Plate-like component for a fuel cell stack, method for positioning the same, and fuel cell stack - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plate-like component for a fuel cell stack, in particular a separator plate, a cathode end plate, an anode end plate, a separator plate half-shell, a cathode end-plate half-shell, an anode end-plate half-shell or a frame for holding a membrane electrode assembly, a surface of the plate-like component having at least three adjacent regions that form at least a portion of the position marking; each of the at least three adjacent regions being configured such that, when the surface is viewed along a given direction, each adjacent region has a different average reflectance at least in the visible range; It concerns plate-like components.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate-like component for a fuel cell stack, comprising at least one position marking for aligning the plate-like component during stacking of the fuel cell stack. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for positioning and / or determining the position and / or orientation of at least one plate-like component according to the invention, in particular for stacking a plurality of plate-like components forming a fuel cell stack, as well as to a fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of plate-like components according to the invention. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuel cell stack fabrication typically involves stacking plate-like components. These plate-like components include at least two end plates, specifically a cathode end plate and an anode end plate, which form the ends of the stack, with a separator plate and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) positioned between them. Often, the MEA is already bonded to the separator plate, for example, by a frame surrounding the MEA. Therefore, the stacking of the separator plates is also crucial. They must be precisely positioned relative to each other so that the separator plate openings, which later form the reactant, product, and coolant channels extending in the stacking direction, are perfectly aligned with each other, stream fields are reliably aligned, and seals within the surface areas provided for sealing ensure that the plate-like components are reliably sealed to each other within the fuel cell stack.

[0003] In practice, plate-like components are often stacked against corresponding stoppers. This is relatively easy in the case of metal separator plates. However, it is more difficult in the case of separator plates made of a graphite-filled plastic matrix. Such separator plates are typically formed in a mold or die, where they are fully or at least partially cured. To ensure that the manufactured element can be removed from the mold, it is necessary for the element to have a so-called draft angle on its front surface. This ensures that when stacked against a stopper, only one of the flat surfaces in the area of ​​its front surface abuts the stopper. This results in a corresponding thinning of the material there, which can make it brittle due to its thin material thickness, or a small flash can form in this area, where the parting line of the mold or die is typically located. This can lead to edge damage during stacking, which, while not critical to the function of the separator plates themselves, makes it very difficult to align the individual separator plates with each other using such lateral stoppers. Furthermore, crushed material particles can reach the gaps between the plates. This makes it nearly impossible to stack plate-like components closely together. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a plate-like component for a fuel cell stack which allows for improved stacking of the plate-like components, an improved method for positioning and / or determining the position and / or orientation of at least one plate-like component, and an improved fuel cell stack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a plate-like component for a fuel cell stack according to one embodiment, in some embodiments a separator plate, or a cathode end plate, or an anode end plate, or an intermediate plate, or a separator plate half-shell, or a cathode end plate half-shell, or an anode end plate half-shell, or a frame for holding a membrane electrode assembly, comprising: a surface of the plate-like component having at least three adjacent regions that form at least a portion of the position marking; each of the at least three adjacent regions is configured such that, when the surface is viewed along a given direction, each adjacent region has a different average reflectance at least in the visible range, and in one embodiment at least in the visible wavelength range, and in one embodiment at a wavelength of 500 nm; It concerns plate-like components.

[0007] Thus, in one embodiment, the position markings or an image thereof can be captured by an optical sensor such as a camera, and based on the captured position markings or an image thereof, the position and / or orientation of the plate-shaped components in space can be determined and used to align the plate-shaped components when stacking them to form a fuel cell stack. In this way, stopper-free alignment can be achieved during stacking, which can facilitate stacking of the plate-shaped components, significantly prevent damage to the edges of the plate-shaped components, and reduce the risk of broken material particles getting between the plate-shaped components.

[0008] Furthermore, by configuring each of the at least three adjacent regions so that when the surface is viewed along a given direction, each adjacent region has a different average reflectance, at least in the visible range, the image of the position marking captured by the optical sensor can have high contrast, thereby improving the accuracy in determining the (spatial) position and orientation of the plate-like component.

[0009] Here, in some embodiments, when capturing an image of the position marking by the optical sensor, the area of ​​the plate-like component on which the position marking is formed can be illuminated with light of a given wavelength or light within a given wavelength range, thereby improving the accuracy in determining the (spatial) position and orientation of the plate-like component.

[0010] Here, at least two position markings can be incorporated into the surface of the plate-like component, spaced apart from one another. In particular, providing a position marking on one of the two main surfaces of the plate-like component is sufficient to enable control of the positioning of the individual plate-like components during stacking by an optical sensor. To achieve accurate positioning of the plate-like component, relatively large position markings are required. Using two position markings spaced apart from one another is more preferable. For this structure, for example, small position markings can be used, positioned on two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like component, particularly in the region of the two side surfaces that are widely spaced apart from one another, between the corresponding side edges of the plate-like component and a functional surface, such as an opening or flow field. This relatively large spacing facilitates simple and precise alignment of the plate-like component, for example, via a camera that captures the position markings and controls the automated stacking device.

[0011] The preferred placement of the position markings outside the functional surface ensures that the position markings can be realized independently of the function of the separator plate or other plate-like component. For example, the position markings can be located between the outer edge and the corresponding openings or ports for the supply and discharge of reactants, products, and cooling media.

[0012] In some embodiments, the surfaces of each of the at least three adjacent regions have different average roughnesses.

[0013] Here, the "average roughness" refers to the average microscopic roughness. Here, the average roughness depth Rz of one of the two regions that does not reflect incident light as strongly may be 6.3 μm, and the average roughness depth Rz of the other of the two regions may be 2.5 μm.

[0014] This allows, for example, high contrast images of the position marking to be easily captured by an optical sensor by treating / not treating the individual surfaces of each of at least three adjacent regions to have different average roughness or roughness depths.

[0015] Here, the surface may in one embodiment be essentially flat, in one embodiment a coplanar surface, which may in one embodiment be parallel to the major faces of the plate-like component.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tangents to the respective areas of the surfaces of each of the at least three adjacent regions have different inclinations relative to the normal to the central plate plane corresponding to the average height profile of the plate-like component, in particular, where the surface areas of each of the adjacent regions have different inclinations relative to the main surface of the plate-like component.

[0017] This allows, in some embodiments, individual areas of the position marking to be better distinguished from one another based on images captured by the optical sensor, thereby improving the identification of the position of the plate-like component.

[0018] At least one of the at least three adjacent regions can be defined by, or at least as part of, a recess in the plate-like component, in one embodiment, its major surface. The depth of the recess can be in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, and in one embodiment, 0.22 mm. Such a recess as part of the position marking allows for a simple and efficient construction without protrusions beyond the major surface of the plate-like component. Such protrusions can adversely affect the sealing between individual plate-like components when stacked into a fuel cell stack.

[0019] If at least one of the at least three adjacent regions is formed by or at least as part of a recess in the plate-like component, the transition from this region to an adjacent region of the at least three adjacent regions may preferably be designed so that the radius of the transition region (seen in a cross section of the plate-like component, in particular in a cross section of the plate-like component perpendicular to the main surface) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, in one embodiment 0.15 mm.

[0020] The recesses in the major surfaces are formed so that their depth, which in one embodiment may be in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm, and in one embodiment is 0.22 mm, is less than the thickness of the plate-like component. Therefore, the recesses do not form openings through the plate-like component. Such openings could also contribute to impairing the sealing of the structure. Rather, the corresponding areas of the position markings are simply provided in the material of the plate-like component, and in particular, may be part of the mold or die from which the corresponding plate-like component is manufactured. It should be noted here that the position markings are preferably formed primarily without treatment during tool descent, provided that the edges of the recesses are burr-free and any burrs that may occur are removed.

[0021] In metal plate-like components, such as metal separator plates or end plates, which are preferably assembled with separator plates based on carbon materials, the area of ​​the position marking, which is formed at least as part of the recess, may also be formed in other ways, for example as laser gravure, as embossed portions or as structural elements.

[0022] As already mentioned, the plate-like components can be separator plates or separator plate parts, preferably separator plates already connected to an MEA (membrane electrode assembly), or separator plate parts, particularly half shells. Furthermore, the plate-like components can also include corresponding end plates of a fuel cell stack. Naturally, additional intermediate plates for sealing individual areas and / or deflecting or distributing the medium are also conceivable. These plate-like components are then stacked and appropriately aligned using position markings, achieving a reliable stacking process that is simple, efficient, and well-suited for large-scale production. This is regardless of the geometry of the outer edges, particularly their tolerances, and any burrs that may occur during manufacturing.

[0023] In particular, the separator plate or a portion of the separator plate may consist of a carbon-containing material and a matrix material, i.e., for example, a resin mixed with carbon. This material can be molded and / or cured in a mold or die. Here, the mold contains the entire geometry of the separator plate, including the functional surfaces on the one hand and the position markings on the other hand, i.e., its geometry is represented in a reverse image in the mold and can thereby be positioned very precisely relative to the other functional parts of the plate-like component. This allows for high precision, and when the position markings are used to align the individual plate-like components during stacking, high-quality fuel cell stacks can be produced simply and efficiently.

[0024] In some embodiments, respective tangents to respective sections of the surface of two of the at least three adjacent regions that are separated by another of the at least three adjacent regions can have different inclinations relative to the normal to the central plate plane.

[0025] This allows, in one embodiment, further refinement of the location of the plate-like component.

[0026] In some embodiments, two of the at least three adjacent regions that are separated by at least one other of the at least three adjacent regions have coplanar surfaces.

[0027] This can achieve the same average reflectance for two areas with coplanar surfaces, given the same roughness.

[0028] In some embodiments, at least one of the three adjacent regions is an annular region.

[0029] Such configured annular regions can enable accurate capture and relatively accurate alignment of structures, since control for aligning and positioning the position markings up and down can be achieved relatively easily, efficiently, and with high precision using at least one annular region.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one of the three adjacent regions has a convex or concave area, in one embodiment, when viewed in a cross section of the plate-like component, particularly a cross section of the plate-like component perpendicular to the major surface.

[0031] This may, in one embodiment, form a ring of light at the focus of the convex or concave area, which may further improve the contrast of the image of the position marking captured by the optical sensor.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least three adjacent regions are concentric circular regions.

[0033] This may, in one embodiment, further improve the location of the plate-like component, as the centre of the location marking may be more easily identifiable based on the concentric circular areas.

[0034] In embodiments where the at least three adjacent regions are five adjacent circular or annular concentric regions, the diameter of the innermost (circular) region of the five regions may be in the range of 2 mm to 2.5 mm, and in one embodiment 2.25 mm, and the diameter of the fourth region of the five regions, radially outward from the center of the position marking, may be in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, and in one embodiment 5 mm.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inclination angle of each tangent to each area of ​​the innermost area, the third area, and the fifth area is in the range of 0° to 5°, and in one embodiment may be 0°, the inclination angle of the tangent to the area of ​​the second area is in the range of 10° to 60°, and in one embodiment may be 20°, and the inclination angle of the tangent to the area of ​​the fourth area may be in the range of 70° to 85°.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width or length of the third of the at least three adjacent regions may be in the range of 0.4 mm to 0.45 mm, and in one embodiment may be 0.429 mm.

[0037] A second aspect of the invention relates in particular to a method for positioning and / or determining the position and / or orientation of at least one plate-like element as described above, in order to stack a plurality of plate-like elements forming a fuel cell stack, the method comprising: The optical sensor captures the position markings of the plate-like component and determines the position and / or orientation of the plate-like component based on the captured position markings. Regarding the method.

[0038] Here, in some embodiments, the plate-like component can be positioned based on the determined position and / or orientation of the plate-like component.

[0039] Further, in some embodiments, multiple plate-like components can be stacked to form a fuel cell stack, and alignment of the plate-like components can be performed by an automated stacking device based on the determined positions and / or orientations of the plate-like components.

[0040] Here, the position markings are the same markings at the same positions on all plate-like components and can therefore be used very easily as references for aligning the plate-like components with one another.

[0041] A third aspect of the invention relates to a fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of the plate-like elements described above stacked on top of one another.

[0042] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for aligning at least two plate-like components as described above with respect to one another, comprising the steps of: receiving data comprising image data of at least one position marking of a first of the at least two plate-like components captured by an optical sensor; evaluating the captured image data of at least one position marking of the first plate-like component to determine a position and / or orientation of the first plate-like component; receiving data comprising image data of at least one position marking of a second of the at least two plate-like components captured by an optical sensor; evaluating the captured image data of at least one position marking of the second plate-like component to determine a position and / or orientation of the second plate-like component; comparing the determined positions and / or orientations of the first and second plate-like components; outputting a signal to the automated stacking device to enable the automated stacking device to change the position and / or orientation of the second plate-like component, so that the first and second plate-like components are stacked on top of each other such that their positions and / or orientations are aligned; The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method comprising:

[0043] The features and advantages stated in relation to the first aspect of the invention and its advantageous forms also apply to the second, third and fourth aspects of the invention and their advantageous forms, and vice versa, at least where technically significant.

[0044] Further features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout to refer to identical or corresponding elements of the invention, and in which the drawings are at least partially schematic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for carrying out a method of stacking plate-like components to form a fuel cell stack. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a plate-like component for a fuel cell stack according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view through the plate-like component shown in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment, taken along section line AA shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view through the plate-like component shown in FIG. 2 according to another embodiment, taken along the section line AA shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram of an image captured by an optical sensor from the position marking shown in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for carrying out a method of stacking plate-like components to form a fuel cell stack, according to one embodiment.

[0047] The fuel cell stack 100 comprises at its lower end end plates 20, in particular cathode end plates or anode end plates, on top of which, optionally, intermediate plates (not shown here) are placed, followed in one embodiment by stacking separator plates 10 provided with membrane electrode assemblies. In another embodiment, this method also allows the membrane electrode assemblies to be attached to an already positioned separator plate 10, and then the next separator plate 10 to be placed or stacked on top of it.

[0048] A system for automatically carrying out this method is configured as an automatic stacking device 30, for example in the form of a robot, which comprises a gripper arm 31 and is connected via a communication connection to an optical sensor 40, which may comprise, for example, a camera. In the state shown in Figure 1, the gripper arm 31 has already removed the separator plate 10' from a storage device (not shown) for the plate-like elements 10, 20, and the separator plate 10' is stacked on top of the already stacked part of the fuel cell stack 100, such that the plate-like elements 10, 20 are aligned against or on top of each other.

[0049] In order to accurately align the plate-like components 10, 20, the plate-like components 10, 20 are provided with one or more (two in one embodiment) position markings 11 as shown in Figure 2. The system is designed to capture images of these position markings 11 by an optical sensor 40, determine the (spatial) position and alignment of the plate-like components 10, 20 in space based on the captured images, and control the movement of the gripper arm 31 so that the plate-like components 10, 20 are accurately positioned in the already stacked parts of the fuel cell stack 100.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the plate-like elements are configured as individual plates 10. In alternative embodiments (not shown in Figure 2), the plate-like elements can also be configured as cathode end plates 20, anode end plates 20, intermediate plates, separator plate half-shells, cathode end plate half-shells, anode end plate half-shells, or frames for holding membrane electrode assemblies.

[0051] The position markings 11 are located within the outer edges 13 of the plate-like components 10, 20, so that the position of the position markings 11 relative to the functional elements of the plate-like components 10, 20 (including, for example, openings 12 for supplying and discharging reactants, products, and cooling media, as well as the centrally located stream field 14) is independent of possible tolerances and / or mechanical damage of these edges 13.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the plate-like component shown in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment, along the AA section line shown in FIG. 2, and in particular along the position markings formed on the plate-like component.

[0053] The position marking 11, or part of it, comprises a recess provided in the main surface 15 of the plate-like component 10, 20, wherein the surface of the plate-like component 10, 20 comprises three adjacent circular or annular concentric regions b1, ..., b3 that are part of or form part of the position marking 11, wherein each adjacent region of the three adjacent regions b1, ..., b3 is configured such that when viewing the surface along a given direction, in particular relative to the main surface 15, each adjacent region b1, ..., b3 has a different average reflectance, at least in the visible range.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, this is achieved in particular by the respective tangents t1, t2, t3 to the respective sections of the surfaces of the respective adjacent regions b1 and b2 or b2 and b3 having respective different inclinations with respect to the normal to the central plate plane of the plate-like component 10, 20, which corresponds to the average height profile of the plate-like component 10, 20 and in one embodiment extends parallel to the main surface 15 of the plate-like component 10, 20.

[0055] Here, regions b1 and b3, separated by region b2, have coplanar surfaces, the inclination angles of tangents t1 and t3 are 0° relative to the normal to the central plate plane, and the inclination angle of tangent t2 is approximately 45° relative to the normal to the central plate plane. Furthermore, region b2 has a convex shape when viewed in the cross-sectional direction.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the plate-like component shown in FIG. 2 according to another embodiment, taken along the AA section line shown in FIG. 2, in particular along the position markings formed on the plate-like component.

[0057] The position marking 11 or a part thereof comprises a plurality of recesses, which are provided on the main surface 15 of the plate-like component 10, 20 and have a depth d (which may be in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm, and in one embodiment is 0.22 mm) which is smaller than the thickness D of the plate-like component 10, 20.

[0058] Here, the surface of the plate-like component 10, 20 comprises five adjacent circular or annular concentric regions b11, ..., b15 that are part of or form part of the position marking 11. The diameter d1 of the innermost circular region b11 may be in the range of 2 mm to 2.5 mm, and in one embodiment, 2.25 mm, the outer diameter d2 of the annular region b14 may be in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, and in one embodiment, 5 mm, and the width of the third annular region b13, viewed radially outward from the center of the position marking 11, may be in the range of 0.4 mm to 0.45 mm, and in one embodiment, 0.429 mm. Furthermore, the transitions between adjacent regions b11, ..., b15 are implemented such that each transition region (viewed in a cross section of the plate-like component 10, 20, in particular in a cross section of the plate-like component 10, 20 perpendicular to the main surface 15) has a radius in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, and in one embodiment, 0.15 mm.

[0059] Each adjacent region b11, ..., b15 of the five adjacent regions is configured such that when the surface is viewed along a given direction, each adjacent region b11, ..., b15 has a different average reflectance, at least in the visible range.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, this is achieved in particular by the fact that the respective tangents t11, ..., t15 to the respective sections of the surface of each adjacent region b11, ..., b15 have respectively different inclinations relative to the normal to the central plate plane, which corresponds to the average height profile of the plate-like components 10, 20 and runs parallel to the main surface 15.

[0061] Here, regions b11, b13, and b15 separated by regions b12 and b14 have coplanar surfaces, the inclination angles of tangents t11, t13, and t15 are 0°, the inclination angle of tangent t12 is in the range of 10° to 60°, and in a preferred embodiment is 20°, and the inclination angle of tangent t14 is in the range of 70° to 85°. Furthermore, regions b12 and b14 have convex regions when viewed in the cross-sectional direction, and region b13 has a concave region when viewed in the cross-sectional direction.

[0062] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an image captured by an optical sensor from the position marking shown in FIG.

[0063] An image 60 of the position marking 11 captured by an optical sensor 40 aligned along a given direction, in particular perpendicular to the main surface 15, comprises areas 61, ..., 65 configured corresponding to areas b11, ..., b15 of the surface of the plate-like component 10, 20, with each adjacent area 61, ..., 65 having a different brightness and therefore making it possible to clearly distinguish between the different areas b11, ..., b15 of the surface of the plate-like component 10, 20.

[0064] In one embodiment, in particular in a method for positioning and / or determining the position and / or orientation of at least one plate-shaped component 10, 20 for stacking a plurality of plate-shaped components 10, 20 to form a fuel cell stack 100, an optical sensor 40 captures a position marking 11 on the plate-shaped component 10, 20, and determines the position and / or orientation of the plate-shaped component 10, 20 based on the captured position marking 11.

[0065] Here, the plate-like components 10, 20 can be positioned based on the determined positions and / or orientations of the plate-like components 10, 20.

[0066] Here, further, multiple plate-like components 10, 20 can be stacked to form a fuel cell stack 100, and alignment of the plate-like components 10, 20 can be performed by an automatic stacking device 30 based on the determined positions and / or orientations of the plate-like components 10, 20.

[0067] 1. A computer-implemented method for aligning at least two plate-like components 10, 20, comprising: receiving data comprising image data of at least one position marking 11 of a first of the at least two plate-like components 10, 20 captured by an optical sensor 40; the captured image data of the at least one position marking 11 of the first plate-like component 10, 20 is evaluated to determine the position and / or orientation of the first plate-like component 10, 20; receiving data comprising image data of at least one position marking 11 of a second of the at least two plate-like components 10, 20 captured by an optical sensor 40; the captured image data of the at least one position marking 11 of the second plate-like component 10, 20 is evaluated to determine the position and / or orientation of the second plate-like component 10, 20; the determined positions and / or orientations of the first and second plate-like components 10, 20 are compared; A signal is output to the automatic stacking device 30, which enables the automatic stacking device 30 to change the position and / or orientation of the second plate-like component 10, 20, and the first and second plate-like components 10, 20 are stacked on top of each other so that their positions and / or orientations are aligned with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10 Separator Plate 11 Position marking 12 Opening 13 Outer edge 14 Stream Field 15 Main surface of plate-like component 20 End Plate 30 Automatic lamination device 31 Gripper Arm 40 Optical Sensor 60 Position Marking Images 61, ..., 65 Areas of the image for position marking b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15 Areas of the surface of the plate-like component t1, ..., t3; t11, ..., t15 Tangents to the area of ​​the surface of the plate-like component d1, d2 Diameter of the circular or annular area on the surface of the plate-like component d depth of recess D thickness of plate-like component

Claims

1. A plate-like component (10, 20) for a fuel cell stack (100), in particular a separator plate, a cathode endplate, an anode endplate, a separator plate half-shell, a cathode endplate half-shell, an anode endplate half-shell, or a frame for holding a membrane electrode assembly, the surface of said plate-like component (10, 20) has at least three adjacent areas (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) which form at least part of the position marking (11), each adjacent region of the at least three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) is configured such that, when viewing the surface along a given direction, each adjacent region (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) has a different average reflectance at least in the visible range, The plate-like components (10, 20).

2. 2. The plate-like component (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the surfaces of adjacent regions of each of the at least three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) have different average roughnesses.

3. 3. The plate-like component (10, 20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein respective tangents (t1, ..., t3; t11, ..., t15) to respective sections of the surface of each of the adjacent regions of the at least three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) have respective different inclinations with respect to a normal to a central plate plane corresponding to an average height profile of the plate-like component (10, 20).

4. 4. The plate-like component (10, 20) according to claim 3, wherein respective tangents (t1, ..., t3, t11, ..., t15) to the respective sections of the surface of two of the at least three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3, b11, ..., b15) that are separated by another of the at least three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3, b11, ..., b15) have respectively different inclinations with respect to the normal to the central plate plane.

5. 5. A plate-like component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein two of the at least three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) separated by at least one other of the at least three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) have coplanar surfaces.

6. 6. A plate-like component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the three adjacent regions (10, 20) is an annular region.

7. 7. The plate-like component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) has a convex or concave area.

8. 8. A plate-like component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least three adjacent regions (b1, ..., b3; b11, ..., b15) are concentric circular regions.

9. 9. A method for positioning and / or determining the position and / or orientation of at least one plate-like component (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in particular for stacking a plurality of plate-like components (10, 20) forming a fuel cell stack (100), comprising: an optical sensor (40) captures position markings (11) of the plate-like components (10, 20) and determines the position and / or orientation of the plate-like components (10, 20) based on the captured position markings (11); The method.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plate-like component (10, 20) is positioned based on the determined position and / or orientation of the plate-like component (10, 20).

11. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of plate-like components (10, 20) are stacked to form the fuel cell stack (100), and alignment of the plate-like components (10, 20) is performed by an automated stacking device (30) based on the determined positions and / or orientations of the plate-like components (10, 20).

12. A fuel cell stack (100) comprising a plurality of plate-like components according to any one of claims 1 to 8 stacked on top of one another.

13. A computer-implemented method for aligning at least two plate-like components (10, 20) with one another according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: receiving data comprising image data of at least one position marking (11) of a first of said at least two plate-like components (10, 20) captured by an optical sensor (40); evaluating the captured image data of the at least one position marking (11) of the first plate-like component (10, 20) to determine the position and / or orientation of the first plate-like component (10, 20); receiving data comprising image data of at least one position marking (11) of a second of the at least two plate-like components (10, 20) captured by the optical sensor (40); evaluating the captured image data of the at least one position marking (11) of the second plate-like component (10, 20) to determine the position and / or orientation of the second plate-like component (10, 20); comparing the determined positions and / or orientations of the first and second plate-like components (10, 20); outputting a signal to an automatic stacking device (30) to enable the automatic stacking device (30) to change the position and / or orientation of the second plate-like component (10, 20), and stacking the first and second plate-like components (10, 20) on top of each other so that their positions and / or orientations are aligned with each other; The computer-implemented method comprising:

Images