Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to coupling assemblies for electronics liquid cooling and more particularly to blind-mate fluid couplings including male and female coupling elements.

Coupling assemblies that include male and female coupling members are known in the art. In one common configuration, the individual male and female members of a coupling assembly are connected to provide fluid communication for cooling active components in a data center. For example, a data center may include heat-generating computer system components, such as processors, that are generally supported within a chassis, such as a server rack, to provide efficient storage and accessibility for component installation and removal. In such systems, a coolant such as water or ethylene glycol water may be provided from a coolant source and flow through a supply conduit to one or more heat exchangers disposed in the data center. The warmed coolant from the heat exchanger can be returned to the coolant source to be cooled by a cooler or refrigeration system and circulated back through the supply conduit. This fluid circuit may include fluid couplings, such as mating male and female couplings, that deliver the fluid in the system to remove the heat produced by active components within the computer system.

In some systems, the male and female couplings are positioned in a location that is difficult to access such as at the back of a computer chassis or rack. As such, misalignments between the male and female couplings may occur and it may require substantial amount of effort and time to connect a pair of male and female couplings to create a fluid circuit.

<CIT> shows a quick release coupling for fluid supply lines that comprises a plug and socket connection. The plug includes a plug housing and a nipple. The plug has a spherical rear part supported in the housing in such a way that the plug can pivot in the plug housing to a limited extent. At its side facing the socket, the plug is a hollow cylinder and has a valve at its outlet. The valve operates by insertion of the plug into the socket.

The post-published document <CIT> discloses a self-centering blind mate fluid coupling. Tapered interfaces for engagement of a valve body with outer elements are of mutually adapted concave/convex shapes.

Heat generated within computing hardware results from electrical current flowing through active components of the computing system. To cool the computing system, fluid systems have been designed with fluid couplings according to the present disclosure. The present disclosure relates generally to fluid couplings that provide a fluid circuit. The couplings can include a supply and a return coupling that are mated together to create the fluid circuit. First and second female couplings can be secured in a fixed configuration at the back of a computer chassis or rack on opposing sides thereof and are oriented in a forward direction into the rack. First and second male couplings can be secured in a fixed configuration on a rearward end of a computer apparatus on opposing sides thereof. The computer apparatus is adapted to be inserted into a bay of the chassis for mating the first and second male couplings with the first and second female couplings.

The male coupling can be arranged and configured with an alignment compensator to provide nominal alignment. When the computer apparatus is inserted into the bay of the chassis, the male coupling may be offset from the female coupling resulting in misalignment which can be corrected by the alignment compensator. The alignment compensator allows the male coupling to move in a lateral direction, a vertical direction, and at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the male coupling in order to correct any misalignment during mating.

The present disclosure relates to a fluid coupler that includes a valve body defining a valve body axis, a valve arrangement for opening and closing fluid flow through the valve body, and a valve mounting housing in which the valve body is mounted via an alignment compensation arrangement. The valve mounting housing defines a central mounting housing axis. The alignment compensation arrangement can include a compensation sleeve, a compensation ring, and a compensation spring mounted within the valve mounting housing. The compensation spring can be configured to bias the compensation sleeve and the compensation ring axially apart from one another. The valve body can extend through the compensation sleeve and compensation ring such that the compensation sleeve and the compensation ring are positioned radially between the valve mounting housing and the valve body. The alignment compensation arrangement can be movable within the valve mounting housing between an extended state and a compressed state. The compensation ring can be spaced axially further from the compensation sleeve when the alignment compensation arrangement is in in the extended state as compared to the contracted state. The compensation spring biases the alignment compensation arrangement toward the extended state. A tapered interface can be defined between the valve body and at least one of the compensation sleeve and the compensation ring. The tapered interface automatically positions valve body in a centered position in which the valve body axis and the central mounting housing are co-axially aligned when the alignment compensation arrangement moves to the extended state. The tapered interface causes the compensation sleeve and the compensation ring to be moved axially toward one another when a tilt load or radial translation load is applied to the valve body thereby allowing the valve body to be angularly displaced or radially translated relative to a centered position.

In some examples, the compensation sleeve, the compensation ring and the compensation spring are co-axially aligned with respect to the central mounting housing axis and are positioned radially between the valve body and a cylindrical inner surface of the valve mounting housing.

In some examples, the valve body includes an outer annular compensation recess defined between a first contact surface and a second contact surface, and wherein the compensation sleeve and the compensation ring are captured between the first and second contact surfaces of the valve body.

In some examples, the tapered interface includes a first tapered surface defined by the compensation ring that engages the first contact surface of the valve body and a second tapered surface defined by the compensation sleeve that engages the second contact surface of the valve body.

In some examples, the compensation sleeve and the compensation ring are accommodated in the outer annular compensation recess of the valve body to allow pivotal and radial translational movement of the valve body relative to the valve mounting housing.

In some examples, axial movement of the valve body relative to the valve mounting housing is accommodated by movement of the compensation ring and the compensation sleeve between the expanded and compressed states.

According to the present invention, the tapered interface includes nested conical tapers.

In some examples, the alignment compensation arrangement allows the valve body to be angled universally relative to the valve mounting housing and to be radially translated universally relative to the valve mounting housing.

In some examples, the compensation sleeve includes an outer annular flange that contact an inner cylindrical surface of the valve mounting housing, wherein the annular flange allows the compensation sleeve to pivot at least <NUM> degrees relative to the valve mounting housing universally about the central mounting housing axis.

In some examples, the valve body can be axially displaced relative to the valve mounting housing by a first float distance between an extended position and a contracted position, and wherein the valve body can be axially displaced and radially translated relative to the valve mounting housing in both the extended and contracted positions.

In some examples, the valve body can be translated in any radial direction from the central housing mounting axis and/or wherein the valve body can be displaced in any angular direction from the central housing mounting axis.

In some examples, the valve body can be angularly displaced relative to the valve mounting housing by an angle of <NUM> degrees between the valve body axis and the central mounting housing axis.

In some examples, the valve body can be radially translated relative to the valve mounting housing by a lateral offset distance of <NUM> millimeters.

In some examples, the valve body can be axially displaced relative to the valve mounting housing by a float distance of <NUM> millimeters.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

An example blind-mate fluid coupling system is adapted for use in applications in which space or clearance limitations prevent the coupling system from being manually aligned with visual assistance during coupling. An example blind-mate coupling system includes mating male and female valve components. In certain examples, the male and female valve components can mount to first and second structural components that are movable relative to one another. For example, female valve components can be mounted at the back of a rack for supporting slidable drawers, and male valve components can be mounted at the back sides of the drawers such that when the drawers are slid into the rack the male valve components mate with the female valve components.

In one example, the drawers can carry active equipment such as data computing/processing equipment that generates heat, and the blind-mate fluid coupling system can connect the drawers to a source of cooling fluid such that cooling fluid can be circulated through heat exchangers on the drawers for cooling the active equipment. To ensure proper mating of the blind-mate fluid couplings, the male and female valve components either need to be very precisely mounted on their respective structural components so that no misalignment exists between the male and female valve components, or the blind-mate fluid couplings can be configured with a compensation arrangement for compensating for misalignment between the male and female valve components.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to misalignment compensation arrangements for compensating for misalignment between male and female valve components of a blind-mate fluid coupling. In one example, the female valve component includes a guide feature (e.g., a tapered feature such as a funnel) for guiding the male valve component into alignment with the female valve feature, and the male valve component includes a compensation arrangement for allowing the male valve component to move relative to the structural component to which it is mounted to adjust for misalignment between the male valve component and the female valve component.

In one example, the male component is spring biased toward a neutral position but is able to move from the neutral position to adjust for misalignment with the female valve component. The movement can include angular pivoting to adjust for angular mismatches and translational movement to account for radial misalignment. The goal is to bring the male component into coaxial alignment with the female component during the insertion/coupling process by allowing the male valve component to move (e.g., float) from the neutral position to an aligned position as the male valve component is guided into the female valve component while the components are axially inserted together.

In one example, the male valve component can be angled at least a predetermined amount universally (i.e., in all <NUM> degrees) with respect to a reference axis and the male valve component can be radially translated at least a predetermined amount universally with respect to the reference axis. In one example, the male valve component self-centers on the reference axis via nesting tapers that are spring biased together. In one example, compression of the spring during the mating process provide clearance between the nesting tapers that allows for the male valve component to move respect to the reference axis (e.g., tilt or translate) to an aligned position.

Most rack-mounted communications and information technology equipment consumes electrical power and generates heat. Heat produced by rack-mounted equipment can have adverse effects on the performance, reliability and useful life of the equipment components. In particular, rack-mounted equipment housed within an enclosure can be vulnerable to heat build-up and hot spots produced during operation. Equipment rooms and data centers are typically equipped with an air conditioning or cooling system that supplies and circulates cool air or liquid to rack-mounted equipment and enclosures.

<FIG> illustrate an example coupling assembly <NUM> for use in a fluid line configured to cool electronic components contained within information technology equipment located in a data center. The coupling assembly <NUM> can include a first fluid coupler <NUM> and a second fluid coupler <NUM> that mate together in order to provide fluid communication therebetween.

Typically, a cooling circuit may include a fluid cooled heat exchanger in thermal contact with a heat-generating device, such as the information technology equipment. The information technology equipment can be received within a bay of a chassis or rack in the data center. In certain examples, the first fluid coupler <NUM> may be secured in a fixed position at the rear of a chassis bay or computer rack and oriented in a forward direction into the bay and the second fluid coupler <NUM> can be secured to a rearward end of the information technology equipment and oriented in a rearward direction. When the information technology equipment is mounted inside a computer rack or bay chassis, the mating of the first fluid coupler <NUM> with the second fluid coupler <NUM> to provide fluid communication therebetween may be performed in a "blind mate" fashion, where an operator cannot see the first fluid coupler <NUM> when the information technology equipment is installed in the computer rack. It will be appreciated that the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> may be equally operable if their positions were reversed.

The first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are typically dissimilar but complementary, such as one male coupler and one female coupler. In certain examples, a substantial amount of effort and time may be required to mate the first and second couplers <NUM>, <NUM> together because the couplers are disposed in a location that may be difficult to access or align, i.e., the back of the technology equipment and bay chassis. Accordingly, the second fluid coupler <NUM> of the coupling assembly <NUM> includes an alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> (see <FIG>) that can adjust for any initial misalignment between the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM>. The alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> functions as a universal connection joint that allows the second fluid coupler <NUM> to universally pivot and move radially.

The alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> permits the second fluid coupler <NUM> to move in various directions, such as, in a lateral direction, a vertical direction, and at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis X (e.g., a reference axis) defined by the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM>. The second fluid coupler <NUM> can adjust in angle and position as the second fluid coupler <NUM> is inserted into the first fluid coupler <NUM> to be coaxially aligned therewith. The alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> in the coupling assembly <NUM> is advantageous because it provides for increased reliability in the mating performance of blind couplers.

<FIG> depicts a portion of a data processing bay including a rack <NUM> to which a drawer <NUM> (e.g., a panel) slidably mounts. Active equipment <NUM> such as data processing or computing equipment is supported on the drawer <NUM>. A heat exchanger <NUM> is provided at the drawer <NUM> for cooling the active equipment <NUM>. First fluid couplers <NUM> (e.g., female couplers) are fixed to the rack <NUM> adjacent a back of the rack <NUM>. One of the first fluid couplers <NUM> is fluidly connected to a coolant supply and the other is fluidly connected to a coolant return. Second fluid couplers <NUM> are coupled to a back side of the drawer <NUM> in general alignment with the first fluid couplers <NUM>. The second fluid couplers <NUM> are fluidly connected to the heat exchanger <NUM> such that when the couplers are coupled together, coolant is circulated through the heat exchanger <NUM>. The second fluid couplers <NUM> are connected to the drawer <NUM> by valve mounting housings <NUM> which when secured to the drawer <NUM> establish the position and angle of the reference axis X. When unmated as shown at <FIG>, the second fluid couplers <NUM> are spring biased to neutral positions in which the second couplers are co-axially aligned with their respective reference axes X. However, during mating with the first fluid couplers <NUM>, the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> allows the second fluid couplers <NUM> to translate a distance Z universally with respect to their respective reference axes X and also allows the second fluid couplers <NUM> to tilt an angle Y universally with respect to their respective reference axes X. The first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> automatically couple together as the drawer <NUM> is moved to a closed position, and the drawer can be latched in the closed position to maintain the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> coupled together. As the drawer <NUM> is closed, the second fluid couplers <NUM> contact guide structures (e.g., funnels or other alignment surfaces) of the first fluid couplers <NUM> causing the second fluid couplers <NUM> to translate and/or tilt as needed with respect to their respective reference axes X to move the second fluid couplers into co-axial alignment with respect to their respective first fluid couplers <NUM>. Thus, the moveability of the second fluid couplers <NUM> relative to the valve mounting housings <NUM> and the drawer <NUM> allows the second fluid couplers <NUM> to adjust in position during the coupling process as needed to compensate for misalignment between the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly <NUM> in its disconnected or uncoupled position. While in this position, fluid is not transmitted through the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM>. The first fluid coupler <NUM> is a female coupling member. The first fluid coupler <NUM> includes a female valve body <NUM> that has a female valve body channel <NUM>. The female valve body channel <NUM> defines a central female valve body axis <NUM>. The female valve body channel <NUM> can extend longitudinally along the central female valve body axis <NUM> from a first end <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. In certain examples, the first end <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> may be formed with a collar <NUM> that defines an alignment funnel <NUM> for guiding the second fluid coupler <NUM> toward alignment with the central female valve body axis <NUM> when the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are mated together.

The first fluid coupler <NUM> also includes a first valve arrangement <NUM> for opening and closing fluid flow through the female valve body channel <NUM>. The first valve arrangement <NUM> includes a valve stem <NUM> aligned along the central female valve body axis <NUM>. The valve stem <NUM> can be axially fixed with respect to the female valve body <NUM>. The valve stem <NUM> includes a stem body <NUM> that has a base end <NUM> fixed with respect to the female valve body <NUM> and positioned adjacent to the second end <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. The stem body <NUM> can also include a free end <NUM> that has a fixed valve head <NUM>. The first valve arrangement <NUM> can further include a valve sleeve <NUM> positioned within the female valve body channel <NUM>.

The valve sleeve <NUM> can be axially movable in the female valve body channel <NUM> relative to the fixed valve head <NUM> and the female valve body <NUM> between a closed position and an open position (see <FIG>). When in the closed position, the valve sleeve <NUM> cooperates with the fixed valve head <NUM> to prevent fluid flow through the female valve body channel <NUM>. Seal ring 136a (e.g., first radial seal) can be positioned within grooves <NUM> defined in the fixed valve head <NUM> to ensure a liquid seal when the valve sleeve <NUM> is in the closed position. That is, the seal ring 136a can make an inner seal with the valve sleeve <NUM> when the valve sleeve <NUM> is in the close position. When in the open position, fluid flow is permitted though the female valve body channel <NUM> as the valve sleeve <NUM> is moved axially away from the fixed valve head <NUM> and towards the second end <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> or base end <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>.

The first valve arrangement <NUM> can further include a first valve spring <NUM> positioned about the stem body <NUM> for biasing the valve sleeve <NUM> toward the first end <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM> and toward the closed position.

The female valve body channel <NUM> defines an annular recess <NUM> for mounting a seal ring 136b (e.g., a second radial seal) that can be positioned adjacent to an exterior of the valve sleeve <NUM>. The seal ring 136b can be in engagement with the female valve body <NUM> to prevent fluid flow between the components. The seal ring 136b can make an outer seal with the valve sleeve <NUM> when the valve sleeve <NUM> is in the closed position. During connection of the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM>, if a misalignment occurs leakage does not result, thereby providing a no spill unit.

The first fluid coupler <NUM> is also provided with exterior threads <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a seal ring 136c (e.g., a third radial seal) adjacent the threads <NUM>. The exterior threads <NUM> and a torque transfer interface <NUM> (e.g., wrench flats, see <FIG>) are utilized to threadably secure the first fluid coupler <NUM> to an internally threaded fitting within a bay chassis. That is, the first fluid coupler <NUM> can be secured in a fixed position at the back of a bay chassis and oriented in a forward direction into the bay.

Still referring to <FIG>, the second fluid coupler <NUM> is a male coupling member. The second fluid coupler <NUM> includes a male valve body <NUM> that has a male valve body channel <NUM>. The male valve body channel <NUM> defines a central male valve body axis <NUM>. The male valve body channel <NUM> extends longitudinally along the central male valve body axis <NUM> from a valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> to a hose connection end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. In one example, the hose connection end <NUM> includes a nipple <NUM> with barbs <NUM>. A fluid line may be sized to fit or press over the nipple <NUM>. The fluid line may be fabricated from elastic material (e.g., a rubber hose, plastic tubing) such that when mounted over the nipple <NUM>, the barbs <NUM> can press into the fluid line to hold it.

The second fluid coupler <NUM> also includes a second valve arrangement <NUM> for opening and closing fluid flow through the male valve body channel <NUM>. The second valve arrangement <NUM> can include a valve member <NUM> within the male valve body channel <NUM> that is axially movable relative to the male valve body <NUM> between a closed position and an open position (see <FIG>). The valve member <NUM> can be a plug valve. When in the closed position, the valve member <NUM> prevents fluid flow through the male valve body channel <NUM>. The valve member <NUM> can be spring biased toward the valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> and the closed position by a second valve spring <NUM>. When in the open position, fluid flow is permitted though the male valve body channel <NUM> as the valve member <NUM> is moved to the left against the force of the second valve spring <NUM>.

A seal ring 136d (e.g., a fourth radial seal) may be positioned within a recess <NUM> defined in the valve member <NUM>. The seal ring 136d ensures a liquid seal when the valve member <NUM> is closed, as shown in <FIG>. The seal ring 136d seals against a sealing surface of the male valve body <NUM> adjacent the valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> when the valve member <NUM> is in the closed position. Another seal ring 136e (e.g., fifth radial seal) can also be provided in a groove <NUM> within the male valve body channel <NUM> to prevent fluid flow between the components. If misalignment occurs during mating with the first fluid coupler <NUM>, leakage does not result, thereby providing a no spill unit.

Referring to <FIG>, the male valve body <NUM> includes an outer annular compensation recess <NUM> defined between a first contact surface <NUM> and a second contact surface <NUM>. The first contact surface <NUM> can be closer to the valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> and the second contact surface <NUM> can be closer to the hose connection end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>.

The second fluid coupler <NUM> also includes a valve mounting housing <NUM> in which the male valve body <NUM> is mounted via the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM>. The valve mounting housing <NUM> defines a central mounting housing axis <NUM> which corresponds to the longitudinal axis X. The alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> includes a compensation sleeve <NUM>, a compensation ring <NUM> and a compensation spring <NUM> that biases the compensation sleeve <NUM> and the compensation ring <NUM> axially apart from one another. The compensation sleeve <NUM>, the compensation ring <NUM> and the compensation spring <NUM> can be co-axially aligned with respect to the central mounting housing axis <NUM> and can be positioned radially between the male valve body <NUM> and the valve mounting housing <NUM>. The compensation sleeve <NUM> and the compensation ring <NUM> can be captured between the first and second contact surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>.

The compensation sleeve <NUM> and the compensation ring <NUM> can be axially movable relative to one another between an extended state (see <FIG>) in which the compensation ring <NUM> is axially spaced from the compensation sleeve <NUM> and a compressed state (see <FIG>) in which the compensation ring <NUM> is engaged with the compensation sleeve <NUM>. The compensation spring <NUM> can be configured to bias the compensation sleeve <NUM> and the compensation ring <NUM> toward the extended state. The axial movement of the male valve body <NUM> relative to the valve mounting housing <NUM> is accommodated by movement of the compensation ring <NUM> and the compensation sleeve <NUM> between the expanded and compressed states.

In certain examples, the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> includes a tapered interface that causes the compensation spring to bias the male valve body <NUM> toward a centered position in which the central male valve body axis <NUM> is co-axially aligned with the central mounting housing axis <NUM>. The tapered interface can include a first tapered surface <NUM> defined by the compensation ring <NUM> that engages the first contact surface <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. The first contact surface <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> can be defined by a first annular flange <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. The first contact surface <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> faces toward the hose connection end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. In certain examples, the tapered interface between the first tapered surface <NUM> and the first contact surface <NUM> forms a nested conical taper spanning <NUM> degrees. That is, the front end of the compensation ring <NUM> can have a taper angle in the form of a conical recess and the first contact surface <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> defines a conical shape that has a taper angle that matches the taper angle of the conical recess of the compensation ring <NUM>.

The tapered interface of the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> also includes a second tapered surface <NUM> defined by the compensation sleeve <NUM> that engages the second contact surface <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. The second contact surface <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> is defined by a second annular flange <NUM> of the male connector body <NUM>. The second contact surface <NUM> of the second annular flange <NUM> faces toward the valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. The second tapered surface <NUM> of the compensation sleeve <NUM> and the second contact surface <NUM> of the second annular flange <NUM> can also form a nested conical taper spanning <NUM> degrees. That is, the back end of the compensation sleeve <NUM> can have a taper angle in the form of a conical recess and the corresponding second contact surface <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> can define a conical shape that has a taper angle that matches the taper angle of the conical recess of the compensation sleeve <NUM> to form the nested conical taper. In other examples, the taper surfaces can be rounded.

The tapered interface of the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> can also cause the compensation sleeve <NUM> and the compensation ring <NUM> to be moved axially toward one another when the male valve body <NUM> is forced to be angularly or translationally displaced relative to the centered position (i.e., the neutral position in which the reference axis <NUM> and the valve body axis <NUM> are co-axially aligned). The <NUM>-degree nested tapers of the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> provide a universal connection joint that allows the male valve body <NUM> to self-center regardless of orientation. That is, the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> can universally center and universally pivot the male valve body <NUM> relative to the central mounting housing axis <NUM>. The alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> can also provide the male valve body <NUM> with universal radial translation movement in all <NUM> degrees relative to the central mounting housing axis <NUM>. The alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> allows the male valve body <NUM> to universally pivot in all <NUM> degrees relative to the central mounting housing axis <NUM>. In certain examples, the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> allows the male valve body <NUM> to pivot at least <NUM> degrees in all <NUM> degrees relative to the central mounting housing axis <NUM>.

The valve mounting housing <NUM> can be provided with a slot <NUM> that allows the second fluid coupler <NUM> to be mounted to information technology equipment (e.g., the drawer <NUM>). For example, the valve mounting housing <NUM> can be inserted into an opening defined in a wall <NUM> of the information technology equipment where a lock ring <NUM> can be utilized to lock the valve mounting housing <NUM> in place within the opening. That is, the lock ring <NUM> can snap over the valve mounting housing <NUM> into the slot <NUM> to lock the valve mounting housing <NUM> in place.

An alternative configuration of the male valve body <NUM> is provided at <FIG>, discussed in a later portion of this disclosure.

Turning to <FIG>, the compensation sleeve <NUM> and the compensation ring <NUM> can be accommodated in the outer annular compensation recess <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> to allow pivotal and radial translation movement of the male valve body <NUM> during mating of the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM>. The compensation recess <NUM> can have a radial depth that is large enough to accommodate <NUM> millimeters (mm) of translational movement (see <FIG>) of the male valve body <NUM> from the centered position in <NUM> degrees about the central mounting housing axis <NUM>. Thus, in certain examples, Z (see <FIG>) is at least <NUM>. In certain examples, Y (see <FIG>) is at least <NUM> degrees. In certain examples, the compensation sleeve <NUM> contacts the interior of the valve mounting housing <NUM> at an annual contact region <NUM> having a relatively short axial length selected to allow the compensation sleeve <NUM> to universally tilt at least <NUM> degrees in all directions about the axis <NUM> of the valve mounting sleeve <NUM>. In this way, when the compensation sleeve <NUM> and the compensation ring <NUM> are in the compressed state, the male valve body <NUM> can still be universally pivoted at least <NUM> degrees in all direction about the axis <NUM> of the valve mounting housing <NUM>. In one example, the contact region <NUM> is at one end of the compensation sleeve <NUM> adjacent the end of the valve mounting sleeve <NUM> furthest from the valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>.

In one example, the maximum distance the male valve body <NUM> can move axially relative to the valve mounting housing <NUM> of the alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> is <NUM> or less. That is, the male valve body <NUM> can tilt or move radially as needed within the stroke length of <NUM> or less to adjust for any misalignment between the central male valve body axis <NUM> and the central female valve body axis <NUM>. The axial movement of the male valve body <NUM> relative to the valve mounting housing <NUM> is accommodated by movement of the compensation ring <NUM> and the compensation sleeve <NUM> between the expanded and compressed states.

<FIG> illustrate a full sequence operation for mating the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> together to form a connection that allows liquid to flow through the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> without leaking.

When the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted together, the valved end <NUM> of the male connector body148 can be guided into the female valve body channel <NUM> by the funnel <NUM> of the female valve body <NUM>. The alignment compensation arrangement <NUM> compensates for angular and radial misalignments between the central male valve body axis <NUM> and the central female valve body axis <NUM> that may exist before the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted together.

During insertion of the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> together, contact between the valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> and the valve sleeve <NUM> within the female valve body channel <NUM> moves the valve sleeve <NUM> from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, contact between the valve stem <NUM> and the valve member <NUM> moves the valve member <NUM> from the closed position to the open position. As the second fluid coupler <NUM> is inserted into the first fluid coupler <NUM>, the valve member <NUM> starts to move to the left against the force of the second valve spring <NUM> toward the hose connection end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. At the same time, the valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM> engages the valve sleeve <NUM> and moves the valve sleeve <NUM> to the right (as shown in FIG. ) against the force of the first valve spring <NUM>. When the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are in the coupled position as shown in <FIG>, a path of fluid flow is provided through the female valve body channel <NUM> and the male valve body channel <NUM>. When in this position, both the valve sleeve <NUM> and the valve member <NUM> are in their open positions.

In certain examples, the male valve body <NUM> can be universally pivoted and universally radially translated relative to the central mounting housing axis <NUM> depending upon the mating alignment compensation needed between the central male valve body axis <NUM> and the central female valve body axis <NUM>. Accordingly, the valve sleeve <NUM> and the valve member <NUM> can be moved to the open position.

In certain examples, when the compensation sleeve <NUM> and the compensation ring <NUM> are in the compressed state as shown in <FIG>, the compensation sleeve <NUM> can pivot relative to the valve mounting housing <NUM> to accommodate angular mismatch of at least <NUM> degrees universally between the central male valve body axis <NUM> and the central mounting housing axis <NUM>.

The valve mounting housing <NUM> defines an inner stop shoulder <NUM> (see <FIG>) for stopping axial movement of the compensation ring <NUM> in a direction toward the valved end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>. The compensation sleeve <NUM> can be retained in the valve mounting housing <NUM> by a retaining ring <NUM> (see <FIG>) that stops axial movement of the compensation sleeve <NUM> in a direction toward the hose connection end <NUM> of the male valve body <NUM>.

When the first and second fluid couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are uncoupled, both the valve member <NUM> and the valve sleeve <NUM> move under forces of their respective springs <NUM>, <NUM> to the closed position shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first fluid coupler <NUM> is illustrated as being provided with additional features that enable for smoother disconnection of the coupling parts, as discussed below. As the fluid coupler <NUM> of <FIG> is largely similar to the fluid coupler <NUM> of <FIG>, the description of the fluid coupler <NUM> of <FIG> is fully applicable for the fluid coupler <NUM> of <FIG>. Accordingly, these aspects need not be repeated here. Instead, the description will focus on the primary differences provided with the fluid coupler <NUM> of <FIG>. One such difference is that the compensation sleeve <NUM> is provided with an inner surface 182a that is disposed at an oblique angle a1 with respect to the longitudinal axis X, <NUM> such that the inner surface 182a diverges away from the axis in a direction from the hose connection end <NUM> towards the valved end <NUM>. Accordingly, the surface 182a increases the dimension and clearance of the outer annular compensation recess <NUM> in a direction towards the valved end <NUM>. In some examples, the angle a1 is equal to or greater than the maximum offset angle of the male valve body <NUM> with respect to the housing <NUM>, for example equal to or greater than <NUM> degrees. In the particular example shown, the angle a1 is about <NUM> degrees. In some configurations, when the male coupler <NUM> is moved to an offset position, the sleeve <NUM> tends to be pushed inside such that the sleeve part <NUM> causes an interference that does not allow for a full offset condition, and thus creates binding condition during connection or disconnection. The arrangement shown at <FIG> advantageously avoids such a dynamic. In another aspect, the valve mounting housing <NUM> defines a surface <NUM> that is provided as a chamfered surface at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis X while the flange <NUM> is provided with a complementarily angled surface 190a. These surfaces facilitate smooth disconnection by removing any directly restricting surface that would otherwise prevent or inhibit disconnection. In yet another aspect, an annular space or groove <NUM> is defined between the inner stop surface <NUM> and the surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. This feature also enhances and enables smooth disconnection. During a fast disconnection, the entire centering mechanism moves forward at higher speed and the male valve body <NUM> creates a tangential contact on the sleeve <NUM>, and subsequently creates a biasing force. As such, the male valve body <NUM> can be pulled out in misaligned state and hence could get locked without the provision of the annular space or groove <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A fluid coupler (<NUM>) comprising:
a valve body (<NUM>) defining a valve body axis (<NUM>);
a valve arrangement (<NUM>) for opening and closing fluid flow through the valve body (<NUM>); and
a valve mounting housing (<NUM>) in which the valve body (<NUM>) is mounted via an alignment compensation arrangement (<NUM>), the valve mounting housing (<NUM>) defining a central mounting housing axis (<NUM>), the alignment compensation arrangement (<NUM>) including a compensation sleeve (<NUM>), a compensation ring (<NUM>), and a compensation spring (<NUM>) mounted within the valve mounting housing (<NUM>), the compensation spring (<NUM>) being configured to bias the compensation sleeve (<NUM>) and the compensation ring (<NUM>) axially apart from one another, the valve body (<NUM>) extending through the compensation sleeve (<NUM>) and compensation ring (<NUM>) such that the compensation sleeve (<NUM>) and the compensation ring (<NUM>) are positioned radially between the valve mounting housing (<NUM>) and the valve body (<NUM>), the alignment compensation arrangement (<NUM>) being movable within the valve mounting housing (<NUM>) between an extended state and a compressed state, the compensation ring (<NUM>) being spaced axially further from the compensation sleeve (<NUM>) when the alignment compensation arrangement (<NUM>) is in in the extended state as compared to the contracted state, the compensation spring (<NUM>) biasing the alignment compensation arrangement (<NUM>) toward the extended state, a tapered interface being defined between the valve body (<NUM>) and at least one of the compensation sleeve (<NUM>) and the compensation ring (<NUM>), wherein the tapered interface automatically positions the valve body (<NUM>) in a centered position in which the valve body axis (<NUM>) and the central mounting housing (<NUM>) are co-axially aligned when the alignment compensation arrangement (<NUM>) moves to the extended state, and wherein the tapered interface causes the compensation sleeve (<NUM>) and the compensation ring (<NUM>) to be moved axially toward one another when a tilt load or radial translation load is applied to the valve body (<NUM>) thereby allowing the valve body (<NUM>) to be angularly displaced or radially translated relative to a centered position,
characterized in that the tapered interface includes nested conical tapers.