Multi port extrusion (MPE) connection to a header
A connection between one end of a Multi Port Extrusion (MPE) tube ( 1 ) of aluminium or an aluminium alloy and one header ( 2 ), the connection comprises an adapter ( 3 ) with a seal ring ( 4 ) fixed between the MPE tube and the header. The invention also relates to a method for connecting said parts.
1. A connection between one end of a Multi Port Extrusion (MPE) tube ( 1 ) and one header ( 2 ), the connection comprising an adapter ( 3 ) fixed between the MPE tube ( 1 ) and the header ( 2 ), where the end of the MPE tube ( 1 ) is mating a cavity ( 1 ′) in a first end of the adapter ( 3 ),
wherein the fixation between the MPE tubing ( 1 ) and the adapter ( 3 ) is established in that the MPE tubing ( 1 ) has at least one prefabricated indent ( 5 , 5 ′) close to its end that is complementary to a corresponding pre-shaped notch ( 12 , 12 ′) in the adapter ( 3 ), and
wherein the mating of the at least one notch ( 12 , 12 ′) in the corresponding indent ( 5 , 5 ′) is securely locked in that the header ( 2 ) embraces the adapter ( 3 ) and lays onto its outer surface in that area.
2. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein a second end of the adapter ( 3 ) comprises a protrusion ( 7 ) that is entered into a cavity ( 7 ′) of the header ( 2 ).
3. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein a seal ring ( 4 ) is arranged between the adapter ( 3 ) and the header ( 2 ).
4. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein the fixation between the adapter ( 3 ) and the header ( 2 ) is established by mating snap-on elements.
5. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein the fixation between the adapter ( 3 ) and the header ( 2 ) is established by gluing or cold hardening compound.
6. The connection according to claim 3 ,
wherein the seal ring is arranged between an internal flange of the header ( 2 ) and a complementary flange of the adapter ( 3 ).
7. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein the fixation between the adapter ( 3 ) and the header ( 2 ) is established by that the adapter's ( 3 ) second end has at least one notch ( 10 , 10 ′) that is complementary to a corresponding opening ( 11 , 11 ′) in a wall of the header ( 2 ).
8. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein the adapter ( 3 ) is made of a flexible material.
9. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein the header ( 2 ) is made of aluminium or an alloy thereof or a plastic material.
10. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein the MPE tubing has a protective coating.
11. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein the Multi Port Extrusion (MPE) tube ( 1 ) is made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy.
12. The connection according to claim 1 ,
wherein the flexible material is plastic or the similar.
13. A method for connecting one end of a Multi Port Extrusion (MPE) tubing ( 1 ) and one header ( 2 ),
wherein the one end of the MPE tubing ( 1 ) is entered into a first end of an adapter ( 3 ) and fixed by mechanical fixation means provided by at least one prefabricated indent ( 5 , 5 ′) close to its end that is complementary to a corresponding pre-shaped notch ( 12 , 12 ′) in the adapter ( 3 ) and where one second end of the adapter ( 3 ) is provided with a seal ring ( 4 ) and further entered into a corresponding recess in the header ( 2 ) and fixed by mechanical fixation means.