Connection placement device and method for manufacturing a fluid line

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection placement device for making a rigid connection with at least one tube in a fluid line. The connection placement device comprises an adapter body and a mating block, the adapter body having at least two outlets and a passage bore forming at least one fluid channel. The mating block has at least one longitudinal channel for receiving the adapter body and a cavity. The adapter body is overmolded onto the mating block such that the adapter body is rigidly held to the mating block. Furthermore, at least one tube is inserted into one of the at least two outlets and rigidly joined to the adapter body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection arrangement in a fluid line assembly, and in particular to a connection arrangement having an adapter with a mating block for making a rigid connection in a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The statements herein are merely intended to provide background information related to the present invention and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Generally, it is important that fluid line systems, such as automotive air conditioning systems, be lightweight and durable enough to fit within limited spaces. However, the number of fastening means for securing components of a fluid line system together is limited, and we have found that it is difficult to configure an adapter that provides durable sealing of the connection arrangement to create a solid connection in the fluid line system. In order to effectively arrange sealed and secured fluid lines in a vehicle, many devices and methods for connection arrangements are continuously developed and used in various fluid line systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Connection arrangements are commonly used in fluid line assemblies in automobiles, particularly in air conditioning systems, cooling systems (e.g., coolant circuits), valve units, and pump units. To accommodate limited space and to be particularly compact and lightweight, pipe or tube connections in air conditioning systems are typically made of metal, rubber, and plastic materials. Furthermore, pipes or tubes are attached via adapters, which are equipped with seals. Therefore, the adapters must be securely and reliably connected to pipes with durable sealing and detachably connected to additional pipes or other components in the air conditioning system. However, in addition to high pressures and temperatures, vibrations are also generated and transmitted within the components of the air conditioning system. Therefore, connection arrangements used in air conditioning systems must be designed to provide durable connections despite vibrations and high pressures and to prevent fluid leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to a connection placement device for making a rigid connection with at least one tube in a fluid line. The connection placement device of the present invention allows for a lightweight, stable, and durable connection in a fluid line system, such as a vehicle air conditioning system. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connection placement device includes an adapter body and a mating block. The adapter body has at least two outlets and a passage bore forming at least one fluid channel. The mating block has at least one longitudinal channel and a cavity for receiving the adapter body. Furthermore, the adapter body is overmolded onto the mating block as a single unit so as to be rigidly held by the mating block.

[0006] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, an adapter body is molded into the cavity to pass through at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block. The adapter body includes an adapter bead molded into the mating block. The at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block has a first dimension. The adapter bead has a second dimension greater than the first dimension. The adapter body forms a body having an outer surface that is flush with the first surface of the mating block when the adapter body is overmolded onto the mating block. Furthermore, the adapter body forms an annular channel that opens radially and outwardly to receive the mating block between the body and the adapter bead of the adapter body. The overmolded adapter is held vertically and / or longitudinally relative to the mating block.

[0007] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the adapter body includes first and second outlets that are either oriented in a straight line or angled to redirect the flow of the fluid line. The adapter body includes a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet, each of the second and third outlets being substantially perpendicular to the first outlet. The second and third outlets have opposite flow directions.

[0008] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the cavity of the mating block has a cavity bottom surface and cavity side surfaces substantially perpendicular to the cavity bottom surface. The mating block has a recess formed in the cavity bottom surface to receive an adapter body overmolded onto the mating block. The adapter body has an adapter flange molded into the recess. The adapter flange is molded into the recess such that an outer surface of the adapter flange is flush with the cavity bottom surface of the mating block. When the adapter body is overmolded onto the mating block, the at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block has a first dimension and the adapter flange has a third dimension greater than the first dimension such that the adapter body is securely held to the mating block.

[0009] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the adapter body includes at least one rib formed thereon to prevent creep of the adapter body, the mating block includes at least one through-hole for receiving a fastening element for attaching the mating block to a fluid line system component, and at least one tube or hose is inserted into each outlet of the adapter body and is firmly coupled to the adapter body.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the adapter body is formed from a polymeric material and the mating block is formed from a metallic material.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for firmly connecting a connection arrangement having at least one tube to a fluid line, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mating block having at least one longitudinal channel and a cavity; overmolding an adapter body onto the mating block, the adapter body having at least two outlets, such that the adapter body is firmly held to the mating block as a single unit; and inserting an end of at least one tube into one of the at least two outlets and firmly connecting the inserted tube to the adapter body.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the adapter body is molded in the cavity to pass through at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block, and overmolding the adapter body onto the mating block further includes forming an adapter bead molded into the mating block.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the mating block includes a recess formed in a bottom surface of the cavity of the mating block, and overmolding the adapter body onto the mating block further includes forming an adapter flange molded into the recess of the mating block.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises attaching the mating block, rigidly coupled to the adapter body, to the fluid line by fastening elements through the through holes in the mating block.

[0015] Further details and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0016] In order that the invention may be better understood, various forms thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connection arrangement device including an adapter body and a mating block according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top view of the connection placement device of FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a mating block in the connection and placement device of FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the connection placement device taken along line AA of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 2A is a detailed view of the adapter body of the connection and placement device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connection arrangement device including an adapter body and a mating block according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 3A is another perspective view of the connection placement device of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the connection placement device taken along line AA of FIG. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is another cross-sectional side view of the connection placement device taken along line BB of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connection arrangement device including an adapter body and a mating block according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] 5A is a top view of the connection placement device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the connection placement device taken along line AA of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] 6A is a detailed view of the adapter body of the connection and placement device of FIG. 6. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0020] The connection arrangement device of the present invention is exemplified in relation to a fluid line system such as an air conditioning system or a cooling system of an automobile. As an example, the connection arrangement device of the present invention can be used not only for compressors, condensers, heat exchangers, and evaporators, but also for air conditioning systems having intermediate connections. In particular, the connection arrangement device is provided for air conditioning systems in automobiles that have low weight and durable, strong connections between the components of the air conditioning system (i.e., suppressing leakage at the component connections). However, the connection arrangement device of the present invention can also be used, without limitation, for other fluid line systems such as cooling systems (e.g., coolant circuits), valve units, and pump units.

[0021] 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a connection placement device 10. The connection placement device 10 includes at least one adapter body 100 and a mating block 200 coupled to the adapter body 100. Typically, the connection placement device 10 is secured to a fluid line system, such as an air conditioning system (not shown), by fastening elements for fluid lines, such as refrigerants, in an automobile. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adapter body 100 includes a passage bore 102 formed as a fluid channel and at least two outlets, such as a first outlet 104 and a second outlet 106, formed at each end of the adapter body 100. The first outlet 104 is adapted to communicate with the second outlet 106 through the fluid passage 102. The first outlet 104 and the second outlet 106 are typically connected by hoses or tubes 12, respectively, to form a rigid connection in the fluid line system. In other examples, the adapter body 100 includes three or more outlets (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and is not limited to two outlets. As shown in FIG. 2A , the second outlet 106 of the adapter body 100 is shaped as a shallow, cylindrical receptacle 120 for receiving the tube 12, which may be connected by laser welding, spin welding, or a strong bond using other adhesive materials, among other methods. The tube 12 is thereby inserted into the receptacle 120 of the second outlet 106 and firmly connected to the adapter body 100. In FIGS. 2 and 2A , for example, the second outlet 106 of the adapter body 100 has an inner wall 122 and an outer wall 124. The inner wall 122 and the outer wall 124 form the shallow, cylindrical receptacle 120 for receiving the tube 12. While both the first opening 104 and the second opening 106 are referred to as "outlets," those skilled in the art will recognize that one or both of the openings may be an "inlet." That is, as the tubing connected to the first outlet 104 supplies fluid to the connection placement device 10, fluid flows through the passageway 102 to the second outlet 106 and any tubing connected thereto (as well as any additional outlets as described below for later embodiments). Similarly, as the tubing connected to the second outlet 106 supplies fluid to the connection placement device 10, fluid flows through the passageway 102 to the first outlet 104 and any tubing connected thereto.Because of this flexibility of the deployment device 10, the openings 104 and 106 are referred to herein simply as outlets, but may also be considered inlets based on the deployment selected.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, adapter body 100 includes first outlet 104 and second outlet 106, which are angled 90 degrees to change the flow direction. In other embodiments of the invention, the angle formed by first outlet 104 and second outlet 106 may be varied to form a desired flow direction, such as 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or 180 degrees (straight flow direction, see FIGS. 5 and 6). As shown in the example of FIG. 2, first outlet 104 defines a first flow direction 105, and second outlet 106 defines a second flow direction 107. Because first outlet 104 and second outlet 106 form a 90-degree angle, first flow direction 105 and second flow direction 107 are perpendicular to each other.

[0023] 1 and 1B further show a mating block 200 having at least one longitudinal channel 202 formed along a longitudinal axis 204 for receiving and mating with the adapter body 100. For example, FIG. 1B shows the mating block 200 having one longitudinal channel 202 formed in a circular shape, but in other examples, the mating block 200 can have one or more longitudinal channels. The longitudinal channel 202 is preferably formed as a through hole or bore, as shown in FIG. 1B, and extends from the upper surface (i.e., the cavity bottom surface) to the lower surface (i.e., the second surface) of the mating block 200. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1B, the mating block 200 includes a cavity 206 for receiving and supporting the main body 101 of the adapter body 100 when the adapter body 100 is securely mated to the mating block 200. The cavity 206 of the mating block 200 is formed in an L-shape having a cavity bottom 208 and cavity sides 210 that are perpendicular to the cavity bottom 208. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the cavity bottom 208 and the cavity sides 210 may be substantially perpendicular, but they do not necessarily have to be perpendicular to each other (i.e., less than 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees). Stated differently, the cavity 206 may be a portion of the mating block 200 with a reduced thickness. Generally, when the adapter body 100 is overmolded onto the mating block 200, the material of the adapter body 100 fills the cavity 206, and the adapter body 100 forms the body 101 molded to the cavity bottom 208 and the cavity sides 210. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, a portion of mating block 200 is disposed between body 101 of adapter body 100 and adapter bead 112, and adapter body 100 is firmly engaged with mating block 200 as a single component.

[0024] 2, the mating block 200 further includes at least one through-hole 216 for mounting and securing to a fluid line system with a fastening element, such as a screw. Furthermore, the mating block 200 is formed from a metallic material, such as aluminum, or a polymeric material. In particular, the material of the mating block 200 is rigid and has a high stress capacity, thereby preventing plastic deformation by suppressing creep due to fitting assembly torque. The through-hole 216 is spaced laterally from the longitudinal channel 202, the cavity 206, and the adapter body 100, i.e., relative to the longitudinal axis 204.

[0025] 1 and 2, an adapter body 100 is preferably formed from a plastic material, and the adapter body 100 is overmolded onto a mating block 200 as a single unit, such that the adapter body 100 is firmly held to the mating block 200 as a single component. Thus, the adapter body 100 overmolded onto the mating block 200 cannot separate or rotate from the mating block 200, and the adapter body 100 is generally used as a torque limiter and for directional fixation. As shown in FIG. 2, when the adapter body 100 is overmolded onto the mating block 200, the material of the adapter body 100 is molded through the longitudinal channel 202 of the mating block 200 and also molded into the cavity 206 of the mating block 200. In particular, the adapter body 100 includes an adapter bead 112 that is molded into the mating block 200 and formed around the first outlet 104 of the adapter body 100. Furthermore, the body 101 of the adapter body 100 is formed in the cavity 206 of the mating block 200, and the adapter bead 112 is bonded to the second surface 214 of the mating block 200, with a portion of the mating block 200 positioned between the body 101 of the adapter body 100 and the adapter bead 112.

[0026] 2, the diameter D of the adapter bead 112 is greater than the diameter d of the longitudinal channel 202 of the mating block 200, so that the overmolded adapter body 100 is firmly held in the mating block 200. That is, an annular channel 103 is formed between the body 101 and the adapter bead 112 and tightly receives the mating block 200 in the region of the longitudinal channel 202. The annular channel 103 of the adapter body 100 opens radially and outward to receive the mating block 200. In this manner, the adapter body 100 is vertically and / or longitudinally restrained and does not move longitudinally (i.e., along the longitudinal axis 204) relative to the mating block 200. The longitudinal channel 202 may be asymmetric, non-circular, or have a radially protruding portion so that the adapter body 100 is rotationally restrained relative to the mating block 200. In this embodiment, the shape of the cavity 206 into which the adapter body 100 is molded, i.e., cavity sides 210, also serve to rotationally restrain the adapter body 100 relative to the mating block 200. The adapter body 100 and mating block 200 are joined or form an integral part or portion.

[0027] Additionally, the adapter body 100 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as a polyamide (PA), e.g., polyamide 612 (PA612), PA6, PPA, PA12, or PPS. Additionally, to enhance strength and / or mechanical stability, fiber reinforcement, such as glass fiber, may be added to the plastic material to form the adapter body 100 from a pressure-resistant plastic material. Furthermore, the adapter body 100 may include a resin-based plastic material. Resin-based plastic materials are rigid, glass-like components that are strongly three-dimensionally cross-linked through chemical bonds. This type of material has low density and high thermomechanical strength.

[0028] Furthermore, the tube 12 mated with the adapter body 100 in the connection placement device 10 is made of a plastic material selected from materials similar to those of the adapter body 100, such as polyamide (PA). Furthermore, the adapter body 100 of the connection placement device 10 is typically combined with a multi-layer tube having an outer (or inner) layer of a material compatible with welding (e.g., laser welding or spin welding). However, even if polyamide (PA) is used for the adapter body 100 and the tube, the polyamide (PA) materials used for both components may be different. In a fluid line system, the tube may be a single-layer or multi-layer tube and is typically made of polyamide (e.g., PA6, PA12, PA612, semi-aromatic polyamide (PA9T), HDPE, PP, etc.) and is weldable to the adapter body. However, the adapter body is typically made of PA12 (up to 30% glass fiber reinforced), PPA (polyphthalamide), or PP (polypropylene). This results in comparable mechanical and chemical properties.

[0029] 1, the body 101 of the adapter body 100 includes at least one rib 114 configured to prevent creep of the adapter body 100 (i.e., to improve mechanical stability and reduce the weight of the adapter body 100) when the connection arrangement device 10 is attached to a cooling system operating in a vehicle. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the adapter body 100 is rigidly coupled to the mating block 200, the outer surface 116 of the body 101 is flush with the first surface 212 of the mating block 200. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1A, the adapter body 100 includes at least one protrusion 126 protruding from the second outlet 106 along the second flow direction 107 to prevent creep or deformation of the second outlet 106 of the adapter body 100 when used in a vehicle.

[0030] 3 and 4A show a second embodiment of the connection placement device 30. Features of the first embodiment apply to the second embodiment, or vice versa, unless explicitly stated below. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the adapter body 300 differs from the adapter body 100 of the first embodiment of the connection placement device 10. The adapter body 300 of the second embodiment of the connection placement device 30 includes a first outlet 304 having a first flow direction 305, a second outlet 306 having a second flow direction 307, and a third outlet 308 having a third flow direction 309. Thus, the adapter body 300 with three outlets differs from the adapter body 100 with two outlets. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the mating blocks 200 in the first and second embodiments of the connection placement device 10 and 30 are identical.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A , the first flow direction 305 of the first outlet 304 is defined along the longitudinal axis 204 of the mating block 200 and is the same as the first flow direction 105 of the adapter body 100. However, in FIGS. 3 and 4A , the adapter body 300 includes one additional outlet, the third outlet 308. In other embodiments of the present invention, for example, the adapter body 100 may include more than two outlets, such as a first, second, third, and fourth outlet. As shown in FIG. 3 , for example, the adapter body 300 includes three outlets 304, 306, and 308, each having a flow direction. The second flow direction 307 defined by the second outlet 306 and the third flow direction 309 defined by the third outlet 308 are each perpendicular to the first flow direction 305 defined by the first outlet 304. Furthermore, although the second outlet 306 and the third outlet 308 are provided to a common passage, the flow directions of the second outlet 306 and the third outlet 308 are opposite to each other, so that the fluids at the second outlet 306 and the third outlet 308 flow in opposite directions. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B , the adapter body 300 having three outlets is overmolded onto the mating block 200 as a single unit, and when the connection arrangement device 30 having the adapter body 300 overmolded onto the mating block 200 is installed in a cooling system operating in a vehicle, the adapter body 300 is firmly held to the mating block 200 without separation or rotational movement. Furthermore, in FIG. 4B , the adapter body 300 having the three outlets 304, 306, and 308 is formed in a T-shape. In other embodiments of the present invention, the adapter body 300 having the three outlets 304, 306, and 308 may be formed in a Y-shape, a star-shape, or the like.

[0032] 3 and 3A, the adapter body 300 further includes an adapter bead 312. The adapter bead 312 is formed radially around the first outlet 302 of the adapter body 300 and is molded into the mating block 200. Furthermore, the body 301 of the adapter body 300 has an outer surface 316 that is flush with the first surface 212 of the mating block 200 when the adapter body 100 is overmolded onto the mating block 200. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the material of the adapter body 300 is filled into the cavity 206 of the mating block 200, and the adapter bead 312 is molded into the second surface 214 of the mating block 200, with a portion of the mating block 200 positioned between the body 301 of the adapter body 300 and the adapter bead 312. Thus, the adapter body 300 in the second embodiment of the connection and placement device 30 is firmly held to the mating block 200 as a single component.

[0033] 4A, the diameter D of the adapter bead 312 is greater than the diameter d of the longitudinal channel 202 formed in the mating block 200, so that the adapter body 300 is firmly held in the mating block 200. Furthermore, the second outlet 306 and the third outlet 308 each have the shape of a hollow, cylindrical receptacle 320 for receiving the tube 12 to be connected, which is firmly bonded, in particular, by laser welding, spin welding, or other adhesive material. The tube 12 is inserted into the second outlet 306 and the third outlet 308, respectively, and is firmly connected to the adapter body 300.

[0034] 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of the connection placement device 40. Features of the first and second embodiments apply to the third embodiment, or vice versa, unless explicitly stated below. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the adapter body 400 includes a first outlet 404 having a first flow direction 405 and a second outlet 406 having a second flow direction 407, where the flow directions 405 and 407 are both a single, linear direction along the longitudinal axis 204 of the mating block 200. Furthermore, the adapter body 400 is overmolded onto the mating block 200 as a single unit, and the adapter body 400 is firmly held to the mating block 200.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6 , in the third embodiment of the connection placement device 40, the mating block 200 includes an annular recess 218 formed in the cavity bottom surface 208 to receive the adapter body 400. As with the first and second embodiments of the connection placement device 10 and 30, the adapter body 400 is also overmolded onto the mating block 200, and the adapter body 400 is firmly held to the mating block 200. However, in the adapter body 400 of the third embodiment of the connection placement device 40, the cavity 206 of the mating block 200 is not filled. Instead, the material of the adapter body 400 fills the annular recess 218 of the mating block 200, forming an annular flange 410 molded in the annular recess 218 (see FIG. 5A ). Furthermore, the outer surface 411 of the annular flange 410 is flush with the cavity bottom surface 208 of the mating block 200.

[0036] 6 and 6A, an adapter bead 412 formed around the first outlet 404 is molded into the second surface 214 of the mating block 200, and a portion of the mating block 200 is disposed between the annular flange 410 of the adapter body 400 and the adapter bead 412. Thus, the adapter body 400 in the third embodiment of the connection placement device 40 is firmly held to the mating block 200 as a single component. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the adapter body 400 has an annular protrusion 414 protruding from an inner surface 416 of the fluid channel 402 to secure the end of a connector (not shown) or tubing 12 when the connector or tubing 12 is inserted into the first outlet 404 and the second outlet 406, respectively.

[0037] 6, the diameter Df of the annular flange 410 and the diameter D of the adapter bead 412 are each larger than the diameter d of the longitudinal channel 202 of the mating block 200, so that the adapter body 400 overmolded onto the mating block 200 is firmly engaged with the mating block 200. In FIGS. 6 and 6A, the first outlet 404 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical receptacle 420, which receives the tube 12, which is connected in a firmly bonded manner, particularly by laser welding, spin welding, or other adhesive materials, so that the tube 12 is inserted into the first outlet 404 and firmly connected to the adapter body 300.

[0038] The connection and placement devices 10, 30, 40 according to the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention are suitable for various fluid line systems, such as automotive air conditioning or cooling systems. For example, the connection and placement devices 10, 30, 40 are suitable for cooling or air conditioning systems in hybrid or electric vehicles that have cooling / temperature-regulating electronic components, such as batteries. Furthermore, it is desirable for fluid line systems used in vehicles to be as lightweight as possible, yet provide stable connections between components due to the vibrations and shocks experienced during vehicle operation. Therefore, the connection and placement devices 10, 30, 40 of the present invention enable lightweight yet stable and durable connections.

[0039] The foregoing description of various aspects of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The described form has been chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and description of its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various forms, and with various modifications, suited to the particular uses intended. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention, as determined by the appended claims, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. 1. A connection arrangement device for rigidly connecting at least one tube in a fluid line, comprising: an adapter body having at least two outlets and a passage bore defining at least one fluid channel; a mating block having a first surface, which is a top surface, a second surface, which is a bottom surface, a cavity, and at least one longitudinal channel for receiving the adapter body; Equipped with the cavity extends through the top surface of the mating block and defines a cavity bottom surface below the top surface and opposite the bottom surface of the mating block; the adapter body is a member overmolded onto the mating block as a single unit, the adapter body extending laterally along the cavity bottom and bottom surface and being firmly retained within the cavity of the mating block.

2. 2. The connection arrangement device of claim 1, wherein the adapter body is molded in the cavity to pass through the at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block.

3. 2. The connection arrangement device of claim 1, wherein the adapter body includes an adapter bead, the adapter bead being molded into the mating block.

4. 4. The connection placement device of claim 3, wherein a diameter of the at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block is greater than a diameter of the adapter bead of the adapter body.

5. 2. The connection placement device of claim 1, wherein when the adapter body is overmolded onto the mating block, the adapter body forms a body having an outer surface that is flush with the first surface of the mating block.

6. 6. The connection arrangement device of claim 5, wherein the adapter body defines a radially outwardly opening annular channel between an adapter bead of the adapter body and the body for receiving the mating block.

7. 2. The connection arrangement device of claim 1, wherein the overmolded adapter body is held vertically and / or longitudinally relative to the mating block.

8. 2. The connection arrangement device of claim 1, wherein the adapter body comprises a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet, each of the second outlet and the third outlet being substantially perpendicular to the first outlet.

9. 2. The connection placement device of claim 1, wherein the cavity of the mating block comprises a cavity bottom surface and a cavity side surface that is substantially perpendicular to the cavity bottom surface.

10. 10. The connection arrangement device of claim 9, wherein the mating block includes a recess formed in a bottom surface of the cavity for receiving the adapter body overmolded onto the mating block.

11. 11. The connection arrangement device of claim 10, wherein the adapter body includes an annular flange molded into the recess such that an outer surface of the annular flange is flush with a bottom surface of the cavity of the mating block.

12. 12. The connection arrangement apparatus of claim 11, wherein when the adapter body is overmolded onto the mating block, the at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block has a diameter, and the diameter of the annular flange is larger than the diameter of the longitudinal channel such that the adapter body is firmly held to the mating block.

13. 2. The connection and placement device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter body comprises a main body provided at a position corresponding to the cavity of the mating block, the main body having a lightening portion formed on an outer periphery, the lightening portion having at least one rib configured to prevent creep of the adapter body.

14. 2. The connection arrangement device of claim 1, wherein the adapter body is formed from a polymeric material and the mating block is formed from a metallic material.

15. 1. A method for rigidly connecting a connection arrangement having at least one tube to a fluid line, comprising: providing a mating block having a first surface, the first surface being a top surface, a second surface, the second surface being a bottom surface, a cavity extending through the top surface and defining a cavity bottom surface below the top surface and opposite the bottom surface, and at least one longitudinal channel; overmolding an adapter body onto the mating block, the adapter body having at least two outlets and extending laterally along the cavity bottom and bottom surface to securely hold the adapter body within the cavity of the mating block as a single unit; inserting an end of the at least one tube into one of the at least two outlets and rigidly connecting the inserted tube to the adapter body; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the adapter body is molded in the cavity to pass through the at least one longitudinal channel of the mating block.

17. the fitting block includes a recess formed in a bottom surface of the cavity of the fitting block, 16. The method of claim 15, wherein overmolding the adapter body onto the mating block includes forming an adapter flange molded into the recess in the mating block.

18. 2. The connection arrangement device of claim 1, wherein the mating block includes a through hole spaced laterally from the at least one longitudinal channel, the through hole configured to be attached or secured to a fluid line system.

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