Tool-less quick connector assembly

Abstract

A tool-less quick connector assembly is disclosed, wherein the connector assembly includes a first element and a second element. Each element includes a connector body, a valve, a handle, a handle lock, and a connector lock. The handle opens and closes the corresponding valve. Each handle has a locked position and an unlocked position. The handle lock prevents or inhibits the corresponding handle from moving between an open position and a closed position. The handle lock in the unlocked position enables the corresponding handle to move between an open position and a closed position. The first element and the second element are configured to be detachably assembled to each other. The connector locks assist in preventing or inhibiting the first element and the second element from being detached from each other when in their respective closed positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connector assemblies, and more particularly to connector assemblies used with piping in cooling systems, which are helpful when maintenance or replacement of cooling system components is required. Background Technology

[0002] Computer components, such as servers, contain many electronic components powered by a shared power supply. Servers generate a significant amount of heat due to the operation of internal electronic devices such as controllers, processors, and memory. Liquid cooling is currently the recognized solution for rapid heat dissipation due to its superior thermal performance. Liquid cooling is achieved using pipes or hoses that deliver hot or cold liquids or coolants.

[0003] Components in these liquid coolant systems sometimes require maintenance or repair. This maintenance or repair typically involves the assembly / disassembly of different units or modules, which can be done while the system contains coolant or is even in operation. During such maintenance or repair, many existing systems suffer from drawbacks such as the need for tools, valves with high flow resistance, the need for significant external force to insert or remove components, or complex operating procedures.

[0004] Therefore, a connector assembly is needed that can be easily and quickly inserted / removed during maintenance or repair, with the valve open or closed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The terms "embodiments" and similar expressions are intended to refer to all aspects of the invention and the appended claims. Statements containing these terms should be understood as not being limited to the meaning or scope of the subject matter set forth herein or the appended claims. The embodiments of the invention covered herein are defined by the appended claims, not by the summary of the invention herein. The summary of the invention herein is a general overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces concepts that will be further described in the following embodiments. The summary of the invention herein is not intended to identify key or essential features of the subject matter of the claims. Nor is the summary of the invention herein intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the subject matter of the claims. The subject matter should be understood by referring to the appropriate portions of this specification, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, a connector assembly includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes a first connector body, a first valve, a first handle, a first handle lock, and a first connector lock. The first handle is configured to open and close the first valve. The first handle lock has a locked position and an unlocked position. The first handle lock, when in the locked position, prevents or inhibits movement of the first handle between an open position and a closed position. The first handle lock, when in the unlocked position, enables movement of the first handle between the open position and the closed position. The second element includes a second connector body, a second valve, a second handle, a second handle lock, and a second connector lock. The second handle is configured to open and close the second valve. The second handle lock has a locked position and an unlocked position. The second handle lock, when in the locked position, prevents or inhibits movement of the second handle between an open position and a closed position. The second handle lock, when in the unlocked position, enables movement of the second handle between the open position and the closed position. The first element and the second element are configured to be detachably assembled to each other. The first connector lock and the second connector lock, when in their respective closed positions, assist in preventing or inhibiting detachment of the first element and the second element from each other.

[0007] According to one configuration of the above embodiment, the first valve of the first element is a ball valve. In another embodiment, the second valve of the second element is a ball valve.

[0008] According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the first element further includes at least one male connector and the second element further includes at least one protrusion having an opening formed therein. The at least one male connector is configured to be inserted into the opening formed in the at least one protrusion. In another embodiment, the first element further includes a plurality of male connectors and the second element further includes a plurality of protrusions each having an opening formed therein. Each of the male connectors is configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the openings formed in the protrusions.

[0009] According to yet another configuration of the above embodiment, one of the male connectors has an indentation therein at one end thereof and one of the protrusions has an indentation therein at one end thereof. The indentation of the one of the male connectors is configured to receive the one end of the second connector lock. The indentation of the one of the protrusions is configured to receive the one end of the first connector lock.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the above embodiment, the first handle extends upwardly in the open position and adjacent to the one of the male connectors having the indentation therein and the one end of the second connector lock. The second handle extends upwardly in the open position and adjacent to the one of the protrusions having the indentation therein and the one end of the first connector lock.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, at least one of the first handle lock and the second handle lock comprises a plunger.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, the first handle and the second handle are turned clockwise. The first handle and the second handle can also be turned counterclockwise for operational needs. In another embodiment, the first handle and the second handle, when turned, move the respective first connector lock and second connector lock outward and toward the periphery of the respective first element and second element.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, the first element is a male element and the second element is a female element.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present application, a method of using a connector assembly comprises providing a pipe and providing a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a first element and a second element. The first element comprises a first connector body, a first valve, a first handle, a first handle lock, and a first connector lock. The first handle is configured to open and close the first valve. The first handle lock has a locked position and an unlocked position. The first handle lock, when in the locked position, prevents or inhibits movement of the first handle between an open position and a closed position. The first handle lock, when in the unlocked position, enables movement of the first handle between the open position and the closed position. The second element comprises a second connector body, a second valve, a second handle, a second handle lock, and a second connector lock. The second handle is configured to open and close the second valve. The second handle lock has a locked position and an unlocked position. The second handle lock, when in the locked position, prevents or inhibits movement of the second handle between an open position and a closed position. The second handle lock, when in the unlocked position, enables movement of the second handle between the open position and the closed position. The first handle lock is unlocked or released. The first handle is moved from the closed position to the open position, causing the first valve to move to the open position. The first handle lock is locked after the first handle is moved to the open position. The second handle lock is unlocked or released. The second handle is moved from the closed position to the open position, causing the second valve to move to the open position. The second handle lock is locked after the second handle is moved to the open position.

[0015] According to one configuration of the above embodiments, the unlocking step and the moving step are performed without the use of a tool.

[0016] According to one configuration of the above embodiments, the first valve and the second valve of the first element are ball valves.

[0017] According to another configuration of the above embodiments, the first element further comprises at least one male connector and the second element further comprises at least one protrusion having an opening formed therein. The at least one male connector is configured to be inserted into the opening formed in the at least one protrusion. In another embodiment, the first element further comprises a plurality of male connectors and the second element further comprises a plurality of protrusions each having an opening formed therein. Each of the male connectors is configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the openings formed in the protrusions.

[0018] According to yet another configuration of the above embodiments, one of the male connectors has an indentation at one end thereof and one of the protrusions has an indentation at one end thereof. The indentation of the one of the male connectors is configured to receive one end of the second connector lock. The indentation of the one of the protrusions is configured to receive one end of the first connector lock.

[0019] In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, the first handle extends upwardly in the open position adjacent to the one of the male connectors having the indentation therein and one end of the second connector lock. The second handle extends upwardly in the open position adjacent to the one of the protrusions having the indentation therein and one end of the first connector lock.

[0020] In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, at least one of the first handle lock and the second handle lock comprises a plunger.

[0021] In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, the first handle and the second handle are turned clockwise. The first handle and the second handle can also be turned counterclockwise, if desired for operation. In another embodiment, the first handle and the second handle move the respective first connector lock and second connector lock outwardly and toward the periphery of the respective first element and second element when turned.

[0022] The above summary of the present application is not intended to represent each and every embodiment or every aspect of the present application. On the contrary, the foregoing summary is provided as a representative example only to provide some of the new aspects and features of the present application. The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present application are readily apparent from the detailed description of representative embodiments and modes of practicing the present application, as described in more detail below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Other aspects of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments and modes of practicing the present application, as described in more detail below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Other aspects of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments and modes of practicing the present application, as described in more detail below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The application, its advantages, and specific embodiments thereof, can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the appended drawings. These drawings are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the various embodiments or claims in any way.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly of an embodiment in an unassembled position;

[0025] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a connector assembly of an embodiment in an assembled position; Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a second element of the connector assembly of

[0026] Figure 2B is a top perspective view of a second element of the connector assembly of Figure 2A

[0027] Figure 2C is a top perspective view of a second element of the connector assembly of Figure 2A

[0028] Figure 3A is a top perspective view of a connector assembly of an embodiment in an unassembled position; Figure 1

[0029] Figure 3B is a top perspective view of a connector assembly of an embodiment in an assembled position; Figure 3A

[0030] Figure 4A is a top perspective view of a connector assembly of an embodiment in an assembled position; Figure 3B

[0031] Figure 4B is a close-up view of a generally rectangular area 4B in Figure 4A

[0032] Figure 4C is a top perspective view of a connector assembly of an embodiment in an assembled position; Figure 3B

[0033] Figure 4D is a close-up view of a generally rectangular area 4D in Figure 4C

[0034] ​​​​​​​​While the application is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will further be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the application to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] Symbol Explanation

[0036] 10: connector assembly

[0037] 20: first element

[0038] 22: first connector body

[0039] 24: first valve / ball valve

[0040] 26: first handle

[0041] 28: first handle lock

[0042] 30: first connector lock

[0043] 30a: end

[0044] 40: second element

[0045] 42: second connector body

[0046] 44: second valve / ball valve

[0047] 44a: upper portion

[0048] 46: second handle

[0049] 46a: generally circular portion

[0050] 48: second handle lock

[0051] 50: second connector lock

[0052] 50a: end

[0053] 56: plunger

[0054] 58a: tubing

[0055] 58b: tubing

[0056] 60: plug connector / first plug connector

[0057] 62: plug connector / second plug connector

[0058] 62a: thinned boss

[0059] 62b: notch

[0060] 70: projection / first projection

[0061] 70a: thinned ledge

[0062] 70b: notch

[0063] 72: projection / second projection

[0064] 74: opening

[0065] 76: opening

[0066] A: arrow

[0067] B: arrow

[0068] C: arrow

[0069] D: arrow

[0070] E: arrow

[0071] F: arrow

[0072] G: arrow

[0073] H: arrow

[0074] I: arrow

[0075] J: arrow DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Various embodiments will be described in reference to the drawings, where like numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the disclosure can also be implemented by other methods than those contemplated. The various embodiments are described herein with reference to exemplary applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the present disclosure. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the application. Various embodiments are not limited by the order of the acts or events, as some acts can occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0077] Elements and limitations disclosed in, for example, the abstract, summary of the invention, and embodiments but not expressly set forth in the claims should not be incorporated into the claims individually or in their entirety by implication, inference, or otherwise. For the purposes of this embodiment, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form, and vice versa. The word "comprising" means "including but not limited to". Furthermore, words indicating approximate values, such as "about", "almost", "substantially", and "approximately", etc., can be used herein to mean such as "at that value", "close to that value", or "approximately that value", or "within 3%-5% of that value", or "within permissible manufacturing tolerances", or any logical combination thereof.

[0078] Similarly, the terms "vertical" or "horizontal" are intended to include an additional "3%-5%" of the corresponding vertical or horizontal direction. Furthermore, directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "up," and "down" are intended to refer to: directions equivalent to those depicted in the reference figures; directions understood from the context of the indicated object or element, such as from its usual location; or directions otherwise stated herein.

[0079] The connector assembly of the present invention is advantageous for several reasons. The connector assembly can be used without tools or additional tools. Therefore, the connector assembly can be operated tool-free when opening and closing valves. When using the connector assembly of the present invention, various components can be easily maintained. The connector assembly is easy to use when plugging and unplugging, and when operating valves between closed and open positions during maintenance or equipment replacement.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 1 A connector assembly 10 includes a first element 20 and a second element 40 in an unassembled position. The first element 20 includes a first connector body 22, a first valve 24, a first handle 26, a first handle lock 28, and a first connector lock 30. The first handle 26 is configured to open and close the first valve 24. The first handle lock 28 has a locked position and an unlocked position. These positions can also be referred to as engaged or unengaged positions. In the locked position, the first handle lock 28 prevents or inhibits movement of the first handle 26 between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by using a vertically moving plunger. In the unlocked position, the first handle lock 28 allows the first handle 26 to move between the open and closed positions. The first element 20 is a male connector.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2AThe second element 40 includes a second connector body 42, a second valve 44, a second handle 46, a second handle lock 48, and a second connector lock 50. In one embodiment, the first valve 24 and the second valve 44 are ball valves.

[0082] The second handle 46 is configured to open and close the second valve 44. The second handle lock 48 has a locked position and an unlocked position. The second handle lock 48 functions similarly to the first handle lock 28. In the locked position, the second handle lock 48 prevents or inhibits movement of the second handle 46 between an open position and a closed position. In the unlocked position, the second handle lock 48 allows the second handle 46 to move between the open and closed positions. (See below for reference...) Figure 3B The first element 20 is configured to be detachably assembled or connected to the second element 40. The second element 40 is a female connector. The first element 20 and the second element 40 have different geometries (for example, the first connector body 22 and the second connector body 42 are different). As will be described below, the remaining features of the first element 20 and the second element 40 are generally similar. It is contemplated that some elements may be configured differently from those shown and discussed below.

[0083] Please refer to Figures 2A-2C It shows that it should be used in Figure 1 The various positions or states of the second element 40 in the connector assembly 10. First, please refer to... Figure 2A The second handle 46 and the second valve 44 are shown in the closed position. When either the first valve 24 or the second valve 44 is in the closed position, no liquid or coolant can pass through the connector assembly 10. Therefore, the liquid or coolant is sealed. Figure 2A The second handle lock 48 is used in the locked position, preventing the second handle 46 from moving. The second handle lock 48 includes a plunger that engages the second handle 46. Figure 2A The plunger is in the lower position and is not shown. Thus, the second handle 46 is... Figure 2A The second handle 46 is in the closed and locked position. By keeping the second handle 46 in the locked position, it is prevented or suppressed from accidentally moving the second handle 46 to the open position.

[0084] exist Figure 2A In this position, the second connector lock 50 is in the open position. The second handle 46 assists in securing the second connector lock 48 in the open position. As will be discussed below, when the second connector lock 50 is in the open position, the first element 20 and the second element 40 are allowed to be inserted into or removed from each other (i.e., assembled or disassembled).

[0085] Please refer to Figure 2BIn order for the second handle 46 to move from the closed position, the second handle lock 48 needs to be released from its closed position (A) to an open position (B). This is done by the user pivoting or moving the second handle lock 48 in the general direction of arrow A in Fig. 6. By pivoting or moving the second handle lock 48 in the direction of arrow A, the plunger 56 is moved upwards, which allows clearance for the second handle 46 so that the second handle 46 can be moved or rotated from its closed position in Fig. 6 to its position in Fig. 7. Figure 2A Figure 2B Figure 2B Figure 2A Figure 2B Figure 2C

[0086] After releasing the second handle lock 48 to the unlocked position, the user can move or rotate the second handle 46 in the general direction of arrow B in Figs. 7 and 8. As the second handle 46 is rotated or opened, the second valve 44 is opened and the second handle 46 drives or turns the second connector lock 50. In this embodiment, the second valve 44 is a ball valve. The second handle 46 is connected to an upper part 44a of the second valve 44. As the second handle 46 is rotated, the upper part 44a of the second valve 44 is also rotated, causing the ball valve 44 to open, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Figure 2A Figure 2B Figure 2B Figure 2C Figure 2B Figure 2C Similarly, when the second handle 46 is rotated in the direction of arrow C (see Fig. 9), it will close the ball valve 44. Figure 2A

[0087] A generally circular part 46a of the second handle 46 contacts the second connector lock 50 and then moves or turns the second connector lock 50 in an outward direction (the direction of arrow D in Fig. 10). This direction is towards the periphery of the second element 40. In this embodiment, the movement of the second connector lock 50 and the second valve 44 occurs simultaneously. Figure 2A

[0088] Turning to Fig. 11, the second handle 46 has been moved from the closed position (A) to the fully open position (B). During this movement, the second handle lock 48 will be in the open or released position as shown in Fig. 11. Figure 2C Figure 2A Figure 2C The position of the second handle lock 48 in Fig. 12 is in the locked position so that the second handle 46 cannot be moved from the position shown in Fig. 12. In this position, the second valve 44 is in the fully open position and will allow liquid or coolant to pass therethrough. Figure 2B Figure 2C Figure 2C

[0089] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​As the second handle 46 is rotated from the Figure 2B position to the Figure 2C position, the generally circular portion 46a of the second handle 46 continues to contact the second connector lock 50 and moves the second connector lock 50 in the outward direction (the direction of arrow D). In the Figure 2C position, as will be discussed below, the connector assembly 10 is not permitted to be inserted or removed.

[0090] The first element 20 functions the same or similar to that described above in connection with Figures 2A-2C the second element 40. Specifically, the first valve 24, the first handle 26, the first handle lock 28, and the first connector lock 30 function similarly to the second valve 44, the second handle 46, the second handle lock 48, and the second connector lock 50, respectively.

[0091] Referring to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , the connector assembly 10 is shown in an unassembled position Figure 3A in which the first element 20 and the second element 40 are separated from one another. In one approach, the second element 40 is moved in the direction of arrow E so that the first element 20 and the second element 40 can be inserted as shown, for example, in the assembled position Figure 3B . In another approach, after the second element 40 is moved in the direction of arrow F and inserted with the first element 20, the first element 20 and the second element 40 are in the assembled position Figure 3B . It is contemplated that both the first element 20 and the second element 40 can be moved together to the assembled position Figure 3B .

[0092] As best shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3A , the first element 20 has a plurality of male connectors 60, 62 and the second element 40 includes a plurality of projections 70, 72. Each of the projections 70, 72 has a corresponding opening 74, 76 formed therein. The first male connector 60 is adapted to be inserted into the opening 74 of the first projection 70. The second male connector 62 is adapted to be inserted into the opening 76 of the second projection 72. The second male connector 62 includes a reduced ledge 62a and a notch 62b at one end. The second male connector 70 includes a reduced ledge 70a and a notch 70b at one end.

[0093] The first plug connector 60 and the second plug connector 62, along with the first protrusion 70 and the second protrusion 72, assist in aligning the first element 20 and the second element 40 in an assembled position. To achieve proper alignment in this embodiment, the first plug connector 60 and the second plug connector 62 need to be fully inserted into the openings 74, 76 of the corresponding first protrusion 70 and second protrusion 72.

[0094] Figure 3B Connector assembly 10 is in the assembled position, wherein ball valves 24 and 44 (see...) Figure 1 and Figure 2A (Closed.) Therefore, no liquid can be delivered through connector assembly 10 in this position.

[0095] Figure 3B The connector assembly 10 can be moved as follows: Figures 4A-4D The locations shown indicate where the liquid or coolant can be transported. Please refer to [reference needed] first. Figure 4A The first handle 26 has moved approximately in the direction of arrow G. In this position, the first valve 24 is fully open. However, the second valve 44 remains closed. When the first handle 26 is moved to... Figure 4A When in position, the first connector lock 30 moves outward (in Figure 4A (In the direction of the middle arrow H). For example... Figure 4B As shown, the first connector lock 30 will abut or press into the notch 70b formed at the end of the first protrusion 70 (see also...). Figure 3A )middle.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 4C The second handle 46 has moved approximately in the direction of arrow I. In this position, the second valve 44 is also fully open. Therefore, both the first valve 24 and the second valve 44 are in their fully open positions, allowing liquid or coolant to flow through the connector assembly 10. As the second handle 46... Figure 4C When the movement is as shown, the second connector lock 50 moves outward (in... Figure 4C (In the direction of the middle arrow J). For example... Figure 4B As shown, the second connector lock 50 will abut or press into the notch 62b formed at the end of the second plug connector 62 (see also...). Figure 3A )middle.

[0097] When both the first handle 26 and the second handle 46 are in the fully open position, the two valves 24 and 44 (see...) Figure 1 and Figure 2C All of these will be enabled. (For example...) Figure 4DAs shown, the first handle 26 is shown with dashed lines so that the position of the second connector lock 50 relative to the second connector 62 can be seen. In this position, one end 50a of the second connector lock 50 is depressed into the notch 62b of the second connector 62. In this position, the second connector 62 and the second tab 72 are secured in the inserted position. Similarly, one end 30a of the first connector lock 30 is depressed into the notch 70b of the thinned ledge 70a proximate the first tab 70 (see Figure 3A ). In this position, the first tab 70 and the first connector 60 are secured in the inserted position.

[0098] The first handle 26 extends upward in the open position and is adjacent to the one end of the second connector lock 50 and the connector 62 having the notch 62a therein. Similarly, the second handle 46 extends upward in the open position and is adjacent to the one end of the first connector lock 30 and the first tab 70 having the notch 70b therein.

[0099] If the user wishes to disassemble the connector assembly 10, after releasing the first handle lock 28 and the second handle lock 48, the first handle 26 and the second handle 46 are turned back Figure 3B to the position which closes the first valve 24 and the second valve 44 and unlocks the first connector lock 30 and the second connector lock 50. The first element 20 and the second element 40 can then be moved away from each other while still sealing the liquid or coolant by pulling the first connector 60 and the second connector 62 from the respective tabs 70, 72.

[0100] It is contemplated that other types of plungers or non-plungers can be used in other embodiments. For example, a depressible button mechanism can be used which releases, for example, a plurality of pins when depressed downward. Once the pins are released, the handle can be rotated as described above. After the handle is turned or completed, the depressible button mechanism returns in the upward direction and the pins lock the handle. In one embodiment, the depressible button mechanism returns in the upward direction by movement of the handle. In another embodiment, the user moves (e.g., depresses) the depressible button mechanism in the upward direction.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. Figure 1 and Figure 3B , the connector assembly 10 is positioned with, for example, the tubing 58a, 58b. The tubing 58a, 58b has a generally circular or oval cross-section. It is contemplated that the tubing can be other shapes, including polygonal or other non-polygonal. For example, the tubing can have a polygonal cross-section (e.g., square or rectangular).

[0102] The tubing used with the connector assembly of the present disclosure can carry various liquids or coolants therein. The coolant is typically a dielectric liquid coolant that is thermally conductive. The coolant assists in removing heat generated by the heat generating components by direct contact with the components. The liquid used as the coolant typically has very good insulating properties, thus enabling contact with the heat generating components in a safe manner. The coolant is readily changeable between its liquid and gaseous phases at the desired temperature.

[0103] The type of coolant is selected based on the requirements of the thermal design. Non-limiting examples of coolants include fluorocarbons, water (e.g., deionized water), mixtures including water, and hydrocarbons. It is contemplated that other coolants that are capable of removing and absorbing heat from the heat generating components stored within the tank can be used. The various liquids or coolants are typically cold or hot liquids. In other embodiments, the liquids can be closer to or at room temperature.

[0104] In one approach, the connector assembly is used for both cold and hot liquid tubing. In one approach, the tubing that accompanies the connector assembly is used with an immersion liquid cooling tank that includes manifolds connected to respective cold and hot tubing. It is contemplated that the connector assembly can be used for other tubing applications.

[0105] Non-limiting examples of heat generating components that can be included within the immersion liquid cooling tank assembly include, but are not limited to, storage servers, application servers, switches, or other electronic devices. Examples include, but are not limited to, central processing units (CPUs), dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), network cards, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0106] The foregoing description of the embodiments, including the illustrated embodiments, is presented for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the precise form disclosed. Many modifications, adaptations, and uses of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0107] While the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the application can have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature can be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as can be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. The embodiments of this application in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

[0108] While various embodiments of the application have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Various changes in form and details can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. Thus, the breadth and scope of the application should not be limited by any of the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the application should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0109] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising".

[0110] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an overly literal or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: a first element including a first connector body, a first valve, a first handle, a first handle lock, and a first connector lock, the first handle configured to open and close the first valve, the first handle lock having a locked position and an unlocked position, the first handle lock preventing or inhibiting movement of the first handle between an open position and a closed position when the first handle lock is in the locked position, the first handle lock allowing movement of the first handle between the open position of the first handle and the closed position of the first handle when the first handle lock is in the unlocked position; and a second element including a second connector body, a second valve, a second handle, a second handle lock, and a second connector lock, the second handle configured to open and close the second valve, the second handle lock having a locked position and an unlocked position, the second handle lock preventing or inhibiting movement of the second handle between an open position and a closed position when the second handle lock is in the locked position, the second handle lock allowing movement of the second handle between the open position of the second handle and the closed position of the second handle when the second handle lock is in the unlocked position; wherein the first element and the second element are configured to be detachably assembled to each other; wherein the first connector lock and the second connector lock, when in their respective closed positions, assist in preventing or inhibiting detachment of the first element and the second element from each other, wherein the first element further includes a plurality of female connectors, the second element further includes a plurality of male portions, the male portions each having an opening formed therein, each of the female connectors configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the openings formed in the male portions, wherein one of the female connectors has a recess formed therein at one end thereof, one of the male portions has a recess formed therein at one end thereof, wherein the recess of the one of the female connectors is configured to accept one end of the second connector lock, wherein the recess of the one of the male portions is configured to accept one end of the first connector lock, wherein the first handle and the second handle directly drive the first connector lock and the second connector lock, respectively.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first valve of the first element is a ball valve.

3. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the second valve of the second element is a ball valve.

4. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first handle extends upwardly in the open position of the first handle and adjacent to the one of the female connectors having the recess formed therein and one end of the second connector lock, wherein the second handle extends upwardly in the open position of the second handle and adjacent to the one of the male portions having the recess formed therein and one end of the first connector lock.

5. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first handle lock and the second handle lock includes a plunger.

6. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first handle and the second handle are turned clockwise or counterclockwise.

7. The connector assembly of claim 6, wherein the first handle and the second handle, upon rotation, move the respective first connector lock and the second connector lock outward and toward a perimeter of the respective first element and the second element.

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