which the second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates. The seventh branch 20G and the portion of the sixth branch 20F connecting the first connection point Cl and the second connection point C2 form a third circulation loop, in which the third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates. The three traffic loops are independent.

[0215] The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant fluid by the compressor 11 makes it possible to heat the interior air flow Fi and thus the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The air flow Fi is also cooled at the fourth exchanger 4, which allows the indoor air flow Fi to be dehumidified. The thermal losses resulting from the operation of the second element 26 of the traction chain make it possible to heat the first element 25 of the traction chain. The second inlet / outlet 7B, 8B of each valve 7,8 is closed. The third inlet / outlet 7C, 8C of each valve 7,8 is also closed. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the fifth branch 20E, nor in the portion of the sixth branch 20F connecting the third inlet 7C, 8C and respectively the first connection point Cl and the second connection point C2. The fifth exchanger 5 is not crossed by a flow of heat transfer liquid and does not participate in the heat exchanges within the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0216] [Fig.5] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to a fourth operating mode, called second mode of joint passenger compartment and battery heating. In this fourth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.

[0217] According to this operating method according to the fourth operating mode: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20 and in the fourth branch 20D, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in a part of the sixth branch 20F, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the third branch 20C.

[0218] The compressor 11 is activated. The circulation of the refrigerant fluid is the same as for operation according to the first operating mode in particular, and will not be described again. Similarly, the circulation of the second flow rate QL2 of heat transfer liquid in the second branch 20B and the fourth branch 20D is the same as for the third operating mode and will not be described again. The second circulation pump 22 is activated. The first circulation pump 21 is activated. A first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first branch 20A, in the first exchanger 1 where the heat transfer fluid receives heat from the refrigerant, then joins the first six-way valve 7. Inside the first valve 7, the first flow QL1 is divided between a third flow QL3 which exits through the third inlet / outlet 7C, and a fourth flow QL4 which exits through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D. The third flow QL3 circulates in the sixth branch 20F, is divided at the first connection point Cl between a flow circulating in the sixth exchanger 6-a and an additional flow circulating in parallel in the seventh exchanger 6-b. At the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b, the heat transfer fluid gives off heat, respectively to the first element 25 of the traction chain and to the second element 26 of the traction chain. The two flows circulating in parallel join at the second connection point C2 and reform the third flow QL3, which passes through the second six-way valve 8 and returns to the first branch 20A. The third circulation pump 23 is activated. The fourth flow QL4 circulates in the third branch 20C, in the third exchanger 3 where the heat transfer liquid gives up heat to the interior air flow Fi, then passes through the second six-way valve 8 and also returns to the first branch 20A. The third flow QL3 and the fourth flow QL4 join in the second valve 8 and reform the first flow QL1, which leaves the second valve 8 through the first inlet / outlet 8 A, and returns to the first pump 21 then the first exchanger 1. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant fluid by the compressor 11 makes it possible to jointly heat the interior air flow Fi and the two elements 25, 26 of the vehicle's powertrain. As with the fourth operating mode, the air flow Fi is also cooled at the fourth exchanger 4, which allows the indoor air flow Fi to be dehumidified in addition to heating it. The second inlet / outlet 7B, 8B of each valve 7, 8 is closed. There is no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the fifth branch 20E, the fifth exchanger 5 is therefore not crossed by a flow of heat transfer fluid. The fifth exchanger 5 is therefore thermally inactive.

[0219] [Fig.6] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to a fifth operating mode, called battery heating mode. In this fifth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is closed.

[0220] According to this method of operation according to the fifth mode of operation: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A and in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0221] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated. Optionally, an indoor air flow rate Fi may be zero. For this, the first motor-fan unit 41 may be stopped.

[0222] The circulation of heat transfer liquid in the circuit 20 differs from the fourth operating mode in that there is no circulation of heat transfer liquid in the second branch 20B, nor in the third branch 20C, nor in the fourth branch 20D. The second pump 22 is inactive. The second exchanger 2, the third exchanger 3 and the fourth exchanger 4 do not participate in heat exchanges. The compressor 11 is activated. A flow Qr of refrigerant fluid circulates in the compressor 11 where it passes at high pressure, and circulates successively in the first exchanger 1 where it gives off heat to the heat transfer fluid, in the expansion valve 15 where it undergoes expansion and passes at low pressure, in the second heat exchanger 2 without giving off heat to the heat transfer fluid, circulates in the accumulation device 12 and returns to the inlet 11a of the compressor 11. The refrigerant fluid here describes a cycle called a triangular cycle. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant fluid by the compressor 11 makes it possible to heat the two elements 25, 26 of the vehicle's powertrain. When the flow rate of the interior air flow Fi is zero, only the two elements 25, 26 are heated. When the indoor airflow rate Fi is not zero, the indoor airflow Fi is jointly heated. The flow rate of the interior air flow Fi can be controlled by means of the first motor-fan unit 41 or by means of a movable flap, not shown. The first motor-fan unit 41 is kept in an inactive state to obtain a zero flow rate of the interior air flow Fi. The fifth exchanger 5 is not crossed by a flow of heat transfer liquid, and is therefore thermally inactive. When the electric heating device 24 is activated, this activation makes it possible to increase the quantity of heat supplied to the heat transfer liquid circulating in the first branch 20A. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid from the third inlet / outlet 7C flows in the sixth branch 20F to the first connection point Cl, where the flow QL1 is divided between a second flow QL2 which flows in the sixth exchanger 6-a and a third flow which flows in the seventh branch 20G and the seventh exchanger 6-b. The second flow QL2 and the third flow QL3 come together at the second connection point C2 and form the first flow QL1.

[0223] [Fig.7] illustrates a method of operating a conditioning system thermal 100 as described previously, according to a sixth operating mode, called third passenger compartment heating mode. In this sixth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 and to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7.

[0224] According to this method of operation according to the sixth mode of operation: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer liquid circulates in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0225] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated.

[0226] Compressor 11 is activated. The circulation of the refrigerant fluid is the same as for operation according to the first operating mode in particular, and will not be described again. The second flow rate QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulating in the second branch 20B is divided inside the first valve 7 between a third flow rate QL3 which exits through the second inlet / outlet 7B, and a fourth flow rate QL4 which exits through the third inlet / outlet 7C. The third flow QL3 circulates in the fifth branch 20E and the fifth exchanger 5, in the same way as described for the first operating mode. The fourth flow QL4 circulates in the fifth branch 20E and the fifth exchanger 5, in the same way as described for the second operating mode. The first pump 21, the second pump 22 and the third pump 23 are all activated. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant fluid by the compressor 11, the thermal energy extracted from the outside air flow Fe and the thermal energy recovered from the drive train all contribute to heating the inside air flow Fi and thus the vehicle's passenger compartment. In addition, the electric heating device 24 can be activated in order to increase the quantity of heat supplied to the heat transfer liquid circulating in the first branch 20A. The fourth exchanger 4 does not carry a flow of heat transfer fluid. fourth exchanger 4 is therefore thermally inactive.

[0227] [Fig.8] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to a seventh operating mode, called the fourth passenger compartment heating mode. In this seventh mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.

[0228] According to this method of operation according to the seventh mode of operation: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer liquid circulates the fourth branch 20D of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0229] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated.

[0230] Compressor 11 is activated. The circulation of the refrigerant fluid is the same as in particular for the previous operating mode or for the first operating mode, and will not be described again. The circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 differs from the previous operating mode in that the second flow QL2 coming from from the second exchanger 2 and reaching the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first valve 7 is divided between a third flow QL3 circulating in the sixth branch 20F and a fourth flow QL4 circulating in the fourth branch 20D. In other words, compared to the previous operating mode, part of the second flow QL2 is redirected to the fourth exchanger 4 instead of being redirected to the fifth exchanger 5. As in the previous operating mode, all three circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are activated. The interior air flow Fi is heated at the third exchanger 3 and cooled at the fourth exchanger 4. The passenger compartment is thus heated while being dehumidified. The thermal energy supplied to the refrigerant fluid by the compressor 11 and the thermal energy recovered from the drive train both contribute to heating the interior air flow Fi and thus the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The electric heating device 24 can be additionally activated in order to increase the quantity of heat supplied to the heat transfer liquid circulating in the first branch 20A. The fifth exchanger 5 is therefore not crossed by a flow of heat transfer liquid, and is therefore thermally inactive.

[0231] [Fig.9] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to an eighth operating mode, called the fifth passenger compartment heating mode. In this eighth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 7B and to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.

[0232] According to this method of operation according to the eighth mode of operation: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B and in the fourth branch 20D of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0233] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated.

[0234] Compressor 11 is activated. The circulation of the refrigerant fluid is the same as for example the previous mode of operation, and will not be described again. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A is divided in the first valve 7 into a third flow QL3 exiting through the second inlet / outlet 7B and circulating towards the fifth exchanger 5, and a fourth flow QL4 exiting through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D and circulating in the third branch 20C towards the third exchanger 3. At the fifth exchanger 5, the heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the outside air flow Fe. At the third exchanger 3, the heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the inside air flow Fi and heats it. The heat not required for heating the indoor air flow Fi is rejected into the outdoor air flow Fe at the fifth exchanger 5. The fourth flow QL4 joins the fourth inlet / outlet of the second valve 8 and mixes with the third flow QL3 coming from the fifth exchanger 5 and joining the second inlet / outlet 8B. The fourth flow QL4 and the third flow QL3, once mixed, form the first flow QL1. The first flow QL1 joins the first pump 21. The second flow QL2 flows in the second branch 20B and the fourth branch 20D in the same way as for the fourth operating mode. The third inlet / outlet 7C, 8C of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 are closed. The third pump 23 is inactive. There is therefore no circulation of heat transfer fluid in the sixth exchanger 6-a or in the seventh exchanger 6-b, and these two exchangers do not carry out any heat exchange. The interior air flow Fi is heated at the third exchanger 3 and cooled at level of the fourth interchange 4. Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated in order to increase the quantity of heat supplied to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first branch 20A.

[0235] [Fig. 10] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to a ninth operating mode, called passenger compartment heating and battery cooling mode. In this ninth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 7B and to the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is blocked, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7.

[0236] According to this method of operation according to the ninth mode of operation: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B and in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the third branch 20C of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0237] Optionally, the electric heating device 24 can be activated.

[0238] In this mode of operation, the circulation of heat transfer liquid in the second branch 20B and the sixth 20F and seventh 20G branches is identical to which was described for the second mode of operation. The circulation of heat transfer fluid in the first branch 20A, the third branch 20C and the fifth branch 20E is the same as in the previous operating mode. Thus, the second flow QL2 of cooled heat transfer liquid during its passage through the second heat exchange section 2b of the second exchanger 2 is directed towards the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b and makes it possible to cool the first element 25 and the second element 26 of the electric traction chain. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer fluid heated during its passage in the second heat exchange section 1b of the first exchanger 1 is divided into a third flow QL3 leaving through the second inlet / outlet 7B and circulating towards the fifth exchanger 5, and a fourth flow Q4 leaving through the fourth inlet / outlet 7D and circulating towards the third exchanger 3. At the fifth exchanger 5, the third flow QL3 transfers heat to the outside air flow Fe. At the third exchanger 3, the fourth flow Q4 of heat transfer fluid heats the inside air flow Fi. After circulating in the third exchanger 3, the fourth flow QL4 joins in the second six-way valve 8 the third flow QL3 coming from the fifth exchanger 5. The fourth flow QL4 and the third flow QL3, once combined, form the first flow QL1 which joins the first pump 21 then the first exchanger 1. The fourth exchanger 4 does not participate in heat exchanges.

[0239] [Fig. 11] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to a tenth operating mode, called joint passenger compartment and battery cooling mode. In this tenth mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is connected to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and to the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7.

[0240] According to this method of operation according to the tenth mode of operation: - the compressor 11 circulates a flow of refrigerant Qr at high pressure in the first exchanger 1, the expansion valve 15 expands the refrigerant coming from the first exchanger 1 to a low pressure state, and the low pressure refrigerant circulates in the second exchanger 2, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the first branch 20A and in the fifth branch 20E of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the second branch 20B of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates in a part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a fourth flow QL4 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the fourth branch 20D of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0241] The second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid, cooled during its passage through the second exchanger 2, is divided between a third flow QL3 which is directed towards the sixth exchanger 6-a and the seventh exchanger 6-b, and a fourth flow QL4 which is directed towards the fourth exchanger 4. The circulation of heat transfer fluid in the second branch 20B and the sixth 20F and seventh 20G branches is thus identical to what was described for the seventh operating mode. The fourth inlets / outlets 7D, 8D are closed. The third exchanger 3 is not crossed by the heat transfer fluid and does not carry out a heat exchange with the interior air flow Fi. The interior air flow Fi is cooled at the fourth exchanger 4, which allows the passenger compartment to be cooled. The first element 25 and the second element 26 of the traction chain are also cooled. The first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid is discharged by the first pump 21, circulates in the first branch 20A, circulates in the first exchanger 1, and joins the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first valve 7. This flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid leaves through the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first valve 7, then circulates in the fifth branch 20E, passes through the fifth exchanger 5 while giving off heat to the outside air flow Fe, and joins the second inlet / outlet 8B of the second valve 8. The flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid leaves the second valve 8 through the first inlet / outlet 8 A, circulates in the first branch 20A and reaches the pump 21. The first branch 20A, the fifth branch 20E and the portions of the first valve 7 and the second valve 8 joining these branches form a heat transfer liquid circulation loop. The three circulation pumps 21, 22, 23 are all activated. The heat released by the refrigerant fluid in the first exchanger 1 is dissipated in the outside air flow Fe, and the heat absorbed by the refrigerant fluid in the second exchanger 2 makes it possible to jointly cool the passenger compartment and the two elements 25, 26 of the electric drive train.

[0242] [Fig. 12] illustrates a method of operating a thermal conditioning system 100 as described previously, according to an eleventh operating mode, called passive battery cooling. In this eleventh mode of operation: The first six-way valve 7 is in a state in which a combination of fluid connections is established such that: - the first inlet / outlet 7A of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7, - the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 is connected only to the second inlet / outlet 7B of the first six-way valve 7, - the fourth inlet / outlet 7D of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the fifth inlet / outlet 7E of the first six-way valve 7 is closed, - the sixth inlet / outlet 7F of the first six-way valve 7 is closed.

[0243] According to this method of operation according to the eleventh mode of operation: - compressor 11 is inactive, - a first flow QL1 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the seventh branch 20G of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a second flow QL2 of heat transfer liquid circulates in a first part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20, - a third flow QL3 of heat transfer liquid circulates in the fifth branch 20E and in a second part of the sixth branch 20F of the heat transfer liquid circuit 20.

[0244] In this mode of operation, the refrigerant fluid does not circulate in the circuit 10 and there is no heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer liquid. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are inactive. The third exchanger 3 and the fourth exchanger 4 do not carry heat transfer fluid through them and do not carry out heat exchange with the interior air flow Fi. The third pump 23 is activated and circulates a flow QL1 in the seventh branch 20G. At the second connection point C2, the flow QL1 is joined by a second flow QL2 coming from the sixth exchanger 6-a. The two flows mixed form a third flow QL3 directed towards the second valve 8. This flow QL3 passes from the third inlet / outlet 8C to the second inlet / outlet 8B and joins the fifth exchanger 5, where it gives off heat to the outside air flow Fe. The heat dissipated by the operation of the first element 25 and the second element 26 of the electric traction chain is rejected into the outside air flow Fe. The first element 25 and the second element 26 are both cooled, passively because without involving cooling from evaporation of refrigerant fluid. After circulating in the fifth exchanger 5, the third flow QL3 of heat transfer fluid circulates in the first six-way valve 7 then in the sixth branch 20F. At the first connection point Cl, the third flow QL3 is divided between the first QL1 flowing in the seventh branch 20G and the second flow QL2 flowing towards the sixth exchanger 6-a. The first part of the sixth branch 20F corresponds to the portion extending between the third inlet / outlet 7C of the first six-way valve 7 and the first connection point CL. The second part of the sixth branch 20F corresponds to the portion extending between the first connection point Cl and the second connection point C2 and comprising the first exchanger 6-a.

[0245] Other operating modes are also possible, by varying the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the different portions of the circuit 20 and by varying the pressure level of the refrigerant fluid in the first and second heat exchangers.

Claims

Claims

1. Thermal conditioning system (100), comprising: - a heat transfer liquid circuit (20) configured to circulate a heat transfer liquid, the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprising: — a first branch (20A), — a second branch (20B), - a refrigerant circuit (10) configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit (10) successively comprising, in a direction of circulation of the refrigerant: — a compression device (11), — a first heat exchanger (1), arranged jointly on the first branch (20A) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, — an expansion valve (15), — a second heat exchanger (2), arranged jointly on the second branch (20B) of the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) and on the refrigerant fluid circuit (10) so as to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, in which the heat transfer fluid circuit (20) comprises: - a third branch (20C) comprising a third heat exchanger (3), - a fourth branch (20D) comprising a fourth heat exchanger (4), - a fifth branch (20E) comprising a fifth heat exchanger (5), - a sixth branch (20F) comprising a sixth heat exchanger (6-a), each of the branches (20A, ..., 20F) extending respectively between a first end and a second end, a first six-way valve (7) comprising six inlets / outlets (7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F), each inlet / outlet (7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F) of the first six-way valve (7) being connected to the first end of a respective branch among the six branches (20A, ..., 20F) of the heat transfer liquid circuit (20), a second six-way valve (8) comprising six inlets / outlets (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F), each inlet / outlet (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F) of the second six-way valve (8) being connected to the second end of a respective branch among the six branches (20A, ..., 20F) of the heat transfer liquid circuit (20), and wherein each six-way valve (7, 8) is configured to: - in a first state of each of the six-way valves (7, 8), establish a first combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve (7, 8) so as to form a first configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit (20), - in a second state of each of the six-way valves (7, 8), establish a second combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of each six-way valve (7, 8) so as to form a second configuration of the heat transfer liquid circuit (20), heat transfer fluid.

2. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: - the third heat exchanger (3) is configured to exchange heat with an interior air flow (Fi) to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - the fourth heat exchanger (4) is configured to exchange heat with an interior air flow (Fi) to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - the fifth heat exchanger (5) is configured to exchange heat with an exterior air flow (Fe) to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, - the sixth heat exchanger (6-a) is thermally coupled with a first element (25) of an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle.

3. A thermal conditioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the set of fluid connection combinations between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve (7) is identical to the set of fluid connection combinations between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve (8).

4. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 2, in which the heat transfer liquid circuit (20) comprises a seventh branch (20G) arranged in parallel with the sixth branch (20F), the seventh branch (20G) comprising a seventh heat exchanger (6-b), the seventh heat exchanger (6-b) being thermally coupled with a second element (26) of the electric drive train of the motor vehicle.

5. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first branch (20A) comprises a first pump (21) for circulating the heat transfer liquid, - the second branch (20B) comprises a second pump (22) for circulating the heat transfer liquid.

6. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 4, wherein the seventh branch (20G) comprises a third pump (23) for circulating the heat transfer liquid.

7. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first branch (20A) comprises an electric heating device (24) configured to heat the heat transfer liquid.

8. A thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first six-way valve (7) and the second six-way valve (8) are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane.

9. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first six-way valve (7) and the second six-way valve (8) comprise a common valve body (30).

10. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first six-way valve (7) comprises a first movable shutter (33) configured to selectively establish a combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the first six-way valve (7), from a set of combinations of fluid connections, - the second six-way valve (8) comprises a second movable shutter (34) configured to selectively establish a combination of fluid connections between the inlets / outlets of the second six-way valve (8), from a set of combinations of fluid connections, wherein the first six-way valve (7) and the second six-way valve (8) have a common electric motor configured to jointly drive the first movable shutter (33) and the second movable shutter (34).

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