Tool for applying a ring-shaped sealant to a tube bundle for a heat exchanger

Abstract

Tool (1) for applying an annular sealing agent (2) to a tube bundle (3) for a heat exchanger (4), comprising at least the following components: - a basic body (5); - a plurality of spreading arms (6) supported on the base body (5) for radially spreading the ring-shaped sealing element (2); - an actuating element (7) movably mounted on the base body (5); and - a scraper (8) movable in relation to the spreading arms (6) for scraping the sealing material (2) from the spreading arms (6) at a predetermined target position, wherein the actuating element (7) is in an actuating contact (9) with the spreading arms (6) in order to control a radial movement of the spreading arms (6) to spread the sealing medium (2), wherein the spreading arms (6) are pivotably mounted on the base body (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tool for applying an annular sealing agent to a tube bundle for a heat exchanger, a method for applying an annular sealing agent to such a tube bundle, a manufacturing method with such a method, a tube bundle with such a manufacturing method for a heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger with such a tube bundle.

[0002] Heat exchangers with tube bundles are known from industrial practice. The tube bundle is arranged in a housing. The tube bundle is designed to circulate a primary fluid through its media tubes, while the secondary fluid flows around the media tubes within the housing.

[0003] DE 10 2023 104 258 B3 discloses, for example, a manufacturing process for such a heat exchanger, referred to therein as a heat exchanger. In this process, “in a first step, a pipe channel surface is generated by a plurality of pipe channels [...], wherein the pipe channels are arranged in a first direction parallel or substantially parallel to their pipe channel axis, in a second step the pipe channels are connected to one another by coupling means, characterized in that in a third step the pipe channel surface is rolled up along a first surface by winding means to form a pipe channel bundle and fixed in the rolled-up position by connecting means, in a fourth step the pipe channel bundle is separated from the pipe channel surface, and in a fifth step a head and end plate is arranged at the axial ends of the pipe channel bundle.”

[0004] DE 10 2022 101 803 A1 discloses an assembly tool for mounting an elastic sealing ring onto a component, comprising a receiving mandrel for receiving the component and an expanding arrangement with a seat for receiving the O-ring over the seat, in order to pull the sealing ring over the component in an expanded state. By a linear movement of the component held on the receiving mandrel in the axial direction, the expanding arrangement is widened with respect to its circumference until the receiving mandrel indirectly moves against the expanding arrangement and abuts there.

[0005] However, with known manufacturing processes, sealing the tube bundle against the housing is very complex.

[0006] Based on this, the present invention aims to overcome, at least partially, the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features of the invention are defined in the independent claims, for which advantageous embodiments are shown in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically meaningful way, whereby the explanations in the following description and features from the figures, which comprise supplementary embodiments of the invention, can also be used.

[0007] The invention relates to a tool for applying an annular sealing agent to a tube bundle for a heat exchanger, comprising at least the following components: - a basic body; - a plurality of spreading arms supported on the base body for radially spreading the ring-shaped sealing material; - an actuating element movably mounted on the base body; and - a scraper movable in relation to the spreading arms for scraping the sealing material from the spreading arms at a predetermined target position, wherein the actuating element is in an actuating contact with the spreading arms in order to control a radial movement of the spreading arms for spreading the sealing material.

[0008] In the following, reference is made to a cylindrical axis of the tool, parallel to the feed direction, or to the axes of the media tubes of the tube bundle, unless explicitly stated otherwise, when the axial direction, radial direction, or rotational direction and corresponding terms are used. Ordinal numbers used in the preceding and subsequent descriptions serve solely for unambiguous identification and do not indicate any order or ranking of the components referred to, unless explicitly stated otherwise. An ordinal number greater than one does not necessarily imply the presence of another such component.

[0009] A tool for applying an annular sealant to a tube bundle is proposed here. This tool is designed to spread the annular sealant. The sealant can then be easily slid onto the tube bundle and placed in a desired position, for example, in a sealing bed.

[0010] Such a sealant is a completely enclosed sealant, for example an O-ring.

[0011] The tool comprises at least a base body, a plurality of spreading arms, an adjusting element and a scraping means.

[0012] The base body forms the foundation of the tool. For example, the base body is made of a metal, preferably steel, or a plastic. Preferably, the base body is cylindrical.

[0013] For example, the base body has a handle for holding the tool and / or is attached to an automated system, such as a robot arm.

[0014] For example, the base body has a defined stop at one end face along an insertion direction. When applying the sealant, this stop can be brought into contact with a complementary end face of the tube bundle along an axial direction. Thus, the defined stop allows the desired position of the sealant on the tube bundle to be set or fixed during application. Alternatively or additionally, the desired position can be set manually or by means of an automated system, such as a robotic arm.

[0015] The axial direction is defined by the axes of the media tubes of the tube bundle. Preferably, the insertion direction is parallel to the axial direction.

[0016] A number of spreading arms are supported on the base body. The spreading arms can be moved apart in a radial direction to spread the sealant. In other words, the spreading arms can move between a receiving state for receiving the sealant and an expanding state for spreading the sealant.

[0017] The spreading arms extend, for example, in the spreading state, and preferably also in the receiving state, in the thrust direction beyond the base body, for example the stop of the base body.

[0018] Preferably, the tool comprises at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least eight spreading arms. Preferably, the spreading arms are arranged equidistant from each other along the circumferential direction.

[0019] For example, the spreading arms are made of a metal, preferably steel, or a plastic, for example made of the same material as the base body.

[0020] The actuating element is movably mounted on the base body. For example, the actuating element is also cylindrical, preferably a hollow cylinder. The actuating element is preferably supported on the base body in order to be moved relative to it.

[0021] The scraper is movable relative to the spreading arms. For example, the scraper is attached to or coupled with the actuator to provide the movement.

[0022] The wiping device is designed to wipe the sealant from the spreading arms by means of a wiping contact when the sealant is in a predetermined position. For example, the wiping device can be moved along the insertion direction in a relative motion to the sealant.

[0023] The actuator is designed to be in contact with the spreading arms. This contact defines the radial position of the spreading arms within a receiving section, where the sealing compound is held on the spreading arms and used for assembly. Thus, the radial movement of the spreading arms can be controlled by moving the actuator relative to the base body.

[0024] For example, the base body, the actuating body and the wiping means are coupled together in such a way that the relative movements between the three components can be carried out by means of a single control movement and / or an automatic control in order to spread and wipe off the sealing material.

[0025] The proposed tool offers the advantage of enabling simple and quick installation of a sealant on a tube bundle for a heat exchanger.

[0026] The spreading arms are pivotally mounted on the base body. For example, the spreading arms are mounted on the base body at an end opposite to the insertion direction, i.e., the end facing away from the tube bundle during assembly. In such an embodiment, the actuating contact is provided by means of the actuating element, for example, radially inwards against the spreading arms and is offset along the insertion direction towards the tube bundle or the sealing element with respect to the bearing on which the spreading arms are mounted on the base body.

[0027] Alternatively, the spreading arms are not mounted at the aforementioned end, but at a lever point offset along the insertion direction. In such an embodiment, the actuating contact on the spreading arms is, for example, radially external at an actuating contact that is offset against the insertion direction relative to the lever arm. Alternatively, the actuating contact on the spreading arms is also radially internal at a contact point that is offset along the insertion direction relative to the lever point.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the tool, it is further proposed that the actuating element is mounted on the base body in a translationally movable manner, preferably by means of a first thread, a hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and / or mechanical sliding unit.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the actuating element is translationally movable relative to the base body. The actuating element is movable relative to the base body, for example, by means of a first thread, a hydraulic sliding unit, a pneumatic sliding unit, an electric sliding unit, and / or a mechanical sliding unit.

[0030] For example, the actuator has a contact contour by means of which the actuating contact to the spreading arms is defined by the movement of the actuator during the installation of the sealing element. For example, the spreading arms have complementary contact contours which, during such a movement, slide, for example, in the contact contours of the actuating contact.

[0031] For example, one half of the thread of the first thread described above is formed by the base body and the complementary half of the thread by the adjusting body.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of the tool, it is further proposed that the scraping means be movable, preferably translationally movable, on the base body and / or the actuating body, preferably by means of a second thread, a hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and / or mechanical sliding unit.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the wiping element is mounted on the base body and / or the actuating element. For example, the wiping element is mounted so that it is movable translationally, preferably along the insertion direction. The wiping element is movable relative to the base body, for example, by means of a second thread, a hydraulic sliding unit, a pneumatic sliding unit, an electric sliding unit, and / or a mechanical sliding unit.

[0034] For example, one half of such a second thread is formed by the adjusting body and the complementary half of the thread by the scraping means.

[0035] For example, the wiping element is a hollow cylinder. For example, the wiping element has at least one wiping projection extending radially inwards from the hollow cylinder. For example, the at least one wiping projection is preferably closed and circumferential. Alternatively, for example, one or more wiping projections are formed, which extend, for example, radially outwards between the spreading arms, for example, when the spreading arms are in the spread position.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment of the tool, it is proposed that the spreading arms have a receiving section for holding the sealing material.

[0037] Such a receiving section is designed to hold the sealant. In other words, such a receiving section prevents a sealant applied to the spreading arms from unintentionally slipping off them. For example, the spreading arms are angled radially outwards relative to the rest of their course; for instance, in the receiving section, the spreading arms extend at least parallel to the insertion direction or further radially outwards. Alternatively or additionally, the spreading arms have a retaining groove in the receiving section.

[0038] According to another aspect, a method for applying an annular sealing agent to a tube bundle for a heat exchanger is proposed, comprising the following steps: a. Providing a tube bundle; b. Spreading of the ring-shaped sealing material; c. Sliding the sealant onto the tube bundle; and d. Deposition of the ring-shaped sealing material into a sealing bed on a radial outer side of the tube bundle.

[0039] A method for applying an annular sealant to a tube bundle for a heat exchanger is proposed here. For the components mentioned, please refer to the preceding description.

[0040] The procedure includes at least steps a., b., c., d. in the order mentioned.

[0041] In step a., the tube bundle is provided. Such a tube bundle comprises a plurality of media tubes, which are preferably arranged parallel to each other along the axial direction. The media tubes are, for example, glued together at several points to form the tube bundle. Preferably, the tube bundle has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axial direction.

[0042] For example, a bonding compound, such as an adhesive, used to glue the media pipes together is not yet cured when the pipe bundle is provided and the sealant is applied. Thus, the uncured bonding compound forms the sealing bed.

[0043] In step b., the ring-shaped sealant is expanded. In doing so, a diameter of the sealant is expanded to such an extent that it is larger than the diameter of the tube bundle.

[0044] In step c., the expanded, ring-shaped sealant is pushed onto the tube bundle. The sealant is moved onto the tube bundle along a sliding direction, parallel to the axial direction.

[0045] In step d., the sealant is deposited into a sealing bed of uncured compound.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, it is further proposed that step b., step c. and step d. of the method are carried out using the tool according to an embodiment as described above.

[0047] It is now proposed that steps b., c. and d. be carried out using the tool as described above.

[0048] For example, in step b., the sealing material, preferably an O-ring, is applied to the spreading arms. The spreading arms are in the receiving position at this stage. The sealing material is then expanded, for example by means of an automatic control system and / or manual actuation, by moving the spreading arms into the expanded position. For this purpose, the actuator is moved, thereby controlling or actuating the spreading arms.

[0049] For example, the actuator presses against an actuator contact with the spreading arms and thus pivots them around a bearing on which the spreading arms are mounted on the base body.

[0050] For example, the actuating element is moved relative to the base body by means of a rotation around the first thread, a mechanical lever, pneumatically, hydraulically and / or electrically.

[0051] In step c., the sealing compound is pushed onto the tube bundle along the insertion direction. For example, the base body and / or the spreading arms are moved along the insertion direction until the target position is reached, for example, until the defined stop comes into contact with the tube bundle.

[0052] In step d., the sealant is scraped off the spreading arms using the scraping tool. For example, the scraping tool is moved translationally along the insertion direction until it comes into contact with the sealant and pushes it off the spreading arms. This positions and deposits the sealant onto the sealing bed.

[0053] According to another aspect, a manufacturing process for a tube bundle for a heat exchanger is proposed, comprising a method according to an embodiment as described above, the manufacturing process further comprises the following steps: - Provision of media pipes; - by means of a bonding compound, gluing the media pipes to form a pipe bundle, wherein the sealing bed is formed by means of the bonding compound and / or by a separately applied adhesive compound.

[0054] A manufacturing process for a tube bundle for a heat exchanger is proposed here. Reference is made in this regard to patent DE 10 2023 104 258 B3, in which an example of such a manufacturing process and a corresponding tube bundle are described.

[0055] The manufacturing process comprises the above-described method for applying an annular sealing compound to a tube bundle for a heat exchanger. The steps described below take place prior to steps a. to d. of this process.

[0056] First, media pipes are provided. These media pipes are designed to carry a first fluid to the heat exchanger and preferably have a high heat transfer coefficient.

[0057] The provided media tubes are bonded together to form a tube bundle using a bonding compound. For example, the media tubes are first connected to each other to form a mat, for instance by arranging them axially parallel to each other and weaving them together with strands or by encasing them in an elastic material. Preferably, such a connection takes place along at least two, more preferably at least three lines perpendicular to the axial direction. In one embodiment, media tubes in the mat form are fixed to each other using an adhesive or bonding compound, which also fixes them in the shape of the tube bundle. Alternatively or additionally, a further adhesive or bonding compound is applied to the mats, preferably along at least two, more preferably at least three lines perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0058] The mat is then rolled up into a tube bundle, for example around a central axis. The bonding compound simultaneously provides a seal and a flow guide for a second fluid within the heat exchanger. The second fluid is guided by a housing into which the tube bundle is inserted.

[0059] The bonding compound creates end-face partitions that seal the housing. Additional partitions, arranged along the axial direction between the end-face partitions, are designed, for example, to guide the flow of the second fluid, preventing a direct, straight flow between a fluid inlet and outlet and thus increasing heat transfer. Accordingly, these central partitions are permeable to the second fluid at defined points, for example, by partially omitting the bonding compound and / or by creating a passage along the central axis.

[0060] The sealing bed, into which the sealant is applied in steps a. to d., is formed either by the uncured bonding compound and / or by additionally applied bonding compound, thus fixing the sealant to the tube bundle. The additional bonding compound applied is either the same or a different bonding compound than the one used to fix the media pipes. The sealant ensures that the tube bundle can be securely sealed within the housing, for example, against the housing walls.

[0061] According to another aspect, a tube bundle is proposed for a heat exchanger, whereby the tube bundle is manufactured using a manufacturing process according to an embodiment as described above.

[0062] A tube bundle for a heat exchanger is proposed here. The tube bundle is manufactured using the manufacturing process described above.

[0063] Thus, the tube bundle includes at least the following components; - a plurality of media pipes; - a plurality of partition walls that fix the media pipes to each other; - a plurality of sealing materials that completely enclose the tube bundle.

[0064] Preferably, the sealing elements are arranged circumferentially on the partition walls and the sealing beds formed by them. Preferably, at least two, and particularly preferably at least three, partition walls are provided, each with a sealing element.

[0065] According to another aspect, a heat exchanger is proposed, comprising at least the following components: - a tube bundle for guiding a first fluid through the heat exchanger, and - a housing for guiding a second fluid and allowing the second fluid to flow around the media tubes of the tube bundle, wherein the tube bundle is sealed against the housing of the secondary side by means of the sealing agent.

[0066] A heat exchanger is proposed here. The heat exchanger is designed to transfer heat between two fluids. For example, both fluids could be liquids or gases. Alternatively, one fluid could be a liquid and the other a gas.

[0067] For example, one fluid is a water-based coolant and the other fluid is a dielectric. For example, the heat exchanger is a heat exchanger for a battery cooling system in a motor vehicle.

[0068] The heat exchanger comprises at least a tube bundle and a casing.

[0069] The tube bundle is designed according to the above description. Preferably, the tube bundle forms the primary side of the heat exchanger. Accordingly, the tube bundle is designed to convey a first primary fluid via the media tubes.

[0070] The tube bundle is arranged within the housing. The housing is designed to guide a second fluid so that it flows around the media tubes. Preferably, the housing forms the secondary side, with the second fluid being the secondary fluid.

[0071] As already explained, the tube bundle is sealed against the housing at at least two points along the axial direction, preferably at least three points, by means of the sealing agent. Thus, for example, the end faces of the housing are sealed along the axial direction and the second fluid can be guided through the housing via a defined flow path.

[0072] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, although it should be noted that the drawings are not dimensionally accurate and are not suitable for defining size relationships. It is illustrated in Fig. 1: a tool in a recording state in a partially cut-away side view; Fig. 2: the tool after Fig. 1 in a spread state in a partially cut side view; Fig. 3: the tool after Fig. 2 in a partially cropped perspective view; Fig. 4: the tool after Fig. 1 during a stripping in a partially cut side view; Fig. 5: the tool after Fig. 4 in a partially cropped perspective view; Fig. 6: the tool after Fig. 1 with a stripped sealant in a partially cut side view; Fig. 7: The tool after Fig. 6 in a partially cropped perspective view; and Fig. 8: A tube bundle for a heat exchanger in a perspective view.

[0073] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a tool 1 in a partially sectioned side view in a recording state. The tool 1 has a base body 5, an adjusting body 7, spreading arms 6 and a scraping element 8.

[0074] The base body 5 forms the basis of the tool 1. The spreading arms 6, eight of them as shown, are pivotably mounted on the base body 5. For this purpose, the tool 1 has bearing struts on which the spreading arms 6 are each mounted by means of a bearing 16. The spreading arms 6 are oriented along a circumferential direction 22 (see figure). Fig. 3) arranged equidistant from each other.

[0075] The actuating element 7 is a hollow cylinder and is mounted on an external thread of the base body 5 by means of an internal thread. Thus, a first thread 10 is formed between the base body 5 and the actuating element 7, by means of which the actuating element 7 can be moved along an axial thrust direction 20 relative to the base body 5.

[0076] The actuating body 7 forms a contact contour 15, by means of which an actuating contact 9 is formed with a corresponding complementary contour of the spreading arms 6. Thus, a defined pivoting of the spreading arms 6 is enabled by means of the described movement of the actuating body 7 along the insertion direction 20.

[0077] As shown, a sealing element 2 in the form of a sealing ring is mounted on the spreading arms 6. In the illustrated position, the spreading arms 6 are pivoted radially inwards along a radial direction 21. The spreading arms 6 thus extend obliquely along the insertion direction 20 from radially outwards to radially inwards. Therefore, the circumference formed by the spreading arms 6 in a receiving section 12 is small enough that the sealing element 2 can be easily slid on in a relaxed state and yet remains self-supporting. For example, the spreading arms 6 in the receiving section 12 are designed to increase the retention of the sealing element 2. For this purpose, as shown, the end of the spreading arms 6 is angled radially outwards relative to the rest of the spreading arm 6 and thus extends parallel to the insertion direction 20 in the illustrated position.

[0078] The scraping means 8 is a hollow cylinder with a plurality of scraping projections 17 (compare Fig. 3), which are arranged along the circumferential direction 22 between two spreading arms 6. The scraper 8 is mounted on an external thread of the actuating body 7 by means of an internal thread. Thus, a second thread 11 is formed, by means of which the scraper 8 can be moved along the insertion direction 20 with respect to the actuating body 7 and thus also with respect to the base body 5 and the spreading arms 6.

[0079] In Fig. 2 is the tool 1 after Fig. Figure 1 shows the body in a spread state in a partially cut-away side view. By means of a relative rotation between the base body 5 and the actuating body 7, the actuating body 7 can be moved along the thrust direction 20 with respect to the base body 5.

[0080] The spreading arms 6 with their complementary contours slide over the contact contour 15 of the actuating body 7 and are pressed radially inwards at the corresponding actuating contact 9. The actuating contact 9 is arranged along the insertion direction 20 in front of the respective bearing 16, i.e., on a side facing away from the sealing element 2. Thus, the receiving section 12 of the respective actuating arm, which is arranged along the insertion direction 20 on the other side of the bearing 16, is pivoted radially outwards over the bearing 16.

[0081] As shown, the spreading arms 6 lock into place in an orientation parallel to the insertion direction 20. This prevents, for example, overstretching of the sealing material 2 or blockage of the scraping material 8.

[0082] The tool 1 or the sealing agent 2 is thus in a spreading state in which the sealing agent 2 can be slid onto a tube bundle 3, preferably without further deformation and without contact.

[0083] In Fig. 3 is the tool 1 after Fig. 2 shown in a partially cropped perspective view.

[0084] In Fig. 4 is the tool 1 after Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown in a partially cut-away side view during a stripping process.

[0085] The tool 1 is in the illustrated state in a defined position along the insertion direction 20 with respect to a tube bundle 3 (not shown here), so that the sealing agent 2 is deposited into a sealing bed 13 of the tube bundle 3 by being wiped off the spreading arms 6.

[0086] Compared to the in Fig. 2 and Fig. In the spreading state shown in Figure 3, the scraper 8 is now moved along the insertion direction 20. For this purpose, the scraper 8 is rotated relative to the actuating body 7 and thus moved translationally by means of the second thread 11.

[0087] In Fig. 5 is the first tool after Fig. Figure 4 shows a partially cutaway perspective view. It can be seen that scraper projections 17 are arranged circumferentially 22 between the spreading arms 6 and extend radially inwards from the hollow cylindrical scraper 8. Thus, the scraper projections 17 come into contact with the sealing material 2 and scrape it off the spreading arms 6.

[0088] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the tool 1 according to the figures described above with a stripped sealing agent 2 in a partially cut side view.

[0089] As the sealant is wiped off, it contracts elastically along the radial direction 21 and thus settles into the sealing bed 13 of the tube bundle 3 (not shown here).

[0090] In Fig. 7 is tool 1 after Fig. 6 shown in a partially cropped perspective view.

[0091] The figures described above represent a process sequence of a method for applying an annular sealing agent 2 to a tube bundle 3 for a heat exchanger 4 in chronological order.

[0092] In Fig. Figure 8 shows a tube bundle 3 for a heat exchanger 4 in a perspective view. For clarity, the housing of the heat exchanger 4 is not shown here.

[0093] The tube bundle 3 comprises a plurality of media tubes 14, which are arranged parallel to each other along an axial direction 19. The media tubes 14 form a primary side of the heat exchanger 4 and are configured to convey a primary-side fluid.

[0094] The tube bundles 3 are connected to each other by means of three partition walls 18 made of a bonding compound. Each of the partition walls 18 forms a sealing bed 13 onto which a sealing agent 2 has been applied according to the figures described above.

[0095] The axially outer partition walls 18 form an end-face seal with the housing of the heat exchanger 4 (not shown here). This forms the secondary side of the heat exchanger 4, which carries the secondary fluid. The secondary fluid flows around the media tubes 14 for heat transfer 4 between the primary and secondary fluids.

[0096] The central partition 18 is designed, for example, to guide the secondary fluid between a secondary-side inlet and a secondary-side outlet. Accordingly, the central partition 18 has a passage (not shown here) through which the secondary fluid can be guided between the inlet and the outlet.

[0097] A tool for applying a sealant to a tube bundle of a heat exchanger is proposed. Reference symbol list 1 tool 2 Sealants 3 tube bundles 4 heat exchangers 5 basic shapes 6 spreading arms 7 actuators 8 Scraper 9 Position contact 10 threads 11 threads 12 Recording section 13 Sealing bed 14 media pipes 15 Contact contour 16 warehouses 17 scraping lead 18 Partition wall 19 Axial direction 20 Direction of thrust 21 Radial direction 22 Circumferential direction

Claims

[1] Tool (1) for applying an annular sealing agent (2) to a tube bundle (3) for a heat exchanger (4), comprising at least the following components: - a basic body (5); - a plurality of spreading arms (6) supported on the base body (5) for radially spreading the ring-shaped sealing element (2); - an actuating element (7) movably mounted on the base body (5); and - a scraper (8) movable in relation to the spreading arms (6) for scraping the sealing material (2) from the spreading arms (6) at a predetermined target position, wherein the actuating element (7) is in an actuating contact (9) with the spreading arms (6) in order to control a radial movement of the spreading arms (6) to spread the sealing medium (2), wherein the spreading arms (6) are pivotably mounted on the base body (5). [2] Tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (7) is mounted on the base body (5) so as to be translationally movable. [3] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the scraping means (8) is movably mounted on the base body (5) and / or the actuating body (7). [4] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spreading arms (6) have a receiving section (12) for holding the sealing means (2). [5] Method for applying an annular sealing agent (2) to a tube bundle (3) for a heat exchanger (4), comprising the following steps: a. Providing a tube bundle (3); b. Spreading the ring-shaped sealing material (2); c. Sliding the sealant (2) onto the tube bundle (3); and d. Deposition of the ring-shaped sealing material (2) into a sealing bed (13) consisting of uncured bonding compound on a radial outer side of the tube bundle (3). [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein step b., step c. and step d. of the method are carried out using the tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [7] Manufacturing process for a tube bundle (3) for a heat exchanger (4), comprising a method according to one of claim 5 or claim 6, the manufacturing process further comprises the following steps: - Provision of media pipes (14); - by means of a bonding compound, gluing the media pipes (14) to form a pipe bundle (3), wherein the sealing bed (13) is formed by means of the bonding compound and / or by a separately applied adhesive compound. [8] Tube bundle (3) for a heat exchanger (4), wherein the tube bundle (3) is manufactured using a manufacturing process according to claim 7. [9] Heat exchanger (4) comprising at least the following components: - a tube bundle (3) according to claim 8 for guiding a first fluid through the heat exchanger (4), and - a housing for guiding a second fluid and allowing the media tubes (14) of the tube bundle (3) to flow around with the second fluid, wherein the tube bundle (3) is sealed against the housing of the secondary side by means of the sealing agent (2).

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