Plug connector and assembly of an electrolytic cell comprising a plug

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (2, 2 ') for contacting a stacked plate (3), comprising a sheet metal part (2a) having a tulip-shaped contact (4, 4') for contacting the stacked plate (3), and a cover (30) made of a material that is dimensionally stable at 1000 DEG C, each sheet metal part (2a) is provided with a single covering part for contact on a single stacked plate (3). The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a plug connector (2, 2 ') and a stacked plate (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a high-temperature plug connector and an assembly of an electrolytic cell comprising the high-temperature plug connector and a stacking plate. Background Art

[0002] Electrolyzers usually have a plurality of so-called membrane electrode units, the electrical power of which is added in a stack. Stack plates are arranged between two membrane electrode units of the electrolyzer stack, respectively, and the stack plates are the core elements of the electrolyzer. The stack may include hundreds of stack plates. In the manufacturing process, the stack plates are stacked under a so-called high temperature method with a high efficiency of more than 85% by introducing voltage into a hydrogen atmosphere at a temperature far above 700 ° C. Here, the stack fuses together when the temperature develops at up to 50% of the original height, and an electrical short circuit may occur between the stack plates. In order to avoid this, conductors or (multiple) plug connectors are arranged, in particular, at the stack plates. The high temperature plug connectors and conductors to be protected are used to tap the potential and are therefore used to monitor the functional units. Defective stack plates can thus be detected and can be bridged.

[0003] These multiple stacked plates in this stacking particularly meet the following tasks, that is, physically and conductively connecting the anode of a battery cell to the cathode of an adjacent battery cell. In addition, the stacked plates undertake the task of further guiding the reaction gas into the reaction zone. For this purpose, the corresponding plates can have a flow-guiding profile. The stacked plates are basically composed of two poles of a single electrolytic cell, which have an anode plate as a negative pole and a cathode plate as a positive pole for supplying a reaction medium. The plates can realize the distribution and dissipation of heat and electrical energy and are usually constructed as metal plates. However, the stacked plates can also be made of graphite or of a composite material.

[0004] DE 10 2016 115 100 A1 discloses a plug connector for connecting sheet metal parts. The plug connector has a tulip-shaped contact with opposing spring legs. The plug connector is clamped to the surface of the connected sheet metal parts. The disadvantage of this variant is that the clamping force changes with increasing temperature. Slipping of the plug connector or interruption of the electrical contact due to relaxation and settling effects may occur.

[0005] This can be counteracted by increasing the clamping force of the tulip contact, for example by thickening the material in the area of ​​the tulip contact, by shaping the tulip shape more strongly, or by other geometric adaptations. However, this also increases the force to be applied to fix the plug connector. In addition, due to relaxation processes, force losses occur over time and / or temperature.

[0006] At operating temperatures between 950° C. and 1000° C., the plug connector can fuse to the stacking plate and lose the gap size. Prior to this, the spring force of the plug connector drops rapidly.

[0007] Furthermore, in the area of ​​the plug connector, a plurality of plug connectors are usually enclosed in a common plug connector housing. This is described in DE 10 2016 115 100 A1. Figure 1 , but also DE 10 2013 206 129 A1 and DE 10 2014 225 949 A1. This has the disadvantage that if a plug connector fails, the entire plug assembly installed in the plug connector must be replaced. In addition, this assembly allows low flexibility when arranging multiple plug positions available at the stacking plate. Summary of the invention

[0008] Starting from the above-mentioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to enable disconnection of the connection between a plug connector and a stacking plate in the case of partially hot components while allowing a flexible selection between the available plug positions.

[0009] The invention achieves this object by providing an arrangement having the features of claim 13 .

[0010] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pluggable assembly comprising a plug connector and a stacking plate which ensures good retention in the event of temperature developments above 700° C. occurring in the electrolysis cell and which can at the same time be easily released with moderate force expenditure.

[0011] The invention achieves this object by means of a plug connector having the features of claim 1 .

[0012] The plug connector according to the invention is used for contacting a stacking plate. The plug connector comprises a sheet metal component with a tulip-shaped contact for contacting the stacking plate and a covering made of a material that is dimensionally stable up to more than 1000° C. The invention is characterized in that each sheet metal component is provided with a single covering for contacting a single stacking plate.

[0013] The stacked plates mentioned above can preferably be metal plates. However, stacked plates made of graphite or composite materials are also possible.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the stacked plates are bipolar plates. These bipolar plates and the claimed plug connector can also be used in fuel cells as an alternative to electrolyzers.

[0015] This makes it possible, in particular, to arrange the plug connectors in an offset manner at a plurality of possible plug-in positions along the stack of stack plates and / or to replace individual plug connectors in the event of a fault.

[0016] The individual conductors of the board stack can be guided in corresponding multi-plug connectors, which in turn provide a dielectric connection.

[0017] The technical solutions of the dependent claims are advantageous designs of the present invention.

[0018] The sheath is advantageously made of a ceramic material, in particular an industrial ceramic. The sheath preferably has a box-shaped outer contour, whereby the stackability and space-saving arrangement at the edge of the metal stack are particularly advantageous. The sheath is preferably one-piece, but can also be implemented in multiple pieces.

[0019] Advantageously, the sheathing part delimits a storage space in which the sheet metal component is at least partially arranged. In addition, the sheathing part also has a receiving cavity, which is used to partially receive a stacked plate section, in particular an edge tab of a stacked plate. In this case, the receiving cavity has a greater width perpendicular to the plate plane E of the sheet metal component than the storage space. Especially in the case of ceramic sheathing parts, such a spatial division is unusual and difficult to produce. The above-mentioned spatial division provides an axial stop, which together with the counter stop allows the sheet metal component to be fixed relative to the sheathing part.

[0020] The casing has an insertion slot for inserting a stack of plates, wherein the insertion slot is designed such that the stack of plates is surrounded on both sides by the plug connector, thereby achieving better protection against contamination and at the same time achieving optimized electrical insulation of the plug connection.

[0021] The insertion slot has a plurality of opening regions, the arrangement of which is coordinated with the contour of the tulip-shaped contact, thereby achieving better protection against contamination and accidental damage.

[0022] For further optimized insulation, the central opening region can have a shaped depression on a first side of the board plane of the plug connector, and two adjacent opening regions can each have a shaped depression on an opposite second side of the board plane.

[0023] For better guidance and enclosure, the cover has a through-guide at the side opposite to the introduction slot, which is used to insert and pass a contact projection at the end of the sheet metal component when the cover is connected to the sheet metal component.

[0024] The cover can be connected to form a plug connector by inserting the sheet metal component. The assembly is relatively simple and can be carried out automatically.

[0025] The plug connector can be formed by only two components, namely the sheet metal part and the covering part. This simplifies the structural construction of the plug connector.

[0026] The covering can be locked in a structurally uncomplicated manner by means of locking wings, in particular by means of locking wings arranged on the sheet metal component, against axial displacement relative to the longitudinal axis of the plug connector.

[0027] The sheathing also has an end face of the plug connector, along which the insertion slot extends in sections. Since the end face ends with the sheathing, particularly good protection against contamination or other environmental influences is ensured.

[0028] For better assembly, the plug connector can have an insertion bevel in the region of the end face.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the invention, there is an assembly comprising a plug connector and a stack plate, which is used in a fuel cell. The plug connector has a tulip-shaped contact with contact wings. The stack plate also has a window-shaped or groove-shaped depression, wherein at least one contact wing of the tulip-shaped contact at least partially extends into the window or the depression of the stack plate. This allows a point-shaped or surface-shaped form fit and / or force fit to be achieved.

[0030] The window delimits an opening in the stacking plate, which is a preferred embodiment due to the relatively deep engagement possibility into the window.

[0031] However, within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to achieve a positive fit by providing a depression, so that the stack of plates can have a closed surface.

[0032] For a particularly secure connection of the two components of the assembly, it is advantageous if the two contact wings of the tulip-shaped contact project from different sides of the stack of plates into the window or into the depression.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the three contact wings of the tulip-shaped contact project into the window or into the depression.

[0034] The plug connector can be latched to the stacking plate in a structurally simple manner by arranging the contact wings of the tulip-shaped contact in the window or in the depression.

[0035] In this case, the edge webs of the stack of plates can advantageously be arranged, preferably under prestressing, in particular latched, between the contact wings of the tulip-shaped contact.

[0036] In the non-prestressed state, the preferred minimum distance between two contact wings can advantageously be between 0.4 and 0.8 millimeters, preferably between 0.5 and 0.7 millimeters.

[0037] A preferred minimum distance between two contact wings can be between 100% and 300%, preferably between 150% and 250%, of the sheet metal thickness of the sheet metal component.

[0038] Furthermore, the material of the contact wings, preferably the material of the entire sheet metal component of the plug connector with the tulip-shaped contact, can consist of a high-temperature-resistant chrome-nickel steel, in particular chrome-nickel stainless steel.

[0039] The length of the connecting interface between a contact wing of the tulip-shaped contact and an adjacent sheet metal plate can be less than 50%, particularly preferably less than 40%, of the length of the separating gap between the contact wing and an adjacent contact wing.

[0040] Furthermore, the sheet metal component of the plug connector has contact projections, in particular contact projections at the ends.

[0041] The contact projection can advantageously have locking wings for axially fixing the covering in order to securely lock the sheet metal component relative to the covering.

[0042] The plug connector of the assembly can advantageously be designed as the above-described plug connector according to the invention.

[0043] Locking wings can be arranged above or below the plate plane of the sheet metal panel for fixing the covering element.

[0044] The preferred sheet metal thickness of the sheet metal component for this application can advantageously be greater than 0.1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0045] The material thickness of the stack of plates may be greater than 0.5 mm, preferably 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0046] The contact wings have a curvature for locking with the stack of plates, wherein the curvature has radii of curvature which are arranged parallel to one another and offset to one another along a longitudinal axis of the sheet metal component.

[0047] Alternatively, the contact wing has a curvature for locking with the stacking plate, wherein the curvature has a radius of curvature which lies on an axis perpendicular to the plate plane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with the aid of the attached drawings. A person skilled in the art will also advantageously examine the features disclosed in combination in the drawings, the description and the claims individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view showing an assembly according to the invention;

[0050] Figure 2 Shown as Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a plug connector as part of an assembly of;

[0051] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Additional schematic perspective views of components of;

[0052] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a plug connector;

[0053] Figure 5 Show Figure 2 and Figure 4 A top view of a plug connector;

[0054] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A front view of a plug connector;

[0055] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 or Figure 6 A side view of a plug connector;

[0056] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 An enlarged detail of the tulip-shaped contact portion;

[0057] Fig. 9 Show Figure 1 A side view of an assembly of

[0058] Fig.10 Show Fig. 9 An enlarged detail of the tulip-shaped contact portion;

[0059] Fig.11 A side view showing a further variant of the assembly according to the invention;

[0060] Fig.12 Show Fig.11 An enlarged detail of the tulip-shaped contact portion;

[0061] Fig.13Show Figure 1 A perspective view of an assembly of the invention with a cover of a plug connector;

[0062] Fig.14 Show Figure 2 A perspective view of a plug connector with a covering;

[0063] Fig.15 Show Fig.14 A top view of a plug connector;

[0064] Fig.16 Show Fig.14 and Fig.15 A side view of a plug connector;

[0065] Fig.17 Show Figures 14 to 16 A front view of a plug connector;

[0066] Fig.18 Show Fig.13 a cross-sectional view of a component;

[0067] Fig.19 Show Fig.13 and Fig.18 a top view of a component of; and

[0068] Fig. 20 Show Fig.13 and Figure 18 to Figure 19 Rear view of the components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figures 9 to 12 The invention shows an assembly 1 comprising a plug connector 2 and a stack of plates 3, preferably metal plates, which are detachably connected to one another. The stack of plates is particularly preferably a bipolar plate. The plug connector 2 is provided as a sheet metal component 2a individually in Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 8 Shown in.

[0070] The plug connector 2 has a tulip-shaped contact 4 which has a total of three contact wings 5 ​​and 6. In this case, the central contact wing 5 is designed to be wider than the two adjacent edge-side contact wings 6.

[0071] The plug connector 2 is manufactured from sheet metal and is brought into the shape depicted by a cutting and forming process. The plug connector has a central sheet metal plate 8 which defines a plate plane E.

[0072] The central contact wing 5 is of curved design and projects with a curvature 16 relative to the plate plane E in a first direction.

[0073] The edge-side contact wings 6 arranged on both sides next to the contact wings 5 ​​themselves each have a curvature 15 , with which they protrude relative to the plate plane E in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0074] In the region between the bulges 15 and 16 of the contact wings 5 ​​and 6 , a rod-shaped or strip-shaped section can be received at the level of the plate plane E and held under pretension.

[0075] The contact wings 5 ​​and 6 are separated from one another by a separating slot 7. The contact wings also have a connection interface 19 with the adjacent sheet metal plate 8, which is defined as a line perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the separating slot. In the case of edge-side contact wings 6, the connection interface 19 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector 2 from the beginning of the separating slot 7 to the edge of the plug connector 2.

[0076] In the case of a central contact wing, the connecting interface 19 is located between the beginnings of the two separating slots 7. The length of the connecting interface 19 is preferably less than 50%, particularly preferably less than 40%, of the length of the separating slots 7.

[0077] A conductor (not shown) can be fixed in the contact projection 9 of the plug connector 2 opposite the tulip-shaped contact 4. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the contact projection 9 has anchoring points 14 , here in the form of two holes, for fixing guide elements of the conductor.

[0078] Furthermore, the contact projection 9 has two locking wings 10, 11, which serve to secure the enclosure against axial displacement along the longitudinal axis of the plug connector 2. The locking wings 10, 11 lock the enclosure by being formed out of the plate plane E. The separating slot 17 defines the length of the respective locking wing 10, 11 and separates it from the rest of the plug connector.

[0079] The connection region or the angled region of the locking wings 10 , 11 to the remaining region of the plug connector 2 extends over a shorter length than the separating slot 17 , preferably over a length less than half the length of the separating slot 17 .

[0080] Adjacent to the bulges 15 and 16 of the contact wings 5 ​​and 6 pointing away from the plate plane E, the contact wings each have a bend 12, 13 pointing in the plate direction. The bends 12, 13 of two adjacent contact wings 5, 6 are therefore offset from one another but point toward one another in a side view.

[0081] The distance between the two inflection points of the bends 12 and 13 defines an opening as a minimum unprestressed tulip distance b, which can be increased when the stack plate 3 is inserted into the opening due to the spreading of the contact wings 5 ​​, 6 , thereby generating a restoring force.

[0082] Especially from Figure 1 Or also from Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As can be seen in , the stack plate differs from the prior art cited at the outset in that it has windows 21 or alternatively recesses in which the bends 12 , 13 of the contact wings 5 ​​, 6 are arranged at least in regions.

[0083] In this case, a window is understood to mean a through-hole or a hole in the stacking plate, whereas a groove is designed as an elongated depression, wherein the stacking plate is designed in this variant as a closed plate without openings.

[0084] The window 21 of the embodiment variant shown is designed in the form of a slot with a longitudinal extension that exceeds the width of the plug connector 2 or at least the width of the tulip-shaped contact 4 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector 2 .

[0085] As from Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the bends 12 and 13 of the contact wings 5 ​​and 6 of the tulip-shaped contact 4 project into the opening defined by the window 21 .

[0086] Especially from Fig.10 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , stop points 22 and 23 are present between partial regions of the bends 12 and 13 and the edge of the window 21 .

[0087] The stop point blocks the relative movement of the plug connector 2 relative to the stacking plate 3 in the plugging direction or in the opposite direction. Therefore, the connection between the plug connector 2 and the stacking plate is not understood as a purely force-locking connection, but can also be understood as a form-locking connection.

[0088] On one side, the window 21 is delimited by an edge web 22 of the stack of plates 20. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the embodiment, the edge web 22 is located between the convexities 15 and 16 of the contact wings 5 ​​and 6 of the tulip-shaped contact 4. Depending on the size, the edge web can be held between the contact wings 5 ​​with or without pretensioning.

[0089] Since the contact wings 5, 6 are partially inserted into the window 21, a significantly more secure connection is achieved compared to a purely force-locking clamping as shown in the prior art. In addition, the plug connector 2 is pre-fixed in its plugged position by the size of the window 21 and is locked against twisting or other incorrect positioning relative to the stacking plate 3.

[0090] If the plug connector 2 fuses with the plate stack 3 due to excessive temperature stress, the windows 21 allow material to be received without the material extending onto other surfaces of the plate stack 3 and thus in particular onto the poles provided for the fuel cell reaction.

[0091] For guidance and positioning, in particular also for preventing tipping, it is advantageous if the contact wings 5, 6 are arranged asymmetrically in the window 21. The radii of curvature s, t and the points of inflection of the bends 12 and 13 are not opposite one another but are arranged offset to one another.

[0092] Fig.11 and Fig.12 A further embodiment variant of a plug connector 2 ′ within the scope of the invention is shown, in which the inflection point and the radius of curvature u are arranged on an axis perpendicular to the plate plane E.

[0093] Accordingly, twice as many stop points 23' and 24' are provided between the tulip-shaped contact portion 4' and the window 21, wherein a corresponding distribution of the force occurs to a plurality of stop points 23' and 24' of the two bends 12' and 13' of the contact wings 5' and 6'. By distributing the force to a plurality of stop points, a resistance to compressive and tensile forces is produced equally in all directions.

[0094] Figures 13 to 20 The plug connector 2 according to the invention is made of sheet metal components, similar to Figures 1 to 12 The invention is shown with an application-optimized enclosure or casing 30 and with the aid of a plug connector 2 .

[0095] The covering 30 has an insertion slot 31 at a first edge and a through-guide 32 at the opposite edge, which is used to guide the contact projection 9 through when the covering 30 is mounted on the rest of the plug connector 2 .

[0096] The casing has a narrow storage space 37 for arranging the sheet metal plate 8 and—compared to the storage space 37 —a wider receiving cavity 38 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L for arranging the tulip-shaped contact 4 and the edge web 22 of the stack plate 20 which is optionally fixed therein.

[0097] The insertion slot 31 extends over three edge regions of the casing 30 , so that the stack of plates 30 is partially overlapped on both sides from below and from above when inserted into the insertion slot 31 .

[0098] In the main region of the surrounding structure, the casing 30 has a wall thickness that is greater than the sheet metal thickness of the sheet metal plate 8 of the plug connector 2. The insertion slot 31 is arranged at the end face 34 and has an insertion bevel 33 starting from the end face.

[0099] The introduction slot 31 has a plurality of opening areas 35 and 36 which are coordinated with one another in such a way that they are coordinated with the contour of the tulip-shaped contact 4. Here, the central opening area 36 has a shaped depression on a first side of the board plane E of the plug connector 2, while two adjacent opening areas 35 each have a shaped depression on the second, opposite side of the board plane.

[0100] The sheet metal part 2 a of the plug connector can be produced from chrome-nickel steel, in particular chrome-nickel stainless steel.

[0101] The preferred sheet metal thickness of the sheet metal component 2 a is greater than 0.1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0102] In the non-prestressed state, the minimum distance between two contact wings 5 ​​, 5 ′, 6 , 6 ′ can be between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0103] The stack of plates 3 preferably has an average thickness of about 0.7 mm + / - 0.1 mm.

[0104] The preferred contact thickness of the contact wings 5 ​​and 6 is 0.3 mm + / - 0.1 mm. The sheet metal component 2a is preferably punched out of sheet metal stock.

[0105] The connection between the plug connector 2 and the stacking plate 3 has the particular advantage that the latching connection between the two components is maintained when the spring force decreases at high temperatures.

[0106] The cover 30 provides protection against tipping of the sheet metal component 2a. A preferred material for the cover is ceramic, particularly preferably technical ceramic, particularly preferably aluminum oxide ceramic.

[0107] The sheath 30 has a box-shaped outer contour and can therefore be gripped by a robot arm. The sheath is dimensionally stable up to over 1000° C., is non-conductive and provides spacing and thereby prevents adjacent boards from resting on the stacking boards connected to the plug connector. After the stacking board stack has undergone a “bake-out process”, the plug connection should be free to move.

[0108] The covering 30 completely covers the plug surface 18 of the plug connector 2. This serves as a protection to prevent the tulip-shaped contacts 4, 4' and the electrical insulation from bending. It also prevents tipping during the process.

[0109] Reference numerals list

[0110] 1 Component

[0111] 2. 2' plug connector

[0112] 2a Sheet metal parts

[0113] 3 stacked boards

[0114] 4. 4' tulip-shaped contact part

[0115] 5. 5' contact wing

[0116] 6. 6' contact wing

[0117] 7-partition seam

[0118] 8 Sheet Metal Plate

[0119] 9Contact protrusion

[0120] 10 Locking Wings

[0121] 11 Locking Wing

[0122] 12, 12' bend (inflection point)

[0123] 13, 13' bend

[0124] 14 Anchor points for guide elements

[0125] 15 Arch

[0126] 16 Arch

[0127] 17 Separation seam

[0128] 18 plug face

[0129] 19Connection interface

[0130] 20 stacked boards

[0131] 21 windows

[0132] 22 Edge tabs

[0133] 23, 23' stop point

[0134] 24, 24' stop point

[0135] 30 Enclosure or covering

[0136] 31 Introduction of seam

[0137] 32Through guide

[0138] 33Introduction of inclined part

[0139] 34 end face

[0140] 35 Opening area

[0141] 36 opening area

[0142] 37 Storage Space

[0143] 38 receiving cavity

[0144] L Longitudinal axis

[0145] a Plate thickness

[0146] E-plate plane

[0147] bMinimum tulip spacing (without preload)

[0148] rBending deflection part

[0149] s, t, u radius of curvature

Claims

1. A plug connector (2, 2') for contacting a stacking plate (3), comprising a sheet metal component (2a) with a tulip-shaped contact portion (4, 4') for contacting the stacking plate (3) and a covering (30) made of a material that is dimensionally stable at 1000° C., characterized in that: Each sheet metal component (2a) is provided with a single covering (30) for contacting a single stacking plate (3).

2. The plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that The casing (30) consists of a ceramic material, in particular a technical ceramic.

3. The plug connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The covering part (30) has a box-shaped outer contour.

4. The plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The covering (30) has a storage space (37) for locally arranging the sheet metal component (2a) and a receiving cavity (38) for locally receiving a stacked plate section, wherein the receiving cavity (38) has a greater width perpendicular to a plate plane (E) of the sheet metal component (2a) than the storage space (37).

5. Plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The casing (30) has an insertion slot (31) for inserting a stacking plate (3), wherein the insertion slot (31) is designed such that the stacking plate (3) is surrounded on both sides by the plug connector (2').

6. Plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The introduction slot (31) has a plurality of opening regions (35, 36), the arrangement of which is coordinated with the contour course of the tulip-shaped contacts (4, 4').

7. Plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The central opening region (36) has a shaped depression on a first side of a board plane (E) of the plug connector (2), and two adjacent opening regions (35) each have a shaped depression on an opposite second side of the board plane (E).

8. Plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The covering part (30) has a through-guide portion (32) on a side opposite to the introduction slot (31), the through-guide portion being used to insert and pass a contact protrusion (9) at an end of the sheet metal component (2a) when the covering part (30) is connected to the sheet metal component (2a).

9. Plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The covering part (30) is connected to form a plug connector (2, 2') by being inserted into the sheet metal component (2a).

10. The plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug connector (2, 2') is composed of a maximum of two components, namely a sheet metal part (2a) and a casing (30).

11. Plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cover (30) is locked against axial movement about the longitudinal axis (L) by means of locking wings (10, 11), in particular by means of locking wings (10, 11) arranged on the sheet metal component (2a).

12. Plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The covering (30) has an end face (34) of the plug connector (2, 2'), along which the introduction slot (31) extends in sections.

13. Plug connector according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug connector (2, 2') has an insertion bevel (33) in the region of the end face (34).

14. An assembly (1) comprising a plug connector (2, 2') and a stack of plates (3), the assembly being for use in a fuel cell, wherein: The plug connector (2, 2') has a tulip-shaped contact portion (4, 4') with contact wings (5, 5', 6, 6'), and the stacking plate (3) has a window (21) or a groove-shaped depression, wherein at least one contact wing (5, 5', 6, 6') of the tulip-shaped contact portion (4, 4') at least partially extends into the window (21) or the depression of the stacking plate (3).

15. The assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The two contact wings (5, 5', 6, 6') of the tulip-shaped contact portion (4, 4') extend from different sides of the stacking plate (3) into the window (21) or into the recess.

16. Assembly according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The three contact wings (5, 5', 6, 6') of the tulip-shaped contact portion (4, 4') extend into the window (21) or into the depression.

17. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug connector (2, 2') is locked with the stacking plate (3) by arranging the contact wings (5, 5', 6, 6') of the tulip-shaped contacts (4, 4') in the window (21) or in the recess.

18. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The edge web (22) of the stack of plates (3) is arranged, preferably under prestressing, in particular latched, between the contact wings (5, 5', 6, 6') of the tulip-shaped contact (4, 4').

19. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the non-prestressed state, the minimum distance between the two contact wings (5, 5', 6, 6') is between 100% and 250% of the sheet metal component's thickness.

20. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The material of the contact wings (5, 5', 6, 6'), preferably the material of the entire sheet metal part (2a) of the plug connector (2, 2') with the tulip-shaped contact (4, 4'), consists of metal, preferably chrome-nickel steel, particularly preferably chrome-nickel stainless steel.

21. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The length of the connection interface (19) between a contact wing (5, 5', 6, 6') of the tulip-shaped contact portion (4, 4') and an adjacent sheet metal plate (8) is less than 50%, particularly preferably less than 40%, of the length of the separation gap (7) between the contact wing (5, 5', 6, 6') and an adjacent contact wing (5, 5', 6, 6').

22. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The sheet metal component (2a) of the plug connector (2, 2') has a contact projection (9), in particular a contact projection (9) at an end.

23. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The contact protrusion (9) has locking wings (10, 11) for axially fixing the covering component (30).

24. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug connector (2, 2') of the assembly (1) is designed as a plug connector (2, 2') according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.

25. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The locking wings (10, 11) are arranged above or below a plate plane (E) of the sheet metal plate (8) to fix the covering component (30).

26. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The sheet metal plate (8) and preferably the sheet metal component (2a) as a whole have a thickness greater than 0.1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

27. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The stack of plates ( 3 ) has a material thickness of preferably 0.7 mm + / - 0.1 mm.

28. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The contact wings (5, 6) have bends (12, 13) for locking with the stacking plate (3), wherein the bends (12, 13) have curvature radii (s, t) which are arranged parallel to and offset from one another along a longitudinal axis (L) of the sheet metal component (2a).

29. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The contact wings (5', 6') have a bend (12', 13') for locking with the stack plate (3), wherein the bend (12', 13') has a radius of curvature (u), and the radius of curvature (u) of the bend (12', 13') is located on an axis perpendicular to the plate plane (E).

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