Seal assembly and plate stack assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealing assembly for sealing and isolating a space located in a plate stack assembly, where the plate stack assembly can be, for example, a fuel cell stack or part of a fuel cell stack and the space can be a space located therein, where the sealing assembly comprises: 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 assembly is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology. It particularly relates to plate stack assemblies, for example in the form of fuel cell stacks, which can particularly well withstand strong forces. BACKGROUND

[0002] The documents US 2020 / 0388858 A1, WO 2019 / 076813 A1, US 2021 / 0194019 A1 and US 2022 / 0037680 A1 likewise relate to the field of fuel cell technology. However, the technical teachings described in these documents do not provide a fully satisfactory solution, especially in the case of strong force action due to severe deceleration, for example in the event of an accident, in motorized vehicles. The same applies to stationary applications, for example with respect to forces acting during an earthquake. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a plate stack assembly, for example in the form of a fuel cell stack, and components therefor, which can be easily manufactured and which are durable and safe even in the case of strong force action. In particular, they should particularly well withstand forces acting along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sealing assembly according to the respective independent protection claims.

[0005] The sealing assembly is a sealing assembly for sealing off a space located in a plate stack assembly.

[0006] The plate stack assembly can be any plate stack assembly in which a space located in the plate stack assembly needs to be sealed off.

[0007] Preferably, the plate stack assembly 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.

[0008] Electrolysis cell stacks are known to be arranged in electrolysis devices, which are used, inter alia, for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Heat exchanger plate stacks are known to be arranged in plate heat exchangers, which are often colloquially referred to as plate heat exchangers or plate coolers.

[0009] The plate stack assembly can be, for example, a fuel cell stack or a part of a fuel cell stack.

[0010] The space can be a space located in a fuel cell stack or a part of a fuel cell stack, located in an electrolysis cell stack or a part of an electrolysis cell stack, located in a heat exchanger plate stack or a part of a heat exchanger plate stack.

[0011] The plate stack assembly can be, for example, a fuel cell stack or a part of a fuel cell stack, and the space can be a space located in the plate stack assembly.

[0012] The sealing assembly can comprise, inter alia:

[0013] - a sealing element for delimiting the space in at least one direction; and

[0014] - a compression protection unit for protecting the sealing element from irreversible deformation upon compression of the plate stack assembly along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0015] In addition to the compression protection unit, the sealing assembly can of course comprise one further compression protection unit or a plurality of further compression protection units.

[0016] The term "inter alia" is preferably used in the context of the present description and the appended claims to describe optional features.

[0017] The sealing element can be adapted, inter alia, to delimit the space in at least one direction. It can be advantageous if the sealing element can surround the space or a part of the space.

[0018] The space can be, inter alia, an inter-plate gap located between plates of the plate stack assembly.

[0019] The sealing element can surround the space, inter alia, when the space is an inter-plate gap.

[0020] The space can be a through-space extending through at least one plate of the plate stack assembly. The through-space can extend, for example, through at least one through-opening of at least one plate of the plate stack assembly.

[0021] If the space is a through-space, the sealing element can surround, for example annularly, a part of the through-space.

[0022] It can be advantageous if the sealing assembly comprises a first sealing element and a second sealing element, wherein the first sealing element can surround the inter-plate gap and the second sealing element can surround at least a part of the through-space.

[0023] The second sealing element can be arranged between the inter-plate gap and the through-space and can separate the inter-plate gap and the through-space entirely or partially. The second sealing element can have at least one passage through which a fluid-conducting connection between the inter-plate gap and the through-space can be produced or exist.

[0024] The compression protection unit comprised in the sealing assembly is a compression protection unit for protecting the sealing element from irreversible deformation upon compression of the plate stack assembly along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0025] The compression protection unit is especially a compression protection unit for protecting the first sealing element and the second sealing element from irreversible deformation when the plate stack assembly is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0026] When reference is made herein to a "sealing element" or "the sealing element", this can mean, independently of one another, for example, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element.

[0027] Preferably, the sealing element can be a sealing element which is reversibly deformable upon a lower degree of compression of the plate stack assembly along the plate stack longitudinal axis and which is irreversibly deformable upon a higher degree of compression of the plate stack assembly along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0028] Upon compression of the plate stack assembly along the plate stack longitudinal axis, the sealing element can be compressed within the plate stack assembly in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis. Upon a high degree of compression of the plate stack assembly along the plate stack longitudinal axis, the sealing element can be compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis to a high degree.

[0029] During regular operation of a device in which the plate stack assembly is arranged, for example a motor vehicle, only small forces are generated along the plate stack longitudinal axis, so that the sealing element is only compressed to a relatively low degree. Here, reversible deformation of the sealing element can typically result.

[0030] When the device in which the plate stack assembly is arranged, for example a motor vehicle, encounters particularly severe acceleration or deceleration, for example in the event of an accident, large forces or force components can act along the plate stack longitudinal axis. Compression of the plate stack assembly along the plate stack longitudinal axis can be correspondingly higher here, so that irreversible deformation of the sealing element can result.

[0031] The compression protection unit is especially a compression protection unit for protecting the sealing element from irreversible deformation in the event of an accident when the plate stack assembly is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0032] The compression protection unit can be a single compression protection unit. The single compression protection unit can especially achieve protection of the sealing element without a corresponding further compression protection (sub-)unit. The compression protection unit can project from the plate plane of a plate of the plate stack assembly in a direction towards an adjacent plate of the plate stack assembly.

[0033] Preferably, the compression protection unit has two compression protection sub-units. At least one of the two compression protection sub-units can project, for example, from the plate plane of at least one plate in a direction towards or into the other compression protection sub-unit. The other compression protection sub-unit can project, for example, from the plate plane of an adjacent plate.

[0034] Each sealing element that can delimit a space in at least one direction can be considered a sealing element.

[0035] In particular, each sealing element that can enclose a space or at least a portion of a space can be considered a sealing element.

[0036] Various sealing elements and materials suitable for their manufacture are known to the person skilled in the art, which are suitable for sealing off a space located in a plate stack assembly, for example a described inter-plate gap or a described through-space.

[0037] It can be advantageous for the sealing element to have a sealing reinforcement.

[0038] The sealing reinforcement can be a peripheral reinforcement. The peripheral reinforcement can delimit the space, in particular the inter-plate gap, with respect to the surroundings of the plate stack assembly.

[0039] The sealing reinforcement can be a port reinforcement. The port reinforcement can enclose at least a portion of the through-space. The port reinforcement can for example delimit at least a portion of the through-space and for example separate at least a portion of the through-space from the inter-plate gap.

[0040] The sealing reinforcement is preferably constructed from a plate of the plate stack assembly.

[0041] The sealing reinforcement can for example be constructed from a spacer plate of the fuel cell stack.

[0042] It can be advantageous for the sealing element to have two sealing reinforcements facing one another. The two sealing reinforcements facing one another can be constructed from two adjacent plates of the plate stack assembly.

[0043] Advantageously, each of the two sealing reinforcements can be constructed from each of the adjacent plates and can protrude from a respective plate plane of the respective plate in a direction towards the other sealing reinforcement. For example, each of the two sealing reinforcements can be constructed from each of the adjacent spacer plates and can protrude from a respective plate plane of the spacer plate in a direction towards the other sealing reinforcement.

[0044] In particular, a plane that is oriented orthogonally to the plate stack longitudinal axis is referred to as a plate plane, which for example can extend centrally through the associated plate, for example through a connection region in which two plate elements of the plate can be connected to one another.

[0045] It can be particularly advantageous for the compression protection unit to have a first compression protection element and a second compression protection element.

[0046] It can be particularly advantageous for the compression protection unit to have

[0047] - a reinforcement element; and / or

[0048] - a multi-layered compression protection zone; and / or

[0049] - a protrusion element and a recess element, wherein a part of the protrusion of the protrusion element is received into the recess of the recess element.

[0050] The compression protection unit can have a reinforcement element. Alternatively or additionally, the compression protection unit can have a multi-layered compression protection zone. Alternatively or additionally, the compression protection unit can have a protrusion element and a recess element, wherein a part of the protrusion of the protrusion element is received into the recess of the recess element.

[0051] It can be advantageous that the compression protection unit has a reinforcement element and that the reinforcement element is configured by one plate or said plates of the plate stack assembly. The reinforcement element can for example be configured by one separator plate or said separator plates of the fuel cell stack. Preferably, the reinforcement element can be configured by a plate of the plate stack assembly, the sealing reinforcement or at least one sealing reinforcement also being configured by a plate of the plate stack assembly.

[0052] Preferably, at least one compression protection unit or at least one part or at least one section of at least one compression protection unit is arranged or configured in an edge region. The edge region extends from the sealing element to an edge. The edge delimits a face span of one plate or said plates of the plate stack assembly. In particular, the edge can delimit a face span of a plate of the plate stack assembly at which at least one compression protection unit is arranged or by which at least one compression protection unit is configured.

[0053] The expression that a feature of the sealing assembly, for example a sealing reinforcement or a reinforcement element, is configured by a plate or a separator plate can in particular mean that the feature of the sealing assembly, for example the sealing reinforcement or the reinforcement element, is configured by a plate element of the plate or the separator plate.

[0054] As explained in more detail herein, in particular in connection with the plate stack assembly according to the application, a plate, for example a separator plate, can have two plate elements which are indirectly or directly, for example directly, connected to each other.

[0055] Preferably, the reinforcement element can form at least one of the two compression protection elements.

[0056] It is preferred that the reinforcement element forms a first compression protection element and a second compression protection element.

[0057] Preferably, the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element are arranged such that, upon compression of the plate stack assembly along the plate stack longitudinal axis, compression of the first compression protection element takes place before compression of the second compression protection element.

[0058] It is preferred that the reinforcement element has two flanks of different height, and that the higher flank forms or extends to the first compression protection element.

[0059] It is particularly preferred that the reinforcement element has two flanks of different height, and that the higher flank forms or extends to the first compression protection element, and that the lower flank forms or extends to the second compression protection element.

[0060] It is preferred that the more highly raised regions of the reinforcement element can form the first compression protection element, and that the less highly raised regions of the reinforcement element can form the second compression protection element. The more highly raised regions can be raised more highly from the plate plane of the plate than the less highly raised regions. The plate can be a plate which configures or can configure the reinforcement element.

[0061] This can achieve that the compression of the first compression protection element can take place before the compression of the second compression protection element can take place when the stack assembly is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis.

[0062] Advantageously, the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element can be configured such that the compression of the second compression protection element requires a higher force consumption and / or energy consumption than the compression of the first compression protection element when the stack assembly is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis.

[0063] The force consumption required for the compression of the respective compression protection element can be measured by increasing the force acting on the respective compression protection element along the stack longitudinal axis for as long as the respective compression protection element does not start to compress. For this purpose, a flat surface of a test body can be pressed onto a section of the compression protection element with increasing force.

[0064] The compression of the second compression protection element requires a higher force consumption if the compression of the second protection element is started after the compression of the first compression protection element has already started and requires a higher force consumption at the start of the compression of the second compression protection element than at the start of the compression of the first compression protection element.

[0065] It is preferred that the compression of the second compression protection element can require at least twice the force consumption, in particular at least four times the force consumption, for example at least eight times the force consumption, compared to the compression of the first compression protection element.

[0066] It is preferred that the compression of the second compression protection element can require at least twice the energy consumption, in particular at least four times the energy consumption, for example at least eight times the energy consumption, compared to the compression of the first compression protection element.

[0067] The energy consumption required for the compression of one of the compression protection elements can be determined by integrating the force consumption required for the compression over the compression path. The energy consumption required for the compression of the first compression protection element can be, in particular, the energy consumption required for the compression of the first compression protection element before the compression of the second compression protection element is carried out.

[0068] The energy consumption required for the compression of the second compression protection element can be the energy consumption required for the further compression of the second compression protection element after the compression of the first compression protection element is completed.

[0069] It can be advantageous if the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element are configured and / or arranged such that the compression of at least the first compression protection element is carried out before irreversible deformation of the sealing element is caused when the stack assembly is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis.

[0070] It can be preferred if the compression of the first compression protection element and the compression of the second compression protection element are carried out before irreversible deformation of the sealing element is caused when the stack assembly is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis.

[0071] The person skilled in the art can without any problems determine the compression of the stack assembly along the stack longitudinal axis from which the irreversible deformation of the sealing element begins. The person skilled in the art can also without any problems adapt the height and shape of the compression protection elements to the sealing element such that the compression of at least the first compression protection element is carried out before irreversible deformation of the sealing element is caused or the compression of the first compression protection element and the compression of the second compression protection element are carried out before irreversible deformation of the sealing element is caused.

[0072] It can be preferred if the first compression protection element and the second compression protection element are configured such that reversible deformation of the sealing element is carried out before the compression of both compression protection elements is caused when the stack assembly is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis.

[0073] It can be preferred if the stiffener element forms at least one of the plurality of compression protection elements and the absorption material arranged at the surface of the stiffener element forms the other compression protection element of the plurality of compression protection elements.

[0074] It can be preferred if the stiffener element forms at least the first compression protection element and the absorption material arranged at the surface of the stiffener element forms the second compression protection element.

[0075] It can be preferred if the stiffener element forms at least the second compression protection element and the absorption material arranged at the surface of the stiffener element forms the first compression protection element.

[0076] The absorbent material can be arranged at the inner side facing surface of the stringer element.

[0077] The absorbent material can be arranged at the outer side facing surface of the stringer element.

[0078] It can be advantageous that the stringer element forms a first compression protection element of a plurality of compression protection elements, e.g. said first compression protection element, and that the absorbent material arranged at the inner side facing surface of the stringer element forms a further compression protection element of the plurality of compression protection elements, in particular a second compression protection element of the plurality of compression protection elements, e.g. said second compression protection element.

[0079] It can be advantageous that the stringer element forms at least one compression protection element of a plurality of compression protection elements, in particular a second compression protection element of the plurality of compression protection elements, e.g. said second compression protection element, and that the absorbent material arranged at the outer side facing surface of the stringer element forms a first compression protection element of the plurality of compression protection elements, e.g. said first compression protection element.

[0080] The absorbent material arranged at the inner side facing surface of the stringer element can occupy a portion of a recess of the stringer element leading to the inner side facing surface of the stringer element.

[0081] The absorbent material arranged at the inner side facing surface of the stringer element can completely occupy a recess of the stringer element leading to the inner side facing surface of the stringer element.

[0082] The sealing stringer can have a plurality of wall portions. Preferably, two of the wall portions of the sealing element are inclined differently with respect to the stack longitudinal axis. It can be particularly preferred that two of the wall portions are inclined oppositely with respect to the stack longitudinal axis. It can be particularly preferred that two of the wall portions are inclined oppositely and identically with respect to the stack longitudinal axis. A third wall portion of the sealing stringer can connect the two other wall portions.

[0083] The two wall portions of the sealing stringer that are inclined differently with respect to the stack longitudinal axis can form flanks or legs of the sealing stringer. The flanks or legs of the sealing stringer can be connected via the third wall portion.

[0084] The third wall portion of the sealing stringer can be oriented orthogonal to the stack longitudinal axis.

[0085] The sealing stringer can be or can comprise a full stringer.

[0086] The sealing stringer can be or can comprise a half stringer.

[0087] The reinforcement element can have a plurality of wall portions, preferably at least three wall portions. Two of the wall portions of the reinforcement element can be inclined differently with respect to the plate stack longitudinal axis. The two wall portions of the reinforcement element can be inclined oppositely with respect to the plate stack longitudinal axis. The two wall portions of the reinforcement element can be inclined oppositely and identically with respect to the plate stack longitudinal axis. The two wall portions of the reinforcement element can form flanks or legs of the reinforcement element. A third wall portion of the reinforcement element can connect the two flanks or legs.

[0088] It can be advantageous if the third wall portion of the reinforcement element is not oriented in a manner orthogonal to the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0089] It can be advantageous if a recess is configured in a wall portion of the reinforcement element, for example in the third wall portion of the reinforcement element. The recess can be configured in the same direction or in the opposite direction to the reinforcement element.

[0090] When the recess is configured in the same direction to the reinforcement element, this can in particular mean that an inboard surface of the reinforcement element transitions into an inboard surface of the recess.

[0091] When the recess is configured in the opposite direction to the reinforcement element, the recess can extend from an outboard surface of the reinforcement element into the reinforcement element.

[0092] It can be advantageous if the compression protection element is a compression protection member which can be brought between the plates of the plate stack assembly, there being a space between the plates of the plate stack assembly. The compression protection member can be a sheet material, for example.

[0093] The compression protection member can be, for example

[0094] - loosely insertable,

[0095] - connected or connectable to a sealing element, for example in the form of a frame foil,

[0096] or

[0097] - secured or securable at a plate surface of the plates of the plate stack assembly.

[0098] The compression protection member can represent a second compression protection element as described herein, which is preferably not compressible or only compressible with a very high expenditure of force.

[0099] It can be advantageous if

[0100] - the sealing element has at least one wider sealing element section and at least one narrower sealing element section, wherein the width of the sealing element in the wider sealing element section is greater than the width of the sealing element in the narrower sealing element section;

[0101] and / or

[0102] - the compression protection unit has at least one wider compression protection unit section and at least one narrower compression protection unit section, wherein the width of the compression protection unit in the wider compression protection unit section is greater than the width of the compression protection unit in the narrower compression protection unit section;

[0103] and / or

[0104] - the sealing element has at least one higher sealing element section and at least one lower sealing element section, wherein the height of the sealing element in the higher sealing element section is greater than the width of the sealing element in the lower sealing element section;

[0105] and / or

[0106] - the compression protection unit has at least one higher compression protection unit section and at least one lower compression protection unit section, wherein the height of the compression protection unit in the higher compression protection unit section is greater than the height of the compression protection unit in the lower compression protection unit section.

[0107] A section of the sealing element is referred to herein as a sealing element section.

[0108] A section of the compression protection unit is referred to herein as a compression protection unit section.

[0109] In the respective section, the width of the sealing element or compression protection unit, respectively, can be measured orthogonally to the prevailing extension direction of the sealing element or compression protection unit, respectively, at that location and parallel to the respective plate plane, e.g. in the respective plate plane. The width can preferably be the width that can be measured at the base of the sealing element or compression protection unit.

[0110] The height of the sealing element or compression protection unit, respectively, is measured accordingly in a direction parallel to the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0111] It can be advantageous for the compression protection unit to have a multilayered compression protection region.

[0112] It can be particularly advantageous for the compression protection unit to have a multilayered compression protection region, wherein at least one section of the multilayered compression protection region is arranged or configured in the edge region.

[0113] It can be preferred for at least one section of the multilayered compression protection region in the edge region to be formed at least partially by a plate or plate element.

[0114] Preferably, the first layer and the second layer of the multi-layered compression protection zone can be formed from the same plate. Both layers can extend from the edge delimiting the face span of the plate. Preferably, the sealing stiffener is constructed from the first layer of the two layers and the second layer of the two layers extends from the edge in a direction towards the sealing stiffener. Advantageously, the second layer extending from the edge in a direction towards the sealing stiffener does not reach the sealing stiffener.

[0115] It can be advantageous that the multi-layered compression protection zone of the compression protection unit has a first compression protection element and a second compression protection element.

[0116] It can be advantageous that the multi-layered compression protection zone is constructed at one section of the edge and that the multi-layered compression protection zone is not constructed at another section of the edge.

[0117] It can be particularly advantageous that one section of the multi-layered compression protection zone is wider than another section of the multi-layered compression protection zone. It can be preferred that in the wider section of the multi-layered compression protection zone, the second layer of the layers extends further from the edge in a direction towards the sealing element than in the other section of the multi-layered compression protection zone.

[0118] It can be preferred that the wider section or the other narrower section of the multi-layered compression protection zone forms the first compression protection element. For example, the wider section of the multi-layered compression protection zone can form the first compression protection element and the other narrower section of the multi-layered compression protection zone can form the second compression protection element. Alternatively, the wider section of the multi-layered compression protection zone can form the second compression protection element and the other narrower section of the multi-layered compression protection zone can form the first compression protection element.

[0119] A material can be arranged in the multi-layered compression protection zone. The material can be a filler material and / or an absorbing material. The material, e.g. the filler material or the absorbing material, can comprise or can be a plastic material. The material can have pores.

[0120] The material, e.g. the absorbing material or the filler material, can be arranged between the first layer and the second layer of the multi-layered compression protection zone or can extend into a region of the multi-layered compression protection zone present between the first layer and the second layer of the multi-layered compression protection zone.

[0121] The first layer and the second layer of the multi-layered compression protection zone can be formed from the same plate, e.g. by flanging, wherein both layers extend from the edge delimiting the face span of the plate, e.g. the flanged edge.

[0122] The first and second layer of the multi-layered compression protection zone can be formed from one and the same panel element of the panel, for example by means of a flanging, wherein the two layers of the panel element extend from an edge delimiting the face span of the panel, for example an edge that is flanged.

[0123] The described design of the compression protection unit with a multi-layered compression protection zone proves to be advantageous, in particular with regard to the flanging, since the flanging is easier with a section of the multi-layered compression protection zone that is not present or is narrower, in which design the multi-layered compression protection zone is configured at one section of the edge and not at another section of the edge and / or in which one section of the multi-layered compression protection zone is wider than another section of the multi-layered compression protection zone. In particular, it turns out that the warping of the panel, which can be caused by the flanging, can be particularly low and, as a result, a particularly precise panel stack assembly can ultimately be obtained, the space within which is reliably sealed off.

[0124] It can be particularly advantageous if the two layers extend from an edge delimiting the face span of the panel, wherein at least one section of one of the two layers is inclined relative to another section of the other of the two layers. The two layers can exhibit an inclination angle relative to each other in these two sections of at least 5°, in particular of at least 8°, for example of at least 12°. The two layers can exhibit an inclination angle relative to each other in these two sections of at most 70°, in particular of at most 60°, for example of at most 45°.

[0125] The first compression protection element can be configured at a location at which the two layers are further away from each other. The second compression protection element can be formed at a location at which the two layers have a smaller spacing.

[0126] At least one of the two layers can be coated. At least one of the two layers can preferably be coated at the surface facing the other layer. The coating can be applied before the flanging.

[0127] The two layers can be coated. The two layers can be coated at the surfaces facing each other.

[0128] At least one of the two layers can be coated on both sides.

[0129] The two layers can be coated on both sides.

[0130] By targeted adjustment of the thickness of the coating and by targeted selection of the number of coatings, the thickness of the multi-layered compression protection zone can be adjusted in a targeted manner. The thickness can in particular be adjusted in such a way that irreversible deformation of the sealing element is reliably prevented when the panel stack assembly is compressed along the panel stack longitudinal axis by the areas of the multi-layered compression protection zones of the adjacent panels abutting against each other before irreversible deformation of the sealing element can take place.

[0131] It may be advantageous if the compression protection unit has a raised element and a recessed element, wherein a part of the projection of the raised element is received in a recess of the recessed element.

[0132] The raised elements and the recessed elements may each be a reinforcement element.

[0133] The recess element may be a recess element of two plate elements of a plate, wherein the two plate elements of the plate may be bent in the same direction.

[0134] The raised elements may project into the recessed elements starting from the adjacent plate.

[0135] It may be preferred that

[0136] - the height of the protrusions is greater than the depth of the recesses,

[0137] and / or

[0138] The flanks of the projection are spaced apart from the flanks of the recess in the recess, wherein the flanks of the projection can be spaced apart from the flanks of the recess in the recess, for example in such a way that the flanks of the projection can flare towards the flanks of the recess.

[0139] It may be particularly preferred that the projection height of the projection is greater than the recess depth of the recess, and that the flanks of the projection are spaced apart from the flanks of the recess in the recess.

[0140] This allows, for example, the compression protection unit to effectively prevent irreversible deformation of the sealing element when the plate stack assembly is compressed along the longitudinal axis of the plate stack. When this compression occurs along the longitudinal axis of the plate stack, the projection can move into the recess. Furthermore, the flanks of the projection can expand in the recess, thereby generating an additional spring effect that protects the sealing element from irreversible deformation.

[0141] In particular, a portion of the force acting along the longitudinal axis of the plate stack, which could lead to an irreversible deformation of the sealing element, could ultimately instead lead to an expansion of the flanks of the projection element received in the recess.

[0142] It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit defines a first raised area and a second raised area, wherein the compression protection unit is raised relative to a base section of the sealing assembly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the plate stack in the first raised area and in the second raised area, wherein the base section can preferably be located between the sealing element and the compression protection unit.

[0143] Preferably, the compression protection unit has a reinforcing rib element, and the reinforcing rib element defines at least one of the two raised areas, wherein another reinforcing rib element or the same reinforcing rib element may define the other of the two raised areas.

[0144] The compression protection unit can have a bead element, and the bead element can define one of the two raised areas, wherein the other bead element can define the other of the two raised areas.

[0145] The compression protection unit can have a bead element, and the bead element can define one of the two raised areas and the other of the two raised areas.

[0146] For example, a first section of a bead element can define one of the two raised areas, and a further section of the same bead element can define the other of the two raised areas.

[0147] It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit has a plateau area that is elevated relative to the base section of the sealing assembly. The plateau area can preferably be formed by the raised areas transitioning into one another. The raised areas can for example continuously transition into one another and thus form a plateau area that continuously extends across the plurality of raised areas.

[0148] In addition to this plateau area, the compression protection unit can have one or more further plateau areas. The one or more plateau areas can preferably occupy 5 to 95 %, particularly preferably 10 to 85 %, for example 20 to 75 % of the edge area. The sunken intermediate sections, if present, are included in the area of the respective plateau area.

[0149] It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit has an intermediate section between the first raised area and the second raised area. It can be advantageous if the plateau area extends around the intermediate section sunken in the plateau area.

[0150] The sunken intermediate section can have any shape. It can have a greater span in the direction of extension of the sealing element than in the direction from the sealing element towards the edge transverse to the direction of extension.

[0151] It is preferred that the sunken intermediate section is curved alternately in one direction and in the opposite direction along the direction of extension of the intermediate section.

[0152] The sunken intermediate section can optionally extend straight between the alternating curves.

[0153] The sunken intermediate section can preferably meander in the plateau area.

[0154] The plateau area can preferably extend around a plurality of intermediate sections sunken in the plateau area. The plateau area can have preferably at least 4, particularly preferably at least 6, for example at least 10 sunken intermediate sections.

[0155] The compression protection unit can not be elevated in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis relative to the base section in the intermediate section. Alternatively, the intermediate section can define an intermediate raised area, in which the intermediate section is elevated in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis relative to the base section, wherein the compression protection unit is elevated in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis to a higher extent in the first raised area and in the second raised area than the intermediate section, respectively, or wherein the compression protection unit is elevated in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis to a higher extent in the plateau area than the intermediate section sunken into the plateau area or than the plurality of intermediate sections sunken into the plateau area.

[0156] Preferably, an intermediate height of the compression protection unit at the first raised area or at the second raised area, which can be measured in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis from the intermediate section, can be 10% to 99.8%, preferably 50% to 99%, further preferably 65% to 98.5%, for example 75% to 98% of a base height of the compression protection unit at the same raised area, which can be measured in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis from the base section.

[0157] It can be advantageous if one reinforcement element has differently high flanks, or if a plurality of reinforcement elements has differently high flanks, or if the plateau area has differently high flanks, wherein the number of flanks is preferably at least four, wherein it is preferred that a higher flank, which extends from the base section, is more gently inclined than a lower flank, which extends from the intermediate section, wherein the smaller inclination angle of the more gently inclined higher flank can be preferably 15° to 70°, and the larger inclination angle of the more steeply inclined lower flank can be preferably 20° to 90°. The larger inclination angle of the more steeply inclined lower flank can here be at least 5°, preferably at least 7°, particularly preferably at least 9° larger than the smaller inclination angle of the more gently inclined higher flank.

[0158] When reference is made herein to the inclination angle of a flank, an angle with respect to a plane oriented orthogonally to the plate stack longitudinal axis, for example a plate plane, is meant.

[0159] The inclination angle of a flank can preferably be measured at the location where the respective flank has the greatest inclination.

[0160] Preferably, the compression protection unit extension direction can form an extension angle in the range of, for example, 5° to 85°, for example 20° to 70°, with respect to the sealing element extension direction, along which at least a portion of the compression protection unit extends, along which a portion of the sealing element closest to the at least a portion of the compression protection unit extends.

[0161] It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit has a first compression protection element and a second compression protection element, and the two compression protection elements are arranged or configured in the edge region, wherein at least the first compression protection element of the compression protection elements is arranged or configured completely in an edge region section of the edge region, wherein the edge region section extends in the radial direction from the sealing element to the edge, and the edge region section extends over a length of at most 15% of the edge length along the edge extension direction, wherein the edge length is the length of the edge.

[0162] It is preferred if at least one of the compression protection elements is configured annularly inside the edge region section.

[0163] Alternatively, at least one of the compression protection elements can be configured helically around inside the edge region section.

[0164] The radial direction can mean here, inter alia, the direction from the sealing element towards the edge. The radial direction can extend, inter alia, from the sealing element towards the edge, such that the direction runs orthogonally to the edge extension direction.

[0165] The radial direction can extend, for example, orthogonally to the edge extension direction.

[0166] It can be advantageous if the at least one compression protection element is arranged or configured in a plurality of edge region sections arranged in succession along the edge extension direction.

[0167] Compression protection elements can be arranged or configured which extend at least into or through adjacent edge region sections from an edge region section.

[0168] The compression protection elements can be configured, for example, annularly or helically around there.

[0169] It is preferred if the compression protection element span of at least one of the compression protection elements, which can be measured in the direction of the edge extension direction, is greater than the compression protection element spacing of two adjacent compression protection elements, which can be measured in the direction of the edge extension direction, which are arranged or configured in edge region sections arranged in succession.

[0170] Preferably, the ratio of the compression protection element span to the compression protection element spacing can be in the range of 10:9 to 20:1, particularly preferably in the range of 10:8 to 10:1.

[0171] This can be particularly advantageous when the compression protection element spans are greater than the compression protection element pitch, since the compression protection elements constructed at two mutually connected plate elements or the compression protection elements of adjacent plates in a plate stack assembly can each be oriented such that the compression protection element closest in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis can span the compression protection element pitch of two compression protection elements arranged side by side orthogonal to the plate stack longitudinal axis. This can facilitate elastic deformation when the plate stack assembly is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis and thus be beneficial to the durability of the plate stack assembly.

[0172] It can be advantageous for at least two compression protection elements to be arranged or constructed in the edge region, wherein a first compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements is located further away from the edge in the edge region than a second compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements.

[0173] It is preferred that

[0174] - the outer-side end of the compression protection element located further away from the edge is located further away from the edge than the inner-side end of the second compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements;

[0175] and / or

[0176] - in a plurality of edge region sections arranged in succession along the edge extension direction, a respective one compression protection element is arranged or constructed in the edge region on the inner side and another compression protection element is arranged or constructed in the edge region on the outer side;

[0177] and / or

[0178] - the edge region comprises an outer edge region closer to the edge and an inner edge region further away from the edge, a plurality of compression protection elements adjacent in the direction of the edge extension direction are arranged or constructed in the outer edge region, and a plurality of compression protection elements adjacent in the direction of the edge extension direction are arranged or constructed in the inner edge region.

[0179] It is particularly preferred that at least one of the compression protection elements is a reinforcing bar element, preferably the majority of the compression protection elements are reinforcing bar elements, for example all of the compression protection elements are reinforcing bar elements.

[0180] It can be advantageous for the compression protection unit to be raised to a lesser extent in a first raised region than in a second raised region in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis relative to a base section of the sealing assembly, wherein the base section can preferably be located between the sealing element and the compression protection unit.

[0181] It can be advantageous if the first raised area is a raised area of a first compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements and the second raised area is a raised area of a second compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements and the first compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements is located further away from the edge in the edge area than the second compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements, wherein at least the first compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements is a stringer element and at least the second compression protection element of the at least two compression protection elements is a stringer element.

[0182] It can be advantageous if one of the compression protection elements, for example the second compression protection element of the compression protection elements, has a more gently inclined flank and one of the compression protection elements, for example the first compression protection element of the compression protection elements, has a more steeply inclined flank.

[0183] The smaller inclination angle of the more gently inclined flank can be preferably 15° to 70°. The larger inclination angle of the more steeply inclined flank can be preferably 20° to 90°.

[0184] It can be advantageous if the first raised area is a main body raised area and the second raised area is a head raised area attached to the main body raised area in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0185] It can be advantageous if the flank of the head raised area is more gently inclined than the flank of the main body raised area.

[0186] It can be advantageous if the smaller inclination angle of the more gently inclined flank of the head raised area is 15° to 70° and the larger inclination angle of the more steeply inclined flank of the main body raised area is 20° to 90°.

[0187] It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit has at least one higher compression protection unit section and at least one lower compression protection unit section, wherein the height of the compression protection unit in the higher compression protection unit section is greater than the height of the compression protection unit in the lower compression protection unit section.

[0188] It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit has a head raised area only in the higher compression protection unit section.

[0189] It can be advantageous if the degree of curvature of the compression protection unit, for example of the stringer element of the compression protection unit, alternately increases and decreases along the extension direction of the compression protection unit.

[0190] It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit, for example the stringer element of the compression protection unit, is curved alternately in one direction and in the opposite direction along the extension direction of the compression protection unit.

[0191] The compression protection unit, for example the reinforcement element of the compression protection unit, can optionally extend straight between the alternating bends.

[0192] The compression protection unit, for example the reinforcement element of the compression protection unit, can extend preferably meandering in the edge region.

[0193] It can be advantageous if

[0194] The compression protection unit has a protrusion element and a recess element, wherein a part of the protrusion of the protrusion element is received into the recess of the recess element.

[0195] and / or

[0196] The compression protection unit has a protrusion element and a recess element, wherein a part of the protrusion of the protrusion element is received into the recess of the recess element.

[0197] It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit has a plurality of protrusion elements and recess elements, wherein a respective part of the protrusion of each protrusion element is received into or can be received into a corresponding recess of at least one recess element if a deformation of the compression protection unit is caused when the stack assembly is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis.

[0198] It can be advantageous if at least a part of the protrusion elements and at least a part of the recess elements are configured between the reinforcement elements.

[0199] It is preferred if the protrusion element is a protrusion element configured from a first plate element of the plate and the recess element is a recess element configured from a second plate element of the plate.

[0200] According to the application, this object is achieved by a stack assembly according to the respective independent protection claim.

[0201] The stack assembly can preferably be a fuel cell stack or a part of a fuel cell stack. The stack assembly may, for example, be a fuel cell stack.

[0202] Alternatively, the stack assembly can be an electrolysis cell stack or a part of an electrolysis cell stack or a heat exchanger stack or a part of a heat exchanger stack.

[0203] The stack assembly can be a stack assembly 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 air vehicle, for example a road vehicle.

[0204] The stack assembly can in particular comprise:

[0205] a plurality of plates, a plurality of plates,

[0206] - a space in the plate stack assembly, and

[0207] - a sealing assembly as described herein, the sealing element of which delimits the space in at least one direction.

[0208] The plate stack assembly 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.

[0209] The plurality of plates can be, for example, a plurality of separator plates.

[0210] The space can be, in particular, an inter-plate gap located between plates of the plate stack assembly.

[0211] The sealing element can surround the space, in particular when the space is an inter-plate gap.

[0212] The inter-plate gap can extend between two adjacent plates in the plate stack assembly. It can extend, for example, between two adjacent separator plates of a fuel cell stack.

[0213] It is known to the person skilled in the art that, in a conventional fuel cell stack, a space that can extend between two adjacent separator plates of a fuel cell stack can be divided, for example, by a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) into a cathode space for conducting cathode gas and an anode space for conducting anode gas. This is self-evident to the person skilled in the art, and therefore will not be discussed in more detail in connection with the present application.

[0214] The space can be a through-space extending through at least one plate of the plate stack assembly. The through-space can extend, for example, through at least one through-opening of at least one plate of the plate stack assembly.

[0215] When the space is a through-space, the sealing element can surround, for example annularly, a portion of the through-space.

[0216] It is preferred that the sealing element has two sealing ribs facing each other, and that each one of the two sealing ribs is constructed from each one of two adjacent plates, for example separator plates, and protrudes in a direction towards the other sealing rib from a respective plate plane of the respective plate, for example separator plate.

[0217] An insulation can be arranged between the sealing ribs. This prevents a short circuit. A short circuit can occur if there is direct contact between adjacent plates.

[0218] It can be advantageous if a compression protection unit is arranged at or reaches the inlet region or the outlet region.

[0219] The inlet region can be an anode gas inlet region provided for conducting anode gas into an anode space.

[0220] The introduction zone can be a cathode gas introduction zone arranged for introducing cathode gas into the cathode space.

[0221] The introduction zone can be a cathode gas introduction zone arranged for introducing cathode gas into the cathode space.

[0222] The introduction zone can be a cathode gas introduction zone arranged for introducing cathode gas into the cathode space.

[0223] This can decisively contribute to improving the durability and safety of the plate stack assembly in the case of strong force action. Due to the presence of the fluid guiding structure in the region of the introduction zone or the discharge zone, a smaller force action is experienced compared to the case without compression protection.

[0224] It can be advantageous if the rigidity of the compression protection unit at the introduction zone and / or at the discharge zone is higher compared to the rigidity of the same or another compression protection unit in a region of the plate stack assembly which is spaced apart from all introduction zones and discharge zones.

[0225] For example, the compression of the compression protection unit at the introduction zone and / or at the discharge zone can require a higher force consumption and / or energy consumption compared to the compression of the same or another compression protection unit in a region of the plate stack assembly which is spaced apart from all introduction zones and discharge zones.

[0226] It is preferred that the compression protection unit has two compression protection sub-units. At least one of the two compression protection sub-units can protrude from the plate plane of at least one of the two plates, for example at least one of the two spacer plates, in a direction towards the other compression protection sub-unit or into the other compression protection sub-unit. At least one of the two compression protection sub-units can be configured by one of the two adjacent plates, for example a spacer plate. At least one of the two compression protection sub-units can be arranged at one of the two adjacent plates. It is preferred that

[0227] - at least one compression protection sub-unit has a reinforcement rib element; and / or

[0228] - at least one of the compression protection sub-units has a high table zone; and / or

[0229] - at least one compression protection sub-unit has a multi-layered compression protection zone; and / or

[0230] - one of the compression protection sub-units has a protrusion element and the other compression protection sub-unit has a recess element, wherein a part of the protrusion of the protrusion element is received into the recess of the recess element.

[0231] The two compression protection subunits may be constructed and / or arranged such that they can move towards each other when the plate stack assembly is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0232] It may be advantageous if each of the two compression protection subunits is constructed from two adjacent plates, for example, one of the isolation plates, and the two compression protection subunits protrude in the direction toward the respective other compression protection subunit, wherein preferably,

[0233] - the two compression protection subunits each have one reinforcement element; and / or

[0234] The two compression protection subunits each have a multi-layered compression protection zone.

[0235] Preferably, one of the two compression protection subunits can protrude from at least one plate, for example at least one plate plane of at least one insulating plate, into the other compression protection subunit, wherein preferably,

[0236] One of the compression protection subunits has a convex element and the other of the compression protection subunits has a concave element, wherein a portion of the convexity of the convex element is received in the concave portion of the concave element.

[0237] It can be particularly advantageous if a plate stack assembly, for example a fuel cell stack, comprises:

[0238] - other spaces within the plate stack assembly, and

[0239] A further sealing assembly, the sealing element of which delimits a further space in at least one direction, wherein the further sealing assembly may preferably be the further sealing assembly described herein.

[0240] Preferably, both spaces are plate interspaces, each extending between two adjacent plates in the plate stack assembly. Preferably, only one of the plates is located between two plate interspaces.

[0241] Preferably, at least one plate of a plate stack assembly, for example at least one separator plate of a fuel cell stack, has two indirectly or directly connected plate elements, wherein a main surface of one plate element faces a main surface of the other plate element.

[0242] Preferably, the plate elements connected to each other are directly connected to each other.

[0243] The plate elements connected to one another are preferably welded to one another in the welding zone.

[0244] The plate elements connected to one another are preferably connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner.

[0245] Preferably, at least one plate of the plate stack assembly is a metal plate, for example at least one metal spacer plate. The two plate elements connected to each other are preferably metal plate elements.

[0246] It is particularly preferred that the indirect or direct connection of the plate elements is present in the edge region of the sealing assembly

[0247] - between the sealing element and the compression protection unit of the sealing assembly,

[0248] and / or

[0249] - between the compression protection unit and the edge,

[0250] and / or

[0251] - within the interior of the compression protection unit, for example between different compression protection elements, different raised regions, different compression protection unit segments or different stiffener elements.

[0252] For example, the indirect or direct connection of the plate elements is present in the edge region of the sealing assembly between the sealing element and the compression protection unit of the sealing assembly, and the other indirect or direct connection of the plate elements is present in the edge region of the sealing assembly between the compression protection unit and the edge.

[0253] Preferably, the further sealing assembly can also be a further sealing assembly described herein, wherein at least one first compression protection unit segment of one compression protection unit overlaps with a first compression protection unit segment of the further compression protection unit. It is preferred that at least one second compression protection unit segment of one compression protection unit does not overlap with a second compression protection unit segment of the further compression protection unit.

[0254] At least one first compression protection unit segment of one compression protection unit can overlap with a first compression protection unit segment of the further compression protection unit in the overlap region.

[0255] When a compression protection unit segment of one compression protection unit overlaps with a first compression protection unit segment of the further compression protection unit, this can in particular mean that a straight line oriented parallel to the plate stack longitudinal axis extends through both overlapping segments at the segment overlap, for example in the overlap region.

[0256] Preferably, the two compression protection unit segments of one compression protection unit are constructed from one of the plate elements connected to each other, and the two compression protection unit segments of the further compression protection unit are constructed from the other of the plate elements connected to each other.

[0257] The compression protection unit sections can directly, for example seamlessly, transition into one another compression protection unit section of the same compression protection unit. The sections of the same compression protection unit can be distinguished from one another, for example, only in that only one of the sections overlaps or is arranged in an overlap region.

[0258] It can be particularly advantageous if the indirect or direct connection of the plate elements exists between two overlap regions which are offset relative to one another in the plate plane, wherein different compression protection units or compression protection unit sections of different compression protection units, each constructed from one of the two plate elements, overlap in the overlap regions. 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 compression protection unit section, wherein the compression protection unit or compression protection unit section can be constructed from at least one of the plate elements.

[0259] It can be particularly advantageous if the compression protection unit has a spacing from the nearest site of the indirect or direct connection of the plate elements of at most 200% of the maximum span of the compression protection unit in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis, wherein the spacing of the reinforcing rib element, the protrusion element or the recess element constructed from at least one of the plate elements from the nearest site of the indirect or direct connection of the plate elements can be at most 200% of the depth of the recess element or at most 200% of the height of the reinforcing rib element or the protrusion element.

[0260] The value of at most 200% here can be preferably at most 160%, particularly preferably at most 130%, for example at most 115%.

[0261] It goes without saying that the features described in connection with the subject matter according to the application can also form features of another subject matter according to the application. The subject matter according to the application here is in particular a sealing assembly and a plate stack assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0262] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the application are the subject matter of the following description of embodiments and of the drawings.

[0263] In the drawings:

[0264] Figure 1 A top view of a plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0265] Figure 2 A top view of a further plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0266] Figure 3 A top view of a further plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0267] Figure 4 A section of a cross section of a plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0268] Figure 5 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0269] Figure 6 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0270] Figure 7 a top view of a section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0271] Figure 8 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0272] Figure 9 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0273] Figure 10 a schematic view of an edge region of the plate is shown;

[0274] Figure 11 a schematic view of an edge region of the plate is shown;

[0275] Figure 12 a schematic view of an edge region of the plate is shown;

[0276] Figure 13 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0277] Figure 14 a section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0278] Figure 15 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0279] Figure 16 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0280] Figure 17 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0281] Figure 18 a schematic view of an edge region of the plate is shown;

[0282] Figure 19 a schematic view of an edge region of the plate is shown;

[0283] Figure 20 a section of the cross section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0284] Figure 21 a section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0285] Figure 22 a section of the plate is shown in a schematic view; Figure 21 a section of the plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0286] Figure 23 a segment of the stack of plates after compression along the stack longitudinal axis is shown; Figure 21 and Figure 22 a segment of the stack of plates during compression along the stack longitudinal axis is shown;

[0287] Figure 24 a segment of the stack of plates before compression along the stack longitudinal axis is shown in a schematic view;

[0288] Figure 25 a segment of the stack of plates during compression along the stack longitudinal axis is shown; Figure 24

[0289] Figure 26 a segment of the stack of plates after compression along the stack longitudinal axis is shown; Figure 24 and Figure 25 a segment of the stack of plates during compression along the stack longitudinal axis is shown;

[0290] Figure 27 a segment of the stack of plates is shown, wherein two sealing elements and a compression protection unit are provided for the sealing assembly;

[0291] Figure 28 a segment of the cross section of a plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0292] Figure 29 a segment of the cross section of a plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0293] Figure 30 a schematic view of an edge region of a plate is shown;

[0294] Figure 31 a schematic view of an edge region of a plate is shown;

[0295] Figure 32 a schematic view of an edge region of a plate is shown;

[0296] Figure 33 a segment of the cross section of a plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0297] Figure 34 a schematic view of an edge region of a plate is shown;

[0298] Figure 35 a segment of the cross section of a plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0299] Figure 36 a segment of the cross section of a plate is shown in a schematic view;

[0300] Figure 37 a schematic view of an edge region of a plate is shown;

[0301] Figure 38 a cross section A-A of a plate is shown; Figure 37

[0302] Figure 39 a schematic view of a plate is shown;​​Figure 37 Cross-section BB;

[0303] Figure 40 shows a schematic diagram of a compression protection unit;

[0304] Figure 41 Shown Figure 40 The cross section of the compression protection unit;

[0305] Figure 42 shows a schematic diagram of a compression protection unit;

[0306] Figure 43 Shown Figure 42 The cross section of the compression protection unit;

[0307] Figure 44 shows a schematic diagram of a compression protection unit;

[0308] Figure 45 Shown Figure 44 The cross section of the compression protection unit;

[0309] Figure 46 shows a schematic diagram of a compression protection unit;

[0310] Figure 47 Shown Figure 46 The cross section of the compression protection unit;

[0311] Figure 48 shows a schematic diagram of a compression protection unit;

[0312] Figure 49 Shown Figure 48 The cross section of the compression protection unit;

[0313] Figure 50 A schematic diagram showing a compression protection unit; and

[0314] Figure 51 Shown Figure 50 Cross-section of the compression protection unit.

[0315] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0316] Figures 1 to 3 The schematic diagram shows segments of various plates 100. The plates 100 are plates for a plate stack assembly 102. They are separator plates 104 for a fuel cell stack 106. The separator plates 104 may be, for example, metal plates 108, which may serve as bipolar plates 110 in the corresponding fuel cell stack 106.

[0317] The flow fields 112 are formed at or by the corresponding plates 100 .

[0318] In Figures 1 to 3 the plates 100 shown respectively alone or with the plates 100 adjacent in the stacking direction define sealing assemblies 114. The sealing assemblies 114 serve to seal off spaces that can be produced in the plate stack assembly 102 or that can be located in the plate stack assembly 102.

[0319] The sealing assemblies 114 respectively comprise a sealing element 116 and a compression protection unit 118.

[0320] The sealing element 116 can delimit a space that can be produced in the plate stack assembly 102 or that can be located in the plate stack assembly 102 in at least one direction.

[0321] The compression protection unit 118 serves to protect the sealing element 116 from irreversible deformation when the plate stack assembly 102 is compressed along a plate stack longitudinal axis 120, which is indicated only by a cross since it extends in the direction of observation of the observer in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0322] In the plates 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 the sealing elements 116 respectively have a sealing rib 122. The sealing rib 122 is a full rib 124. The sealing rib 122 is a peripheral rib 126. The sealing rib 122 can surround an electrochemical cell that can be arranged in the space.

[0323] In the plates 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 the compression protection units 118 respectively have a rib element 128. The rib element 128 respectively forms at least one first compression protection element 130.

[0324] The shape of the compression protection unit 118 varies between the plates 100 shown respectively in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0325] Figure 1 The compression protection unit 118 shown is elongate and extends away from the sealing element 116 towards an edge of the plate 100.

[0326] Figure 2 The compression protection unit 118 shown extends back and forth meandering between an edge of the plate 100 and the sealing element 116.

[0327] Figure 3 The compression protection unit 118 shown is round. It is a button 134 that is arranged between an edge of the plate 100 and the sealing element 116 and that can be pressed into the plate, for example.

[0328] Figure 4 A cross section of an edge region of a further plate 100 is shown. The plate 100 has two plate elements 136 which are connected to each other. The plate elements 136 are isolating plate elements 155. It is a metal plate element 156 which serves as a bipolar plate element 158. A main surface 138 of one plate element 136 faces a main surface 138 of the other plate element 136. Figure 4 Only one of the plate elements 136 of the plate 100 is shown.

[0329] The plate 100 can form a sealing assembly 114 alone or together with a plate 100 which is adjacent in the stacking direction. The sealing assembly 114 can be used to sealingly isolate a space which is located in the plate stack assembly 102 or can be manufactured in the plate stack assembly 102. Figures 21 to 26 This is shown in particular, however, with a further plate 100.

[0330] The sealing assembly 114 comprises a sealing element 116 and a compression protection unit 118. The sealing element 116 can delimit a space in at least one direction. The compression protection unit 118 can be used to protect the sealing element 116 from irreversible deformation when the plate stack assembly is compressed along a plate stack longitudinal axis 120. The plate stack longitudinal axis 120 extends orthogonally to a plate plane of the plate 100.

[0331] The sealing element 116 has a sealing rib 122. The sealing rib 122 is a full rib 124. It can form a peripheral rib 126 of the plate 100, for example.

[0332] The sealing rib 122 is constructed from the plate 100.

[0333] The sealing rib 122 comprises a wall portion 140. The raised wall portion 140 is connected to a region 141 of the plate 100 which adjoins the sealing rib 122 via two further wall portions 140. The two wall portions 140 can be understood as side wings 142 or legs 144 of the sealing rib 122.

[0334] The compression protection unit 118 has a rib 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.

[0335] The rib element 128 is constructed from the plate 100.

[0336] The compression protection unit 118 is constructed in an edge region 152. The edge region 152 extends from the sealing element 116 to an edge 154 which delimits a face span of the plate 100.

[0337] The first and second compression protection elements 146, 148 are arranged such that, when the panel assembly 102, which can be composed of the panel 100, is compressed along the panel stack longitudinal axis 120, the compression of the first compression protection element 146 is carried out before the compression of the second compression protection element 148. To this end, the stiffener element 128 has two differently high flanks 142. The higher flanks 142 extend to the first compression protection element 146. The lower flanks 142 extend to the second compression protection element 148.

[0338] Since the first compression protection element 146 is elevated to a higher degree than the second compression protection element 148, the compression of the first compression protection element is carried out before the compression of the second compression protection element 148, which is elevated to a lower degree, when the panel stack assembly is compressed along the panel stack longitudinal axis 120.

[0339] The stiffener element 128 has an inner-side-lying surface 160 and an outer-side-lying surface 162.

[0340] As mentioned above, the stiffener element 128 forms at least one of the plurality of compression protection elements 146, 148. An absorbent material 164 arranged at the inner-side-lying surface 160 of the stiffener element 128 forms a third compression protection element 150 and thus forms a further one of the plurality of compression protection elements 146, 148, 150.

[0341] The absorbent material 164 or a further absorbent material 164 can be arranged at the outer-side-lying surface 162 and form a further one of the plurality of compression protection elements 146, 148, 150 there. This is not shown in Figure 4 .

[0342] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Further design variants for the compression protection unit 118 are shown.

[0343] The compression protection unit 118 shown there also has a stiffener element 128, respectively. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is shown that recesses 166 are configured in the wall portions 140 of the respective stiffener element 128. The recesses 166 can be configured in the same direction as the stiffener element 128 Figure 5 or in the opposite direction Figure 6 .

[0344] The recesses 166 configured in the same direction can be recesses 166 brought into the inner-side-lying surface 160. The recesses 166 configured in the opposite direction can be recesses 166 brought into the outer-side-lying surface 162.

[0345] Figure 5 and Figure 6The compression protection unit 118 shown also has a first compression protection element 146 and a second compression protection element 148, respectively.

[0346] When the recess is configured in the same direction as the bead element 128, the first compression protection element 146 can be present at the bottom of the recess 166. In the area of the recess 166, Figure 5 The compression protection unit 118 shown is most elevated. The area of the compression protection unit 118 which adjoins the first compression protection element 146 can form the second compression protection element 148, which is less elevated.

[0347] When the recess 166 is configured in the opposite direction to the bead element 128, the area of the compression protection unit 118 which adjoins the recess 166 can form the first compression protection element 146. The base structure of the bead element 128 which lies below the recess 166 can form the second compression protection element 148.

[0348] Figure 7 A segment of the plate 100, for example the separator plate 104, is shown. Figure 7 The sealing element 116 and the compression protection unit 118 are also shown. The sealing element has a wider sealing element segment 168 and a narrower sealing element segment 170. The sealing element 116 has a sealing bead 122. The wider sealing element segment 168 is a wider sealing bead segment 172. The narrower sealing element segment 170 is a narrower sealing bead segment 174.

[0349] The compression protection unit has a wider compression protection unit segment 176 and a narrower compression protection unit segment 178. The compression protection unit 118 has a bead element 128. The wider compression protection unit segment 176 is a wider bead element segment 180. The narrower compression protection unit segment 178 is a narrower bead element segment 182.

[0350] Figure 8 A further segment of the plate 100 is shown. Figure 7 A cross section of the plate 100 is shown. The cross section is implemented through the narrower sealing element segment 170 and the narrower compression protection unit segment 178.

[0351] Figure 9 A further cross section of the plate 100 is shown. The cross section is implemented through the wider sealing element segment 168 and the wider compression protection unit segment 176. Figure 7 A further cross section of the plate 100 is shown. The cross section is implemented through the wider sealing element segment 168 and the wider compression protection unit segment 176.

[0352] Figures 10 to 12 Segments of the plate 100 are shown in schematic form, respectively. They are separator plates 104 in the form of metal plates 108 which can be used as bipolar plates 110 in a fuel cell stack 106.

[0353] Figures 10 to 12 The plate 100 shown has two plate elements 136 that are directly connected to one another.

[0354] The main surface of one plate element 136 respectively faces the main surface of the other plate element 136. The plate element 136 facing away from the viewer is respectively completely covered by the plate element 136 facing the viewer, so that certain features of the covered plate element 136 are shown in dashed lines.

[0355] Figures 10 to 12 The segments shown each show only the edge region 152 of the respective plate 100. The compression protection unit 118 formed in the respective edge region 152 is also shown. The compression protection unit 118 has a reinforcing rib element 128. The reinforcing rib element 128 formed by the respective plate element 136 facing away from the observer is Figures 10 to 12 The corresponding dashed lines are shown in FIG.

[0356] The compression protection unit 118 is Figures 10 to 12 The first compression protection unit section 184 of a compression protection unit 118 overlaps, for example, in an overlap region 188 with a first compression protection unit section 186 of another compression protection unit of the plate element 136 facing away from the observer. At least one second compression protection unit section 190 of a compression protection unit 118 overlaps with a second compression protection unit section 192 of another compression protection unit 118 of the plate element 136 facing away from the observer.

[0357] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown that a connection 194 of the plate elements 136 can exist between two overlapping areas 188 that are offset relative to each other in the plate plane, wherein in the overlapping area 188, compression protection unit sections 184 and 186 of different compression protection units 118, each constructed from one of the two plate elements 136 connected to each other, overlap.

[0358] Figure 13 Shown is a cross section of the plate 100. It shows only one section of the plate 100. Figure 13 Also shown is only one of the two plate elements 136 belonging to the plate 100 .

[0359] Figure 14 An embodiment is shown in which the compression protection unit 118 has a multi-layered compression protection area 196 . The multi-layered compression protection area 196 is formed in the edge region 152 .

[0360] The first layer 198 and the second layer 200 of the multi-layered compression protection zone 196 are formed by the same plate 100. Both layers extend from the edge 154 which bounds the face span of the plate. The sealing stiffener 122 is constructed by 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 a direction towards the sealing stiffener. A material 201 is arranged between the two layers 198 and 200. The material 201 can be or comprise a filler material 202 or an absorbing material 164.

[0361] Figure 14 A top view of the plate 100 with the multi-layered compression protection zone 196 is shown. A section 204 of the multi-layered compression protection zone 196 is wider than another section 206 of the multi-layered compression protection zone 196. In the wider section 204 of the multi-layered compression protection zone 196, the second layer 200 extends further from the edge 154 in a direction towards the sealing element 116 than in the other section 206 of the multi-layered compression protection zone 196.

[0362] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A section of the plate 100 is shown. Figure 14 A cross section of the plate 100 is shown, in which only one of the two plate elements 136 of the plate is shown respectively. Figure 15 A cross section of the wider section 204 is shown. Figure 16 A cross section of the narrower section 206 is shown.

[0363] In the section of the plate 100 shown, the sealing element 116 and the compression protection unit 118 are implemented almost in the same way as in Figure 17 Figure 4

[0364] In the section shown, only one of the two plate elements 136 of the plate 100 is shown. Figure 17 In the section shown, additionally a way for establishing a connection 194 is shown in dashed lines, wherein the connection 194 can be a connection to a further plate element 136 which is not shown in the section shown.

[0365] Figure 17 The connection 194 can be established via a welding area 208 with the further plate element 136 which is not shown. The two plate elements 136 can be welded in the welding area 208. Figure 17

[0366] The connection 194 can be established via a welding area 208 with the further plate element 136 which is not shown. The two plate elements 136 can be welded in the welding area 208.

[0367] In the section shown, the distance 210 of the compression protection unit 118 to the nearest location at which a connection 194 of a plate element 136 can exist is also plotted. Figure 17 Figure 17 ​​​​​The maximum span 212 of the compression protection unit 118 in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 is plotted.

[0368] The distance 210 is about 50% of the maximum span 212.

[0369] Figure 18 It is shown how a plate semi-finished product 214 can be converted, in particular modified, into a plate 100 or a plate element 136.

[0370] The plate semi-finished product 214 has a stringer prototype element 218. The shape and / or the cross section of the stringer prototype element 218 determines a maximum prototype span 216 of the stringer prototype element 218 in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 later on.

[0371] The stringer prototype element 218 can be converted or modified in such a way that the maximum prototype span 216 is changed into a desired maximum span 212 of the resulting stringer element 128.

[0372] To this end, the stringer prototype element 218 can be flattened completely or partially and thereby be transformed into a stringer element 128.

[0373] Figure 19 And Figure 20 It is shown a design approach in which the compression protection unit 118 has a protrusion element 220 and a recess element 222, wherein a part of a protrusion 224 of the protrusion element 220 is received into a recess 226 of the recess element 222.

[0374] Figure 19 It is shown that the protrusion element 220 and the recess element 222 can each be a stringer element 128. The protrusion height 228 of the protrusion 224 is greater than the recess depth 230 of the recess 226.

[0375] The flanks 142 of the protrusion 224 are spaced apart from the flanks 142 of the recess 226 in the recess 226. By spacing apart the flanks 142, the flanks 142 of the protrusion 224 can be spread towards the flanks 142 of the recess 226. Thereby a compression protection function for a sealing element arranged between the plates 100 in a spaced apart manner from the compression protection unit 118 can be created.

[0376] Figures 21 to 23 It is shown the behavior of the stack assembly 102, and in particular of the fuel cell stack 106, when the stack assembly 102 is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis 120. Only two plates 100 of the stack assembly 102 are shown, i.e. only a part of the fuel cell stack 106 is shown. The plates 100 each have two plate elements 136 connected to each other.

[0377] Figures 21 to 23The shown sealing assemblies each comprise a sealing element 116 and a compression protection unit 118. The sealing element 116 encloses a space 101. The space 101 is a panel gap 103.

[0378] The shown sealing element 116 has sealing stiffeners 122. The respective sealing stiffener 122 is a full stiffener 124. It can for example form a peripheral stiffener 126 of the respective panel 100. The sealing stiffeners 122 are each constructed from the panel 100 or from a respective panel element 136 of the respective panel 100. Between the sealing stiffeners 116 facing one another, an insulation 232 is arranged.

[0379] The respective compression protection unit 118 has a stiffener element 128. The respective compression protection unit 118 also has a first compression protection element 146 and a second compression protection element 148.

[0380] The first compression protection element 146 and the second compression protection element 148 are each arranged and embodied such that, in the event of compression of the panel stack assembly 102 along the panel stack longitudinal axis 120, Figure 22 The shown compression along the panel stack longitudinal axis 120 takes place before the compression of the second compression protection element 148 takes place.

[0381] The relatively soft absorption material 164 arranged at the outer lying surface 162 of the stiffener element 128 respectively forms the first compression protection element 146. It is thus elevated to a higher degree with respect to the second compression protection element 148. The compression of the first compression protection element 146 takes place when the panel stack assembly 102 is compressed along the panel stack longitudinal axis 120 before the compression of the second compression protection element 148, which is elevated to a lower degree, takes place.

[0382] The compression protection unit 118 can serve to protect the sealing element 116 from irreversible deformation when the panel stack assembly is compressed along the panel stack longitudinal axis 120. This is in particular the case Figures 24 to 26 It can be seen in particular that it shows the behavior of further panel stack assemblies 102 when compressed along the panel stack longitudinal axis 120. Figures 24 to 26 The shown panel stack assembly 102 corresponds to the panel stack assembly from Figures 21 to 23 but each respectively lacks a first compression protection element. Here, the compression along the panel stack longitudinal axis impacts the sealing elements 116 so intensively that they are irreversibly deformed.

[0383] Instead, in Figures 21 to 23 after the same force acting along the panel stack longitudinal axis 120, only the first compression protection element 146 is reversibly or possibly irreversibly deformed.

[0384] Figure 27A segment of a plate 100 is shown, which is composed of two connected plate elements 136. The plate is a separator plate 104 for a fuel cell stack, which is not shown in detail here. The sealing assembly 114 comprises a first sealing element 116 and a second sealing element 116. The two sealing elements 116 enclose different spaces 101.

[0385] The first sealing element 116 encloses an inter-plate gap, which is not shown here. The second sealing element 116 encloses at least a portion of a through-space 105, which extends through the plate 100 and in the Figure 27 A segment of it is shown only. The two sealing elements 116 have each one sealing bead 122.

[0386] The sealing bead 122 of the first sealing element 116 is a peripheral bead 126. The peripheral bead 126 delimits the inter-plate gap with respect to the surrounding environment of the plate stack assembly.

[0387] The sealing bead of the second sealing element 116 is a port bead 125, which encloses at least a portion of the through-space 105.

[0388] Figure 28 A cross-section of a further edge region of a plate 100 is shown. The plate 100 has two plate elements 136, which are connected to each other. The plate elements 136 are separator plate elements 155. They are metal plate elements, which are used as bipolar plate elements.

[0389] The plate 100 can form a sealing assembly 114 alone or together with a plate 100, which is adjacent in the stacking direction. The sealing assembly 114 can be used to seal off a space 101, which is located in the plate stack assembly 102 or can be produced in the plate stack assembly 102. This is shown in particular Figures 21 to 26 is shown, however, with a further plate 100.

[0390] The sealing assembly 114 comprises a sealing element 116 and a compression protection unit 118. The sealing element 116 can delimit the respective space 101 in at least one direction. The compression protection unit 118 can be used to protect the sealing element 116 from irreversible deformation when the plate stack assembly is compressed along a plate stack longitudinal axis 120. The plate stack longitudinal axis 120 extends orthogonally to the plate plane of the plate 100.

[0391] The sealing element 116 has a sealing bead 122. The sealing bead is a full bead 124. It can form, for example, a peripheral bead of the plate 100.

[0392] The sealing bead 122 is constructed from the plate 100.

[0393] In Figure 28In the illustrated seal assembly, the compression protection element 118 defines a first raised area 234 and a second raised area 236 .

[0394] The compression protection unit 118 is elevated in the first raised area 234 and in the second raised area 236 in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120 relative to a base section 246 of the sealing assembly 114 , wherein the base section 246 is located between the sealing element 116 and the compression protection unit 118 .

[0395] The compression protection unit 118 has a reinforcing rib element 128 and another reinforcing rib element 129. The reinforcing rib element 128 defines a raised area 234. The other reinforcing rib element 129 defines a second raised area 236.

[0396] It is also conceivable that the compression protection unit has only the reinforcing rib element 128 and no reinforcing rib element 129, and that the reinforcing rib element 128 defines two raised areas 234 and 236. For this purpose, the reinforcing rib element 128 can be arranged or formed completely in the edge area section 270 of the edge area 152, for example. The reinforcing rib element 128 can be formed in an annular manner in the edge area section 270, for example Figure 31 shown.

[0397] The compression protection unit 118 has a middle section 248 between the first raised area 234 and the second raised area 236 .

[0398] The compression protection unit 118 is not elevated relative to the base section 246 in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120 in the middle section 248 .

[0399] Figure 28 The connection 194 of the plate element 136 is shown in the edge region 152 of the sealing assembly 114. A connection 194 exists between the sealing element 116 and the compression protection unit 118. A connection 194 exists between the compression protection unit 118 and the edge 154. Within the compression protection unit 118, a connection exists between the various raised areas 234 and 236.

[0400] The connection 194 has a welding region 208. In the welding region 208, the plate elements 136 are welded together.

[0401] Figure 29 A cross section of the edge region of another plate 100 is shown. This plate 100 is similar to Figure 28 The board shown is therefore described below only with Figure 28 The differences of the board 100 shown are:

[0402] exist Figure 29The compression protection unit 118 in the shown sealing assembly 114 also has an intermediate section 248 between the first raised area 234 and the second raised area 236. The intermediate section 248 is elevated in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 relative to the base section 246, wherein the compression protection unit 118 is correspondingly more elevated in the first raised area 234 and in the second raised area 236 than in the intermediate section 248 in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis. Figure 29 The intermediate raised area 242 is defined in the shown sealing assembly. In the intermediate raised area 242, the intermediate section 248 is elevated in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 relative to the base section 246, wherein the compression protection unit 118 is correspondingly more elevated in the first raised area 234 and in the second raised area 236 than in the intermediate section 248 in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis.

[0403] Figure 29 It is shown that the intermediate height 252 of the compression protection unit 118 at the second raised area 236, which can be measured in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 from the intermediate section 248, is about 50% of the base height 250 of the compression protection unit at the same raised area 236, which can be measured in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 from the base section 246.

[0404] Figure 29 It is shown that the reinforcement element 128 and 129 has different heights of the flanks 142. The number of flanks is four. The higher flanks 142, which extend from the base section 246, are more gently inclined than the lower flanks 142, which extend from the intermediate section 248.

[0405] In Figure 29 The smaller inclination angle 254 of the higher flanks 142 and the larger inclination angle 256 of the lower flanks 142 are plotted in the middle.

[0406] The smaller inclination angle 254 is for example 50°. The larger inclination angle 256 is for example 60°.

[0407] Figure 30 and Figure 31 Different segments of a plate 100 are shown in a schematic drawing. The plate 100 is a plate for a plate stack assembly 102. It is a separator plate 104 for a fuel cell stack 106. The separator plate 104 can for example be a metal plate 108, which can be used as a bipolar plate 110 in the respective fuel cell stack 106.

[0408] In Figure 30 and Figure 31 In both, only small segments are shown, which do not show the entire sealing assembly 114, but only the compression protection unit 118, which is included in the sealing assembly.

[0409] The compression protection unit has stiffener elements 128 and 129. The stiffener elements 128 and 129 extend in a compression protection unit extension direction 258 along which at least a portion of the compression protection unit 118 extends. The compression protection unit extension direction 258 forms an extension angle 262 of about 35° with respect to a sealing element extension direction 264 along which a portion of the sealing element closest to the at least a portion of the compression protection unit 118 extends.

[0410] Figure 30 It is shown that in the edge region 152 of the sealing assembly 114, only partially shown here, connections of the plate element 136, not described in detail in the drawing, exist between the not shown sealing element 116 and the compression protection unit 118 of the sealing assembly 114, between the compression protection unit 118 and the edge 154, and between the different stiffener elements 128 and 129 inside the compression protection unit.

[0411] In Figure 31 the compression protection unit 118 of the sealing assembly 114 shown here is also only shown. The compression protection unit 118 shown here has a first compression protection element 146 and a second compression protection element 148. Both compression protection elements 146 and 148 are configured in the edge region 152.

[0412] The compression protection elements 146 and 148 are each completely configured in an edge region section 270 of the edge region.

[0413] The edge region section 270 extends in the radial direction from the not shown sealing element 116 to the edge 154. Along the edge extension direction 260, the respective edge region section 270 extends only over a small fraction, for example 5%, of the edge length, wherein the edge length is the length of the edge 154.

[0414] The compression protection elements 146 and 148 are each configured annularly, for example circularly, inside the respective edge region section 270.

[0415] In particular in combination with Figure 31 It is also conceivable that the second compression protection elements 148 are correspondingly configured on the inside, wherein the respective second compression protection elements 148 are correspondingly surrounded by the first compression protection elements 146. For example, the stiffener elements 128 can be configured annularly in the edge region section 270, respectively, as Figure 31 is shown. In contrast to their designation in Figure 31 they can each form the first compression protection elements 146 and each surround the second compression protection elements 148.

[0416] Figure 32Again, only segments of the sealing assembly 114 are shown, wherein the segments show the compression protection units 118, but not the associated sealing elements 116. Two compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 are respectively configured in a plurality of edge region segments 270 arranged in succession along the edge extension direction 260. A compression protection element span 268 of the compression protection elements 130, 146, 148, which is measurable in the direction of the edge extension direction 260, is respectively greater than a compression protection element spacing 266 of two adjacent compression protection elements 130, 146, 148, which is measurable in the direction of the edge extension direction 260, the compression protection elements being arranged or configured in the edge region segments 270 arranged in succession. This relationship of the compression protection element span 268 to the compression protection element spacing 266 is also shown in Figure 31

[0417] Figure 32 It is shown that a first compression protection element of the two compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 in the edge region 152 is further away from the edge 154 than a second compression protection element of the compression protection elements 130, 146, 148.

[0418] An outer-side located end 276 of the compression protection element 146 further away from the edge 154 in the edge region 152 is further away from the edge 154 than an inner-side located end 278 of the second compression protection element 148.

[0419] In the plurality of edge region segments 270 arranged in succession along the edge extension direction 260, a respective one of the compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 is configured in the edge region 152 on the inner side and another one of the compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 is configured in the edge region 152 on the outer side.

[0420] The edge region 152 comprises an outer edge region 274 closer to the edge 154 and an inner edge region 272 further away from the edge 154. In the outer edge region 274, a plurality of compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 is configured adjacent in the direction of the edge extension direction 260. In the inner edge region 272, a plurality of compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 is configured adjacent in the direction of the edge extension direction 260. Since Figure 32 The compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 are only shown roughly simplified in lines, so that it is not apparent from the figures that the compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 can be stiffener elements 128.

[0421] Figure 33 The shown sealing assembly 114 is similar to Figure 28 the shown sealing assembly. Unlike the shown sealing assembly Figure 28 Figure 33 ​​In the illustrated seal assembly, the compression protection element 118 is elevated to a lesser extent in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120 relative to a base section 246 of the seal assembly 114 in the first raised area 234 than in the second raised area 236. The base section 246 is located between the seal element 116 and the compression protection element 118. The first raised area 234 is the raised area of ​​the first compression protection element 146. The second raised area 236 is the raised area of ​​the second compression protection element 148.

[0422] The first compression protection element 146 is further away from the edge 154 in the edge region 152 than the second compression protection element 148 .

[0423] Figure 33 The illustrated first compression protection element 146 is the stiffener element 128 . Figure 33 The second compression protection element 148 is shown as a stiffener element 129. The second compression protection element 148 has a more gently inclined flank 142. The first compression protection element 146 has a more steeply inclined flank 142. The smaller inclination angle 254 of the more gently inclined flank 142 may be, for example, 45°. The larger inclination angle 256 of the more steeply inclined flank 142 may be, for example, 60°.

[0424] Figure 34 Also shown is a segment of a seal assembly 114 , showing the compression protection unit 118 , but not the sealing element 116 located outside the segment.

[0425] The plate element 136 facing the viewer is characterized by Figure 34 The same plate 100 has features of the plate element 136 facing away from the viewer in FIG. Figure 34 Shown in dashed lines.

[0426] Figure 34 The illustrated compression protection unit 118 has a protruding element 220 and a concave element 222. A portion of the protrusion of the protruding element 220 can be received in the concave portion of the concave element 222. Alternatively, if deformation of the compression protection unit 118 is caused when the plate stack assembly 102 is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis 120, a portion of the protrusion of the protruding element 220 can be received in the concave portion of the concave element 222.

[0427] This deformation is based on the edge area of ​​the other panels 100 Figure 35 The cross section shown is shown. Figure 35 In FIG. 1 , the arrows shown in black represent the compression of the plate stack assembly along the longitudinal axis 120 of the plate stack, which plate stack assembly may for example consist only of Figure 35The white arrows shown in black outline are indicative of the deformation of the compression protection unit 118. If the deformation of the compression protection unit 118 is induced when the stack assembly 102 is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis 120, then a respective portion of the protrusion 224 of the protrusion element 220 is received into, or can be received into, the recess 226 of the corresponding recess element 222. Figure 35 A portion of the protrusion 224 of the protrusion element 220 of the plate element 136 shown in the upper part of Fig. 10 can be received into the recess 226 of the recess element 222 shown in the lower part of Fig. 10. Figure 35 A portion of the protrusion 224 of the protrusion element 220 of the plate element 136 shown in the upper part of Fig. 10 can be received into the recess 226 of the recess element 222 shown in the lower part of Fig. 10.

[0428] The compression protection unit 118 has an intermediate section 248 between the first protrusion section 234 and the second protrusion section 236. The intermediate section 248 forms the protrusion 224. The protrusion element 220 is formed by a counter-protrusion section 300 in which the compression protection unit is raised opposite to the protrusion sections 234 and 236 between the first protrusion section 234 and the second protrusion section 236.

[0429] Figure 34 It is shown that the compression protection unit 118 has a plurality of protrusion elements 220 and recess elements 222. Only a portion of the recess elements 222 and the protrusion elements 220 are provided with reference numerals.

[0430] If the deformation of the compression protection unit 118 is induced when the stack assembly 102 is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis 120, then a respective portion of the protrusion 224 of each protrusion element 220 is received into, or can be received into, the corresponding recess 226 of the recess element 222.

[0431] Figure 36 Further cross sections of edge regions of the plate 100 are shown. Figure 36 The sealing assembly 114 shown differs from the sealing assembly shown in Figure 35 in particular in that the protrusion elements 220 and the recess elements 222 are respectively configured between the stiffener elements 128, 129.

[0432] It can be preferred that the protrusion elements 220 are protrusion elements 220 configured by the first plate element 136 of the plate 100 and that the recess elements 222 are recess elements 222 configured by the second plate element 136 of the plate 100.

[0433] Figure 37Further compression protection unit 118 of sealing assembly 114 is shown. The degree of bending of stiffener element 128 of compression protection unit 118 alternately increases and decreases along the direction of extension 294 of compression protection unit 118. Stiffener element 128 of compression protection unit 118 alternately bends in one direction and in the opposite direction thereof along the direction of extension 294 of compression protection unit 118. Stiffener element 128 of compression protection unit 118 extends straight between the alternating bends. Stiffener element 128 of compression protection unit 118 meanders in edge region 152.

[0434] Figure 38 A cross-section A-A of Figure 37 is shown. Figure 38 It is shown that stiffener element 128 has a lower compression protection unit section 290 and a higher compression protection unit section 292. Lower compression protection unit section 290 can transition into higher compression protection unit section 292 in a bend.

[0435] The height of compression protection unit 118 in higher compression protection unit section 292 can be greater than the height of compression protection unit 118 in lower compression protection unit section 290.

[0436] Figure 39 A cross-section B-B of Figure 37 is shown. Figure 39 First and second raised regions 234 and 236 are shown. First raised region 234 is a body raised region 286. Second raised region 236 is a head raised region 288 attached to body raised region in the direction of plate stack longitudinal axis 120. The flanks 142 of head raised region 288 are more gently sloped than the flanks 142 of body raised region 286. The smaller slope angle 254 of the more gently sloped flanks 142 of head raised region 288 can be, for example, about 30°. The larger slope angle 256 of the more steeply sloped flanks 142 of body raised region 286 can be, for example, about 50°.

[0437] Compression protection unit has head raised region 288 only in higher compression protection unit section 292. Total height 298 is the sum of the heights of body raised region 286 and head raised region 288. Body height 296 is the height of body raised region 286. The ratio of body height 296 to total height 298 can be, for example, 0.7.

[0438] A small segment of sealing assembly 114 is shown in Figure 40 . Sealing assembly 114 includes compression protection unit 118 for protecting sealing element 116 of sealing assembly 114, not shown in the small segment, from irreversible deformation when the plate stack assembly is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0439] The compression protection unit 118 has a number of compression protection elements 130, wherein in each case one compression protection element 130 is arranged in each case between two adjacent edge region sections 270. Figure 40 In the following, one compression protection element 130 is arbitrarily referred to as a first compression protection element 146, while the other compression protection element 130 is arbitrarily referred to as a second compression protection element 148.

[0440] At least one of the compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 is respectively configured in a plurality of edge region sections 270 arranged in succession along the edge extension direction 260.

[0441] A compression protection element span 268 of the compression protection elements 130, 146, 148, which is measurable in the direction of the edge extension direction 260, is greater than a compression protection element spacing 266 of the respective two adjacent compression protection elements 130, 146, 148, which is measurable in the direction of the edge extension direction 260, the compression protection elements being configured in the edge region sections 270 arranged in succession.

[0442] The compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 are respectively configured annularly, for example circularly, in the interior of the respective edge region section 270. Each one of the reinforcing rib elements 128 forms one of the compression protection elements 130, namely the first compression protection element 146 and the second compression protection element 148. The reinforcing rib elements 128 are configured by the plate 100, for example by the spacer plate 104.

[0443] Figure 40 The compression protection unit 118 shown defines a first raised region 234 and a second raised region 236. The region of each compression protection element 130, 146, 148, which is located closer to the not shown sealing element, is the first raised region 234. The region of each compression protection element 130, 146, 148, which is located further away from the not shown sealing element, is the second raised region 236.

[0444] The region of one of the compression protection elements 130, 146, 148, which is located closer to the not shown sealing element, is the first raised region 234. Figure 41 The cross section shown shows that the compression protection unit 118 is raised in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120 relative to a base region 246 of the sealing assembly 114 in the first raised region 234 and in the second raised region 236. The base region 246 is located between the not shown sealing element and the compression protection unit 118. The reinforcing rib elements 128 respectively define the two raised regions 234, 236.

[0445] The compression protection unit 118 respectively has an intermediate region 248 between the first raised region 234 and the second raised region 236. The intermediate region 248 defines each one of the intermediate raised regions 242.

[0446] Figure 41It is shown that the intermediate section 248 in the respective intermediate raised area 242 is elevated in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 relative to the base section 246. The compression protection unit 118 is elevated in the first raised area 234 and in the second raised area 236 to a greater extent in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 than the intermediate section 248. An intermediate height 252 of the compression protection unit 118 at the first raised area 234, which can be measured in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 from the intermediate section 248, is about 90% of a base height 250 of the compression protection unit 118 at the same raised area 234, which can be measured in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 from the base section 246.

[0447] Figure 41 It is further shown that the reinforcing rib element 128 has differently high flanks 142. The higher flanks 142, which extend from the base section 246, are more gently inclined than the lower flanks 142, which extend from the intermediate section 248. The angle of inclination 254 of the more gently inclined higher flanks 142 can be, for example, about 10° to about 25° smaller than the greater angle of inclination 256 of the more steeply inclined lower flanks 142, as this is exemplarily shown in Figure 41 .

[0448] The plate 100, for example the spacer plate 104, has two plate elements 136, which are connected to each other with one of the plate elements 136 facing the main surface 138 of the other plate element 136. In Figure 40 , one of the plate elements 136 faces away from the observer. The sealing assembly 114 is configured at one of the plate elements 136, which faces the observer. The other sealing assembly 114 is configured at the other plate element 136, which faces away from the observer. In Figure 40 , only one compression protection element 130 of the other compression protection unit 118 of the other sealing assembly 114 is indicated in dashed lines. The compression protection elements 130 of the other compression protection unit 118, which faces away from the observer, can be arranged side by side, for example, as shown in Figure 40 for the compression protection unit 118, which faces the observer. The first compression protection unit section 184 of one compression protection unit 118 overlaps the first compression protection unit section 186 of the other compression protection unit 118. The second compression protection unit section 190 of one compression protection unit 118 does not overlap the second compression protection unit section 192 of the other compression protection unit 118.

[0449] In Figure 42 , a small section of the sealing assembly 114 is also shown. The sealing assembly 114 comprises the compression protection unit 118 for protecting the sealing elements 116 of the sealing assembly 114, which are not shown in this small section, from irreversible deformation when the stack assembly is compressed along the stack longitudinal axis. Figure 42The illustrated plate 100, for example the insulating plate 104, also has two plate elements 136 connected to one another, wherein the main surface 138 of one plate element 136 faces the main surface 138 of the other plate element 136. Figure 42 In the example, one of the plate elements 136 faces away from the observer. Figure 43 This can also be clearly seen in the cross section shown. The sealing assembly 114 is constructed on one plate element 136 facing the observer. The other sealing assembly 114 is constructed on another plate element 136 facing away from the observer. Figure 42 In FIG. 1 , only one compression protection element 130 of the other compression protection unit 118 in the other sealing assembly 114 is indicated by a dotted line. The compression protection element 130 of the other compression protection unit 118 facing away from the observer can be, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 42 The first compression protection unit segment 184 of one compression protection unit 118 overlaps with the first compression protection unit segment 186 of the other compression protection unit 118. The compression protection elements 130 (different from the compression protection elements 130 of the two compression protection units 118) are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. Figure 40 and Figure 41 The components shown) are stacked congruently (deckungsgleich).

[0450] exist Figure 44 The sealing assembly 114 comprises a compression protection unit 118 for protecting a sealing element 116 of the sealing assembly 114 from irreversible deformation when the plate stack assembly is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis.

[0451] The compression protection unit 118 has a plurality of compression protection elements 130, wherein Figure 44 One of the compression protection elements 130 is arbitrarily referred to as a first compression protection element 146 , and the other compression protection element 130 is arbitrarily referred to as a second compression protection element 148 .

[0452] At least one compression protection element 130 is respectively configured in a plurality of edge region segments 270 arranged one after another along edge extension direction 260. Thus, first compression protection element 146 is configured in edge region segment 270, while second compression protection element 148 is configured in an adjacent edge region segment 270. Further compression protection elements are located therebetween, extending from edge region segment 270 into an adjacent edge region segment 270.

[0453] Figure 44 The illustrated plate 100, for example the insulating plate 104, also has two plate elements 136 connected to one another, wherein the main surface 138 of one plate element 136 faces the main surface 138 of the other plate element 136.Figure 44 In this case, one of the plate elements 136 faces away from the observer. This is clear from the Figure 45 cross-section shown. The sealing assembly 114 is configured at one plate element 136 facing the observer. The other sealing assembly 114 is configured at the other plate element 136 facing away from the observer. The compression protection elements 130 of the other compression protection unit 118 of the other sealing assembly 114 are indicated in dashed lines. The compression protection elements 130 of the other compression protection unit 118 facing away from the observer are configured in the edge region section 270, as it is shown in Figure 44 the cross-section shown for the compression protection unit 118 facing the observer. The first compression protection unit section 184 of one compression protection unit 118 overlaps the first compression protection unit section 186 of the other compression protection unit 118. The second compression protection unit section 190 of one compression protection unit 118 does not overlap the second compression protection unit section 192 of the other compression protection unit 118.

[0454] Figure 44 and Figure 45 The connection 194 of the plate elements 136 in the edge region 152 of the sealing assembly 114 is shown.

[0455] Figure 44 It is shown that the two compression protection units 118 define a raised region 233. The connection 194 is present between the different raised regions 233, respectively, in the interior of the two compression protection units 118. The compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 are stiffener elements 128, wherein each one of the stiffener elements defines a raised region 233.

[0456] The connection 194 has a welding region 208. In the welding region 208, the plate elements 136 are welded to each other.

[0457] The connection 194 of the plate elements 136 is present between two overlapping regions 188 offset in the plate plane with respect to each other, wherein in the overlapping regions 188, different compression protection unit sections of the different compression protection units 118, respectively, configured from one of the two plate elements 136, overlap. The compression protection elements 130, 146, 148 of the two plate elements 136 represent compression protection unit sections.

[0458] A small segment of the sealing assembly 114 is shown in Figure 46 . This shows only a part of the compression protection units 118 comprised in the sealing assembly 114. The compression protection unit 118 defines a plurality of raised regions 233. The compression protection unit 118 has a middle section 248.

[0459] The raised regions opposite the middle section 248, respectively, can be understood as a first raised region 234 and a second raised region 236, as it is shown inFigure 46 Exemplarily for both of the raised areas 233.

[0460] The compression protection unit 118 is raised in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120 relative to a base section 246 of the sealing assembly 114 in the first raised area 234 and in the second raised area 236. Figure 46 between the sealing element 116, not shown in the

[0461] The intermediate section 248 defines an intermediate raised area 242 in which the intermediate section 248 is raised relative to the base section 246 in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120, wherein the compression protection unit 118 is correspondingly raised in the plateau area 302 to a higher extent in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120 than in the intermediate section 248. Figure 47 This is shown in the figure exemplarily for one of the intermediate sections 248. Figure 46 of the sealing assembly 114 along the line XLVII-XLVII.

[0462] The raised areas 233, 234, 236 transition into one another and form a plateau area 302, which extends around the intermediate sections 248, which are sunk into the plateau area 302.

[0463] A small section of the sealing assembly 114 is shown in Figure 48 This only shows a part of the compression protection unit 118 included in the sealing assembly 114.

[0464] The compression protection unit 118 shown here has a plateau area 302, which is raised relative to a base section 246 of the sealing assembly 114. The plateau area 302 is formed by the raised areas 233, 234, 236, which transition into one another. The plateau area 302 extends around the intermediate sections 248, which are sunk into the plateau area 302. The intermediate sections 248 define intermediate raised areas 242 in which the intermediate sections 248 are raised relative to the base section 246 in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120.

[0465] The compression protection unit 118 is raised in the plateau area 302 to a higher extent in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis 120 than the intermediate sections 248, which are sunk into the plateau area 302. Figure 48 The intermediate sections 248 shown are meandering intermediate sections 248, which are sunk into the plateau area 302.

[0466] A small section of the sealing assembly 114 is shown in Figure 50 This only shows a part of the compression protection unit 118 included in the sealing assembly 114. As in Figure 48The sealing assembly differs from the sealing assembly of the fuel cell stack of Figure 1 in that a plurality of sunken intermediate sections 248 are provided, which are respectively intermediate raised sections 242.

[0467] From the cross-sections shown in Figure 47 , Figure 49 and Figure 51 it can be clearly seen that the intermediate height 252 of the compression protection unit 118 at the plateau region 302, which can be measured in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 from the respective intermediate section 248, is about 80% to 90% of the base height 250 of the compression protection unit 118 at the plateau region 302, which can be measured in the direction of the stack longitudinal axis 120 from the base section 246.

[0468] From the cross-sections shown in Figure 47 , Figure 49 and Figure 51 it can also be clearly seen that the plateau region 302 has differently high side flanks 142. The higher side flanks 142, which extend from the base section 246, are more gently inclined than the lower side flanks 142, which extend from the intermediate section 248.

[0469] Reference sign explanation

[0470] 100 plate

[0471] 101 space

[0472] 102 plate stack assembly

[0473] 103 plate gap

[0474] 104 spacer plate

[0475] 105 through space

[0476] 106 fuel cell stack

[0477] 108 metal plate

[0478] 110 bipolar plate

[0479] 112 flow field

[0480] 114 sealing assembly

[0481] 116 sealing element

[0482] 118 compression protection unit

[0483] 120 stack longitudinal axis

[0484] 122 sealing rib

[0485] 124 full rib

[0486] 125 port rib

[0487] 126 peripheral stiffener

[0488] 128, 129 stiffener elements

[0489] 130 compression protection element

[0490] 134 clasp

[0491] 136 plate element

[0492] 138 main surface

[0493] 140 wall portion

[0494] 141 region

[0495] 142 side wing

[0496] 144 leg

[0497] 146 first compression protection element

[0498] 148 second compression protection element

[0499] 150 third compression protection element

[0500] 152 edge region

[0501] 154 edge

[0502] 155 spacer plate element

[0503] 156 metallic plate element

[0504] 158 bipolar plate element

[0505] 160, 162 surface

[0506] 164 absorption material

[0507] 166, 226 recess

[0508] 168 wider sealing element section

[0509] 170 narrower sealing element section

[0510] 172 wider sealing stiffener section

[0511] 174 narrower sealing stiffener section

[0512] 176 wider compression protection unit section

[0513] 178 narrower compression protection unit section

[0514] 180 wider stiffener element section

[0515] 182 Narrower stiffener element sections

[0516] 184, 186 first compression protection unit segment

[0517] 188 overlapping area

[0518] 190, 192 second compression protection unit section

[0519] 194 connections

[0520] 196 Compression Protection Zone

[0521] 198 First Floor

[0522] 200 Second Floor

[0523] 201 Materials

[0524] 202 Filling material

[0525] Sections 204 and 206

[0526] 208 welding area

[0527] 210 spacing

[0528] 212 span

[0529] 214 board semi-finished products

[0530] 216 Prototype Span

[0531] 218 Reinforcement Rib Prototype Component

[0532] 220 raised element

[0533] 222 recessed element

[0534] 224 bulge

[0535] 226 concavity

[0536] 228 raised height

[0537] 230 recess depth

[0538] 232 Isolation Department

[0539] 234 First raised area

[0540] 236 Second raised area

[0541] 238 Central District

[0542] 240 Intermediate connecting area

[0543] 242 Middle raised area

[0544] 246 base section

[0545] 248 intermediate section

[0546] 250 base height

[0547] 252 intermediate height

[0548] 254 smaller inclination angle

[0549] 256 larger inclination angle

[0550] 258 compression protection unit extension direction

[0551] 260 edge extension direction

[0552] 262 extension angle

[0553] 264 sealing element extension direction

[0554] 266 compression protection element spacing

[0555] 268 compression protection element span

[0556] 270 edge section

[0557] 272 inner edge region

[0558] 274 outer edge region

[0559] 276 outer end

[0560] 278 inner end

[0561] 280 first base height

[0562] 282 second base height

[0563] 284 third base height

[0564] 286 main body raised region

[0565] 288 head raised region

[0566] 290 lower compression protection unit section

[0567] 292 higher compression protection unit section

[0568] 294 compression protection unit extension direction

[0569] 296 main body height

[0570] 298 total height

[0571] 300 mating protrusion region

[0572] 302 high land region

Claims

1. A sealing assembly (114) for sealing and isolating a space (101) located in a plate stack assembly (102), wherein the plate stack assembly (102) can be, for example, a fuel cell stack (106) or a portion of a fuel cell stack (106) and the space (101) can be a space (101) located therein, wherein the sealing assembly (114) comprises: - 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 assembly (102) is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis (120).

2. The sealing assembly (114) according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The sealing element (116) has a sealing reinforcement rib (122), The sealing reinforcement rib (122) is preferably constructed from a plate (100) of the plate stack assembly (102), for example, from an isolation plate (104) of the fuel cell stack (106).

3. The sealing assembly (114) according to claim 1 or claim 2, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) has a first compression protection element (130, 146) and a second compression protection element (130, 148).

4. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) has - reinforcing rib elements (128); and / or - multiple layers of compression protection zones (196); and / or - a male element (220) and a female element (222), wherein a portion of the protrusion (224) of the male element (220) is received in the recess (166, 226) of the female element (222).

5. The sealing assembly (114) according to claim 4, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) has a reinforcing rib element (128), and the reinforcing rib element (128) is constructed from a plate of the plate stack assembly (102) or the plate (100), for example from a separator plate or the separator plate (104) of the fuel cell stack (106).

6. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: At least one compression protection unit (118) or at least a portion or at least one section (204, 206) of at least one compression protection unit (118) is arranged or constructed in an edge region (152), wherein the edge region (152) extends from the sealing element (116) to an edge (154) that limits a plate of the plate stack assembly (102) or a surface span of the plate (100).

7. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, It is characterized by: The reinforcing rib element (128) forms at least one of the two compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), It is preferred that the reinforcing rib element (128) forms the first compression protection element (130, 146) and the second compression protection element (130, 148).

8. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, It is characterized in that The first compression protection element (130, 146) and the second compression protection element (130, 148) are constructed and / or arranged such that when the plate stack assembly (102) is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), compression of the first compression protection element (130, 146) occurs before compression of the second compression protection element (130, 148). Preferably, the reinforcing rib element (128) has two side wings (142) of different heights, and the higher side wing (142) forms the first compression protection element (130, 146) or extends to the first compression protection element (130, 148).

9. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, It is characterized in that The first compression protection element (130, 146) and the second compression protection element (130, 148) are constructed so that when the plate stack assembly (102) is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), compression of the second compression protection element (130, 148) requires a higher force expenditure and / or energy expenditure than compression of the first compression protection element (130, 146).

10. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, It is characterized in that The first compression protection element (130, 146) and the second compression protection element (130, 148) are configured such that when the plate stack assembly (102) is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), compression of at least the first compression protection element (130, 146) occurs before irreversible deformation of the sealing element (116) is caused.

11. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, It is characterized in that The reinforcing rib element (128) forms at least one compression protection element of a plurality of compression protection elements (130, 146, 148, 150), and the absorbent material (164) arranged at the surface (160, 162) of the reinforcing rib element (128) forms the other compression protection elements of the plurality of compression protection elements (130, 146, 148, 150).

12. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, It is characterized in that A recess (166, 226) is formed in a wall (140) of the reinforcing rib element (128), wherein the recess (166, 226) can be formed in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the reinforcing rib element (128).

13. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that the sealing element (116) comprises at least one wider sealing element section (168) and at least one narrower sealing element section (170), wherein the width of the sealing element (116) in the wider sealing element section (168) is greater than the 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 compression protection unit section (176) and at least one narrower compression protection unit section (178), wherein the width of the compression protection unit (118) in the wider compression protection unit section (176) is greater than the 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 sealing element section and at least one lower sealing element section, wherein the height of the sealing element (116) in the higher sealing element section is greater than the width of the sealing element (116) in the lower sealing element section; and / or - the compression protection unit (118) has at least one higher compression protection unit section and at least one lower compression protection unit section, wherein the height of the compression protection unit in the higher compression protection unit section is greater than the height of the compression protection unit in the lower compression protection unit section.

14. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 6, 8, 9, 10 and 13, It is characterized in that The compression protection unit (118) has the multi-layered compression protection area (196), wherein at least one section (204, 206) of the multi-layered compression protection zone (196) is arranged or formed in the edge region (152), wherein the first layer (198) and the second layer (200) of the multi-layered compression protection zone (196) are formed by the same plate (100), wherein both layers (198, 200) extend from the edge (154) that delimits the surface span of the plate (100), Preferably, the sealing reinforcement rib (122) is constructed from a first layer of two layers (198, 200), and a second layer of the two layers (198, 200) extends from the edge (154) in a direction toward the sealing reinforcement rib (122).

15. The sealing assembly (114) according to claim 14, It is characterized in that A multi-layered compression protection zone (196) is formed at one section (204, 206) of the edge (154), and no multi-layered compression protection zone (196) is formed at 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 can be preferred that in the wider section (204) of the multi-layer compression protection zone (196), a second layer of the layers (198, 200) extends further from the edge (154) in the direction toward the sealing element (116) than in the other section (206) of the multi-layer compression protection zone (196), It can be preferred that the wider section (204) or another section (206) of the multi-layered compression protection zone (196) forms the first compression protection element (130, 146).

16. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 4 to 15, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) has the protrusion element (220) and the recess element (222), wherein a portion of the protrusion (224) of the protrusion element (220) is received in the recess (166, 226) of the recess element (222), wherein the protrusion element (220) and the recess element (222) can each be a reinforcing rib element (128), Among them, it is preferable that - a protrusion height (228) of the protrusion (224) is greater than a recess depth (230) of the recess (166, 226), and / or - the flanks (142) of the projection (224) are spaced apart from the flanks (142) of the recess (166, 226) in the recess (166, 226), wherein the flanks (142) of the projection (224) can be spaced apart from the flanks (142) of the recess (166, 226) in the recess (166, 226), for example in such a manner that the flanks (142) of the projection (224) can open toward the flanks (142) of the recess (166, 226).

17. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) defines a first raised area (234) and a second raised area (236), wherein the compression protection unit (118) is elevated in the first raised area (234) and in the second raised area (236) in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis (120) relative to a base section (246) of the sealing assembly (114), wherein the base section (246) can preferably be located between the sealing element (116) and the compression protection unit (118), It is preferred that the compression protection unit (118) has the reinforcing rib element (128), and the reinforcing rib element (128) defines at least one of the two raised areas (234, 236), wherein the other reinforcing rib element (129) or the same reinforcing rib element (128) can define the other of the two raised areas (234, 236).

18. The sealing assembly (114) according to any of the preceding claims, for example according to claim 17, characterized in that The compression protection unit (118) has a raised plateau region (302) that is elevated relative to the base section (246) of the sealing assembly (114). It is preferred that the plateau region (302) is formed by raised regions (233, 234, 236) transitioning into one another.

19. The sealing assembly (114) according to claim 17 or 18, It is characterized in that The compression protection unit (118) has an intermediate section (248) between the first raised area (234) and the second raised area (236), and / or the plateau area (302) extends around the intermediate section (248) sunk into the plateau area (302), preferably around a plurality of intermediate sections (248) sunk into the plateau area (302), wherein - the compression protection unit (118) is not elevated relative to the base section (246) in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis (120) in the middle section (248), or - The intermediate section (248) defines an intermediate raised area (242), in which the intermediate section (248) is elevated relative to the base section (246) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (120) of the plate stack, wherein the compression protection unit (118) is elevated to a higher degree in the direction of the longitudinal axis (120) of the plate stack in the first raised area (234) and the second raised area (236) than the intermediate section (248), or wherein the compression protection unit (118) is elevated to a higher degree in the direction of the longitudinal axis (120) of the plate stack in the plateau area (302) than one of the intermediate sections (248) sunk into the plateau area (302) or than a plurality of the intermediate sections (248) sunk into the plateau area (302).

20. The sealing assembly (114) according to claim 19, It is characterized in that The middle height (252) of the compression protection unit (118) at the first raised area (234) or the second raised area (236) or at the plateau area (302), which can be measured from the middle section (248) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (120) of the plate stack, is 10% to 99.8%, preferably 50% to 99%, for example 75% to 98% of the base height (250) of the compression protection unit (118) at the same raised area (234, 236) or plateau area (302), which can be measured from the base section (246) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (120) of the plate stack.

21. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 4 to 20, for example 18 to 20, It is characterized in that One of the reinforcing rib elements (128) has side wings (142) of different heights, a plurality of the reinforcing rib elements (128, 129) have side wings (142) of different heights, or the platform area (302) has side wings (142) of different heights, wherein the number of said side wings (142) is preferably at least four, Preferably, the higher flanks (142) extending from the base section (246) are more gently inclined than the lower flanks (142) extending from the middle section (248), The smaller inclination angle (254) of the more gently inclined upper flank (142) can be preferably 15° to 70°, and the larger inclination angle (256) of the more steeply inclined lower flank (142) can be preferably 20° to 90°.

22. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit extension direction (258) forms an extension angle (262) in the range of 5° to 85°, for example, 20° to 70° relative to the sealing element extension direction (264), at least a portion of the compression protection unit (118) extends along the compression protection unit extension direction, and the portion of the sealing element (116) closest to at least a portion of the compression protection unit (118) extends along the sealing element extension direction.

23. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 6 to 22, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) has a first compression protection element (130, 146) and a second compression protection element (130, 148), and The two compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) are arranged or constructed in the edge region (152), wherein at least a first of the compression protection elements (130, 146) is arranged or constructed completely in an edge region section (270) of the edge region (152), wherein the edge region section (270) extends in a radial direction from the sealing element (116) to the edge (154), and wherein the edge region section (270) extends along an edge extension direction (260) over a length of at most 15% of the edge length, wherein the edge length is the length of the edge (154), It is preferred that at least one of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) is designed to be annularly circumferential within the edge region section (270).

24. The sealing assembly (114) according to claim 23, It is characterized by: At least one compression protection element (130, 146, 148) is correspondingly arranged or constructed in a plurality of edge region sections (270) arranged one after the other along the edge extension direction (260), It is preferred that a compression protection element span (268) of at least one of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) that can be measured in the direction of the edge extension direction (260) is greater than a compression protection element spacing (266) of two adjacent compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) that can be measured in the direction of the edge extension direction (260), and the two adjacent compression protection elements are arranged or constructed in edge area sections (270) arranged sequentially.

25. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 6 to 24, It is characterized by: At least two compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) are arranged or constructed in the edge region (152), wherein a first compression protection element of at least two of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) is located farther from the edge (154) in the edge region (152) than a second compression protection element of at least two of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), Among them, preferably, - in the edge region (152), the outer end (276) of the compression protection element (130, 146) located further away from the edge (154) is located further away from the edge than the inner end (278) of the second compression protection element of at least two of the compression protection elements (130, 148); and / or - in a plurality of edge region sections (270) arranged successively along the edge extension direction (260), a respective compression protection element (130, 146, 148) is arranged or constructed on the inner side in the edge region (152) and another compression protection element (130, 146, 148) is arranged or constructed on the outer side in the edge region (152); and / or - the edge region (152) includes an outer edge region (274) closer to the edge (154) and an inner edge region (272) farther from the edge (154), a plurality of compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) adjacent to each other in the direction of the edge extension (260) are arranged or constructed in the outer edge region (274), and a plurality of compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) adjacent to each other in the direction of the edge extension (260) are arranged or constructed in the inner edge region (272); It is particularly preferred that at least one of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) is a reinforcement element (128), preferably most of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) are reinforcement elements (128), for example, all of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) are reinforcement elements (128).

26. A sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 17 to 25, for example according to claim 25, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) is elevated to a lower extent in the first raised area (234) than in the second raised area (236) relative to the base section (246) of the sealing assembly (114) in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), wherein the base section (246) can preferably be located between the sealing element (116) and the compression protection unit (118), Preferably, the first raised area (234) is the raised area (234, 236) of a first compression protection element among the at least two compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), and the second raised area (236) is the raised area (234, 236) of a second compression protection element among the at least two compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), and the first compression protection element among the at least two compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) is located farther away from the edge (154) in the edge area (152) than the second compression protection element among the at least two compression protection elements (130, 146, 148). wherein at least a first compression protection element of at least two of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148) is a reinforcing rib element (128, 129), and at least a second compression protection element of at least two of the compression protection elements is a reinforcing rib element (128, 129), Preferably, one of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), for example, the second compression protection element among the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), has a more gently inclined side wing (142), and one of the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), for example, the first compression protection element among the compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), has a more steeply inclined side wing (142), The smaller inclination angle (254) of the more gently inclined flank (142) can be preferably 15° to 70°, and the larger inclination angle (256) of the more steeply inclined flank (142) can be preferably 20° to 90°.

27. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 17 to 26, It is characterized in that The first raised area (234) is a body raised area (286), and the second raised area (236) is a head raised area (288) attached to the body raised area (286) in the direction of the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), Preferably, the side wings (142) of the head raised area (288) are more gently inclined than the side wings (142) of the body raised area (286); It is particularly preferred that the smaller inclination angle (254) of the more gently inclined flank (142) of the head raised area (288) is 15° to 70°, and the larger inclination angle (256) of the more steeply inclined flank (142) of the body raised area is 20° to 90°.

28. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) has at least one higher compression protection unit section (292) and at least one lower compression protection unit section (290), wherein the height of the compression protection unit in the higher compression protection unit section (292) is greater than the height of the compression protection unit in the lower compression protection unit section (290), It is preferred that the compression protection unit (118) has a head raised area (288) only in the higher compression protection unit section (292).

29. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The degree of bending of the compression protection unit (118), for example, the reinforcing rib element (128) of the compression protection unit, increases and decreases alternately along the extension direction (294) of the compression protection unit (118) It is preferred that the compression protection unit (118), for example the reinforcing rib element (128) of the compression protection unit, is bent alternately in one direction and in the opposite direction along the extension direction (294) of the compression protection unit (118), wherein the compression protection unit (118), for example the reinforcing rib element (128) of the compression protection unit can optionally extend straight between the alternating bends. The compression protection unit (118), for example the reinforcement element (128) of the compression protection unit, can preferably extend in a meandering manner in the edge region (152).

30. The sealing assembly (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The compression protection unit (118) has a protruding element (220) and a recessed element (222), wherein a portion of the protrusion (224) of the protruding element (220) is received in the recess (166, 226) of the recessed element (222); and / or - the compression protection unit (118) has a raised element (220) and a recessed element (222), wherein a portion of the projection (224) of the raised element (220) can be received in the recess (166, 226) of the recessed element (222) if deformation of the compression protection unit (118) is caused when the plate stack assembly (102) is compressed along the plate stack longitudinal axis (120), It can be advantageous if the compression protection unit (118) has a plurality of protruding elements (220) and recessed elements (222), wherein if deformation of the compression protection unit (118) is caused when the plate stack assembly (102) is compressed along the longitudinal axis (120) of the plate stack, a corresponding portion of the protrusion (224) of each protruding element (220) is received in a corresponding recess (166, 226) of the recessed element (222), or can be received in a corresponding recess (166, 226) of the recessed element (222).

31. The sealing assembly (114) according to claim 30, It is characterized in that At least a portion of the raised element (220) and at least a portion of the recessed element (224) are configured between the reinforcing rib elements (128), It is preferred that the protruding element (220) is a protruding element (220) constructed by the first plate element (136) of the plate (100), and the recessed element (222) is a recessed element (222) constructed by the second plate element (136) of the plate (100).

32. A plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), in particular for use in a motor vehicle, wherein the plate stack assembly (102), such as the fuel cell stack (106), comprises: - a plurality of plates (100), for example a plurality of insulating plates (104), a space (101) located in the plate stack assembly (102), wherein the plate stack assembly (102) can be, for example, a fuel cell stack (106) or a part of a fuel cell stack (106), and the space can be the space (101) located therein, and - A sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the sealing element (116) delimits the space (101) in at least one direction, Among them, preferably, - the sealing element (116) has two sealing reinforcement ribs (122) facing each other, and - Each of the two sealing reinforcement ribs (122) is constructed from each of two adjacent plates (100), such as the isolation plates (104), and protrudes from the corresponding plate plane of the corresponding plate (100), such as the isolation plate (104) in the direction toward the other sealing reinforcement rib (122).

33. The plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), according to claim 32, It is characterized in that The compression protection unit (118) has two compression protection subunits, and at least one of the two compression protection subunits protrudes from the plate plane of at least one of the two plates (100), for example, at least one of the two isolation plates (104), in a direction toward the other compression protection subunit or protrudes into the other compression protection subunit. Among them, preferably, - at least one compression protection subunit has a reinforcing rib element (128); and / or - at least one of the compression protection subunits has a plateau region (302); and / or - at least one compression protection subunit has a multi-layered compression protection zone (196); and / or - one of the compression protection subunits has a protruding element (220) and the other of the compression protection subunits has a recessed element (222), wherein a portion of the protrusion (224) of the protruding element (220) is received in the recess (166, 226) of the recessed element (222).

34. The plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), according to claim 32 or 33, It is characterized in that The plate stack assembly (102), such as the fuel cell stack (106), includes: - other spaces (101) within the plate stack assembly (102), and - a further sealing assembly (114), the sealing element (116) of which delimits the further space (101) in at least one direction, wherein the further sealing assembly (114) can preferably be the further sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 1 to 31, Preferably, both spaces are plate gaps, each extending between two adjacent plates (100) in the plate stack assembly. It is preferred that only one of the plates (100) is located between two of the plate gaps.

35. A plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), according to any one of claims 32 to 34, It is characterized by: At least one plate (100) of the plate stack assembly (102), for example at least one separator plate (104) of the fuel cell stack (106), has two plate elements (136) connected to each other indirectly or directly, wherein a main surface (138) of one plate element (136) faces a main surface (138) of the other plate element (136).

36. The plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), according to claim 35, It is characterized by: The indirect or direct connection (194) of the plate element (136) exists in the edge region (152) of the sealing assembly (114). - between the sealing element (116) of the sealing assembly (114) and the compression protection unit (118); and / or - between the compression protection unit (118) and the edge (154); and / or -Inside the compression protection unit (118), for example, between different compression protection elements (130, 146, 148), different raised areas (234, 236), different compression protection unit sections (176, 178, 184, 186, 190, 192, 290, 292) or different reinforcing rib elements (128, 129).

37. A plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), according to claim 34 or 35, It is characterized by: The other sealing assembly (114) is another sealing assembly (114) according to any one of claims 1 to 31, At least one first compression protection unit section (184) of one of the compression protection units (118) overlaps with a first compression protection unit section (186) of the other compression protection unit (118), At least one second compression protection unit section (190) of one of the compression protection units (118) does not overlap with a second compression protection unit section (192) of another of the compression protection units (118).

38. The plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), according to claim 36, It is characterized by: The two compression protection unit sections (184, 186) of one compression protection unit (118) are constructed by one of the plate elements (136) connected to each other, and the two compression protection unit sections (190, 192) of the other compression protection unit (118) are constructed by the other of the plate elements (136) connected to each other.

39. The plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), according to claim 37, It is characterized by: An indirect or direct connection (194) of the plate element (136) exists between two overlapping regions (188) offset relative to each other in the plate plane, wherein different compression protection units (118) or compression protection unit segments (184, 186, 190, 192) of different compression protection units (118), each constructed from one of the two plate elements (136), overlap in the overlapping region (188).

40. A plate stack assembly (102), such as a fuel cell stack (106), according to any one of claims 35 to 38, It is characterized by: The distance (210) between the compression protection unit (118) and the nearest location where an indirect or direct connection (194) to the plate element (136) exists is at most 200% of the maximum span (212) of the compression protection unit (118) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (120) of the plate stack, The distance (210) between a reinforcing element (128), a protruding element (220) or a recessed element (222) constructed from at least one of the plate elements (136) and the nearest location where an indirect or direct connection (194) to the plate element (136) exists can be at most 200% of the depth of the recessed element (222) or at most 200% of the height of the reinforcing element (128) or the protruding element (220).

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