Fluid connector assembly

A method of connecting a flat tube with a fluid connector, comprising the steps of:

• preparing a connector body that is made of a first material and has an intermediate portion which extends between a pair of end portions and a first bore which extends through said intermediate portion and an elongated wall which projects from the intermediate portion and surrounds a second bore that opens to the first bore;
• preparing a flat tube that is made of a second material that is different than the first material and that has flat sides;
• inserting a portion of the flat tube into the second bore of the connector body;
• connecting male and female locking structures with one another outside of the second bore to interconnect the flat tube with the connector body;
• and
• wherein the male locking structures are locking tabs that are joined with the flat sides of the flat tube and wherein the female locking structures are locking arms that are connected with the connector body and have openings that are shaped to receive the locking tabs and wherein the step of connecting the male and female locking structures includes engaging the openings in the locking arms with the locking tabs.

A fluid connector assembly which can connect with a flat tube, comprising:

• a connector body made of a first material, said connector body having a tubular intermediate portion that extends between opposite end portions, and said connector body having a first bore which extends through said intermediate portion;
• said connector body having an elongated wall that projects outwardly from said intermediate portion and that surrounds a second bore which opens to said first bore;
• an adapter adhesively bonded with said connector body;
• said adapter having a through passage for receiving the flat tube to allow the flat tube to extend partially into said second bore of said connector body;
• and
• a seal disposed in said second bore and in contact with said connector body and said adapter.