Abstract:
A fuel cartridge coupler to couple a cartridge body storing fuel to a fuel cell system, the fuel cartridge coupler including: a first coupling member arranged in the cartridge body; a second coupling member assembled with the first coupling member in the fuel cell system; a first nozzle assembly including a first fluid path to discharge fuel stored in the cartridge body, the fuel cartridge being elastically supported by the first coupling member and biased by the second coupling member to open and close the first fluid path; and a second nozzle assembly including a second fluid path to inject the fuel passing through the first fluid path into the fuel cell system, the second nozzle assembly being elastically supported by the second coupling member and biased by the first nozzle assembly to open and close the second fluid path.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. §119 from an application for FUEL CARTRIDGE COUPLING APPARATUS FOR FUEL CELL earlier filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on the 4 th  day of May 2006 and there duly assigned Serial No. 10-2006-0040677. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a fuel cartridge coupler for a fuel cell. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel cartridge coupler for mounting a fuel cartridge in a fuel cell system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Generally, a fuel cell system is an electrical power generating system for directly converting chemical reaction energy of a hydrocarbon material and an oxidant into electrical energy. 
     Fuel cell systems can be classified by whether they are Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) or Direct Oxidation Fuel Cells (DOFCs). 
     The PEMFC generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between a reforming gas supplied from a reformer and an oxidant supplied by driving a pump or a fan. 
     The reformer receives a liquid fuel of a hydrocarbon material, such as methanol or ethanol, and reforms the liquid fuel to generate a reforming gas containing hydrogen as a main ingredient. 
     Unlike the PEMFC, the reforming gas is not used in the DOFC, but rather a liquid fuel is directly supplied from a fuel supply source so as to generate electrical energy on the basis of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen contained in the fuel and the oxidant that is separately supplied. 
     In such a fuel cell system, the fuel supply source includes a fuel tank for storing the liquid fuel. This fuel tank is installed inside of a casing that defines the appearance of the system to supply the fuel to either the reformer or the DOFC. 
     Unfortunately, since the fuel tank is installed inside the casing of the fuel cell system, it cannot be easily exchanged and a recharging operation is difficult. Therefore, in view of the aforementioned problems, there is an urgent need to develop fuel cartridges that can be easily installed in the fuel cell system as well as exchanged in a convenient manner in order to commercialize the fuel cell system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a fuel cartridge coupler for a fuel cell which has a simple structure and can be easily installed in the fuel cell system. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, a fuel cartridge coupler to couple a cartridge body storing fuel to a fuel cell system is provided, the fuel cartridge coupler including: a first coupling member arranged in the cartridge body; a second coupling member assembled with the first coupling member in the fuel cell system; a first nozzle assembly including a first fluid path to discharge fuel stored in the cartridge body, the fuel cartridge being elastically supported by the first coupling member and biased by the second coupling member to open and close the first fluid path; and a second nozzle assembly including a second fluid path to inject fuel passing through the first fluid path into the fuel cell system, the second nozzle assembly being elastically supported by the second coupling member and biased by the first nozzle assembly to open and close the second fluid path. 
     The first coupling member preferably includes a first receptacle to support the first nozzle assembly and a second receptacle to support the second coupling member. The first coupling member preferably includes a first combining hole arranged in the first receptacle, the first combining hole arranged to allow the first nozzle assembly to pass therethrough. The first coupling member preferably has a cylindrical shape, and an inside diameter of the second receptacle is larger than that of the first receptacle. 
     An inside diameter of the first receptacle is preferably larger than that of the first coupling hole. 
     The first coupling member preferably has a step to divide the first and second receptacles. 
     The first nozzle assembly preferably includes: a first nozzle body inserted into the first coupling member to penetrate the first coupling member; and a first elastic member supportably mounted in the first coupling member and the first nozzle body to exert an elastic force on the first nozzle body. The first nozzle assembly preferably includes: a first nozzle body arranged in the first receptacle and passing through the first combining hole; and a second elastic member supportably mounted in the first coupling member and the first nozzle body to exert an elastic force on the first nozzle body. 
     The first nozzle body preferably includes a first portion having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the first combining hole and a second portion connected to the first portion in a single body and passing through the first combining hole. 
     The first fluid path is preferably arranged within an inside area of the first nozzle body and includes at least a first orifice arranged in the second portion and a second orifice arranged in the first portion. 
     An inside diameter of the second orifice is preferably larger than that of the first orifice. The first orifice is preferably selectively opened and closed by biasing the first nozzle body with the second coupling member. 
     The first nozzle assembly preferably includes a stopper arranged in the first nozzle body to prevent the first nozzle body from being removed from the first coupling member. The first nozzle assembly preferably includes an O-ring arranged in the second portion of the first nozzle body to prevent the first nozzle body from being removed from the first coupling member through the first combining hole. 
     The second coupling member preferably includes a third receptacle to support the second nozzle assembly. The second coupling member preferably includes a second combining hole arranged in the third receptacle to allow the second nozzle assembly to pass therethrough. The second coupling member preferably has a cylindrical shape, and an inside diameter of the third receptacle is larger than that of the second combining hole. The second coupling member is preferably inserted into the second receptacle of the first coupling member to bias the first nozzle assembly. The second coupling member preferably includes at least one O-ring arranged on an outer circumference of the second coupling member. 
     The second nozzle assembly preferably includes: a second nozzle body inserted into the second coupling member and penetrating the second coupling member; and a second elastic member supportably mounted in the second coupling member and the second nozzle body to exert an elastic force on the second nozzle body. The second nozzle assembly preferably includes: a second nozzle body inserted into the second coupling member and penetrating the second coupling member; and a second elastic member supportably mounted in the second coupling member and the second nozzle body to exert an elastic force on the second nozzle body, the second elastic member including a spring exerting an elastic force smaller than that of the first elastic member. The second nozzle assembly preferably includes: a second nozzle body arranged in the third receptacle and passing through the second combining hole; and a second elastic member supportably mounted in the second coupling member and the second nozzle body to exert an elastic force on the second nozzle body. The second nozzle body preferably includes a first portion having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the second combining hole and a second portion connected to the first portion in a single body and passing through the second combining hole, the second nozzle body being biased by the first nozzle assembly. 
     The second fluid path is preferably arranged within an inside area of the second nozzle body and includes at least a first orifice arranged in the second portion and a second orifice arranged in the first portion. An inside diameter of the second orifice is preferably larger than that of the first orifice. The first orifice is preferably selectively opened and closed by biasing the second nozzle body with the first nozzle assembly. 
     The second nozzle assembly preferably includes a stopper arranged in the second nozzle body to prevent the second nozzle body from being removed from the second coupling member. The second nozzle assembly preferably includes an O-ring arranged in the second portion of the second nozzle body to prevent the second nozzle body from being removed from the second combining hole. 
     The first coupling member preferably includes a step to divide the first and second receptacles and a first inclined face arranged in an interconnected portion between the first receptacle and the step. The first coupling member preferably includes a second inclined face having a tapered shape and arranged in an opening of the second receptacle. 
     The second coupling member preferably includes a third inclined face having a tapered shape and arranged in an opening of the third receptacle. 
     An inner wall surface of the second receptacle is preferably sloped such that an inside diameter of the second receptacle is reduced in a direction toward the first receptacle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the present invention, and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the present invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar components, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cartridge coupler for a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a combined cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cross-sectional views for describing functions of a fuel cartridge coupler for a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a combined cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge coupler for a fuel cell according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail so as to be easily implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cartridge coupler for a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 2  is a combined cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fuel cartridge coupler  100  according to the present embodiment is provided to install a cartridge body  1  for storing fuel in a fuel cell system  3 . 
     The fuel cartridge coupler  100  is installed to combine the cartridge body  1  with the fuel cell system  3 , and has a selectively detachable structure for attaching and detaching the cartridge body  1  to the fuel cell system  3 . 
     The cartridge body  1  has a space for storing the fuel and has a manifold  2  communicated to that storage space. The manifold  2  functions as a fuel outlet for discharging the fuel stored in the storage space. 
     The fuel cell system  3  can be applied to both Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and Direct Oxidation Fuel Cells (DOFCs). 
     A PEMFC includes a reformer (not shown) that reforms the fuel to generate a reforming gas composed of hydrogen as a main component and a fuel cell body (not shown) that generates electrical energy on the basis of an electrochemical reaction between a reforming gas and an oxidant. 
     Unlike the PEMC, the DOFC does not require the reformer but has a fuel cell body (not shown) that directly receives the fuel and generates electrical energy on the basis of the electrochemical reaction between the fuel and oxidant. 
     The fuel cell system  3  may include a manifold  4  connected to the reformer or the direct oxidation fuel cell body inside a casing  5  that defines the appearance of the system. The manifold functions as a fuel inlet that is interconnected with the reformer or in the direction of the oxidation fuel cell body to inject the fuel supplied from the cartridge body  1  to the reformer or the direct oxidation fuel cell body. 
     The aforementioned fuel cartridge coupler  100  for a fuel cell includes a first coupling member  10  installed in the cartridge body  1 , a second coupling member  30  installed in the fuel cell system  3 , a first nozzle assembly  50  elastically installed in the first coupling member  10 , and a second nozzle assembly  70  elastically installed in the second coupling member  30 . 
     The first coupling member  10  has a cylindrical shape, and is installed in the cartridge body  1  in a forcible fitting method or a screw-combining method so as to be connected to the manifold  2  of the cartridge body  1 . 
     The first coupling member  10  includes a first receptacle  11  for supporting the first nozzle assembly  50  and a second receptacle  12  for supporting the second coupling member  30 . 
     The first receptacle  11  has a circular groove shape with a predetermined inside diameter in the first coupling member  10 . The second receptacle  12  is connected to the first receptacle  11  and is stepped toward one end of the first coupling member  10 . The second receptacle  12  has a relatively larger inside diameter than that of the first receptacle  11 , and has a circular groove shape for providing an opening in one end of the first coupling member  10 . 
     As described above, since the second receptacle  12  has an inside diameter larger than that of the first receptacle  11  and is connected to the first receptacle  11 , the first and second receptacles  11  and  12  are interconnected through a step  13  that substantially divides them. 
     In the present embodiment, a first inclined face  14  having a tapered shape is provided between the first receptacle  11  and the step  13 . Furthermore, a second inclined face  15  having a tapered shape is provided in an opening of the second receptacle  12 . 
     The first and second inclined faces  14  and  15  are provided in consideration of a mechanical machining margin for the first nozzle assembly  50  and the second coupling member  30  in order to allow the first nozzle assembly  50  and the second coupling member  30  to be easily combined with the first coupling member  10 . 
     The first coupling member  10  has a first combining hole  16  formed in the first receptacle  11 . The first combining hole  16  is formed to have an opening in the other end of the first coupling member  10  where the manifold  2  is connected, and has an inside diameter relatively smaller than that of the first receptacle  11 . The first combining hole  16  is a circular hole where the first nozzle assembly  50 , which will be described later in detail, passes through. 
     In the present embodiment, the second coupling member  30  has a cylindrical shape and is installed in the casing  5  of the fuel cell system  3  in a forcible fitting method or a screw-combining method. Also, the second coupling member  30  is connected to the manifold  4  of the fuel cell system  3 . 
     The second coupling member  30  is inserted into the second receptacle  12  of the first coupling member  10  as a male-and-female connection, and has a plurality of O-rings  35  in its outer circumferential surface. 
     Each O-ring  35  is fitted into a combining trench  36  formed in an outer circumference of the second coupling member  30 . The O-ring  35  has not only a function of holding the second coupling member  30  with respect to the first coupling member  10  but also a function of sealing between an inner circumference of the second receptacle  12  and an outer circumference of the second coupling member  30 . 
     The second coupling member  30  includes a third receptacle  31  for supporting the second nozzle assembly  70 . The third receptacle  31  is an area where the second nozzle assembly  70  is inserted, and has a circular groove shape having an opening in one end of the second coupling member  30 . 
     The opening of the third receptacle  31  has a third inclined face  32  having a tapered shape. The third inclined face  32  is provided in consideration of a mechanical machining margin for the second nozzle assembly  70  to allow the second nozzle assembly  70  to be easily fitted into the second coupling member  30 . 
     The second coupling member  30  has a second combining hole  33  formed in the third receptacle  31 . The second combining hole  33  is openably formed in the other end of the second coupling member  30  connected to the manifold  4 , and has an inside diameter relatively smaller than that of the third receptacle  31 . The second combining hole  33  is a circular hole where the second nozzle assembly  70 , which will be described later in detail, passes through. 
     In the present embodiment, the first nozzle assembly  50  is provided to discharge the fuel stored in the cartridge body  1 , and is elastically supported by the first coupling member  10 . 
     The first nozzle assembly  50  includes a first nozzle body  51  that is inserted into and penetrates the first coupling member  10 , and a first elastic member  55  supported by the first coupling member  10  and the first nozzle body  51 . 
     The first nozzle body  51  is arranged inside the first receptacle  11  of the first coupling member  10 , and is inserted through the first combining hole  16  of the first coupling member  10 . The first nozzle body  51  has a first fluid path  52  for discharging the fuel stored in the cartridge body  1 . 
     The first nozzle body  51  includes a first portion  51   a  that has a disk shape having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first combining hole  16 , and a second portion  51   b  that is connected to the first portion  51   a  in a single body and has a bar shape passing through the first combining hole  16 . 
     In the second portion  51   b , an end of the first portion  51   a  is inserted into the manifold  2  of the cartridge body  1  through the first combining hole  16  of the first combining member  10 . 
     In the present embodiment, the first fluid path  52  is formed inside the first nozzle body  51 . The first fluid path  52  includes a pair of first orifices  52   a  formed in the second portion  51   b  and a second orifice  52   b  formed in the first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51  to provide a path interconnected between the pair of first orifices  52   a  and the second orifice  52   b.    
     The first fluid path  52  is elongated along a longitudinal direction of the second portion  51   b  and interconnected with the second orifice  52   b . Also, an end of the first fluid path  52  is vertically divided with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second portion  51   b  and interconnected with the pair of first orifices  52   a . In this case, the second orifice  52   b  of the first fluid path  52  has an inside diameter larger than that of the first orifice  52   a.    
     The first nozzle assembly  50  is provided with a stopper  53  mounted in the second portion  51   b  of the first nozzle body  51 . The stopper  53  prevents the first nozzle body  51  from being removed from the first coupling member  10  through the first combining hole  16 . 
     The stopper  53  includes an O-ring  54  mounted in an end of the second portion  51   b  that is to be combined with the manifold  2  of the cartridge body  1  through the first combining hole  16 . The O-ring  54  is inserted in a combining groove  51   c  formed in an end of the second portion  51   b  and sticks in the circumference of the first combining hole  16  so as to prevent the first nozzle body  51  from being removed from the first coupling member  10  through the first combining hole  16 . 
     The first elastic member  55  provides a predetermined elastic force to the first nozzle body  51  and is arranged inside the first receptacle  11  of the first coupling member  10 . 
     The first elastic member  55  includes a first coil spring  56  that winds the second portion  51   b  of the first nozzle body  51 . While its one end is supported by the circumference of the first combining hole  16 , the other end is supported by the first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51 . 
     Since the first nozzle body  51  has a stopper  53  in an end of the second portion  51   b , and the stopper  53  is stuck in the circumference of the first combining hole  16  as shown in  FIG. 3A  even when an elastic force is exerted from the first elastic member  55 , the first nozzle body  51  is not removed from the first coupling member  10  through the first combining hole  16  but is elastically supported by the first coupling member  10 . 
     In the present embodiment, the second nozzle assembly  70  is provided to inject the fuel discharged from the cartridge body  1  through the first fluid path  52  of the first nozzle assembly  50  into the reformer of the fuel cell system  3  or the direct oxidation fuel cell body. In addition, the second nozzle assembly  70  is elastically supported by the second coupling member  30 . 
     The second nozzle assembly  70  includes a second nozzle body  71  that is inserted into and penetrates the second coupling member  30  and a second elastic member  75  supported by the second coupling member  30  and the second nozzle body  71 . 
     The second nozzle body  71  is arranged in an inside area of the third receptacle  31  of the second coupling member  30 , and passes through the second combining hole  33  of the second coupling member  30 . The second nozzle body  71  includes a second fluid path  72  for injecting the fuel discharged from the cartridge body  1  through the first fluid path  52  of the first nozzle assembly  50  into the reformer of the fuel cell system  3  or the direct oxidation fuel cell body. 
     The second nozzle body  71  includes a first portion  71   a  that has a disk shape having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the second combining hole  33 , and a second portion  71   b  that has a bar shape connected to the first portion  71   a  in a single body and passes through the second combining hole  33 . 
     In the second portion  71   b , an end of the first portion  71   a  passes through the second combining hole  33  of the second coupling member  30  and is arranged inside the manifold  4  of the fuel cell system  3 . The first portion  71   a  of the second nozzle body  71  makes contact with the first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51  when the first and second coupling members  10  and  30  are combined with each other. The first portion  71   a  of the second nozzle body  71  has an outer diameter larger than that of the first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51 . 
     In the present embodiment, the second fluid path  72  is provided inside the second nozzle body  71 . The second fluid path  72  includes a pair of first orifices  72   a  formed in the second portion  71   b  and a second orifice  72   b  formed in the first portion of the second nozzle body  71 , so that the pair of first orifices  72   a  and the second orifice  72   b  are interconnected with each other. 
     The second fluid path  72  is elongated along a longitudinal direction of the second portion  71   b  and interconnected to the second orifice  72   b . Also, an end of the second fluid path  72  is vertically divided with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second portion  71   b  and is interconnected with the pair of first orifices  72   a . In this case, the second orifice  72   b  of the second fluid path  72  has an inside diameter larger than that of the first orifice  72   a  and equal to that of the second orifice  52   b  of the first fluid path  52 . 
     The second nozzle assembly  70  is provided with a stopper  73  mounted in the second portion  71   b  of the second nozzle body  71 . The stopper  73  prevents the first nozzle body  71  from being removed from the second coupling member  30  through the second combining hole  33 . 
     The stopper  73  includes an O-ring  74  mounted in an end of the second portion  71   b  that is to be combined with the manifold  4  of the fuel cell system  3  through the second combining hole  33 . The O-ring  74  is inserted in the combining groove  71   c  formed in an end of the second portion  71   b  and sticks in the circumference of the first combining hole  33  so as to prevent the second nozzle body  71  from being removed from the second coupling member  30  through the second combining hole  33 . 
     The second elastic member  75  provides a predetermined elastic force to the second nozzle body  71 , and is arranged inside the third receptacle  31  of the second coupling member  30 . The second elastic member  75  includes a second coil spring  76  that winds the second portion  71   b  of the second nozzle body  71 . While its one end is supported by the circumference of the second combining hole  33 , the other end is supported by the first portion  71   a  of the second nozzle body  71 . 
     Since the second nozzle body  71  has a stopper  53  in an end of the second portion  71   b , and the stopper  53  is stuck in the circumference of the second combining hole  33  as shown in  FIG. 3A  even when an elastic force is exerted from the second elastic member  75 , the second nozzle body  71  is not removed from the second coupling member  30  through the second combining hole  33  and is elastically supported by the second coupling member  30 . 
     In the present embodiment, preferably, the second coil spring  76  supports the second nozzle body  71  with an elastic force smaller than that of the first coil spring  56  of the first nozzle assembly  50 . This is preferable in order to bias the second nozzle body  71  to the first nozzle body  51  while the first portion  71   a  of the second nozzle body  71  fays to the first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51  to assemble the first and second coupling members  10  and  30  with each other. 
     The operation of the fuel cartridge coupler for a fuel cell having the aforementioned structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , the first nozzle body  51  is elastically supported by the first coupling member  10  by means of the first coil spring  56 . 
     In the first nozzle body  51 , an end of the second portion  51   b  is intruded to the first combining hole  16  as an elastic force of the first coil spring  56  is exerted toward the second receptacle  12  of the first coupling member  10 . 
     The first nozzle body  51  is not removed from the first coupling member  10  through the first combining hole  16  while the stopper  53  is stuck in the circumference of the first combining hole  16 . 
     The first orifice  52   a  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the first fluid path  52  is closed by the inner circumference of the first combining hole  16  as an end of the second portion  51   b  of the first nozzle body  51  is intruded into the first combining hole  16 . The first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51  is located at an inside space of the second receptacle  12 . 
     The second nozzle body  71  is elastically supported by the second coupling member  30  by means of the second coil spring  76 . In the second nozzle body  71 , an end of the second portion  71   b  is intruded into the second combining hole  33  as an elastic force of the second coil spring  76  is exerted toward an opening of the third receptacle  31 . Therefore, the second nozzle body  71  is not removed from the second coupling member  30  through the second combining hole  33  as the stopper  73  is stuck in the circumference of the second combining hole  33 . 
     The first orifice  72   a  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the second fluid path  72  is closed by the inner circumference of the second combining hole  33  as an end of the second portion  71   b  of the second nozzle body  71  is intruded into the second combining hole  33 . The first portion  71   a  of the second nozzle body  71  is outwardly protruded from the opening of the third receptacle  31 . 
     In this state, the second coupling member  30  is inserted into the second receptacle  12  of the first coupling member  10  in order to install the cartridge body  1  in the fuel cell system  3 . 
     The second coupling member  30  can be easily inserted into the second receptacle  12  in spite of a mechanical machining margin due to the second inclined face  15  having a tapered shape in an opening of the second receptacle  12  of the first coupling member  10 . 
     In this process, the first portion  71   a  of the second nozzle body  71  fays to the first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51 . Simultaneously, the second orifice  72   b  of the second fluid path  72  is interconnected with the second orifice  52   b  of the first fluid path  52  of the first nozzle body  51 . 
     In this case, since the second orifice  52   b  of the first fluid path  52  and the second orifice  72   b  of the second fluid path  72  have an inside diameter larger than that of the first orifices  52   a  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), a path for interconnecting the first orifices  51   a  and  72   b  can be easily provided in spite of a mechanical machining margin in the first and second nozzle bodies  51  and  71 . 
     Subsequently, since the elastic force of the second coil spring is smaller than that of the first coil spring  56  as shown in  FIG. 3B , the second nozzle body  71  moves opposite to the insertion direction of the second coupling member  30  against the elastic force of the second coil spring  76  by the thickness of the first portion  71   a . As a result, the first portion  71   a  of the second nozzle body  71  is located at an inside area of the third receptacle  31  of the second coupling member  30 . 
     Accordingly, the first orifice  72   a  of the second fluid path  72  is interconnected with the manifold  4  of the fuel cell system  3  as an end of the second portion  71   b  of the second nozzle body  71  is protruded from the second combining hole  33  by the thickness of the first portion  71   a.    
     While the first orifice  72   a  of the second fluid path  72  is opened as described above, the second coupling member  30  fays to the first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51 . 
     Subsequently, the first nozzle body  51  is pressed by the second coupling member  30  as shown in  FIG. 2  and moves opposite to the insertion direction of the second coupling member  30  against the elastic force of the first coil spring  56  by the thickness of the first portion  51   a.    
     The insertion of the second coupling member  30  stops by the step  13  of the first coupling member  10 . As a result, the first portion  51   a  of the first nozzle body  51  is located in an inside area of the first receptacle  11  of the first coupling member  10 . 
     The first orifice  52   a  of the first fluid path  51  is interconnected with the manifold  2  of the cartridge body  1  as an end of the second portion  51   b  of the first nozzle body  51  is protruded from the first combining hole  16  by the thickness of the first portion  51   a.    
     Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the first fluid path  52  of the first nozzle body  51  is interconnected with the manifold  2  of the cartridge body  1 , and the second fluid path  72  of the second nozzle body  71  is interconnected with the manifold  4  of the fuel cell system  3 . As a result, the first and second fluid paths  51  and  72  constitute a single path. 
     Accordingly, the fuel stored in the cartridge body  1  can be supplied to the reformer of the fuel cell system  3  or the direct oxidation fuel cell body through the first and second fluid paths  51  and  72 . 
       FIG. 4  is a combined cross-sectional view illustrating a fuel cartridge coupler for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the fuel cartridge coupler  200  according to the present embodiment includes a first coupling member  110  having a second receptacle  112  of which an inner wall surface is sloped toward a first receptacle  111 . 
     In the present embodiment, the inner wall surface of the second receptacle  112  is sloped such that its inside diameter is reduced from the opening to the first receptacle. The slope in the inner wall surface allows the second coupling member  130  inserted into the second receptacle  112  to be smoothly guided toward the first receptacle  111 . 
     According to the present embodiment, since the inner wall surface of the second receptacle  112  is sloped when the second coupling member  130  is inserted into the second receptacle  112  of the first coupling member  110 , the O-ring  135  mounted in the second coupling member  130  is pressed by the inner wall surface so that a mechanical machining margin of the O-ring  135  of can be compensated for. The mechanical machining margin of the O-ring  135  refers to errors in machining dimensions or machining strengths. 
     In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the second coupling member  130  is guided along the inner wall surface of the second receptacle  112  and inserted into the second receptacle  112 , it is possible to compensate for the mechanical machining margins of the first and second coupling members  110  and  130 . 
     Other constructions and functions of the fuel cartridge coupler  200  for a fuel cell according to the present embodiment are similar to those of the former embodiment, so they will not be described. 
     According to the present embodiment, since the cartridge body can be conveniently installed in the fuel cell system, it is possible to conveniently exchange the fuel cartridge and conveniently charge the fuel. Therefore, the infrastructure of the fuel cartridge can be constructed, and usability and reliability of the fuel cell system can be further improved. 
     Although the exemplary embodiments and the modified examples of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples, but may be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the appended claims, the detailed description, and the accompanying drawings of the present invention. Therefore, it is natural that such modifications belong to the scope of the present invention.