Arrangement, fuel cell device, flat component and method and facility for producing same

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement, in particular an arrangement for a fuel cell device, of a plurality of flat components arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction, wherein at least one flat component of the plurality of flat components has at least one alignment mark, and the alignment mark can also be detected in particular by an optical detection device, even when at least one further flat component is arranged in the arrangement direction on the flat component marked with said alignment mark.

Description

[0001] ARRANGEMENT, FUEL CELL DEVICE, FLAT COMPONENT AND METHOD AND PLANT FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

[0002] The invention relates to an arrangement and a fuel cell device and a flat component as well as methods for producing an arrangement and a fuel cell device and a flat component as well as systems for producing an arrangement and a fuel cell device and a flat component and uses of an arrangement and a flat component, in particular a bipolar plate, for a fuel cell device.

[0003] The object underlying the invention is to improve an arrangement and a fuel cell device and a flat component as well as methods and systems for producing an arrangement and a fuel cell device and a flat component as well as uses of an arrangement and a flat component.

[0004] In embodiments of the invention, this object is achieved by an arrangement, in particular an arrangement for a fuel cell device, of a plurality of flat components arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction, wherein at least one flat component of the plurality of flat components, i.e. exactly one flat component or at least some flat components in each case, has at least one alignment mark, and the alignment mark can be detected by a detection device, in particular an optical detection device, even when at least one further flat component is arranged in the arrangement direction on the flat component marked with this alignment mark.

[0005] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object is achieved by an arrangement, in particular an arrangement for a fuel cell device, of a plurality of flat components arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction, wherein at least one flat component of the plurality of flat components, i.e. exactly one flat component or at least some flat components in each case, has at least one alignment mark and the alignment mark is not covered by a flat component which is arranged next to the flat component marked with this alignment mark in the arrangement direction.

[0006] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object is achieved in that a fuel cell device comprises at least one fuel cell unit and the at least one fuel cell unit has at least one stack (as an arrangement) of a plurality of flat components (as flat components) stacked on top of one another in a stacking direction (arrangement direction), wherein at least one flat component of the plurality of flat components, i.e. exactly one flat component or at least some flat components in each case, has at least one alignment mark, and the alignment mark can be detected by a detection device, in particular an optical detection device, even when at least one further flat component is arranged in the stacking direction on the flat component marked with this alignment mark.

[0007] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object is achieved in that a fuel cell device comprises at least one fuel cell unit and the at least one fuel cell unit has at least one stack (as an arrangement) of a plurality of flat components (as flat components) stacked on top of one another in a stacking direction (arrangement direction), wherein at least one flat component of the plurality of flat components, i.e. exactly one flat component or at least some flat components in each case, has at least one alignment mark and the alignment mark is not covered by a flat component which is stacked next in the stacking direction onto the flat component marked with this alignment mark.

[0008] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object is achieved by a flat component which in particular comprises and / or is an arrangement, wherein the flat component comprises a plurality of flat products (as flat components) and the flat products at least co-form the flat component, wherein at least one flat product of the plurality of flat products, i.e. exactly one flat product or at least some flat products in each case, has at least one alignment mark, and the alignment mark can be detected by a particularly optical detection device even when at least one further flat product is arranged in a vertical direction (arrangement direction) on the flat product marked with this alignment mark.

[0009] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object is achieved by a flat component which in particular comprises and / or is an arrangement, wherein the flat component comprises a plurality of flat products (as flat components) and the flat products at least co-form the flat component, wherein at least one flat product of the plurality of flat products, i.e. exactly one flat product or at least some flat products in each case, has at least one alignment mark, and the alignment mark is not covered by a flat product which is arranged next to the flat product marked with this alignment mark in a vertical direction (arrangement direction).

[0010] An advantage of the solution according to the invention can be seen in particular in the fact that, due to the at least one alignment marking of a flat component, which is also recognizable when a flat component is arranged directly above it, a position and / or orientation of the flat component marked with the at least one alignment marking can still be recognized even after the arrangement of the flat component stacked above it, and thus at least one further flat component can be arranged in a positionally accurate manner relative to the marked flat component on the flat components already stacked on top of one another.

[0011] Advantageously, the solution according to the invention makes it possible to react to any possible slippage of at least one flat component marked with at least one alignment mark when arranging the multiple flat components to form the stack. This can occur, for example, during the arrangement of the flat component arranged directly above it. In particular, a further flat component can be arranged to match the slipped position of the marked flat component and / or the position of the slipped marked flat component can be corrected.

[0012] In particular, the positioning accuracy of at least some flat components designed as flat components, preferably at least most of the flat components, for example at least most of the bipolar plates, of the plurality of flat components designed as flat components in the stack can be increased, preferably over the entire stack height. In particular, a flat component designed from flat products as flat components can be manufactured more precisely.

[0013] Since in particular a tolerance chain along the flat components stacked on top of one another can be improved, the individual flat components for the stack, in particular functional areas in the flat components, for example fluid guidance structures in these, can advantageously be designed with smaller tolerances, i.e. more precisely.

[0014] In particular, the solution according to the invention is advantageous if at least two flat components that are not arranged directly above one another, in particular flat products in a flat component and / or flat components in a stack, are to be aligned with great precision relative to one another, since they have, for example, corresponding structures that must be precisely aligned with one another.

[0015] In particular, it is advantageous if at least one flat component in the stack designed as a bipolar plate is provided with at least one such alignment mark, since typically a further flat component, designed in particular as a membrane component, is arranged on top of a bipolar plate and a further bipolar plate is arranged above it and these two bipolar plates together form, for example, at least one cell unit of the fuel cell unit and each form fluid guide structures which must be arranged exactly one above the other in the stacking direction, with the at least one further flat component in between, for the precise guidance of a fluid and for sealing individual sections of the fluid guide structures and / or for mutual support.

[0016] Preferably, at least one flat component, i.e., exactly one flat component or at least several flat components each, has at least one alignment mark, i.e., exactly one alignment mark or multiple alignment marks. In some advantageous embodiments, at least some alignment marks have some identical features and / or in some advantageous embodiments, at least some alignment marks have at least one different feature. For the sake of ease of readability, reference is made below only to "the / one / at least one alignment mark" and / or "the / a / at least one flat component provided with at least one alignment mark." These and similar formulations are understood to mean that the correspondingly explained feature is implemented in the variations explained above in favorable embodiments.

[0017] No further details have yet been provided regarding the design of at least one alignment mark.

[0018] In advantageous embodiments, it is provided that at least one alignment marking of at least one flat component is designed to be interaction-free with at least one other, in particular with at least the nearest, flat component.

[0019] In particular, one advantage of this is that a flat component provided with an interaction-free alignment mark does not interact with the flat component arranged next thereon and in particular with the flat component arranged underneath it because of the alignment mark and thus an alignment of the flat component is at least less impaired by the adjacently arranged flat components and / or during the alignment the already arranged flat components are at least less impaired, in particular in their position and / or orientation.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if at least one alignment marking of at least one flat component at least substantially does not increase and / or at least substantially does not reduce a thickness of the flat component and is thus preferably designed to be at least substantially thickness-neutral.

[0021] This is particularly advantageous since, due to the at least substantially non-increased thickness of the flat component, the at least one alignment mark does not come into contact with and interact with an adjacently arranged flat component, so that an adjustment of the flat components independently of one another is at least not impaired by the alignment mark.

[0022] In particular, a respective flat component extends at least substantially in a respective geometric surface plane (in particular a surface extension plane) which is spanned by two surface directions (in particular by surface extension directions and / or averaged extension directions), and an extension of the flat component in a direction at least approximately perpendicular to the geometric surface plane (in particular a vertical direction) is substantially smaller, in particular at least ten times smaller, for example at least fifty times smaller, than an extension of the flat component in the geometric surface plane.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous if, in the direction perpendicular to the surface plane (vertical direction), at least one other section of the flat component protrudes further than the at least one alignment mark. Advantageously, the flat component provided with the alignment mark interacts with a nearby flat component via the at least one other section; for example, the two flat components rest on one another at this at least one further section, and their interaction is independent of the formation of the alignment mark.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous if at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is optically detectable and, in particular, is optically high-contrast.

[0025] In particular, the alignment mark can be easily and effectively detected by an optical detection device and can be detected precisely and / or easily even in the case of minor disturbances, such as contamination and / or impaired lighting conditions.

[0026] In particular, an alignment mark is optically detectable if it has a structure that is distinguishable in the spectral range of visible light.

[0027] In particular, an alignment marking is optically high-contrast if it has sufficiently sharp transitions between different marking areas with respect to the spectral range of visible light, wherein the different marking areas are recognizable at sufficiently different wavelengths of visible light.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous if at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is formed on a section of the flat component which is continuously formed with material.

[0029] In particular, the section with the alignment marking is free of material-free gaps.

[0030] In particular, one advantage of this is that the section formed continuously with material forms a well-defined background for the alignment mark and the marking area of ​​the alignment mark itself is also formed continuously with material and thus the well-defined alignment mark is formed on a well-defined background and can thus be detected more smoothly and precisely by a detection device.

[0031] It is particularly favorable if at least one alignment marking of at least one flat component, in particular of a flat product and / or a flat component, is formed on an outer side of the marked flat component, which faces the flat component arranged / stacked next in the arrangement direction (in particular a stacking direction and / or a vertical direction).

[0032] In particular, at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is formed on a surface portion of the marked flat component facing the flat component arranged / stacked next in the arrangement direction (in particular a stacking direction and / or a vertical direction).

[0033] This advantageously makes it possible for at least one alignment mark to be visible on the side on which the further flat components are arranged when the further flat components are arranged on top of one another.

[0034] In particular, it is provided that the flat component stacked next on the marked flat component in the arrangement direction (in particular a stacking direction and / or a vertical direction) rests on at least partial regions of the outer side of the marked flat component facing this next stacked flat component.

[0035] Advantageously, at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is formed only on a surface region, preferably on the outer side of the flat component marked thereby, facing the next arranged, in particular stacked, flat component. In particular, an alignment mark is formed at least substantially only on a surface region if the alignment mark is produced by a surface technology, advantageously physical and / or chemical and / or mechanical, and / or if the alignment mark is formed by a structure formed on the surface and / or formed on the surface and / or penetrating into the material of the flat component at most close to the surface.

[0036] In particularly advantageous embodiments, at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is a welded-in pattern in the at least one flat component.

[0037] In particular, a pattern of the alignment marking can advantageously be realized in a simple and high-contrast manner only in one surface area.

[0038] In particular, at least one alignment mark formed by welding is a weld pattern without a joint.

[0039] Thus, in particular, the welding pattern is only intended to form the alignment mark, but not to join parts of the flat component, so that the welding pattern can be optimized with regard to its position and / or design specifically for its function as an alignment mark.

[0040] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one alignment mark is formed as at least one depression, in particular as an opening, in at least one flat component.

[0041] Advantageously, the adjustment mark is formed precisely.

[0042] Advantageously, at least one alignment mark, in particular at least some alignment marks, are formed with an offset of less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.1 mm, in particular less than 0.05 mm.

[0043] Preferably, at least one alignment mark, in particular at least some alignment marks, are formed with a high repeat accuracy, wherein an inaccuracy in a repeated formation of alignment marks is at most 0.1 mm, preferably at most 0.05 mm, in particular at most 0.02 mm.

[0044] For example, such precisely formed alignment marks are achieved by welding.

[0045] In particular, at least one alignment mark comprises a line pattern consisting of a plurality of lines, in particular straight lines, for example, comprising parallel lines and / or intersecting lines and / or lines arranged at an angle to one another. For example, at least some of the lines form a cross and / or a coordinate system.

[0046] For example, at least one alignment mark comprises elliptical or circular marking parts.

[0047] In particular, at least some lines and / or elliptical and / or circular marking parts can be advantageously formed by welding seams.

[0048] It is particularly advantageous if the orientation of the flat component provided with it can be detected using at least one alignment mark. In some advantageous embodiments, at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is rotationally asymmetrical in such a way that the orientation of the marked flat component, in particular the alignment of the marked flat component in the geometric surface plane of the flat component, can be detected using this rotationally asymmetric alignment mark.

[0049] In particular, in favorable embodiments, it is provided that an orientation of at least one flat component, in particular an orientation of the flat component in its geometric surface plane, can be detected in that this flat component has at least two adjustment markings, in particular those which can be distinguished from one another.

[0050] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object is achieved alternatively or additionally in that a geometric connecting line, which connects two alignment markings of a flat component, runs through the center of mass of the flat component.

[0051] Preferably, the area mass center of the flat component is at least substantially equally spaced from the two alignment markings connected by the geometric connecting line.

[0052] Advantageously, by detecting the at least two adjustment marks, the position of the area mass center of gravity can also be detected, at least on the connecting line and advantageously centrally between the two adjustment marks.

[0053] The object underlying the invention is thus achieved by an arrangement, in particular an arrangement for a fuel cell device, of a plurality of flat components arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction, wherein at least one flat component of the plurality of flat components, i.e. exactly one flat component or at least some flat components in each case, has at least two alignment markings and that a geometric connecting line which connects the two alignment markings runs through the center of mass of the flat component.

[0054] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object is thus achieved in that a fuel cell device comprises at least one fuel cell unit and the at least one fuel cell unit has at least one stack (as an arrangement) of a plurality of flat components (as flat components) stacked on top of one another in a stacking direction (arrangement direction), wherein at least one flat component of the plurality of flat components, i.e. exactly one flat component or at least some flat components in each case, has at least two alignment markings and that a geometric connecting line which connects the two alignment markings runs through the center of mass of the flat component.

[0055] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object is thus achieved by a flat component which in particular comprises and / or is an arrangement, wherein the flat component comprises a plurality of flat products (as flat components) and the flat products at least co-form the flat component, wherein at least one flat product of the plurality of flat products, i.e. exactly one flat product or at least some flat products in each case, has at least two alignment markings and that a geometric connecting line which connects the two alignment markings runs through the center of mass of the flat product.

[0056] Advantageously, in these embodiments, at least one feature and / or at least one combination of features of the particularly optional features explained above and / or below are formed.

[0057] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one alignment mark, in particular at least one of the at least two alignment marks, has at least one feature and / or at least one feature combination that is described in connection with an alignment structure. Preferably, the at least two alignment marks are optically particularly easily detectable alignment marks.

[0058] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one of the at least two alignment markings can be detected by a particularly optical detection device even when at least one further flat component is arranged in the arrangement direction on this flat component marked with at least two alignment markings and / or at least one of the at least two alignment markings is not covered by a flat component which is arranged next in the arrangement direction on the flat component marked with these at least two alignment markings.

[0059] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one of the at least two alignment markings is no longer detectable by a particularly optical detection device when at least one further flat component is arranged on this flat component marked with at least two alignment markings and / or at least one of the at least two alignment markings is covered by a flat component arranged next.

[0060] In such embodiments, the at least two alignment markings are advantageously detected before the arrangement of a next flat component, and their position, and in particular thus also the position of the area center of mass of the flat component and, for example, an orientation of the flat component, are stored. Using the stored positions, the next flat components to be arranged are then adjusted and advantageously precisely positioned.

[0061] In particular, a respective flat component extends in its respective geometric surface extension plane to an edge.

[0062] In particular, at least one flat component, advantageously at least some flat components each, has an edge region which is located at the edge of the extension, in particular with respect to the extension of the respective flat component in its geometric surface extension plane.

[0063] For example, at least one flat component, in particular at least most of the flat components each have, in their extension in the geometric surface plane in their edge region, one or more openings for further components of the fuel cell device, for example a distributor structure for fluids, in particular for an oxidation medium and / or a fuel medium and / or a product medium.

[0064] In particular, at least one flat component, preferably at least some, in particular at least most, of the plurality of flat components each have a functional area.

[0065] In the case of a flat component, its functional area is advantageously surrounded by the edge area on the circumference.

[0066] Preferably, at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is arranged in an edge region of the marked flat component.

[0067] Advantageously, at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is arranged adjacent to the edge of the marked flat component.

[0068] Advantageously, it is provided that at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is formed in a predefined position range.

[0069] Advantageously, this makes it possible not only to identify the alignment mark, but also to identify whether it is formed in the predefined position range, so that a check of at least partially correct formation of the flat component is possible.

[0070] Preferably, the predefined position area is located in the edge area of ​​the flat component and advantageously adjacent to the edge of the flat component.

[0071] It is particularly advantageous if the predefined position range can be detected by a particularly optical detection device.

[0072] For example, the detectable predefined position range has a detectable structure, for example an advantageously specially designed detectable edge contour of the edge, by means of which the detection device can detect the detectable position range.

[0073] No further details have been provided so far regarding the further formation of the flat components, in particular the formation of the flat component closest to a marked flat component.

[0074] In advantageous embodiments, it is provided that the flat component arranged, in particular stacked, next to the at least one flat component marked with at least one alignment mark in the stacking direction is free of material in the region of the at least one alignment mark of the marked flat component and is free of material in particular in a region of the associated predefined position range.

[0075] In particular, this advantageously ensures that the alignment marking of the underlying marked flat component is recognizable and, in particular, visible, and this is advantageously not concealed.

[0076] In particular, the area of ​​the alignment marking and / or the position area of ​​the next arranged flat component is to be understood as an area of ​​a projection of the alignment marking and / or the position area of ​​the marked flat component onto the next arranged flat component, in particular a projection in the arrangement direction and / or for example a projection onto the geometric surface plane of the next arranged flat component.

[0077] Advantageously, it is provided that the flat component stacked next in the arrangement direction on the at least one flat component marked with at least one alignment mark has a recess in the region of the at least one alignment mark.

[0078] For example, the recess is provided within an extension of the flat component, in particular within the extension in its geometric surface extension plane.

[0079] In particularly advantageous embodiments, it is provided that in the flat component which is arranged next to the at least one flat component marked with at least one alignment mark in the arrangement direction, a region of at least one alignment mark and, for example, the associated position region of the at least one marked flat component lies outside an extension of the flat component arranged next, in particular outside its extension in its geometric surface extension plane.

[0080] In some preferred embodiments, at least one flat component marked with at least one alignment mark has a protruding section with the at least one alignment mark, wherein in particular the predefined and advantageously detectable position range is at least located in the protruding section and / or is formed by this section.

[0081] For example, the protruding portion extends beyond an edge contour averaged over the arrangement, in particular an edge contour averaged over the stack and / or an edge contour of the flat component. In some preferred embodiments, the flat component arranged next to at least one flat component marked with at least one alignment mark has a recessed edge in the region of at least one alignment mark of the marked flat component, wherein in particular the edge is recessed with respect to an edge contour of the marked flat component and / or with respect to an edge contour averaged over the arrangement.

[0082] In particular, the next stacked flat component has a recess in its edge or edge region, whereby the alignment marking and, for example, the associated predefined position range of the underlying marked flat component can be detected and / or is not covered.

[0083] In particular, at least some of the plurality of flat components have different thicknesses, in particular in their respective functional areas and / or, for example, along their respective extension in their respective geometric surface plane, wherein the respective thickness is measured in the corresponding direction (arrangement direction, stacking direction, vertical direction).

[0084] In particular, at least some of the plurality of flat components have structures in their respective functional areas that result in different thicknesses of the respective flat components and / or fluid guide structures for a fluid, in particular for an oxidation medium and / or a fuel medium and / or a product medium and / or a temperature control medium.

[0085] In particular, at least two flat components of the stack designed as flat components, which each form a bipolar plate in particular, at least co-form a respective cell unit of the fuel cell unit, wherein in particular between these two flat components at least one further flat component, which is designed in particular as a membrane component, is arranged.

[0086] In particularly advantageous embodiments, it is provided that at least some of the plurality of flat components, each comprising a functional area having different thicknesses, are each provided with at least one alignment marking.

[0087] This is particularly advantageous since these flat components with functional areas having different thicknesses must at least typically be precisely aligned relative to one another, for example so that mutually corresponding sections of the different flat components can support one another, and this precise alignment is improved by the alignment marking.

[0088] In particular, it is provided that at least some of the flat components, which have fluid guidance structures in their respective functional area, are each provided with at least one alignment marking.

[0089] This advantageously ensures that at least one further flat component can be arranged in a precisely aligned manner on the at least several flat components with fluid guidance structures, even if a flat component has been arranged in between, and thus, for example, fluid guidance structures corresponding to one another are aligned more precisely with one another and / or sections to be sealed off from one another lie more precisely on one another, so that guidance and distribution of the at least one fluid is improved and, for example, the fluid guidance structures can be formed with smaller tolerances.

[0090] In particular, the at least one fuel cell unit comprises a plurality of cell units, wherein electrical energy is provided in each cell unit by chemically converting a fuel medium and an oxidation medium into a product medium, and in particular, each of the cell units comprises respective fluid guide structures for the oxidation medium and / or the fuel medium and / or the product medium and / or a temperature control medium.

[0091] In particular, the multiple cell units in the stack are connected in series.

[0092] In particular, it is provided that at least two flat components, which in particular each form an electrode of a respective cell unit, at least co-form a respective cell unit.

[0093] Advantageously, it is provided that in at least some of the plurality of cell units of the at least one fuel cell unit, at least one of the flat components forming the respective cell unit, for example at least one of the flat components forming an electrode, has at least one alignment marking.

[0094] In particular, this advantageously ensures that at least one further flat component forming the cell unit can be precisely adjusted to the flat component having the alignment marking, and thus the cell unit is precisely formed.

[0095] In particular, it is provided that at least some, in particular at least most, of those flat components in the at least one stack which are designed as a bipolar plate have at least one alignment marking.

[0096] This is particularly advantageous because precise alignment of the bipolar plates relative to each other is particularly important.

[0097] In particular, it is provided that at least most of the cell units each comprise at least one flat component, embodied, for example, as a membrane component, which is stacked next, in particular, on a flat component marked with at least one alignment mark. In particular, a further flat component, for example, a membrane component in the case of flat components, is arranged between each two flat components having fluid-conducting structures and / or forming an electrode, which together, in particular, at least co-form a respective cell unit.

[0098] In particular, it is provided that in at least some, preferably in at least most, of the flat components designed as a bipolar plate, a flat component designed in particular as a membrane component is arranged next and in particular this flat component arranged next is free of material in the region of at least one alignment mark of the flat component designed as a bipolar plate.

[0099] This is particularly advantageous since the flat components arranged above and below the flat component, which is designed in particular as a membrane component, must be precisely aligned with one another.

[0100] In embodiments of the invention, the underlying object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a method for producing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device and / or a flat component.

[0101] In embodiments of the invention, the method comprises at least the following steps:

[0102] Providing a plurality of flat components, providing at least one flat component with at least one alignment mark, arranging at least one further flat component in an arrangement direction (in particular a stacking direction and / or a vertical direction) on the flat component provided with at least one alignment mark, wherein even after the arrangement of the at least one further flat component, the at least one alignment mark of the at least one flat component provided therewith is detectable by a particularly optical detection device and / or wherein the at least one alignment mark of the at least one flat component provided therewith is not covered by the at least one further flat component, wherein therefore in particular even after the arrangement of the at least one further flat component, the at least one alignment mark is not covered by the at least one further flat component.

[0103] In particular, an advantage of the method according to the invention is that, based on the at least one detectable and / or non-concealed alignment mark, an alignment, in particular a position and / or orientation, of the flat component provided with the at least one alignment mark can be recognized even after the arrangement of the at least one further flat component and, for example, a slippage of the at least one marked flat component can be reacted to and / or in particular that at least one further flat component can be adjusted relative to the flat component provided with at least this one alignment mark with the aid of this recognizable alignment mark and can thereby advantageously be arranged precisely relative to the flat component provided with the at least one alignment mark, even though at least one further flat component is arranged in between.

[0104] The at least one alignment mark can be detected and / or is advantageously not concealed by a corresponding arrangement of the further flat component, in particular relative to the flat component provided with the at least one alignment mark, and / or by a corresponding design of the further flat component and / or the at least one alignment mark on the flat component provided with it.

[0105] In advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention for producing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device and / or a flat component, in particular of the type explained above, the method comprises at least one step or several steps for forming an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device and / or a flat component with at least one feature and / or at least one combination of features of the in particular optional features that were explained above and / or below, so that reference is made in full to the relevant explanations.

[0106] It is particularly advantageous if at least one alignment mark of at least one flat component is formed by welding, preferably by laser welding.

[0107] In particular, at least one flat component is formed from several elements.

[0108] For example, at least some of the several elements forming a flat component are flat products.

[0109] In particular, at least some of the plurality of elements forming the at least one flat component are joined, in particular welded together.

[0110] In particularly advantageous embodiments, it is provided that in a same tool at least some of the plurality of elements forming the at least one flat component, in particular at least some flat products, are welded to one another and the at least one flat component, for example at least one of its plurality of elements, is provided with at least one alignment marking, in particular by welding.

[0111] In particular, an advantage of joining at least some elements and providing them with at least one alignment mark in the same tool is that this improves the provision of the alignment mark in the correct position relative to the joining points, for example it is possible to do so in a better reproducible and / or more precise manner, and / or a precise alignment and arrangement of the at least some elements to one another is only required once for the joining and for providing them with at least one alignment mark and / or a risk of misalignment, which exists when changing the tool for joining on the one hand and providing them with at least one alignment mark on the other, is at least reduced.

[0112] Advantageously, by joining at least some elements and providing them with at least one alignment mark in the same tool, the tolerance can be improved, for example because an additional tolerance for another tool in the tolerance chain is no longer required.

[0113] In some particularly advantageous embodiments, it is provided that the welding of at least some elements, in particular at least some flat products, and the provision of at least one alignment marking is carried out by means of the same welding device.

[0114] Advantageously, it is provided to arrange at least one further flat component on the one further flat component.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments of the invention, the method comprises the steps of adjusting at least one further flat component relative to the at least one flat component provided with at least one alignment mark by means of at least one detectable and / or non-concealed alignment mark of the marked flat component, which, for example, was provided with the at least one alignment mark in a previous step, and arranging the at least one further flat component, in particular in the adjusted position, in particular in the arrangement direction (in particular a stacking direction and / or a vertical direction), on flat components already arranged one above the other, for example to form part of a stack of arranged flat components, which in particular comprise the at least one flat component marked with at least one alignment mark and in particular at least one further flat component,wherein at least one further,

[0116] Flat component is arranged next on the at least one flat component marked with at least one alignment marking, in particular in the arrangement direction (in particular a stacking direction and / or a vertical direction), wherein in particular the at least one further flat component was arranged in a previous step as the next stacked flat component directly on the at least one marked flat component, in particular with respect to the arrangement direction (in particular a stacking direction and / or a vertical direction).

[0117] In some preferred embodiments, it is provided that the at least one further flat component, which is adjusted with the aid of at least one adjustment mark of a flat component, is adjusted in such a way that a functional area of ​​the at least one further flat component to be adjusted is adjusted relative to a functional area of ​​the flat component provided with at least one adjustment mark, in particular is adjusted in such a way that at least mutually corresponding partial areas of the respective functional areas are preferably precisely aligned with one another.

[0118] In particular, the respective functional areas have protruding sections, in particular as explained above, and / or, for example, sections of fluid guide structures, in particular in a respective direction (in particular arrangement direction and / or vertical direction and / or stacking direction) of the flat components to be adjusted relative to one another.

[0119] In particularly advantageous embodiments, it is provided that, when adjusting the respective functional areas, mutually corresponding, for example protruding sections, for example mutually corresponding sections of fluid guide structures, are adjusted relative to one another in the respective functional areas.

[0120] This is particularly advantageous since the corresponding sections, which for example are to be arranged to support one another and / or have to be arranged in a coordinated manner with one another for the guidance of fluids, are thus precisely aligned relative to one another, wherein in particular at least one section of the further flat component arranged therebetween is arranged between the corresponding sections.

[0121] It is preferably provided that, in order to adjust at least one further flat component to be arranged in the stacking direction, at least one adjustment mark of at least one already arranged flat component is detected by at least one preferably optical detection device.

[0122] For example, the at least one preferably optical detection device is a camera.

[0123] Advantageously, in order to ensure good detectability of the at least one alignment marking, it is designed in particular with high optical contrast, advantageously as explained above and / or below.

[0124] In advantageous embodiments, it is provided that at least one alignment mark is formed in a predefined position range of the flat component to be provided with the at least one alignment mark.

[0125] In particular, a design and / or arrangement of the positioning area and of the at least one adjustment marking in the positioning area is designed as explained above and / or below, so that reference is made to these statements in full.

[0126] It is particularly advantageous if at least one detection device, in particular an optical one, in particular the detection device which also detects the at least one alignment mark, detects the position range.

[0127] It is particularly advantageous if the method comprises the step of checking, at least in the case of a flat component in which at least one alignment mark is detected, in particular optically, whether this at least one alignment mark is formed in a positionally accurate manner within predetermined tolerance limits in a position range provided for this at least one alignment mark and in particular predefined.

[0128] Thus, at least one step is carried out in which at least the proper provision of the at least one alignment mark is checked and, for example, on the basis of this check, it can also be advantageously concluded that further features have been properly formed, for example if at least some elements of the flat component are joined in the same tool as the provision of the at least one alignment mark.

[0129] In embodiments of the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a system for producing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device and / or a flat component, wherein the arrangement and / or the fuel cell device and / or the flat component has a plurality of flat components arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction.

[0130] In advantageous embodiments of a system according to the invention, this system is designed to form an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device and / or a flat component with at least one feature and / or at least one combination of features of the optional features explained above and / or below, for example, and in particular the system has at least one tool required for this purpose and / or at least one device required for this purpose.

[0131] In particularly advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention, this system is designed to carry out a method with a feature or at least one combination of features of the optional features explained above and / or below in connection with a method according to the invention, for example, and in particular the system has at least one required tool and / or at least one required device for this purpose.

[0132] In particularly preferred embodiments of a system according to the invention, the system comprises at least one tool for providing at least one flat component with at least one alignment mark and at least one alignment device, wherein the alignment device is designed for adjusting at least one further flat component relative to the flat component provided with the at least one alignment mark, on which at least one further flat component is already arranged, with the aid of the at least one alignment mark.

[0133] In particular, an advantage of this system is that with the adjustment device the at least one further flat component can be arranged preferably precisely relative to the flat component provided with at least one adjustment mark, although at least one further flat component is already arranged on this flat component provided with at least one adjustment mark.

[0134] It is particularly advantageous if the adjustment device comprises at least one preferably optical detection device for detecting the at least one adjustment marking of the at least one flat component.

[0135] For example, at least one optical detection device is a camera.

[0136] In particularly preferred embodiments of the system, at least one tool of the system is designed to provide at least one flat component with an alignment mark and to join at least some elements that at least co-form the flat component.

[0137] In advantageous embodiments, the tool for providing at least one alignment mark comprises at least one welding device. In particularly advantageous embodiments, the system comprises at least one welding device for providing the flat component with the at least one alignment mark and for joining at least some elements of the flat component.

[0138] In embodiments, the object underlying the invention is achieved by using a flat component, in particular a flat product and / or a flat component, for example a bipolar plate.

[0139] In embodiments of a use according to the invention, the flat component is used for a fuel cell device which has one or at least some of the optional features explained above and / or below in connection with a fuel cell device.

[0140] In some advantageous embodiments of a use of a flat component according to the invention, said flat component is used for a method which has one or at least some of the optional features explained above and / or below in connection with a method.

[0141] In favorable embodiments of a use according to the invention, the flat component is used in a plant for producing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device and / or a flat component which has one or at least some of the features explained above and / or below in connection with a plant, in particular for producing a corresponding arrangement and / or fuel cell device and / or flat component.

[0142] In particular, advantageous uses provide for at least one flat component to be provided with at least one alignment mark, preferably as explained above and / or below. In preferred uses, at least one flat component is used to be arranged on an already arranged flat component provided with at least one alignment mark, wherein, in particular due to the design and / or arrangement of the at least one flat component, at least one alignment mark of the already arranged flat component is still detectable and / or is not obscured even after the arrangement of the at least one flat component used.

[0143] In some advantageous uses, at least one flat component is used to adjust it relative to a flat component provided with at least one alignment mark, on which at least one further flat component is already arranged, and to arrange it in an adjusted manner on the already arranged flat components.

[0144] Above and below, features which are described as being provided in particular and / or advantageously and / or for example and / or preferably and / or advantageously and / or the like are optional features which, for example, form inventive further developments but are not absolutely necessary for the basic inventive idea.

[0145] The description of solutions according to the invention includes in particular the various combinations of features defined by the following numbered embodiments:

[0146] 1. An arrangement of a plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction (129, 158) for a fuel cell device (100), wherein at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) of the plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) has at least one alignment mark (212), and the alignment mark (212) can be detected by a detection device (222), in particular an optical detection device (222), even when at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is arranged in the arrangement direction (129, 158) on the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with this alignment mark (212).

[0147] 2. An arrangement of a plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction (129, 158) for a fuel cell device (100), in particular according to embodiment 1, wherein at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) of the plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) has at least one alignment mark (212), and the alignment mark (212) is not covered by a flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) which is arranged next to the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with this alignment mark (212) in the arrangement direction (129, 158).

[0148] 3. Fuel cell device (100) with an arrangement according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least some flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) are flat components (125, 143, 144) and the arrangement is a stack (127) of several flat components (125, 143, 144) of a fuel cell unit (110) stacked on top of one another in a stacking direction (129).

[0149] 4. A flat component (125, 143, 144) comprising an arrangement according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein at least some flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) are flat products (262) that at least co-form the flat component (125, 143, 144).

[0150] 5. The arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed without interaction with at least the next-most arranged flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). 6. The arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) at least substantially does not increase and / or at least substantially does not decrease a thickness of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262).

[0151] 7. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment marking (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is optically detectable and in particular is optically high-contrast.

[0152] 8. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed on a section of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) which is continuously formed with material.

[0153] 9. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed on a surface section (232) of the marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) which faces the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) arranged next in the arrangement direction (129, 158).

[0154] 10. The arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed only on a surface region of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked thereby. 11. The arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is a welded-in pattern in the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262).

[0155] 12. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) formed by welding is a weld pattern without a joining connection.

[0156] 13. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) is formed as at least one depression, in particular as an opening, in at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262).

[0157] 14. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is rotationally asymmetrical in such a way that an orientation of the marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) can be detected on the basis of this rotationally asymmetric alignment mark (212).

[0158] 15. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) comprising a plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262), in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) has at least two alignment markings (212) and that a geometric connecting line (226) which connects the two alignment markings (212) runs through the center of mass (228, 308) of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). 16. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) comprising a plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262), in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the center of mass per unit area (228, 308) of the flat component (125,

[0159] 143, 144, 262) is at least substantially equally spaced from at least two alignment markings (212).

[0160] 17. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed in a predefined position range (216) that can be detected in particular by an optical detection device.

[0161] 18. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flat component (125, 143, 144) next in the stacking direction (129) is placed on the at least one flat component (125, 143,

[0162] 144, 262) arranged flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) in the region of the at least one alignment mark (212) of the marked flat component (125,

[0163] 143, 144, 262) is free of material.

[0164] 19. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein in the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) which is arranged next in the stacking direction (129) to the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with at least one alignment mark (212), a region of at least one alignment mark (212) of the at least one marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) outside an extension of the next arranged flat component (125, 143,

[0165] 144, 262). 20. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least some of the plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) each comprise a functional region (172) having different thicknesses and / or fluid guidance structures and are each provided with at least one alignment marking (212).

[0166] 21. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least two flat components (125, 143, 144) at least co-form a respective cell unit (124) of the at least one fuel cell unit (110) and that in at least some cell units (124) at least one of the flat components (125, 143, 144) co-forming the respective cell unit (124) has at least one alignment mark (212).

[0167] 22. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least some, in particular at least most, of those flat components (125, 143, 144) in the at least one stack (127) which are designed as a bipolar plate (143) have at least one alignment mark (212).

[0168] 23. An assembly and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144), in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) is manufactured using a method that includes one or some of the features of the following method-related embodiments, and / or wherein the assembly and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) is manufactured in a system that includes one or more of the features of the following system-related embodiments. 24. A method for manufacturing an assembly and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:

[0169] - providing a plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262);

[0170] - providing at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) with at least one alignment mark (212);

[0171] - arranging at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) in the arrangement direction (129, 158) on the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) provided with at least one alignment mark, wherein even after the arrangement of the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262), the at least one alignment mark (212) of the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) provided therewith can be detected by a detection device (222), in particular an optical detection device, and / or wherein the at least one alignment mark (212) is not covered by the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262).

[0172] 25. A method, in particular according to the preceding embodiment, for producing an assembly and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144), wherein the method comprises one or more steps for forming the assembly and / or the fuel cell device (100) and / or the flat component (125, 143, 144) with one or some of the features of the preceding embodiments directed to an assembly and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) and / or wherein the assembly and / or the fuel cell device (100) and / or the flat component (125, 143, 144) is produced at least partially using a system that comprises one or more of the features of the following embodiments directed to a system. 26.Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed by welding, in particular by laser welding.

[0173] 27. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein in a same tool at least some of a plurality of elements forming a flat component (125, 143, 144), in particular at least some flat products (262), are welded together and the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144) is provided with at least one alignment marking (212), in particular by welding.

[0174] 28. A method, in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, for producing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: adjusting at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) relative to at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with at least one adjustment mark (212) with the aid of at least one detectable and / or non-concealed adjustment mark (212) of the marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262), and arranging the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262), in particular in the adjusted position, on flat components (125, 143, 144, 262), which in particular comprises at least one flat component (125, 143, 144,262) and in particular at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262), wherein the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is arranged on the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with at least one alignment marking (212). 29. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is adjusted such that a functional area (172) of the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) to be adjusted is adjusted relative to a functional area (172) of the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) provided with at least one adjustment marking (212).

[0175] 30. Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein, during the adjustment of the respective functional areas (172), mutually corresponding protruding portions in the respective functional areas (172) are adjusted relative to one another.

[0176] 31. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein for adjusting at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) to be arranged in the stacking direction (129), at least one adjustment mark (212) of at least one already arranged flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is detected by at least one optical detection device, in particular a camera.

[0177] 32. Method according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a method, wherein the method comprises the step of checking, at least for a flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) in which at least one alignment mark (212) is detected, in particular optically, whether this at least one alignment mark (212) is formed in a positionally accurate manner within predetermined tolerance limits in a position area (216) provided for this at least one alignment mark (212).System for producing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144), wherein the arrangement and / or the fuel cell device (100) and / or the flat component (125, 143, 144) comprises at least a plurality of flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction (129, 158), wherein the system comprises at least one tool for providing at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) with at least one alignment mark (212) and at least one alignment device, wherein the alignment device is designed to adjust at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) relative to the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) provided with the at least one alignment mark (212). 144, 262), on which at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is already arranged, is formed with the aid of the at least one alignment marking (212).

[0178] 34. Plant, in particular according to the preceding embodiment, for producing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) with one or at least some of the features of the preceding embodiments directed to an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) and / or for producing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) with a method which has one or at least some of the features of the preceding embodiments directed to a method.

[0179] 35. System according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a system, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least one optical detection device for detecting the at least one adjustment mark (212) of the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). 36. System according to one of the preceding embodiments directed to a system, wherein at least one tool of the system, in particular a welding device, is designed to provide at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) with an adjustment mark (212) and to join at least some elements forming the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262).

[0180] Preferred features and exemplary advantages of the invention are the subject of the following detailed description and the drawing of an embodiment in different variants.

[0181] The drawing shows:

[0182] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a fuel cell device comprising at least one fuel cell unit having a stack of several flat components;

[0183] Fig. 2 shows several flat components to be arranged one above the other for the stack;

[0184] Fig. 3 is a plan view of a variant of a flat component;

[0185] Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of a flat component in the area of ​​an alignment mark;

[0186] Fig. 5 shows a stack of several flat components arranged on top of one another, wherein alignment marks on a flat component are not covered by a flat component arranged thereon and can be detected by a detection device;

[0187] Fig. 6 is a plan view of a flat component formed from a plurality of flat products, wherein alignment structures formed in a flat product are accessible; Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a flat component formed from a plurality of flat products in the region of a functional area provided with structures;

[0188] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a variant of a flat component;

[0189] Fig. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the flat component according to Fig. 8 in the region of an alignment section with accessible alignment structures and, for example, control structures and, for example, alignment markings;

[0190] Fig. 10 is a partial view of flat products with alignment structures which are accessible through a recess in another flat product;

[0191] Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 with a variant of the recess;

[0192] Fig. 12 shows a partial view of a system with alignment elements for aligning and holding flat products.

[0193] An exemplary embodiment of a fuel cell device, designated as a whole by 100, comprises at least one fuel cell unit 110 and in particular a line system, designated as a whole by 112, with at least one line device 114 for a fuel medium and a line device 116 for an oxidation medium, wherein the line devices 114, 116 are connected to the at least one fuel cell unit 110 and partially formed therein, as shown schematically and by way of example in Figure 1. The at least one fuel cell unit 110 comprises a plurality of cell units 124, wherein the fuel medium and the oxidation medium are at least partially chemically converted into a product medium in the cell units and, in particular, electrical energy is provided in the process.

[0194] In particular, the cell units 124 are connected in series.

[0195] The cell units 124 are formed from flat components 125 and the flat components 125 are arranged one above the other in a stack 127 in a stacking direction 129.

[0196] By means of the line device 114 for the fuel medium, the fuel medium can be supplied to an anode side of the fuel cell unit 110 and to respective anode sides of the individual cell units 124, in particular as a component of an anode fluid mixture, and an anode residual fluid mixture, which in particular comprises fuel medium components supplied to the at least one fuel cell unit 110 but not chemically converted therein and / or components of the product medium and / or components of the supplied anode fluid mixture, can be discharged again from the cell units 124 and from the at least one fuel cell unit 110.

[0197] By means of the conduit device 116 for the oxidation medium, the oxidation medium, in particular as a component of a cathode fluid mixture, can be supplied to a cathode side of the at least one fuel cell unit 110 and to respective cathode sides of the individual cell units 124. A residual cathode fluid mixture, which in particular comprises oxidation medium components supplied to the at least one fuel cell unit 110 but not chemically converted therein and / or components of the product medium and / or components of the supplied cathode fluid mixture, can be removed again from the cell units 124 and from the at least one fuel cell unit 110. For example, a temperature control device 132 is also provided to keep the at least one fuel cell unit 110 within a temperature range permissible for proper operation thereof.

[0198] Preferably, the temperature control device 132 is designed for cooling and / or heating the at least one fuel cell unit 110 as required, in particular depending on an operating state of the fuel cell device.

[0199] In particular, the temperature control device 132 comprises, as part of the line system 112, a line device 134 for a temperature control medium for supplying a temperature control medium to the fuel cell unit 110 and to the individual cell units 124 and for discharging the temperature control medium from the individual cell units 124 and the at least one fuel cell unit 110, wherein the temperature control medium is in heat-exchanging contact with the fuel cell unit 110, in particular with the individual cell units 124, advantageously with the plurality of flat components 125, after supply and before discharge.

[0200] In particular, the plurality of flat components 125 comprise flat components designed as bipolar plates 143 and in particular at least some flat components designed as membrane components 144.

[0201] In particular, as shown by way of example in an exploded view in Figure 2, a flat component designed as a membrane component 144 is arranged between each two flat components designed as bipolar plates 143, here for example between the two bipolar plates 1431 and 143II, which together thus at least co-form a respective cell unit 124.

[0202] In particular, adjacent flat components 125, for example, a respective bipolar plate 143 and a respective membrane component 144, are firmly connected to one another, preferably at least in sections in a fluid-tight manner. Advantageously, a seal is formed at least between adjacent flat components 125, in particular between a respective bipolar plate 143 and a respective membrane component 144, which seal, for example, is injection-molded and / or has a sealing cord and / or is applied by screen printing.

[0203] In particular, two bipolar plates 143 each form at least one reaction chamber, in which a membrane of a membrane component 144, which is arranged between the two bipolar plates 143, advantageously extends, wherein the oxidation medium and fuel medium supplied in the reaction chamber react chemically and electrical energy is provided during the chemical reaction.

[0204] Advantageously, the bipolar plates 143 are designed as anode and cathode for a single cell unit 124.

[0205] In particular, the fuel medium is fed into a part of the reaction chamber defined by the membrane of the membrane component 144 and one of the two bipolar plates 143, and the oxidation medium is fed into a part of the reaction chamber defined by the membrane of the membrane component 144 and the other of the two bipolar plates 143. The fuel medium and the oxidation medium interact via the membrane; in particular, charged particles pass through the membrane from one part of the reaction chamber to the other part of the reaction chamber, and oppositely charged particles pass from one part of the reaction chamber to the other part of the reaction chamber via an electrical circuit.

[0206] In particular, the flat components 125 each extend in two surface extension directions 154 and 156 that are at least substantially perpendicular to one another and that define a respective geometric surface extension plane. Typically, the respective surface extension planes of the plurality of flat components 125, when stacked one above the other in the stack 127, extend at least substantially parallel to one another and at least substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction 129.

[0207] In particular, an extension of a respective flat component 125 in its vertical direction 158, which runs substantially perpendicular to the surface extension directions 154 and 156, is considerably smaller, in particular at least 10 times smaller, for example at least 100 times smaller, than the extension of the flat component 125 in its surface extension directions 154, 156, wherein in particular the height extension direction 158 runs at least substantially parallel to the stacking direction 129 in the stacked state of the flat components 125 in the stack 127.

[0208] The flat components 125 have respective outer sides 165 and 167 which are opposite in their vertical direction 158 and which extend in the surface expansion directions 154 and 156.

[0209] For example, the outer sides 165, 167 have a different height structure in the vertical direction 158, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0210] In particular, in the stack 127, flat components 125 stacked directly on top of one another rest at least partially on one another with their outer sides 165, 167 facing one another.

[0211] In particular, in some flat components, which are advantageously designed as a bipolar plate 143, one of their outer sides 165, 167 is assigned to one of two cell units 124 arranged adjacent to one another.

[0212] For example, some flat components 125, particularly designed as membrane components 144, are arranged in a respective cell unit 124. At least some, preferably at least most, of the plurality of flat components 125 have a respective functional region 172, in which, in particular, functional structural parts are arranged, wherein the one functional structural part or the plurality of functional structural parts in the respective functional region 172 serve to fulfill at least one function of the respective flat component 125.

[0213] For example, the flat components designed as membrane components 144 have at least one membrane in their functional area 172, in particular for subdividing at least one reaction chamber.

[0214] Advantageously, the flat components 125 configured as bipolar plates 143 comprise, in particular, height-profiled fluid guide structures as functional structural components, which, for example, are configured at least partially as channel structures. In particular, at least some fluid guide structures at least partially form the reaction chamber. In particular, at least some fluid guide structures at least partially form conduit sections for a fluid.

[0215] In particular, at least some of the fluid guide structures are part of the conduit device 114 for the fuel medium and / or the conduit device 116 for the oxidation medium. In particular, some of the conduit sections are designed to supply the anode fluid mixture or the cathode fluid mixture to at least one reaction chamber, and some conduit sections are designed to discharge the anode residual fluid mixture or the cathode residual fluid mixture from at least one reaction chamber.

[0216] For example, at least some of the fluid guide structures are part of the conduit device 134 and guide the temperature control medium, in particular to provide heat-exchanging contact in the area of ​​the functional area 172. Advantageously, the fluid guide structures extend through at least a large part of the functional area 172 of a flat component 125, and for example, at least parts of the fluid guide structures 174 have branched structures.

[0217] In particular, the fluid guide structures have a complex design and are shown in the figures, for example in Figure 3, only in a simplified schematic manner.

[0218] In particular, some flat components, in particular those designed as bipolar plates 143, have electrical functional structural parts in their respective functional area 172, in particular for forming the electrode, i.e. in particular depending on the side of the bipolar plate for forming the anode or cathode, and / or for electrical connection to an electrode of an adjacent cell unit 124.

[0219] The flat components 125, 143, 144 have an edge 182, up to which the respective flat component 125, 143, 144 extends in its respective surface extension plane, and wherein the edge is closed on the circumferential side.

[0220] In addition, the flat components 125, 143, 144 have a respective edge region 184 which extends inward from the edge 182, and wherein the edge region 184 advantageously surrounds the functional region 172 in a closed manner on the circumference.

[0221] In particular, in the edge region 184, as shown by way of example in Figures 2 and 3, a plurality of openings 186 are formed for other components to pass through.

[0222] For example, at least four, advantageously six openings 1861 to 186VI are formed, in which a respective distributor structure for supplying and discharging the respective medium is arranged as parts of the line devices 114, 116 for the fuel medium and the oxidation medium and, for example, the line device 134 of the temperature control device, wherein the distributor structure is often also referred to as a manifold.

[0223] In particular, at least two adjacent flat components 125 are firmly connected to one another in their edge regions 184, in particular welded.

[0224] Preferably, at least one weld seam 198, in particular comprising several sections, runs in the edge region 184, by means of which at least two superimposed flat components 125, 143, 144 are firmly and, for example, fluid-tightly connected.

[0225] In particular, some sections of the weld seam 198 are designed such that at least a partial course of the weld seam encircles the functional area 172 in a closed manner on the circumference.

[0226] Preferably, some sections of the weld seam 198 are formed such that openings 186, here for example the openings 1861, 186III, 186IV and 186VI, are each circumferentially enclosed by a respective partial course of the weld seam 198 and at least some openings 186 are separated from the edge 182, further openings 186 and the functional area 172 by respective sections of the weld seam 198.

[0227] Advantageously, at least some of the flat components 125, here in particular the flat components designed as bipolar plates 143, have line sections, in particular with so-called gas ports, which run between a region enclosed by a partial course of the weld seam 198 and having an opening 186 in which a distribution structure for a medium is arranged, and the functional region 172 in order to connect them in a defined manner in a fluid-conducting manner and to enable the supply or discharge of a corresponding medium. In particular, at least some of the plurality of flat components 125, advantageously at least some, in particular at least most of the flat components 125 designed as bipolar plates 143, have an alignment mark 212 or a plurality of alignment marks 212, for example alignment marks 2121, 212II, 212III, 212IV, as shown by way of example in Figures 3 and 4.

[0228] In particular, the plurality of alignment marks 212 are fundamentally identical, and reference to "the alignment mark" is to be understood as a reference to at least one alignment mark, preferably at least some, for example at least most, of the plurality of alignment marks 212, and a Roman numeral designating a specific alignment mark is appended to the reference symbol only when a specific alignment mark is to be referred to.

[0229] In particular, the alignment mark 212 is provided for aligning the marked flat component 125 during assembly of the fuel cell device 100 when the flat components 125 are arranged one above the other in the stacking direction 129 to form the stack 127.

[0230] Advantageously, the alignment mark 212 is an optically high-contrast mark for good detection with an optical detection device.

[0231] In particular, the alignment marking 212 is designed to be at least substantially thickness-neutral, i.e. a thickness of the marked flat component 125 in its vertical direction 158 is at least substantially not influenced by the alignment marking 212.

[0232] Advantageously, the alignment mark is formed on a section formed continuously with material over its entire surface and, in particular, is formed only close to the surface of the section, for example, on and / or at the surface of the section and / or formed with at most a small penetration depth starting from the surface into the material of the section. It is particularly advantageous if the alignment mark 212 is a pattern welded in, for example, by laser welding.

[0233] In particular, the welded pattern of the alignment mark 212 is intended only for marking and does not form a joint connection between different parts.

[0234] In some variants, at least one alignment mark is formed as an opening in the flat component.

[0235] Preferably, the alignment mark 212 is formed in a predefined position range 216, as shown by way of example in Figure 4.

[0236] Preferably, the alignment mark 212 is formed in the edge region 184, wherein the position region 216 is preferably located adjacent to the edge 182.

[0237] The alignment mark 212 or the plurality of alignment marks 212 can take on a wide variety of configurations that are favorable for detection. In particular, the plurality of alignment marks 212 differ in their configuration, for example, their shape and / or pattern, so that they can be distinguished by a detection device.

[0238] For example, at least one alignment mark 212 comprises a line pattern and / or crosses and / or circular structures. In advantageous variants, at least one alignment mark 212 is not rotationally symmetrical, so that not only its position but also its orientation in the geometric surface extension plane of the marked flat component 125 can be recognized and detected. If several alignment marks 212 are provided, at least some of these alignment marks 212 are arranged far apart from one another with respect to the geometric surface extension plane of the marked flat component 125, as is shown by way of example in Figure 3 for the alignment marks 212I and 212II on the one hand, and the alignment marks 212III and 212IV arranged far apart from these.

[0239] For example, the functional region 172 is arranged between two alignment marks 212 located far apart from each other and / or alignment marks 212 located far apart from each other are formed on different, for example opposite, sections of the edge region 184.

[0240] For example, widely spaced alignment marks 212 are formed in diagonally opposite corner regions of the edge area 184.

[0241] Preferably, at least two alignment markings 212 are arranged on a flat component 262 such that a connecting line 226, which connects the at least two alignment markings 212, runs through the center of mass 228 of the flat component 125, 143, 144, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3.

[0242] Advantageously, the center of mass 228 of the flat component 125, 143, 144 is at least substantially equally spaced from the at least two alignment markings 212.

[0243] For example, the at least two alignment marks 212 are arranged diagonally opposite to each other and / or remote from each other.

[0244] The alignment mark 212 is preferably formed on an outer side, in particular on a surface section 232 of the marked flat component 125, which in the stack 127 faces the flat component 125 arranged next in the stacking direction 129, as is shown by way of example in Figure 5 for the marked flat component 125a and the flat component 125b stacked next thereon.

[0245] In particular, the flat component that is next stacked on the marked flat component is designed as a membrane component 144, wherein the marked flat component is designed in particular as a bipolar plate 143.

[0246] Advantageously, the flat component which is next stacked on the marked flat component is formed free of material in the area lying above the alignment marking 212 in the stacking direction 129.

[0247] In particular, the flat component 125 stacked next on the marked flat component 125 is formed without material in a region of a projection of the alignment mark 212 of the marked flat component 125 onto the geometric extension plane of the flat component 125 stacked next.

[0248] In some inexpensive variants, the flat component 125 stacked directly next has a recess 242 in the area above the alignment mark 212, so that the alignment mark 212 is not covered and can be visually detected.

[0249] For example, in some variants, the recess 242 is formed in the flat component 125 in such a way that material sections surround it on the circumference.

[0250] In advantageous variants, the recess 242 is formed as an indentation in the edge region 184, as shown by way of example in Figure 5. In particular, the edge 182 of the flat component is set back in the region of the recess 242 formed as an indentation relative to an outer contour of the stack 127, so that the alignment mark 212 is not obscured. For example, the recess 242 defines the predefined positioning area 216 for the alignment mark 212 and / or at least the positioning area 216 is not obscured due to the recess.

[0251] In some advantageous variants, the flat component 125 marked with the alignment marking 212 has a marking section 246 protruding beyond an outer contour of the stack 127, which is provided with the alignment marking 212 and in which in particular the predefined position area 216 is located, as shown by way of example in Figures 4 and 5.

[0252] For example, the marking section 246 protrudes a few millimeters beyond the outer contour of the stack 127.

[0253] In particular, in the case of the recess 242 formed as an indentation and / or in the case of the protruding marking section 246, a projection of the alignment marking 212 and, for example, of the associated position region 216 onto the geometric extension plane of the next stacked flat component 125 is located in this geometric extension plane outside the extension of this next stacked flat component 125, which extends to its edge 182.

[0254] In particular, at least some flat components 125, advantageously at least most of the flat components 125 designed as bipolar plates 143, are essentially formed from at least two, in particular metallic, flat products 262, as shown by way of example in Figure 6 for a variant with two flat products 2621 and 262II, wherein in variants at least one further flat product also forms a corresponding flat component 125.

[0255] In particular, the flat products 262 of a flat component 125 form layers thereof. The flat products 262 of a flat component 125 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction 158, which is substantially perpendicular to the geometric surface extension plane of the flat component 125.

[0256] To the extent that the flat products 262 of a flat component 125 are at least substantially identical in terms of their basic function and / or design, they will be described jointly below with reference to "the flat product 262".

[0257] For example, flat product 262 is a sheet.

[0258] The flat product 262 has two opposite flat sides 264 and 266, which are spaced apart from each other by a thickness 168, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7.

[0259] In the case of flat components 125 comprising a plurality of flat products 262, respective outer flat sides 264, 266 of two outer flat products 262 form the areal outer sides 165, 167 of the flat component 125, and inner flat sides 264, 266 face a flat side 264, 266 of a further flat product 262, so that, for example, the outer flat side 2641 of the flat product 2621 forms the outer side 165 and the flat side 266II of the flat product 262II forms the outer side 167, and the inner flat sides 2661 and 264II of the flat products 2621 and 262II are arranged opposite one another, as is shown by way of example in Fig. 7.

[0260] In particular, in the case of a flat component designed as a bipolar plate 143, a respective flat product 262, which forms one of the outer sides 165, 167 of the flat component, forms an electrode for an associated cell unit 124.

[0261] In particular, the flat product 262 has a thickness 268 which is considerably smaller, in particular at least 10 times smaller, for example at least 100 times smaller, than extensions of the flat product 262 in mutually at least substantially perpendicular extension directions 286 and 288, which at least locally extend at least substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction in which the thickness 168 is measured.

[0262] In particular, structures are formed in the flat products 262, which cause locally different heights of the flat component 125.

[0263] Advantageously, in the functional area 172 of flat components, which are designed in particular as bipolar plates 143, at least some of the structures formed into a flat product form at least some fluid guidance structures of the flat component.

[0264] Since structures rising from the surface extension plane, for example the fluid guidance structures, are preferably formed in the flat product 262, the extension directions 286 and 288 of the flat product 262 do not necessarily run locally at least substantially parallel to the surface extension plane, but for example the extension directions 286 and 288 averaged over the extension of the flat component 125 in the surface extension directions 154 and 156 run at least approximately parallel to the surface extension plane.

[0265] An extension of the flat component 125 in the vertical direction 158 is greater than the sum of the thicknesses 268 of the flat product 262 forming the flat component 125 due to the structures emerging from the surface extension plane, such as the fluid guide structures, as is shown by way of example in Figure 7.

[0266] In some advantageous variants, at least one flat product 262, for example, each of at least some flat products 262 of a flat component 125 formed from a plurality of flat products 262, for example, a flat component formed as a bipolar plate 143 and / or as a membrane component 144, has at least one alignment mark 212' for aligning the flat products 262 when arranged on top of one another in the vertical direction 158. Advantageously, at least one alignment mark 212', advantageously at least some alignment marks 212', of at least one flat product 262, and advantageously at least some flat products 262 have at least one feature and advantageously at least one combination of features of the features explained above and / or below in connection with an alignment mark 212 of a flat component 125, 143, 144.

[0267] It is particularly advantageous if at least two alignment markings 212' are arranged diagonally opposite and / or remote from one another on a flat product 262, advantageously in order to be able to determine an alignment of the flat product 262 when the at least two alignment markings 212' are detected.

[0268] Preferably, at least two alignment marks 212' are arranged on a flat product 262 such that a connecting line 226' connecting the at least two alignment marks 212' runs through the center of mass 308 of the flat product 262, as shown by way of example in Fig. 8.

[0269] Advantageously, the center of mass 308 of the flat product 262 is at least substantially equally spaced from the at least two alignment markings 212'.

[0270] In such a variant, the flat products 262 are advantageously adjusted and arranged on top of one another, and in particular, joined together, as explained in connection with the plurality of flat components 125, 143, 144. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made in full to the above explanations with regard to such a variant, in particular with regard to advantageous embodiments in connection with the at least one alignment marking 212' and the adjustment and arrangement.

[0271] As examples of variants, alignment markings 212' on flat products 262 are shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9. For example, the alignment markings 212' are designed as openings, as described below in connection with the alignment structures 312. For example, the alignment markings 212' are designed as described above in connection with the flat components. Thus, at least Figures 6, 8, and 9 are also representative of these different variants of alignment markings 212' on flat products 262.

[0272] Preferably, at least one flat product 262, preferably each flat product 262, of a flat component 125 formed from a plurality of flat products 262, for example a flat component formed as a bipolar plate 143, has at least one alignment structure 312, which is accessible at least in the stacked state for forming the flat component 125 and / or is released from the other one or more of the plurality of flat products 262 of the flat component 125.

[0273] Top views of a flat component 125 with alignment structures 312 in its flat products 262 are shown by way of example in Figures 6 and 8 and variants of designs of the alignment structures 312 are explained in connection with the exemplary representations in Figures 9 to 11.

[0274] For example, in the case of the flat components 125 formed from the flat products 2621 and 262II, each of the flat products 2621, 262II has an alignment structure 3121 or 312II or preferably several, for example two, alignment structures 3121 or 312II, wherein the alignment structures 3121, 312II are at least fundamentally identical and / or different features are interchangeable, unless explicitly explained otherwise below, so that the plurality of alignment structures 3121, 312II are explained together below and reference is made only to the alignment structures 312.

[0275] The alignment structure 312 is designed such that an alignment element 314 of a system for producing the fuel cell device, in particular for producing the flat component 125, can engage the alignment structure 312, in particular mechanically, for aligning and preferably holding the flat product 262, as shown, for example, in Figure 12.

[0276] Preferably, the alignment structure 312 is formed as an opening 316 which is continuous in the vertical direction 158 and extends between the two flat sides 264 and 266 of the flat product 262, as shown by way of example in Figures 9 to 11.

[0277] For example, the opening 316 in at least one alignment structure 312 is formed at least substantially as a round hole and / or elongated hole, wherein in this embodiment the alignment structures 312 of a flat product 262 preferably differ.

[0278] In particular, a plurality of alignment structures of a flat product 262 are designed such that when alignment elements 314 act on the alignment structures 312, a position, in particular position and / or orientation, of the flat product 262 is not overdetermined.

[0279] For example, a flat product has an elongated hole and a round hole as alignment structures.

[0280] In particular, the alignment structure 312 is designed to be interaction-free relative to the one other flat product 262 or to the other flat products 262 of the flat component 125, so that the alignment structure 312 does not interact with any other flat product 262 of the flat component 125, in particular at least when aligning the flat product 262 provided with the alignment structure 312.

[0281] In particular, the alignment structure 312 is accessible and released in a release direction 322, which advantageously corresponds at least substantially to the vertical direction 158 of the flat component 125.

[0282] In particular, the further flat product 262 or the further flat products 262 of the flat component 125 are designed to be material-free in the projection of at least the alignment structure 312 and are preferably additionally designed to be material-free in the projection of a tolerance range 326 surrounding the alignment structure 312.

[0283] The tolerance range 326 surrounds the alignment structure 312, preferably circumferentially closed.

[0284] In particular, the tolerance range 326 has, in directions that run at least substantially perpendicular to the release direction 322, i.e., in particular, at least substantially parallel to the geometric extension plane, starting from the alignment structure 312 and extending therefrom, an extension 328 that corresponds to at least one tolerance that is permitted in the alignment of the flat product 262 provided with the alignment structure 312 relative to at least one further flat product 262, in particular relative to all flat products 262, of the flat component 125.

[0285] In particular, the one other flat product 262 or the plurality of other flat products 262 of the flat component 125 have a recess 332 in the release direction 322 above or below the alignment structure 312, through which the alignment structure 312 is accessible and released in the release direction 322. In some variants, the recess 332 is a recess within the extension of the other flat product 262, and this recess is circumferentially surrounded by the material of the flat product 262, as shown by way of example in Figure 10 for two recesses 332.

[0286] In some variants, the recess 332 is a recess at the edge of the flat product 262, which is formed, for example, as an indentation. In this case, the flat product 262 provided with this recess 332 does not extend as far in the region of this recess 332 as the flat product 262 having the corresponding alignment structure 312, for example, it does not extend to the edge 182 of the flat component 125. Rather, an edge of the flat product 262 with such a recess 332 is set back behind the alignment structure 312 and preferably behind the tolerance range 326 in the region of this recess 332. This is illustrated by way of example in Figure 11 for a recess 332', wherein a further recess 332 shown is circumferentially surrounded by the material of the corresponding flat product 262.

[0287] In particular, in the region of the alignment structure 312, a passage 334 is formed through the flat component 125, which extends continuously in the release direction 322 and opens on the two outer sides 165, 167.

[0288] In this case, the passage 334 has its minimum extent in the flat product 262 provided with the alignment structure 312 in the region of the one with the alignment structure 312, which is designed in particular as an opening 316, at least substantially perpendicular to the release direction 322, and is wider in the region of the other flat product 262 or the other flat products 262, at least approximately perpendicular to the release direction 322, and is provided in particular with an extent which is at least equal to or greater than the extent of the alignment structure 312 plus the permissible tolerance, so that the alignment structure 312 and the tolerance region 162 surrounding it are accessible and released, in particular, on both sides.

[0289] Preferably, at least one flat product 262, for example, all flat products 262, of a flat component 125 has at least two alignment structures 312 arranged at a distance from one another, wherein, in particular, the functional region 172 is spatially located between the widely spaced alignment structures 312, in particular with respect to the surface extension directions 154, 156. In particular, the at least two widely spaced alignment structures 312 are spaced apart from one another at a distance that corresponds to at least a minimum extension of the flat component 125 in its surface extension plane.

[0290] Preferably, at least one alignment structure 312 in at least two flat products 262, for example one alignment structure 312 in each of the plurality of flat products 262 of the flat component 125, is located close to one another in relation to their distance in a direction running substantially parallel to the geometric surface extension plane, in particular these alignment structures are located in a locally limited alignment section 336 of the flat component 125.

[0291] For example, an extension of a respective alignment section 336 in the geometric surface extension plane is at most ten times as large, for example at most five times as large, as an extension of a respective alignment structure 312.

[0292] In particular, in a respective alignment section 336 in at least one of the flat products 262, in particular in each of the plurality of flat products 262, an alignment structure 312 and a respective recess 332 for the alignment structure 312 in the other flat product 262 or for the alignment structures 312 in the other flat products 262 are formed. For example, at least two alignment sections 336 are arranged far apart from each other, wherein, for example, the functional region 172 is arranged between the far apart alignment sections 312 and / or the far apart alignment sections 336 are spaced apart from each other by a distance that corresponds at least to a minimum extent of the flat component 125 in the geometric surface extension plane.

[0293] Preferably, at least one alignment structure 312, in particular at least some, for example all, alignment structures 312 are arranged in the edge region 184 of the flat component 125.

[0294] In particular, at least one alignment section 336, in particular at least some, for example all, alignment sections 336 are arranged in the edge region 184.

[0295] It is particularly advantageous if at least the flat product 262 provided with the alignment structure 312 and at least one other flat product 262 have a respective control pattern 352, by means of which a correct positioning of the at least two flat products 262 relative to one another can advantageously be controlled.

[0296] For example, the control samples 352 are formed samples in the respective flat product 262.

[0297] In particular, the control patterns 352 are openings formed in the respective flat product 262, which are advantageously arranged, for example, concentrically one above the other in the vertical direction 158 in the aligned state.

[0298] In Figure 9, two control samples 352 of two flat products 262 of the flat component 125, which are designed as essentially round holes, are shown by way of example, wherein in the correctly aligned state the two round holes lie at least essentially concentrically one above the other and thus the correct alignment of the two flat products relative to each other can be recognized.

[0299] In particular, a method for producing a fuel cell device, in particular for producing a stack of flat components formed from flat products, comprises at least one or more of the steps explained below.

[0300] In particular, at least two flat products 262 are provided for producing a flat component 125 forming in particular a bipolar plate 143.

[0301] Preferably, at least some of the flat products 262 are provided with at least one alignment structure 312.

[0302] In particular, at least some flat products 262 are provided with at least one alignment structure 312 by at least one punching process, in particular at least partially by shearing.

[0303] Shearing is advantageous because it allows the alignment structure 312 to be formed precisely.

[0304] In particular, it is provided that the alignment structure 312, in particular an opening 316 thereof, is formed largely, but for example not completely, by shearing and in a further step the material to be removed is finally and completely separated, whereby in the alignment structure 312, in particular the opening 316, for example the round hole and / or elongated hole, a nose is formed in the formed structure by the final separation, for example by punching.

[0305] Preferably, the at least partial formation of at least some structures in the functional area 172, in particular fluid-conducting structures, in at least one sheet-like product 262 takes place in a single manufacturing step with the at least partial formation of at least one alignment structure 312, preferably using the same tool. In particular, the tool is a punching tool that embosses structures in the functional areas 172 and at least partially punches out the alignment structure 312, for example, partially forming it by shearing.

[0306] In the other flat product 262 or the other flat products 262, for example, the recess 332 for releasing the alignment structure 312 in the at least one flat product 262 is formed by a simple and inexpensive but not precise separation process, for example by punching, since no precision is required for this material-free space.

[0307] For example, control patterns 352 are formed in at least some flat products 262.

[0308] Preferably, a control pattern 352 is formed at least largely by a precise method, for example by shearing, and in particular, in a further step the material is finally separated, for example by punching, whereby, for example, a nose is formed in the control pattern.

[0309] Advantageously, the other flat product 262 or the other flat products 262 are formed without material in the region of the alignment structure 312 and preferably the tolerance range 326 surrounding this alignment structure 312, so that the one flat product 262 provided with the alignment structure 312 can be aligned independently of the other flat product 262 or the other flat products 262, since the alignment element 314, which is particularly adapted in size to the alignment structure 312, does not engage it or these. In particular, a recess 332, 332' corresponding to the alignment structure 314 in the at least one other flat product 262 is formed, for example by punching.

[0310] A respective alignment element 314 of a system for producing the flat component of the fuel cell device then engages the corresponding alignment structure 312 of the flat product 262 and aligns this flat product 262, and preferably the alignment elements 314 hold the flat products 262 in the aligned position until the flat products 262 are joined together to form the flat component 125.

[0311] In particular, at least one alignment element 314 is provided at a machine station for assembling and producing the flat component 125, wherein at least one respective alignment element 314 is advantageously provided at this machine station for aligning and preferably for holding at least most of the flat products 262, for example all of the flat products 262.

[0312] By way of example, Figure 12 shows a variant in which the alignment elements 3141 and 314III are provided and designed to align and hold the flat product 2621 and the alignment elements 31411 and 314IV are provided and designed to align and hold the flat product 262II.

[0313] In this case, the at least one alignment element 314 provided and designed for aligning a corresponding flat product 262 is designed to cooperate, in particular, with an alignment structure 312 of the flat product 262 to be aligned, in particular mechanically, for alignment and at least substantially not to interact with the other flat product 262 or the other flat products 262 of the flat component 125 to be produced, at least if this flat product 262 not to be aligned or the flat products 262 not to be aligned are arranged correctly in the vertical direction 158 above or below the flat product 262 to be aligned, at least roughly for the assembly of the flat component 125, wherein a flat product 262 is at least roughly correctly arranged if its rough alignment already corresponds to the correct alignment, but there are still deviations in the alignment beyond the permitted tolerance range,For example, deviations exceeding ten times the tolerance range are still possible.

[0314] In particular, the alignment elements 314 are designed as rigid alignment elements 314. For example, the alignment elements 314 are pins extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein their longitudinal direction is oriented at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction 158 of the flat component 125 to be produced.

[0315] Advantageously, the alignment elements 314, which are designed, for example, as pins, extend from a support 424 to an element end 428, wherein preferably a respective alignment element 314 is tapered in the region of its element end 428 towards its element end 428.

[0316] Advantageously, the particularly rigid alignment elements 314 are arranged fixedly relative to one another in an arrangement that is precisely coordinated with one another, so that a flat product 262 that interacts with the alignment elements 314 provided for it is properly aligned by the interaction.

[0317] In the method, the station having the plurality of alignment elements 314 is loaded with the plurality of flat products 262, wherein at least some, in particular at least most, of the flat products 262 each come into engagement with at least one alignment element 314 with their respective at least one alignment structure 312 and are thereby aligned.

[0318] In particular, a respective pin designed as a pin

[0319] Alignment element 314 through the corresponding opening 316

[0320] Alignment structure 312, wherein the other flat product 262 or the other flat products 262 are formed free of material at least in the region of this alignment element 314 and in particular additionally in the region of a tolerance range 326 correspondingly surrounding this alignment element 314, so that they do not interact with this alignment element 314 and can be aligned independently of it.

[0321] Advantageously, a respective alignment element 314 extends through a passage 334 formed by the plurality of flat products 262 and interacts only with the flat product 262 to be aligned, since the passage 334 has its smallest extent transverse to the vertical direction 158 and / or its narrowest region in the region of this flat product 262 to be aligned, and the alignment element 314 has a thickness transverse to its longitudinal extent which corresponds in particular precisely to this extent of the passage 334 in the region of the alignment structure 312 of the flat product to be aligned.

[0322] Preferably, the thickness of the alignment element 312 is substantially at least constant along its longitudinal extent, possibly except for a region at its element end 428.

[0323] Advantageously, a taper in the region of the element end 428 simplifies threading of the flat product 262 to be aligned onto the alignment element 314.

[0324] Advantageously, the flat products 262 that are thus properly and precisely aligned with one another are joined together, in particular welded together, wherein the flat products 262 are advantageously also held in the aligned position by the corresponding at least one alignment element 314 up to and during the joining.

[0325] In particular, in the method, a stack 127 of flat components 125, in particular of bipolar plates 143 and membrane components 144, is produced by providing these flat components 125 and stacking them on top of one another and preferably joining them.

[0326] In particular, at least one flat component 125, preferably at least most of the bipolar plates 143, are provided with at least one alignment mark 212, preferably in a respective predefined position area 216.

[0327] At least the flat component, which is in particular a membrane component 144, which is stacked next directly on the flat component provided with at least one alignment mark 212, is formed free of material in the region of the at least one alignment mark 212, so that at least with a rough alignment of the two flat components 125 to one another, the alignment mark 212 can still be detected and / or is not covered.

[0328] For example, a recess 332 is formed in the next stacked flat component 125 or the alignment mark 212 is formed on a protruding portion.

[0329] The flat component 125 arranged closest to it, for example the flat component 125b, is placed and mounted on the flat component 125 provided with an alignment mark 212, for example the flat component 125a, wherein the alignment mark 212 is not covered by the design and arrangement of the flat components 125 and can still be detected by an optical detection device 222, in particular, as shown by way of example in Figure 5.

[0330] When arranging a further flat component 125, for example the flat component 125c, the at least one alignment marking 212 of the flat component 125 marked thereby, for example the flat component 125a, is still recognizable, although at least one further flat component 125, for example the flat component 125b, is arranged on the marked flat component 125.Advantageously, the at least one detectable alignment mark 212 is detected by, for example, an optical detection device 222 and thus the actual position of the flat component 125 marked with this alignment mark 212, here for example the flat component 125a, is detected and the still further flat component 125, here for example the flat component 125c, is adjusted relative to the recognizable alignment mark 212 and thus relative to the actual position of the flat component 125 marked with this alignment mark 212, here for example the flat component 125a, and in the thus adjusted state is stacked on the flat component 125, here for example on the flat component 125b, which is already arranged on the marked flat component 125.

[0331] Thus, the marked flat component 125, for example the flat component 125a, and the further flat component 125, for example the flat component 125c, are preferably arranged in the stack 127 in a precisely aligned manner relative to one another, although at least one further flat component 125, for example the flat component 125b, is arranged between these flat components 125.

[0332] In particular, in the case of a flat component 125 formed from a plurality of flat products 262, the joining of the plurality of flat products 262 and the provision of at least one alignment marking 212 takes place in a same machine station, for example both by welding, preferably by a same welding device.

[0333] For example, the optical detection device 222 also detects the predefined position range 216 and detects whether the alignment mark 212 is located within the predefined position range, so that a further control step for the proper production of the flat component 125 is carried out.

[0334] For example, the optical detection device 222 in particular detects the position area 216 by its position relative to the edge 182 and / or by contours of the edge 182. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0335] Fuel cell device

[0336] Fuel cell unit

[0337] piping system

[0338] Line device for fuel medium

[0339] Line device for oxidation medium

[0340] Cell units

[0341] Flat component

[0342] stack

[0343] Stacking direction (arrangement direction)

[0344] Tempering device

[0345] Pipeline system of the temperature control device

[0346] Bipolar plate

[0347] Membrane component

[0348] Area expansion direction

[0349] Area expansion direction

[0350] Vertical direction (arrangement direction)

[0351] outside

[0352] outside

[0353] Functional area

[0354] edge

[0355] peripheral area

[0356] Openings

[0357] Weld seam

[0358] Adjustment mark

[0359] Position range

[0360] Recording device

[0361] connecting line

[0362] Center of mass of the flat component

[0363] Surface section

[0364] Recess marking section

[0365] Flat product (flat component)

[0366] Flat side

[0367] Flat side

[0368] thickness

[0369] Direction of extension

[0370] Direction of extension

[0371] Center of gravity of the flat product

[0372] Alignment structure

[0373] Alignment element

[0374] breakthrough

[0375] Release direction

[0376] Tolerance range

[0377] Extension of the tolerance range

[0378] recess

[0379] passage

[0380] Alignment section

[0381] Control pattern

[0382] Edition

[0383] Element end

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Arrangement of several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction (129, 158) for a fuel cell device (100), wherein at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) of the several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) has at least one adjustment mark (212), and the adjustment mark (212) is also detectable for a particularly optical detection device (222) when at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is arranged in the arrangement direction (129, 158).Arrangement of several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction (129, 158) for a fuel cell device (100), in particular according to claim 1, wherein at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) of the several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) has at least one adjustment mark (212), and the adjustment mark (212) is not covered by a flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) which is arranged next to the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with this adjustment mark (212) in the arrangement direction (129, 158). Fuel cell device (100) with an arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) are flat components (125, 143, 144) and the arrangement is a stack (127) of several flat components (125, 143, 144) of a fuel cell unit (110) stacked on top of each other in a stacking direction (129).A flat component (125, 143, 144) comprising an arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least some flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) are flat products (262) that at least partially form the flat component (125, 143, 144). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed without interaction with at least the next nearest flat component (125, 143, 144, 262).An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) does not substantially increase and / or does not substantially decrease the thickness of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is optically detectable and, in particular, is designed to have high optical contrast.Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed on a section of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) formed continuously with material. Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustment marking (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed on a surface section (232) of the marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) which faces the next flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) in the arrangement direction (129, 158). Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed only on a surface area of ​​the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked therein.An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is a welded pattern on the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one alignment mark (212) formed by welding is a weld-free weld pattern. An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustment mark (212) is designed as at least one recess, in particular as a through-hole, in at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is designed in such a rotationally asymmetrical manner that the orientation of the marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) can be determined on the basis of this rotationally asymmetrical adjustment mark (212).Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) comprising several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) has at least two adjustment marks (212) and that a geometric connecting line (226) which connects the two adjustment marks (212) passes through the center of mass (228, 308) of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) comprising several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262), particularly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the center of mass (228, 308) of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is spaced at least substantially equidistant from at least two adjustment marks (212). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed in a predefined position range (216) detectable, in particular by an optical detection device.Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) arranged next in the stacking direction (129) on the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with at least one adjustment mark (212) is material-free in the area of ​​the at least one adjustment mark (212) of the marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262).Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the case of the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) which is arranged next in the stacking direction (129) on the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with at least one adjustment mark (212), an area of ​​at least one adjustment mark (212) of the at least one marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) lies outside an extent of the next flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or flat component (125, 143, 144) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) each comprise a functional area (172) having different thicknesses and / or fluid guidance structures and each is provided with at least one adjustment mark (212). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two flat components (125, 143, 144) each form a respective cell unit (124) of the at least one fuel cell unit (110) and that in at least some cell units (124), at least one of the flat components (125, 143, 144) forming the respective cell unit (124) has at least one adjustment mark (212).Arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some, in particular at least most, of those flat components (125, 143, 144) in the at least one stack (127) which are designed as a bipolar plate (143) have at least one alignment mark (212). An arrangement and / or fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement and / or the fuel cell device (100) and / or the flat component (125, 143, 144) is manufactured by a method comprising one or more of the features of the following claims directed to a method, and / or that the arrangement and / or the fuel cell device (100) and / or the flat component (125, 143, 144) is manufactured in a system comprising one or more of the features of the following claims directed to a system. A method for manufacturing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) 143, 144), wherein the procedure includes at least the following steps: - the provision of several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262); - the provision of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) with at least one adjustment mark (212); - the arrangement of at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) in the arrangement direction (129, 158) onto the flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) provided with at least one adjustment mark, wherein even after the arrangement of the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) the at least one adjustment mark (212) of the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) provided with it is detectable for a particularly optical detection device (222) and / or wherein the at least one adjustment mark (212) is not covered by the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). A method, in particular according to the preceding claim, for manufacturing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144), wherein the method comprises one or more steps for forming the arrangement and / or the fuel cell device (100) and / or the flat component (125, 143, 144) with one or some of the features of the preceding claims directed to an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) and / or wherein the arrangement and / or the fuel cell device (100) and / or the flat component (125, 143, 144) is manufactured at least partially with a system comprising one or more of the features of the following claims directed to a system.A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one alignment mark (212) of at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is formed by welding, in particular by laser welding. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the same tool at least some of several elements forming a flat component (125, 143, 144), in particular at least some flat products (262), are welded together and the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144) is provided with at least one alignment mark (212), in particular by welding. Method, in particular according to one of the preceding claims directed to a method, for manufacturing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: adjusting at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) relative to at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with at least one adjustment mark (212) using at least one detectable and / or unobscured adjustment mark (212) of the marked flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) and an arrangement of at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) in particular in the adjusted position on top of already stacked flat components (125, 143, 144, 262), which in particular includes at least one flat component (125, 143) marked with at least one adjustment mark (212). 144, 262) and in particular at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262), wherein the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is arranged on the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) marked with at least one adjustment mark (212). Method according to one of the preceding claims directed to a method, characterized in that the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is adjusted such that a functional area (172) of the at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) to be adjusted is adjusted relative to a functional area (172) of the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) provided with at least one adjustment mark (212). A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, during the adjustment of the respective functional areas (172), corresponding protruding sections in the respective functional areas (172) are adjusted relative to each other. A method according to any of the preceding claims directed to a method, characterized in that, for adjusting at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) to be arranged in the stacking direction (129), at least one adjustment mark (212) of at least one already arranged flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is detected by at least one optical detection device, in particular a camera.Method according to one of the preceding claims directed to a method, characterized in that the method comprises the step of checking, at least in the case of a flat component (125, 143, 144, 262), in which at least one adjustment mark (212) is detected, in particular optically, whether this at least one adjustment mark (212) is formed in a position area (216) provided for this at least one adjustment mark (212) within specified tolerance limits.A system for manufacturing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144), wherein the arrangement and / or the fuel cell device (100) and / or the flat component (125, 143, 144) comprises at least several flat components (125, 143, 144, 262) arranged one above the other in an arrangement direction (129, 158), wherein the system comprises at least one tool for providing at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) with at least one adjustment mark (212) and at least one adjustment device, wherein the adjustment device is for adjusting at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) relative to the one with the. A flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) provided with at least one adjustment mark (212), on which at least one further flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) is already arranged, is formed by means of the at least one adjustment mark (212). A system, in particular according to the preceding claim, for manufacturing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) with one or at least some of the features of the preceding claims directed to an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) and / or for manufacturing an arrangement and / or a fuel cell device (100) and / or a flat component (125, 143, 144) using a method which has one or at least some of the features of the preceding claims directed to a method.A system according to any of the preceding claims directed to a system, characterized in that the adjustment device comprises at least one optical detection device for detecting the at least one adjustment mark (212) of the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262). A system according to any of the preceding claims directed to a system, characterized in that at least one tool of the system, in particular a welding device, is designed for providing at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262) with an adjustment mark (212) and for joining at least some elements forming the at least one flat component (125, 143, 144, 262).

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