CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/273,544 filed October 29, 2021. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This document relates to fluid coupling systems and heat transfer devices. For example, some embodiments described in this document relate to fluid coupling systems that include fluid coupling connections with valves and seals that prevent fluid spillage while being connected and disconnected.

2. Background Information

Fluid systems commonly include components such as tubing, pumps, reservoirs, fittings, couplings, heat exchangers, sensors, filters, valves, seals, and the like. Such components can be connected together in a network to define one or more fluid flow paths.

Fluid coupling assemblies typically include a female coupling device and a male coupling device that are releasably connected to each other create a fluid flow path therethrough. Such coupling assemblies can be used in various applications, including biomedical applications, beverage dispensing, instrument connections, photochemical handling, liquid cooling, ink handling, and others.

In the context of some fluid systems, such as a fluid system for liquid cooling of electronics, it may be desirable to use non-spill couplings that have minimal or zero fluid spillage during connection and disconnection of the male and female couplings. Such non-spill couplings will serve to limit the exposure of the electronics to the fluid that could damage the electronics, for example. Such non-spill couplings can also serve to limit air inclusion during the coupling process. SUMMARY

This document describes fluid coupling systems and heat transfer devices. For example, some embodiments described in this document relate to fluid coupling systems that include fluid coupling connections with valves and seals that prevent fluid spillage while being connected and disconnected. Some fluid coupling and heat transfer devices described herein are well suited for use in systems that provide fluid cooling for heatgenerating devices such as computer hardware and other types of heat-generating devices. Moreover, the fluid coupling and heat transfer devices described herein are also suitable for many other uses.

In the context of this disclosure, the term “fluid” means any substance that can be made to flow including, but is not limited to, liquids, gases, granular or powdered solids, mixtures or emulsions of two or more fluids, suspensions of solids within liquids or gases, vapors, steam, mists, gels, semi-solids, etc.

The fluid coupling devices described herein may also be referred to herein as male and female couplings, “coupling halves,” and/or “connectors.” The male couplings may also be referred to herein as “inserts,” and the female couplings may also be referred to herein as “bodies.”

In particular embodiments, the fluid coupling devices described herein are specifically designed with one or more mechanical components to configure the devices as “non-spill” coupling devices. The devices described herein are referred to as non-spill coupling devices because as the male and female portions of the coupling devices are being connected to each other and/or disconnected from each other, the designs of the fluid coupling devices will reduce the likelihood of fluid discharge out of the fluid system (for example, by blocking as such discharge paths) and by preventing spillage related to fluid inclusion within the fluid coupling devices.

In one aspect, this disclosure is directed to a male fluid coupling that includes a first valve stem defining a first longitudinal axis and a first fluid flow path extending along the first longitudinal axis; a second valve stem defining a second longitudinal axis and a second fluid flow path extending along the second longitudinal axis; and a male valve member defining a first passageway extending through the male valve member and a second passageway extending through the male valve member. The first valve stem is slidably disposed within the first passageway, and the second valve stem is slidably disposed within the second passageway. The first valve stem also defines one or more lateral openings to fluidly connect the first fluid flow path with an area external of the first valve stem. The second valve stem also defines one or more lateral openings to fluidly connect the second fluid flow path with an area external of the second valve stem. The male valve member is slidable along the first and second valve stems between: (i) a first position in which the male valve member blocks the one or more lateral openings defined by the first and second valve stems, and (ii) a second position in which the one or more lateral openings defined by the first and second valve stems are open to the areas external of the first and second valve stems.

In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a female fluid coupling that includes: a housing defining a first opening to a first fluid flow channel and a second opening to a second fluid flow channel; a first valve member slidably disposed in the first fluid flow channel of the housing; and a second valve member slidably disposed in a second fluid flow channel of the housing. The first and second valve members are slidable within the first and second fluid flow channels between: (i) first positions in which the first and second valve members block the first and second openings, and (ii) second positions in which the first and second openings are unblocked by the first and second valve members.

In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a fluid coupling system that includes the male fluid coupling and the female fluid coupling. Such a fluid coupling system may optionally include one or more of the following features. The male valve member may be biased to be in the first position. The first and second valve members may be biased to be in the first positions. The male valve member may comprise an elastomeric material. The first and second longitudinal axes may be parallel. The first and second longitudinal axes may be spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to a spacing distance between centers of the first and second openings of the housing. The first and second fluid flow channels may be fluidly connected to each other. The housing may include a portion configured for transferring heat between a fluid flowing through the first and second fluid flow channels and a space or device external to the housing. The first and second fluid flow channels may be fluidly separated from each other. The fluid coupling system may be configured such that the male fluid coupling and the female fluid coupling are connectable by: (i) aligning the first valve stem with the first opening; (ii) aligning the second valve stem with the second opening; and (iii) inserting the first and second valve stems through the first and second openings. Inserting the first and second valve stems through the first and second openings may move the male valve member from its first position to its second position. Inserting the first and second valve stems through the first and second openings may move the first and second valve members from their first positions to their second positions. Inserting the first and second valve stems through the first and second openings may fluidly connects: (i) the first fluid flow path with the first fluid flow channel via the one or more lateral openings defined by the first valve stem, and (ii) the second fluid flow path with the second fluid flow channel via the one or more lateral openings defined by the second valve stem.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this document can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. First, some embodiments of the fluid coupling devices provide an improved non-spill connection and disconnection capability that may advantageously reduce or eliminate fluid spillage in some cases. As such, these embodiments of the fluid coupling and heat exchange devices described herein may be well-suited, for example, for use in fluid systems that provide liquid cooling to electronics such as computers and the like. Another benefit from the non-spill design of the fluid couplings described herein is the minimization of the inclusion of air into the fluid system as the couplings are connected to each other.

Second, in some embodiments the fluid couplings are advantageously constructed in a compact manner. Such a compact configuration can be beneficial for applications that have a limited amount of space for the fluid couplings to be installed. Installations of the fluid couplings for fluid cooling of computer electronics can be one example of such an application.

Third, in some embodiments, the male and female portions of the fluid coupling devices are designed to be easily connectable to each other. For example, the connection technique can be a simple insertion process that includes inserting the male coupling valve stems into openings defined by the female coupling. The technique for disconnecting can be the same performed in the opposite way. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples of the embodiments described herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description herein. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. l is a perspective view of an example fluid coupling and heat exchange system in accordance with some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the fluid coupling and heat exchange system of FIG. 1, with certain components omitted to reveal additional details of the fluid coupling system.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section view of fluid coupling and heat exchange system of FIG. 1 shown in the connected, operable configuration.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section view of fluid coupling and heat exchange system of FIG. 1 shown in a disconnected configuration.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the fluid coupling and heat exchange system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a portion of a male fluid coupling portion of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the portion of the male fluid coupling of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the portion of the male fluid coupling of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a male valve member component of the male fluid coupling portion of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the male valve member of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the male valve member of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a longitudinal cross-section of the male valve member of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example fluid coupling and heat exchange system in accordance with some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the fluid coupling and heat exchange system of FIG. 13, with certain components omitted to reveal additional details of the fluid coupling system.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-section view of fluid coupling and heat exchange system of FIG. 13 shown in the connected, operable configuration.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-section view of fluid coupling and heat exchange system of FIG. 13 shown in a disconnected configuration.

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the fluid coupling and heat exchange system of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is perspective view of a portion of a male fluid coupling portion of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a portion of the male fluid coupling of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the male fluid coupling of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a male valve member component of the male fluid coupling portion of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 22 is an end view of the male valve member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the male valve member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal cross-section of the male valve member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is another longitudinal cross-section of the male valve member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a bottom frame member of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 13.

Like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

This document describes fluid coupling systems and heat transfer devices. For example, some embodiments described in this document relate to fluid coupling systems that include fluid coupling connections with valves and seals that prevent fluid spillage while being connected and disconnected. Some fluid coupling and heat transfer devices described herein are well suited for use in systems that provide fluid cooling for heatgenerating devices such as computer hardware and other types of electronic and electrical gear. Moreover, the fluid coupling and heat transfer devices described herein are also suitable for many other uses.

Referring now to FIGs. 1-3, an example heat transfer device 100 includes a fluid coupling system 110 and a heat conduction member 150. As indicated by the dashed lines, the heat transfer device 100 is configured to have a fluid flowing through the heat conduction member 150 via the fluid coupling system 110. The fluid coupling system 110 is shown in a connected, operable configuration. The fluid coupling system 110 is also configured to be disconnected, as described further below. It should be understood that the components of the example heat transfer device 100 are scalable to virtually any desired size.

In the depicted embodiment, the heat conduction member 150 includes one or more portions 152 (FIG. 1) that are configured for transferring heat between the fluid flowing through fluid flow passages of the heat conduction member 150 and a space or device external to the heat conduction member 150. In some embodiments, without limitation, the heat conduction member 150 is used for cooling heat-generating devices such as computer hardware. In such an example, a chilled fluid can be pressurized to cause flow of the fluid through fluid flow passages of the heat conduction member 150 via the fluid coupling system 110, as indicated by the dashed lines.

While the fluid coupling system 110 is shown here in conjunction with the heat conduction member 150, it should be understood that the fluid coupling system 110 can be incorporated for use in many other suitable contexts and/or form factors. For example, while the fluid flow channels defined within the heat conduction member 150 are fluidly connected to each other in a loop, in some embodiments the fluid flow channels are fluidly separated from each other. Moreover, in some cases the fluid coupling system 110 (as described further below) can be configured as a standalone fluid handling system or component.

In FIGs. 4 and 5, the fluid coupling system 110 can be seen in its disconnected configuration. Accordingly, it can be more readily visualized that the fluid coupling system 110 includes a male fluid coupling 120 and a female fluid coupling 140. When the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 are connected to each other (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 1-3), a fluid can flow through the fluid coupling system 110. When the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 are disconnected from each other (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5), valve members and seal members of the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 close in order to block fluid flow, and to prevent fluid leakage from the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140.

The male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 are also configured to substantially prevent fluid spillage during the process of connection and disconnection of the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140. This is the case because valves and/or seals of the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 close to block fluid flow prior to the actual disconnection between the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140. Moreover, the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 are designed to substantially eliminate fluid inclusion spaces in which fluid between the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 can potentially reside. The elimination of such inclusion spaces also advantageously serves to eliminate air inclusion during the connection of the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140.

The materials from which one or more of the components of the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 (and other fluid couplings described herein) can be made of include thermoplastics. In particular embodiments, the materials from which the components of the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 are made of are thermoplastics, such as, but not limited to, acetal, ABS, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyether ether ketone, polysulphide, polyester, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU; e.g., Radel®), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyetherimide (PEI; e.g., Ultem®), polypropylene, polyphenylene, polyaryletherketone, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastics can include one or more fillers such as, but not limited to, glass fiber, glass bead, carbon fiber, talc, etc.

In some embodiments, the materials from which one or more of the components of the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 (and other fluid couplings described herein) are made of include metals such as, but not limited to copper, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plated steel, zinc alloys, and the like. In particular embodiments, one or both of the male fluid coupling 120 and/or the female fluid coupling 140 (and other fluid couplings described herein) is/are metallic-free. In some embodiments, one or both of the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 (and other fluid couplings described herein) include(s) one or more metallic spring members (e.g., spring steel, stainless steel such as 316L, piano/music wire, beryllium copper, titanium, and the like). In some embodiments, such spring members can be made of elastomeric material.

In some embodiments, the male fluid coupling 120 and/or the female fluid coupling 140 (and other fluid couplings described herein) can include one or more seal members. In some embodiments, the seal members can comprise materials such as, but not limited to, silicone, fluoroelastomers (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), buna, buna-N, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), and the like. The cross-sectional shape of such seal members can be circular, D- shaped, X-shaped, square, rectangular, U-shaped, multi-lobed, L-shaped, V-shaped, and the like, or any other suitable shape, without limitation.

The male fluid coupling 120 includes a first valve stem 122a, a second valve stem 122b, and a male valve member 126. In some embodiments (such as the depicted embodiment), the male fluid coupling 120 includes an optional frame member 130 to which the first valve stem 122a and the second valve stem 122b are each attached. In some embodiments, no frame member 130 is included. In such a case, the male valve member 126 can be two separate seal bodies (one male valve member one each of the valve stems 122a-b). The frame member 130 can include a travel limiter 132 that is slidably coupled with the male valve member 126. The travel limiter 132 can include an enlarged end 133 that limits the travel of the male valve member 126.

The male valve member 126 can be slidably coupled with the first and second valve stems 122a-b. Accordingly, the male valve member 126 can slide along the first and second valve stems 122a-b between: (i) a first position as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, and (ii) a second position as shown in FIGs. 1-3. In some embodiments (such as the depicted embodiment), the male fluid coupling 120 includes a first spring 124a and a second spring 124b. The first spring 124a can be a coil spring engaged on an outer diameter of the first valve stem 122a and disposed between the frame member 130 and the male valve member 126. The second spring 124b can be a coil spring engaged on an outer diameter of the second valve stem 122b and disposed between the frame member 130 and the male valve member 126. The first and second springs 124a-b can bias the male valve member 126 to its first position as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. When the male valve member 126 is moved to its second position as shown in FIGs. 1-3, the first and second springs 124a-b become compressed and store potential energy.

The first and second valve stems 122a-b each define a respective longitudinal axis and an internal fluid flow path. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axes defined by the first and second valve stems 122a-b are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.

The first and second valve stems 122a-b can each include a termination member 123a-b. In the depicted embodiment, the termination members 123a-b are barbed connections configured for attachment to tubing. While in the depicted embodiment, the termination members 123a-b are barbed connections, in some embodiments one or both of the termination members 123a-b can be configured in other ways such as, but not limited to, a threaded connection (e.g., straight thread or pipe thread), a compression fitting, a quick disconnect, a sanitary fitting, hydraulic quick connection, luer fitting, a solder connection, a welded connection, and so on, without limitation. Such connections can be straight (as depicted) or in another arrangement such as, but not limited to, a 90° elbow arrangement, a 45° elbow, a straight fitting, a Tee fitting, a Y-fitting, and so on. In some embodiments, one or both of the termination members 123a-b can affixed to a surface of a structure such as a plate, a manifold, a casing, a housing, a tube, and the like. In some such embodiments, one or both of the termination members 123a-b can affixed to such a surface by welding, brazing, soldering, adhering, and the like, or by a releasable connection such as a threaded connection or a press-fit.

Referring also to FIGs. 6-8, the first and second valve stems 122a-b each define one or more lateral openings at ends of the first and second valve stems 122a-b that are opposite of the termination members 123a-b. For example, in the depicted embodiment the first valve stem 122a defines two lateral openings 125a, and the second valve stem 122b defines two lateral openings 125b. The lateral openings 125a fluidly connect the first fluid flow path defined within the first valve stem 122a with an area external of the first valve stem 122a when the male valve member 126 is not blocking the lateral openings 125a. The lateral openings 125b fluidly connect the second fluid flow path defined within the second valve stem 122b with an area external of the second valve stem 122b when the male valve member 126 is not blocking the lateral openings 125b.

The first and second valve stems 122a-b each include two raised annular portions that fluidly seal against the inner diameters of the passageways that extend through the male valve member 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first valve stem 122a includes a first raised annular portion 127al and a second raised annular portion 127a2. The first raised annular portion 127al and the second raised annular portion 127a2 are located on opposite sides of the lateral openings 125a. Similarly, the second valve stem 122b includes a first raised annular portion 127b 1 and a second raised annular portion 127b2. The first raised annular portion 127b 1 and the second raised annular portion 127b2 are located on opposite sides of the lateral openings 125b. The localized fluid seals provided by the raised annular portions that seal against the inner diameters of the passageways that extend through the male valve member 126 also allow the male valve member 126 to translate along the first and second valve stems 122a-b with minimal friction.

In some embodiments, the seals between the first and second valve stems 122a-b and the male valve member 126 can be created in a reverse manner. That is, the outer diameters of the first and second valve stems 122a-b can be consistent in diameter size, and the inner diameters of the passageways that extend through the male valve member 126 can have portions that have a smaller inner diameter than other portions of the passageways.

Referring also to FIGs. 9-12, in the depicted embodiment, the male valve member 126 is comprised of a pliable elastomeric material. The pliable elastomeric material is pliable enough to create a resilient fluid seal when it is abutted against a more rigid material (such as metals and hard plastics). The male valve member 126 defines a first passageway 127a extending through the male valve member 126 and a second passageway 127b extending through the male valve member 126. The first valve stem 122a is slidably disposed within the first passageway 127a and the second valve stem 122b is slidably disposed within the second passageway 127b.

The male valve member 126 also defines a slot 129. The slot 129 slidably receives, and translates along, the travel limiter 132 of the frame member 130. The enlarged end 133 of the travel limiter 132 can abut against an end of the slot 129 that is narrowed as compared to the rest of the slot 129 to limit the travel of the male valve member 126 relative to the frame member 130.

Still referring to FIGs. 4 and 5, the fluid coupling system 110 also includes the female fluid coupling 140. The female fluid coupling 140 includes a housing 151. The housing 151 defines a first opening to a first fluid flow channel and a second opening to a second fluid flow channel.

The female fluid coupling 140 also includes a first valve member 142a slidably disposed in the first fluid flow channel of the housing 151, and a second valve member 142b slidably disposed in the second fluid flow channel of the housing 151. The first and second valve members 142a-b are slidable within the first and second fluid flow channels of the housing 151 between: (i) first positions in which the first and second valve members 142a-b block the first and second openings of the housing 151 (as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5), and (ii) second positions in which the first and second openings of the housing 151 are unblocked by the first and second valve members 142a-b (as shown in FIGs. 1-3). The female fluid coupling 140 also includes springs that 144a-b bias the first and second valve members 142a-b to their first positions (as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5). When the first and second valve members 142a-b are in their first positions, the first and second fluid flow channels defined within the housing 151 (and the heat conduction member 150 in this example) are closed in a fluidly sealed manner.

The fluid coupling system 110 is configured such that the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140 are connectable by: (i) aligning the first valve stem 122a with the first opening defined by the housing 151; (ii) aligning the second valve stem 122b with the second opening defined by the housing 151 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4); and (iii) inserting the first and second valve stems 122a-b through the first and second openings defined by the housing 151 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3).

Inserting the first and second valve stems 122a-b through the first and second openings defined by the housing 151 moves the male valve member 126 from its first position to its second position in which the lateral openings 125a-b are no longer blocked by the male valve member 126. Moreover, in such a configuration, the lateral openings 125a-b are disposed in, and fluidly open to, the first and second fluid flow channels of the housing 151 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3).

Inserting the first and second valve stems 122a-b through the first and second openings defined by the housing 151 also moves the first and second valve members 142a-b from their first positions to their second positions (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3).

Accordingly, it can be envisioned that inserting the first and second valve stems 122a-b through the first and second openings of the housing 151 fluidly connects: (i) the first fluid flow path defined by the first valve stem 122a with the first fluid flow channel defined by the housing 151 via the one or more lateral openings 125a defined by the first valve stem 122a, and (ii) the second fluid flow path defined by the second valve stem 122b with the second fluid flow channel defined by the housing 151 via the one or more lateral openings 125b defined by the second valve stem 122b.

When the fluid coupling system 110 is in its fully coupled, operational configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 1-3) the male valve member 126 is abutted against surfaces of the housing 151 located peripherally around the first and second openings of the housing 151. This abutment provides two fluid face seals between the male fluid coupling 120 and the female fluid coupling 140. Moreover, since the first and second springs 124a-b force the male valve member 126 against the surfaces of the housing 151 located peripherally around the first and second openings of the housing 151, spring- loaded face seals are provided. The spring-loading of the seals can be advantageous in the event that the male valve member 126 takes a compression set or becomes worn. That is, the spring-loading will continuously load the fluid seals so as to maintain fluid- tight seals even if the male valve member 126 takes a compression set or becomes worn.

Referring now to FIGs. 13-15, another example heat transfer device 200 includes a fluid coupling system 210 and a heat conduction member 250. As indicated by the dashed lines, the heat transfer device 200 is configured to have a fluid flowing through the heat conduction member 250 via the fluid coupling system 210. The fluid coupling system 210 is shown in a connected, operable configuration. The fluid coupling system 210 is also configured to be disconnected, as described further below. It should be understood that the components of the example heat transfer device 200 are scalable to virtually any desired size.

In the depicted embodiment, the heat conduction member 250 includes one or more portions 252 (FIG. 13) that are configured for transferring heat between the fluid flowing through fluid flow passages of the heat conduction member 250 and a space or device external to the heat conduction member 250. In some embodiments, without limitation, the heat conduction member 250 is used for cooling heat-generating devices such as computer hardware and/or other types of electrical or electronic devices. In such an example, a fluid (e.g., a chilled fluid, an ambient temperature fluid, a phase-changing fluid, etc.) can be pressurized to cause flow of the fluid through fluid flow passages of the heat conduction member 250 via the fluid coupling system 210, as indicated by the dashed lines.

While the fluid coupling system 210 is shown here in conjunction with the heat conduction member 250, it should be understood that the fluid coupling system 210 can be incorporated for use in many other suitable contexts and/or form factors. For example, while the fluid flow channels defined within the heat conduction member 250 are fluidly connected to each other in a loop, in some embodiments the fluid flow channels are fluidly separated from each other. Moreover, in some cases the fluid coupling system 210 (as described further below) can be configured as a standalone fluid handling system or component.

In FIGs. 16 and 17, longitudinal cross-section views of the fluid coupling system 210 show the fluid coupling system 210 in its disconnected configuration. Accordingly, it can be more readily visualized that the fluid coupling system 210 includes a male fluid coupling 220 and a female fluid coupling 240. When the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240 are connected to each other (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 13-15), a fluid can flow through the fluid coupling system 210. When the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240 are disconnected from each other (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 16 and 17), valve members and seal members of the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240 close in order to block fluid flow, to prevent fluid leakage from the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240, and to prevent air ingress into the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240.

The male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240 are also configured to substantially prevent fluid spillage (and air ingress) during the processes of connection and disconnection of the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240. This is the case because valves and/or seals of the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240 close to block fluid flow prior to the actual mechanical disconnection between the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240. In addition, the fronts of the valves are flat (flush-faced) and the valve seals are very close to the front of the connectors. Moreover, the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240 are designed to substantially eliminate fluid inclusion spaces in which fluid between the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240 can potentially reside. The elimination of such inclusion spaces also advantageously serves to eliminate air inclusion during the connection of the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240.

The male fluid coupling 220 includes a first valve stem 222a, a second valve stem 222b, and a male valve member 226. In some embodiments (such as the depicted embodiment), the male fluid coupling 220 includes an optional upper frame member 230a and lower frame member 230b to which the first valve stem 222a and the second valve stem 222b are each attached. In some embodiments, no frame member 230a-b is included. In such a case, the male valve member 226 can be two separate members (one male valve member on each of the valve stems 222a-b). The lower frame member 230b can include a rail 232 that is slidably coupled with the male valve member 226.

The male valve member 226 can be slidably coupled with the first and second valve stems 222a-b. Accordingly, the male valve member 226 can slide along the first and second valve stems 222a-b between: (i) a first position as shown in FIGs. 16 and 17, and (ii) a second position as shown in FIGs. 13-15.

In some embodiments (such as the depicted embodiment), the male fluid coupling 220 includes a first spring 224a and a second spring 224b. The first spring 224a can be a coil spring engaged on an outer diameter of the first valve stem 222a and disposed between the frame member 230a-b and the male valve member 226. The second spring 224b can be a coil spring engaged on an outer diameter of the second valve stem 222b and disposed between the frame member 230a-b and the male valve member 226. The first and second springs 224a-b can bias the male valve member 226 to its first position as shown in FIGs. 16 and 17. When the male valve member 226 is moved to its second position as shown in FIGs. 13-15, the first and second springs 224a-b become compressed and store potential energy. In some embodiments, a single, centered spring can be used instead of the first and second springs 224a-b.

The first and second valve stems 222a-b each define a respective longitudinal axis and an internal fluid flow path. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axes defined by the first and second valve stems 222a-b are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The longitudinal axes defined by the first and second valve stems 222a-b can be coplanar in some embodiments.

The first and second valve stems 222a-b can each include a termination member 223 a-b. In the depicted embodiment, the termination members 223 a-b are barbed connections configured for attachment to tubing. While in the depicted embodiment, the termination members 223 a-b are barbed connections, in some embodiments one or both of the termination members 223 a-b can be configured in other ways such as, but not limited to, a threaded connection (e.g., straight thread or pipe thread), a compression fitting, a quick disconnect, a sanitary fitting, hydraulic quick connection, luer fitting, a solder connection, a welded connection, and so on, without limitation. Such connections can be straight (as depicted) or in another arrangement such as, but not limited to, a 90° elbow arrangement, a 45° elbow, a straight fitting, a Tee fitting, a Y-fitting, and so on. In some embodiments, one or both of the termination members 223 a-b can affixed to a surface of a structure such as a plate, a manifold, a casing, a housing, a tube, and the like. In some such embodiments, one or both of the termination members 223 a-b can affixed to such a surface by welding, brazing, soldering, adhering, and the like, or by a releasable connection such as a threaded connection or a press-fit.

Referring also to FIGs. 18-20, the first and second valve stems 222a-b each define one or more lateral openings at ends of the first and second valve stems 222a-b that are opposite of the termination members 223 a-b. For example, in the depicted embodiment the first valve stem 222a defines two lateral openings 225a, and the second valve stem 222b defines two lateral openings 225b. The lateral openings 225a fluidly connect the first fluid flow path defined within the first valve stem 222a with an area external of the first valve stem 222a when the male valve member 226 is not blocking the lateral openings 225a. The lateral openings 225b fluidly connect the second fluid flow path defined within the second valve stem 222b with an area external of the second valve stem 222b when the male valve member 226 is not blocking the lateral openings 225b.

The first and second valve stems 222a-b each include two seals that fluidly seal against the inner diameters of the passageways 231 a-b that extend through the male valve member 226. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the first valve stem 222a includes a first seal 227a and a second seal 228a. The first seal 227a and the second seal 228a are located on opposite sides of the lateral openings 225a. Similarly, the second valve stem 222b includes a first seal 227b and a second seal 228b. The first seal 227b and the second seal 228b are located on opposite sides of the lateral openings 225b. The localized fluid seals 227a-b and 228a-b seal against the inner diameters of the passageways 231 a-b (FIGs. 21-24) that extend through the male valve member 226 also allow the male valve member 226 to translate along the first and second valve stems 222a-b with minimal friction.

In some embodiments, the seals between the first and second valve stems 222a-b and the male valve member 226 can be created in a reverse manner. That is, the outer diameters of the first and second valve stems 222a-b can be consistent in diameter size, and the inner diameters of the passageways 231 a-b that extend through the male valve member 226 can define seal grooves that have seals therein to provide fluid seals between the first and second valve stems 222a-b and the male valve member 226.

Referring also to FIGs. 21-25, in the depicted embodiment, the male valve member 226 is a rigid or semi-rigid member. That is, the male valve member 226 is not an elastomeric member (as compared to the male valve member 126 that is made of a pliable elastomeric material). For example, male valve member 226 can be made of metal or a hard plastic (e.g., a molded thermoplastic material). The male valve member 226 defines a first passageway 231a extending through the male valve member 226 and a second passageway 23 lb extending through the male valve member 226. The first valve stem 222a is slidably disposed within the first passageway 231a and the second valve stem 222b is slidably disposed within the second passageway 231b.

In the depicted embodiment, the male valve member 226 also defines a central slot 229 that extends parallel to the axes of the passageways 23 la-b. The slot 229 slidably receives, and translates along, the rail 232 of the lower frame member 230b (see FIG. 26). In some embodiments, other means for mechanically guiding the translations of the male valve member 226 can be included.

The frame members 230a-b each include a stop surface 234a-b that the male valve member 226 can abut against to limit the travel of the male valve member 226 relative to the frame members 230a-b. The abutment of the male valve member 226 to the stop surfaces 234a-b positions the male valve member 226 in its first position in which the male valve member 226 blocks the one or more lateral openings 225a-b defined by the first and second valve stems 222a-b.

Still referring to FIGs. 16 and 17, the fluid coupling system 210 also includes the female fluid coupling 240. The female fluid coupling 240 includes a housing 251. The housing 251 defines a first opening to a first fluid flow channel and a second opening to a second fluid flow channel.

The female fluid coupling 240 also includes a first valve member 242a slidably disposed in the first fluid flow channel of the housing 251, and a second valve member 242b slidably disposed in the second fluid flow channel of the housing 251. The first and second valve members 242a-b are slidable within the first and second fluid flow channels of the housing 251 between: (i) first positions in which the first and second valve members 242a-b block the first and second openings of the housing 251 (as shown in FIGs. 16 and 17), and (ii) second positions in which the first and second openings of the housing 251 are unblocked by the first and second valve members 242a-b (as shown in FIGs. 13-15). The female fluid coupling 240 also includes springs that 244a-b bias the first and second valve members 242a-b to their first positions (as shown in FIGs. 16 and 17). When the first and second valve members 242a-b are in their first positions, the first and second fluid flow channels defined within the housing 251 (and the heat conduction member 250 in this example) are closed in a fluidly sealed manner.

The fluid coupling system 210 is configured such that the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240 are connectable by: (i) aligning the first valve stem 222a with the first opening defined by the housing 251; (ii) aligning the second valve stem 222b with the second opening defined by the housing 251 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 16); and (iii) inserting the first and second valve stems 222a-b through the first and second openings defined by the housing 251 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15).

Inserting the first and second valve stems 222a-b through the first and second openings defined by the housing 251 moves the male valve member 226 from its first position to its second position in which the lateral openings 225a-b are no longer blocked by the male valve member 226. Moreover, in such a configuration, the lateral openings 225a-b are disposed in, and fluidly open to, the first and second fluid flow channels of the housing 251 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15).

Inserting the first and second valve stems 222a-b through the first and second openings defined by the housing 251 also moves the first and second valve members 242a-b from their first positions to their second positions (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15).

Accordingly, it can be envisioned that inserting the first and second valve stems 222a-b through the first and second openings of the housing 251 fluidly connects: (i) the first fluid flow path defined by the first valve stem 222a with the first fluid flow channel defined by the housing 251 via the one or more lateral openings 225a defined by the first valve stem 222a, and (ii) the second fluid flow path defined by the second valve stem 222b with the second fluid flow channel defined by the housing 251 via the one or more lateral openings 225b defined by the second valve stem 222b.

When the fluid coupling system 210 is in its fully coupled, operational configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 13-15) the front face of the male valve member 226 is abutted against surfaces of the housing 251 that are located peripherally around the first and second openings of the housing 251. Accordingly, the front face of the male valve member 226 includes a seal 233. In the depicted embodiment, the seal 233 is a unitary seal member that defines two distinct, separated open areas (surrounding each of the two openings to the passageways 23 la-b). In some embodiments, two separate seals are attached to the front face of the male valve member 226. Each of the seals can be located peripherally around a respective one of the two openings to the passageways 23 la-b. The seal 233 can be attached to the front face of the male valve member 226 in various ways, such as, by using an adhesive, two-shot molding, insert molding, using a press-fit and/or other mechanical means. The seal 233 can be comprised of any type of suitable seal material (see above) including, but not limited to, silicone, EPDM, FKM, Buna, closed-cell foam, UV-cured sealant materials, and the like.

This abutment of the seal 233 against the surfaces of the housing 251 that are located peripherally around the first and second openings of the housing 251provides two fluid face seals between the male fluid coupling 220 and the female fluid coupling 240. Moreover, since the first and second springs 224a-b force the male valve member 226 against the surfaces of the housing 251 located peripherally around the first and second openings of the housing 251, spring-loaded face seals are provided. The spring-loading of the seal 233 can be advantageous in the event that the male valve member 226 takes a compression set or becomes worn. That is, the spring-loading will continuously load the fluid seals so as to maintain fluid-tight seals even if the male valve member 226 takes a compression set or becomes worn.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.