Patent ID: 7178580

Claim:
A heat exchanger suitable for use in a motor vehicle, consisting essentially of: at least one generally cylindrical manifold; and at least one additional part fastened to the at least one manifold, the at least one additional part having a fork-shaped profile piece, which has a size and configuration with respect to the circumference of the manifold, such that the profile piece lies against the circumference of the manifold and can be fixed thereto by a form locking and frictional connection, wherein the profile piece comprises two legs, which have a size and configuration sufficient to lie with elastic pretensioning against the circumference of the manifold, wherein the profile piece encloses the manifold up to a circumferential angle α of at least 180°, wherein the profile piece forms a U-profile, comprising legs which include essentially straight intermediate portions that are arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein the parallel running legs comprise distal converging arcuate pieces that form lips which grip behind the manifold with a form locking, and wherein the inner surfaces of the legs that engage the manifold are essentially smooth.