Fuel cell fluid and electrical quick connection system

Abstract

A fuel cell system for applications includes a fuel cell module having a cell side attachment plate. The battery-side attachment plate includes a plurality of connectors and is configured to interface with an application-side attachment plate at the application to align the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate with a corresponding plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate. The fastening mechanism is selectively movable between a locked state in which the battery-side attachment plate is held at the application-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate are connected, and an unlocked state in which the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate are connected. The plurality of connectors of the cell-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate are disconnected, and the fuel cell module is movable relative to the application-side attachment plate.

Description

[0001] introduction The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section, and aspects of this description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are not admitted, either explicitly or implicitly, to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to connecting and installing fuel cell modules to applications, and disconnecting and removing fuel cell modules from applications (such as vehicles). The installation of fuel cell modules requires the attachment of various wires and fluid hoses between the fuel cell module and the system at the vehicle to allow the fuel cell module to supply fuel to the application. For example, connections are typically plumbed from components, systems or circuits of the fuel cell module (such as fuel cell stacks, compressors and power electronics, etc.) to corresponding components, systems or circuits at the vehicle, such as radiators, surge tanks and hydrogen storage containers, etc. Because these connections are typically made through individual connectors that require separate attachment and removal and are located at different locations around the fuel cell and vehicle, installing and removing fuel cell modules at the vehicle is a time-consuming process.

[0003] Furthermore, to avoid the introduction of air and / or debris into the fluid circuit and to avoid fluid from escaping from the fuel cell module or the vehicle during installation and removal, the fluid circuit of the fuel cell module is typically drained before the fuel cell module is removed from the vehicle and filled after the fuel cell module is installed in the vehicle. Combined with the amount of time required to independently connect and disconnect the fuel cell module and the vehicle's systems during installation and removal of the fuel cell module, draining the fuel cell module and filling the fuel cell module with fluid while the fuel cell module is installed at the vehicle results in the vehicle being out of commission for an extended period of time while these procedures are performed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a fuel cell system for application. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module having a battery-side attachment plate. The battery-side attachment plate includes a plurality of connectors and is configured to selectively dock with the application-side attachment plate at the application to align the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate with the corresponding plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate. The fuel cell system also includes a fastening mechanism that can be selectively moved between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the battery-side attachment plate is retained at the application-side attachment plate, and the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate are connected. In the unlocked state, the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate are disconnected, and the fuel cell module can move relative to the application-side attachment plate.

[0005] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate are arranged relative to a planar surface of the battery-side attachment plate. The planar surface of the battery-side attachment plate is configured to mate with a corresponding planar surface of the application-side attachment plate.

[0006] In some implementations, at least one connector of the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding connector of the plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate include electrical connectors.

[0007] In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding connector of the plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate comprise a fluid connector. In a further aspect, at least one of the fluid connector at the battery-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding fluid connector at the application-side attachment plate comprise a dry-break connector. In some further aspects, the fuel cell module is pre-filled prior to installation at the application, and at least one dry-break connector at the battery-side attachment plate retains fluid within the fuel cell module prior to installation at the application. In other further aspects, when the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate are connected to the corresponding plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate, the at least one fluid connector at the battery-side attachment plate and the at least one corresponding fluid connector at the application-side attachment plate fluidly connect a cooling circuit that extends between the fuel cell module and the application.

[0008] In some examples, when the fastening mechanism is in an unlocked state, the fuel cell module can be axially moved along a predetermined motion path relative to the application side attachment plate to axially align multiple connectors at the battery side attachment plate with corresponding multiple connectors at the application side attachment plate.

[0009] In some implementations, the fuel cell module is supported along a support structure that restricts movement of the fuel cell module along a predetermined path of motion when the fuel cell module is installed at the application.

[0010] In some implementations, when the fastening mechanism is adjusted from a locked state to an unlocked state, each connection between the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate is disconnected via a single input. In some examples, the application includes a vehicle.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module, which has a battery-side attachment plate including a plurality of connectors. The battery-side attachment plate is configured to selectively dock with the vehicle-side attachment plate at the vehicle to align the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate with the corresponding plurality of connectors of the vehicle-side attachment plate. The fuel cell system also includes a fastening mechanism that can be selectively moved between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the battery-side attachment plate is retained at the vehicle-side attachment plate, and the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the vehicle-side attachment plate are connected. In the unlocked state, the plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the vehicle-side attachment plate are disconnected, and the fuel cell module can move relative to the vehicle-side attachment plate.

[0012] Implementations of this aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the plurality of connectors at the vehicle-side attachment plate are arranged relative to a planar surface of the battery-side attachment plate. The planar surface of the battery-side attachment plate is configured to mate with a corresponding planar surface of the vehicle-side attachment plate.

[0013] In some implementations, at least one connector of the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding connector of the plurality of connectors at the vehicle-side attachment plate include electrical connectors.

[0014] In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding connector at the plurality of connectors at the vehicle-side attachment plate comprise a fluid connector. At least one of the fluid connector at the battery-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding fluid connector at the vehicle-side attachment plate comprise a dry-disconnect connector.

[0015] In some examples, when the fastening mechanism is adjusted from the locked state to the unlocked state, each connection between the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors at the vehicle-side attachment plate is disconnected via a single input.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method. The method includes: installing a fuel cell module of a fuel cell system at an application, the fuel cell module having a battery side attachment plate including a plurality of connectors, the battery side attachment plate being configured to selectively dock with the application side attachment plate at the application to align the plurality of connectors of the battery side attachment plate with the corresponding plurality of connectors of the application side attachment plate. The method also includes: adjusting a fastening mechanism when the fuel cell module is installed at the application, the fastening mechanism being selectively movable from an unlocked state to a locked state, in which the plurality of connectors of the battery side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application side attachment plate are disconnected, and the fuel cell module is movable relative to the application side attachment plate, in which the battery side attachment plate is retained at the application side attachment plate, and the plurality of connectors of the battery side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application side attachment plate are connected.

[0017] Implementations of this aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the method further includes adjusting the fastening mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state via a single input, thereby disconnecting each connection between the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate.

[0018] In some implementations, when the fastening mechanism is in an unlocked state, the fuel cell module can be axially moved relative to the application-side attachment plate along a predetermined motion path to axially align the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate with the corresponding plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate. In some aspects, the fuel cell module is pre-filled before being installed at the application.

[0019] The details of one or more implementations of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell module and a vehicle with corresponding connection points along respective attachment plates of the fuel cell module and the vehicle.

[0022] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a perspective view of an attachment plate at a vehicle and an attachment plate at a fuel cell module.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an attachment plate at a fuel cell module.

[0024] Figure 5is a flow chart of an example method for installing a fuel cell module into a vehicle.

[0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a, an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "include," "contain," and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0028] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent to” versus “directly adjacent to,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another region, layer, or part. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0030] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0031] The term "code" used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes and / or objects. The term "shared processor" encompasses a single processor that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" encompasses a processor that executes some or all code from one or more modules in conjunction with additional processors. The term "shared memory" encompasses a single memory that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" encompasses memory that stores some or all code from one or more modules in conjunction with additional memory. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not encompass transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals that propagate through the medium, and therefore may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0032] The apparatus and methods described herein may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0033] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0034] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0035] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., a disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0036] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which can be special-purpose or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from and transmit data and instructions to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0037] The process and logic flow described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The process and logic flow can also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit system, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include one or more large-capacity storage devices (such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably coupled to receive data from the large-capacity storage device or transmit data to the large-capacity storage device, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CDROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0038] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or a touch screen) for displaying information to the user and, optionally, a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide for interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0039] refer to Figure 1, the fuel cell system 100 includes a fuel cell module 110, such as a hydrogen-powered fuel cell, that is configured for installation at and removal from a vehicle 112. Although the fuel cell module 110 described herein is suitable for installation at and removal from the vehicle 112, it should be understood that the fuel cell module 110 may be installed at and removed from any suitable application, such as a personal vehicle, a public transportation vehicle, a watercraft, construction equipment, an aircraft, a spacecraft, and the like.

[0040] When the fuel cell module 110 is installed at a vehicle 112, a plurality of electrical and fluid connections are formed between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112, such as to transfer electrical power generated at the fuel cell module 110 to the vehicle 112 and to circulate a coolant through a radiator at the vehicle 112 for regulating the temperature at the fuel cell module 110. For example, the fuel cell module 110 includes a fuel cell stack 114, which receives fuel, such as hydrogen, from a fuel storage device 116 at the vehicle 112. The fuel cell stack 114 receives an air flow from a compressor 118 at the fuel cell module 110, which draws air intake from an air filter 120 at the vehicle 112. The high voltage (HV) power generated at the fuel cell stack 114 is transferred to the vehicle 112, while the vehicle 112 can supply low voltage (LV) power to the fuel cell module 110. The low voltage system 122 and / or the high voltage system 124 accommodate the power transfer between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112. Exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack 114 can be transported through the exhaust system at the vehicle 112. Coolant can circulate between the vehicle 112 and the fuel cell module 110 to regulate the temperature of various components within the vehicle 112 and the fuel cell module 110. Low temperature (LT) coolant is exchanged between the LT radiator 126 at the vehicle 112 and the fuel cell module 110, where the LT coolant generally cools the compressor 118 and other power electronics. High temperature (HT) coolant is exchanged between the HT radiator 128 at the vehicle 112 and the fuel cell module 110, where the HT coolant generally cools the fuel cell stack 114. The buffer tank 130 at the vehicle 112 can be in fluid communication with the fuel cell module 110 to receive degas from the fuel cell stack 114. An electrical connection is established between the control module 132 at the vehicle 112 and the control module 134 at the fuel cell module 110 to transmit control signals and diagnostic information between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112.

[0041] To facilitate forming a plurality of fluid connections and a plurality of electrical connections between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112, a plurality of first or battery-side fluid connectors 136a and a plurality of first or battery-side electrical connectors 138a are provided at a first or battery-side attachment plate 140 of the fuel cell module 110, and a corresponding plurality of second or application-side or vehicle-side fluid connectors 136b and a plurality of second or application-side or vehicle-side electrical connectors 138b are provided at a second or application-side or vehicle-side attachment plate 142 of the vehicle 112. Each battery-side fluid connector 136a corresponds to a corresponding vehicle-side fluid connector 136b, and each battery-side electrical connector 138a corresponds to a corresponding vehicle-side electrical connector 138b, such that connection of the corresponding connectors enables unimpeded interaction between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112. As discussed further below, the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 each include a flat surface, with each battery-side fluid connector 136 a and battery-side electrical connector 138 a being arranged along the battery-side attachment plate 140 at a location that aligns with the location of a corresponding vehicle-side fluid connector 136 b or vehicle-side electrical connector 138 b on the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. Thus, when the flat battery-side attachment plate 140 is mated with the flat vehicle-side attachment plate 142, each battery-side connector aligns with and connects to the corresponding vehicle-side connector.

[0042] Continue to refer Figure 1When the battery-side attachment plate 140 is mated with the vehicle-side attachment plate 142, the fastening mechanism 144 assists in aligning the connectors at the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. For example, the fastening mechanism 144 includes a first portion or locking portion 144a extending from the battery-side attachment plate 140 and a second portion or receiving portion 144b at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. In some examples, the locking portion 144a is provided at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142, and the receiving portion 144b is provided at the battery-side attachment plate 140. The fastening mechanism 144 is adjustable between a locked or engaged state and an unlocked or disengaged state. In the locked or engaged state, the first portion 144a engages the second portion 144b, and the battery-side attachment plate 140 is retained at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142, with the plurality of connectors 136a, 138a at the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the plurality of connectors 136b, 138b at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 connected. In the unlocked or disengaged state, the first portion 144a releases the second portion 144b, and the plurality of connectors 136a, 138a at the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the plurality of connectors 136b, 138b at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 are disconnected, and the fuel cell module 110 can be moved relative to the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. As further described below, with the fastening mechanism 144 in the unlocked state, the fuel cell module 110 can be removed from the vehicle 112, such as to perform maintenance on the fuel cell module 110 and / or replace the fuel cell module 110 at the vehicle 112. Aligning the plurality of connectors 136a, 136b, 138a, 138b between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112 and adjusting the fastening mechanism 144 from the unlocked state to the locked state connects the plurality of connectors 136a, 136b, 138a, 138b and holds the fuel cell module 110 at the vehicle 112. The fastening mechanism 144 may be of any style or type that facilitates locked and unlocked states, wherein adjustment of the fastening mechanism 144 from the locked state to the unlocked state (and vice versa) may be accomplished automatically, such as with a spring-operated clip, a ball lock, or the like, or may be accomplished manually, such as with nuts and bolts or the like that must be attached by a technician.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 2-4The battery-side attachment plate 140 includes a body or plate 146a having a first or exterior side 148a (defining a surface) and a second or interior side 150a (defining a surface) opposite the exterior side 148a, and the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 includes a body 146b having a first or exterior side 148b (defining a surface) and a second or interior side 150b (defining a surface) opposite the exterior side 148b. As shown, the systems and components at the fuel cell module 110 are connected to the connectors 136a, 138a at the exterior side 148a of the battery-side attachment plate 140 along a pipeline via a connection system 152a, such as an array of hoses and wiring extending between the interior side 1500a of the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the corresponding systems and components of the fuel cell module 110. Similarly, the systems and components of the vehicle 112 are piped to a plurality of connectors 136b, 138b at the exterior side 148b of the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 via a connection system 152b, such as an array of hoses and wiring that extend between the interior side 150b of the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 and the respective systems and components of the vehicle 112. The hoses and wiring of the fuel cell module 110 are connected to the individual fluid connectors 136a and electrical connectors 138a located on the exterior side 148a of the cell-side attachment plate 140, and the hoses and wiring of the vehicle 112 are connected to the individual fluid connectors 136b and electrical connectors 138b located on the exterior side 148b of the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. The layout, positioning and / or number of the fluid connectors 136a, 136b and electrical connectors 138a, 138b at the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the vehicle-side attachment plate 142, and the corresponding hoses and wiring, may be adjusted as needed to suit the configuration of the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112.

[0044] Continue to refer Figure 2-4, at least one fluid connector 136a at the battery-side attachment plate 140 and at least one corresponding fluid connector 136b at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 comprise dry-disconnect style connectors. That is, when the fuel cell module 110 is fully connected to the vehicle 112, the dry-disconnect connectors enable fluid communication between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112, and when the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112 are disconnected, the dry-disconnect connectors prevent fluid communication at the corresponding connectors. Thus, the dry-disconnect connectors accommodate spill-free disconnection of the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112, and allow the fuel cell module 110 and / or the vehicle 112 to be filled with fluid prior to connection between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112 without losing fluid prior to connection. In other words, when the dry-disconnect connector at the fuel cell module 110 or vehicle 112 is connected to a fluid source or the other of the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112, the dry-disconnect connector allows fluid exchange into and out of the fuel cell module 110 or the vehicle 112, and when the dry-disconnect connector is disconnected from the fluid source or the other of the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112, the dry-disconnect connector can immediately seal itself, thereby preventing fluid from leaking out of the dry-disconnect connector and retaining the fluid in the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112. The battery-side attachment plate 140 can include the fluid connector 136a that functions as a dry-disconnect connector and the fluid connector 136a that does not function as a dry-disconnect connector, and the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 can include the fluid connector 136b that functions as a dry-disconnect connector and the fluid connector 136b that does not function as a dry-disconnect connector.

[0045] For each fluid connector 136a present on the battery-side attachment plate 140, there is a corresponding fluid connector 136b on the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. When the fuel cell module 110 is installed on the vehicle 112, the corresponding fluid connectors 136a, 136b are aligned and can interact and connect with each other. Similarly, for each electrical connector 138a present on the battery-side attachment plate 140, there is a corresponding electrical connector 138b on the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. When the fuel cell module 110 is installed on the vehicle 112, the connectors 138a, 138b are aligned and can interact and connect with each other.

[0046] In the event that the fuel cell module 110 is disconnected from the vehicle 112, the fluid circuits of the fuel cell module 110 and / or the vehicle 112 can be pre-filled with fluid via the dry-disconnect fluid connectors 136a, 136b. Because the fluid connector 136a includes a dry-disconnect connector, filling the fuel cell module 110 with fluid can be accomplished remotely from the vehicle 112, wherein the dry-disconnect connector maintains the fluid within the fuel cell module 110 prior to installation in the vehicle 112. For example, the fuel cell module 110 may include a fluid cooling circuit connected to the cooling system of the vehicle 112, and the dry-disconnect connector allows coolant to be pumped into the fuel cell module 110 and / or the vehicle 112 prior to installation of the fuel cell module 110 at the vehicle 112. Additionally, while hydrogen or other fuel may not necessarily be pre-filled into the fuel cell module 110, but rather filled during the period when the fuel cell module 110 is put back into service at the vehicle 112, the use of the dry-disconnect fluid connectors 136a, 136b reduces the likelihood of debris entering the fuel cell module 110 and / or the vehicle 112. Because the circuit supplying fuel between the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112 is typically sensitive to debris and other contaminants, reducing the likelihood of debris entering the circuit reduces the risk of damage to the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112 .

[0047] Pre-filling the fuel cell module 110 via the dry-break fluid connector 14a allows for a time-consuming purging or degassing process to be performed while the fuel cell module 110 is removed from the vehicle 112. Such a process may require the removal of air and other gases from the fluid circuit in conjunction with the filling of the fluid into the fuel cell module 110. Thus, the filling and purging process of the fuel cell module 110 can be performed before the fuel cell module 110 is installed in the vehicle 112, thereby freeing up the vehicle 112 for other services, or allowing a secondary fuel cell module to be installed while the original fuel cell module 110 is filled and purged with fluid, thereby allowing the vehicle 112 to be put back into service following a more efficient process. Additionally, the use of the dry-break style fluid connector 136a can reduce fluid spillage during installation and removal of the fuel cell module 110 from the vehicle, thereby reducing danger to technicians, reducing the risk of environmental damage, and reducing fluid waste. The dry-break style connector prevents the risk of fluid spillage due to its design: once the filling device is removed from the connector, the circuit is simultaneously sealed. Furthermore, pre-filling the fuel cell module 110 away from the vehicle 112 will provide easier access for technicians performing the pre-filling process because the fuel cell module 110 does not need to be within the sometimes strict and cumbersome confines of the vehicle 112. The dry-disconnect style fluid connectors 136a, 136b will also reduce the likelihood of debris entering the fluid circuit because the fluid connectors 136a, 136b remain sealed when the fuel cell module 110 is not connected and attached to the vehicle 112. Furthermore, draining fluid from the fuel cell module 110 or the vehicle 112 before removing the fuel cell module 110 from the vehicle 112 may not be necessary because the fluid will be retained within the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112 via the dry-disconnect connectors, thereby more efficiently removing the fuel cell module 110 from the vehicle 112.

[0048] To install the fuel cell module 110 into the vehicle 112, such as after the fuel cell module 110 is pre-filled with fluid, the battery-side attachment plate 140 can be axially aligned with the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. In other words, a plane P perpendicular to the outer side 148a of the battery-side attachment plate 140 is aligned with the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. 140 Extended axis A 140 and a plane P perpendicular to the outer side 148 b of the vehicle side attachment plate 142. 142 Extended axis A 142The fuel cell module 110 is aligned so that the fluid connector 136a, the electrical connector 138a, and the fastening mechanism 144 on the battery-side attachment plate 140 are aligned with the corresponding fluid connector 136b, the corresponding electrical connector 138b, and the corresponding portion 144b of the fastening mechanism 144. With the fastening mechanism 144 in the unlocked state, the fuel cell module 110 can move axially relative to the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 (i.e., along the axis A). 140 ) to mate the battery-side attachment plate 140 with the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 and connect the corresponding connectors 136a, 136b, 138a, 138b. For example, to facilitate proper alignment, the fuel cell module 110 may be arranged along a track, guide rail, or similar device that facilitates alignment of the fuel cell module 110 relative to the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 along a path parallel to the axis A. 140 、A 142 The predetermined linear path P 154 The support structure supports the fuel cell module 110 and restricts the fuel cell module 110 from deviating from the predetermined movement path P. 154 Predetermined motion path P 154 The connectors 136a, 138a at the battery side attachment plate 140 and the multiple connectors 136b, 138b at the vehicle side attachment plate 142 are axially aligned and the fastening mechanism 144 is engaged, wherein once the fuel cell module 110 is fully installed and the battery side attachment plate 140 is engaged with the vehicle side attachment plate 142, the fastening mechanism 144 can be adjusted from an unlocked state to a locked state.

[0049] When the battery-side attachment plate 140 is docked and engaged with the vehicle-side attachment plate 142, the fastening mechanism 144 can be automatically adjusted between the unlocked and locked states. For example, the fastening mechanism 144 can include a spring-operated clamp, a ball lock, etc. Alternatively, the fastening mechanism 144 can be manually adjusted between the locked and unlocked states. For example, the fastening mechanism 144 can include a nut and bolt or similar device that is adjusted and attached once the fuel cell module 110 is fully installed in the vehicle 112.

[0050] Because the multiple connectors 136a, 138a at the battery side attachment plate 140 are arranged relative to the flat outer side 148a of the battery side attachment plate 140, and the multiple connectors 136b, 138b at the vehicle side attachment plate 142 are arranged relative to the flat outer side 148b of the vehicle side attachment plate 142, the engagement of the battery side attachment plate 140 with the vehicle side attachment plate 142 results in each of the fluid connectors 136a and electrical connectors 138a on the battery side attachment plate 140 being connected to the corresponding fluid connector 136b and corresponding electrical connector 138b on the vehicle side attachment plate 142. Adjustment of the fastening mechanism 144 between a locked state and an unlocked state allows each connection between the fluid connector 136a and the electrical connector 138a on the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the corresponding fluid connector 136b and the corresponding electrical connector 138b on the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 to be connected and disconnected via a single input (e.g., engagement between the attachment plates and / or manual input for connecting the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112).

[0051] During removal of the fuel cell module 110 from the vehicle 112, the securing mechanism 144 may be automatically or manually unlocked, at which point the securing mechanism 144 is unlocked along the linear path P 154 A single motion, axially moving the fuel cell module 110 away from the vehicle-side attachment plate 142, causes the fuel cell module to be unloaded. The fluid connectors 136a and electrical connectors 138a on the battery-side attachment plate 140 are disconnected from the corresponding fluid connectors 136b and electrical connectors 138b on the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. Due to the dry-disconnect design of the fluid connectors 136a and 136b, removal of the fuel cell module 110 eliminates fluid leakage, and prior evacuation of the fluid is unnecessary. Fluid is retained in both the fuel cell module 110 and the vehicle 112.

[0052] Figure 5 A flow chart of an exemplary operational arrangement of a method 500 for installing a fuel cell module 110 of a fuel cell system 100 at a vehicle 112 is provided. At operation 502, the method 500 includes installing the fuel cell module 110 at the vehicle 112 such that the battery-side attachment plate 140 of the fuel cell module 110 is docked with the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 at the vehicle 112, and the plurality of connectors 136a, 138a at the battery-side attachment plate 140 are aligned with the corresponding plurality of connectors 136b, 138b at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. The fuel cell module 110 may be pre-filled prior to installation at the vehicle 112. With the fastening mechanism 144 in an unlocked state, the fuel cell module 110 may be movable relative to the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 along a predetermined motion path P 154 Axially moving, the predetermined motion path P 154The plurality of connectors 136a, 138a at the battery-side attachment plate 140 are axially aligned with the corresponding plurality of connectors 136b, 138b at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. At operation 504, the method 500 includes, with the fuel cell module 110 installed at the vehicle 112, adjusting the fastening mechanism 144 from an unlocked state to a locked state. In the unlocked state, the plurality of connectors 136a, 138a at the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the plurality of connectors 136b, 138b at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 are disconnected and the fuel cell module 110 is movable relative to the vehicle-side attachment plate 142. In the locked state, the battery-side attachment plate 140 remains at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 and the plurality of connectors 136a, 138a at the battery-side attachment plate 140 and the plurality of connectors 136a, 136b at the vehicle-side attachment plate 142 are connected. In some examples, method 500 further includes adjusting the fastening mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state, wherein adjusting the fastening mechanism 144 from the locked state to the unlocked state allows each connection between the multiple connectors 136a, 138a at the battery side attachment plate 140 and the multiple connectors 136b, 138b at the vehicle side attachment plate 142 to be disconnected via a single input.

[0053] A number of implementations have been described. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0054] The foregoing description is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system for use in an application, the fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell module having a cell-side attachment plate including a plurality of connectors, the cell-side attachment plate being configured to selectively interface with an application-side attachment plate at the application to align the plurality of connectors of the cell-side attachment plate with a corresponding plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate; as well as A fastening mechanism that is selectively movable between (i) a locked state in which the battery-side attachment plate is retained at the application-side attachment plate and a plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate and a plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate are connected, and (ii) an unlocked state in which a plurality of connectors of the battery-side attachment plate and a plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate are disconnected and the fuel cell module is movable relative to the application-side attachment plate.

2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate are arranged relative to a flat surface of the battery-side attachment plate, and the flat surface of the battery-side attachment plate is configured to dock with a corresponding flat surface of the application-side attachment plate. 3 . The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of connectors at the cell-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding connector of the plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate comprise electrical connectors. 4 . The fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of connectors at the cell-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding connector of the plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate comprise a fluid connector.

5. The fuel cell system of claim 4, wherein at least one fluid connector at the cell-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding fluid connector at the application-side attachment plate comprise dry-disconnect connectors.

6. The fuel cell system of claim 5, wherein the fuel cell module is pre-filled prior to installation at the application, at least one dry disconnect connector at the cell side attachment plate retaining fluid within the fuel cell module prior to installation at the application.

7. A fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein when a plurality of connectors at the battery-side attachment plate are connected to a corresponding plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate, at least one fluid connector at the battery-side attachment plate and at least one corresponding fluid connector at the application-side attachment plate fluidly connect a cooling circuit extending between the fuel cell module and the application.

8. A fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein when the fastening mechanism is in an unlocked state, the fuel cell module can be moved axially along a predetermined movement path relative to the application side attachment plate to axially align multiple connectors at the battery side attachment plate with corresponding multiple connectors at the application side attachment plate.

9. The fuel cell system of claim 1, wherein the fuel cell module is supported along a support structure, the support structure restricting movement of the fuel cell module along a predetermined path of motion when the fuel cell module is installed at the application.

10. The fuel cell system of claim 1, wherein when the fastening mechanism is adjusted from the locked state to the unlocked state, each connection between the plurality of connectors at the cell-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors at the application-side attachment plate is disconnected via a single input.

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