Fuel cell vehicles

Abstract

A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell and a junction box. The fuel cell includes: at least one battery stack including a plurality of unit cells in a stacked structure; a heater disposed at the end of at least one battery stack; a current collector disposed at the end of at least one battery stack; a terminal block electrically connecting the current collector and the heater to the junction box; a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar electrically connecting the current collector to the terminal block; and a positive lead and a negative lead electrically connecting the heater to the terminal block. The junction box includes a first switch unit disposed between the positive lead and the positive bus bar, and a second switch unit disposed between the negative lead and the negative bus bar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to a fuel cell vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation device in which hundreds of stacked unit cells generate electricity. The generated electricity is collected in current collectors provided at each end of the cell stack and transmitted to a junction box provided at the upper end of the cell stack. To this end, the fuel cell includes a stack bus bar and a terminal block to transmit the electricity collected in the current collector to the junction box.

[0003] The stacked bus bar is a conductor used as an electrical path connecting the current collector and the terminal block, and the terminal block is a component for transferring power received from the current collector to the junction box through the stacked bus bar.

[0004] When electronic components and current collectors for operating the heater to generate heat are short-circuited, if the supply of current to these components is not interrupted, the heater may overheat and thus burn. Summary of the invention

[0005] Accordingly, embodiments are directed to a fuel cell vehicle that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0006] Embodiments may provide an electrically stable fuel cell vehicle.

[0007] However, the objects to be achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the above objects, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0008] A fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment may include a fuel cell and a junction box configured to receive power generated in the fuel cell. The fuel cell may include: at least one battery stack configured so that a plurality of unit cells are stacked; a heater disposed at the end of at least one battery stack to heat the at least one battery stack; a current collector disposed at the end of at least one battery stack to collect power generated in the at least one battery stack; a terminal block electrically connecting the current collector and the heater to the junction box; a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar electrically connecting the current collector to the terminal block, and a positive lead and a negative lead electrically connecting the heater to the terminal block. The junction box may include: a first switch unit disposed between the positive lead and the positive bus bar; and a second switch unit disposed between the negative lead and the negative bus bar.

[0009] For example, the terminal block may include: a positive bus terminal, connecting the positive bus bar to the first end of the first switch unit; a positive heater terminal, connecting the positive lead to the second end of the first switch unit opposite to the first end; a negative bus terminal, connecting the negative bus bar to the third end of the second switch unit; and a negative heater terminal, connecting the negative lead to the fourth end of the second switch unit opposite to the third end.

[0010] For example, the first switch unit may include: a first fuse having one side connected to the first end; and a first switch disposed between an opposite side of the first fuse and the second end.

[0011] For example, the second switch unit may include: a second fuse having one side connected to the third end; and a second switch provided between an opposite side of the second fuse and the fourth end.

[0012] For example, the positive busbar terminal and the negative busbar terminal may be aligned in a first direction, and the positive heater terminal and the negative heater terminal may be aligned in a direction parallel to the first direction. Alternatively, one of the positive busbar terminal and the negative busbar terminal and one of the positive heater terminal and the negative heater terminal may be aligned in the first direction, and the remaining one of the positive busbar terminal and the negative busbar terminal and the remaining one of the positive heater terminal and the negative heater terminal may be aligned in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0013] For example, the heater may include: a first heater disposed at one end of the cell stack so as to be connected to one of the positive lead and the negative lead; and a second heater disposed at an opposite end of the cell stack so as to be connected to the remaining one of the positive lead and the negative lead. The fuel cell may also include an intermediate lead disposed between the first heater and the second heater so as to connect the first heater and the second heater.

[0014] For example, the fuel cell may further include a third switching unit disposed on a path of the intermediate lead between the first heater and the second heater.

[0015] For example, the third switch unit may include: a third fuse having one side connected to one of the first and second heaters; and a third switch disposed between an opposite side of the third fuse and the remaining one of the first and second heaters.

[0016] For example, at least one battery stack may include a plurality of battery stacks electrically connected to each other.

[0017] For example, the fuel cell may further include: an intermediate bus bar disposed between the plurality of cell stacks to electrically connect the plurality of cell stacks to one another; and an intermediate lead disposed between the plurality of cell stacks to electrically connect heaters of the plurality of cell stacks to one another.

[0018] For example, the heater may include: a third heater connected to the positive lead; a fourth heater connected to the negative lead; and a plurality of fifth heaters disposed between the third heater and the fourth heater. The intermediate lead may include: a first intermediate lead connecting the third heater and a 5-1 heater as one of the plurality of fifth heaters; a second intermediate lead connecting the fourth heater and a 5-2 heater as another of the plurality of fifth heaters; and a third intermediate lead connecting the plurality of fifth heaters to each other.

[0019] For example, the fuel cell may further include: a fourth switch unit disposed on the path of the first intermediate lead; a fifth switch unit disposed on the path of the second intermediate lead; and a sixth switch unit disposed on the path of the third intermediate lead.

[0020] For example, the fourth switch unit may include: a fourth fuse having one side connected to the 5-1th heater; and a fourth switch provided between an opposite side of the fourth fuse and the third heater.

[0021] For example, the fifth switch unit may include: a fifth fuse having one side connected to the fourth heater; and a fifth switch provided between an opposite side of the fifth fuse and the 5-2nd heater.

[0022] For example, the sixth switch unit may include: a sixth fuse having one side connected to one of the 5-1st and 5-2nd heaters; and a sixth switch disposed between the opposite side of the sixth fuse and the remaining one of the 5-1st and 5-2nd heaters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Arrangements and implementations may be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle shown;

[0026] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fuel cell heater, a current collector and a cell stack shown;

[0027] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 A plan view of an embodiment of a first end battery heater assembly is shown, and Figure 4B is along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in the first end battery heater assembly shown;

[0028] Figure 5A and 5B are respectively a perspective view and a plan view of a terminal block according to an embodiment;

[0029] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B are respectively a perspective view and a plan view of a terminal block according to another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle according to another embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle shown;

[0032] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle according to yet another embodiment;

[0033] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle shown;

[0034] Fig.11 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle according to yet another embodiment;

[0035] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle shown;

[0036] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle according to a comparative example;

[0037] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle shown; and

[0038] Fig.15A and 15B They are Fig.14 Perspective and plan views of the terminal block shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing various embodiments. However, the examples may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more thorough and complete and to more fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0040] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being 'on' or “under” another element, it can be directly on / under the element, and one or more intervening elements may also be present.

[0041] When an element is referred to as being 'on' or 'under', 'under the element' as well as 'on the element' can be included based on the element.

[0042] Furthermore, relational terms such as "first," "second," "on / upper," and "lower / lower," are used solely to distinguish one subject or element from another subject or element and do not necessarily require or involve any physical or logical relationship or order between the subjects or elements.

[0043] Hereinafter, a Cartesian coordinate system will be used to describe fuel cell vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D according to an embodiment. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In a Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are perpendicular to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may intersect obliquely instead of being perpendicular to each other. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the +x-axis or -x-axis will be referred to as a "first direction", the +y-axis or -y-axis will be referred to as a "second direction", and the +z-axis or -z-axis will be referred to as a "third direction".

[0044] Hereinafter, configurations of fuel cell vehicles 100A to 100D according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100A according to an embodiment, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100A is shown.

[0046] The fuel cell vehicle 100A includes a fuel cell 110A and a junction box (or high-voltage junction box) 120 .

[0047] The fuel cell 110A may be, for example, a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (or proton exchange membrane fuel cell) (PEMFC), which has been most widely studied as a power source for driving vehicles. However, embodiments are not limited to any specific form of fuel cell.

[0048] The fuel cell 110A may include a cell stack 112, a terminal block 114, heaters H1 and H2, a positive bus bar BP, a negative bus bar BN, a positive wire WP, a negative wire WN, an intermediate wire WI, and a current collector (or current collector terminal) (not shown).

[0049] For a better understanding, include Figure 1 and Figure 2 In all block diagrams and circuit diagrams, the positive bus bar BP and the negative bus bar BN are represented by thick solid lines, and the positive lead WP and the negative lead WN are represented by thin solid lines.

[0050] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the heaters H1, H2, current collectors, and the cell stack 112 of the fuel cell 110A is shown.

[0051] Figure 3 The fuel cell 110 shown in FIG. 1 may include a cell stack 112 , first and second end plates 150A, 150B (or pressure plates or compression plates), and first and second end cell heater assemblies 160A, 160B.

[0052] For ease of description, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Not shown Figure 3 The first end plate 150A and the second end plate 150B are shown, and Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows only the heaters H1 and H2 respectively included in the first end battery heater assembly 160A and the second end battery heater assembly 160B. In addition, for ease of description, Figure 3 Not shown Figure 1 The terminal block 114, the positive bus bar BP, the negative bus bar BN, the positive lead WP, ​​the negative lead WN and the intermediate lead WI are shown.

[0053] The battery stack 112 may include a plurality of unit cells 112-1 to 112-N stacked in a first direction. Here, "N" is a positive integer greater than 1, and may be in the range of tens to hundreds. The embodiment is not limited to any particular value "N". Each unit cell 122-n may generate 0.6 volts to 1.0 volts of electricity. Here, 1≤n≤N. Therefore, "N" may be determined based on the intensity of the power provided from the fuel cell 110A or 110 to a load (not shown) of the fuel cell vehicle 100A requiring power.

[0054] Each unit cell 112 - n may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 210 , gas diffusion layers (GDL) 222 and 224 , gaskets 232 , 234 , and 236 , and separators (or bipolar plates) 242 and 244 .

[0055] The membrane electrode assembly 210 has a structure in which a catalyst electrode layer where an electrochemical reaction occurs is attached to both sides of an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move. Specifically, the membrane electrode assembly 210 may include a polymer electrolyte membrane (or proton exchange membrane) 212, a fuel electrode (or hydrogen electrode or anode) 214, and an air electrode (or oxygen electrode or cathode) 216. In addition, the membrane electrode assembly 210 may further include a sub-gasket 238.

[0056] The polymer electrolyte membrane 212 is disposed between the fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216 .

[0057] Hydrogen as a fuel in the fuel cell 110 or 110A may be supplied to the fuel electrode 214 through the first separator 242 , and air containing oxygen as an oxidant may be supplied to the air electrode 216 through the second separator 244 .

[0058] The hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 214 is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) (H+) and electrons (e-) by the catalyst. The individual hydrogen ions can be selectively transferred to the air electrode 216 through the polymer electrolyte membrane 212, and at the same time, the electrons can be transferred to the air electrode 216 through the separators 242 and 244 as conductors. In order to achieve the above operation, a catalyst layer can be applied to each of the fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216. The movement of the above-mentioned electrons causes the electrons to flow through the external wire, thereby generating an electric current. That is, due to the electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen as a fuel and the oxygen contained in the air, the fuel cell 110 or 110A can generate electricity.

[0059] In the air electrode 216, hydrogen ions supplied through the polymer electrolyte membrane 212 and electrons transferred through the separators 242 and 244 meet oxygen in the air supplied to the air electrode 216, thereby causing a reaction that produces water (or "condensed water" or "product water").

[0060] In some cases, the fuel electrode 214 may be referred to as an anode, while the air electrode 216 may be referred to as a cathode. Alternatively, the fuel electrode 214 may be referred to as a cathode, while the air electrode 216 may be referred to as an anode.

[0061] The gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 are used to uniformly distribute hydrogen and oxygen as reaction gases and transfer the generated electrical energy. To this end, the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 may be disposed on respective sides of the membrane electrode assembly 210. That is, the first gas diffusion layer 222 may be disposed on the left side of the fuel electrode 214, and the second gas diffusion layer 224 may be disposed on the right side of the air electrode 216.

[0062] The first gas diffusion layer 222 may be used to diffuse and uniformly distribute hydrogen supplied as a reaction gas through the first separator 242, and may be conductive. The second gas diffusion layer 224 may be used to diffuse and uniformly distribute air supplied as a reaction gas through the second separator 244, and may be conductive. Each of the first gas diffusion layer 222 and the second gas diffusion layer 224 may be a microporous layer in which fine carbon fibers are bonded.

[0063] The gaskets 232, 234, and 236 can be used to maintain the air tightness and clamping pressure of the cell stack with respect to the reaction gas and the coolant at an appropriate level, to disperse the stress when stacking the separators 242 and 244, and to independently seal the flow path. In this way, since the air tightness and water tightness are maintained by the gaskets 232, 234, and 236, the flatness of the surface adjacent to the cell stack 112 that generates electricity can be ensured, so that the surface pressure can be evenly distributed on the reaction surface of the cell stack 112.

[0064] The first end battery heater assembly 160A may be disposed between the inner surface 150AI of the first end plate 150A facing the battery stack 112 and the first unit battery 112-1 of the battery stack 112. The second end battery heater assembly 160B may be disposed between the inner surface 150BI of the second end plate 150B facing the battery stack 112 and the Nth unit battery 112-N of the battery stack 112.

[0065] Below, we will refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first end battery heater assembly 160A is described. Although not shown, the second end battery heater assembly 160B may have the same Figure 4A and Figure 4B The second end battery heater assembly 160B may have the same configuration as the first end battery heater assembly 160A shown. For example, the second end battery heater assembly 160B may have a plan and cross-sectional shape that is symmetrical to the first end battery heater assembly 160A with respect to the center of the battery stack 112 in the first direction.

[0066] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 A plan view of an embodiment of a first end battery heater assembly 160A is shown, Figure 4B is along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of the first end battery heater assembly 160A is shown.

[0067] For ease of description, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Omitted Figure 4B An illustration of current collector 170 is shown.

[0068] The first end battery heater assembly 160A may include a lower plate 162, an upper plate 164, insulating pads 166-1 and 166-2, a heater (or heating unit) 168, a current collector 170, a pair of male heater connectors 182, and a pair of female heater connectors 184. In addition, the first end battery heater assembly 160A may further include a heater wire connector 190. Here, the heater 168 may correspond to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first heater H1 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second heater H2 shown may be included in the second end battery heater assembly 160B, which has the same Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first end battery heater assembly 160A is shown as being symmetrically shaped.

[0069] Insulation pads 166 - 1 and 166 - 2 may be disposed between the upper plate 164 and the heater 168 .

[0070] The heater 168 may be provided at each of both ends of the battery stack 112 to heat the battery stack 112. Figure 4B , the heater 168 may be disposed between the insulating pads 166-1 and 166-2 and the current collector 170. In order to ensure insulation between the current collector 170 and the female heater connector 184, the heater 168 may be made of an insulating material.

[0071] When a pair of male heater connectors 182 are inserted into a pair of female heater connectors 184, the male heater connectors 182 and the female heater connectors 184 can be electrically connected to each other. In this case, a pair of male heater connectors 182 can be electrically connected to Figure 4A The heater wire connector 190 is shown. With this configuration, when current is supplied through the heater wire connector 190, the heater 168 will generate heat.

[0072] The current collector 170 may be disposed below the heater 168. In this manner, the current collector 170 is disposed at each of the two ends of the battery stack 112 to contact the heater 168, and collects electric energy generated by the electron flow through the battery stack 112, and transfers the electric energy to the junction box 120. The electric power delivered to the junction box 120 is provided to a load using the fuel cell 110 or 110A.

[0073] Reference again Figure 3 , separators 242 and 244 may be used to move the reaction gas and the cooling medium and to separate each unit cell from other unit cells. In addition, separators 242 and 244 may be used to structurally support the membrane electrode assembly 210 and the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224, and to collect the generated current and transfer the collected current to the current collector 170.

[0074] The separators 242 and 244 may be disposed outside the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 , respectively. That is, the first separator 242 may be disposed on the left side of the first gas diffusion layer 222 , and the second separator 244 may be disposed on the right side of the second gas diffusion layer 224 .

[0075] The first separator 242 is used to supply hydrogen as a reaction gas to the fuel electrode 214 through the first gas diffusion layer 222. The second separator 244 is used to supply air as a reaction gas to the air electrode 216 through the second gas diffusion layer 224. In addition, each of the first separator 242 and the second separator 244 may form a channel through which a cooling medium (e.g., a coolant) may flow. In addition, the separators 242 and 244 may be formed of a graphite-based material, a composite graphite-based material, or a metal-based material.

[0076] Figure 3 The end plates 150A and 150B shown can be disposed at respective side ends of the battery stack 112, and can support and fix the battery stack 112 in which a plurality of unit batteries are stacked. That is, the first end plate 150A can be disposed at one side end of the battery stack 112, and the second end plate 150B can be disposed at the opposite side end of the battery stack 112.

[0077] Each of the end plates 150A and 150B may be formed such that the metal insert is surrounded by a plastic injection molded product. The metal insert of each of the end plates 150A and 150B may have high rigidity to withstand the internal surface pressure and may be realized by machining a metal material. For example, each of the end plates 150A and 150B may be formed by combining a plurality of plates.

[0078] In addition, the first end plate 150A may include a plurality of manifolds (or communicating portions). The manifolds may include an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. Hydrogen and oxygen as reactant gases required by the membrane electrode assembly 210 may be supplied through the inlet manifold (e.g., Figure 4A The cooling medium may be introduced from the outside into the cell stack 112 through the inlet manifold (e.g., M1 in FIG. 1 ). The gas or liquid to which the humidified supplied reaction gas and the condensed water generated in the cell are added may be discharged to the outside of the fuel cell 110 or 110A through the outlet manifold. In addition, the cooling medium may be introduced from the outside into the cell stack 112 through the inlet manifold (e.g., M1 in FIG. 1 ). Figure 4A M2 in FIG. 2 enters the cell stack 112 from the outside and can be discharged to the outside through the outlet manifold. In this way, multiple manifolds allow fluid to flow into and out of the membrane electrode assembly 210.

[0079] Although not shown, the fuel cell 110 or 110A may further include a housing (not shown) disposed to surround at least a portion of the cell stack 112 disposed between the end plates 150A and 150B. In addition, the housing may be used as a clamping member for clamping a plurality of unit cells together with the end plates 150A and 150B in a first direction. The pressure for clamping the cell stack 112 may be maintained by the housing and the end plates 150A and 150B having a rigid body structure. However, the embodiment is not limited to any specific form of the clamping member.

[0080] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The terminal block 114A is used to electrically connect the current collector 170 and each of the heaters H1 and H2 to the junction box 120. For example, the terminal block 114A may protrude from the upper surface of the fuel cell 110A toward the junction box 120, thereby being electrically connected to the junction box 120.

[0081] Hereinafter, embodiments of a terminal block will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Figure 5A and 5B are respectively a perspective view and a plan view of a terminal block 114A according to an embodiment, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 1 and 2 are respectively a perspective view and a plan view of a terminal block 114B according to another embodiment.

[0083] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each of the fuel cell vehicle 100A shown and fuel cell vehicles 100B, 100C, and 100D to be described later is described as including a fuel cell vehicle having Figure 5A and Figure 5B The terminal block 114A of the structure shown in the figure is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2Each of the fuel cell vehicle 100A shown and fuel cell vehicles 100B, 100C, and 100D to be described later may include a fuel cell vehicle having Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Terminal block 114B of the structure shown.

[0084] Reference FIG. 5A to FIG. 6B The terminal block 114A or 114B may include a body BA or BB, a partition wall W, a positive bus terminal BTP, a negative bus terminal BTN, a positive heater terminal HTP, and a negative heater terminal HTN.

[0085] Each of the body BA or BB and the partition wall W may be made of an insulating material. At least a portion of each of the positive bus terminal BTP, the negative bus terminal BTN, the positive heater terminal HTP, and the negative heater terminal HTN may be embedded in the body BA or BB, or may be disposed on the body BA or BB.

[0086] The partition wall W is provided on the main body BA or BB to electrically isolate the positive bus bar terminal BTP, the negative bus bar terminal BTN, the positive heater terminal HTP, and the negative heater terminal HTN from one another.

[0087] The positive bus terminal BTP can be connected to the positive bus bar BP, the negative bus terminal BTN can be connected to the negative bus bar BN, the positive heater terminal HTP can be connected to the positive lead WP, ​​and the negative heater terminal HTN can be connected to the negative lead WN. To this end, the wires can be set in the terminal block 114A or 114B.

[0088] Although not shown, the connections between the BTP and BP, between the BTN and BN, between the HTP and WP, ​​and between the HTN and WN may be achieved using, for example, conductive bolts. However, embodiments are not limited to any particular form of connection between the BTP and BP, between the BTN and BN, between the HTP and WP, ​​or between the HTN and WN.

[0089] As will be described later, the terminals BTP, BTN, HTP, and HTN of the terminal block 114A or 114B are used to connect the bus bars BP and BN and the lead wires WP and WN included in the fuel cell 110A to the junction box 120 .

[0090] According to the implementation mode, Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the positive bus terminal BTP and the negative bus terminal BTN may be aligned in a first direction, and the positive heater terminal HTP and the negative heater terminal HTN may be aligned in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0091] According to another embodiment, one of the positive bus terminal BTP and the negative bus terminal BTN and one of the positive heater terminal HTP and the negative heater terminal HTN may be aligned in a first direction, and the other of the positive bus terminal BTP and the negative bus terminal BTN and the other of the positive heater terminal HTP and the negative heater terminal HTN may be aligned in a direction parallel to the first direction. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the positive bus terminal BTP and the negative heater terminal HTN may be aligned in a first direction, and the negative bus terminal BTN and the positive heater terminal HTP may be aligned in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0092] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a fuel cell 110A including a cell stack 112 may include a first heater H1 and a second heater H2 .

[0093] The first heater H1 may be disposed at one end of the battery stack 112 and may be connected to one of the positive lead WP and the negative lead WN. The second heater H2 may be disposed at the opposite end of the battery stack 112 and may be connected to the other of the positive lead WP and the negative lead WN. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first heater H1 may be disposed at one end of the battery stack 112 and may be connected to the negative lead WN. The second heater H2 may be disposed at the opposite end of the battery stack 112 and may be connected to the positive lead WP.

[0094] Inside the fuel cell 110A, the heater and the current collector may be connected to the junction box 120 via the terminal block 114A or 114B. To this end, the positive bus bar BP and the negative bus bar BN may electrically connect the current collector to the terminal block 114A or 114B, and the positive lead WP and the negative lead WN may electrically connect the heaters H1 and H2 to the terminal block 114A or 114B. In this case, the current collector in contact with the first heater H1 is referred to as the "first current collector", and the current collector in contact with the second heater H2 is referred to as the "second current collector". The heaters H1 and H2 and the current collectors may be in contact with each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B shown.

[0095] In one example, the negative bus bar BN may electrically connect the first current collector to the negative bus terminal BTN of the terminal block 114A or 114B, and the positive bus bar BP may electrically connect the second current collector to the positive bus terminal BTP of the terminal block 114A or 114B. In this way, the negative bus bar BN and the positive bus bar BP may connect the first current collector and the second current collector to the terminal block 114A or 114B, thereby allowing the electricity generated in the battery stack 112 to be transferred to the junction box 120 through the terminal block 114A or 114B. To this end, each of the negative bus bar BN and the positive bus bar BP may be implemented as a conductor.

[0096] Furthermore, the negative lead WN may electrically connect the first heater H1 to the negative heater terminal HTN of the terminal block 114A or 114B, and the positive lead WP may electrically connect the second heater H2 to the positive heater terminal HTP of the terminal block 114A or 114B.

[0097] In this case, the intermediate lead wire WI may be disposed between the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 , and may electrically connect the first heater H1 with the second heater H2 .

[0098] The junction box 120 may be used to receive the power generated in the fuel cell 110A and distribute it. To this end, the junction box 120 may be electrically connected to the fuel cell 110 or 110A via the terminal block 114A or 114B.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the junction box 120 may include a first switch unit 122 and a second switch unit 124 .

[0100] The first switch unit 122 may be disposed between the positive lead WP and the positive bus bar BP, and the second switch unit 124 may be disposed between the negative lead WN and the negative bus bar BN.

[0101] Reference Figure 1 , the positive bus terminal BTP of the terminal block 114A connects the positive bus bar BP to the first end of the first switch unit 122. The positive heater terminal HTP connects the positive lead WP to the second end of the first switch unit 122 (the second end is opposite to the first end of the first switch unit 122). The negative bus terminal BTN connects the negative bus bar BN to the third end of the second switch unit 124. The negative heater terminal HTN connects the negative lead WN to the fourth end of the second switch unit 124 (the fourth end is opposite to the third end of the second switch unit 124).

[0102] The first switch unit 122 may include a first fuse F1 and a first switch S1. One side of the first fuse F1 may be connected to a first end of the first switch unit 122, and the first switch S1 may be disposed between an opposite side of the first fuse F1 and a second end of the first switch unit 122.

[0103] The second switch unit 124 may include a second fuse F2 and a second switch S2. One side of the second fuse F2 may be connected to a third end of the second switch unit 124, and the second switch S2 may be disposed between an opposite side of the second fuse F2 and a fourth end of the second switch unit 124.

[0104] refer to Figure 2 When the first switching unit 122 and the second switching unit 124 are turned on, a closed loop may be formed so that current is supplied to the first heater H1 and the second heater H2, whereby the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 can generate heat. This operation will be described in detail later.

[0105] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100B according to another embodiment, and Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100B is shown.

[0106] and Figure 1 and Figure 2 Unlike the fuel cell vehicle 100A shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The fuel cell vehicle 100B shown in FIG. 1 may further include a third switch unit 130A, and the intermediate lead WI2 may electrically connect the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 only when the third switch unit 130A is turned on, rather than directly connecting the first heater H1 and the second heater H2. In addition to this difference, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The fuel cell vehicle 100B shown is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fuel cell vehicle 100A shown is the same, so repeated description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0107] The third switch unit 130A may be disposed on a path of an intermediate lead WI2 between the first heater H1 and the second heater H2. The intermediate lead WI2 may include an intermediate lead WI21 connecting the first heater H1 to one end of the third switch unit 130A, and another intermediate lead WI22 connecting the opposite end of the third switch unit 130A to the second heater H2.

[0108] The third switch unit 130A may include a third fuse F3 and a third switch S3. One side of the third fuse F3 may be connected to one (e.g., H1) of the first heater H1 and the second heater H2, and the third switch S3 may be disposed between the opposite side of the third fuse F3 and the other (e.g., H2) of the first heater H1 and the second heater H2.

[0109] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Each of the above-described fuel cells 110A and 110B is shown to include only one cell stack 112. However, a fuel cell according to an embodiment may include a plurality of cell stacks.

[0110] Hereinafter, a fuel cell including two cell stacks will be described. However, the following description may also be applied to a fuel cell including three or more cell stacks.

[0111] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100C according to still another embodiment, and Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100C is shown.

[0112] and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fuel cell 110A shown is different. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The fuel cell 110C shown may include two battery stacks 112-1 and 112-2 and three intermediate leads WI1, WI2 and WI3, and may further include an intermediate bus bar BI. In addition to this difference, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The fuel cell vehicle 100C shown is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fuel cell vehicle 100A shown is the same, so repeated description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0113] The first battery stack 112-1 and the second battery stack 112-2 may be electrically connected to each other. For example, the intermediate bus bar BI may be disposed between the first battery stack 112-1 and the second battery stack 112-2 and may electrically connect the first battery stack 112-1 and the second battery stack 112-2. Each of the first battery stack 112-1 and the second battery stack 112-2 may have a Figure 2 The battery stacks 112 shown are of identical construction.

[0114] One of the fourth heater H4 and the fifth heater H5 (e.g., the 5-2nd heater H52) can be set at the corresponding end of the first battery stack 112-1, and the other of the third heater H3 and the fifth heater H5 (e.g., the 5-1st heater H51) can be set at the corresponding end of the second battery stack 112-2.

[0115] In the case where the fuel cell 110C includes a plurality of cell stacks, a plurality of fifth heaters H5 may be provided between the third and fourth heaters H3 and H4. For example, in the case where the fuel cell 110C includes two cell stacks 112-1 and 112-2, two fifth heaters H5 (i.e., the 5-1st heater H51 and the 5-2nd heater H52) may be provided between the third and fourth heaters H3 and H4.

[0116] In this case, for convenience of description, the current collector in contact with the third heater H3 is referred to as the "third current collector", the current collector in contact with the fourth heater H4 is referred to as the "fourth current collector", the current collector in contact with one H51 of the fifth heater H5 is referred to as the "5-1st current collector", and the current collector in contact with the other H52 of the fifth heater H5 is referred to as the "5-2nd current collector". The form in which these components contact each other is the same as Figure 4B The form shown is the same.

[0117] In this case, the negative bus bar BN may electrically connect the fourth current collector to the negative bus terminal BTN of the terminal block 114A, and the positive bus bar BP may electrically connect the 5-1st current collector to the positive bus terminal BTP of the terminal block 114A.

[0118] In addition, the positive lead WP may electrically connect the third heater H3 to the positive heater terminal HTP of the terminal block 114A, and the negative lead WN may electrically connect the fourth heater H4 to the negative heater terminal HTN of the terminal block 114A.

[0119] The three intermediate leads WI1, WI2 and WI3 can electrically connect the heaters of the two battery stacks 112-1 and 112-2 to each other. Specifically, the first intermediate lead WI1 can connect the third heater H3 and the 5-1st heater H51 as one of the plurality of fifth heaters H5. The second intermediate lead WI2 can connect the fourth heater H4 and the 5-2nd heater H52 as another heater among the plurality of fifth heaters H5. The third intermediate lead WI3 can connect the plurality of fifth heaters H5 (H51 and H52) to each other.

[0120] Fig.11 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100D according to still another embodiment, and Fig.12 yes Fig.11A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 100D is shown.

[0121] and Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The fuel cell vehicle 100C shown is different. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The fuel cell vehicle 100D shown may further include a switch terminal 130B, and only when a corresponding one of the switch units 132, 134, and 136 included in the switch terminal 130B is turned on, the first to fourth heaters H1, H2, H3, and H4 may be electrically connected to each other via the first intermediate lead WI1, the second intermediate lead WI2, and the third intermediate lead WI3, rather than being directly connected to each other through the first intermediate lead WI1, the second intermediate lead WI2, and the third intermediate lead WI3. In addition to this difference, Fig.11 and Fig.12 The fuel cell vehicle 100D shown is Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The fuel cell vehicle 100C shown is the same, so repeated description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0122] The switch terminal 130B may include a fourth switch unit 132 , a fifth switch unit 134 , and a sixth switch unit 136 .

[0123] The fourth switch unit 132 may be disposed on a path of the first intermediate lead WI1 between the third heater H3 and the 5-1st heater H51. The fourth switch unit 132 may include a fourth fuse F4 and a fourth switch S4. One side of the fourth fuse F4 may be connected to the 5-1st heater H51, and the fourth switch S4 may be disposed between the opposite side of the fourth fuse F4 and the third heater H3. Alternatively, unlike the illustrated configuration, one side of the fourth fuse F4 may be connected to the third heater H3, and the fourth switch S4 may be disposed between the opposite side of the fourth fuse F4 and the 5-1st heater H51.

[0124] The fifth switch unit 134 may be disposed on the path of the second intermediate lead WI2 between the fourth heater H4 and the 5-2nd heater H52. The fifth switch unit 134 may include a fifth fuse F5 and a fifth switch S5. One side of the fifth fuse F5 may be connected to the fourth heater H4, and the fifth switch S5 may be disposed between the opposite side of the fifth fuse F5 and the 5-2nd heater H52. Alternatively, unlike the illustrated configuration, one side of the fifth fuse F5 may be connected to the 5-2nd heater H52, and the fifth switch S5 may be disposed between the opposite side of the fifth fuse F5 and the fourth heater H4.

[0125] The sixth switch unit 136 may be disposed on a path of the third intermediate lead WI3 between the 5-1st heater H51 and the 5-2nd heater H52. The sixth switch unit 136 may include a sixth fuse F6 and a sixth switch S6. One side of the sixth fuse F6 may be connected to one (e.g., H52) of the 5-1st heater H51 and the 5-2nd heater H52, and the sixth switch S6 may be disposed between the opposite side of the sixth fuse F6 and the other (e.g., H51) of the 5-1st heater H51 and the 5-2nd heater H52.

[0126] The above-mentioned first to sixth fuses F1 to F6 may be omitted, and each of the first to sixth switches S1 to S6 may be implemented as, for example, a relay element, a bipolar transistor, or a field effect transistor.

[0127] Hereinafter, operations of the fuel cell vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D according to the embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0128] The fuel cell vehicle 100A, 100B, 100C, or 100D according to the embodiment may include a first circuit and a second circuit.

[0129] The first circuit may form a path along which current generated in the battery stack 112, 112-1, or 112-2 is collected in the current collector and transferred to the junction box 120. Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the first circuit can be formed by the negative bus bar BN, the battery stack 112 and the positive bus bar BP, or as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.12 As shown, it can be formed by a negative bus bar BN, a first battery stack 112-1 and a second battery stack 112-2, and a positive bus bar BP.

[0130] The second circuit may form a path along which the Figure 4A The current supplied by the heater line connector 190 shown in the figure is transmitted to the heater through the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184, and a path connecting multiple heaters can be formed. A current path of the second circuit can be formed to heat the battery stack 112, 112-1 or 112-2 when the fuel cell vehicle 100A, 100B, 100C or 100D is cold started. In the second circuit, when the second switch unit 124 is turned on, the negative lead WN can be connected to the negative bus bar BN inside the junction box 120, and when the first switch unit 122 is turned on, the positive lead WP can be connected to the positive bus bar BP inside the junction box 120.

[0131] In this way, the first circuit and the second circuit are completely different circuits, which are independent of each other and need to be electrically isolated from each other. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustrated configuration is merely an example for helping to understand the case where the first circuit and the second circuit are short-circuited. Therefore, the configuration of each of the first end battery heater assembly 160A and the second end battery heater assembly 160B according to the embodiment is not limited to Figure 4A and 4B The configuration shown may be any configuration as long as the first circuit and the second circuit can be short-circuited.

[0132] When the first circuit and the second circuit are electrically isolated from each other, Figure 2 The first heater H1 is shown connected Figure 4B The male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 shown can be disconnected without shorting the first current collector 170. Figure 2 The second heater H2 is shown connected Figure 4B The male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 shown can be disconnected without shorting the second current collector 170. Here, the disconnected state is represented by Figure 2 Infinite (∞) resistance means that the current collector and the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 are completely electrically isolated from each other. Figure 2 In the second circuit, when each of the first switch unit 122 and the second switch unit 124 is turned on, a closed loop can be formed by the negative bus bar BN, the second switch unit 124, the negative lead WN, the first heater H1, the intermediate lead WI, the second heater H2, the positive lead WP, ​​the first switch unit 122 and the positive bus bar BP, so that the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 can generate heat.

[0133] In addition, when the first circuit and the second circuit are electrically isolated from each other, Figure 8 The male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 of the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 are shown disconnected, rather than short-circuited to the first current collector and the second current collector, respectively. Figure 8 Infinite (∞) resistance indicates. That is, reference Figure 8In the second circuit, when each of the first switch unit 122, the second switch unit 124 and the third switch unit 130A is turned on, a closed loop can be formed by the negative bus bar BN, the second switch unit 124, the negative lead WN, the first heater H1, one WI21 of the second intermediate leads WI2, the third switch unit 130A, the other WI22 of the second intermediate leads WI2, the second heater H2, the positive lead WP, ​​the first switch unit 122 and the positive bus bar BP, so that the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 can generate heat.

[0134] In addition, when the first circuit and the second circuit are electrically isolated from each other, Fig.10 The male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 of the third heater H3, the fourth heater H4, the 5-1st heater H51 and the 5-2nd heater H52 shown can be disconnected instead of being short-circuited with the third collector, the fourth collector, the 5-1st collector and the 5-2nd collector respectively. Fig.10 Infinite (∞) resistance is represented in. That is, in the second circuit, when each of the first switch unit 122 and the second switch unit 124 is turned on, a closed loop can be formed by the negative bus bar BN, the second switch unit 124, the second switch unit 124, the negative lead WN, the fourth heater H4, the second intermediate lead WI2, the 5-2 heater H52, the third intermediate lead WI3, the 5-1 heater H51, the first intermediate lead WI1, the third heater H3, the positive lead WP, ​​the first switch unit 122 and the positive bus bar BP, and as a result, the fourth heater H4, the 5-2 heater H52, the 5-1H51 heater and the third heater H3 can generate heat.

[0135] In addition, when the first circuit and the second circuit are electrically isolated from each other, the connection to Fig.12 The male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 of the third heater H3, the fourth heater H4, the 5-1st heater H51 and the 5-2nd heater H52 shown can be disconnected instead of being short-circuited with the third collector, the fourth collector, the 5-1st collector and the 5-2nd collector respectively. Fig.12Infinite (∞) resistance is represented in. That is, in the second circuit, when each of the first switch unit 122, the second switch unit 124, the fourth switch unit 132, the fifth switch unit 134 and the sixth switch unit 136 is turned on, a closed loop can be formed by the negative bus bar BN, the second switch unit 124, the negative lead WN, the fourth heater H4, the second intermediate lead WI2, the fifth switch unit 134, the second intermediate lead WI2, the 5-2nd heater H52, the third intermediate lead WI3, the sixth switch unit 136, the third intermediate lead WI3, the 5-1st heater H51, the first intermediate lead WI1, the fourth switch unit 132, the first intermediate lead WI1, the third heater H3 positive lead WP, ​​the first switch unit 122 and the positive bus bar BP, so that the fourth heater H4, the 5-2nd heater H52, the 5-1st heater H51 and the third heaters H4 and H3 can generate heat.

[0136] Hereinafter, the configurations of the fuel cell vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D according to the above-described embodiments and the configuration of the fuel cell vehicle 10 according to a comparative example will be compared with reference to the drawings.

[0137] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 10 according to a comparative example, and Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A circuit diagram of a fuel cell vehicle 10 is shown.

[0138] The fuel cell vehicle 10 according to the comparative example includes a fuel cell 10 and a junction box 20. The fuel cell 10 and the junction box 20 respectively perform the same functions as the fuel cells 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D and the junction box 120 according to the above embodiment, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0139] The fuel cell 10 includes two battery stacks 112-1 and 112-2, a third heater H3, a fourth heater H4, a 5-1st heater H51 and a 5-2nd heater 52, a terminal block 14, a positive bus bar BP, a negative bus bar BN, a positive lead WP, ​​a negative lead WN, an intermediate bus bar BI and intermediate leads WI1 and WI2. Here, the two battery stacks 112-1 and 112-2, the third heater H3, the fourth heater H4, the 5-1st heater H51 and the 5-2nd heater 52, the terminal block 14, the positive bus bar BP, the negative bus bar BN, the positive lead WP, ​​the negative lead WN, the intermediate bus bar BI and the intermediate leads WI1 and WI2 respectively perform the same functions as the two battery stacks 112-1 and 112-2, the third heater H3, the fourth heater H4, the 5-1st heater H51 and the 5-2nd heater 52, the terminal block 114A, the positive bus bar BP, the negative bus bar BN, the positive lead WP, ​​the negative lead WN, the intermediate bus bar BI and the intermediate leads WI1 and WI2 according to the above-mentioned embodiment, so their repeated description will be omitted.

[0140] In addition, the junction box 20 includes a first switch unit 22. Since the first switch unit 22 performs the same function as the first switch unit 122 according to the above-described embodiment, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0141] Fig.15A and 15B They are Fig.14 A perspective view and a plan view of the terminal block 14 are shown.

[0142] The terminal block 14 according to the comparative example includes a main body B, partition walls W1 and W2, a positive bus terminal BTP, a negative bus terminal BTN, and a positive heater terminal HTP. The main body B, partition walls W1 and W2, the positive bus terminal BTP, the negative bus terminal BTN, and the positive heater terminal HTP are respectively implemented with FIG. 5A to FIG. 6B The bodies BA and BB, the partition wall W, the positive bus bar terminal BTP, the negative bus bar terminal BTN, and the positive heater terminal HTP according to the present embodiment shown have the same functions, and thus repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0143] The terminal block 114A or 114B according to the embodiment includes the negative electrode heater terminal HTN, but the terminal block 14 according to the comparative example does not include the negative electrode heater terminal HTN. Fig. 15B As shown, a separate negative heater terminal HTN is not provided, and the negative lead WN and the negative bus bar BN are commonly connected to the negative bus terminal BTN.

[0144] In addition, the junction box 120 according to the embodiment includes the first switch unit 122 and the second switch unit 124 , but the junction box 20 according to the comparative example includes only the first switch unit 22 .

[0145] In the fuel cell vehicles 10 and 100A to 100D according to the comparative example and the embodiment, when the heater is overheated due to an electrical problem, the first switch 22 or 122 is turned off to interrupt the current supply to the heater.

[0146] Hereinafter, switching operations of the switching units 122, 124, 130A and 130B included in the fuel cell vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C and 100D according to the above-described embodiments and the switching action of the first switching unit 22 of the fuel cell vehicle 10 according to the comparative example will be compared with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0147] For example, in Figure 3 Each of the first end battery heater assembly 160A and the second end battery heater assembly 160B shown may be used for various reasons, such as: Figure 4B Damage to the insulating pad 166-2 shown, liquefaction of vapor present in the space where the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 are provided, tearing of the heater 168 that performs an insulating function, or collection of moisture at the location where the insulating pad 166-2 is located, the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 may be short-circuited instead of being electrically isolated by the collector 170.

[0148] exist Figure 2 In the portion indicated by "A" in FIG. 1 , when the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 are short-circuited with the second collector in the first circuit to allow the second heater H2 to generate heat, a closed loop may be formed so that the second heater H2 may continue to generate heat and may burn regardless of the switching operation of the first switch unit 122. In this case, according to an embodiment, the second switch unit 124 is turned off to stop the heat generated by the second heater H2, thereby preventing the second heater H2 from burning.

[0149] exist Fig.14 In the portion indicated by "B" in FIG. 1 , when the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 are short-circuited with the 5-1st collector in the first circuit to cause the 5-1st heater H51 to generate heat, a closed loop may be formed, so that the 5-1st heater H51 may continue to generate heat and may burn regardless of the switching operation of the first switch unit 22. That is, even if the first switch unit 22 is turned off, overheating of the 5-1st heater H51 cannot be prevented. On the other hand, according to an embodiment, in Fig.10In the portion shown in C1, when the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 are short-circuited with the 5-1st current collector in the first circuit to allow the 5-1st heater H51 to generate heat, a closed loop can be formed, and thus the 5-1st heater H51 can continue to generate heat regardless of the switching operation of the first switch unit 122. In order to prevent this, the second switch unit 124 is disconnected so that a closed circuit that causes the 5-1st heater H51 to generate heat is not formed, thereby stopping the heat generation of the 5-1st heater H51 and preventing the 5-1st heater H51 from burning. Fig.10 In the portion shown in C2 of FIG. 1 , when the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 are short-circuited with the fourth current collector in the first circuit to cause the fourth heater H4 to generate heat, a closed loop may be formed, and thus, the fourth heater H4 may continue to generate heat regardless of the switching operation of the second switch unit 124. To prevent this, the first switch unit 122 is disconnected so that a closed circuit that causes the fourth heater H4 to generate heat is not formed, thereby stopping the heat generation of the fourth heater H4 and preventing the fourth heater H4 from burning.

[0150] exist Figure 8 In the portion indicated by "D" in FIG. 1 , the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 may be short-circuited with the second collector in the first circuit to allow the second heater H2 to generate heat. Figure 8 In the portion indicated by "E", the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 may be short-circuited with the first collector in the first circuit to allow the first heater H1 to generate heat. In this case, a closed loop may be formed, and therefore, both the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 may continue to generate heat regardless of the switching operation of the first switch unit 122 and the second switch unit 124. At this time, the third switch unit 130A is disconnected so that a closed circuit for the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 to generate heat is not formed, thereby stopping the heat generation of the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 and preventing the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 from burning.

[0151] exist Fig.12 In some of the multiple parts denoted by "F", "G", "H" and "I" in FIG. 1 , the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 may be short-circuited with the collector in the first circuit. In this case, a closed loop may be formed, and therefore, the heater connected to the short-circuited part may continue to generate heat regardless of the switching operation of the first switch unit 122 and the second switch unit 124. In order to prevent this, a corresponding one of the fourth, fifth and sixth switch units 132, 134 and 136 is disconnected so that a closed circuit that causes the heater to generate heat is not formed, thereby preventing the heater from burning. For example, in Fig.12 In the portion indicated by "G", the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 may be short-circuited with the 5-2nd collector in the first circuit to allow the 5-2nd heater H52 to generate heat, and Fig.12 In the portion indicated by "I", the male heater connector 182 and the female heater connector 184 may be short-circuited with the 5-1st collector in the first circuit to cause the 5-1st heater H51 to generate heat. In this case, a closed loop may be formed, and therefore, both the 5-1st and 5-2nd heaters H51 and H52 may continue to generate heat regardless of the switching operation of the first switch unit 122 and the second switch unit 124. At this time, the sixth switch unit 136 is disconnected, so that a closed circuit for causing the 5-1st and 5-2nd heaters H51 and H52 to generate heat is not formed, thereby stopping the generation of heat by the 5-1st and 5-2nd heaters H51 and H52 and preventing the 5-1st and 5-2nd heaters H51 and H52 from burning.

[0152] As described above, for example, the fuel cell vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C and 100D according to the embodiments can use the second to sixth switching units 124, 130A, 132, 134 and 136 to stop heat generation of the heater in the event of an electrical failure thereof (such as a short circuit of the first circuit and the second circuit), thereby improving electrical stability.

[0153] As apparent from the above description, according to the fuel cell vehicle of the embodiment, in the case of an electrical failure due to a short circuit between a current collector and a portion that causes the heater to generate heat, heat generation of the heater can be stopped, thereby improving electrical stability.

[0154] However, effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.

[0155] The various embodiments described above may be combined with each other without departing from the purpose of the present disclosure unless they are incompatible with each other.

[0156] Furthermore, for any element that is not described in detail in each embodiment, reference may be made to the description of the element having the same reference numeral in another embodiment.

[0157] Although the present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments, these embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the basic features of the embodiments set forth herein. For example, the various configurations set forth in the embodiments can be modified and applied. In addition, differences in such modifications and applications should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell vehicle, comprising: Fuel cells; as well as a junction box configured to receive power generated in the fuel cell; Wherein, the fuel cell comprises: at least one battery stack including a plurality of unit cells in a stacked configuration; a heater disposed at an end of the at least one battery stack and configured to heat the at least one battery stack; a current collector disposed at the end of the at least one battery stack and configured to collect power generated in the at least one battery stack; a terminal block electrically connecting the current collector and the heater to the junction box; a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar to electrically connect the current collector to the terminal block; and a positive lead and a negative lead electrically connecting the heater to the terminal block; and Wherein, the junction box comprises: A first switch unit is provided between the positive electrode lead and the positive electrode bus bar; and The second switch unit is arranged between the negative electrode lead and the negative electrode bus bar.

2. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal block comprises: a positive bus terminal, connecting the positive bus bar to a first end of the first switch unit; a positive heater terminal connecting the positive lead to a second end of the first switch unit, the second end being opposite to the first end; a negative bus terminal, connecting the negative bus bar to a third end of the second switch unit; and A negative heater terminal connects the negative lead to a fourth end portion of the second switch unit, the fourth end portion being opposite to the third end portion.

3. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The first switch unit comprises: a first fuse having a first side connected to the first end; and The first switch is disposed between the second side of the first fuse and the second end, wherein the second side of the first fuse is opposite to the first side of the first fuse.

4. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The second switch unit comprises: a second fuse having a first side connected to the third end; and The second switch is disposed between a second side of the second fuse and the fourth end, wherein the second side of the second fuse is opposite to the first side of the second fuse.

5. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The positive bus terminal and the negative bus terminal are aligned in a first direction; and The positive heater terminal and the negative heater terminal are aligned in a direction parallel to the first direction.

6. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The positive bus terminal and one of the negative bus terminal and one of the positive heater terminal and the negative heater terminal are aligned in a first direction; and The remaining one of the positive bus bar terminal and the negative bus bar terminal and the remaining one of the positive heater terminal and the negative heater terminal are aligned in a direction parallel to the first direction.

7. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The heater comprises: a first heater provided at one of the ends of the battery stack to be connected to one of the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead; and A second heater is provided at the other end of the end portion of the battery stack, the other end portion of the end portion being opposite to the one end portion of the end portion, to be connected to the remaining one of the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead.

8. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The fuel cell further includes an intermediate lead disposed between the first heater and the second heater and configured to connect the first heater and the second heater.

9. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The fuel cell further includes a third switching unit provided on a path of the intermediate lead between the first heater and the second heater.

10. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The third switch unit comprises: a third fuse having a first side connected to one of the first heater and the second heater; and A third switch is provided between a second side of the third fuse and the remaining one of the first heater and the second heater, the second side of the third fuse being opposite to the first side of the third fuse.

11. A fuel cell vehicle, comprising: Fuel cells; as well as a junction box configured to receive power generated in the fuel cell; Wherein, the fuel cell comprises: A plurality of battery stacks electrically connected to each other, each battery stack comprising a plurality of unit batteries in a stacked configuration; a heater disposed at an end of each of the plurality of battery stacks and configured to heat each of the plurality of battery stacks, respectively; a current collector disposed at the end of each of the plurality of battery stacks and configured to respectively collect power generated in each of the plurality of battery stacks; a terminal block electrically connecting the current collector and the heater to the junction box; a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar to electrically connect the current collector to the terminal block; and a positive lead and a negative lead electrically connecting the heater to the terminal block; and Wherein, the junction box comprises: A first switch unit is provided between the positive electrode lead and the positive electrode bus bar; and The second switch unit is arranged between the negative electrode lead and the negative electrode bus bar.

12. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The fuel cell further comprises: an intermediate bus bar disposed between the plurality of battery stacks to electrically connect the plurality of battery stacks to each other; and An intermediate lead is provided between the plurality of battery stacks to electrically connect the heaters of the plurality of battery stacks to each other.

13. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 12, wherein: The heater comprises: a third heater connected to the positive lead; a fourth heater connected to the negative electrode lead; and A plurality of fifth heaters are disposed between the third heater and the fourth heater.

14. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: The intermediate lead comprises: a first intermediate lead connecting the third heater and a 5-1st heater, wherein the 5-1st heater is one of the plurality of fifth heaters; a second intermediate lead connecting the fourth heater and a 5-2nd heater, the 5-2nd heater being another heater among the plurality of fifth heaters; and The third intermediate lead wire connects the plurality of fifth heaters to each other.

15. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 14, wherein: The fuel cell further comprises: a fourth switch unit, arranged on the path of the first intermediate lead; a fifth switch unit, arranged on a path of the second intermediate lead; and The sixth switch unit is arranged on the path of the third intermediate lead.

16. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 15, wherein: The fourth switch unit comprises: a fourth fuse, a first side of which is connected to the 5-1st heater; and The fourth switch is disposed between the second side of the fourth fuse and the third heater, and the second side of the fourth fuse is opposite to the first side of the fourth fuse.

17. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 15, wherein: The fifth switch unit comprises: a fifth fuse having a first side connected to the fourth heater; and The fifth switch is disposed between the second side of the fifth fuse and the 5-2 heater, and the second side of the fifth fuse is opposite to the first side of the fifth fuse.

18. The fuel cell vehicle according to claim 15, wherein: The sixth switch unit comprises: a sixth fuse having a first side connected to one of the 5-1st heater and the 5-2nd heater; and A sixth switch is provided between a second side of the sixth fuse and the remaining one of the 5-1st heater and the 5-2nd heater, the second side of the sixth fuse being opposite to the first side of the sixth fuse.

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