Liquid separator, separation unit, fluid-conducting unit and fuel cell device

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid separator, for example for a fuel cell device, wherein the liquid separator comprises the following: a separation space for separating liquid from a fluid; a barrier surrounding the separation space; a separation unit arranged in the separation space; and a passage which leads through the barrier and through which the fluid can be supplied to the separation space and / or through which a fluid can be discharged from the separation space; wherein the passage may, for example, be an inlet through which the fluid can be supplied to the separation space; wherein the separation unit supports the barrier such that at least a portion of a force that can act on the barrier from outside the separation space can be transmitted via the separation unit, for example via the separation unit to a support zone.

Description

[0001] Liquid separator, separation unit, fluid guide unit and fuel cell device

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of liquid separators, in particular liquid separators required for assembling and supplying a fuel cell stack of a fuel cell device.

[0003] An end plate for a fuel cell stack is known from DE 102004 049623 B4.

[0004] DE 102017 212 091 A1 discloses a fluid guide unit for supplying fuel and / or oxidizer and / or coolant to the fuel cell elements and / or for removing fuel and / or oxidizer and / or exhaust gas and / or coolant from the fuel cell elements. The fluid guide unit comprises a base body. This body comprises a plurality of fluid lines and connection points for connecting supply lines and / or removal lines and / or additional components of the fuel cell device.

[0005] In many fuel cell devices, water is formed from hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). Even in fuel cell devices powered by other fuels, water is produced as a product of the electrochemical reaction.

[0006] There is a need to guide fluids used for supplying fuel and oxidizer and for removing resulting products, e.g., in particular water, with the least possible technical effort in such a way that operation of a fuel cell device is enabled efficiently and safely.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing a fuel cell device, a liquid separator, and components therefor that can be manufactured as simply and inexpensively as possible, thus enabling efficient and safe operation. This object is achieved according to the invention by the liquid separator according to the related independent claim.

[0008] The liquid separator may, for example, be a liquid separator for a fuel cell device.

[0009] The liquid separator can serve as a liquid separator of a fuel cell device.

[0010] The liquid separator may be suitable as a liquid separator of a fuel cell device.

[0011] The liquid separator comprises a separation chamber for separating liquid from a fluid.

[0012] The fluid can preferably be a fluid that contains at least one gas and at least one liquid that is fully or partially dispersed in the gas. Preferably, the at least one gas in which the at least one liquid is dispersed can contain hydrogen. Preferably, the at least one liquid that is dispersed in the at least one gas can contain water.

[0013] The liquid separator includes a barrier surrounding the separation chamber.

[0014] The liquid separator comprises a separation unit arranged in the separation chamber. The separation unit can, for example, be a separation component according to the invention described herein.

[0015] The liquid separator comprises a passage through the barrier, through which the fluid can be supplied to the separation chamber and / or through which a fluid can be discharged from the separation chamber. The passage can, for example, be an inlet through which the fluid can be supplied to the separation chamber.

[0016] In particular, the deposition unit can support the barrier in such a way that at least part of a force that can act on the barrier from outside the deposition space can be transmitted via the deposition unit, for example, can be transmitted via the deposition unit to a support zone.

[0017] The term "in particular" is used in this description and the appended claims to describe possible optional and / or facultative features.

[0018] The force acting on the barrier from outside the separation chamber may originate from a component to which the liquid separator may be or can be connected.

[0019] For example, if the liquid separator is a liquid separator for a fuel cell device, the component may be a component of the fuel cell device different from the liquid separator.

[0020] The force that may act on the barrier from outside the separation chamber may originate from a fuel cell unit described herein, to which the liquid separator may be or can be connected.

[0021] The deposition unit can support the barrier at any point on the barrier or at any zone of the barrier.

[0022] Many possibilities are conceivable for supporting a barrier surrounding a deposition chamber at specific locations or zones of the barrier by means of a deposition unit arranged within the deposition chamber. In view of the technical teaching described herein, those skilled in the art are readily able to design a deposition unit to be incorporated into a specific deposition chamber such that a force acting on the barrier from outside the deposition chamber at a specific location or zone of the barrier can be transmitted via the deposition unit, e.g., transferred via the deposition unit to a support zone.

[0023] It may be advantageous if the separation unit supports the barrier at the passage. It is preferred if the separation unit supports the barrier at an edge zone of the barrier, with the edge zone surrounding the passage.

[0024] The force that can act on the barrier from outside the separation chamber can, in particular, be a sealing force. The force or sealing force can, in particular, be a sealing element contact force, with which a sealing element, which can extend around the passage, e.g., the inlet, is pressed against the barrier from outside the separation chamber.

[0025] The invention is based in particular on the finding that a separation unit that can be advantageously used within a separation chamber to separate a liquid from a fluid is also suitable for supporting a barrier surrounding the separation chamber. This opens up the possibility of manufacturing the barrier from materials with low flexural rigidity, such as plastics, especially plastics suitable for fuel cells. This contributes to simple production, e.g., by injection molding, which is possible with minimal material expenditure. This allows more liquid separators to be produced with the same amount of plastic.

[0026] The barrier can be designed to be particularly thin and delicate, particularly at a location or in a zone where the deposition unit supports the barrier. Nevertheless, a sealing force acting on the barrier from outside the deposition chamber, for example, can cause little or no undesirable deformation of the barrier. Consequently, a sealing element can be pressed against the barrier with a high sealing element contact force without the barrier having to be reinforced with additional reinforcements, such as reinforcing ribs, where the sealing element is pressed. This can result in savings, particularly with regard to the required installation space, and thus contribute to the efficient operation of a fuel cell device.The operation of the fuel cell device can be made safer, in particular, by increasing the sealing element contact force, which the barrier supported according to the invention can withstand, and thus counteracting hydrogen leakage particularly effectively. In particular, deformations of the barrier can be avoided. Deformations of the barrier could otherwise lead to a reduction in the sealing force and possibly even to a loss of the sealing function.

[0027] It can be advantageous if the separation unit supports the barrier at the passage at several points.

[0028] The deposition unit can be in contact with the barrier at each of the multiple locations.

[0029] In the edge zone, the barrier can, for example, extend up to the passage or up to a fluid guide rib formed on the passage.

[0030] The edge zone may extend around the passage up to the passage or up to a fluid guide rib formed on the passage.

[0031] A width of the edge zone can be the same everywhere around the passage.

[0032] The area of ​​the edge zone can be twice as large as the area of ​​the flow cross-section of the passage. Preferably, the area occupied by the edge zone can be the same size as the area of ​​the flow cross-section of the passage.

[0033] If the separation unit supports the barrier at an edge zone of the barrier, this may in particular mean that the separation unit supports the barrier exclusively or also at the edge zone of the barrier.

[0034] Preferably, a location at which the separation unit supports the barrier at the passage may be located on one side of the passage and another location at which the separation unit supports the barrier at the passage may be located on an opposite side of the passage.

[0035] It may be advantageous if the edge zone is not separated or separated from a barrier zone surrounding the edge zone. It may be particularly advantageous if the separation unit extends from a first barrier zone through the separation chamber to a second barrier zone.

[0036] It is preferred if the first barrier zone and the second barrier zone are different zones of the barrier, the first barrier zone has a first barrier inner surface and the second barrier zone has a second barrier inner surface.

[0037] It is particularly preferred if the first barrier inner surface and the second barrier inner surface face each other.

[0038] Preferably, the entire deposition space or a part of the deposition space can be located between the mutually facing barrier inner surfaces, e.g. between the first barrier inner surface and the second barrier inner surface.

[0039] Advantageously, the edge zone can be the first barrier zone or be formed within the first barrier zone. The edge zone can advantageously be located within the first barrier zone.

[0040] The edge zone may form an area of ​​the first barrier zone.

[0041] It may be preferable if the edge zone merges seamlessly into the surrounding remaining area of ​​the first barrier zone.

[0042] It may be advantageous if the support zone is the second barrier zone or is formed in the second barrier zone.

[0043] This can help ensure that at least part of the force is transferred to the support zone, resulting in more efficient support.

[0044] Preferably, the separation unit may comprise a support unit.

[0045] The support unit may preferably extend from an edge of the barrier surrounding the passage to the support zone.

[0046] The support unit can preferably extend from the edge or edge zone of the barrier to the support zone. The support unit can be, for example, column-shaped or rod-shaped. It is preferably substantially straight. The cross-section of the support unit can be arbitrary. The support unit can comprise a stiffening element, e.g., a stiffening rib, which can counteract bending of the support unit.

[0047] The separation unit can preferably comprise a plurality of support units spaced apart from one another. In addition to the aforementioned support unit, it can thus comprise one or more further support units. The plurality of support units spaced apart from one another can, in particular, be spaced apart from one another at least in sections of the support units.

[0048] It may be particularly preferred if the separation unit has at least two support units. The at least two support units can preferably extend from the edge or from the edge zone of the barrier to the support zone.

[0049] The separation unit may define an axis extending from the edge zone of the barrier or from the edge of the barrier to the support zone.

[0050] Preferably, at least part of the force along the axis can be transferred to the support zone via the deposition unit.

[0051] Preferably, the axis may be a support unit axis of the support unit.

[0052] If the deposition unit has at least two support units, the deposition unit can define at least two axes extending from the edge zone or from the edge of the barrier to the support zone, wherein at least a portion of the force along each of these axes can be transferred via the deposition unit to the support zone. The axes are then preferably support unit axes of the support units.

[0053] It may be particularly advantageous if a barrier inner surface in at least one of the barrier zones assumes a flow angle of more than 0° and less than 90° relative to a direction of extension in which the deposition unit extends through the deposition chamber. Advantageously, the second barrier inner surface in the second barrier zone can assume a flow angle of more than 0° and less than 90° relative to a direction of extension in which the deposition unit extends through the deposition chamber.

[0054] It is preferred if a barrier inner surface at at least one of the barrier zones is intersected by the axis of the deposition unit at a flow-off angle that is more than 0° and less than 90°.

[0055] Advantageously, the second barrier inner surface at the second barrier zone can be intersected by at least one support unit axis of the support unit at a runoff angle that is more than 0° and less than 90°.

[0056] The discharge angle is an angle that is referred to as the discharge angle because compliance with this angle after proper installation of the liquid separator promotes the discharge of separatable or separated liquid.

[0057] The discharge angle is advantageously more than 30° and less than 90°, e.g. more than 60° and less than 89°.

[0058] It can be advantageous if the two facing inner surfaces of the barrier are not aligned parallel to each other.

[0059] It may be advantageous if a straight line that intersects the first barrier inner surface at a right angle does not intersect the second barrier inner surface at a right angle. This straight line can preferably intersect the second barrier inner surface at a runoff angle. The runoff angle can be more than 0° and less than 90°, preferably more than 30° and less than 90°, e.g., more than 60° and less than 89°.

[0060] It may be advantageous if a first barrier outer surface of the first barrier zone is not aligned parallel to the second barrier inner surface.

[0061] Preferably, a straight line that orthogonally intersects the first barrier outer surface of the first barrier zone may not orthogonally intersect the second barrier inner surface. A runoff angle at which this straight line intersects the second barrier inner surface may be greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably greater than 30° and less than 90°, e.g., greater than 60° and less than 89°.

[0062] It may be advantageous if the passage is a first passage, e.g., a first inlet, and the liquid separator comprises a second passage leading through the barrier, e.g., a liquid outlet, wherein one of the barrier zones, e.g., the second barrier zone, forms a drainage zone merging into the second passage.

[0063] The drainage zone allows liquid that can be separated or has been separated in the separation chamber to flow away.

[0064] The second barrier inner surface may form a barrier inner surface of the drainage zone.

[0065] Preferably, a support element can be formed on at least one of the barrier zones. The support element can preferably be formed on the second barrier zone. The support element can have a support surface facing the other barrier zone, e.g., the first barrier zone. It is preferred if at least part of the support surface is offset from the inner barrier surface of the barrier zone on which the support element is formed.

[0066] It may be advantageous if part of the support surface or the entire support surface is not aligned parallel to the barrier inner surface at the barrier zone where the support element is formed.

[0067] When the support element is formed on the second barrier zone, the support surface is preferably not aligned parallel to the second barrier inner surface of the second barrier zone on which the support element is formed.

[0068] Advantageously, the support element can protrude into the separation chamber.

[0069] Advantageously, the at least one offset portion of the support surface can be offset into the deposition chamber. It is preferred if the barrier is reinforced in at least one region of the barrier zone in which the support element or a portion of the support element is formed.

[0070] The barrier can be reinforced in the area, for example, by the material thickness of a barrier material being greater there than in an adjacent area in which no support element is formed.

[0071] This can contribute to stiffening the support zone. A force acting on the barrier from outside the deposition chamber can then be partially transferred to a stiffened support zone. Consequently, the barrier is less deformed by the force, which—due to the relationships described elsewhere herein—can improve sealing in the region of the first passage, e.g., the first inlet.

[0072] It may be advantageous if a plurality of support elements are formed on at least one of the barrier zones, e.g., on the second barrier zone, and a plurality of support units of the deposition unit extend up to the plurality of support surfaces of the plurality of support elements.

[0073] It may be particularly advantageous if the separation unit divides the separation space into at least two chambers, wherein at least two of the chambers are fluidically connected to one another.

[0074] Preferably, one of the chambers can be arranged closer to the first passage, e.g., the first inlet, than another chamber. Preferably, the other chamber can extend up to the discharge zone.

[0075] This can be advantageous because, for example, the fluid flows through only one of the chambers. In another chamber, which extends to the outflow zone, the flow velocity can be significantly slowed, so that once separated, liquid that has reached the other chamber via a fluid-conducting connection is no longer entrained by the fluid, or only to a limited extent. It is particularly advantageous if a first part of the barrier is formed by a first barrier unit and a second part of the barrier is formed by a second barrier unit, with the first barrier unit being arranged on the second barrier unit.

[0076] It is preferred if a sealing zone extends between the first barrier unit and the second barrier unit. A sealing element can be arranged in the sealing zone, which can serve, in particular, to seal the separation chamber from the environment.

[0077] Preferably, the first barrier unit may be a first barrier component.

[0078] Preferably, the second barrier unit may be a second barrier component.

[0079] Any component with which at least part of the barrier of the liquid separator can be produced can be a barrier component. In particular, the term "barrier component" does not exclude the possibility that, in addition to a barrier, other regions or parts of a liquid separator or a fluid guide unit can be produced with the barrier component. For example, the barrier component can be a component of a fluid guide unit, and the fluid guide unit can comprise several subunits, wherein one of the subunits can be a liquid separator or comprise a liquid separator. A barrier component can then, for example, simultaneously represent a component of at least one further subunit.

[0080] The first barrier unit, e.g., the first barrier component, may contain a plastic or be formed from a plastic. The first barrier unit, e.g., the first barrier component, may be obtainable or obtained by primary molding or by forming from a plastic-based starting material.

[0081] The second barrier unit, e.g., the second barrier component, may contain a plastic or be formed from a plastic. The second barrier unit, e.g., the second barrier component, may be obtainable or obtained by primary molding or by forming from a plastic-based starting material.

[0082] It may be advantageous if the deposition unit is a deposition component, wherein the deposition unit, e.g. the deposition component, can be obtained or obtained by primary forming or forming from a plastic-based starting material.

[0083] The plastic can preferably be a plastic suitable for fuel cells.

[0084] The plastic can in particular be a plastic suitable for fuel cells.

[0085] A fuel cell-suitable plastic or fuel cell-suitable plastic-based composite can be obtained from the plastic-based starting material.

[0086] Preferably, at least one of the barrier units, preferably at least the second barrier unit, has a recess, and the deposition space extends into the recess.

[0087] Preferably, the depression can taper toward a bottom of the depression. The bottom can preferably form the second barrier zone, e.g., the support zone. As a result of the taper, the extension of the second barrier zone, e.g., the support zone, can be particularly small, making it more difficult to deform.

[0088] Preferably, the first barrier zone is formed by the first barrier unit and the second barrier zone is formed by the second barrier unit.

[0089] Preferably, the first passage, e.g. the first inlet, leads through the first barrier unit.

[0090] Advantageously, the first barrier unit can be a plate or comprise a plate, wherein the plate can be, for example, a cover plate. It is preferred if the plate, e.g., the cover plate, covers the recess. Preferably, the plate, e.g., the cover plate, can cover the recess and the sealing zone extending between the first barrier unit and the second barrier unit.

[0091] Preferably, the first barrier zone can be a flat wall zone or comprise a flat wall zone, wherein it is preferred if the flat wall zone extends to the sealing zone or beyond the sealing zone. Alternatively, or in addition to the possibility of the flat wall zone extending to the sealing zone or beyond the sealing zone, the first barrier unit can be the plate or comprise the plate, and the flat wall zone can be formed by the plate.

[0092] It is particularly preferred if the barrier in the first barrier zone is less curved than in the second barrier zone and the support zone is the second barrier zone or is formed in the second barrier zone.

[0093] Even a slightly pronounced curvature of the second barrier zone can significantly increase the flexural rigidity of the barrier in the area of ​​the second support zone. If at least part of the force acting on the barrier from outside the separation chamber can be transferred to the support zone via the separation unit, this increased flexural rigidity can result in increased flexural rigidity of the first barrier zone via a supporting separation unit. The desired supporting effect can then be particularly pronounced without additional effort in the manufacture of the liquid separator.

[0094] This is especially true if the recess tapers from the first barrier zone to the second barrier zone, especially towards the support zone. This can also result in increased flexural rigidity.

[0095] Preferably, the sealing zone extending between the first barrier unit and the second barrier unit can define an area surrounded by the sealing zone, and the passage, e.g., the first passage, preferably the inlet, e.g., the first inlet, can have a flow cross-section, wherein the area of ​​the flow cross-section is at most 25% of the area surrounded by the sealing zone. Preferably, the area of ​​the flow cross-section can be at most 22.5% of the area surrounded by the sealing zone, e.g., at most 17.5% of the area surrounded by the sealing zone.

[0096] Especially when the flow cross-section is small compared to the area surrounded by the sealing zone, the barrier can be deformed by the force acting on it from outside the separation chamber. Transferring the force via the separation unit may then be particularly desirable to counteract unwanted deformation. It can be particularly advantageous if the liquid separator includes a positioning element that restricts the mobility of the separation unit within the separation chamber.

[0097] A restriction of mobility can mean that a limited mobility remains or that the mobility is completely restricted. If the mobility is completely restricted, the deposition unit can be immobile relative to the surrounding barrier, e.g., by one or more positioning elements.

[0098] The positioning element can, for example, be a positioning projection.

[0099] The positioning element, e.g., the positioning projection, can in particular be arranged or configured such that it restricts mobility of the deposition unit within the deposition space orthogonal to the direction of the force.

[0100] This may mean, in particular, that a mobility of the deposition unit within the deposition space, which is orthogonal to the direction of the force, is restricted by the positioning element or the positioning projection.

[0101] The positioning element or the positioning projection can in particular be arranged or designed such that a range of movement of the deposition unit within the deposition space is restricted by the positioning element or by the positioning projection.

[0102] The positioning element or the positioning projection may extend from the barrier, e.g. from one of the barrier units, towards the deposition unit.

[0103] The positioning element or the positioning projection may extend from the deposition unit towards the barrier, e.g. towards one of the barrier units.

[0104] It is preferred if a positioning element, e.g., a positioning projection, extends into a liquid passage located between the separation unit and at least one of the barrier units. The liquid passage can be located, for example, between the separation unit and the second barrier unit.

[0105] It can be particularly advantageous if the liquid separator comprises a first positioning element and a second positioning element. Preferably, the first positioning element and the second positioning element can each restrict the mobility of the separation unit within the separation chamber. It can be advantageous if the first positioning element is further away from the second barrier zone than the second positioning element.

[0106] This can be particularly advantageous since the first positioning element can be used to restrict the mobility of the deposition unit in an area further away from the second barrier zone and the second positioning element can be used to restrict the mobility of the deposition unit in an area closer to the second barrier zone.

[0107] The first positioning element may preferably be a first positioning projection. The second positioning element may preferably be a second positioning projection.

[0108] A positioning element can extend from the separation unit transversely to the direction of the force that can act on the barrier from outside the separation chamber. This positioning element can extend into a gap serving as a fluid passage between the barrier and the separation unit in such a way that the fluid passage cannot be closed by movement of the separation unit within the separation chamber.

[0109] Preferably, the deposition unit can be a deposition component that is or can be accommodated in the deposition chamber. The deposition component can, for example, be accommodated or can be accommodated entirely or partially in the recess.

[0110] The object is achieved according to the invention by the separation unit according to the relevant independent claim. The separation unit is a separation unit for a liquid separator, e.g., for a liquid separator according to the invention described herein.

[0111] The separation unit can in particular be a separation component and the separation unit can be accommodated in a separation chamber of a liquid separator, e.g. in the separation chamber of the liquid separator according to the invention described herein.

[0112] The deposition unit comprises, in particular, the following: an intermediate barrier for dividing the deposition space, into which the deposition unit can be accommodated, into a first chamber and a second chamber; and a support unit capable of supporting a barrier surrounding the deposition space such that at least part of a force acting on the barrier from outside the deposition space can be transmitted via the deposition unit, e.g., can be transmitted via the deposition unit to a support zone.

[0113] Preferably, the deposition unit may comprise a further intermediate barrier for further subdividing the deposition space into which the deposition unit can be accommodated.

[0114] Preferably, the intermediate barrier for dividing the deposition space into the first chamber and the second chamber can form a first intermediate barrier and the further intermediate barrier can form a second intermediate barrier.

[0115] At least one of the intermediate barriers may be wall-shaped. Preferably, both intermediate barriers may be wall-shaped.

[0116] At least one of the intermediate barriers may be a partition wall. Preferably, both intermediate barriers may be partition walls.

[0117] It may be advantageous if the deposition unit comprises at least two intermediate barriers, and at least two of the intermediate barriers intersect. Preferably, one intermediate barrier, e.g., the second intermediate barrier, can intersect the first intermediate barrier. The angle at which the intermediate barriers intersect can be 5° to 90°, preferably 10° to 90°, particularly preferably 20° to 90°, e.g., 45° to 90°.

[0118] Preferably, the intermediate barriers can divide the deposition space into which the deposition unit can be accommodated into a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber, in particular into a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber and a fourth chamber.

[0119] Preferably, the support unit may be a first support unit, wherein the deposition unit comprises a second support unit and optionally one or more further support units, wherein the support units are capable of supporting a barrier surrounding the deposition space in such a way that at least part of a force that may act on the barrier from outside the deposition space can be transmitted via the support units, e.g., can be transmitted via the support units to a support zone.

[0120] Preferably, the separation unit can define one or more flow zones, wherein a portion of a fluid that can flow into the first chamber of the separation unit can flow out of the first chamber via the flow zone or the flow zones.

[0121] The part of the fluid that can flow out of the first chamber via the flow zone or the flow zones can be a gas-rich part of the fluid that is available after separation of liquid.

[0122] It is preferred if at least one flow zone passes between two support units.

[0123] Preferably, at least one flow zone has a larger flow cross-section than a liquid passage connecting the first chamber to another chamber, e.g., the second chamber. The liquid passage connecting the first chamber to another chamber, e.g., the second chamber, whose flow cross-section is referred to here, can be a liquid passage leading through an intermediate barrier or a liquid passage leading between the barrier and an intermediate barrier.

[0124] The object is achieved according to the invention by the fluid guide unit according to the relevant independent claim.

[0125] The fluid guide unit may, for example, be a fluid guide unit for a fuel cell device.

[0126] The fluid guide unit comprises a first subunit which comprises a liquid separator according to the invention described herein or is a liquid separator according to the invention described herein.

[0127] The fluid guide unit comprises a second subunit for guiding another fluid.

[0128] In the liquid separator of the fluid guide unit, a first part of the barrier can be formed by the first barrier unit and a second part of the barrier can be formed by the second barrier unit, wherein the first barrier unit is arranged on the second barrier unit, wherein it is preferred if a sealing zone and / or a connecting zone, e.g. a welding zone, extends between the first barrier unit and the second barrier unit, wherein a materially bonded connection of the barrier units can exist in the connecting zone, wherein, for example, a weld seam can connect the two barrier units in the welding zone.

[0129] The sealing zone can be formed by the connection zone, whereby, for example, the weld seam can completely or partially prevent fluid leakage between the barrier units and thus create a sealing effect.

[0130] Preferably, the two barrier units can also surround a space of the second subunit through which the further fluid in the second subunit can be guided.

[0131] This object is achieved according to the invention by the fuel cell device according to the related independent claim. The fuel cell device can, for example, be a fuel cell device for a motor vehicle powered by a fuel cell device.

[0132] The fuel cell device comprises a liquid separator according to the invention described herein or a fluid guide unit according to the invention described herein.

[0133] The fuel cell device comprises a fuel cell unit.

[0134] A fluid outlet of the fuel cell unit, through which a hydrogen-containing fluid available from the anodes of the fuel cell unit can be discharged from the fuel cell unit, is fluidly connected to the inlet of the liquid separator. The hydrogen-containing fluid available from the anodes of the fuel cell unit can be a fluid flowing out of the anodes of the fuel cell unit that contains residual hydrogen due to incomplete conversion.

[0135] The force that can act on the barrier from outside the separation chamber is a sealing element contact force with which a sealing element arranged in the transition from the fluid outlet to the inlet is pressed onto the inlet.

[0136] A fuel cell device according to the invention can comprise a fluid conditioning unit according to the invention as described herein and a fuel cell unit. Preferably, the fluid conditioning unit can be arranged on the fuel cell unit such that a surface of the fuel cell unit, e.g., a surface of a housing of the fuel cell unit, is pressed onto the bulge blocking structure such that the barrier bulges toward the recess.

[0137] A fuel cell device according to the invention can comprise a fluid conditioning unit and a fuel cell unit. Preferably, the fluid conditioning unit can be arranged on the fuel cell unit such that a surface of the fuel cell unit having a bulge blocking structure, e.g., a surface of a housing of the fuel cell unit having the bulge blocking structure, is pressed onto the barrier such that the barrier bulges toward the recess. If the surface of the fuel cell unit has the bulge blocking structure, the bulge blocking structure can be as described herein in connection with the bulge blocking structure of the barrier.

[0138] The object is achieved according to the invention by the fluid conditioning unit according to the relevant independent claim.

[0139] The fluid conditioning unit may, for example, be a fluid conditioning unit for a fuel cell device.

[0140] The fluid conditioning unit may, for example, be a liquid separator, in particular a liquid separator according to the invention as described herein.

[0141] The fluid conditioning unit can be, for example, a fluid guide unit, in particular a fluid guide unit according to the invention as described herein.

[0142] The fluid conditioning unit may, for example, be a subunit of a fluid guide subunit, in particular one of the subunits of a fluid guide subunit according to the invention described herein.

[0143] The fluid conditioning unit can, for example, be a heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger unit can, for example, comprise a plate heat exchanger.

[0144] The fluid conditioning unit comprises a conditioning chamber in which a supply fluid can be converted into a discharge fluid by conditioning above an ambient pressure.

[0145] The conditioning may in particular comprise changing a state, e.g. a temperature, a pressure and / or a composition, of the supply fluid.

[0146] The fluid conditioning unit comprises a barrier surrounding the conditioning space, wherein it is preferred if the barrier has a bulge blocking structure. Preferably, the barrier can have the bulge blocking structure on a barrier outer surface, e.g., on a first barrier outer surface of a first barrier zone described herein.

[0147] It is understood that the fluid conditioning unit according to the invention may have one or more of the features that a liquid separator according to the invention described herein may have. This also applies if the fluid conditioning unit is not a liquid separator or does not have a liquid separator.

[0148] For example, a first part of the barrier can preferably be formed by a first barrier unit, and a second part of the barrier can be formed by a second barrier unit. The first barrier unit can be arranged on the second barrier unit.

[0149] It is preferred if a connecting zone, e.g. welding zone, extends between the first barrier unit and the second barrier unit, wherein a material connection of the barrier units can exist in the connecting zone.

[0150] In the welding zone, for example, a weld seam, which can be formed in particular from or with a plastic, can connect the two barrier units. The plastic can preferably be a plastic from which at least one of the barrier units is formed.

[0151] It may be preferred if at least one of the barrier units, preferably at least the second barrier unit, has a recess and the conditioning space extends into the recess.

[0152] It may be advantageous if the first barrier zone is formed by the first barrier unit and the second barrier zone is formed by the second barrier unit.

[0153] It may be preferred if the first barrier unit is a plate or comprises a plate, wherein the plate may be, for example, a cover plate, wherein it is preferred if the plate, for example, the cover plate, covers the recess.

[0154] It may be preferred if the first barrier zone is or comprises a flat wall zone. It may be preferred if the flat wall zone extends to the connecting zone or beyond the connecting zone and / or if the first barrier unit is the plate or comprises the plate and the flat wall zone is formed by the plate.

[0155] It may be advantageous if the first barrier unit has the bulge blocking structure, wherein it is preferred if the plate, e.g. the cover plate, has the bulge blocking structure.

[0156] It may be advantageous if the fluid conditioning unit is the liquid separator, in particular the liquid separator according to the invention described herein, and / or if the fluid conditioning unit is the fluid guide unit according to the invention described herein. The separation chamber of the liquid separator can be the conditioning chamber, and the fluid can be the supply fluid.

[0157] It may be advantageous if the fluid conditioning unit is a heat exchanger unit. The conditioning chamber can be a heat transfer chamber of the heat exchanger unit, in which the supply fluid, e.g., a gas containing molecular hydrogen (H2), can be conditioned by heating. In the heat exchanger unit, heat can be transferred from a temperature control medium, e.g., from a temperature control medium that can be heated or is heated by the reaction in a fuel cell, to the supply fluid.

[0158] Preferably, the bulge blocking structure can comprise a first bulge blocking element, which can be, for example, a first support unit, and / or a second bulge blocking element, which can be, for example, a second support unit. The support unit can serve to support the barrier, e.g., to support the barrier on a fuel cell unit. This can counteract a bulge in the barrier that can occur as a result of the pressure prevailing in the conditioning chamber.

[0159] Preferably, the barrier can have a first thickening and / or a first reinforcement zone on the first bulge-blocking element. Preferably, the barrier can have a second thickening and / or a second reinforcement zone on the second bulge-blocking element. There, the material thickness of the barrier can be greater than in a region of the barrier adjacent to the respective thickening and / or the respective reinforcement zone. A thickening or reinforcement can lead to a stiffening of the barrier, so that a bulging of the barrier cannot occur or can occur to a lesser extent if there is excess pressure in the conditioning chamber.

[0160] The forces acting on the connection zone, e.g. on the weld seam, can be significantly lower than without a bulge blocking structure.

[0161] Advantageously, material fatigue can be reduced and thus the longevity and operational reliability of a fuel cell device can be increased.

[0162] The bulge blocking structure may extend in a first reinforcement direction and a second reinforcement direction, wherein the two reinforcement directions are preferably not aligned parallel to each other. A reinforcement direction may be a direction along which at least a portion of a bulge blocking element extends.

[0163] It may be advantageous if at least one section of the bulge-blocking structure along the barrier is offset from all support zones. If only one support zone is present, it may be advantageous if at least one section of the bulge-blocking structure along the barrier is offset from the support zone.

[0164] The bulge blocking structure section is a section of the bulge blocking structure. The support zone is a zone of the barrier in which the deposition unit supports the barrier. In a support zone, a surface of the barrier can be in contact with or be in contact with another surface of the barrier.

[0165] Of course, features described in connection with an inventive subject matter can also form features of another inventive subject matter described herein. Subject matters according to the invention include, in particular, the liquid separator, the separation unit, the fluid guide unit, the fluid conditioning unit, and the fuel cell device. Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0166] The drawings show:

[0167] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fluid guide unit;

[0168] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the fluid guide unit from Fig. 1 without the first barrier unit;

[0169] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the second barrier unit of the fluid guide unit from Fig. 1;

[0170] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the fluid guide unit from Fig. 1, showing three components of the fluid guide unit;

[0171] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the deposition component of Fig. 4;

[0172] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the deposition component arranged on the first barrier unit;

[0173] Fig. 7 shows a section through the liquid separator of the fluid guide unit from Fig. 1;

[0174] Fig. 8 shows the section from Fig. 7 without the separation component;

[0175] Fig. 9 is a section through the fluid guide unit shown in Fig. 1;

[0176] Fig. 10 shows a further section through the liquid separator of the fluid guide unit from Fig. 1; Fig. 11 shows a further schematic perspective view of the liquid separator from Fig. 1 without the first barrier unit;

[0177] Fig. 12 is a view of the deposition component;

[0178] Fig. 13 is an enlarged sectional view of the support zone of the liquid separator;

[0179] Fig. 14 is a sectional view essentially showing the first barrier unit of the fluid guide unit of Fig. 1;

[0180] Fig. 15 shows a section through the separation component of the fluid guide unit from Fig. 1;

[0181] Fig. 16 shows a further section through the separation component of the fluid guide unit from Fig. 1;

[0182] Fig. 17 a fluid guide unit with several fluid conditioning units;

[0183] Fig. 18 two fluid conditioning units from Fig. 17;

[0184] Fig. 19 is a simplified schematic sectional view of a fluid guide unit on a surface of a fuel cell unit;

[0185] Fig. 20 a simplified schematic sectional view of a

[0186] Fluid conditioning unit on a surface of a fuel cell unit and

[0187] Fig. 21 a simplified schematic sectional view of another

[0188] Fluid conditioning unit on another surface of a fuel cell unit.

[0189] Fig. 1 shows a fluid guide unit 100. The fluid guide unit 100 is a fluid guide unit for a fuel cell device. The fluid guide unit 100 includes a liquid separator 102. The liquid separator 102 is therefore a liquid separator 102 for a fuel cell device.

[0190] The liquid separator comprises a separation chamber 104 for separating liquid from a fluid.

[0191] The liquid separator 102 comprises a barrier 106 surrounding the separation chamber 104.

[0192] The liquid separator 102 includes a passage 108 leading through the barrier 106, through which a fluid can be supplied to the separation chamber 104. The passage 108 is an inlet 110. The fluid can be supplied to the separation chamber 104 through the inlet 110.

[0193] The fluid guide unit 100 comprises a first subunit 112 and a second subunit 114.

[0194] The first subunit 112 comprises the liquid separator 102. The second subunit 114 also comprises a passage 116 leading through the barrier 106.

[0195] The passage 116 is an outlet 118. A fluid can be discharged from a space 120 through the outlet 118.

[0196] A first part of the barrier 106 is formed by a first barrier unit 122. A second part of the barrier 106 is formed by a second barrier unit 124.

[0197] In Fig. 2, the fluid guide unit 100 is shown without the first barrier unit 122. The separation chamber 104 represents a first chamber 119 of the fluid guide unit 100. The chamber 120 described in connection with the second subunit 114 represents a second chamber of the fluid guide unit 100.

[0198] In Fig. 2, it can be clearly seen that the liquid separator comprises a separation unit 126 arranged in the separation chamber 104. The separation unit 126 can promote the separation of liquid contained in the fluid that can be supplied to the separation chamber through the inlet 110.

[0199] Fig. 2 also shows that the deposition unit 126 includes an intermediate barrier 128 for dividing the deposition chamber 104. The intermediate barrier 128 visible here is formed by a wall element 130.

[0200] Fig. 3 shows the fluid guide unit from Fig. 1 without the first barrier unit 122 and without the separation unit 126.

[0201] In Fig. 3 it can be clearly seen that the second barrier unit 124 has a recess 132 and the deposition space 104 extends into the recess 132.

[0202] The recess 132 tapers towards a bottom of the recess 132. The bottom of the recess 132 forms the support zone 190, which is shown, for example, in Fig. 7.

[0203] The second barrier unit 124 has a second recess 134. The second space 120 extends into the second recess 134.

[0204] Fig. 4 shows the fluid guide unit 100 in an exploded view. The second barrier unit 124 is shown at the top of Fig. 4. The separation unit 126 is shown in the middle. The first barrier unit 122 is shown at the bottom. It can be clearly seen that the first barrier unit 122, the second barrier unit 124, and the separation unit 126 are each a component 136, 138, 140, wherein the fluid guide unit 100, its first subunit 112, its second subunit 114, and the liquid separator comprised by the first subunit can be manufactured by assembling the three components 136, 138, and 140.

[0205] The deposition unit 126 is a deposition component 142. The deposition component 142 can be accommodated in the deposition chamber 104, which is not shown in the exploded view of Fig. 4. It can be accommodated in the recess 132 shown in Fig. 3. The deposition component 142 can therefore be understood as a deposition insert 144 that can be inserted into the deposition chamber 104. As will become clear from the following explanations of further figures, the separation insert 144 simultaneously forms a support insert 146, since the separation insert 144, i.e. the separation unit 126, is capable of supporting the barrier 106 in such a way that at least part of a force that can act on the barrier 106 from outside the separation space 104 can be transmitted via the separation unit 126, for example, can be transmitted via the separation unit 126 to the support zone 190.

[0206] The first barrier unit 122 is a plate 148. The plate 148 is a cover plate 150. In the assembled state of the fluid guide unit 100, the plate 148 covers the recess 132.

[0207] The liquid separator comprises a fluid guide rib 152. The fluid guide rib 152 is a fluid guide rib 156 surrounding the passage 108. In an assembled state of the fluid guide unit 100, the fluid guide rib 152 extends from an edge zone 154 into the separation chamber 104. In the example shown here, the fluid guide rib 152 is formed directly on an edge 158, which extends directly to the passage 108.

[0208] The passage 108 extending through the first barrier unit 122 and thus leading through the barrier 106 is a first passage.

[0209] The liquid separator 102 includes a second passage 160 leading through the barrier 106. The passage 160 is an outlet 162 through which liquid that may collect in the separation chamber 104 can be discharged. The outlet 162 is thus a liquid outlet 164.

[0210] The liquid separator 102 comprises a third passage 166 leading through the barrier 106. The passage 166 is a further outlet 168. In particular, a gas that is produced during the separation of liquid in the liquid separator 102 can be discharged from the liquid separator 102 through the outlet 168.

[0211] Fig. 5 shows the separation unit 126 already mentioned in connection with Figs. 2 and 4. The separation unit 126 is therefore a separation unit 126 for a liquid separator 102. The separation unit 126 is a separation component 142. The separation unit 126 can be accommodated in a separation chamber 104 of a liquid separator 102.

[0212] The deposition unit 126 comprises a first intermediate barrier 170 for dividing the deposition space 104, into which the deposition unit 126 can be accommodated, into a first chamber 172 and a second chamber 174.

[0213] The first chamber 172 and the second chamber 174 are separated by the barrier 106 from an environment surrounding the deposition space 104, which is clear, for example, from Fig. 9.

[0214] The deposition unit 126 comprises six support units 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186. A first support unit is designated by reference numeral 176. A second support unit is designated by reference numeral 178. A third support unit is designated by reference numeral 180. A fourth support unit is designated by reference numeral 182. A fifth support unit is designated by reference numeral 184. A sixth support unit is designated by reference numeral 186.

[0215] The support units are capable of supporting a barrier surrounding the separation chamber 104 in such a way that at least part of a force 188, which is indicated in Fig. 9 and which can act on the barrier 106 from outside the separation chamber 104, can be transferred via the support units to a support zone 190, also shown in Fig. 9.

[0216] As can be clearly seen in particular from Fig. 5, the deposition unit 126 comprises a second intermediate barrier 192 for further subdividing the deposition chamber 104. Some of the support units 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186 are provided with stiffening elements 194, whereby only the stiffening elements 194 of the first support unit 176 are provided with reference numerals. The second intermediate barrier 192 forms the wall element 130, which can also be seen in Fig. 2.

[0217] The first intermediate barrier 170 forms a floor element 196.

[0218] The first intermediate barrier 170 has fluid passages 198. The fluid passages 198 form fluid-conducting connections from the first chamber 172 to the second chamber 174. For reasons of clarity, only some of the fluid passages 198 are provided with reference numerals.

[0219] The separation unit 126 defines a first flow zone 200 and a second flow zone 202. A portion of a fluid that can flow into the first chamber 172 of the separation unit 126 can flow out of the first chamber 172 via the flow zones 200 and 202. The first flow zone 200 passes between the first support unit 176 and the second support unit 178. The second flow zone 202 passes between the second support unit 178 and the third support unit 180.

[0220] The deposition unit 126 defines a positioning zone 204. The positioning zone 204 extends between the second intermediate barrier 192 on one side and the first, second and third support units 176, 178 and 180 on the other side, into the deposition unit 126.

[0221] The separation unit 126 has positioning elements 206. The positioning elements 206 are positioning projections 208. The positioning elements 206 are formed on the first intermediate barrier 170. When the separation unit 126 is received in the separation space 104, the positioning elements 206 of the separation unit 126 extend into a liquid passage 210 located between the separation unit 126 and the second barrier unit 124. The liquid passage 210 is thus partially defined by the second barrier unit 124, as shown, for example, in Fig. 11, described in more detail below. Fig. 11 clearly shows that the liquid passage 210 is a gap 212.

[0222] The separation unit 126 defines several axes 214 extending from the edge zone 154 of the barrier 106 to the support zone 190. The axes 214 are support unit axes 216 of the support units 176, 178, 180, 182, 184 and 186. For reasons of clarity, only one of these axes is shown in Fig. 5.

[0223] Fig. 6 shows how the deposition unit 126 is arranged in the assembled state on the first barrier unit 122. From Fig. 6, it can be seen that the deposition unit 126 extends from a first barrier zone 218 through the deposition chamber 104. The first barrier zone 218 is formed by the first barrier unit 122. The first barrier zone 218 is a zone 220 of the barrier 106. The first barrier zone 218 has a first barrier inner surface 222.

[0224] Fig. 7 shows that the deposition unit 126 extends from the first barrier zone 218 through the deposition chamber 104 to a second barrier zone 224. The second barrier zone is another zone 226 of the barrier 106. The second barrier zone 224 has a second barrier inner surface 228.

[0225] The second barrier inner surface 228 is intersected at the second barrier zone 224 by the support unit axes 216 of each support unit 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186 at a runoff angle 230. In the example shown here, the runoff angle 230 is approximately 85°.

[0226] The outflow angle 230 is also the angle that the second barrier inner surface 228 assumes with respect to an extension direction 232 in which the deposition unit 126 extends through the deposition space 104.

[0227] In the example shown here, the extension direction corresponds to the direction of the support unit axis 216. The force 188 acts parallel to the extension direction 232 and to the support unit axis 216.

[0228] The first barrier inner surface 222 and the second barrier inner surface 228 are not aligned parallel to each other.

[0229] Fig. 7 shows that the first barrier unit 122 has a first barrier outer surface 234 in the region of the first barrier zone 218.

[0230] The first barrier outer surface 234 of the first barrier zone 218 is not aligned parallel to the second barrier inner surface 228.

[0231] Fig. 8 corresponds to Fig. 7, with only the deposition unit 126 omitted in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows that a plurality of support elements 238 are formed on the second barrier zone 224. Not all of the support elements 238 formed on the second barrier zone 224 are visible in the section shown. Some of the support elements 238 are located in a region that is cut off in the sectional view shown.

[0232] The support elements 238 each have a support surface 240. The support surface 240 of the respective support element 238 faces the first barrier zone 218.

[0233] The second barrier zone 224 forms a drainage zone 242 which merges into the second passage 160. Liquid which can be separated in the separation chamber 104 can flow through the drainage zone 242 and can be discharged from the separation chamber in a controlled manner at desired times, in accordance with the control of the valve (not shown), via the liquid outlet 164, in which, for example, a valve can be arranged or which, for example, can be connected to a valve.

[0234] Fig. 9 shows that the second intermediate barrier 192 of the deposition unit 126 serves to further subdivide the deposition space 104.

[0235] While the first intermediate barrier 170 divides the separation space 104 in one direction into the first chamber 172 and the second chamber 174, which are fluidically connected to one another, the second intermediate barrier 192 divides the separation space 104 in another direction, thereby additionally defining a third chamber 175 and a fourth chamber 177.

[0236] The first intermediate barrier 170 acts as a floor element 196, so that the first chamber 172 is arranged above the second chamber 174 and the third chamber 175 is arranged above the fourth chamber 177.

[0237] The second intermediate barrier 192 acts as a wall element 130, so that the third chamber 175 is arranged next to the first chamber 172 and the fourth chamber 177 is arranged next to the second chamber 174.

[0238] A sealing zone 244 extends between the first barrier unit 122 and the second barrier unit 124. A sealing element, which can be accommodated in the sealing zone 244 and can serve to seal the separation chamber 104 from the environment, is not shown.

[0239] The first barrier zone 218 is a flat wall zone 246. The flat wall zone 246 extends to the sealing zone 244. The flat wall zone 246 is formed by the plate 148, e.g., the cover plate 150.

[0240] The edge-sealing zone distance 248 of the sealing zone 244 from the edge 158 of the passage 108 shown in Fig. 9 is significantly greater than the wall thickness 250 in the first barrier zone 218. The wall thickness 250 is only about 3% of the edge-sealing zone distance 248 shown in Fig. 9.

[0241] The force 188, which can act on the barrier 106 from outside the deposition chamber 104, can in particular be a sealing element contact force 189, with which a sealing element, not shown in Fig. 9, can be pressed onto the first barrier outer surface 234 in the region of the edge zone 154. According to the invention, at least part of this sealing element contact force 189 can be transmitted via the deposition unit 126.

[0242] At least a portion of this sealing element contact force 189 can be transferred, for example, to the support zone 190 described herein. This can, in particular, ensure that when the sealing element contact force 189 is applied by pressing a sealing element onto the first barrier outer surface 234, no pronounced deformation of the first barrier unit 122 occurs in the region around the passage 108. Consequently, an effective seal can be achieved by a pressed-on sealing element on the first barrier outer surface 234. In particular, it is possible to design the first barrier unit 122 or the first barrier zone 218 with a particularly small wall thickness 250 and still apply a high sealing element contact force 189.

[0243] The recess 132 tapers from the first barrier zone 218 toward the second barrier zone 224, in particular toward the support zone 190. Fig. 9 shows that the first barrier zone 218 extends beyond the outlet 168, i.e., its extent is significantly greater than the extent of the support zone 190. Fig. 10 illustrates how a liquid 256 can be separated and a gas 258 can be obtained from a fluid 254 in the separation chamber 104. This is schematically represented in the figure by the thick arrows, which, of course, only roughly approximate the flow directions of fluid, liquid, and gas.

[0244] The fluid that can be fed into the separation chamber 104 through the inlet 110 enters a deflection zone 260, where deflection can occur. Gaseous components with a lower density can be preferentially deflected, whereas liquid components with a higher density tend to maintain the original flow direction of the fluid 254.

[0245] The separation unit 126 defines several flow zones 200, 202, which were already discussed in connection with Fig. 5. A portion of the fluid 254 that can flow into the first chamber 172 of the separation unit 126 can flow out of the first chamber 172 via the flow zones 200, 202. The flow zones 200, 202 each pass between two support units, which is particularly clearly visible in Fig. 5.

[0246] Fig. 11 shows the liquid separator 102 without the first barrier unit 122. The viewing direction runs in the flow direction of the fluid 254 that can flow in through the inlet 110. From Fig. 11, it can be clearly seen that the positioning elements 206, which are positioning projections 208, extend in different directions toward the barrier 106. This limits the mobility of the separation unit 126 within the separation chamber 104, in particular the mobility of the separation unit 126 within the separation chamber 104 orthogonal to the direction of the force 188, e.g., the sealing element contact force 189, which can also act in the viewing direction of the observer.

[0247] The positioning elements each extend into a fluid passage 210 located between the separation unit 126 and the second barrier unit 124. The fluid passage 210 is a gap 212. This connects the first chamber 172 to the second chamber 174, as well as the third chamber 175 to the fourth chamber 177. Fig. 12 shows the separation unit 126. The separation unit 126 is a separation component 142. The separation unit 126 has support surfaces at the ends of the support units 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186. Fig. 12 shows, by way of example, only the support surfaces 262 and 264 of the first support unit 176. The support surfaces 262 and 264 are flat. They are each cut orthogonally by the support unit axis 216. The two support angles 266 and 268, at which the support unit axis 216 intersects the support surface 262 and 264, respectively, are each 90°.

[0248] Fig. 13 shows that at least a portion of the support surfaces 240 is offset from the barrier inner surface 228 on which the respective support element 238 is formed. There is an offset 270 of at least a portion of the support surface 240 relative to the barrier inner surface 228.

[0249] The support elements 238 each extend into the deposition chamber 104. In particular, at least one offset portion of the support surfaces 240 extends into the deposition chamber 104. The at least one offset portion of the support surfaces 240 is offset into the deposition chamber 104.

[0250] The barrier 106 is reinforced in at least one region 272 of the barrier zone 224 in which a support element or part of a support element is formed. The barrier 106 is reinforced in the region 272 in that the material thickness of a barrier material 274 is greater there than in an adjacent region 276 in which no support element 238 is formed.

[0251] The second barrier inner surface 228 at the second barrier zone 224 forms a runoff angle 230 of approximately 85° relative to an extension direction 232 in which the deposition unit extends through the deposition chamber 104. A runoff gradient 278 can therefore be approximately 5° in the example shown. The support surfaces 240 of the support elements 238 can be oriented orthogonally to the extension direction in which the deposition unit 126 extends through the deposition chamber 104. The support angles 268 between the extension direction 232 and the support surfaces 240 of the support elements 238 are 90°.

[0252] In the section shown in Fig. 14, the passage 108 is clearly visible. The first barrier inner surface 222 faces the viewer. The edge zone 154 is formed in the first barrier zone 218. The first edge zone 154 is a part of the first barrier zone 218 that differs from the rest of the first barrier zone 218 in that the deposition unit 126 supports the barrier 106 at the edge zone. The edge zone 154 surrounds the passage 108.

[0253] In the edge zone 154, the barrier 106 extends up to the passage 108. Fig. 14 shows the sealing zone 244 and an area 280 surrounded by the sealing zone 244. The area 280 surrounded by the sealing zone extends into the edge zone 154.

[0254] Fig. 14 shows an area 282 of the flow cross-section of the passage 108. Fig. 14 also shows the fluid guide rib 152. The fluid guide rib 152 extends from the edge zone 154 towards the observer, i.e., in the assembled state of the liquid separator, into the separation space.

[0255] An area occupied by the edge zone 154 can be of equal width all around the passage 108. The area occupied by the edge zone 154 can, for example, be the same size as the area 282. If the separation unit 126 supports the barrier 106 at the edge zone 154 of the barrier 106, this can mean, in particular, that at least a portion of a support surface 262 extends into the edge zone 154 in an assembled state of the liquid separator 102.

[0256] Fig. 15 shows the separation unit 126, which defines a first flow zone 200 and a second flow zone 202. Fig. 15 also shows a flow cross-section 284 of one of the two flow zones.

[0257] Fig. 16 shows a section through the first intermediate barrier 170. It shows a flow cross-section 286 of a liquid passage 198. When considering Figs. 5, 15, and 16, it is immediately apparent that a flow zone has a larger flow cross-section 284 than a liquid passage 198 connecting the first chamber to the second chamber.

[0258] The two subunits 112 and 114 of the fluid guide unit 100, which were described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16, are fluid conditioning units 318. The subunit 112 is a fluid conditioning unit 318, which has a conditioning chamber 322 in which a supply fluid 324 can be converted into a discharge fluid 326 by conditioning above an ambient pressure. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 10, the fluid 254 is the supply fluid 324 and the gas 258 is the discharge fluid 326. The separation chamber 104 is the conditioning chamber 322. The conditioning chamber 322 is surrounded by the barrier 106 and extends into the recess 132.

[0259] The barrier 106 has a bulge blocking structure 292. The barrier 106 has the bulge blocking structure 292 on the first barrier outer surface 234 of the first barrier zone 218, as is particularly clear from Figs. 1 and 7.

[0260] The sealing zone 244 is a connection zone 287 that extends between the first barrier unit 122 and the second barrier unit 124. This is shown in particular in Figs. 1, 9, and 14. The connection zone is a weld zone 288. In the connection zone 287, there is a material connection between the barrier units 122 and 124. In the weld zone 288, a weld seam 290 connects the two barrier units 122 and 124. The first barrier unit 122 has the bulge blocking structure 292.

[0261] The bulge blocking structure 292 includes a first bulge blocking element 294 and a second bulge blocking element 296. The first bulge blocking element 294 is a first support unit 298. The second bulge blocking element 296 is a second support unit 300.

[0262] The barrier 106 has a first thickening 302 on the first bulge blocking element 294. The thickening 203 forms a first reinforcement zone 306. The barrier 106 has a second thickening 304 on the second bulge blocking element 296. The thickening 304 forms a second reinforcement zone 308. The first reinforcement zone 306 includes a first reinforcement rib 310. The second reinforcement zone 308 includes a second reinforcement rib 312.

[0263] The bulge blocking structure 292 extends in a first reinforcement direction 314 and in a second reinforcement direction 316. The two reinforcement directions 314 and 316 are not aligned parallel to each other.

[0264] Fig. 17 shows a fluid guide unit 100. This comprises two fluid conditioning units 318. One of the fluid conditioning units 318 is a liquid separator 102. The other of the fluid conditioning units 318 is a heat exchanger unit 320. The conditioning chamber 322 of the heat exchanger unit 320 is a heat transfer chamber. A feed fluid 324 (not shown in Fig. 17) can be, for example, a gas containing molecular hydrogen (H2), which can be conditioned by heating in the heat transfer chamber. The conditioned gas containing molecular hydrogen (H2) can then be fed into a fuel cell stack as a fuel.

[0265] The sealing zone 244 extending between the respective first barrier unit 122 and the respective second barrier unit 124 of the two fluid conditioning units 318 is a connecting zone 287.

[0266] The connection zones 287 are weld zones 288, in which the barrier units 122 and 124 are firmly bonded. In the weld zones 288, weld seams 290 connect the two barrier units 122 and 124.

[0267] The first two barrier units 122, which face the viewer in Fig. 18, each have the bulge blocking structures 292 visible there.

[0268] A fuel cell device, of which only selected components, including the end plate 332, are shown in Fig. 17, comprises, in addition to the two fluid conditioning units 318, a fuel cell unit (not shown). The fuel cell unit can have a fuel cell stack and the end plate 332.

[0269] Figures 19 to 21 illustrate further features of fuel cell devices using roughly simplified sections.

[0270] In Fig. 19, both fluid conditioning units 318 are shown, the liquid separator 102 and the heat exchanger unit 320. Figs. 20 and 21 each show only the liquid separator 102.

[0271] Figures 19 and 20 each illustrate that the bulge blocking structure 292 may be located on a surface of the fuel cell unit, preferably on a surface of a housing 328 of the fuel cell unit, in particular on a surface of a housing cover 330 of the fuel cell unit, e.g., on a surface of an end plate 332 of the fuel cell unit.

[0272] In principle, a bulge in the barrier 106 can occur if a supply fluid is conditioned above ambient pressure in the conditioning chamber 322. The pressure gradient that then exists across the barrier 106 can lead to such a bulge.

[0273] Such a bulge of the barrier 106 can be completely or partially prevented by the bulge blocking structure 292. In particular, the bulge blocking structure 292 can support the barrier 106 against the surface of the fuel cell unit and / or stiffen the barrier 106.

[0274] Fig. 20 shows an arrangement of a fluid conditioning unit 318 on the fuel cell unit, which is designed such that a surface of the fuel cell unit, e.g., a surface of a housing 328 of the fuel cell unit, is pressed onto the bulge blocking structure 292 such that the barrier 106 bulges toward the recess 132. The bulge is exaggerated in the figure, and the direction of the bulge is indicated by an arrow.

[0275] Fig. 21 also shows an arrangement of a fluid conditioning unit 318 on a fuel cell unit. Deviating from the arrangement shown in Fig. 20, the fluid conditioning unit 318 is arranged on the fuel cell unit such that a surface of the fuel cell unit, which has a bulge blocking structure 292, is pressed onto the barrier 106 such that the barrier 106 bulges toward the recess 132. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 21, the fuel cell unit therefore has the bulge blocking structure 292.

[0276] Figure 9 shows a bulge blocking structure section 334. This is a section of the bulge blocking structure 292. Figure 9 also shows support zones 336 in which the deposition unit 126 supports the barrier 106. Two dashed lines and a dashed double-headed arrow are shown in Figure 9. The dashed lines and the double-headed arrow indicate that the bulge blocking structure section 334 is offset along the barrier 106 relative to all support zones 336. List of Reference Symbols

[0277] Fluid guide unit

[0278] Liquid separator

[0279] Separation room

[0280] Barrier, 116, 160, 166 Passage

[0281] Inlet first subunit second subunit , 162, 168 Outlet first room second room first barrier unit second barrier unit

[0282] Separation unit

[0283] Intermediate barrier

[0284] Wall element, 134 Recess, 138, 140 Component

[0285] Separation component

[0286] Separation insert

[0287] Support insert

[0288] plate

[0289] cover plate

[0290] Fluid guide rib

[0291] Fluid guide rib surrounding the edge zone

[0292] edge

[0293] Liquid outlet first intermediate barrier first chamber second chamber third chamber first support unit fourth chamber second support unit third support unit fourth support unit fifth support unit sixth support unit force sealing element contact force support zone second intermediate barrier stiffening element base element , 210 liquid passage first flow-through zone second flow-through zone positioning zone positioning element positioning projection gap axis support unit axis first barrier zone , 226 zone first barrier inner surface second barrier zone second barrier inner surface discharge angle direction of extension first barrier outer surface support element support surface discharge zone sealing zone flat wall zone edge-sealing zone distance wall thickness fluid liquid gas deflection zone , 264 support surface , 268 support angle

[0294] Offset, 276 range

[0295] Barrier material discharge gradient , 282 area , 286 flow cross-section

[0296] Connection zone Weld zone290 Weld seam Bulge blocking structure First bulge blocking element Second bulge blocking element First support unit Second support unit First thickening Second thickening First reinforcement zone Second reinforcement zone First reinforcement rib Second reinforcement rib First reinforcement direction Second reinforcement direction Fluid conditioning unit Heat exchanger unit Conditioning space Supply fluid Discharge fluid Housing Housing cover End plate Bulge blocking structure section Support zone

Claims

Patent claims 1. A liquid separator (102), e.g. for a fuel cell device, wherein the liquid separator (102) comprises the following: a separation chamber (104) for separating liquid (256) from a fluid (254); a barrier (106) surrounding the separation chamber (104); a separation unit (126) arranged in the separation chamber (104); and a passage (108, 116, 160, 166) leading through the barrier (106), through which passage the fluid (254) can be supplied to the separation chamber (104) and / or through which a fluid can be discharged from the separation chamber (104), wherein the passage (108, 116, 160, 166) e.g. B. can be an inlet (110) through which the fluid (254) can be supplied to the separation chamber (104); wherein the separation unit (126) supports the barrier (106) in such a way that at least part of a force (188) which can act on the barrier (106) from outside the separation chamber (104) can be transmitted via the separation unit (126), e.g.can be transferred to a support zone (190) via the deposition unit (126).

2. Liquid separator (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separation unit (126) supports the barrier (106) at the passage (108, 116, 160, 166), wherein it is preferred if the separation unit (126) supports the barrier (106) at an edge zone (154) of the barrier (106), wherein the edge zone (154) surrounds the passage (108, 116, 160, 166).

3. Liquid separator (102) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separation unit (126) extends from a first barrier zone (218) through the separation space (126) to a second barrier zone (224), wherein it is preferred if the first barrier zone (218) and the second barrier zone (224) are different zones (220, 226) of the barrier (106), the first barrier zone (218) has a first barrier inner surface (222) and the second barrier zone (224) has a second barrier inner surface (228), wherein it is particularly preferred if the first barrier inner surface (222) and the second barrier inner surface (228) face each other.

4. Liquid separator (102) according to claim 3, characterized in that the edge zone (154) is the first barrier zone (218) or is formed in the first barrier zone (218).

5. Liquid separator (102) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the support zone (190) is the second barrier zone (224) or is formed in the second barrier zone (224).

6. Liquid separator (102) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation unit (126) has a support unit (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186).

7. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the separation unit (126) defines an axis (214) extending from an edge (158) or from the edge zone (154) of the barrier (106) to the support zone (190), wherein at least a part of the force (188) along the axis (214) is transferable via the separation unit (126) to the support zone (190), wherein the axis (214) can preferably be a support unit axis (216) of the support unit (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186).

8. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that a barrier inner surface (222, 228), preferably the second barrier inner surface (228), on at least one of the barrier zones (218, 224), preferably on the second barrier zone (224), to an extension direction (232) in which the separation unit (126) extends through the separation space (104), a runoff angle (230) that is more than 0° and less than 90°; and / or a barrier inner surface (222, 228), preferably the second barrier inner surface (228), at at least one of the barrier zones (218, 224), preferably at the second barrier zone (224), is intersected by the axis (214) of the deposition unit (126), e.g. by at least one support unit axis (216) of the support unit (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186), at a runoff angle (230) that is more than 0° and less than 90°.

9. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the two mutually facing barrier inner surfaces (222, 228) are not aligned parallel to each other.

10. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that a first barrier outer surface (234) of the first barrier zone (218) is not aligned parallel to the second barrier inner surface (228).

11. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the passage (108, 116, 160, 166) is a first passage (108), e.g. a first inlet (110), and the liquid separator (102) comprises a second passage (160) leading through the barrier (106), e.g. a liquid outlet (164), wherein one of the barrier zones (218, 224), e.g. the second barrier zone (224), forms a drainage zone (242) merging into the second passage (160).

12. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that a support element (238) is formed on at least one of the barrier zones (218, 224), e.g. on the second barrier zone (224), wherein the support element (238) has a support surface (240) facing the other barrier zone (218, 224), e.g. the first barrier zone (218), wherein it is preferred if at least a part of the support surface (240) is offset from the barrier inner surface (222, 228) of the barrier zone (218, 224) on which the support element (238) is formed.

13. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that part of the support surface (240) or the entire support surface (240) is not aligned parallel to the barrier inner surface (222, 228) of the barrier zone (218, 224) on which the support element (238) is formed.

14. Liquid separator (102) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the support element (238) projects into the separation chamber (126); and / or the at least one offset part of the support surface (240) is offset into the separation chamber (126), wherein it is preferred if the barrier (106) is reinforced in at least one region (272) of the barrier zone (218, 224) in which the support element (238) or a part of the support element (238) is formed, wherein the barrier (106) can be reinforced in the region (272), for example, by a material thickness of a barrier material (274) being greater there than in an adjacent region (276) in which no support element (238) is formed.

15. Liquid separator (102) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation unit (126) divides the separation space (104) into at least two chambers (172, 174, 175, 177), wherein at least two of the chambers (172, 174, 175, 177) are fluidically connected to one another.

16. Liquid separator (102) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first part of the barrier (106) is formed by a first barrier unit (122) and a second part of the barrier (106) is formed by a second barrier unit (124), wherein the first barrier unit (122) is arranged on the second barrier unit (124), wherein it is preferred if there is a sealing zone (244) and / or a connecting zone (287), e.g. welding zone (288), wherein in the sealing zone (244) there can be a material connection of the barrier units (122, 124), wherein, e.g. in the welding zone (288) a weld seam (290) can connect the two barrier units (122, 124).

17. Liquid separator (102) according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one of the barrier units (122, 124), preferably at least the second barrier unit (124), has a recess (132) and the separation space (104) extends into the recess (132).

18. Liquid separator (102) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the first barrier zone (218) is formed by the first barrier unit (122) and the second barrier zone (224) is formed by the second barrier unit (124).

19. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the first barrier unit (122) is a plate (148) or comprises a plate (148), wherein the plate (148) may be, for example, a cover plate (150), wherein it is preferred if the plate (148), for example, the cover plate (150), covers the recess (132, 134).

20. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 3 to 19, characterized in that the first barrier zone (218) is or comprises a flat wall zone (246), wherein it is preferred if the flat wall zone (246) extends to the sealing zone (244) or beyond the sealing zone; and / or if the first barrier unit (122) is the plate (148) or comprises the plate (148) and the flat wall zone (246) is formed by the plate (148).

21. Liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the sealing zone (244) defines a surface (280) surrounded by the sealing zone (244) and the passage (108, 116, 160, 166), e.g. the first passage (108), a flow cross-section, wherein the area (282) of the flow cross-section is at most 25% of the area (280) surrounded by the sealing zone (244).

22. Liquid separator (102) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid separator (102) comprises a positioning element (206), e.g. a positioning projection (208), which restricts mobility of the separation unit (126) within the separation space (104), wherein the positioning element (206), e.g. the positioning projection (208), can in particular be arranged or designed such that it restricts mobility of the separation unit (126) within the separation space (104) orthogonal to the direction of the force (188), wherein it is preferred if a positioning element (206), e.g. a positioning projection (208), extends into a space between the separation unit (126) and at least one of the barrier units (122, 124), e.g. B. between the separation unit (126) and the second barrier unit (124), located liquid passage (210).

23. Liquid separator (102) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation unit (126) is a separation component (142) which is received or can be received in the separation chamber (104), e.g., is received or can be received entirely or partially in the recess (132, 134).

24. Separation unit (126) for a liquid separator (102), e.g. for a liquid separator (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation unit (126) is a separation component (142) and the separation unit (126) is receivable into a separation chamber (104) of a liquid separator (102), e.g. into the separation chamber (104) of the liquid separator (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation unit (126) comprises the following: an intermediate barrier (128, 170, 192), e.g. a first intermediate barrier (170), for subdividing the separation chamber (104) into which the Separation unit (126) is receivable, into a first chamber (172) and a second chamber (174); and a support unit (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186) which is capable of supporting a barrier (106) surrounding the separation space (104) in such a way that at least part of a force (188) which is capable of acting on the barrier (106) from outside the separation space (104) can be transmitted via the separation unit (126), e.g. can be transmitted via the separation unit (126) to a support zone (190).

25. Deposition unit (126) according to claim 24, characterized in that the deposition unit (126) comprises a further intermediate barrier (128, 170, 192) for further subdividing the deposition space (104) into which the deposition unit (126) can be accommodated.

26. Deposition unit (126) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the support unit (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186) is a first support unit (176), wherein the deposition unit (126) comprises a second support unit (178) and optionally one or more further support units (180, 182, 184, 186), wherein the support units (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186) are capable of supporting a barrier (106) surrounding the deposition space (104) in such a way that at least part of a force (188) which is capable of acting on the barrier (106) from outside the deposition space (104) is transmitted via the support units (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186), e.g. via the support units (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186) to a support zone (190).

27. Separation unit (126) according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the separation unit (126) defines one or more flow zones (200, 202), wherein a portion of a fluid (254) that can flow into the first chamber (172) of the separation unit (126) can flow out of the first chamber (172) via the flow zone (200, 202) or the flow zones (200, 202), wherein it is preferred if at least one flow zone (200, 202) passes between two support units (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186).

28. Separation unit (126) according to claim 27, characterized in that at least one flow zone (200, 202) has a larger flow cross-section (284, 286) than a liquid passage (198, 210) connecting the first chamber (172) to another chamber (174, 175, 177), e.g. the second chamber (174).

29. A fluid guide unit (100), e.g., for a fuel cell device, wherein the fluid guide unit (100) comprises: a first subunit (112) comprising a liquid separator (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 23 or being a liquid separator (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 23; and a second subunit (114) for guiding a further fluid.

30. Fluid guide unit (100) according to claim 29, characterized in that the first sub-unit (112) comprises a liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 16 to 23 or is a liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the two barrier units (122, 124) also surround a space (120) of the second sub-unit (114) through which the further fluid in the second sub-unit (114) can be guided.

31. A fuel cell device, e.g. for a motor vehicle driven by a fuel cell device, wherein the fuel cell device comprises: a liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 1 to 23 or a fluid guide unit (100) according to one of claims 29 or 30; and a fuel cell unit, wherein a fluid outlet of the fuel cell unit, through which a hydrogen-containing fluid (254) obtainable from the anodes of the fuel cell unit can be discharged from the fuel cell unit, is fluidly connected to the inlet (110) of the Liquid separator (102) is connected, wherein the force (188) which can act on the barrier from outside the separation space is a sealing element contact force (189) with which a sealing element arranged in the transition from the fluid outlet to the inlet (110) is pressed onto the inlet (110).

32. A fluid conditioning unit (318), e.g., for a fuel cell device, wherein the fluid conditioning unit (318) is preferably a liquid separator (102), in particular the liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 1 to 23; a fluid guide unit (100), in particular the fluid guide unit (100) according to one of claims 29 or 30; a subunit (112, 114) of a fluid guide subunit (100), in particular, one of the subunits (112, 114) of the fluid guide subunit (100) according to one of claims 29 or 30; and / or a heat exchanger unit (320); wherein the fluid conditioning unit (318) comprises: a conditioning chamber (322) in which a supply fluid (324) can be converted into a discharge fluid (326) by conditioning above an ambient pressure; and a barrier (106) surrounding the conditioning chamber (322);wherein the barrier (106) has a bulge blocking structure (292), wherein it is preferred if the barrier (106) has the bulge blocking structure (292) on a barrier outer surface (234), e.g. on the first barrier outer surface (234) of the first barrier zone (218); 33. Fluid conditioning unit (318) according to claim 32, characterized in that a first part of the barrier (106) is formed by a first barrier unit (122) and a second part of the barrier (106) is formed by a second barrier unit (124), wherein the first barrier unit (122) is arranged on the second barrier unit (124), wherein it is preferred if a connecting zone (287), e.g. welding zone (288), extends between the first barrier unit (122) and the second barrier unit (124), wherein in the connecting zone (287) there can be a material connection of the barrier units (122, 124), e.g. B. in the welding zone (288) a weld seam (290) can connect the two barrier units (122, 124), wherein it is preferred if at least one of the barrier units (122, 124), preferably at least the second barrier unit (124), has a recess (132) and the conditioning space (322) extends into the recess (132), wherein it is preferred if the first barrier zone (218) is formed by the first barrier unit (122) and the second barrier zone (224) is formed by the second barrier unit (124), wherein it is preferred if the first barrier unit (122) is a plate (148) or has a plate (148), wherein the plate (148) e.g.can be a cover plate (150), wherein it is preferred if the plate (148), e.g. the cover plate (150), covers the recess (132, 134), wherein it is preferred if the first barrier zone (218) is or comprises a flat wall zone (246), wherein it is preferred if the flat wall zone (246) extends as far as the connecting zone (287) or beyond the connecting zone (287); and / or if the first barrier unit (122) is the plate (148) or comprises the plate (148) and the flat wall zone (246) is formed by the plate (148).

34. Fluid conditioning unit (318) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the first barrier unit (122) has the bulge blocking structure (292), wherein it is preferred if the plate (148), e.g. the cover plate (150), has the bulge blocking structure (292).

35. Fluid conditioning unit (318) according to one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the fluid conditioning unit (318) of the liquid separator (102), in particular the liquid separator (102) according to one of claims 1 to 23; and / or the fluid guide unit (100) according to one of claims 29 or 30; wherein the separation chamber (104) of the liquid separator (102) is the conditioning chamber (322) and the fluid (254) is the supply fluid (324).

36. Fluid conditioning unit (318) according to one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the fluid conditioning unit (318) is a heat exchanger unit (320); wherein the conditioning space (322) is a heat transfer space of the heat exchanger unit (320), wherein the supply fluid (324), e.g., a gas containing molecular hydrogen (H2), can be conditioned by heating.

37. Fluid conditioning unit (318) according to one of claims 32 to 36, characterized in that the bulge blocking structure (292) comprises a first bulge blocking element (294), which may be, for example, a first support unit (298), and / or a second bulge blocking element (296), which may be, for example, a second support unit (298).

38. The fluid conditioning unit (318) according to claim 37, characterized in that the barrier (106) on the first bulge blocking element (294) has a first thickening (302) and / or a first reinforcement zone (306); and / or the barrier (106) on the second bulge blocking element (296) has a second thickening (304) and / or a second reinforcement zone (308).

39. Fluid conditioning unit (318) according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the bulge blocking structure (292) extends in a first reinforcement direction (314) and in a second reinforcement direction (316), wherein the two reinforcement directions (314, 316) are preferably not aligned parallel to each other.

40. A fuel cell device, e.g., for a motor vehicle powered by a fuel cell device, the fuel cell device comprising: a fluid conditioning unit (318) according to any one of claims 32 to 39; and a fuel cell unit; the fluid conditioning unit (318) being arranged on the fuel cell unit such that a surface of the fuel cell unit, e.g., a surface of a housing of the fuel cell unit, is pressed onto the bulge blocking structure (292) such that the barrier (106) bulges toward the recess (132).

41. A fuel cell device, e.g., for a motor vehicle powered by a fuel cell device, the fuel cell device comprising: a fluid conditioning unit (318) and a fuel cell unit; wherein the fluid conditioning unit (318) is arranged on the fuel cell unit such that a surface of the fuel cell unit having a bulge blocking structure (292), e.g., a surface of a housing of the fuel cell unit having the bulge blocking structure (292), is pressed onto the barrier (106) such that the barrier (106) bulges toward the recess (132).

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