Heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to an exhaust-gas thermal conductor, comprising a tube array with exhaust gas flowing therethrough and cooling medium flowing around the same. The tube array is welded to a tube base, connected to the housing. As a result of varying temperature effects on the tubes and on the housing whilst operating the exhaust gas thermal conductor, thermal stresses, as a result of differing expansion of the tubes and the housing, occur. According to the invention, said stresses may be avoided, whereby slots are arranged in the housing sleeve, which are externally sealed by means of a bellows.

1 . A heat exchanger comprising: 
 a tube array, through which a first medium can flow;    a housing, through which a second medium can flow, wherein the housing has a circumference and includes an expansion element; and    at least one tube plate,    wherein ends of the tube array are connected to the at least one tube plate,    wherein the at least one tube plate is connected to the housing, and    wherein the expansion element is formed in one piece with a sealing element.    
   
   
       2 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the expansion and sealing element is a circumferential bead.  
   
   
       3 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the circumferential bead is formed from one of the following materials: metal, steel, elastomer, and silicone.  
   
   
       4 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the circumferential bead is a semicircular bulge, a folded configuration, or a meandering configuration.  
   
   
       5 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the circumferential bead is bulged inward into a form of an indentation.  
   
   
       6 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the expansion and sealing element is a plurality of circumferential beads.  
   
   
       7 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of circumferential beads is formed from one of the following materials: metal, steel, elastomer, and silicone.  
   
   
       8 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein each circumferential bead in the plurality of circumferential beads is a semicircular bulge, a folded configuration, a meandering configuration, or bulged inward in the form of an indentation.  
   
   
       9 . A heat exchanger comprising: 
 a tube array, through which a first medium can flow;    a housing, through which a second medium can flow, wherein the housing has a circumference and includes an expansion element; and    at least one tube plate,    wherein ends of the tube array are connected to the at least one tube plate,    wherein the at least one tube plate is connected to the housing, and    wherein the expansion element is formed as at least one circumferential bead.    
   
   
       10 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein a sealing element is arranged on the housing for covering and sealing the expansion element.  
   
   
       11 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the sealing element comprises metal bellows.  
   
   
       12 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the at least one circumferential bead is formed from one of the following materials: metal, steel, elastomer, and silicone.  
   
   
       13 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the at least one circumferential bead is configured to provide a sealing function.  
   
   
       14 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the at least one circumferential bead is a semicircular bulge, a folded configuration, or a meandering configuration.  
   
   
       15 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the at least one circumferential bead is bulged inward in a form of an indentation.  
   
   
       16 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the at least one circumferential bead comprises a plurality of circumferential beads.  
   
   
       17 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of circumferential beads is formed from one of the following materials: metal, steel, elastomer, and silicone.  
   
   
       18 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of circumferential beads is configured to provide a sealing function.  
   
   
       19 . The heat exchanger as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein each circumferential bead in the plurality of circumferential beads is a semicircular bulge, a folded configuration, a meandering configuration, or bulged inward in a form of an indentation.