Object of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for deflecting coolant fluid flow in a
heat exchanger, particularly a heat exchanger of an EGR (
Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, better cooling of the fluid to be cooled and flowing through the bundle
of tubes of said heat exchanger being obtained.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Heat exchangers comprise bundles of tubes which are housed in a shell, and a flow
channel of a first fluid, the coolant fluid, is generated in the space existing between
said tubes and the shell. A second fluid cooled by the first fluid flowing through
the outside of the tubes, removing heat by convection, circulates inside the tubes
forming the bundle.
[0003] Two types of spaces are distinguished in this heat exchanger configuration, i.e.,
the space existing between the tubes of the bundle of tubes and the space between
the bundle of tubes and the shell.
[0004] When the heat exchanger has a very compact bundle of tubes, the ratio of space existing
between the shell and the tubes to space existing between the tubes themselves is
relevant for first coolant fluid flow which tends to flow through said first space
located between the shell and the tubes as there is less resistance, cooling efficiency
being reduced.
[0005] The absence of cooling causes overheating in non-cooled areas with respect to other
surrounding areas and therefore higher risk of thermal fatigue failure.
[0006] To reduce this risk of thermal fatigue failure, there are heat exchangers comprising
floating cores where the bundle of tubes comprises an element in at least one of its
ends allowing the longitudinal displacement necessary to compensate for differential
thermal expansion between the core and the shell, such that said expansions do not
generate stress.
[0007] To increase heat exchanger cooling efficiency, there are plates welded to the shell
restricting the first coolant fluid flow through the space located between the shell
and the bundle of tubes, concentrating this first fluid flow through the space located
between tubes. Nevertheless, these welded plates make mounting a floating core in
the heat exchanger difficult, and they cannot completely restrict the space since
mechanical interferences with the core would be produced in the event of the existence
of vibrations, which would end up causing structural damage.
Description of the Invention
[0008] The present invention proposes a solution to the preceding problems by means of a
flow deflection system.
[0009] A first inventive aspect provides a flow deflector adapted for being installed in
heat exchangers of the type comprising a shell with an inner chamber through which
a first coolant fluid circulates and where said shell houses at least a bundle of
tubes through which a second fluid to be cooled circulates, where between the bundle
of tubes and the wall of the inner chamber of the shell there is a perimetral gap
in at least one section of the length of the bundle of tubes. The deflector according
to this first inventive aspect comprises:
- a tubular body adapted for surrounding at least one section of the length of the bundle
of tubes,
[0010] -
a first expansion section arranged at one end of the tubular body such that the tubular
body is extended longitudinally by means of the first expansion section where:
o the first expansion section covers a larger perimeter than the perimeter covered by
the tubular body to reduce the perimetral gap between the bundle of tubes and the
wall of the inner chamber of the shell; and,
o between the first expansion section and the tubular body there is a transition such
that a first coolant fluid flow passage restriction is established for restricting
it to the space between the tubes of the bundle of tubes. If the heat exchanger has a floating core, a space must be provided between the tubes
of the bundle of tubes and the inner wall of the shell, or inner chamber, for mounting
same.
[0011] In the context of the invention, the space existing between the tubes of the bundle
of tubes and the inner wall of the shell is defined as perimetral gap, whereas the
space defined between the actual tubes of the bundle of tubes is referred to as inner
space.
[0012] If the heat exchanger has a very compact bundle of tubes, the ratio between the perimetral
gap and the inner space is high. In these conditions, the first fluid, i.e., the coolant
fluid, tends to circulate through the spaces offering less resistance, or in other
words, where the section of the passage is larger. In case of a very compact bundle
of tubes, the first fluid preferably runs through the channel defined between the
bundle of tubes and the inner wall of the shell, or perimetral gap, such that the
flow rate of the first fluid intended for flowing through the space located between
the tubes of the bundle of tubes, i.e., the inner space, is reduced, and heat is removed
by convection.
[0013] In case of the heat exchanger for which the flow deflector is adapted, said heat
exchanger has a perimetral gap between the inner wall of the shell and the tubes of
the bundle of tubes in at least one section of the length of said tubes.
[0014] Said perimetral gap allows mounting a floating core. Nevertheless, this perimetral
gap generates a flow channel around the bundle of tubes for the first fluid different
from the flow channel between the tubes of the bundle of tubes, or inner space, through
which said first fluid must circulate.
[0015] The flow deflector of the present invention allows minimizing the first coolant fluid
flow rate through the first channel established through the perimetral gap located
between the bundle of tubes and the inner wall of the shell.
[0016] The deflector according to the first inventive aspect is adapted for restricting
first fluid passage through the flow channel located in the perimetral gap, such that
the flow is redirected towards the channel formed by the inner space. Therefore, the
increase in flow rate through the channel formed by the inner space also causes an
increase in speed, reducing the stagnant regions and therefore the occurrence of possible
hot spots.
[0017] The present flow deflector comprises a tubular body which is located surrounding
a plurality of tubes of the bundle of tubes, preferably all of said bundle of tubes.
This tubular body is extended in at least a longitudinal section of the tubes of the
surrounded bundle of tubes.
[0018] The tubular body defines a perimetral flow barrier the section of which can vary
along the length of extension thereof such that once driven to the inner space, the
fluid can no longer access the perimetral gap except for minimal leaks that may occur
in areas where parts are attached to one another, for example.
[0019] The flow deflector of the present invention further comprises a first expansion section
located at one of the ends of the tubular body in the preferred example.
[0020] This first expansion section defines a larger perimeter than the largest perimeter
defined by the tubular body.
[0021] Therefore, the perimetral gap defined between the bundle of tubes and the inner wall
of the shell is smaller in the area where the first expansion section is located than
along the length covered by the tubular body.
[0022] In the preferred example, the first expansion section is located against the inner
wall of the shell to prevent fluid passage through the perimetral gap. The transition
between the first expansion section and the tubular body establishes a first coolant
fluid flow passage restriction, such that the first coolant fluid is forced to circulate
through the inner space. The first expansion section therefore acts as an inlet for
the first coolant fluid which is collected by the area having a larger perimeter and
forced to be introduced into the inner space.
[0023] Advantageously, the flow deflector defined in the first inventive aspect concentrates
the first coolant fluid in the space defined between the tubes of the bundle of tubes,
i.e., it increases the first coolant fluid flow directed towards the bundle of tubes,
such that cooling efficiency in said tubes increases.
[0024] This means that the flow deflector allows the heat exchanger to require a smaller
amount of coolant since it improves the proportion of the amount of first coolant
fluid intended for contacting with the outer surface of the tubes, removing heat by
convection. The incorporation of the deflector according to the first inventive aspect
allows using lower first fluid flow rates, maintaining heat exchanger efficiency.
In the state of the art, the part of the flow circulating through the perimetral gap
reduces the flow circulating through the inner space, and to compensate for the reduction
of discharged heat it is necessary to increase the total coolant fluid flow rate.
For this reason, it is indicated that it is possible to reduce the first fluid flow
rate in comparison with the exchanger without using the deflector according to the
invention.
[0025] As an additional advantage, the present deflector allows being used in heat exchangers
with a floating core without hindering mounting due to the placement thereof on the
tubes of the bundle of tubes of the tubular body and to the fact that it is not attached
to the shell. This means that it does not restrict differential movement between the
shell and the tubes of the bundle of tubes, so it does not interfere with the operation
or the mounting of any type of core, be it a floating core or a rigid core.
[0026] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector has a tubular body comprising a second
expansion section located at the end of the tubular body opposite to the end where
the first expansion section is located.
[0027] The presence of a second expansion section in the deflector advantageously allows
an oriented exit of the first coolant fluid. This second expansion section acts a
funnel allowing the exit of the first fluid flow, preventing it from flowing back,
creating recirculation areas, and from accessing the perimetral gap existing between
the inside of the shell and the tubular body, surrounding the bundle of tubes.
[0028] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector presents at least one elastically
deformable expansion section to assure support against the wall of the inner chamber
of the shell.
[0029] This feature in at least one of the expansion sections allows supporting the flow
deflector on the inner chamber of the shell. This advantageously reduces vibrations
suffered by the bundle of tubes or at least causes a node in the vibration modes increasing
the natural vibration frequency, reducing the probability of fatigue damage since
the amplitude of core oscillations is reduced.
[0030] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector presents a curved section in the region
in at least one of the expansion sections which is adapted for contacting with the
wall of the inner chamber of the shell to prevent wedging.
[0031] This curved section in at least one of the expansion sections assures robuster support
on the wall of the inner chamber of the shell.
[0032] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector presents in the second expansion section
at least one window to favor coolant fluid passage, both the entry and exit of said
coolant fluid, between the inner space and the perimetral gap.
[0033] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector presents a window that is prolonged
along a region of the tubular body.
[0034] The entry or exit of the first coolant fluid to/from the heat exchanger is established
through the shell in most embodiments. The entry or exit of the flow restricted by
means of the tubular body through a window is faster than through the tubes of the
bundle of tubes along the entire tubular body of the deflector given that it allows
the flow to have a path with less resistance.
[0035] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector presents perimetral expansions in
the tubular body for housing baffles of the bundle of tubes.
[0036] Said perimetral expansions are sections along the tubular body where the perimeter,
according to a section transverse to the longitudinal direction defined by the bundle
of tubes, is greater than the perimeter defined by the tubular body, and less than
or equal to the perimeter defined by the expansion section.
[0037] The perimetral expansions advantageously allow housing flow deflector baffles located
in the space between the tubes of the bundle of tubes. Said baffles guide the first
coolant fluid flow according to a specific path inside the flow channel defined between
the tubes of the bundle of tubes, assure the separation between the tubes and provide
greater structural rigidity.
[0038] On the other hand, the perimetral expansions advantageously provide axial retention
of the flow deflector with respect to the tubes of the bundle of tubes, given that
the baffles housed therein are fixed in the tubes of the bundle of tubes and the deflector
is not attached by welding or by equivalent attachment means to any element of the
exchanger.
[0039] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector is made of die-cut and pressed sheet
metal. This means that the process for manufacturing said deflector is a simple and
low-cost process due to the simplicity of the operations necessary both for manufacture
and for subsequent assembly in the operating position.
[0040] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector presents elastically deformable expansion
sections configured by means of longitudinal grooves making the deformation thereof
easier by increasing flexibility. Longitudinal groove is understood as a groove extending
according to the direction indicated by the longitudinal direction defined by the
bundle of tubes. The expansion section can be configured with a curvature for being
located against the inner wall of the shell without causing wedging. The groove is
considered to be showing a longitudinal direction, even in this curved configuration,
if the plane containing it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bundle of tubes.
This will be the case of the embodiments described below.
[0041] The longitudinal grooves allow the expansion sections to undergo greater deformation
without negatively affecting the support they provide when contacting with the wall
of the inner chamber of the shell. The insertion of the bundle of tubes in the shell,
with the deflector placed in the bundle of tubes, entails bending the sheet sections
located between grooves, and this bending is in turn possible as a result of the existence
of said grooves. The sheet sections located between grooves contact with the wall,
forcing the deformation thereof by bending such that they move closer to one another,
the space formed by the grooves being reduced and assimilating the configuration that
an expansion section without longitudinal grooves would have. Due to the deformation
adopted by the sections located between grooves after insertion, this final configuration
prevents the flow passage through the grooves since they are closed.
[0042] This configuration advantageously means that the expansion sections with longitudinal
grooves allow supporting the flow deflector against the wall of the inner chamber
of the shell, thus reducing vibrations suffered by the bundle of tubes. This vibration
damping is more efficient with longitudinal grooves given that they are more flexible
and allow greater deformation.
[0043] In a particular embodiment, the flow deflector is configured in two or more portions
attached to one another by clipping.
[0044] The advantage of configuring the flow deflector in two or more portions is that it
can be more easily mounted on the heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the deflector
is configured in two portions such that both portions enclose the bundle of tubes
therein such that said portions are located in opposition.
[0045] The different portions allow better adjustment in the position thereof to then be
attached to one another through any attachment method allowing the parts to have no
relative movement between them. The different parts are coupled to one another such
that they are fixed together once the attachment is performed.
[0046] Said attachment is preferably performed by clipping such that the portions of the
flow deflector are provided both with flanges and housings for said flanges, allowing
solid and at the same time removable anchoring of the attached parts forming the flow
deflector.
[0047] Another object of this invention is the heat exchanger comprising the deflector,
the heat exchanger particularly comprising:
- a shell with an inner chamber through which a first coolant fluid circulates,
[0048]
- a core comprising at least one bundle of tubes through which a second fluid to be
cooled circulates where said shell houses the at least one bundle of tubes, and where
between the bundle of tubes and the wall of the inner chamber of the shell, there
is a perimetral gap in at least one section of the length of the bundle of tubes,
- a deflector according to the first inventive aspect located in the perimetral gap.
[0049] A heat exchanger having these features advantageously allows more efficient cooling
of the second fluid, given that it forces the first fluid to pass through the inside
of the tubes of the bundle of tubes and prevents said first fluid from looking for
paths through the space between the bundle of tubes and the shell, or perimetral gap.
[0050] Furthermore, the cooling is more efficient and can be obtained with a smaller amount
of first coolant fluid than in a heat exchanger that does not contain at least one
flow deflector of this type.
Description of the Drawings
[0051] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer
based on the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment given only by
way of illustrative and non-limiting example in reference to the attached drawings.
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger with a flow deflector according
to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of all the components of a heat exchanger such as
that of the preceding figure.
Figure 3a shows a plan view of a section according to a plane cutting through the
shell but not the deflector of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 1 with all its components.
Figure 3b shows an elevational view of a section according to a plane cutting through
the shell but not the deflector of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 1 with all its
components.
Figure 4a shows an elevational view of a portion configuring the flow deflector through
the attachment of two of these portions.
Figure 4b shows a plan view of the same portion of the flow deflector.
Figure 4c shows a side view of the same portion of the flow deflector.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0052] According to the first inventive aspect, the present invention relates to a device
for deflecting a first coolant fluid flow circulating through a heat exchanger.
[0053] Figure 1 shows a heat exchanger with a floating core, comprising a flow deflector
(3) such as that of the present invention.
[0054] Said heat exchanger comprises a core (2) formed by a bundle (2.1) of tubes, in this
case planar tubes, a fixing baffle (2.2) located at one end of the bundle (2.1) of
tubes of said core (2), and a bushing (2.3) located at the opposite end suitable for
the floating attachment of the core (2).
[0055] The bundle (2.1) of tubes is fixed to the fixing baffle (2.2), such that movement
due to longitudinal expansion with respect to the shell (1) housing the bundle (2.1)
of tubes is allowed at the end of the bushing (2.3) to reduce the thermal fatigue
of the device during operation.
[0056] The flow deflector (3) according to this embodiment is formed by two portions attached
to one another by means of clipping through an assembly of flanges (3.6) on each side.
[0057] Once mounted around the core (2) of the heat exchanger, the flow deflector (3) has
a tubular body (3.1) extending along a portion of the length of the bundle (2.1) of
tubes, completely surrounding the tubes forming said bundle (2.1) of tubes.
[0058] The flow deflector (3) comprises at its ends a first expansion section (3.2) and
a second expansion section (3.3), having a larger perimeter than the tubular body
(3.1) and in which a series of longitudinal grooves (3.2.1, 3.3.1) are machined. In
this embodiment, the portions giving rise to the deflector (3) are manufactured in
die-cut and pressed sheet metal. The longitudinal grooves (3.2.1, 3.3.1) are obtained
in these same die-cutting operations.
[0059] The main function of the first expansion section (3.2) and the second expansion section
(3.3) is to act as a funnel, directing the directed entry and exit of most of the
first coolant fluid flow through the flow channel formed by the space comprised between
the tubes of the bundle (2.1) of tubes, or inner space, preventing part of said flow
from going through the space existing between the bundle (2.1) of tubes and the shell
(1), or perimetral gap. The expression "most of the flow" is used since there may
be small clearances or, as can be seen below, grooves (3.2.1, 3.3.1) which allow certain
portions of the deflector to bend, giving rise to small amounts of flow compared with
the main flow without these minor flows preventing the increase in heat exchanger
efficiency.
[0060] To improve said exit of the first coolant fluid, the flow deflector (3) also comprises
a window (3.4) located at one of its ends, both on the tubular body (3.1) and on one
of the expansion sections (3.2, 3.3).
[0061] The flow deflector (3) also comprises a plurality of perimetral expansions (3.5)
allowing both axially fixing the flow deflector (3), and housing a series of baffles
(2.1.1) integral with the bundle (2.1) of tubes, which are in turn flow deflectors
inside the channel formed between the tubes of the bundle (2.1) of tubes, or inner
space.
[0062] Figure 2 shows a heat exchanger according to an exploded view with all its elements
together with a flow deflector (3) such as that of the present invention.
[0063] This figure and Figures 3a and 3b show a section view of the shell (1) of the heat
exchanger together with its inner chamber (H).
[0064] The core (2) and the distribution of all its elements are also shown. The bundle
(2.1) of tubes comprises a plurality of planar tubes which are attached at one of
their ends to the fixing baffle (2.2), whereas their other end is attached to the
bushing (2.3) allowing thermal expansion, and therefore enabling longitudinal movement
of the tubes of the bundle (2.1) of tubes. The core (2) also has baffles (2.1.1) with
holes in their entire longitudinal extension or only in part of said longitudinal
extension, allowing said baffles (2.1.1) to be inserted in the tubes of the bundle
(2.1) of tubes. These baffles (2.1.1) have regions for passage located alternately
according to a transverse direction such that they modify the path of the first coolant
fluid flow when such coolant fluid circulates through the channel defined between
the tubes, or inner space.
[0065] A flow deflector (3) is also shown, formed in this case by two portions attached
to one another by means of clipping as seen in Figure 1 as well.
[0066] This flow deflector (3) comprises at least as many perimetral expansions (3.5) as
baffles (2.1.1) comprised in the core (2), where each of the expansions (3.5) houses
the perimetral projection of each of the baffles (2.1.1). According to other embodiments,
there may be more expansions (3.5) without all the expansions (3.5) having to house
a baffle (2.1.1). This is the case of deflectors manufactured with a single configuration
which are valid for two different exchangers with baffle distributions that are also
different. In this particular case, for example, expansions (3.5) coinciding with
the baffles (2.1.1) of both exchangers are included such that there will be expansions
(3.5) not housing a baffle (2.1.1) in any one of the exchangers. These expansions
(3.5) not housing a baffle (2.1.1) do not reduce deflector efficiency.
[0067] Figure 3a shows a plan view of a heat exchanger such as that of the preceding figures,
already mounted. Said plan view is a section of the shell to allow observing the mounted
system therein, and in which the main portions of said shell (1), such as the main
body (1.1) of the shell, comprising the inner chamber (H) and therefore the bundle
(2.1) of tubes, and a cover flange (1.2), are distinguished. Said flange (1.2), in
contact with the fixing baffle (2.2), prevents the first coolant fluid from leaking
out of the heat exchanger, in addition to keeping both the fixing baffle (2.2) and
the corresponding end of the bundle (2.1) of tubes fixed in place.
[0068] Figure 3b shows an elevational view of a heat exchanger such as that of the preceding
figures, already mounted. Said elevational view is a cut through the shell to allow
observing the inside of the mounted system, like in Figure 3a, and in which the main
portions of said shell (1), such as the main body (1.1) of the shell, comprising the
inner chamber (H) and therefore the bundle (2.1) of tubes, and the cover flange (1.2),
are distinguished. This figure shows the flow deflector (3) formed by two portions,
already mounted and attached by means of the flanges (3.6) and the corresponding housings,
giving rise to a clipped attachment.
[0069] Figures 4a-4c show different views of one of the portions of the flow deflector (3).
A flow deflector (3) is mounted by combining two of these portions. The combination
is possible since the flanges (3.6) and the housings holding these flanges (3.6) are
positioned such that when two equal parts or portions are coupled to one another,
the flanges (3.6) enter the corresponding housings.
[0070] Figure 4a is an elevational view of the flow deflector (3) in which are distinguished
both the tubular body (3.1) and the perimetral expansions (3.5) housing the baffles
(2.1.1) which, in operating position, will coincide with one another according to
the longitudinal direction defined by the bundle (2.1) of tubes. The flanges (3.6)
that allow clipping are also distinguished. Said flanges (3.6) also have an assembly
of projections that are coupled in the housings of the opposite portion and serve
to keep said portions firmly attached.
[0071] Figure 4b shows the plan view of the flow deflector (3), both the expansion sections
(3.2, 3.3) and, like in the preceding figure, the perimetral expansions (3.5) being
distinguished.
[0072] The window (3.4) made on the tubular body (3.1) and on the second expansion section
(3.3) is also shown. This window (3.4) is configured so that it is positioned in the
region for accessing the inlet or outlet conduit (1.3, 1.4) of the first coolant fluid
located in the shell (1) once the deflector (3) is mounted in the operating position
on the bundle (2.1) of tubes.
[0073] The expansion sections (3.2, 3.3) are formed according to a curved section and have
longitudinal grooves (3.2.1, 3.3.1) obtained when die-cutting, for example, leaving
between them elastically deformable sections adapted for bending. Figures 3a and 3b
depict these sections invading the space taken up by the inner wall of the shell (1).
This depiction indicates that the insertion of the core (2) with the deflector (3)
in the inner chamber (H) of the shell (1) causes these elastically deformable sections
to bend. The deformation of the elastically deformable sections caused by the force
exerted by the inner wall of the shell (1) gives rise to a configuration in which
the expansion sections (3.2, 3.3) have grooves (3.2.1, 3.3.1) that are closed or closed
to a greater extent such that the possible leak flow passage through these chinks
is reduced.
[0074] Therefore, the width of the grooves (3.2.1, 3.3.1) is such that the elastically deformable
sections adopt a closed configuration after the deformation caused by the shell (1),
i.e., is reduced to not allow passage therethrough with the exception of positioning
errors due to irregularities of the inner wall of the shell (1) or variations in the
way of being deformed due to mounting.
[0075] Likewise, there may be certain points that do not give rise to complete closure,
such as the root of the grooves (3.2.1, 3.3.1), having a suitable radius preventing
the occurrence of cracks due to concentrated stress.
[0076] Figure 4c shows a side view of the flow deflector (3) where the curved section of
the first expansion section (3.2) is also seen together with its longitudinal grooves
(3.2.1, 3.3.1).
1. A flow deflector (3) adapted for being installed in heat exchangers of the type comprising
a shell (1) with an inner chamber (H) through which a first coolant fluid circulates
and where said shell (1) houses at least a bundle (2.1) of tubes through which a second
fluid to be cooled circulates, where between the bundle (2.1) of tubes and the wall
of the inner chamber (H) of the shell (1) there is a perimetral gap in at least one
section of the length of the bundle (2.1) of tubes, where said deflector (3) comprises:
- a tubular body (3.1) adapted for surrounding at least one section of the length
of the bundle (2.1) of tubes,
- a first expansion section (3.2) arranged at one end of the tubular body (3.1) such
that the tubular body (3.1) is extended longitudinally by means of the first expansion
section (3.2) where:
o the first expansion section (3.2) covers a larger perimeter than the perimeter covered
by the tubular body (3.1) to reduce the perimetral gap between the bundle (2.1) of
tubes and the wall of the inner chamber (H) of the shell (1); and,
o between the first expansion section (3.2) and the tubular body (3.1) there is a
transition such that a first coolant fluid flow passage restriction is established
for restricting it to the space between the tubes of the bundle (2.1) of tubes.
2. The flow deflector according to claim 1, where the tubular body (3.1) comprises a
second expansion section (3.3) located at the end of the tubular body (3.1) opposite
to the end where the first expansion section (3.2) is located.
3. The flow deflector according to claim 1 or 2, where at least one of the expansion
sections (3.2, 3.3) is elastically deformable to assure support against the wall of
the inner chamber (H) of the shell (1).
4. The flow deflector according to any of the preceding claims, where at least one of
the expansion sections (3.2, 3.3) comprises a curved section in the region adapted
for contacting with the wall of the inner chamber (H) of the shell (1) to prevent
wedging.
5. The flow deflector according to any of the preceding claims, where the second expansion
section (3.3) has at least one window (3.4) to favor the coolant fluid passage through
the space between the tubes of the bundle (2.1) of tubes and the gap between the bundle
(2.1) of tubes and the wall of the inner chamber (H) of the shell (1).
6. The flow deflector according to claim 5, where the window (3.4) is prolonged along
a region of the tubular body (3.1).
7. The flow deflector according to any of the preceding claims, where the tubular body
(3.1) comprises perimetral expansions (3.5) for housing baffles (2.1.1) of the bundle
(2.1) of tubes.
8. The flow deflector according to any of the preceding claims, where the deflector (3)
is made of die-cut and pressed sheet.
9. The flow deflector according to any of the preceding claims, where the elastically
deformable expansion sections (3.2, 3.3) are configured by means of longitudinal grooves
(3.2.1, 3.3.1), according to the longitudinal direction defined by the bundle (2.1)
of tubes, making deformation easier.
10. The flow deflector according to any of the preceding claims, where the deflector (3)
is configured in two or more portions attached to one another by clipping.
11. A heat exchanger comprising:
- a shell (1) with an inner chamber (H) through which a first coolant fluid circulates,
- a core (2) comprising at least a bundle (2.1) of tubes through which a second fluid
to be cooled circulates, where said shell (1) houses the at least one bundle of tubes
(2.1), and where between the bundle (2.1) of tubes and the wall of the inner chamber
(H) of the shell (1) there is a perimetral gap in at least one section of the length
of the bundle (2.1) of tubes,
- a deflector (3) according to any of claims 1 to 10 located in the perimetral gap.