Fuel cell vehicle

A fuel cell vehicle is provided. The fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell, a junction box that is disposed on the fuel cell and includes a first bus bar, a power controller that is disposed at the rear side of the fuel cell and includes a second bus bar, and a fastening part that fastens the first bus bar and the second bus bar in a fastening space to electrically connect the junction box and the power controller to each other. One of the junction box and the power controller includes a tool inlet to allow access to the fastening space from the outside.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0178569, filed on Dec. 18, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell vehicle and, more particularly, to a fuel cell vehicle that has a power controller and a junction box, which are advantageously arranged in terms of space utilization and energy transfer.

Discussion of the Related Art

In general, a vehicle including a fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as a “fuel cell vehicle”) may require various levels of power from the fuel cell. If the driving voltage of the fuel cell vehicle is greater than the output voltage of the fuel cell, a high-voltage boosting-type direct-current (DC)/direct-current (DC) converter (or a fuel-cell DC/DC converter (FDC)) is required to boost the output voltage of the fuel cell. The FDC is one of the bulky components in the fuel cell vehicle. Therefore, there is need to solve a problem of an increase in the volume of the fuel cell vehicle attributable to installation of the FDC thereto. Further, since the FDC needs to be closely connected to a junction box for the process of transferring energy, the arrangement of the FDC and the junction box is important affecting fuel cell vehicles.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, exemplary embodiments are directed to a fuel cell vehicle that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. The present disclosure provides a fuel cell vehicle that has a power controller and a junction box, which are advantageously arranged in terms of space utilization and energy transfer.

However, the objects to be accomplished by the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

A fuel cell vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment may include a fuel cell, a junction box disposed on the fuel cell and including a first bus bar, a power controller disposed at the rear side of the fuel cell to boost the output voltage of the fuel cell, the power controller having a second bus bar, and a fastening part configured to fasten the first bus bar and the second bus bar in a fastening space to electrically connect the junction box and the power controller to each other. One of the junction box and the power controller may include a tool inlet to allow access to the fastening space from the outside.

For example, the fastening part may include a fastening member configured to directly fasten the first bus bar and the second bus bar. For example, the fastening member may include screw parts passing through the first bus bar and the second bus bar in a fastening direction to be threaded with the first bus bar and the second bus bar, respectively.

The fastening part may include a terminal block having a terminal bus bar including a first end portion, connected to the first bus bar, and a second end portion, connected to the second bus bar, a first fastening member configured to directly fasten the first bus bar and the first end portion of the terminal bus bar, and a second fastening member configured to directly fasten the second bus bar and the second end portion of the terminal bus bar.

The first fastening member may include a first screw part passing through the first bus bar and the first end portion of the terminal bus bar in the fastening direction to be threaded with the first bus bar and the first end portion of the terminal bus bar, and the second fastening member may include a second screw part passing through the second bus bar and the second end portion of the terminal bus bar in the fastening direction to be threaded with the second bus bar and the second end portion of the terminal bus bar.

The tool inlet may overlap the fastening space in the fastening direction. The junction box may include the fastening space and the tool inlet, the second bus bar may protrude from the power controller to the inside of the junction box, and the terminal block may be connected to the power controller and may protrude to the inside of the junction box.

The fastening space may overlap the power controller in a vertical direction. The junction box may be configured to be openable and closable to form the tool inlet, and may include a first main cover overlapping the fastening space in the fastening direction. The first main cover may include a first cover portion, overlapping the fuel cell in the vertical direction, and a second cover portion, overlapping the fastening space in the vertical direction.

Additionally, the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be integrally formed to be opened and closed together. For example, the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be formed to be opened and closed separately from each other. The fuel cell vehicle may further include a first sealing member disposed at a contact portion between the junction box and the power controller.

The fuel cell vehicle may further include a first annular cover having a first hollow portion that overlaps the tool inlet in the junction box in the fastening direction. The first annular cover may be disposed on a side portion of the junction box. The first hollow portion and the tool inlet may communicate with each other to expose the fastening space. Additionally, the fuel cell vehicle may include a second sealing member disposed at a contact portion between the first annular cover and the side portion of the junction box to surround the first hollow portion.

Further, the power controller may include the fastening space and the tool inlet, the first bus bar may protrude from the junction box to the inside of the power controller, and the terminal block may be connected to the junction box and may protrude to the inside of the power controller. The fastening space may overlap the junction box in a horizontal direction. For example, the power controller may be opened and closed to form the tool inlet, and may include a second main cover overlapping the fastening space in the fastening direction.

The second main cover may include a third cover portion, that overlaps the fuel cell in the horizontal direction, and a fourth cover portion, that overlaps the fastening space in the horizontal direction. For example, the third cover portion and the fourth cover portion may be integrally formed to be opened and closed together. The third cover portion and the fourth cover portion may be formed to be opened and closed separately from each other.

The fuel cell vehicle may further include a third sealing member disposed at a contact portion between the junction box and the power controller. In addition, the fuel cell vehicle may include a second annular cover having a second hollow portion that overlaps the tool inlet in the power controller in the fastening direction. The second annular cover may be disposed on a side portion of the power controller. The second hollow portion and the tool inlet may communicate with each other to expose the fastening space. The fuel cell vehicle may further include a fourth sealing member disposed at a contact portion between the second annular cover and the side portion of the power controller to surround the second hollow portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various exemplary embodiments are shown. The examples, however, may be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more thorough and complete, and will more fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “under” another element, it may be directly on/under the element, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. When an element is referred to as being “on” or “under”, “under the element” as well as “on the element” may be included based on the element. In addition, relational terms, such as “first”, “second”, “on/upper part/above” and “under/lower part/below”, are used only to distinguish between one subject or element and another subject or element, without necessarily requiring or involving any physical or logical relationship or sequence between the subjects or elements.

Hereinafter, fuel cell vehicles200A,200B,200C,200D and200E according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The fuel cell vehicles200A,200B,200C,200D and200E will be described using the Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) for convenience of description, but may also be described using other coordinate systems. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are perpendicular to each other, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In other words, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis may intersect each other obliquely. For convenience of description, at least one of the x-axis or the y-axis will be referred to as a “horizontal direction”, and the z-axis will be referred to as a “vertical direction”.

FIG.1is a view showing the external appearance of a general fuel cell vehicle. Referring toFIG.1, a vehicle including a fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as a “fuel cell vehicle”) may include an occupant compartment110, in which occupants are accommodated, a first space120, which is located in front of the occupant compartment110, and a second space130, which is located behind the occupant compartment110. For example, when the vehicle travels in the x-axis direction, the first space120may correspond to an engine compartment, in which the engine of the fuel cell vehicle is accommodated, and the second space130may correspond to a trunk.

FIGS.2A to2Eare views showing fuel cell vehicles200A to200E according to exemplary embodiments. Each of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200E according to the exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS.2A to2Emay include a fuel cell210, a junction box (or a high-voltage junction box)220, a power controller230, and a fastening part, which is located in a fastening space240. The fuel cell210may include a plurality of unit fuel cells, which are stacked in at least one of the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. For example, the fuel cell210may include a plurality of unit fuel cells, which are stacked in at least one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, or the z-axis direction.

Hereinafter, each of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200E according to the exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS.2A to2Ewill be described as including one unit fuel cell, but the following description may also apply to the case in which each of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200E according to the exemplary embodiments includes a plurality of unit fuel cells. The unit fuel cell may be a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (or a proton exchange membrane fuel cell) (PEMFC), which has been studied most extensively as a power source for driving vehicles. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to any specific configuration or external appearance of the unit fuel cell.

The unit fuel cell included in the fuel cell210may include end plates (or pressing plates or compression plates) (not shown), current collectors (not shown), and a cell stack (not shown). The cell stack may include a plurality of unit cells, which are stacked in the horizontal direction (e.g. the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction). Several tens to several hundreds of unit cells, e.g. 100 to 400 unit cells, may be stacked to form the cell stack.

Each unit cell may generate about 0.6 volts to 1.0 volts of electricity, on average 0.7 volts of electricity. Thus, the number of unit fuel cells included in the fuel cell210and the number of unit cells included in the cell stack of the unit fuel cell may be determined in accordance with the intensity of the power to be supplied from the fuel cell210to a load. Here, “load” may refer to a part of each of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200E that requires power. The end plates may be disposed at respective ends of the cell stack, and may support and fix the plurality of unit cells. In other words, the first end plate may be disposed at a first end of the two ends of the cell stack, and the second end plate may be disposed at a second end of the two ends of the cell stack.

In addition, the fuel cell210may further include a clamping member (not shown), which has a bar shape, a long bolt shape, a belt shape, or a rigid rope shape to clamp the plurality of unit cells. For example, in each unit fuel cell, the clamping member may clamp the plurality of unit cells together with the end plates in the horizontal direction.

The junction box220may be disposed on the fuel cell210. The junction box220may be configured to distribute the power generated in the cell stack of the fuel cell210. For example, the junction box220may include fuses (not shown) and relays (not shown) to operate peripheral auxiliary components (balance-of-plant (BOP)) assisting in the operation of the fuel cell210. The junction box220may include a first body B1and a first main cover C1. The first body B1may accommodate fuses and relays. Accordingly, the first body B1forms a space together with the first main cover C1, in which the fuses and the relays are accommodated. The first main cover C1may be detachably disposed on at least one of the upper portion or the side portion of the first body B1.

The power controller230may be disposed between the fuel cell210and the occupant compartment110, i.e. at the rear side of the fuel cell210, to boost the output voltage of the fuel cell210. For example, the power controller230may include a high-voltage boosting-type direct-current (DC)/direct-current (DC) converter (or a fuel-cell DC/DC converter (FDC)).

According to the exemplary embodiment, the accommodation space in which the fuel cell210, the junction box220, the power controller230, and the fastening part are accommodated may be at least one of the first space120or the second space130shown inFIG.1. Hereinafter, the accommodation space will be described as being the first space120, which is located in front of the occupant compartment110, i.e. the engine compartment. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the accommodation space may be the second space130, or may be split into the first and second spaces120and130.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200E according to the exemplary embodiments, the fastening part serves to electrically connect the junction box220and the power controller230to each other in the fastening space240. Accordingly, the junction box220may include a first bus bar, and the power controller230may include a second bus bar. For example, the voltage generated by the fuel cell210may be transferred to the power controller230via the junction box210and boosted, and the boosted voltage may be transferred to the junction box210. The junction box210may be configured to transfer the boosted voltage to the load of the fuel cell vehicle. Therefore, the junction box220and the power controller230may be electrically connected to each other.

In addition, each of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200E according to the exemplary embodiments may further include a tool inlet, which allows a tool (or a user) to access the fastening space240from the outside to manipulate the fastening part to fasten the first bus bar and the second bus bar. The tool inlet may be included in one of the junction box220and the power controller230. In each of the fuel cell vehicles200A,200B and200C shown inFIGS.2A to2C, the tool inlet may be located in the junction box220. In each of the fuel cell vehicles200D and200E shown inFIGS.2D and2E, the tool inlet may be located in the power controller230.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200E shown inFIGS.2A to2E, the tool inlet may overlap the fastening space240in the fastening direction. The fastening part may fasten the first bus bar to the second bus bar in the fastening space240to electrically connect the junction box220and the power controller230to each other. According to the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment, the fastening space240may be located in any of various places, and the fastening part may fasten the first bus bar to the second bus bar in any of various ways in the fastening space240.

Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The fastening part may directly connect the first bus bar and the second bus bar, or may indirectly connect the first bus bar and the second bus bar via a terminal block. In each of the fuel cell vehicles200A,200B and200C shown inFIGS.2A to2C, the terminal block connected to the power controller230may protrude to the inside of the junction box220. In contrast, in each of the fuel cell vehicles200D and200E shown inFIGS.2Dand2E, the terminal block connected to the junction box220may protrude to the inside of the power controller230.

According to an exemplary embodiment, in each of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200C shown inFIGS.2A to2C, the fastening space240may be located inside the junction box220, the second bus bar may protrude from the power controller230to the inside of the junction box220, and the fastening space240may overlap the power controller230in the vertical direction. In the fuel cell vehicle200A shown inFIG.2A, a portion of the junction box220including the fastening space240overlaps the power controller230in the vertical direction. In the fuel cell vehicle200B shown inFIG.2B, only the fastening space240overlaps the power controller230in the vertical direction.

According to another exemplary embodiment, in each of the fuel cell vehicles200D and200E shown inFIGS.2D and2E, the fastening space240may be located inside the power controller230, the first bus bar may protrude from the junction box220to the inside of the power controller230, and the fastening space240may overlap the junction box220in the horizontal direction.

First, exemplary embodiments of the fuel cell vehicles200A to200C shown inFIGS.2A to2Cwill be described below.FIGS.3A to3Dare views showing an exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicle200A shown inFIG.2A, andFIG.3Eis a view showing an exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicle200B shown inFIG.2B.

FIG.3Ais a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell vehicle,FIG.3Bis a plan view of a part of the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.3A,FIG.3Cis a partial perspective view of another part of the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.3A,FIG.3Dis a partial perspective view of a part of the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.3A and3C, andFIG.3Eis a perspective view of the fuel cell vehicle200B shown inFIG.2B, from which the fuel cell210is excluded.

The first bus bar222shown inFIG.3A, as illustrated inFIGS.3B,3D and3E, may include a 1-1stbus bar222A, which corresponds to a positive terminal, and a 1-2ndbus bar222B, which corresponds to a negative terminal. The second bus bar232shown inFIG.3A, as illustrated inFIGS.3C,3D and3E, may include a 2-1stbus bar232A, which corresponds to a positive terminal, and a 2-2ndbus bar232B, which corresponds to a negative terminal.

The fastening part may include a fastening member for directly fastening the first bus bar222(222A and222B) and the second bus bar232(232A and232B). Accordingly, as shown inFIGS.3A,3D and3E, the fastening member may include first and second screw parts242and244. The first screw part242may fasten the 1-1stbus bar222A and the 2-1stbus bar232A, and the second screw part244may fasten the 1-2ndbus bar222B and the 2-2ndbus bar232B. Accordingly, the 1-1stbus bar222A may include a first through-hole HA1, the 1-2ndbus bar222B may include a second through-hole HB1, the 2-1stbus bar232A may include a third through-hole HA2, and the 2-2ndbus bar232B may include a fourth through-hole HB2.

In particular, the first screw part242passes through the first and third through-holes HA1and HA2in the fastening direction (e.g. the z-axis direction, that is, the vertical direction) to be threaded with the 1-1stbus bar222A and the 2-1stbus bar232A, thereby fastening the 1-1stbus bar222A and the 2-1stbus bar232A. Similarly, the second screw part244passes through the second and fourth through-holes HB1and HB2in the fastening direction (e.g. the z-axis direction, that is, the vertical direction) to be threaded with the 1-2ndbus bar222B and the 2-2ndbus bar232B, thereby fastening the 1-2ndbus bar222B and the 2-2ndbus bar232B.

The first and second screw parts242and244may include male threads formed on the outer circumferential surfaces thereof, which come into contact with the first to fourth through-holes HA1, HB1, HA2and HB2, and the first to fourth through-holes HA1, HB1, HA2and HB2may include female threads formed on the inner circumferential surfaces thereof, which come into contact with the first and second screw parts242and244, to mesh with the male threads of the first and second screw parts242and244.

In addition, to increase ease of assembly, as shown inFIG.3A, each of the first and second screw parts242and244may be engaged with a press-fit-type nut245. The first main cover C1of the junction box220may be opened and close, and forms the tool inlet when opened. The first main cover C1may overlap the fastening space240in the fastening direction. Referring toFIGS.3A and3E, the first main cover C1may include a first cover portion C11and a second cover portion C12. The first cover portion C11may overlap the fuel cell210in the vertical direction, and the second cover portion C12may overlap the fastening space240in the vertical direction.

When the openable/closable second cover portion C12of the first main cover C1is opened in the direction of the arrow A1, the tool inlet may be opened to allow a tool (or a user) to access the fastening space240in the fuel cell vehicle from the outside to manipulate the first and second screw parts242and244, which are fastening members, to fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B. According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3A and3E, the first cover portion C11and the second cover portion C12may be integrally formed to be opened and closed together.

FIGS.4A and4Bshow an exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicle200C shown inFIG.2C.FIG.4Ais a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell vehicle, andFIG.4Bis a perspective view of the fuel cell vehicle200C shown inFIG.2C, from which the fuel cell210is excluded.

In the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.3A and3E, the top surface of the first cover portion C11of the first main cover C1and the top surface of the second cover portion C12of the first main cover C1are located in the same horizontal plane. However, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the top surface of the first cover portion C11of the first main cover C1and the top surface of the second cover portion C12of the first main cover C1are not located in the same horizontal plane. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.4A and4Bis the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.3E, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

Unlike what is shown inFIGS.3A and3E, the first cover portion C11and the second cover portion C12shown inFIGS.4A and4Bmay be opened and closed separately from each other. In other words, when the second cover portion C12is opened in the direction of the arrow A1, the first cover portion C11may not be opened. In the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.4A and4B, when the openable/closable second cover portion C12of the first main cover C1is opened in the direction of the arrow A1, the tool inlet may be opened to allow a tool (or a user) to access the fastening space240from the outside. For example, the tool inlet may be opened to enable fastening of the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B or to enable confirmation of the fastened state of the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B.

FIGS.5A to5Care views showing another exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicles200A and200B shown inFIGS.2A and2B. Specifically,FIG.5Ais a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell vehicle,FIG.5Bis an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell vehicle, andFIG.5Cis a rear view of a first annular cover260.

The fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.5A and5Bmay include a fuel cell210, a junction box220, and a power controller230, and may further include a first annular cover260. Each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to3Eand inFIGS.4A and4Bdoes not include a first annular cover260, whereas the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.5A to5Cincludes a first annular cover260. Further, the fastening direction in each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to3Eand inFIGS.4A and4Bis different from the fastening direction in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.5A to5C. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.5Ais the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.3A, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

The first annular cover260may have a first hollow portion260H, which overlaps the tool inlet220P in the junction box220in the fastening direction, and may be disposed on the side portion of the junction box220. In particular, the first hollow portion260H in the first annular cover260and the tool inlet220P in the junction box220may communicate with each other to expose the fastening space240to the outside.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to3Eand inFIGS.4A and4B, the second cover C12may be opened in the direction of the arrow A1to open the tool inlet, thereby allowing access by a user (or a tool) to the fastening space240from the outside. In contrast, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.5A, the fastening space240is exposed to the outside by communication between the tool inlet220P and the first hollow portion260H, thereby allowing access by a user (or a tool) to the fastening space240from the outside. In other words, it is possible to enable access to the fastening space240from the outside without opening the second cover C12.

In the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to3Eand inFIGS.4A and4B, a tool may access the fastening space240through the tool inlet. In contrast, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.5A, a user may access the fastening space240through the tool inlet. In other words, a user is capable of manipulating the fastening part in place of a tool to fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to3Eand inFIGS.4A and4B, since the fastening members242and244fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B in the z-axis direction, the fastening direction is the z-axis direction. In contrast, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.5A and5B, since the fastening members242and244fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B in the y-axis direction, the fastening direction is the y-axis direction.

Each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to3Eand inFIGS.4A and4Bmay include a first sealing member252. The first sealing member252may be disposed at a contact portion between the junction box220and the power controller230. For example, as shown inFIG.3C, the first sealing member252may have an annular shape, and may be disposed at a contact portion between the junction box220and the power controller230, thereby sealing the junction box220and the power controller230, which are coupled to each other, from the outside.

Unlike the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to3Eand inFIGS.4A and4B, the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.5A to5Cmay include a first sealing member252and a second sealing member254. Referring toFIG.5C, the second sealing member254may be disposed at a contact portion between the first annular cover260and the side portion of the junction box220to surround the first hollow portion260H. For example, as shown inFIG.5C, the second sealing member254may have an annular shape, and may be disposed at a contact portion between the junction box220and the first annular cover260, thereby sealing the junction box220and the first annular cover260, which are coupled to each other, from the outside.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to3Eand inFIGS.4A and4B, the fastening members242and244directly fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B. However, according to another exemplary embodiment, the fastening members may indirectly fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B via a terminal block. A fuel cell vehicle according to this exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view showing still another exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicles200A and200B shown inFIGS.2A and2B. The fastening part of the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.6may include a terminal block270, a first fastening member, and a second fastening member.

Unlike the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.3A, the fastening part of the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.6may further include a terminal block270. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.6is the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.3A, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

The terminal block270may be connected to the power controller230, and may protrude from the power controller230toward the junction box220in the vertical direction. The terminal block270may include a second body B2and a terminal bus bar272. The second body B2may be made of an insulating material. At least a portion of the terminal bus bar272may be embedded in the second body B2. The terminal bus bar272may include first and second end portions E1and E2. The first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272may be connected to the first bus bar222, and the second end portion E2thereof may be connected to the second bus bar232. Although not seen in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.6, the first bus bar222shown inFIG.6may include 1-1stand 1-2ndbus bars222A and222B, and the second bus bar232shown inFIG.6may include 2-1stand 2-2ndbus bars232A and232B, as shown inFIGS.3A to3D.

The first fastening member may directly fasten the first bus bar222and the first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272, and the second fastening member may directly fasten the second bus bar232and the second end portion E2of the terminal bus bar272. For example, the first fastening member may include a first screw part244A, and the second fastening member may include a second screw part244B. The first screw part244A may pass through the first bus bar222and the first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272in the fastening direction (e.g. the z-axis direction, that is, the vertical direction) to be threaded with the first bus bar222and the first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272.

The second screw part244B may pass through the second bus bar232and the second end portion E2of the terminal bus bar272in the fastening direction (e.g. the z-axis direction, that is, the vertical direction) to be threaded with the second bus bar232and the second end portion E2of the terminal bus bar272. In the same method as the method in which the first and second screw parts242and244shown inFIG.3Dfasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B in a screw-coupling manner, the first screw part244A may fasten the first bus bar222and the first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272, and the second screw part244B may fasten the second bus bar232and the second end portion E2of the terminal bus bar272. Thus, a duplicate description of the same parts will be omitted.

As shown inFIG.6, the first bus bar222and the second bus bar232may be indirectly connected to each other via the terminal bus bar272, rather than being directly connected to each other.

FIGS.7A to7Cshow still another exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicles200A and200B shown inFIGS.2A and2B.FIG.7Ais a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell vehicle,FIG.7Bis a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment in which the first bus bars222A and222B and second bus bars232A and232B are connected to each other via a terminal block270in the fastening space240shown inFIG.7A, andFIG.7Cis a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment in which the first bus bars222A and222B and second bus bars232A and232B are connected to each other via the terminal block270in the fastening space240.

Unlike the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.5A, the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.7Amay further include a terminal block270. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.7Ais the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.5A, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

The first end portion of the terminal bus bar272may include a 1-1stterminal bus bar272A1, which corresponds to a positive terminal, and a 1-2ndterminal bus bar272A2, which corresponds to a negative terminal. In addition, the second end portion of the terminal bus bar272may include a 2-1stterminal bus bar272B1, which corresponds to a positive terminal, and a 2-2ndterminal bus bar272B2, which corresponds to a negative terminal. Although not shown, the 1-1stterminal bus bar272A1and the 2-1stterminal bus bar272B1may be electrically connected to each other via a first connection bus bar embedded in the second body B2, and the 1-2ndterminal bus bar272A2and the 2-2ndterminal bus bar272B2may be electrically connected to each other via a second connection bus bar embedded in the second body B2. The first fastening member may include a 1-1stscrew part242A and a 1-2ndscrew part244A, and the second fastening member may include a 2-1stscrew part242B and a 2-2ndscrew part244B.

Referring toFIGS.7A and7B, the 1-1stscrew part242A passes through the 1-1stbus bar222A and the 1-1stterminal bus bar272A1in the fastening direction (e.g. the y-axis direction) to be threaded with the 1-1stbus bar222A and the 1-1stterminal bus bar272A1. The 1-2ndscrew part244A passes through the 1-2ndbus bar222B and the 1-2ndterminal bus bar272A2in the fastening direction (e.g. the y-axis direction) to be threaded with the 1-2ndbus bar222B and the 1-2ndterminal bus bar272A2. The 2-1stscrew part242B passes through the 2-1stbus bar232A and the 2-1stterminal bus bar272B1in the fastening direction (e.g. the y-axis direction) to be threaded with the 2-1stbus bar232A and the 2-1stterminal bus bar272B1. The 2-2ndscrew part244B passes through the 2-2ndbus bar232B and the 2-2ndterminal bus bar272B2in the fastening direction (e.g. the y-axis direction) to be threaded with the 2-2ndbus bar232B and the 2-2ndterminal bus bar272B2.

InFIG.7C, the form in which the 1-1stand 1-2ndbus bars222A and222B are respectively connected to the 1-1stand 1-2ndterminal bus bars272A1and272A2and the form in which the 2-1stand 2-2ndbus bars232A and232B are respectively connected to the 2-1stand 2-2ndterminal bus bars272B1and272B2are different from those shown inFIG.7B. However, inFIG.7C, the configuration in which the first fastening member (not shown) connects the 1-1stand 1-2ndbus bars222A and222B and the 1-1stand 1-2ndterminal bus bars272A1and272A2to each other and the second fastening member (not shown) connects the 2-1stand 2-2ndbus bars232A and232B and the 2-1stand 2-2ndterminal bus bars272B1and272B2to each other is the same as that shown inFIG.7B.

In particular, as shown inFIGS.6and7B, at least one of the first screw part244A or the second screw part244B may be engaged with a weld nut280. Alternatively, an insert nut282may be provided inside the second body C2. As shown inFIGS.2D and2E, the fastening space240may be located in the interior B3of the power controller230.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicles200D and200E shown inFIGS.2D and2Ewill be described.FIGS.8A and8Bshow an exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicle200D or200E shown inFIG.2D or2E.FIG.8Ais a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell vehicle, andFIG.8Bis a view of the fuel cell vehicle200D or200E shown inFIG.2D or2E, from which the fuel cell210is excluded.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to7B, the fastening space240is located in the junction box220. However, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the fastening space240is located in the interior B3of the power controller230. Further, the fastening direction in each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3A to7Bis different from that in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8B. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8Bis the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.3A, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

Unlike the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.3A and3E, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the fastening direction of each of the first and second screw parts242and244may be the x-axis direction, which is the horizontal direction. The second main cover C2of the power controller230may be opened and closed to form a tool inlet. The second main cover C2may overlap the fastening space240in the fastening direction (e.g. the x-axis direction, that is, the horizontal direction). Referring toFIGS.8A and8B, the second main cover C2may include a third cover portion C21and a fourth cover portion C22. The third cover portion C21may overlap the fuel cell210in the horizontal direction (e.g. the x-axis direction), and the fourth cover portion C22may overlap the fastening space240in the horizontal direction (e.g. the x-axis direction).

When the openable/closable fourth cover portion C22of the second main cover C2is opened in the direction of the arrow A2, the tool inlet may be opened to allow a tool (or a user) to access the fastening space240in the fuel cell vehicle from the outside to manipulate the first and second screw parts242and244, which are fastening members, using the tool to fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the third cover portion C21and the fourth cover portion C22may be integrally formed to be opened and closed together.FIGS.9A and9Bare views showing an exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.2E. Specifically,FIG.9Ais a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell vehicle, andFIG.9Bis a perspective view of the fuel cell vehicle, from which the fuel cell210is excluded.

In the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the top surface of the third cover portion C21of the second main cover C2and the top surface of the fourth cover portion C22of the second main cover C2are located in the same vertical plane. However, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.9A and9B, the top surface of the third cover portion C21of the second main cover C2and the top surface of the fourth cover portion C22of the second main cover C2are not located in the same vertical plane. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.9A and9Bis the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

Unlike what is shown inFIGS.8A and8B, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.9A and9B, when the openable/closable fourth cover portion C22of the second main cover C2is opened in the direction of the arrow A2, the tool inlet may be opened to allow a tool (or a user) to access the fastening space240from the outside to fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B.

According to another exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS.9A and9B, the third cover portion C21and the fourth cover portion C22may be opened and closed separately from each other. In other words, when the fourth cover portion C22is opened in the direction of the arrow A2, the third cover portion C21may not be opened.

FIG.10is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicle200D or200E shown inFIG.2D or2E. The fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.10may include a fuel cell210, a junction box220, and a power controller230, and may further include a second annular cover262.

In the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.5A, the fastening space240may be located in the junction box220. However, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.10, the fastening space240may be located in the interior B3of the power controller230. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.10is the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.5A, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

The fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8Bdoes not include a second annular cover262, whereas the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.10includes a second annular cover262. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.10is the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

The second annular cover262may have a second hollow portion262H, which overlaps the tool inlet230P in the power controller230in the fastening direction (e.g. the y-axis direction), and may be disposed on the side portion of the power controller230. In particular, the second hollow portion262H in the second annular cover262and the tool inlet230P in the power controller230may communicate with each other to expose the fastening space240to the outside.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.8A and8Band inFIGS.9A and9B, the fourth cover C22may be opened in the direction of the arrow A2to open the tool inlet, thereby allowing access by a tool (or a user) to the fastening space240from the outside.

In contrast, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.10, the fastening space240may be exposed to the outside by communication between the tool inlet230P and the second hollow portion262H, thereby allowing access by a user (or a tool) to the fastening space240from the outside. In other words, it is possible to enable access to the fastening space240from the outside without opening the fourth cover C22.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.8A and8Band inFIGS.9A and9B, since the fastening members242and244fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B in the x-axis direction, the fastening direction is the x-axis direction. In contrast, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.10, since the fastening members242and244fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B in the y-axis direction, the fastening direction is the y-axis direction.

Each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.8A and8Band inFIGS.9A and9Bmay include a first sealing member252. The first sealing member252may be disposed at a contact portion between the junction box220and the power controller230. Although disposed at different positions from each other, the first sealing member252of each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.8A and8Band inFIGS.9A and9Band the first sealing member252shown inFIG.3Chave the same shape and perform the same function as each other, and thus a description of the first sealing member252will be omitted.

Unlike the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.8A and8Band inFIGS.9A and9B, the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.10may include a first sealing member252and a third sealing member (not shown). The second sealing member254shown inFIG.5Cmay be disposed between the junction box220and the first annular cover260, whereas the third sealing member may be disposed between the power controller230and the second annular cover262. With this exception, the third sealing member has the same shape as the second sealing member254.

The second annular cover262may have the same shape as the first annular cover260shown inFIG.5C. Accordingly, the third sealing member may be disposed at a contact portion between the second annular cover262and the side portion of the power controller230to surround the second hollow portion262H. The third sealing member may be disposed at a contact portion between the power controller230and the second annular cover262, thereby sealing the second annular cover262and the power controller230from the outside.

In each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.8A,8B,9A,9B and10, the fastening members242and244directly fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B. According to another exemplary embodiment, the fastening members may indirectly fasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B via a terminal block. A fuel cell vehicle according to this exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view showing still another exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicle200E shown inFIG.2D. The fastening part shown inFIG.11may include a terminal block270, a first fastening member, and a second fastening member.

Unlike the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the fastening part of the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11may further include a terminal block270. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11is the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.8A and8B, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

In the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.6, the fastening space240may be located in the junction box220. However, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11, the fastening space240may be located in the interior B3of the power controller230. Accordingly, the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.6is structured such that the terminal block270may be located in the junction box220, whereas the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11is structured such that the terminal block270may be located in the interior B3of the power controller230. Further, the fastening direction in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.6is different from that in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11is the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.6, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

The terminal block270may be connected to the junction box220, and may protrude from the junction box220toward the power controller230in the horizontal direction. The terminal block270may include a second body B2and a terminal bus bar272. The first fastening member may directly fasten the first bus bar222and the first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272, and the second fastening member may directly fasten the second bus bar232and the second end portion E2of the terminal bus bar272.

A first screw part244A, which is the first fastening member, may pass through the first bus bar222and the first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272in the fastening direction (e.g. the x-axis direction) to be threaded with the first bus bar222and the first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272. A second screw part244B, which is the second fastening member, may pass through the second bus bar232and the second end portion E2of the terminal bus bar272in the fastening direction (e.g. the x-axis direction) to be threaded with the second bus bar232and the second end portion E2of the terminal bus bar272.

In the same method as the method in which the first and second screw parts242and244shown inFIG.3Dfasten the first bus bars222A and222B and the second bus bars232A and232B in a screw-coupling manner, the first screw part244A may fasten the first bus bar222and the first end portion E1of the terminal bus bar272in a screw-coupling manner, and the second screw part244B may fasten the second bus bar232and the second end portion E2of the terminal bus bar272in a screw-coupling manner. Thus, a duplicate description of the same parts will be omitted. As described above, the first bus bar222and the second bus bar232may be indirectly connected to each other via the terminal bus bar272, rather than being directly connected to each other.

FIG.12is a cross-sectional view showing still another exemplary embodiment of the fuel cell vehicle200D shown inFIG.2D. Unlike the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11, the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.12may further include a second annular cover262. Further, the fastening direction in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11and the fastening direction in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.12are different from each other. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.12is the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.11, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

In the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.7A and7B, the fastening space240may be located in the junction box220. However, in the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.12, the fastening space240may be located in the interior B3of the power controller230. With this exception, since the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.12is the same as the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.7A and7B, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted, and only parts that differ therebetween will be explained.

The second terminal bus bar272B shown inFIG.12may include a 2-1stterminal bus bar272B1and a 2-2ndterminal bus bar272B2. In particular, the 2-1stterminal bus bar272B1and the 2-2ndterminal bus bar272B2respectively correspond to the 2-1stterminal bus bar272B1and the 2-2ndterminal bus bar272B2shown inFIGS.7A and7B.

Although not shown, the terminal bus bar272shown inFIG.12may further include a first terminal bus bar272A. The first terminal bus bar may include a 1-1stterminal bus bar and a 1-2ndterminal bus bar, which respectively correspond to the 1-1stterminal bus bar272A1and the 1-2ndterminal bus bar272A2shown inFIGS.7A and7B.

The fastening part shown inFIG.12may include first and second fastening members, and the second fastening member may include a 2-1stscrew part242B and a 2-2ndscrew part244B. The 2-1stscrew part242B and the 2-2ndscrew part244B shown inFIG.12respectively correspond to the 2-1stscrew part242B and the 2-2ndscrew part244B shown inFIGS.7A and7B. Although not shown, the first fastening member shown inFIG.12may include a 1-1stscrew part242A and a 1-2ndscrew part244A, as shown inFIGS.7A and7B.

For parts that are not shown inFIG.12or are not described in detail, reference may be made to the description of the parts shown inFIGS.7A and7B. For example, the description of the 1-1stscrew part242A, the 1-2ndscrew part244A, the 2-1stscrew part242B, and the 2-2ndscrew part244B of the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIGS.7A and7Bmay also apply to the fuel cell vehicle shown inFIG.12.

Hereinafter, a fuel cell vehicle according to a comparative example and the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG.13is a partial side view of a fuel cell vehicle according to a first comparative example, which includes a fuel cell21, a junction box22, a power controller23, a connector, and a wire24. The fuel cell21, the junction box22, and the power controller23respectively perform the same functions as the fuel cell210, the junction box220, and the power controller230according to the exemplary embodiment, and thus a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of the first comparative example, the junction box22, which is located on the fuel cell21, and the power controller23, which is located under the fuel cell21, may be connected to each other via the connector and the wire24. However, in the case of the first comparative example, when driving parts, such as a motor speed reducer and a drive shaft, are disposed under the fuel cell21, the space under the fuel cell21may be insufficient to accommodate the power controller23therein.

Further, since it is necessary to secure space in which to dispose the connector and wire24, the design for arrangement of the fuel cell21, the junction box22, and the power controller23becomes complicated. Furthermore, since it is necessary to secure space for installation and removal of the connector and the wire24, freedom of design is limited, space utilization is deteriorated, and the process of manufacturing a fuel cell vehicle becomes complicated, resulting in an increase in manufacturing costs.

FIG.14is a partial side view of a fuel cell vehicle according to a second comparative example, which includes a fuel cell21, a junction box22, a power controller23, and a hood VH. The fuel cell21, the junction box22, and the power controller23respectively perform the same functions as the fuel cell210, the junction box220, and the power controller230according to the exemplary embodiment, and thus a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of the second comparative example, the junction box22and the power controller23are disposed on the fuel cell21. Therefore, when the junction box22and the power controller23are directly connected to each other by a bus bar, the connector and the wiring24provided in the first comparative example are not required.

However, as the minimum distance MD that the hood VH and the junction box22are spaced apart from each other in the z-axis direction, which is the vertical direction, decreases, the impact applied to a pedestrian who collides with a vehicle may increase. Further, when the minimum distance MD is not sufficient, it may be impossible to dispose the junction box22and the power controller23on the fuel cell21. Thus, the second comparative example shown inFIG.14may apply to a commercial vehicle having a profile different from that of the hood VH. However, the second comparative example may be difficult to apply to a vehicle in which the profile of the hood VH is gradually lowered in a direction approaching the front of the vehicle, that is, the minimum distance MD gradually decreases in a direction approaching the front of the vehicle. Further, a useless space27may be formed in the fuel cell vehicle according to the second comparative example, so space utilization may be deteriorated.

In contrast, in the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment, the junction box220may be disposed on the fuel cell210, the power controller230may be disposed at the rear side of the fuel cell210, and the first bus bar and the second bus bar may be fastened to each other by the fastening part in the fastening space240, which is located in the junction box220or the power controller230. Thus, the connector and the wire24shown inFIG.13are not required. Accordingly, compared to the first comparative example, the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment is advantageous in that connection between the first bus bar and the second bus bar is simplified, the volume of the fuel cell vehicle is minimal, efficiency of power transfer between the junction box220and the power controller230is improved, the design of the fuel cell vehicle is simplified, the cost of manufacturing the fuel cell vehicle is reduced, and the process of manufacturing the fuel cell vehicle is simplified.

In addition, unlike the first comparative example, in which the power controller23is disposed under the fuel cell21, the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment is structured such that the power controller230is disposed at the rear side of the fuel cell210, rather than under the fuel cell210, thereby improving utilization of space under the fuel cell210. In addition, unlike what is shown inFIG.14, the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment is not restricted with regard to the minimum distance MD, and is thus advantageously applied to a structure in which the profile of the hood VH is low. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment is capable of being applied to a vehicle, and a useless space27is not formed, whereby space utilization is improved.

In addition, when the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment has the configuration shown inFIG.2C, the horizontal spacing distance from the rear surface of the power controller230to a cowl panel CA decreases, thus making it possible to prevent deformation of the cowl panel CA in the event of a collision of the vehicle. As described above, the exemplary embodiment exhibits the advantages of the first and second comparative examples, and solves the problems with the first and second comparative examples.

In addition, each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.5A,7A,10and12requires not only the first sealing member252but also the second sealing member254, whereas each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3,4A,6,8A,9A and11requires only the first sealing member252but does not require the second sealing member254, thus exhibiting improved efficiency of assembly and airtightness, reduced manufacturing cost, and a simplified manufacturing process. In addition, each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.3,4A,6,8A,9A and11requires a tool to manipulate the fastening part, whereas each of the fuel cell vehicles shown inFIGS.5A,7A,10and12enables a user to manually manipulate the fastening part without requiring a tool, which is advantageous from the aspect of maintenance and repair.

As is apparent from the above description, the fuel cell vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment is advantageous in that connection between the first bus bar and the second bus bar is simplified, efficiency of power transfer is improved, the volume of the fuel cell vehicle is minimal, the design of the fuel cell vehicle is simplified, the cost of manufacturing the fuel cell vehicle is reduced, the process of manufacturing the fuel cell vehicle is simplified, and efficiency of utilization of space under the fuel cell is improved. In addition, the exemplary embodiment is capable of being applied to a vehicle, and a useless or unnecessary space is not formed under a hood, whereby space utilization is improved. In addition, it may be possible to prevent deformation of a cowl panel during a collision of the vehicle. In addition, the exemplary embodiment exhibits improved efficiency of assembly and airtightness, and facilitates maintenance and repair.

However, the effects achievable through the 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. The above-described various embodiments may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the present disclosure unless they are incompatible with each other. In addition, for any element or process that is not described in detail in any of the various embodiments, reference may be made to the description of an element or a process having the same reference numeral in another exemplary embodiment, unless otherwise specified.

While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, these exemplary embodiments are only proposed for illustrative purposes, and do not restrict the present disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. For example, respective configurations set forth in the exemplary embodiments may be modified and applied. Further, differences in such modifications and applications should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.