Device for making rapid connections and disconnections between high voltage battery modules and other motor vehicle systems

A method of connecting a battery module to a vehicle comprising:

• aligning a first portion of the battery module and a second portion of the battery module such that a first locator on the first portion of the battery module is aligned with a corresponding second locator on the second portion of the battery module;
• moving the second portion of the battery module toward the first portion of the battery module;
• and
• applying pressure to the second portion of the battery module for
• securing the second portion of the battery module to the first portion of the battery module by:
• mating a first pair of high voltage electrical connectors with a second pair of high voltage electrical connectors, and
• mating a first general electrical connector with a second general electrical connector, wherein the applying pressure to the second portion of the battery module
• step further comprises:
• applying pressure until a first pair of fluid connectors mate with a second pair of fluid connectors;
• and
• activating a solenoid actuator operably connected to the second pair of fluid connectors for
• releasing a mechanical lock associated with the second pair of fluid connectors when pressure is applied to the second portion of the battery module for
• mating the first pair of fluid connectors with the second pair of fluid connectors;
• further comprising the step of
• connecting the solenoid actuator to an actuator link;
• movably-arranging the actuator link within an actuator guide for effecting translating movement of the actuator link to a pair of sliding sleeves arranged on the second pair of fluid connectors relative to a main body of the second pair of fluid connectors for executing the activating step;
• and
• releasing the mechanical lock.