Fuel-cell connector
US8092956B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel-cell connector for releasable connection to a fuel cartridge has a cartridge-side connection element with a cartridge-side valve that opens or closes a fuel-supply opening. A connector-side valve opens and closes a fuel-receiving opening and moves, during the first insertion stage, with the cartridge-side valve and a resilient element for resisting movement in the insertion direction of a connector body unit into which the cartridge-side connection element is telescopically inserted. The connector body unit has on its outer periphery engagement means for engaging a cartridge-side connection element and a stationary mechanism part for attachment to the fuel-cell-using device. In the second insertion step, the connector body unit moves as a single unit with the cartridge-side connection element, while the fuel-receiving and fuel-supply openings are maintained in close proximity so the engagement means engages the cartridge-side connection element, whereby the fuel cartridge connects and is fixed in the connected position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.