DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HOLDING A STACK OF FUEL CELLS

Abstract

Device (100) for holding a fuel cell stack (300), comprising: a receiving device (200) for receiving the fuel cell stack (300), wherein the receiving device (200) has a positioning element (221) for positioning a fuel cell stack (300) to be received by the receiving device (200), and the positioning element (221) is configured to be at least partially located in an opening (301, 302, 303) of a media channel (340, 350, 360) of the fuel cell stack (300) when used as intended, while the fuel cell stack (300) is received by the receiving device (200), wherein a penetration depth of the positioning element (221) into the opening (301, 302, 303), in particular along a stacking direction (Z') of the fuel cell stack (300), is less than a height (h) of the fuel cell stack (300).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for holding a fuel cell stack. The present invention relates in particular to a device for holding a fuel cell stack, an arrangement comprising the device and the fuel cell stack, and a method for holding a fuel cell stack and, optionally, for performing a work step on the fuel cell stack.

[0002] A fuel cell stack, which can be a component of a fuel cell, can comprise a bipolar plate stack consisting of several bipolar plates, as well as a first and a second end plate, wherein the bipolar plate stack is arranged between the first and the second end plate. Here, the first end plate, the bipolar plate stack, and the second end plate are stacked one above the other along a stacking direction such that the bipolar plate stack is positioned between the first and second end plates.

[0003] The fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of fuel cells, including several fuel cells having two adjacent bipolar plates and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arranged between them, a fuel cell having a bipolar plate adjacent to the first end plate, the first end plate and a membrane electrode assembly arranged between them, and a fuel cell having a bipolar plate adjacent to the second end plate, the second end plate and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arranged between them.

[0004] The fuel cell stack further comprises several internal media channels, in particular one media channel and another for supplying a fuel such as hydrogen or an oxidizer such as oxygen to each of the fuel cells to enable a reaction between the fuel and the oxidizer within the fuel cell, and for removing the reaction products and unused fuel and oxidizer from each of the fuel cells. A further media channel serves to supply and remove a coolant to cool the fuel cell stack.

[0005] In this case, the respective media channels each have (through) openings or penetrations in each of the bipolar plates as well as an inlet and an outlet opening for supplying the corresponding medium to the fuel cell stack or for removing the medium from the fuel cell stack, whereby the inlet and outlet openings can be provided, for example, in the first end plate or the second end plate.

[0006] In prototype manufacturing, for customer-oriented orders, or on a fuel cell stack test bench, the voltage at each fuel cell, or at several or a group of fuel cells, must be measured to check the condition of the bipolar plates. For this purpose, the corresponding two bipolar plates must each be connected to or equipped with a so-called CVM (Cell Voltage Monitoring) measuring unit.

[0007] The bipolar plates, which (together with the two end plates) are pressed together to form the fuel cell stack using tension bands, are very sensitive to impact, so all handling and transport must be carried out with great care. Even working on an open surface without suitable support can damage the bipolar plates and lead to further work or repairs on the fuel cell stack. If the fuel cell stack rests freely on a (work) surface, such weight is exerted on the lowest components of the fuel cell stack that the components of the fuel cell stack, especially the bipolar plates, can be damaged, even if the fuel cell stack is resting on a padded, flat surface.

[0008] CN 1 05 552 422 A relates to a vanadium battery stack, wherein notches are evenly distributed on the edges of the vanadium battery stack, the upper end plate and the lower end plate, and each pair of upper and lower corresponding notches is provided with a pull rod, the pull rod extending from the two ends of the upper and lower end plates and at least one end being provided with an elastic pressing component for pressing the stack in the vertical direction of the stack, a fluid flow frame and the lower end plate each being provided with a positioning through-hole through which a positioning shaft passes, wherein the position of the positioning through-hole is fixed with a releasable positioning shaft for positioning the positioning shaft.

[0009] CN 2 14 523 908 U relates to a fuel cell tipping and gripping load carrier. The load carrier comprises a load carrier body, a lifting mechanism, a turning mechanism, a gripping mechanism, and a lifting table. The lifting mechanism is arranged on the load carrier body, the lifting table is arranged on the lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism is used to adjust the height of the lifting table, one end of the gripping mechanism is rotatably mounted on the lifting table, and the turning mechanism is also arranged on the lifting table. The drive mechanism is located below the gripping mechanism and is used to drive the gripping mechanism for turning.The gripping mechanism is used to grip the fuel cell, the turning mechanism is used to turn the gripped fuel cell and to lay the gripped fuel cell flat, the lifting mechanism is used to drive the gripping mechanism to move upwards and downwards, and the carriage body is used to support the mechanisms and to move the mechanisms.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to facilitate the handling of a fuel cell stack, in particular to reduce the risk of damage to the fuel cell stack when carrying out work on or with the fuel cell stack and / or when transporting the fuel cell stack from one place to another and / or when storing the fuel cell stack.

[0011] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device according to one embodiment for holding a fuel cell stack comprises: A receiving device for receiving the fuel cell stack, wherein the receiving device has a positioning element for positioning a fuel cell stack to be received by the receiving device, and the positioning element is configured to be arranged, at least partially, in an opening of a media channel of the fuel cell stack during intended use, while the fuel cell stack is received by the receiving device, wherein a penetration depth of the positioning element into the opening, in some embodiments along a stacking direction of the fuel cell stack, is less than a height of the fuel cell stack.

[0013] In some designs, this allows the fuel cell stack to be lifted from a surface or base, for example using a lifting tool such as a crane, and placed on the receiving device in such a way that the positioning element protrudes into the opening of the fuel cell stack. This can restrict (unintentional) movement of the fuel cell stack relative to the receiving device in some designs, and in some designs in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and / or ensure a secure hold of the fuel cell stack on the receiving device, thereby facilitating handling of the fuel cell stack and / or reducing the risk of damage to the fuel cell stack.

[0014] In this case, the dimensions of the opening and the positioning element are preferably selected such that a cross-section of the positioning element along a plane parallel to a support surface of the receiving device on which the fuel cell stack received by the receiving device rests, essentially corresponds to a cross-section of the opening of the fuel cell stack along a plane parallel to the support surface of the receiving device and / or perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0015] Any terms used herein, such as "comprises," "includes," "features," "has," "with," or any other variant thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or features a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such method or apparatus.

[0016] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive "or". For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0017] The terms "ein" or "eine," as used here, are defined as "one or more." The terms "ein anderer" and "ein Weitere," as well as any other variant thereof, are to be understood as "at least one more."

[0018] The term "plural", as used here, is to be understood in the sense of "two or more".

[0019] The terms "configured" or "set up" to perform a specific function (and their respective variations) are understood within the meaning of the invention to mean that the corresponding device or system already exists in a configuration or setting in which it can perform the function, or at least that it is adjustable—i.e., configurable—so that it can perform the function after appropriate adjustment. Configuration can be achieved, for example, by adjusting parameters of a process sequence or by using switches or similar devices to activate or deactivate functionalities or settings. In particular, the device or system can have several predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention and their further developments are described below, each of which, unless expressly excluded, can be combined arbitrarily with each other and with the second aspect of the invention described below and with the third aspect of the invention described below.

[0021] In some embodiments, the receiving device has a further positioning element for positioning the fuel cell stack to be received by the receiving device, wherein the further positioning element is configured to be arranged, during intended use, at least partially in another opening, in some embodiments another opening of the media channel or another media channel, of the fuel cell stack, while the fuel cell stack is received by the receiving device, wherein a penetration depth of the further positioning element into the other opening, in some embodiments along the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack, is less than the height of the fuel cell stack.

[0022] In some designs, this allows the fuel cell stack to be lifted, for example using the lifting tool, and placed on the receiving device in such a way that the positioning element protrudes into the opening of the fuel cell stack and the other positioning element protrudes into the other opening of the fuel cell stack. This further restricts the (unintentional) movement of the fuel cell stack relative to the receiving device in some designs, and in some designs in a direction perpendicular to the stack direction, and / or ensures a more secure hold of the fuel cell stack on the receiving device. This further facilitates handling of the fuel cell stack and / or further reduces the risk of damage to the fuel cell stack.

[0023] In some embodiments, the receiving device has a frame, in some embodiments square, on which the positioning element and / or the further positioning element is arranged, wherein the positioning element is configured, while the fuel cell stack is received by the receiving device, to extend from the frame along the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack into the opening and / or the further positioning element is configured, while the fuel cell stack is received by the receiving device, to extend from the frame along the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack into the other opening.

[0024] The frame can, for example, comprise a pair of (parallel) longitudinal struts and a pair of (parallel) transverse struts, which are connected to each other, and may, for example, comprise a metal such as aluminum. The positioning element and / or the further positioning element can be arranged on at least one of the transverse struts of the frame, preferably the positioning element and the further positioning element being arranged on the frame such that the positioning element is located on one of the transverse struts of the frame, and the further positioning element is located on the other transverse strut of the frame.

[0025] In some designs, the receiving device is arranged such that, during intended use, a section of a lower end of the fuel cell stack, or in some designs a section of a bottom surface of the fuel cell stack, rests on the frame.

[0026] The receiving device can be arranged in such a way that, during intended use, a (respective) section of the lower end of the fuel cell stack, or in some designs a (respective) section of the base of the fuel cell stack, rests on the frame, or in some designs on the crossbars or on a respective crossbar of the frame.

[0027] In some embodiments, the device is configured to hold a fuel cell stack comprising a first end plate, a second end plate, and a stack of bipolar plates, which in some embodiments are stacked one above the other and are arranged along the stacking direction such that the stack of bipolar plates is positioned between the first end plate and the second end plate, wherein, in intended use, the distance of the first end plate from the frame is less than the distance of the second end plate from the frame, in some embodiments wherein the first end plate rests on the frame, and a free end of the positioning element is located within an opening in the first end plate, which in some embodiments is the opening of the fuel cell stack, in particular of its media channel.this corresponds to, is arranged and / or a free end of the further positioning element is arranged within another opening of the first end plate, which in some embodiments is the other opening of the fuel cell stack, in particular another opening of the media channel or the other media channel, or corresponds to it.

[0028] In other words, during intended use, when the fuel cell stack is picked up by the receiving device, no section of the positioning element and / or no section of the further positioning element is located within an opening of any bipolar plate of the fuel cell stack that corresponds to the respective media channel. In particular, the penetration depth of the positioning element and / or the further positioning element into the fuel cell stack is less than the thickness of the first end plate (measured in the stack direction).

[0029] In some designs, this prevents any bipolar plate of the fuel cell stack from coming into contact with the positioning element and / or the further positioning element when the fuel cell stack is placed on the receiving device, thus preventing damage to the bipolar plate by the positioning element and / or the further positioning element.

[0030] In some embodiments, the positioning element has a section, in some embodiments adjoining the free end of the positioning element, that tapers towards the free end of the positioning element, and / or the further positioning element has a section, in some embodiments adjoining the free end of the further positioning element, that tapers towards the free end of the further positioning element.

[0031] In some embodiments, this facilitates the placement of the fuel cell stack on the receiving device such that, after placement, the positioning element is at least partially arranged in the opening and / or the further positioning element is at least partially arranged in the other opening, since a less precise alignment of the opening and / or the other opening with the positioning element or the further positioning element is required during placement.

[0032] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a frame and a fastening element, wherein the frame, in some embodiments an end of the frame, is coupled to the fastening element in such a way that the frame is rotatable or pivotable relative to the frame, in some embodiments about a pivot axis or lateral axis of the fastening element.

[0033] In some designs, this allows the frame, together with the fuel cell stack mounted on it, to be tilted, enabling a person to assume an ergonomic, and in particular back-friendly, position when performing certain tasks on the fuel cell stack, such as installing CVM measuring units, and / or providing the person with a better view of a section of the fuel cell stack relevant to the specific task, thus allowing the person to complete the task more quickly in some designs, resulting in time savings.

[0034] The frame can have a first frame (lower when in use, for example extending in a horizontal plane) and a second frame (upper when in use, for example extending in another horizontal plane).

[0035] Furthermore, the frame may also have several connecting struts (extending, for example, perpendicular to the horizontal plane or at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane during intended use), each of which is connected to the first frame and the second frame.

[0036] The first frame can, for example, have a pair of (parallel) longitudinal struts and a pair of (parallel) transverse struts connected to each other, and comprise, for example, a metal such as aluminum, with one of the transverse struts of the first frame being longer than the other. The second frame can, for example, have a pair of (parallel) longitudinal struts and a pair of (parallel) transverse struts connected to each other, and comprise, for example, a metal such as aluminum, with one of the transverse struts of the second frame being longer than the other.

[0037] In this case, the fastening element can be mounted on a cross member of the second frame, wherein the frame, in some versions an end of the frame, in particular one of the cross members of the frame, is coupled to the fastening element in such a way that the frame is rotatable, tiltable or pivotable relative to the frame, in some versions about the axis of rotation or pivot axis of the fastening element.

[0038] In some designs, the position of the frame within an angular range limited by a first end position of the frame, which in some designs is horizontal or at least essentially horizontal during intended use, and a second (tilted) end position of the frame, can be changed by a rotation or pivot relative to the frame, in some designs relative to the second frame.

[0039] The limited angle range can be, for example, an angle range of 15° or 30°.

[0040] In some designs, the receiving device also has a further frame, in some designs square, which is mounted on the frame, in some designs on the other end of the frame opposite the end of the frame, and extends at least section by section, for example vertically, away from the frame, in some designs at least section by section parallel to the stacking direction or substantially parallel to the stacking direction away from the frame during intended use.

[0041] The further frame can, for example, have a pair of (parallel) longitudinal struts and a pair of (parallel) transverse struts which are connected to each other, and may comprise, for example, a metal such as aluminium.

[0042] In this case, a cross member of the further frame containing another end of the further frame can be mounted on the frame, in some versions on another end opposite the end of the frame, which is part of a cross member of the frame.

[0043] The second end position of the frame can be determined or defined, for example, by the fact that the further frame, or in some designs at least one longitudinal strut thereof, rests in the second end position against a cross strut of the second frame located remote from the fastening element, in particular against a cross strut of the second frame on which the fastening element is not mounted, and thus prevents further rotation, tilting or pivoting of the frame or the receiving device.

[0044] The frame and the further frame can be connected via diagonal braces, with one end of a diagonal brace being connected to a longitudinal brace of the frame, and the other end of the diagonal brace being connected to a longitudinal brace of the further frame.

[0045] In some versions, the device also has a locking device mounted on the frame, whereby the position of the frame in the first position of the frame can be fixed by means of the locking device.

[0046] In some designs, this can facilitate the placement of the fuel cell stack on the receiving device by fixing the position of the frame in the first end position during placement by actuating the locking device.

[0047] In some versions, the locking device can be mounted on the second frame, for example on one of the longitudinal struts of the second frame, or on a connecting part connected to the second frame.

[0048] The locking device can have a lever and a clamping element, wherein the locking device can be moved from an unlocked position, in which the clamping element does not impede the relative (rotational, tilting, or pivoting) movement of the frame or receiving device relative to the frame, to a locked position by actuating the lever, wherein the locking device is designed to prevent the relative movement of the frame or receiving device relative to the frame in the locked position by pressing the clamping element of the locking device against the receiving device, or in some embodiments against a longitudinal strut of the further frame, when the frame is in the first end position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a return element, in some embodiments a pressure damper, with a first end that is mounted on a region of the frame not having the end of the frame, in some embodiments on another end of the frame opposite the end of the frame, and with a second end that is mounted on the frame, wherein the return element is configured to exert a torque on the frame to rotate or pivot the frame into the first end position when the position of the frame is different from the first end position.

[0050] In some designs, this can facilitate the return of the frame to the first end position by means of support via the return element, in some designs if the fuel cell stack rests on the frame, when the position of the frame differs from the first end position.

[0051] The first end of the return element can be mounted on the crossbar of the frame that has the other end of the frame, or on a lower crossbar of the further frame during intended use, and / or the second end of the return element can be mounted on the first frame, preferably on a crossbar of the first frame.

[0052] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a holding element which, when used as intended, is designed to exert a force, in some embodiments opposite to the stacking direction, on a section of an upper end of the fuel cell stack, in some embodiments a section of a top of the fuel cell stack, in order to push the fuel cell stack towards the frame, wherein the holding element is mounted in some embodiments at an end of the further frame that is remote from the frame.

[0053] In some embodiments, this can prevent or at least restrict movement of the fuel cell stack held by the receiving device away from the frame in the direction of the stack's movement. In particular, in some embodiments, this can prevent the fuel cell stack, held on the receiving device and pressed towards the frame by the retaining element, from tipping over, for example, during work being carried out on the fuel cell stack, especially even if the frame is in a position different from its initial end position.

[0054] The retaining element can have a lever and a clamping element, wherein the retaining element can be moved from a non-holding position of the retaining element into a holding position of the retaining element by actuating the lever, in which the fuel cell stack can be securely held on the frame by pressing the clamping element onto the section of the upper end of the fuel cell stack, in particular if at the same time the positioning element and / or the further positioning element is at least partially arranged in the opening or the other opening of the fuel cell stack.

[0055] In some versions, the device also has a handle which is located on the further frame, in some versions at the far end of the further frame or in an area of ​​the further frame adjacent to it.

[0056] The handle can be used, for example, to rotate or pivot the receiving device around the axis of rotation or swivel axis of the fastening element when the locking device is unlocked.

[0057] In some embodiments, the device further comprises rollers which are mounted on the frame, in some embodiments on an end of the connecting struts which, during intended use, faces a surface on which the device is arranged, and which, during intended use, are in contact with the surface, wherein the device can be moved by exerting an external force, in some embodiments acting parallel to the surface, in conjunction with a rolling movement of the rollers on the surface.

[0058] In some versions, this allows the fuel cell stack to be safely stored and transported from one place to another.

[0059] An arrangement according to a second aspect of the invention comprises a device for holding a fuel cell stack as described above and a fuel cell stack with an opening, in some embodiments an opening of a media channel of the fuel cell stack, wherein the fuel cell stack is received by the receiving device in such a way that the positioning element is at least partially arranged in the opening of the fuel cell stack, wherein a penetration depth of the positioning element into the opening, in some embodiments along the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack, is less than a height of the fuel cell stack.

[0060] A method for holding a fuel cell stack and, optionally, for performing a work step on the fuel cell stack, according to a third aspect of the invention, comprises: a provision of a device described above for holding a fuel cell stack; a provision of a fuel cell stack with an opening, in some embodiments an opening of a media channel of the fuel cell stack, and / or another opening, in some embodiments another opening of the media channel or another media channel of the fuel cell stack; a placement of the fuel cell stack on the receiving device such that the positioning element is at least partially arranged in the opening of the fuel cell stack and the penetration depth of the positioning element into the opening, in some embodiments along a stacking direction of the fuel cell stack, is less than the height of the fuel cell stack when the fuel cell stack is placed on the receiving device; and / or a placement of the fuel cell stack on the receiving device such that the further positioning element is at least partially arranged in the other opening of the fuel cell stack and a penetration depth of the further positioning element into the other opening, in some embodiments along the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack, is less than the height of the fuel cell stack when the fuel cell stack is placed on the receiving device.

[0061] In some versions, the procedure may also include: a fixing of the frame's position in the first frame position by means of the locking device; wherein The placement of the fuel cell stack takes place in a state in which the position of the frame is fixed in the first position of the frame by the locking device.

[0062] In some versions, the procedure may also include: an actuation of the holding element to move the holding element into the holding position; and exerting a force, by means of the holding element in the holding position, in some embodiments against the stacking direction, on a section of an upper end, in some embodiments a section of a top of the fuel cell stack, in order to push the fuel cell stack towards the frame.

[0063] In some versions, the procedure may also include: a release of the fixation of the frame's position in the first position by a corresponding actuation, in some versions by releasing the locking device; and a pivoting of the frame relative to the stand into a position different from the first position of the frame, in some versions into the second position of the frame.

[0064] In some versions, performing the work step on the fuel cell stack may involve fitting the fuel cell stack with a cell voltage monitoring measuring unit.

[0065] Further advantageous developments result from the following description of preferred embodiments. This is shown, in part schematically: Fig. 1 a device for holding a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment in a first position of a frame of the device, Fig. 2 an arrangement according to an embodiment which is in Fig. 1 device shown and has a fuel cell stack, in a second position of the frame of the device, Fig. 3 the in Fig. 2 arrangement shown, in the first position of the frame of the device, and Fig. 4 a fuel cell stack of arrangement according to one embodiment.

[0066] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 100 for holding a fuel cell stack 300 according to an embodiment in a first position of a frame 210 of the device 100, Fig. Figure 2 shows an arrangement according to one embodiment, which is in Fig. 1 device 100 shown and a fuel cell stack 300, in a second position of the frame 210 of the device 100, Fig. 3 shows the in Fig. 2 arrangement shown, in the first position of the frame 210 of the device 100, and Fig. Figure 4 shows a fuel cell stack of 300 in an arrangement according to one embodiment.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 4 The fuel cell stack 300 has a bipolar plate stack 310, which comprises several stacked bipolar plates 311 as well as a first end plate 320 and a second end plate 330. Here, the first end plate 320, the bipolar plate stack 310 and the second end plate 330 are stacked one above the other along a stacking direction Z' of the fuel cell stack 300 such that the bipolar plate stack 310 is arranged between the first end plate 320 and the second end plate 330.

[0068] The fuel cell stack 300 comprises a plurality of fuel cells, which include several fuel cells, each having two adjacent bipolar plates 311 and a (not shown) membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arranged between them, a fuel cell having a bipolar plate 311 adjacent to the first end plate 320, the first end plate 320 and a (not shown) membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arranged between them, and a fuel cell having a bipolar plate 311 adjacent to the second end plate 330, the second end plate 330 and a (not shown) membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arranged between them.

[0069] The fuel cell stack 300 further comprises several media channels 340, 350, 360, each of which has an inlet opening 301, 302, 303 and an outlet opening 301', 302', 303', which are located in the Fig. 4 illustrated example at a (with reference to the stacking direction Z') lower end 305 of the fuel cell stack 300 or a base surface thereof are provided.

[0070] Here, one media channel 340 and another media channel 350 serve to supply a fuel, such as hydrogen, or an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen, to each of the fuel cells to enable a reaction between the fuel and the oxidizing agent in the fuel cell, and to remove the reaction products and unused fuel and oxidizing agent from each of the fuel cells. A further media channel 360 serves to supply and remove a coolant to cool the fuel cell stack 300.

[0071] When operating a fuel cell containing the fuel cell stack 300, the respective medium carried in the media channels 340, 350, 360 flows from the in the Fig. 4 sections shown on the left of the media channels 340, 350, 360 (containing the respective openings or penetrations of the first end plate 320 and each of the bipolar plates 311) via in Fig. 4 connections indicated by dashed lines, each containing in particular a section of a respective fuel cell, into which in Fig. 4 sections of the media channels 340, 350, 360 shown on the right (containing the respective other openings or penetrations of the first end plate 320 and each of the bipolar plates 311).

[0072] With regard to the Fig. In sections 1 to 3, the device 100 has a receiving device 200 for receiving the fuel cell stack 300, which, for example, in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the receiving device 200 can be tensioned by means of circumferential tension bands 321. The receiving device 200 has a positioning element 221 for positioning a fuel cell stack 300 to be received by the receiving device 200, wherein the positioning element 221 is configured to be arranged, during intended use (of the device 100), at least partially in one of the (inlet or outlet) openings 301, 302, 303, 301', 302', 303' of one of the media channels 340, 350, 360 of the fuel cell stack 300, while the fuel cell stack 300 is received by the receiving device 200. Here, the penetration depth of the positioning element 221 into the opening 301, 302, 303, 301', 302', 303', in some embodiments along the stacking direction Z' of the fuel cell stack 300, is less than the height h of the fuel cell stack 300 (measured along the stacking direction Z').

[0073] The receiving device 200 further comprises a further positioning element 222 for positioning the fuel cell stack 300 to be received by the receiving device 200, wherein the further positioning element 222 is configured to be arranged, during intended use, at least partially in another opening 301', 302', 303', 301, 302, 303 of the media channel 340, 350, 360 or one of the other media channels 340, 350, 360 of the fuel cell stack 300, while the fuel cell stack 300 is received by the receiving device 200. In this case, the penetration depth of the further positioning element 222 into the other opening 301', 302', 303', 301, 302, 303, in some embodiments along the stacking direction Z' of the fuel cell stack 300, is less than the height h of the fuel cell stack 300 (measured along the stacking direction Z').

[0074] Preferably, if the positioning element 221 is arranged to be located in one of the inlet openings 301, 302, 303 during intended use, the further positioning element 222 is arranged to be located in one of the outlet openings 301', 302', 303' during intended use.

[0075] The receiving device 200 has a frame 210, which in some embodiments is square and which, for example, comprises a pair of (parallel) longitudinal struts 213 and a pair of (parallel) transverse struts 214, which are connected to each other, and which may, for example, comprise a metal such as aluminum. The positioning element 221 and / or the further positioning element 222 is / are arranged on the frame 210, or, in some embodiments, on at least one of the transverse struts 214.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the positioning element 221 and the further positioning element 222 are preferably arranged on the frame 210 such that the positioning element 221 is arranged on one of the cross members 214 of the frame 210, and the further positioning element 222 is arranged on the other cross member 214 of the frame 210.

[0077] The positioning element 221 is configured, while the fuel cell stack 300 is being received by the receiving device 200, to extend from the frame 210 along the stacking direction Z' of the fuel cell stack 300 into the opening 301, 302, 303, 301', 302', 303'. Alternatively or additionally, the further positioning element 222 is configured, while the fuel cell stack 300 is being received by the receiving device 200, to extend from the frame 210 along the stacking direction Z' of the fuel cell stack 300 into the other opening 301', 302', 303', 301, 302, 303.

[0078] The receiving device 200 is arranged such that, during intended use, a (respective) section of the lower end 305 of the fuel cell stack 300, in some embodiments a (respective) section of the base surface of the fuel cell stack 300, rests on the frame 210, in some embodiments on the crossbars 214 or on a respective crossbar 214 of the frame 210.

[0079] In the intended use, the fuel cell stack 300 can be received by the receiving device 200 in such a way that the distance of the first end plate 320 from the frame 210 is smaller than the distance of the second end plate 330 from the frame 210. In some embodiments, the first end plate 320 or an underside thereof rests on the frame 210, wherein a free end 223 of the positioning element 221 is arranged within an opening of the first end plate 320 (which is simultaneously the opening 301, 302, 303, 301', 302', 303' of the media channel 340, 350, 360 or forms a part thereof) and / or a free end 224 of the further positioning element 222 is arranged within another opening of the first end plate 320 (which is simultaneously the other opening 301', 302', 303', 301, 302, 303 of the media channel 340, 350, 360 or forms a part thereof).

[0080] In other words, during intended use (and in the arrangement according to the invention), when the fuel cell stack 300 is received by the receiving device 200, no section of the positioning element 221 and / or no section of the further positioning element 222 is located within an opening of an (arbitrary) bipolar plate 311 of the fuel cell stack 300 associated with the corresponding media channel 340, 350, 360. In particular, the penetration depth of the positioning element 221 and / or the further positioning element 222 into the fuel cell stack 300 is less than the thickness of the first end plate 320 (measured in the stacking direction Z').

[0081] The positioning element 221 has a section 225 adjoining the free end 223 of the positioning element 221, which tapers towards the free end 223 of the positioning element 221, i.e., away from the frame 210. Additionally or alternatively, the further positioning element 222 has a section 226 adjoining the free end 224 of the further positioning element 222, which tapers towards the free end 224 of the further positioning element 222, i.e., away from the frame 210.

[0082] The device 100 further comprises a frame 110 with a first (lower, during intended use, for example in a horizontal direction, to a position defined by a coordinate system of Fig. 1 to 3 shown, a frame 150 extending in the plane spanning the X and Y directions (parallel plane) and a second (upper, for example extending in another horizontal plane) frame 160.

[0083] The frame 110 further comprises several connecting struts 170 (extending, for example, perpendicular to the horizontal plane or at least substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane during intended use), each of which is connected to the first frame 150 and the second frame 160.

[0084] The first frame 150 can, for example, have a pair of (parallel) longitudinal struts 151 and a pair of (parallel) transverse struts 152, which are connected to each other, and comprise, for example, a metal such as aluminium, wherein one of the transverse struts 152 may be longer than the other of the transverse struts 152. The second frame 160 can, for example, have a pair of (parallel) longitudinal struts 161 and a pair of (parallel) transverse struts 162, which are connected to each other, and comprise, for example, a metal such as aluminium, wherein one of the transverse struts 162 may be longer than the other of the transverse struts 162.

[0085] The device 100 further comprises a fastening element 120, which in some embodiments is mounted to the frame 110, in particular to a cross member 162 of the second frame 160, wherein the frame 210, in some embodiments an end 211 of the frame 210, in particular one of the cross members 214 of the frame 210, is coupled to the fastening element 120 in such a way that the frame 210 is rotatable, tiltable or pivotable relative to the frame 110, in some embodiments about a pivot axis of the fastening element 120.

[0086] Here, a position of the frame 210 within a first, in the intended use particularly horizontal or at least substantially horizontal, end position of the frame 210, which in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 is shown, and a second (tilted) end position of the frame 210, which is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the limited angular range can be changed by a rotation or pivot relative to the frame 110 or the second frame 160. The limited angular range can, for example, be 15° or 30°.

[0087] The receiving device 200 further comprises a further frame 250, which in some embodiments is square and which, for example, has a pair of (parallel) longitudinal struts 254 and a pair of (parallel) transverse struts 255 connected to each other, and which may, for example, comprise a metal such as aluminum. The further frame 250, in some embodiments a transverse strut 255 of the further frame 250 containing a (different) end 252 of the further frame 250, is mounted on the frame 210, in some embodiments on a different end 212 opposite the end 211 of the frame 210, which is part of a transverse strut 214 of the frame 210, and extends at least partially, in particular vertically, away from the frame 210, in some embodiments at least partially parallel to the stacking direction Z' or substantially parallel to the stacking direction Z' away from the frame 210 during intended use.

[0088] The second end position of the frame 210 can be determined or fixed, for example, by the fact that the further frame 250, or in some embodiments at least one longitudinal strut 254 thereof, rests in the second end position against a cross strut 162 of the second frame 160 located remote from the fastening element 120, in particular against a cross strut 162 of the second frame 160 on which the fastening element 120 is not mounted, and thus prevents further rotation, tilting or pivoting of the frame 210 or the receiving device 200.

[0089] The frame 210 and the further frame 250 are connected via diagonal braces 270, wherein one end of a diagonal brace 270 is connected to a longitudinal brace 213 of the frame 210, and the other end of the diagonal brace 270 is connected to a longitudinal brace 254 of the further frame 250.

[0090] Furthermore, the device 100 has a [feature] in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown locking device 220, which is mounted on the frame 110, in some embodiments on the second frame 160, for example on one of the longitudinal struts 161, or on a connecting part connected to the second frame 160, wherein the position of the frame 210 in the first position of the frame 210 can be fixed or locked by means of the locking device 220.

[0091] The locking device 220 has a lever 227 and a clamping element 228, wherein the locking device 220 consists of a Fig. 2 shown unlocked position of the locking device 220, in which the clamping part 228 does not impede the relative (rotational or tilting or pivoting) movement of the frame 210 or the receiving device 200 with respect to the frame 110, by actuating the lever 227 into a position in the Fig. 3 shown locked position of the locking device 220 can be brought to prevent the relative movement of the frame 210 or the receiving device 200 with respect to the frame 110 by pressing the clamping part 228 against the receiving device 200, in some embodiments against a longitudinal strut 254 of the further frame 250, when the frame 210 is in the first end position.

[0092] The device 100 further comprises a return element 130, in some embodiments in the form of a pressure damper, which has a first end that is mounted on a region of the frame 210 that does not have the end 211 of the frame 210, in some embodiments on the other end 212 of the frame 210 opposite the end 211 of the frame 210, preferably on the cross member 214 having the other end 212 of the frame 210 or on the lower cross member 255 of the further frame 250, and a second end 131 that is mounted on the frame 110, in some embodiments on the first frame 150, preferably on a cross member 152 of the first frame 150.

[0093] The return element 130 is designed to exert a torque on the frame 210 to rotate or pivot the frame 210 into the first end position if the position of the frame 210 differs from the first end position.

[0094] The device 100 further comprises a holding element 260, which, when used as intended, is configured to exert a force, in some embodiments opposite to the stacking direction Z', on a section of an upper end 304 of the fuel cell stack 300, or in some embodiments on a section of a top surface of the fuel cell stack 300, in order to press the fuel cell stack 300 towards the frame 210. In some embodiments, the holding element 260 is mounted at an end 251 of the further frame 250 that is located away from the frame 210.

[0095] The retaining element 260 has a lever 261 and a clamping element 262, wherein the retaining element 260 is moved from a non-retaining position (not shown in the figure) to a position in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig.3 shown holding position of the holding element 260 in order to hold the fuel cell stack 300 securely on the frame 210 by pressing the clamping element 262 onto the section of the upper end 304 of the fuel cell stack 300, in particular when at the same time the positioning element 221 and / or the further positioning element 222 are at least partially arranged in a respective opening 301, 302, 303, 301', 302', 303' of the fuel cell stack 300.

[0096] The device 100 further comprises a handle 253, which is arranged on the further frame 250, in some embodiments at the remote end 251 of the further frame 250 or in an adjacent area of ​​the further frame 250. The handle 253 can, for example, be used to rotate or pivot the receiving device 200 about the axis of rotation or pivot axis of the fastening element 120 when the locking device 220 is unlocked.

[0097] Furthermore, the device has 100 rollers 140 which are mounted on the frame 110, in some embodiments on an end of the connecting struts 170 which, during intended use, faces a surface on which the device 100 is arranged, and which are in contact with the surface during intended use, wherein the device 100 can be moved by exerting an external force, in some embodiments acting parallel to the surface, in conjunction with a rolling movement of the rollers 140 on the surface.

[0098] An arrangement according to the invention in one embodiment comprises a device 100 described above and a fuel cell stack 300 described above with an opening 301, 302, 303, in some embodiments an opening of a media channel of the fuel cell stack 300, wherein the fuel cell stack 300 is received by the receiving device 200 in such a way that the positioning element 221 is arranged at least partially in the opening 301, 302, 303 of the fuel cell stack 300, wherein a penetration depth of the positioning element 221 into the opening 301, 302, 303, in some embodiments along the stacking direction Z' of the fuel cell stack 300, is less than the height h of the fuel cell stack 300.

[0099] According to one embodiment, a method according to the invention for holding a fuel cell stack 300 and, optionally, for performing a work step on the fuel cell stack 300 comprises the following steps: a provision of a device 100 described above; a provision of a fuel cell stack 300 with an opening, in some embodiments opening 301, 302, 303 of a media channel 340, 350, 360 of the fuel cell stack 300, and / or another opening 301', 302', 303', in some embodiments another opening of the media channel 340, 350, 360 or of another media channel 340, 350, 360, of the fuel cell stack 300; a placement of the fuel cell stack 300 on the receiving device 200 such that the positioning element 221 is at least partially arranged in the opening 301, 302, 303 of the fuel cell stack 300 and a penetration depth of the positioning element 221 into the opening 301, 302, 303, in some embodiments along a stacking direction Z of the fuel cell stack 300, is less than a height h of the fuel cell stack 300 when the fuel cell stack 300 is placed on the receiving device 200; and / or a placement of the fuel cell stack 300 on the receiving device 200 such that the further positioning element 222 is at least partially arranged in the other opening 301', 302', 303' of the fuel cell stack 300 and a penetration depth of the further positioning element 222 into the other opening 301', 302', 303', in some embodiments along the stacking direction Z' of the fuel cell stack 300, is less than the height h of the fuel cell stack 300 when the fuel cell stack 300 is placed on the receiving device 200.

[0100] In some versions, the procedure may also include: a fixing the position of the frame 210 in the first position of the frame 210 by means of the locking device 220; wherein The placement of the fuel cell stack 300 takes place in a state in which the position of the frame 210 is fixed in the first position of the frame 210 by the locking device 220.

[0101] In some versions, the procedure may also include: an actuation of the holding element 260 to move the holding element 260 into the holding position; and exerting a force, by means of the holding element 260 in the holding position, in some embodiments against the stacking direction Z', on a section of an upper end 304, in some embodiments a section of a top of the fuel cell stack 300, in order to push the fuel cell stack 300 in the direction of the frame 210.

[0102] In some versions, the procedure may also include: a release of the fixation of the position of the frame 210 in the first position of the frame 210 by a corresponding actuation of the locking device 220; and a pivoting of the frame 210 relative to the rack 110 into a position different from the first position of the frame 210.

[0103] In some versions, performing the work step on the fuel cell stack 300 may involve equipping the fuel cell stack 300 with a cell voltage monitoring measuring unit. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 Device for holding a fuel cell stack 110 frame 120 fastening elements 130 Reset element 131 second end of the return element 140 rolls 150 first frame of the rack 151 Longitudinal strut of the first frame 152 Cross brace of the first frame 160 second frame of the rack 161 Longitudinal strut of the second frame 162 Cross brace of the second frame 170 Connecting strut 200 reception facility 210 frames 211 End of frame 212 other end of the frame 213 Longitudinal strut of the frame 214 Cross brace of the frame 220 Locking device 221 Positioning element 222 further positioning element 223 free end of the positioning element 224 free end of the further positioning element 225 Section of the positioning element 226 Section of the further positioning element 227 Locking lever 228 Clamping part of the locking device 250 additional frames 251 End of wider framework 252 other end of the wider frame 253 Handle 254 Longitudinal strut of the further frame 255 Cross brace of the further frame 260 retaining element 261 Lever of the retaining element 262 Clamping element of the holding element 270 diagonal brace 300 fuel cell stacks 301, 301' Opening of the fuel cell stack 302, 302' Opening of the fuel cell stack 303, 303' Opening of the fuel cell stack 304 top of the fuel cell stack 305 bottom of the fuel cell stack 310 stacks of bipolar plates 311 Bipolar plate 320 first end plate 321 Tension band 330 second end plate 340 Media Channel 350 other media channels 360 other media channel h Height of the fuel cell stack Z' Stacking direction

Claims

[1] Device (100) for holding a fuel cell stack (300), comprising: a receiving device (200) for receiving the fuel cell stack (300), wherein the receiving device (200) has a positioning element (221) for positioning a fuel cell stack (300) to be received by the receiving device (200), and the positioning element (221) is configured to be at least partially located in an opening (301, 302, 303) of a media channel (340, 350, 360) of the fuel cell stack (300) when used as intended, while the fuel cell stack (300) is received by the receiving device (200), wherein a penetration depth of the positioning element (221) into the opening (301, 302, 303), in particular along a stacking direction (Z') of the fuel cell stack (300), is less than a height (h) of the fuel cell stack (300). [2] Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device (200) has a further positioning element (222) for positioning the fuel cell stack (300) to be received by the receiving device (200), and the further positioning element (222) is configured to be arranged, during intended use, at least partially in another opening (301', 302', 303'), in particular another opening of the media channel (340, 350, 360) or another media channel (340, 350, 360), of the fuel cell stack (300), while the fuel cell stack (300) is received by the receiving device (200), wherein the penetration depth of the further positioning element (222) into the other opening (301', 302', 303'), in particular along the stacking direction (Z') of the fuel cell stack (300), is less than the The height (h) of the fuel cell stack is (300). [3] Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving device (200) has a frame (210), in particular a square frame, on which the positioning element (221) and / or the further positioning element (222) is arranged, and the positioning element (221) is configured, while the fuel cell stack (300) is received by the receiving device (200), to extend from the frame (210) along the stacking direction (Z) of the fuel cell stack (300) into the opening (301, 302, 303) and / or the further positioning element (222) is configured, while the fuel cell stack (300) is received by the receiving device (200), to extend from the frame (210) along the stacking direction (Z') of the fuel cell stack (300) into the other opening (301', 302', 303'). [4] Device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the receiving device (200) is arranged such that, during intended use, a section of a lower end (305) of the fuel cell stack (300), in particular a section of a bottom surface of the fuel cell stack (300), rests on the frame (210). [5] Device (100) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the device (100) is configured to hold a fuel cell stack (300) comprising a first end plate (320), a second end plate (330) and a stack of bipolar plates (310) having several, in particular stacked, bipolar plates (311) stacked one above the other along the stacking direction (Z') such that the stack of bipolar plates (310) is arranged between the first end plate (320) and the second end plate (330), wherein, in intended use, the distance of the first end plate (320) from the frame (210) is less than the distance of the second end plate (330) from the frame (210), in particular wherein the first end plate (320) rests on the frame (210),and a free end (223) of the positioning element (221) is arranged within an opening of the first end plate (320) and / or a free end (224) of the further positioning element (222) is arranged within another opening of the first end plate (320). [6] Device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the positioning element (221) has a section (225) adjoining, in particular, the free end (223) of the positioning element (221), which tapers towards the free end (223) of the positioning element (221) and / or the further positioning element (222) has a section (226) adjoining, in particular, the free end (224) of the further positioning element (222), which tapers towards the free end (224) of the further positioning element (222). [7] Device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a frame (110) and a fastening element (120), wherein the frame (210), in particular an end (211) of the frame (210), is coupled to the fastening element (120) in such a way that the frame (210) is rotatable or pivotable relative to the frame (110), in particular about an axis of rotation or pivot axis of the fastening element (120). [8] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein a position of the frame (210) within an angular range limited by a first end position of the frame (210), which in the intended use is in particular horizontal or at least substantially horizontal, and a second end position of the frame (210) can be changed by a rotation or pivoting relative to the frame (110). [9] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the receiving device (200) further comprises a further frame (250) which is mounted on the frame (210), in particular on the other end (212) of the frame (210) opposite the end (211) of the frame (210), and extends at least sectionally away from the frame (210), in particular at least sectionally parallel to the stacking direction (Z') or substantially parallel to the stacking direction (Z') away from the frame (210) during intended use. [10] Device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a locking device (220) which is mounted on the frame (110), wherein the position of the frame (210) in the first position of the frame (210) can be fixed by means of the locking device (220). [11] Device (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a return element (130), in particular a pressure damper, with a first end that is mounted on a region of the frame (210) that does not have the end (211) of the frame (210), in particular on another end (212) of the frame (210) opposite the end (211) of the frame (210), and with a second end (131) that is mounted on the frame (110), wherein the return element (130) is configured to exert a torque on the frame (210) to rotate or pivot the frame (210) into the first end position when the position of the frame (210) is different from the first end position. [12] Device (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a holding element (260) which is configured to exert a force, in particular against the stacking direction (Z'), on a section of an upper end (304), in particular a section of a top of the fuel cell stack (300), in order to push the fuel cell stack (300) in the direction of the frame (210), wherein the holding element (260) is in particular mounted at an end (251) of the further frame (250) that is remote with respect to the frame (210). [13] Device (100) according to one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a handle (253) which is arranged on the further frame (250), in particular on the remote end (251) of the further frame (250) or an area of ​​the further frame (250) adjacent thereto. [14] Device (100) according to one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising rollers (140) which are mounted on the frame (110) and which, during intended use, are in contact with a substrate on which the device (100) is arranged, wherein the device (100) can be moved by exerting an external force, in particular acting parallel to the substrate, in conjunction with a rolling movement of the rollers (140) on the substrate. [15] Arrangement comprising a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims and a fuel cell stack (300) with an opening (301, 302, 303), in particular an opening of a media channel (340, 350, 360) of the fuel cell stack (300), wherein the fuel cell stack (300) is received by the receiving device (200) such that the positioning element (221) is at least partially arranged in the opening (301, 302, 303) of the fuel cell stack (300), wherein a penetration depth of the positioning element (221) into the opening (301, 302, 303), in particular along the stacking direction (Z') of the fuel cell stack (300), is less than a height (h) of the fuel cell stack (300). [16] Method for holding a fuel cell stack (300) and, optionally, for performing a work step on the fuel cell stack (300), wherein the method comprises: a provision of a device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14; a provision of a fuel cell stack (300) with an opening, in particular an opening (301, 302, 303) of a media channel (340, 350, 360) of the fuel cell stack (300), and / or another opening (301', 302', 303'), in particular another opening of the media channel (340, 350, 360) or of another media channel (340, 350, 360), of the fuel cell stack (300); a placement of the fuel cell stack (300) on the receiving device (200) such that the positioning element (221) is at least partially arranged in the opening (301, 302, 303) of the fuel cell stack (300) and a penetration depth of the positioning element (221) into the opening (301, 302, 303), in particular along a stacking direction (Z') of the fuel cell stack (300), is less than a height (h) of the fuel cell stack (300) when the fuel cell stack (300) is placed on the receiving device (200); and / or a placement of the fuel cell stack (300) on the receiving device (200) such that the further positioning element (222) is arranged at least partially in the other opening (301', 302', 303') of the fuel cell stack (300) and a penetration depth of the further positioning element (222) into the other opening (301', 302', 303'), in particular along the stacking direction (Z') of the fuel cell stack (300), is less than the height (h) of the fuel cell stack (300) when the fuel cell stack (300) is placed on the receiving device (200). [17] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein a device (100) according to claim 10 is provided, and the method further comprises: a fixing the position of the frame (210) in the first position of the frame (210) by means of the locking device (220); wherein the placement of the fuel cell stack (300) takes place in a state in which the position of the frame (210) is fixed in the first position of the frame (210) by the locking device (220). [18] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein a device (100) according to claims 10 and 12 is provided, and the method further comprises: an actuation of the holding element (260) to move the holding element (260) into the holding position; and exerting a force, by means of the holding element (260) in the holding position, in particular against the stacking direction (Z'), on a section of an upper end (304), in particular a section of a top of the fuel cell stack (300), in order to push the fuel cell stack (300) in the direction of the frame (210). [19] Method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising: a release of the fixation of the position of the frame (210) in the first position of the frame (210) by a corresponding actuation of the locking device (220); and a pivoting of the frame (210) relative to the frame (110) into a position different from the first position of the frame (210). [20] Method according to one of claims 16 to 19, wherein performing the operation on the fuel cell stack (300) comprises equipping the fuel cell stack (300) with a cell voltage monitoring measuring unit.

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