DE102023106909A1 - Seal arrangement and plate stack arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealing arrangement for sealing a space located in a plate stack arrangement, wherein the plate stack arrangement can be, for example, a fuel cell stack or a part of a fuel cell stack and the space can be a space located therein, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises the following: a sealing element for delimiting the space in at least one direction, and a compression protection unit for protecting the sealing element from irreversible deformation when the plate stack arrangement is compressed along a plate stack longitudinal axis.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology. It particularly relates to plate stack arrangements, e.g. in the form of a fuel cell stack, which can withstand strong forces particularly well.

The documents US 2020/0388858 A1 , WO 2019/076813 A1 , US 2021/0194019 A1 and US 2022/0037680 A1 also concern the field of fuel cell technology. However, the technical teachings described therein do not offer completely satisfactory solutions, particularly in the case of strong forces that can occur in motor vehicles, for example in accidents caused by strong decelerations. The same applies to stationary applications, e.g. for forces acting during earthquakes.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a plate stack arrangement, e.g. in the form of a fuel cell stack, and components therefor that are easy to manufacture and durable and safe even when subjected to strong forces. In particular, they should withstand forces acting along the plate stack's longitudinal axis particularly well.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the sealing arrangement according to the relevant independent claim.

The sealing arrangement is a sealing arrangement for sealing a space in a plate stack arrangement.

The plate stack assembly may be any plate stack assembly in which there is a need to seal a space within the plate stack assembly.

Preferably, the plate stack arrangement can be a fuel cell stack, a part of a fuel cell stack, an electrolysis cell stack, a part of an electrolysis cell stack, a heat exchanger plate stack or a part of a heat exchanger plate stack.

Electrolysis cell stacks are known to be installed in electrolyzers, which are used in particular for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Heat exchanger plate stacks are known to be installed in plate heat exchangers, which are often colloquially referred to as plate heat exchangers or plate coolers.

The plate stack assembly may, for example, be a fuel cell stack or part of a fuel cell stack.

The space may be a space located in the fuel cell stack or the part of the fuel cell stack, in the electrolysis cell stack or the part of the electrolysis cell stack, in the heat exchanger plate stack or the part of the heat exchanger plate stack.

For example, the plate stack assembly may be a fuel cell stack or part of a fuel cell stack and the space may be a space therein.

• - ein Dichtelement zur Begrenzung des Raumes in wenigstens eine Richtung, und
• - eine Kompressionsschutzeinheit zum Schutz des Dichtelements vor einer irreversiblen Verformung bei einer Kompression der Plattenstapelanordnung entlang einer Plattenstapellängsachse.

The sealing arrangement may in particular comprise:

• - a sealing element for delimiting the space in at least one direction, and
• - a compression protection unit for protecting the sealing element against irreversible deformation during compression of the plate stack arrangement along a plate stack longitudinal axis.

The term “in particular” is used in this description and the appended claims to describe optional features.

The sealing element can be particularly suitable for delimiting the space in at least one direction. It can be advantageous if the sealing element can surround the space or part of the space.

The space can in particular be a plate gap which lies between plates of the plate stack arrangement.

Especially if the space is the space between the panels, the sealing element can surround the space.

The space can be a feedthrough space extending through at least one plate of the plate stack arrangement. The feedthrough space can, for example, extend through at least one feedthrough opening of at least one plate of the plate stack arrangement.

If the space is the feedthrough space, the sealing element can surround a part of the feedthrough space, e.g. in a ring shape.

It may be advantageous if the sealing arrangement comprises a first sealing element and a second sealing element, wherein the first sealing element can surround a space between the plates and the second sealing element can surround at least part of a feedthrough space.

The second sealing element can be arranged between the space between the plates and the feedthrough space and can completely or partially separate the space between the plates from the feedthrough space. The second sealing element can have at least one passage through which a fluid-conducting connection can be created or exists between the space between the plates and the feedthrough space.

The compression protection unit included in the sealing arrangement is a compression protection unit for protecting the sealing element from irreversible deformation during compression of the plate stack arrangement along a plate stack longitudinal axis.

If the sealing arrangement comprises the first sealing element and the second sealing element, the compression protection unit is in particular a compression protection unit for protecting the first sealing element and the second sealing element from irreversible deformation upon compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

When reference is made herein to “a sealing element” or “the sealing element”, this may mean, for example, the first and/or the second sealing element, each independently of the other.

The sealing element can preferably be a sealing element which is reversibly deformable in the case of a weaker compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack longitudinal axis and irreversibly deformable in the case of a stronger compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

If the plate stack arrangement is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis, the sealing element within the plate stack arrangement can be compressed in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis. If the plate stack arrangement is strongly compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis, the sealing element can be strongly compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

During regular operation of a device, e.g. a motor vehicle, in which the plate stack arrangement is installed, only small forces occur along the plate stack's longitudinal axis, so that the sealing element is only compressed relatively weakly. This can typically lead to reversible deformation of the sealing element.

If the device, e.g. the motor vehicle, in which the plate stack arrangement is installed is subjected to particularly strong accelerations or decelerations, e.g. in the event of an accident, large forces or force components can act along the plate stack's longitudinal axis. The compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack's longitudinal axis can be correspondingly greater, so that irreversible deformation of the sealing element can occur.

The compression protection unit can in particular be a compression protection unit for protecting the sealing element against irreversible deformation in the event of compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack longitudinal axis occurring in the event of an accident.

The compression protection unit can be a single compression protection unit. The single compression protection unit can provide protection for the sealing element in particular without a corresponding additional compression protection (sub)unit. The compression protection unit can rise from a plate plane of a plate of the plate stack arrangement towards an adjacent plate of the plate stack arrangement.

It is preferred if the compression protection unit has two compression protection subunits. At least one of the two compression protection subunits can rise, for example, from a plate plane of at least one plate in the direction of the other compression protection subunit or into the other compression protection subunit. The other compression protection subunit can rise, for example, from a plate plane of an adjacent plate plane.

Any sealing element that can limit the space in at least one direction can be considered as a sealing element.

In particular, any sealing element which can surround the space or at least part of the space can be considered as a sealing element.

Experts are aware of various sealing elements and materials suitable for their manufacture, which are suitable for sealing a space in a plate stack arrangement, e.g. the described space between the plates or the described feedthrough space.

It can be advantageous if the sealing element has a sealing bead.

The sealing bead can be a perimeter bead. The perimeter bead can delimit the space, in particular the space between the panels, from the surroundings of the panel stack arrangement.

The sealing bead can be a port bead. The port bead can cover at least part of the passage The port bead can, for example, delimit at least part of the feedthrough space and, for example, separate it from a space between panels.

The sealing bead is preferably formed from a plate of the plate stack arrangement.

The sealing bead can, for example, be formed from a separator plate of the fuel cell stack.

It can be advantageous if the sealing element has two sealing beads facing each other. The two sealing beads facing each other can be formed from two adjacent plates of the plate stack arrangement.

Advantageously, each of the two sealing beads can be formed from one of the adjacent plates and can rise towards the other sealing bead from the respective plate plane of the respective plate. For example, each of the two sealing beads can be formed from one of the adjacent separator plates and can rise towards the other sealing bead from the respective plate plane of the separator plate.

The term plate plane refers in particular to a plane aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack, which can extend, for example, centrally through an associated plate, e.g. through connection zones in which two plate elements of a plate can be connected to one another.

It can be particularly advantageous if the compression protection unit has a first compression protection element and a second compression protection element.

• - ein Sickenelement aufweist; und/oder
• - eine mehrlagige Kompressionsschutzzone aufweist; und/oder
• - ein Erhebungselement und ein Vertiefungselement aufweist, wobei ein Teil einer Erhebung des Erhebungselements in eine Vertiefung des Vertiefungselements aufgenommen ist.

It can be particularly advantageous if the compression protection unit

• - has a beading element; and/or
• - has a multi-layer compression protection zone; and/or
• - has a raised element and a recessed element, wherein a part of a raised element of the raised element is received in a recess of the recessed element.

The compression protection unit can have the bead element. Alternatively or additionally, the compression protection unit can have the multi-layer compression protection zone. Alternatively or additionally, the compression protection unit can have the elevation element and the recess element, wherein a part of an elevation of the elevation element is received in a recess of the recess element.

It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit has the bead element and the bead element is formed from one or the plate of the plate stack arrangement. The bead element can be formed, for example, from one or the separator plate of the fuel cell stack. The bead element can preferably be formed from the plate of the plate stack arrangement from which the sealing bead or at least one sealing bead is also formed.

Preferably, at least one compression protection unit or at least a part or at least a section of the at least one compression protection unit is arranged or formed in an edge zone. The edge zone extends from the sealing element to an edge. The edge limits the surface area of one or the plate of the plate stack arrangement. In particular, the edge can limit the surface area of the plate of the plate stack arrangement on which the at least one compression protection unit is arranged or from which the at least one compression protection unit is formed.

The statement that a feature of the sealing arrangement, e.g. a sealing bead or a bead element, is formed from a plate or a separator plate can in particular mean that the feature of the sealing arrangement, e.g. the sealing bead or the bead element, is formed from a plate element of the plate or the separator plate.

As explained in more detail herein, particularly in connection with the plate stack arrangement according to the invention, a plate, e.g. a separator plate, can have two plate elements that are indirectly or directly, e.g. directly, connected to one another.

Preferably, the bead element can form at least one of the two compression protection elements.

It is preferred if the bead element forms the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element.

Preferably, the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element are arranged such that when the plate stack arrangement is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis, compression of the first compression protection element begins before compression of the second compression protection element begins.

It is preferred if the bead element has two flanks of different heights and the higher flank forms the first compression protection element or extends to the first compression protection element.

It is particularly preferred if the bead element has two flanks of different heights and the higher flank forms the first compression protection element or extends to the first compression protection element and the lower flank forms the second compression protection element or extends to the second compression protection element.

Preferably, a more raised zone of the bead element can form the first compression protection element and a less raised zone of the bead element can form the second compression protection element. The more raised zone can be more raised from a plate plane of a plate than the less raised zone. The plate can be the plate from which the bead element is or can be formed.

This can cause compression of the first compression protection element to begin during compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack longitudinal axis before compression of the second compression protection element can begin.

Advantageously, the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element can be designed such that when the plate stack arrangement is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis, a compression of the second compression protection element requires a higher force wall and/or energy expenditure than a compression of the first compression protection element.

The amount of force required to compress the respective compression protection element can be measured by increasing the force acting on the respective compression protection element along the longitudinal axis of the plate stack until the respective compression protection element begins to compress. To do this, a flat surface of a test body can be pressed onto a section of the compression protection element with increasing force.

The compression of the second compression protection element requires a greater effort if, after compression of the first compression protection element has begun, compression of the second protection element begins and a greater effort is required at the start of compression of the second compression protection element than at the start of compression of the first compression protection element.

Preferably, the compression of the second compression protection element can require at least twice as much force, in particular at least four times as much force, e.g. a force wall at least eight times as large, than a compression of the first compression protection element.

Preferably, the compression of the second compression protection element may require at least twice as much energy expenditure, in particular at least four times as much energy expenditure, e.g. at least eight times as much energy expenditure, than a compression of the first compression protection element.

The energy required for the respective compression of one of the compression protection elements can be determined by integrating the force required for the compression over the compression distance. The energy required for the compression of the first compression protection element can in particular be the energy required for the compression of the first compression protection element until compression of the second compression protection element begins.

The energy expenditure required for the compression of the second compression protection element can be the energy expenditure required for a further compression of the second compression protection element after the compression of the first compression protection element has taken place.

It may be advantageous if the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element are designed and/or arranged such that when the plate stack arrangement is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis, compression of at least the first compression protection element begins before irreversible deformation of the sealing element occurs.

It may be preferred if, during compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack longitudinal axis, a compression of the first and a compression of the second compression protection element begins before an irreversible deformation of the sealing element occurs.

It is easily possible for experts to determine the compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack longitudinal axis at which irreversible deformation of the density element ments begins. It is also easily possible for experts to adapt the height and shape of a compression protection element to the sealing element in such a way that compression of at least the first compression protection element begins before irreversible deformation of the sealing element occurs, or that compression of the first and compression of the second compression protection element begins before irreversible deformation of the sealing element occurs.

It may be preferred if the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element are designed such that when the plate stack arrangement is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis, a reversible deformation of the sealing element begins before compression of the two compression protection elements occurs.

It may be preferred if the beading element forms at least one of several compression protection elements and an absorption material arranged on a surface of the beading element forms another of several compression protection elements.

It may be preferred if the bead element forms at least the first compression protection element and an absorption material arranged on a surface of the bead element forms the second compression protection element.

It may be preferred if the beading element forms at least the second compression protection element and an absorption material arranged on a surface of the beading element forms the first compression protection element.

The absorption material can be arranged on an inner surface of the beading element.

The absorption material can be arranged on an outer surface of the beading element.

It can be advantageous if the beading element forms a first of several compression protection elements, e.g. forms the first compression protection element, and an absorption material arranged on an inner surface of the beading element forms a further one of several compression protection elements, in particular a second one of several compression protection elements, e.g. forms the second compression protection element.

It can be advantageous if the bead element forms at least one of several compression protection elements, in particular a second of several compression protection elements, e.g. the second compression protection element, and an absorption material arranged on an outer surface of the bead element forms a first of several compression protection elements, e.g. the first compression protection element.

The absorption material arranged on the inner surface of the bead element can occupy a part of the recess of the bead element leading to the inner surface of the bead element.

The absorption material arranged on the inner surface of the bead element can completely occupy a recess of the bead element leading to the inner surface of the bead element.

The sealing bead can have several walls. Preferably, two of the walls of the sealing element are inclined differently to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack. It can be particularly preferred if two of the walls are inclined in opposite directions to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack. It can be particularly preferred if two of the walls are inclined in opposite directions and to the same extent to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack. A third wall of the sealing bead can connect the two other walls.

The two walls of the sealing bead, which are inclined at different angles to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack, can form flanks or legs of the sealing bead. The flanks or legs of the sealing bead can be connected via the third wall.

The third wall of the sealing bead can be aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack.

The sealing bead can be a full bead or can include a full bead.

The sealing bead can be a half-bead or can include a half-bead.

The bead element can have several walls, preferably at least three walls. Two of the walls of the bead element can be inclined differently to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack. These two walls of the bead element can be inclined in opposite directions to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack. These two walls of the bead element can be inclined in opposite directions to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack and to the same extent. These two walls of the bead element can be flanks or legs of the bead element. A third wall of the bead element can connect the two flanks or legs.

It can be advantageous if the third wall of the bead element is not aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack.

It can be advantageous if a recess is formed in a wall of the bead element, e.g. in the third wall of the bead element. The recess can be formed in the same direction or in the opposite direction to the bead element.

If the recess is formed in the same direction as the bead element, this can in particular mean that an inner surface of the bead element merges into an inner surface of the recess.

If the recess is formed in the opposite direction to the bead element, the recess can extend from an outer surface of the bead element into the bead element.

• - das Dichtelement wenigstens einen breiteren und wenigstens einen schmaleren Dichtelement-Abschnitt aufweist, wobei eine Breite des Dichtelements in dem breiteren Dichtelement-Abschnitt größer ist als eine Breite des Dichtelements in dem schmaleren Dichtelement-Abschnitt;

und/oder

• - die Kompressionsschutzeinheit wenigstens einen breiteren und wenigstens einen schmaleren Kompressionsschutzeinheit-Abschnitt aufweist, wobei eine Breite der Kompressionsschutzeinheit in dem breiteren Kompressionsschutzeinheit-Abschnitt größer ist als eine Breite der Kompressionsschutzeinheit in dem schmaleren Kompressionsschutzeinheit-Abschnitt;

und/oder

• - das Dichtelement wenigstens einen höheren und wenigstens einen niedrigeren Dichtelement-Abschnitt aufweist, wobei eine Höhe des Dichtelements in dem höheren Dichtelement-Abschnitt größer ist als eine Breite des Dichtelements in dem niedrigeren Dichtelement-Abschnitt;

und/oder

• - die Kompressionsschutzeinheit wenigstens einen höheren und wenigstens einen niedrigeren Kompressionsschutzeinheit-Abschnitt aufweist, wobei eine Höhe der Kompressionsschutzeinheit in dem höheren Kompressionsschutzeinheit-Abschnitt größer ist als eine Höhe der Kompressionsschutzeinheit in dem niedrigeren Kompressionsschutzeinheit-Abschnitt.

It can be advantageous if

• - the sealing element has at least one wider and at least one narrower sealing element section, wherein a width of the sealing element in the wider sealing element section is greater than a width of the sealing element in the narrower sealing element section;

and/or

• - the compression protection unit has at least one wider and at least one narrower compression protection unit section, wherein a width of the compression protection unit in the wider compression protection unit section is greater than a width of the compression protection unit in the narrower compression protection unit section;

and/or

• - the sealing element has at least one higher and at least one lower sealing element section, wherein a height of the sealing element in the higher sealing element section is greater than a width of the sealing element in the lower sealing element section;

and/or

• - the compression protection unit has at least one higher and at least one lower compression protection unit section, wherein a height of the compression protection unit in the higher compression protection unit section is greater than a height of the compression protection unit in the lower compression protection unit section.

A section of the sealing element is referred to herein as a sealing element section.

A compression protection unit section is referred to herein as a section of the compression protection unit.

Widths of the sealing element or the compression protection unit can be measured in the respective section orthogonally to the main extension direction of the sealing element or the compression protection unit there and parallel to the respective plate plane, e.g. in the respective plate plane. The width can preferably be a width that can be measured at the base of the sealing element or the compression protection unit.

The height of the sealing element or the compression protection unit is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate stack.

It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit has the multi-layer compression protection zone.

It can be particularly advantageous if the compression protection unit has the multi-layer compression protection zone, wherein at least a portion of the multi-layer compression protection zone is arranged or formed in the edge zone.

It may be preferred if the at least one section of the multi-layer compression protection zone in the edge zone is at least partially formed from the plate or the plate element.

Preferably, a first and a second layer of the multi-layer compression protection zone can be formed by the same plate. Both layers can extend from an edge that limits the surface area of the plate. It is preferred if the sealing bead is formed from a first of the two layers and the second of the two layers extends from the edge in the direction of the sealing bead. Advantageously, the second layer, which extends from the edge in the direction of the sealing bead, cannot reach as far as the sealing bead.

It can be advantageous if the multi-layer compression protection zone of the compression protection unit has the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element.

It may be advantageous if a multi-layer compression protection zone is formed on one portion of the edge and no multi-layer compression protection zone is formed on another portion of the edge.

It can be particularly advantageous if one section of the multi-layer compression protection zone is wider than another section of the multi-layer compression protection zone. It can be preferred if in the wider section of the multi-layer compression protection zone the second of the layers extends further from the edge in the direction of the sealing element than in the other section of the multi-layer compression protection zone.

It may be preferred if the wider section or the other less wide section of the multi-layer compression protection zone forms the first compression protection element. For example, the wider section of the multi-layer compression protection zone can form the first compression protection element and the other less wide section of the multi-layer compression protection zone can form the second compression protection element. Alternatively, the wider section of the multi-layer compression protection zone can form the second compression protection element and the other less wide section of the multi-layer compression protection zone can form the first compression protection element.

A material can be arranged in the multi-layer compression protection zone. The material can be a filling material and/or an absorption material. The material, e.g. the filling material or the absorption material, can contain a plastic material or can be a plastic material. The material can have pores.

The material, e.g. the absorption material or the filling material, can be arranged between the first and the second layer of the multi-layer compression protection zone or can extend into a region of the multi-layer compression protection zone present between the first and the second layer of the multi-layer compression protection zone.

The first and the second layer of the multi-layer compression protection zone can be formed by the same plate, e.g. by flanging, whereby both layers extend from the edge delimiting the surface area of the plate, e.g. the flanged edge.

The first and the second layer of the multi-layer compression protection zone can be formed by the same plate element of the plate, e.g. by flanging, wherein both layers of the plate element extend from the edge delimiting the surface area of the plate, e.g. flanged edge.

The described design options for compression protection units with multi-layer compression protection zones, where a multi-layer compression protection zone is formed on one section of the edge and no multi-layer compression protection zone is formed on another section of the edge and/or where one section of the multi-layer compression protection zone is wider than another section of the multi-layer compression protection zone, have proven to be particularly advantageous with regard to flanging, since the sections without a multi-layer compression protection zone or with a narrower multi-layer compression protection zone make flanging easier. In particular, it was shown that any distortion of plates that can result from flanging can be particularly low and thus ultimately particularly precise plate stack arrangements with reliable sealing of the spaces located therein can be obtained.

It can be particularly advantageous if the two layers extend from the edge that delimits the surface area of the plate, with at least one section of one of the two layers being inclined to another section of the other of the two layers. The angle of inclination that the two layers assume in relation to one another in these two sections can be, for example, at least 5°, in particular at least 8°, e.g. at least 12°. The angle of inclination that the two layers assume in relation to one another in these two sections can be, for example, at most 70°, in particular at most 60°, e.g. at most 45°.

A first compression protection element can be formed where the two layers are further apart from each other. The second compression protection element can be formed where the two layers are closer together.

At least one of the two layers can be coated. At least one of the two layers can preferably be coated on a surface facing the other layer. The coating can be applied before flanging.

Both layers can be coated. The two layers can be coated on surfaces facing each other.

At least one of the two layers can be coated on both sides.

Both layers can be coated on both sides.

By specifically adjusting the thickness of the coatings and by specifically selecting the number of coatings, the thickness of the multi-layer compression protection zone can be specifically adjusted. In particular, it can be specifically adjusted so that when the plate stack arrangement is compressed along the plate stack's longitudinal axis, irreversible deformation of the sealing element is reliably prevented by the areas in which multi-layer compression protection zones of adjacent plates are present abutting against one another before irreversible deformation of the sealing element can occur.

It may be advantageous if the compression protection unit has the elevation element and the recess element, wherein a part of an elevation of the elevation element is received in a recess of the recess element.

The raised element and the recessed element can each be a beaded element.

The recess element can be a recess element of both plate elements of a plate, in which the two plate elements of a plate can be bent in the same direction.

The raised element can rise from an adjacent plate into the recessed element.

• - wenn eine Erhebungshöhe der Erhebung größer ist als eine Vertiefungstiefe der Vertiefung

und/oder

• - wenn Flanken der Erhebung in der Vertiefung zu Flanken der Vertiefung beabstandet sind, wobei die Flanken der Erhebung in der Vertiefung zu Flanken der Vertiefung z. B. so beabstandet sein können, dass die Flanken der Erhebung sich zu den Flanken der Vertiefung hin spreizen können.

It may be preferable

• - if a height of the elevation is greater than a depth of the depression

and/or

• - if flanks of the elevation in the depression are spaced apart from flanks of the depression, whereby the flanks of the elevation in the depression can be spaced apart from flanks of the depression, for example, in such a way that the flanks of the elevation can spread out towards the flanks of the depression.

It may be particularly preferred if the elevation height of the elevation is greater than the depression depth of the depression and if flanks of the elevation in the depression are spaced from flanks of the depression.

This can make it possible, for example, for the compression protection unit to particularly efficiently prevent irreversible deformation of the sealing element when the plate stack arrangement is compressed along a plate stack longitudinal axis. If such compression occurs along the plate stack longitudinal axis, the elevation can move into the depression. In addition, the flanks of the elevation can spread in the depression so that an additional spring effect can develop, which can protect the sealing element from irreversible deformation.

In particular, a part of a force acting along the longitudinal axis of the plate stack, which could lead to an irreversible deformation of the sealing element, can ultimately instead lead to the spreading of the flanks of the raised element accommodated in the recess.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the plate stack arrangement according to the relevant independent claim.

The plate stack arrangement may preferably be a fuel cell stack or a part of a fuel cell stack. The plate stack arrangement may, for example, be a fuel cell stack.

Alternatively, the plate stack arrangement may be an electrolytic cell stack or part of an electrolytic cell stack or a heat exchanger plate stack or part of a heat exchanger plate stack.

The plate stack arrangement can be a plate stack arrangement for a motor vehicle, for example a fuel cell stack for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can in particular be a road vehicle, a rail vehicle or an aircraft, e.g. a road vehicle.

• - mehrere Platten,
• - einen in der Plattenstapelanordnung liegenden Raum, und
• - eine hierin beschriebene Dichtungsanordnung, deren Dichtelement den Raum in wenigstens eine Richtung begrenzt.

The plate stack arrangement may in particular comprise:

• - several plates,
• - a space located in the plate stack arrangement, and
• - a sealing arrangement as described herein, the sealing element of which delimits the space in at least one direction.

The plate stack arrangement may, for example, be a fuel cell stack or part of a fuel cell stack and the space may be a space therein.

The multiple plates can, for example, be multiple separator plates.

The space can in particular be the space between the plates of the plate stack arrangement.

Especially if the space is the space between the panels, the sealing element can surround the space.

The plate gap can extend between two adjacent plates in the plate stack arrangement. For example, it can extend between two adjacent separator plates of the fuel cell stack.

It is known to those skilled in the art that the space that can extend between two adjacent separator plates of the fuel cell stack can be divided in a conventional fuel cell stack, e.g. by membrane electrode units (MEA), into a cathode space for guiding a cathode gas and an anode space for guiding an anode gas. This is self-evident to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be discussed in more detail in connection with the present invention.

The space can be the feedthrough space that extends through at least one plate of the plate stack arrangement. The feedthrough space can, for example, extend through at least one feedthrough opening of at least one plate of the plate stack arrangement.

If the space is the feedthrough space, the sealing element can surround a part of the feedthrough space, e.g. in a ring shape.

It is preferred if the sealing element has two sealing beads facing each other and each of the two sealing beads is formed from one of two adjacent plates, e.g. separator plates, and rises in the direction of the other sealing bead from the respective plate plane of the respective plate, e.g. the separator plate.

Insulation can be placed between the sealing beads. This prevents a short circuit. A short circuit can occur if there is direct contact between adjacent plates.

• - wenigstens eine Kompressionsschutzuntereinheit ein Sickenelement aufweist; und/oder
• - wenigstens eine Kompressionsschutzuntereinheit eine mehrlagige Kompressionsschutzzone aufweist; und/oder
• - eine der Kompressionsschutzuntereinheiten ein Erhebungselement und die andere der Kompressionsschutzuntereinheiten ein Vertiefungselement aufweist, wobei ein Teil einer Erhebung des Erhebungselements in eine Vertiefung des Vertiefungselements aufgenommen ist.

It is preferred if the compression protection unit has two compression protection subunits. At least one of the two compression protection subunits can rise in the direction of the other compression protection subunit or into the other compression protection subunit from a plate plane of at least one of the two plates, e.g. at least one of the two separator plates. At least one of the two compression protection subunits can be formed from one of two adjacent plates, e.g. separator plates. At least one of the two compression protection subunits can be arranged on one of two adjacent plates. It is preferred if

• - at least one compression protection sub-unit has a bead element; and/or
• - at least one compression protection subunit has a multi-layer compression protection zone; and/or
• - one of the compression protection subunits has a raised element and the other of the compression protection subunits has a recessed element, wherein a part of a raised element of the raised element is received in a recess of the recessed element.

The two compression protection subunits can be designed and/or arranged such that they can move towards each other along the longitudinal axis of the plate stack when the plate stack arrangement is compressed.

• - beide Kompressionsschutzuntereinheiten je ein Sickenelement aufweisen; und/oder
• - beide Kompressionsschutzuntereinheiten je eine mehrlagige Kompressionsschutzzone aufweisen.

It may be advantageous if each of the two compression protection sub-units is formed from one of the two adjacent plates, e.g. separator plates, and both compression protection sub-units rise in the direction of the other compression protection sub-unit, wherein it is preferred if

• - both compression protection sub-units each have a beading element; and/or
• - both compression protection sub-units each have a multi-layer compression protection zone.

• - eine der Kompressionsschutzuntereinheiten ein Erhebungselement und die andere der Kompressionsschutzuntereinheiten ein Vertiefungselement aufweist, wobei ein Teil einer Erhebung des Erhebungselements in eine Vertiefung des Vertiefungselements aufgenommen ist.

Preferably, one of the two compression protection subunits can rise into the other compression protection subunit from the at least one plate plane of the at least one plate, e.g. the at least one separator plate, wherein it is preferred if

• - one of the compression protection subunits has a raised element and the other of the compression protection subunits has a recessed element, wherein a part of a raised element of the raised element is received in a recess of the recessed element.

• - einen weiteren in der Plattenanordnung liegenden Raum, und
• - eine weitere Dichtungsanordnung, deren Dichtelement den weiteren Raum in wenigstens eine Richtung begrenzt, wobei die weitere Dichtungsanordnung bevorzugt eine weitere hierin beschriebene Dichtungsanordnung sein kann.

It can be particularly advantageous if the plate stack arrangement, e.g. the fuel cell stack, comprises:

• - another room in the panel arrangement, and
• - a further sealing arrangement, the sealing element of which delimits the further space in at least one direction, wherein the further sealing arrangement can preferably be a further sealing arrangement described herein.

It is preferred if both spaces are plate interspaces, each extending between two adjacent plates in the plate stack arrangement. It is preferred if only one of the plates lies between the two plate interspaces.

It is preferred if at least one plate of the plate stack arrangement, e.g. at least one separator plate of the fuel cell stack, has two plate elements that are directly or indirectly connected to one another, wherein a main surface of one plate element faces a main surface of the other plate element.

Preferably, the interconnected plate elements are directly connected to one another.

The interconnected plate elements are preferably welded together in welding zones.

The interconnected plate elements are preferably connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner.

Preferably, the at least one plate of the plate stack arrangement is a metal plate, e.g. at least one metal separator plate. The two plate elements connected to one another are preferably metal plate elements.

Preferably, the further sealing arrangement can also be a further sealing arrangement described herein, wherein at least a first compression protection unit section of the one compression protection unit overlays a first compression protection unit section of the further compression protection unit. It is preferred if at least a second compression protection unit section of the one compression protection unit does not overlay a second compression protection unit section of the further compression protection unit.

The at least one first compression protection unit section of the one compression protection unit can overlay the first compression protection unit section of the further compression protection unit in an overlay zone.

If a compression protection unit section of one compression protection unit overlays a first compression protection unit section of the further compression protection unit, this can mean in particular that where the sections overlap, e.g. in the overlay zone, a straight line aligned parallel to the plate stack longitudinal axis extends through the two overlaid sections.

Preferably, the two compression protection unit sections of one compression protection unit are formed from one of the interconnected plate elements and the two compression protection unit sections of the further compression protection unit are formed from the other of the interconnected plate elements.

A compression protection unit section can merge directly, e.g. seamlessly, into another compression protection unit section of the same compression protection unit. Sections of the same compression protection unit can, for example, differ from one another solely in that only one of the sections is superimposed or is arranged in an overlay zone.

It can be particularly advantageous if there is an indirect or direct connection of the plate elements between two overlap zones offset from one another in the plate plane, wherein different compression protection units or compression protection unit sections of different compression protection units, each formed from one of the two plate elements, overlap in the overlap zones. Alternatively or additionally, the indirect or direct connection of the plate elements can be at least partially surrounded by at least one compression protection unit or one compression protection unit section, wherein the compression protection unit or the compression protection unit section can be formed from at least one of the plate elements.

It can be particularly advantageous if a distance of a compression protection unit to a nearest point at which there is an indirect or direct connection of the plate elements is at most 200% of a largest extension of the compression protection unit in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the plate stack, wherein a distance of a bead element, elevation element or depression element formed from at least one of the plate elements to a nearest point at which there is an indirect or direct connection of the plate elements is at most 200% of the depth of the depression element or at most 200% of the height of the bead element or the elevation element.

The value of at most 200% can preferably be at most 160%, particularly preferably at most 130%, e.g. at most 115%.

Of course, features described in connection with an object according to the invention can also form features of another object according to the invention. Objects according to the invention are in particular the sealing arrangement and the plate stack arrangement.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of embodiments.

• 1: eine Aufsicht auf eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 2: eine Aufsicht auf eine weitere Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 3: eine Aufsicht auf eine weitere Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 4: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 5: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 6: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 7: eine Aufsicht auf einen Abschnitt einer Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 8: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 9: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 10: eine schematische Darstellung einer Randzone einer Platte;
• 11: eine schematische Darstellung einer Randzone einer Platte;
• 12: eine schematische Darstellung einer Randzone einer Platte;
• 13: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 14: einen Ausschnitt einer Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 15: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 16: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 17: einen Abschnitt eines Schnitts durch eine Platte in schematischer Darstellung;
• 18: einen Schritt zur Anpassung eines Sickenvorläuferelements;
• 19: eine Illustration übereinanderliegender Erhebungs- und Vertiefungselemente;
• 20: einen Schnitt durch Randbereiche von Platten, die ein Erhebungselement bzw. ein Vertiefungselement aufweisen;
• 21: einen Ausschnitt einer Plattenstapelanordnung in schematischer Darstellung vor einer Kompression entlang der Stapellängsachse;
• 22: den Ausschnitt aus 21 während der Kompression entlang der Stapellängsachse;
• 23: den Ausschnitt aus 21 und 22 nach der Kompression entlang der Stapellängsachse;
• 24: einen Ausschnitt einer Plattenstapelanordnung in schematischer Darstellung vor einer Kompression entlang der Stapellängsachse;
• 25: den Ausschnitt aus 24 während der Kompression entlang der Stapellängsachse;
• 26: den Ausschnitt aus 24 und 25 nach der Kompression entlang der Stapellängsachse; und
• 27: einen Ausschnitt einer Platte, wobei für die Dichtungsanordnung zwei Dichtelemente und eine Kompressionsschutzeinheit vorgesehen ist.

They show:

• 1 : a plan view of a plate in a schematic representation;
• 2 : a plan view of another plate in a schematic representation;
• 3 : a plan view of another plate in a schematic representation;
• 4 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 5 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 6 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 7 : a plan view of a section of a plate in a schematic representation;
• 8 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 9 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 10 : a schematic representation of an edge zone of a plate;
• 11 : a schematic representation of an edge zone of a plate;
• 12 : a schematic representation of an edge zone of a plate;
• 13 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 14 : a section of a plate in schematic representation;
• 15 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 16 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 17 : a section of a cross-section through a plate in a schematic representation;
• 18 : a step for adapting a bead precursor element;
• 19 : an illustration of superimposed elevation and depression elements;
• 20 : a section through edge regions of panels having a raised element or a recessed element;
• 21 : a section of a plate stack arrangement in schematic representation before compression along the stack longitudinal axis;
• 22 : the excerpt from 21 during compression along the stack longitudinal axis;
• 23 : the excerpt from 21 and 22 after compression along the stack longitudinal axis;
• 24 : a section of a plate stack arrangement in schematic representation before compression along the stack longitudinal axis;
• 25 : the excerpt from 24 during compression along the stack longitudinal axis;
• 26 : the excerpt from 24 and 25 after compression along the stack longitudinal axis; and
• 27 : a section of a plate, whereby two sealing elements and a compression protection unit are provided for the sealing arrangement.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all figures.

1 to 3 show sections of different plates 100 in a schematic representation. The plates 100 are plates for a plate stack arrangement 102. They are separator plates 104 for fuel cell stacks 106. The separator plates 104 can be, for example, metal plates 108, which can function as bipolar plates 110 in the respective fuel cell stack 106.

A flow field 112 is formed on or from the respective plate 100.

The 1 to 3 The plates 100 shown each define a sealing arrangement 114 alone or together with an adjacent plate 100 in the stacking direction. The sealing arrangement 114 serves to seal a space that can be produced or lies in the plate stack arrangement 102.

These sealing arrangements 114 each comprise a sealing element 116 and a compression protection unit 118.

The sealing element 116 can limit the space that can be created or can lie in the plate stack assembly 102 in at least one direction.

The compression protection unit 118 serves to protect the sealing element 116 from irreversible deformation during compression of the plate stack arrangement 102 along a plate stack longitudinal axis 120, which is only indicated with a cross, since it is in the 1 , 2 and 3 in the direction of the viewer's gaze.

The sealing element 116 of the 1 to 3 Each of the plates 100 shown has a sealing bead 122. The sealing bead 122 is a full bead 124. The sealing bead 122 is a perimeter bead 126. The sealing bead 122 can enclose an electrochemical cell which can be arranged in the space.

In the 1 to 3 In the plates 100 shown, the compression protection unit 118 has a bead element 128. The bead element 128 forms at least one first compression protection element 130.

The shape of the compression protection units 118 varies between the plates 100, which in 1 , 2 and 3 are shown respectively.

The 1 The compression protection units 118 shown are elongated and extend away from the sealing element 116 towards an edge of the plate 100.

The 2 The compression protection unit 118 shown extends back and forth in a meandering manner between an edge of the plate 100 and the sealing element 116.

The 3 The compression protection units 118 shown are round. They are knobs 134 which are arranged between the edge of the plate 100 and the sealing element 116 and which can be embossed into the plate, for example.

4 shows a section through an edge region of another plate 100. The plate 100 has two plate elements 136 connected to one another. The plate elements 136 are separator plate elements 155. They are metal plate elements 156 which function as bipolar plate elements 158. A main surface 138 of one plate element 136 faces a main surface 138 of the other plate element 136. 4 shows only one of the plate elements 136 of the plate 100.

The plate 100 can form a sealing arrangement 114 alone or together with a plate 100 adjacent in the stacking direction. The sealing arrangement 114 can serve to seal a space located or producible in a plate stack arrangement 102. This is illustrated in particular by the 21 to 26 , but with other plates 100.

The sealing arrangement 114 comprises a sealing element 116 and a compression protection unit 118. The sealing element 116 can delimit the space in at least one direction. The compression protection unit 118 can serve to protect the sealing element 116 from irreversible deformation during compression of a plate stack arrangement along a plate stack longitudinal axis 120. The plate stack longitudinal axis 120 extends orthogonally to the plate plane of the plate 100.

The sealing element 116 has a sealing bead 122. The sealing bead 122 is a full bead 124. It can, for example, form a perimeter bead 126 of the plate 100.

The sealing bead 122 is formed from the plate 100.

The sealing bead 122 comprises walls 140. A raised wall 140 is connected via two further walls 140 to areas 141 of the plate 100 that border on the sealing bead 122. These two walls 140 can be regarded as flanks 142 or legs 144 of the sealing bead 122.

The compression protection unit 118 has a bead element 128. The compression protection unit 118 also has a first compression protection element 146 and a second compression protection element 148. The compression protection unit 118 also has a third compression protection element 150.

The bead element 128 is formed from the plate 100.

The compression protection unit 118 is formed in an edge zone 152. The edge zone 152 extends from the sealing element 116 to an edge 154 that limits the surface area of the plate 100.

The first compression protection element 146 and the second compression protection element 148 are arranged such that during compression of a plate arrangement constructed from plates 100 102 along the longitudinal axis 120 of the plate stack, compression of the first compression protection element 146 begins before compression of the second compression protection element 148 begins. For this purpose, the bead element 128 has two flanks 142 of different heights. The higher flank 142 extends to the first compression protection element 146. The lower flank 142 extends to the second compression protection element 148.

Since the first compression protection element 146 is more raised than the second compression protection element 148, the compression of the first compression protection element begins during the compression of the plate stack arrangement along the plate stack longitudinal axis 120 before the compression of the second, less raised compression protection element 148 begins.

The bead element 128 has an inner surface 160 and an outer surface 162.

As explained above, the bead element 128 forms at least one of a plurality of compression protection elements 146 and 148. An absorption material 164 arranged on the inner surface 160 of the bead element 128 forms a third compression protection element 150 and thus another of a plurality of compression protection elements 146, 148 and 150.

The absorption material 164 or another absorption material 164 could be arranged on the outer surface 162 and form another of several compression protection elements 146, 148 and 150. This is in 4 not shown.

5 and 6 show further design options for the compression protection unit 118.

The compression protection units 118 shown there also each have a bead element 128. 5 and 6 show that a recess 166 is formed in a wall 140 of the respective bead element 128. The recess 166 can be in the same direction ( 5 ) or opposite ( 6 ) to the bead element 128.

The recess 166 formed in the same direction can be a recess 166 formed in the inner surface 160. The recess 166 formed in the opposite direction can be a recess 166 formed in the outer surface 162.

The 5 and 6 The compression protection units 118 shown each have a first compression protection element 146 and a second compression protection element 148.

If the recess is formed in the same direction as the bead element 128, the first compression protection element 146 can be present at a bottom of the recess 166. In the area of the recess 166, the compression protection unit 118, which is in 5 shown. Less raised areas of the compression protection unit 118 adjacent to the first compression protection element 146 can form a second compression protection element 148.

If the recess 166 is formed in the opposite direction to the bead element 128, regions of the compression protection unit 118 adjacent to the recess 166 can form a first compression protection element 146. A base structure of the bead element 128 located below the recess 166 can form the second compression protection element 148.

7 shows a section of a plate 100, e.g. a separator plate 104. 7 also shows a sealing element 116 and a compression protection unit 118. The sealing element has wider sealing element sections 168 and narrower sealing element sections 170. The sealing element 116 has a sealing bead 122. The wider sealing element sections 168 are wider sealing bead sections 172. The narrower sealing element sections 170 are narrower sealing bead sections 174.

The compression protection unit has wider compression protection unit sections 176 and narrower compression protection unit sections 178. The compression protection unit 118 has a bead element 128. The wider compression protection unit sections 176 are wider bead element sections 180. The narrower compression protection unit sections 178 are narrower bead element sections 182.

8 shows a section through the plate 100, which in 7 The section is made through a narrower sealing element section 170 and a narrower compression protection unit section 178.

9 shows another section through the plate 100, which in 7 The section is made through a wider sealing element section 168 and a wider compression protection unit section 176.

10 to 12 show sections of plates 100 in a schematic representation. These are are separator plates 104 in the form of metal plates 108, which can function as bipolar plates 110 in fuel cell stacks 106.

The 10 to 12 The plates 100 shown have two plate elements 136 directly connected to one another.

In each case, a main surface of one plate element 136 faces a main surface of the other plate element 136. A plate element 136 facing away from the viewer is completely covered by the plate element 136 facing the viewer, which is why certain features of the covered plate element 136 are shown in dashed lines.

The 10 to 12 The sections shown show only edge zones 152 of the respective plate 100. Also shown are compression protection units 118 formed in the respective edge zones 152. The compression protection units 118 each have bead elements 128. Bead elements 128, which are formed from the plate element 136 facing away from the viewer, are shown in the 10 to 12 each shown in dashed lines.

The compression protection units 118 are in the 10 to 12 each arranged such that a first compression protection unit section 184 of the one compression protection unit 118 overlays a first compression protection unit section 186 of the further compression protection unit of the plate element 136 facing away from the viewer, e.g. in an overlay zone 188. At least one second compression protection unit section 190 of the one compression protection unit 118 overlays a second compression protection unit section 192 of the further compression protection unit 118 of the plate element 136 facing away from the viewer.

10 and 11 show that a connection 194 of the plate elements 136 can exist between two superposition zones 188 offset from one another in the plate plane, wherein in the superposition zones 188 compression protection unit sections 184 and 186 of different compression protection units 118, each formed from one of the two interconnected plate elements 136, overlap.

13 shows a section through a plate 100. Only a section of the plate 100 is shown. In addition, the 13 only one of two plate elements 136 belonging to the plate 100.

14 shows a possible design in which the compression protection unit 118 has a multi-layer compression protection zone 196. The multi-layer compression protection zone 196 is formed in the edge zone 152.

A first layer 198 and a second layer 200 of the multi-layer compression protection zone 196 are formed by the same plate 100. Both layers extend from the edge 154 that limits the surface area of the plate. The sealing bead 122 is formed from the first layer 198 of the two layers 198 and 200. The second layer 200 of the two layers 198 and 200 extends from the edge 154 in the direction of the sealing bead. A material 201 is arranged between the two layers 198 and 200. The material 201 can be or contain a filling material 202 or an absorption material 164.

14 shows a plan view of a plate 100 with a multi-layer compression protection zone 196. A section 204 of the multi-layer compression protection zone 196 is wider than another section 206 of the multi-layer compression protection zone 196. In the wider section 204 of the multi-layer compression protection zone 196, the second layer 200 extends further from the edge 154 in the direction of the sealing element 116 than in the other section 206 of the multi-layer compression protection zone 196.

15 and 16 show sections of the 14 shown plate 100, wherein only one of the two plate elements 136 of the plate is shown. 15 shows a section through a wider section 204. 16 shows a section through a narrower section 206.

In the 17 In the section of a plate 100 shown, the sealing element 116 and the compression protection unit 118 are designed almost as in 4 is shown.

Also in 17 only one of two plate elements 136 of the plate 100 is shown.

In 17 In addition, possibilities for establishing a connection 194 are shown with dashes, whereby the connection 194 is a connection to the further, in 17 plate element 136, not shown.

The connection 194 can be made via a welding zone 208 to the further plate element 136 (not shown). The two plate elements 136 can be welded in the welding zone 208.

In 17 a distance 210 of the compression protection unit 118 to a nearest point at which a connection 194 of the plate elements 136 can exist is also shown. In addition, 17 the largest extension 212 of the compression protection unit 118 is shown in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120.

The distance 210 is approximately 50% of the greatest extent 212.

18 illustrates how an intermediate plate product 214 can be converted, in particular formed, into a plate 100 or into a plate element 136.

The intermediate plate product 214 has a bead precursor element 218. The shape and/or the cross section of the bead precursor element 218 defines a maximum precursor extension 216 of the bead precursor element 218 in the direction of a later plate stack longitudinal axis 120.

The bead precursor element 218 can be converted or reshaped such that the maximum precursor extension 216 is changed towards the desired largest extension 212 of the resulting bead element 128.

For this purpose, the bead precursor element 218 can be completely or partially planed and thereby converted into the bead element 128.

19 and 20 illustrate a possible design, wherein the compression protection unit 118 has a raised element 220 and a recessed element 222, wherein a part of a raised element 224 of the raised element 220 is received in a recess 226 of the recessed element 222.

19 illustrates that the elevation element 220 and the depression element 222 can each be a bead element 128. A elevation height 228 of the elevation 224 is greater than a depression depth 230 of the depression 226.

Flanks 142 of the elevation are spaced apart in the recess 226 from flanks 142 of the recess 226. The spacing of the flanks is such that the flanks 142 of the elevation 224 can spread out towards the flanks 142 of the recess 226. This can create a compression protection function for a sealing element which is arranged between the plates 100 at a distance from the compression protection unit 118.

21 to 23 illustrate the behavior of a plate stack arrangement 102 and in particular of a fuel cell stack 106 when the plate stack arrangement 102 is compressed along a plate stack longitudinal axis 120. Only two plates 100 of the plate stack arrangement 102 are shown, i.e. only a part of the fuel cell stack 106. The plates 100 each have two plate elements 136 connected to one another.

The 21 to 23 The sealing arrangements shown each comprise a sealing element 116 and a compression protection unit 118. The sealing element 116 surrounds the space 101. The space 101 is the plate gap 103.

The sealing elements 116 shown have sealing beads 122. The respective sealing bead 122 is a full bead 124. They can, for example, form a perimeter bead 126 of the respective plate 100. The sealing beads 122 are each formed from a plate 100 or from a plate element 136 of the respective plate 100. An insulation 232 is arranged between mutually facing sealing beads 116.

The respective compression protection units 118 have bead elements 128. The respective compression protection unit 118 also has a first compression protection element 146 and a second compression protection element 148.

The first compression protection element 146 and the second compression protection element 148 are each arranged and designed such that in the 22 illustrated compression along the plate stack longitudinal axis 120, a compression of the first compression protection element 146 begins before a compression of the second compression protection element 148 can begin.

The relatively soft absorption material 164 arranged on the outer surface 162 of the bead element 128 forms the first compression protection element 146. It is thus more raised than the second compression protection element 148. The compression of the first compression protection element 146 begins when the plate stack arrangement 102 is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis 120, before the compression of the second, less raised compression protection element 148 begins.

The compression protection unit 118 can serve to protect the sealing element 116 from irreversible deformation during compression of a plate stack arrangement along a plate stack longitudinal axis 120. This is particularly evident from 24 to 26 which shows the behavior of another plate stack arrangement 102 during compression along the plate stack longitudinal axis 120. The 24 to 26 The plate stack arrangement 102 shown corresponds to that of 21 to 23 , however, the first compression protection element is missing in each case. Here, the compression along the longitudinal axis of the plate stack impacts the sealing elements 116 so strongly that they are irreversibly deformed.

Instead, in 21 to 23 - after the same force is applied along the longitudinal axis 120 of the plate stack - only the first compression protection element 146 is reversibly or possibly irreversibly deformed.

27 shows a section of a plate 100, which is constructed from two connected plate elements 136. The plate is a separator plate 104 for a fuel cell stack not shown in detail here. The sealing arrangement 114 comprises a first sealing element 116 and a second sealing element 116. The two sealing elements 116 surround different spaces 101.

The first sealing element 116 surrounds a space between the plates, not shown here. The second sealing element 116 surrounds at least part of a passage space 105, which extends through the plate 100 and from which in 27 only a section is shown. Both sealing elements 116 each have a sealing bead 122.

The sealing bead 122 of the first sealing element 116 is a perimeter bead 126. The perimeter bead 126 limits the space between the plates with respect to the surroundings of the plate stack arrangement.

The sealing bead of the second sealing element 116 is a port bead 125 which surrounds at least a part of the feedthrough space 105.

List of reference symbols

100

plate

101

Space

102

Plate stack arrangement

103

Interpanel space

104

Separator plate

105

Implementation room

106

Fuel cell stack

108

metal plate

110

Bipolar plate

112

River field

114

Seal arrangement

116

Sealing element

118

Compression protection unit

120

Plate stack longitudinal axis

122

Sealing bead

124

Full bead

125

Port bead

126

Perimeter bead

128

Beading element

130

Compression protection element

134

nub

136

Plate element

138

Main interface

140

Wall

141

Area

142

flank

144

leg

146

first compression protection element

148

second compression protection element

150

third compression protection element

152

Fringe zone

154

edge

155

Separator plate element

156

Metal plate element

158

Bipolar plate element

160, 162

surface

164

Absorption material

166, 226

Deepening

168

wider sealing element section

170

narrower sealing element section

172

wider sealing bead section

174

narrower sealing bead section

176

wider compression protection unit section

178

narrower compression protection unit section

180

wider bead element section

182

narrower bead element section

184, 186

first compression protection unit section

188

Overlay zone

190, 192

second compression protection unit section

194

Connection

196

Compression protection zone

198

first layer

200

second layer

201

material

202

Filling material

204, 206

Section

208

Welding zone

210

Distance

212

expansion

214

Plate intermediate

216

Precursor expansion

218

Bead precursor element

220

Survey element

222

Deepening element

224

Survey

228

Elevation height

230

Depth of recess

232

insulation

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 20200388858 A1 [0002]
• WO 2019076813 A1 [0002]
• US 20210194019 A1 [0002]
• US 20220037680 A1 [0002]

Claims (24)

Sealing arrangement (114) for sealing a space (101) located in a plate stack arrangement (102), wherein the plate stack arrangement (102) can be, for example, a fuel cell stack (106) or a part of a fuel cell stack (106) and the space (101) can be a space (101) located therein, wherein the sealing arrangement (114) comprises the following: - a sealing element (116) for delimiting the space (101) in at least one direction, and - a compression protection unit (118) for protecting the sealing element (116) from irreversible deformation when the plate stack arrangement (102) is compressed along a plate stack longitudinal axis (120). Sealing arrangement (114) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sealing element (116) has a sealing bead (122), wherein the sealing bead (122) is preferably formed from a plate (100) of the plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. from a separator plate (104) of the fuel cell stack (106). Sealing arrangement (114) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 , characterized in that the compression protection unit (118) has a first compression protection element (130, 146) and a second compression protection element (130, 148). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compression protection unit (118) - has a bead element (128); and/or - has a multi-layer compression protection zone (196); and/or - has an elevation element (220) and a recess element (222), wherein a part of an elevation (224) of the elevation element (220) is received in a recess (166, 226) of the recess element (222). Sealing arrangement (114) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the compression protection unit (118) has the bead element (128) and the bead element (128) is formed from one or the plate (100) of the plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. from one or the separator plate (104) of the fuel cell stack (106). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one compression protection unit (118) or at least a part or at least a section (204, 206) of the at least one compression protection unit (118) is arranged or formed in an edge zone (152), wherein the edge zone (152) extends from the sealing element (116) to an edge (154) delimiting the surface area of one or the plate (100) of the plate stack arrangement (102). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 4 until 6 , characterized in that the bead element (128) forms at least one of the two compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), wherein it is preferred if the bead element (128) forms the first compression protection element (130, 146) and the second compression protection element (130, 148). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 3 until 7 , characterized in that the first compression protection element (130, 146) and the second compression protection element (130, 148) are designed and/or arranged such that when the plate stack arrangement (102) is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), compression of the first compression protection element (130, 146) begins before compression of the second compression protection element (130, 148) begins, wherein it is preferred if the bead element (128) has two flanks (142) of different heights and the higher flank (142) forms the first compression protection element (130, 146) or extends as far as the first compression protection element (130, 148). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 3 until 8 , characterized in that the first compression protection element (130, 146) and the second compression protection element (130, 148) are designed such that when the plate stack arrangement (102) is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), a compression of the second compression protection element (130, 148) requires a higher expenditure of force and/or energy than a compression of the first compression protection element (130, 146). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 3 until 9 , characterized in that the first compression protection element (130, 146) and the second compression protection element (130, 148) are designed such that when the plate stack arrangement (102) is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), a compression of at least the first compression protection element (130, 146) begins before it leads to an erroneous reversible deformation of the sealing element (114) occurs. Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 4 until 10 , characterized in that the bead element (128) forms at least one of a plurality of compression protection elements (130, 146, 148, 150) and an absorption material (164) arranged on a surface (160, 162) of the bead element (128) forms a further one of a plurality of compression protection elements (130, 146, 148, 150). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 4 until 11 , characterized in that a recess (166, 226) is formed in a wall (140) of the bead element (128), wherein the recess (166, 226) can be formed in the same direction or in the opposite direction to the bead element (128). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the sealing element (116) has at least one wider and at least one narrower sealing element section (168, 170), wherein a width of the sealing element (116) in the wider sealing element section (168) is greater than a width of the sealing element (116) in the narrower sealing element section (170); and/or - the compression protection unit (118) has at least one wider and at least one narrower compression protection unit section (176, 178), wherein a width of the compression protection unit (118) in the wider compression protection unit section (176) is greater than a width of the compression protection unit (118) in the narrower compression protection unit section (178); and/or - the sealing element (116) has at least one higher and at least one lower sealing element section, wherein a height of the sealing element (116) in the higher sealing element section is greater than a width of the sealing element (116) in the lower sealing element section; and/or - the compression protection unit (118) has at least one higher and at least one lower compression protection unit section, wherein a height of the compression protection unit in the higher compression protection unit section is greater than a height of the compression protection unit in the lower compression protection unit section. Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 and 13 , characterized in that the compression protection unit (118) has the multi-layer compression protection zone (196), wherein at least a portion (204, 206) of the multi-layer compression protection zone (196) is arranged or formed in the edge zone (152), wherein a first and a second layer (198, 200) of the multi-layer compression protection zone (196) are formed by the same plate (100), wherein both layers (198, 200) extend from the edge (154) delimiting the surface area of the plate (100), wherein it is preferred if the sealing bead (122) is formed from a first of the two layers (198, 200) and the second of the two layers (198, 200) extends from the edge (154) in the direction of the sealing bead (122). Sealing arrangement (114) according to Claim 14 , characterized in that a multi-layer compression protection zone (196) is formed on a section (204, 206) of the edge (154) and no multi-layer compression protection zone (196) is formed on another section (204, 206) of the edge (154) and/or a section (204, 206) of the multi-layer compression protection zone (196) is wider than another section (204, 206) of the multi-layer compression protection zone (196), wherein it may be preferred if in the wider section (204) of the multi-layer compression protection zone (196) the second of the layers (198, 200) extends further from the edge (154) in the direction of the sealing element (116) than in the other section (206) of the multi-layer compression protection zone (196), wherein it may be preferred if the wider section (204) or the other portion (206) of the multilayer compression protection zone (196) forms the first compression protection element (130, 146). Sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 4 until 15 , characterized in that the compression protection unit (118) has the raised element (220) and the recessed element (222), wherein a part of a raised element (224) of the raised element (220) is received in a recess (166, 226) of the recessed element (222), wherein the raised element (220) and the recessed element (222) can each be a bead element (128), wherein it can be preferred - if a raised height (228) of the raised element (224) is greater than a recessed depth (230) of the recess (166, 226) and/or - if flanks (142) of the raised element (224) in the recess (166, 226) are spaced apart from flanks (142) of the recess (166, 226), wherein the flanks (142) of the raised element (224) in the Recess (166, 226) to flanks (142) of the recess (166, 226) can be spaced such that the flanks (142) of the elevation (224) can spread towards the flanks (142) of the depression (166, 226). Plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. fuel cell stack (106), in particular for a motor vehicle, wherein the plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. the fuel cell stack (106), comprises the following: - a plurality of plates (100), e.g. a plurality of separator plates (104), - a space (101) located in the plate stack arrangement (102), wherein the plate stack arrangement (102) can be e.g. a fuel cell stack (106) or a part of a fuel cell stack (106) and the space can be a space (101) located therein, and - a sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 1 until 16 , the sealing element (116) of which delimits the space (101) in at least one direction, wherein it is preferred if - the sealing element (116) has two sealing beads (122) facing each other and - one of the two sealing beads (122) is formed from one of two adjacent plates (100), e.g. separator plates (104), and rises in the direction of the other sealing bead (122) from the respective plate plane of the respective plate (100), e.g. the separator plate (104). Plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. fuel cell stack (106), according to Claim 17 , characterized in that the compression protection unit (118) has two compression protection sub-units, and at least one of the two compression protection sub-units rises in the direction of the other compression protection sub-unit or into the other compression protection sub-unit from a plate plane of at least one of the two plates (100), e.g. at least one of the two separator plates (104), wherein it is preferred if - at least one compression protection sub-unit has a bead element (128); and/or - at least one compression protection sub-unit has a multi-layer compression protection zone (196); and/or - one of the compression protection sub-units has an elevation element (220) and the other of the compression protection sub-units has a recess element (222), wherein a part of an elevation (224) of the elevation element (220) is received in a recess (166, 226) of the recess element (222). Plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. fuel cell stack (106), according to Claim 17 or 18 , characterized in that the plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. the fuel cell stack (106), comprises the following: - a further space (101) located in the plate stack arrangement (102), and - a further sealing arrangement (114), the sealing element (116) of which delimits the further space (101) in at least one direction, wherein the further sealing arrangement (114) preferably comprises a further sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 1 until 16 can be, wherein it is preferred if both spaces are plate spaces which each extend between two plates (100) adjacent in the plate stack arrangement, wherein it is preferred if only one of the plates (100) lies between the two plate spaces. Plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. fuel cell stack (106), according to one of the Claims 17 until 19 , characterized in that at least one plate (100) of the plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. at least one separator plate (104) of the fuel cell stack (106), has two plate elements (136) connected directly or indirectly to one another, wherein a main surface (138) of one plate element (136) faces a main surface (138) of the other plate element (136). Plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. fuel cell stack (106), according to Claim 19 or 20 , characterized in that the further sealing arrangement (114) is a further sealing arrangement (114) according to one of the Claims 1 until 16 wherein at least a first compression protection unit section (184) of the one compression protection unit (118) superimposes a first compression protection unit section (186) of the further compression protection unit (118), wherein at least a second compression protection unit section (190) of the one compression protection unit (118) does not superimpose a second compression protection unit section (192) of the further compression protection unit (118). Plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. fuel cell stack (106), according to Claim 21 , characterized in that the two compression protection unit sections (184, 186) of the one compression protection unit (118) are formed from one of the interconnected plate elements (136) and the two compression protection unit sections (190, 192) of the further compression protection unit (118) are formed from the other of the interconnected plate elements (136). Plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. fuel cell stack (106), according to Claim 22 , characterized in that an indirect or direct There is a displaceable connection (194) of the plate elements (136) between two superposition zones (188) offset from one another in the plate plane, wherein different compression protection units (118) or compression protection unit sections (184, 186, 190, 192) of different compression protection units (118), each formed from one of the two plate elements (136), overlap in the superposition zones (188). Plate stack arrangement (102), e.g. fuel cell stack (106), according to one of the Claims 20 until 23 , characterized in that a distance (210) of a compression protection unit (118) to a nearest point at which there is an indirect or direct connection (194) of the plate elements (136) is at most 200% of a largest extent (212) of the compression protection unit (118) in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), wherein a distance (210) of a bead element (128), elevation element (220) or depression element (222) formed from at least one of the plate elements (136) to a nearest point at which there is an indirect or direct connection (194) of the plate elements (136) can be at most 200% of the depth of the depression element (222) or at most 200% of the height of the bead element (128) or the elevation element (220).

Images