Media separating device for a fuel cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a media separating device (10) for a fuel cell, comprising a carrier plate (1), on the first side (1.1) of which a first medium can flow and on the second side (1.2) of which another medium can flow, wherein a spacer device for arranging a separating layer (6) at a distance is provided on one side (1.1) of the carrier plate (1) such that the medium can flow in a channel having a predefined height between the separating layer (6) and the carrier plate (1), wherein the spacer device is designed as an insert plate (3). The invention further relates to a production method for producing a media separating device (10) and to a fuel cell having a media separating device (10).

Description

[0001] N noventive associates

[0002] Media separation device for a fuel cell

[0003] The invention relates to a media separation device for a fuel cell with a carrier plate on the first side of which a first medium and on the second side of which another medium can flow, wherein a spacer device for the spaced arrangement of a separation layer is provided on one side of the carrier plate, so that the medium can flow in a channel with a predefined height between the separation layer and the carrier plate.

[0004] Such media separation devices can be used in various fields of technology. A typical application is fuel cells, particularly polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which are also used in diverse sectors, such as the automotive industry. The term "fuel cell" encompasses not only cells that generate electrical energy through the conversion of fuel, but also cells that use electric current to bring about a chemical transformation. These latter cells are called reversible fuel cells or electrolyzers and are included in the term "fuel cell."

[0005] Fuel cells typically have a layered structure consisting of several stacked plates and narrow channels between them. A first medium can flow on one side of the plate and a second medium on the other, thus separating the two media. The two media can then flow on opposite sides of the plate towards a reaction zone where they can react with each other.

[0006] One plate can be designed as the support plate, and an adjacent plate as the separating layer. However, the separating layer does not necessarily have to be a plate; depending on the fuel cell design, it could also be a membrane, for example. To achieve the highest possible energy density, the flow channel between the support plate and the separating layer must be relatively narrow. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the support plate and the separating layer do not deform due to the fluid pressure. Such deformation could occur due to a reduction in channel height.

[0007] NC-2025-1370 1 of an adjacent channel may negatively affect the flow properties. Furthermore, deformation can also lead to leaks.

[0008] To ensure a consistent distance between the support plate and the separating layer, it is known to use spacers, which can be located, for example, on one side of the support plate and maintain a consistent distance between the support plate and the separating layer. From a design perspective, these spacers can be configured, for example, as protrusions directed towards the separating layer, which may have a semicircular geometry. To create these protrusions, the support plate can be plastically deformed in the respective areas in a separate step, so that the corresponding protrusions are monolithic sections of the support plate. The separating layer can then rest on the protrusions at specific points, resulting in a consistent distance across the entire plate surface.

[0009] Although these protrusions can provide reliable support, especially in the immediate vicinity, the manufacturing process is comparatively complex due to the separate plastic deformation of the support plate required to form the protrusions.

[0010] Starting from this, the invention aims to provide a media separation device with which a high support force can be achieved, but which can also be manufactured in the simplest possible way.

[0011] This problem is solved in a media separation device of the type mentioned above by designing the spacer device as an insert plate.

[0012] This design allows the carrier plate to be a simple, flat plate, eliminating the need for plastic deformation. The insert sheet can be positioned between the carrier plate and the separating layer, ensuring a constant distance between them, ideally across the entire plate surface. This results in a sandwich-like structure of the three layers. The insert sheet and the carrier plate can thus be considered two separate components, enabling their independent production in different manufacturing steps, which has proven particularly advantageous in terms of production speed.Furthermore, the installation of the insert plate is very simple, as it basically just needs to be placed on the carrier plate before the separating layer is placed on the insert plate in a next step.

[0013] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insert sheet is designed as a corrugated sheet. Due to its corrugated design, it can contact both the support plate and the separating layer not only at specific points, but along a line of contact. Thus, reliable contact is ensured.

[0014] NC-2025-1370 2 Support is advantageously ensured along the entire surface of the plate. The corrugated sheet can alternately contact the carrier plate and the separating layer. This means that a line of contact between the corrugated sheet and the carrier plate can be located between two lines of contact between the corrugated sheet and the separating layer, and vice versa. The lines of contact can extend parallel to each other. This allows the medium to flow towards or parallel to the lines of contact with a comparatively low pressure loss. Compared to a solution with a spacer consisting of a multitude of protrusions, a significantly lower pressure loss can thus be achieved.

[0015] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the corrugated sheet to have several adjacent crests and troughs. The crests and troughs can alternate in the transverse direction of the corrugated sheet, resulting in a regular geometry. The spacing between the troughs and crests can be constant across the entire sheet, or it can be varied. Each crest and trough can be associated with a line of tangency, so that the spacing of these lines in the transverse direction can be either identical or different.

[0016] The crests and troughs of the corrugations can have sharp edges, giving the corrugated sheet a zigzag geometry. The opening angle can significantly influence the stability of the corrugated sheet. For example, opening angles between 30 and 60 degrees are possible. However, it is also possible for the troughs and crests to be rounded. In this configuration, the corrugated sheet can have a corrugated, sinusoidal cross-section. A greater distance between the troughs and crests results in longer waves, and a smaller distance in shorter waves. The distance between a trough and an adjacent trough, or between a crest and an adjacent crest, can roughly correspond to the distance between the support plate and the separating layer resting on the insert sheet. However, these distances can also differ.A comparatively smaller distance between wave troughs and crests can lead to improved overall support, but the flow resistance can be comparatively high due to the resulting narrow channels. A comparatively larger distance can result in lower flow loss, but the support effect between two wave crests or troughs may then be weaker, potentially leading to slight deflections in the most critical case.

[0017] Furthermore, the corrugated sheet can also have other geometries. For example, it can have a trapezoidal cross-section, in which case the corrugated sheet contacts the support plate and the separating plate not just in a line, but over a surface. This contact area ensures excellent support. A rectangular geometry is also possible, in which the flanks connecting the two contact surfaces are arranged perpendicular to the plate normal. Hybrid forms of the aforementioned geometries are also possible, combining both regular and irregular geometries.

[0018] NC-2025-1370 3 Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the carrier plate, particularly in the contact area with the insert plate, is flat. The carrier plate can thus be manufactured very simply, especially if it is flat across its entire surface. The separating layer can also be designed as a plate or as another carrier plate. Alternatively, the separating layer can also be designed as a membrane. Furthermore, the flat design, particularly in the contact area with the insert plate, ensures a reliable connection and good support.

[0019] It can be provided that corresponding insert plates are provided on both sides of the carrier plate, so that a separating layer can be arranged at a constant distance from the carrier plate on both the top and bottom sides. Alternatively, it can also be provided that an insert plate is provided on only one side of the carrier plate and a seal on the opposite side. The seal can make contact with the separating layer, thus preventing media flow perpendicular to the seal. The seal can have several sealing lips arranged side by side and can be made of plastic, in particular an elastomer. The carrier plate, on the other hand, can be made of metal, in particular aluminum, or steel, preferably stainless steel, or incorporate elements of these materials.

[0020] For connecting the insert plate to the carrier plate, it has proven advantageous to firmly bond the insert plate to the carrier plate. A welded connection is particularly beneficial. This firm connection prevents the insert plate and carrier plate from moving relative to each other once joined. With such a secure bond, unwanted slippage during positioning of the separating layer is prevented. This ensures reliable support across the entire plate area. A welded connection provides a particularly reliable and strong bond, and compared to an adhesive bond, it also prevents unwanted contamination of the medium.However, alternative connection methods can also be used in this design. For example, screws, bolts, or clamping elements can also be used to fix the insert plate to the support plate.

[0021] With regard to the connection of the insert plate to the carrier plate, a further development has shown it to be advantageous if the insert plate has at least one connection area for joining it to the carrier plate. This connection area can thus be designed in such a way as to allow a reliable, secure connection to the carrier plate. In particular, the connection area is designed in such a way as to allow a welded joint, preferably by means of a through-welding process.

[0022] From a structural point of view, the connection area can be designed as a flat area, and in particular, one that rests directly on the support plate. This direct contact with the support plate allows the

[0023] NC-2025-1370 4 The insert plate is welded to the carrier plate from above, i.e., through the insert plate. The connection area is preferably dimensioned to ensure a reliable connection, while also being as small as possible to prevent pressure or flow losses. The advantageous corrugated shape of the insert plate can therefore be interrupted in the connection areas to ensure a reliable connection at these points.

[0024] Advantageously, the insert plate features a multitude of connection points. These allow the insert plate to be connected to the carrier plate at multiple locations, resulting in a particularly reliable connection. The connection points can be arranged in a matrix configuration and, in particular, regularly distributed across the insert plate, so that the acting forces are distributed across multiple connection points or weld points. For example, the connection points can be arranged in a rectangular configuration.

[0025] From a design perspective, it has proven advantageous for the connection area to have a circular geometry. This design allows for full-surface contact with the carrier plate and a secure connection. Furthermore, the connection area can be bonded to the carrier plate, particularly in its center, so that the heat-affected zone created by the welding process is limited to the connection area and, in particular, does not impair or deform the advantageously designed corrugations of the insert plate.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the media separation device, a seal is provided on the side of the support plate opposite the insert plate. The seal can be firmly connected to the support plate and provide a seal against a separation layer, particularly one arranged parallel to the support plate. The seal can reliably prevent media flow between the support plate and the separation layer across the seal. This prevents leaks, for example.

[0027] The seal can be positively connected to the carrier plate. For this purpose, the carrier plate can have a recess, particularly circular, through which the seal can extend from one side of the carrier plate to the other. On the side of the carrier plate where the insert plate is located, the seal can have a retaining area, particularly mushroom-shaped or disc-shaped, by means of which the seal is attached to the carrier plate. To ensure a reliable connection, the retaining area(s) can have a larger diameter than the recess(s) and can thus engage behind the carrier plate. The retaining area can be a monolithic component of the seal. The seal can therefore be positively connected to the carrier plate, and relative movement between the seal and the carrier plate can be reliably prevented.

[0028] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the insert plate has at least one bearing area where it rests on the retaining area of ​​the seal. The bearing area can be geometrically analogous.

[0029] NC-2025-1370 5 is designed to accommodate the connection area(s), so reference is made to the above. Advantageously, the support area rests flat on the retention area, so that the overall height of the insert plate and thus the channel height between the carrier plate and the separating layer does not increase despite the retention areas. Since the retention area can rest on the side of the carrier plate facing the insert plate, the support areas and the connection areas can have different distances from the carrier plate in the normal direction. If, for example, the connection areas rest directly on the carrier plate to enable a connection with the carrier plate, there is a certain distance between the support areas and the carrier plate, which can essentially correspond to the thickness of the retention areas of the seal.This allows the bearing surfaces to rest on the seal, and sufficient space can be provided between the bearing surfaces and the carrier plate, enabling the retaining area to engage behind the carrier plate and thus ensuring a reliable, positive-locking connection between the seal and the carrier plate. Since the seal is advantageously connected to the carrier plate at several points, and therefore several retaining areas are provided along the seal, it is beneficial if the insert plate also has several correspondingly designed bearing surfaces.

[0030] It can be designed so that the connection area is positioned such that a projection of the connection area extending in the normal direction to the carrier plate does not intersect the seal. The connection area can therefore be located on the opposite side of the carrier plate, away from the seal, so that a welded connection between the insert plate and the carrier plate does not impair the seal. This is particularly important because the seal may be made of an elastomer, which can be comparatively sensitive to heat compared to the carrier plate.

[0031] With regard to the aforementioned task, a method for manufacturing a media separation device for a fuel cell is further proposed. In particular, the method can be used to manufacture a media separation device that has the features described above.

[0032] The procedure is intended to include the following steps:

[0033] Providing a carrier plate on whose first side a first medium can flow and on whose second side another medium can flow;

[0034] Providing a spacer designed as an insert plate;

[0035] Positioning the insert plate on one side of the carrier plate;

[0036] Positioning a separating layer on the insert plate so that the medium can flow in a channel with a predefined height between the separating layer and the carrier plate.

[0037] The advantages already described with regard to the media separation device result.

[0038] With regard to the process, it has further proven advantageous if the insert plate, after being positioned on the carrier plate, is connected to the carrier plate from the direction of the insert plate, in particular by a material bond. A welded connection has proven to be particularly advantageous. Once the insert plate has been positioned on the carrier plate, the points where the insert plate...

[0039] NC-2025-1370 6 The carrier plate is contacted but no longer directly accessible, thus limiting the possibility of a subsequent permanent connection. The insert plate and / or the carrier plate can be coated with an adhesive before the insert plate is positioned on the carrier plate, which then allows for a permanent bond between the elements during positioning. However, it is possible that some of the adhesive may detach into the medium and thus contaminate it. Furthermore, particularly in the preferred case where the insert plate is corrugated, the problem arises that there is sometimes insufficient contact area available for the application of adhesive, which can then lead to an inadequate adhesive bond. In this respect, a welded connection has proven advantageous, as already explained above.The connection from the direction of the insert plate allows welding to be performed through the insert plate using a welding process. A suitable through-welding process then creates a reliable connection between the insert plate and the carrier plate. Alternatively, brazing can be used in addition to welding. A friction-fit or form-fit connection is also possible. In a form-fit connection, for example, recesses and protrusions can be provided that interlock like teeth.

[0040] To connect the seal to the carrier plate, the carrier plate can first be provided with recesses, particularly circular ones, and the seal is then injection-molded onto the carrier plate. The liquid sealant can penetrate the carrier plate through the recesses and, upon curing, form the retention areas described above on the side of the carrier plate opposite the seal, thus creating a positive connection between the seal and the carrier plate.

[0041] Furthermore, with regard to the aforementioned problem, another method for manufacturing a media separation device for a fuel cell is proposed. The media separation device can have a carrier plate on the first side of which a first medium can flow and on the second side of which another medium can flow. A spacer device for the spaced arrangement of a separation layer can be provided on one side of the carrier plate, so that the medium can flow between the separation layer and the carrier plate in a channel with a predefined height. The method is intended to comprise the following steps:

[0042] Providing a carrier plate on whose first side a first medium can flow and on whose second side another medium can flow;

[0043] Injection of a seal onto one side of the carrier plate;

[0044] Use of the injection pressure to plastically deform the carrier plate to create at least one protrusion acting as a spacer.

[0045] This method allows for the simple creation of a protrusion, which then enables the positioning of a separating layer at a predefined distance from the carrier plate, as explained above. Since the protrusion holds the separating layer at a predefined distance in this case, the additional use of an insert plate is not necessary, although it may still be possible.

[0046] NC-2025-1370 7, especially in the areas between the protrusions. Reference is also made to the above.

[0047] By utilizing injection pressure, a flat carrier plate can be provided, and the protrusion can then be formed into the carrier plate by the injection pressure. This means that the carrier plate can be fitted with a seal and simultaneously plastically deformed to form the protrusion in a single operation. This reduces the labor required to manufacture the carrier plate.

[0048] Regarding the manufacturing process, it has proven advantageous to place the carrier plate in a mold before the gasket is injection-molded. The mold must be a negative of the protrusion to be created. The injection pressure presses the carrier plate into the mold, and the carrier plate then assumes the shape defined by the mold. For details on joining the gasket to the carrier plate, please refer to the above.

[0049] Furthermore, it is also possible that the seal adheres to the carrier plate due to the plastic deformation of the carrier plate, as the protrusion on the opposite side of the carrier plate creates a correspondingly formed depression that may be sufficient for a reliably secure hold of the seal. This is because, due to a separating layer pressing on the seal, the seal must primarily be prevented from moving parallel to the carrier plate, which can be achieved by the protrusions or depressions.

[0050] Geometrically, the protrusion can have a semicircular shape. However, it is also possible, for example, that the protrusion is flattened to contact the separating layer, so that the separating layer can rest on the protrusion not just at a single point, but over a larger area. Other geometries are also possible, such as oval or angular shapes.

[0051] Furthermore, with regard to the aforementioned task, a fuel cell with a media separation device, designed as described above, is proposed. The fuel cell can also include a media separation device manufactured using the manufacturing process described above. This results in the advantages already described with regard to the media separation devices and the corresponding manufacturing processes.

[0052] The fuel cell can have several carrier plates and separating layers arranged one above the other. In particular, a separating layer can be provided on both sides of a carrier plate, whereby the carrier plate and the two separating layers can be arranged essentially parallel to each other. The separating layers can be designed, for example, as plates, especially as carrier plates, but also as membranes, depending on the design of the fuel cell.

[0053] NC-2025-1370 8 Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a media separation device;

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the insert plate as shown in Fig. 1;

[0056] Fig. 3a - 3d perspective views of various manufacturing steps for the production of a media separation device according to Fig. 1;

[0057] Figs. 4a - 4e perspective views of various manufacturing steps for the production of a media separation device.

[0058] Figure 1 shows a sectional side view of a media separation device 10, which consists of several layers arranged one above the other. In the center, a flat support plate 1 is visible, on the upper side 1.1 of which a corrugated insert plate 3 is arranged. On the opposite lower side 1.2, a seal 2 is arranged, comprising three adjacent sealing lips. Spaced apart from the support plate 1 are two separation layers 6, arranged essentially parallel to the support plate 1, which in the illustrated embodiment are also designed as plates.

[0059] The lower separating layer 6 rests on the sealing lips of the seal 2, thus preventing cross-flow, i.e., flow from right to left or from left to right across the sealing lips as shown in Fig. 1. The medium can therefore flow between the lower separating layer 6 and the carrier plate 1 in the direction of view.

[0060] The insert plate 3 contacts both side 1.1 of the carrier plate 1 and the underside of the upper separating layer 6, thus ensuring a consistent distance between the separating layer 6 and the carrier plate 1 across the entire surface of the carrier plate 1. Due to its corrugated shape, the insert plate 3 contacts the separating layer 6 on one side and the carrier plate 1 on the other, each along a line of contact. This means that line contact occurs between the insert plate 3 and the separating layer 6, and between the insert plate 3 and the carrier plate 1, ensuring a reliable distance between the elements. As shown in Fig. 1, the crests of the corrugations touch the separating layer 6, or the separating layer rests on the crests, while the troughs of the corrugations contact the separating layer 1, or the insert plate 3 rests on the carrier plate 1 via the troughs.The wave-like shape of the insert plate 3 creates flow channels between the insert plate 3 and the support plate 1 or the separating layer 6, through which a medium can flow in the direction of view. The individual channels are located between the wave troughs and the separating layer 6, and between the wave crests and the support plate 1.

[0061] NC-2025-1370 9 The shape of the waves does not necessarily have to be the same everywhere. Figure 1 shows that the waves of the insert plate 3 are spaced further apart in the central area shown than in the two side areas. The distance from one wave crest to the next is therefore greater in the central area than in the outer area; or, in other words, the wave contour of the insert plate 3 does not necessarily have the same frequency in all areas.

[0062] To connect the seal 2 to the carrier plate 1, the carrier plate 1 has several circular recesses 4, which can be seen, for example, in the illustration of Fig. 3a, which shows only the carrier plate 1 without the other components of the media separation device 10. The seal 2 extends through these recesses 4 and forms retaining areas 2.1 on side 1.1 of the carrier plate, the design of which can be seen in both Fig. 1 and Fig. 3b. These retaining areas 2.1 have a mushroom-shaped geometry and a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the recesses 4, as can also be seen in the sectional view of Fig. 1.

[0063] Due to this difference in diameter, the seal 2 not only penetrates the carrier plate 1, but the retaining areas 2.1 engage behind the carrier plate 1, so that the seal 2 is positively connected to the carrier plate 1 and relative movement is prevented.

[0064] Since the retaining areas 2.1, as shown in Fig. 1, rest on the side 1.1 of the carrier plate 1 associated with the insert plate 3, and therefore require space on side 1.1 of the carrier plate 1.1, the insert plate 3 must be designed such that the separating layer 6 can be arranged largely parallel to the carrier plate 1 despite the retaining areas 2.1. That is, the insert plate 3 must provide sufficient space for the retaining areas 2.1 on side 1.1 of the carrier plate 1. For this purpose, the insert plate 3 has several support areas 3.2 that rest on the retaining areas 2.1, but which do not protrude beyond the remaining contour of the insert plate 3 and are thus located at most at the level of the wave crests. These support areas 3.2 have a certain distance from the carrier plate 1 or from the surface of the carrier plate 1, which essentially corresponds to the height of the retaining areas 2.1.Thus, the support areas 3.2 offer sufficient space for the holding areas 2.1 and can also rest flat on the holding areas 2.1. As can be seen in the illustration of Fig. 1, the separating layer 6 also rests flat on the insert plate 3 in the area of ​​the support areas 3.2.

[0065] To ensure a reliable connection between the insert plate 3 and the carrier plate 1, the insert plate 3 has several connection areas 3.1, which can be seen, for example, in the illustration of Fig. 2, but also in the illustrations of Figs. 3c and 3d. The connection areas 3.1 are essentially designed in a very similar way to the support areas 3.2. This is because the connection areas 3.1 also interrupt the corrugated structure of the insert plate 3 and are flat. In contrast to the support areas 3.2, which have a certain distance from the carrier plate 1 and are arranged at the level of the corrugation crests, the

[0066] NC-2025-1370 10 Connection areas 3.1 are arranged at the level of the shaft troughs. The support areas 3.2 and the connection areas 3.1 are thus offset vertically from each other, and the connection areas 3.1 lie flat on the carrier plate 1. To connect the insert plate 3 to the carrier plate 1, it is welded to the carrier plate 1 from above. The weld extends through the connection area 3.1 to the carrier plate 1, so that the insert plate 3 and the carrier plate 1 are firmly joined together.

[0067] The position of the support areas 3.2 is adapted to the positions of the retaining areas 2.1 and / or to the position of the recesses 4. As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the support areas 3.2 are arranged in a zigzag pattern extending along the seal 2. The connecting areas 3.1, on the other hand, are arranged in a rectangular configuration, ensuring a reliable connection between the insert plate 3 and the carrier plate 1 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. Geometrically, the connecting areas 3.1 and the support areas 3.2 are identical. That is, both have a circular geometry and interrupt the corrugated contour of the insert plate 3. Otherwise, the support areas 3.2 and the connecting areas 3.1 differ only in their height and their distance from the carrier plate 1.

[0068] The various steps for manufacturing the media separation device 10 according to Fig. 1 can be seen in Figs. 3a to 3d. First, a flat carrier plate 1 is provided, which has several circular recesses 4. In the next step, the seal 2 is injection-molded onto side 2.1 of the carrier plate 1. The liquid sealing material flows through the recesses 4 and thus penetrates the carrier plate 1, forming the retaining areas 2.1 on the side 1.1 opposite the seal 2. A mold, not shown in the illustrations, may be used to form the seal 2, the sealing lips, and the retaining areas 2.1. After the sealing material has cured and the mold has been removed, the seal 2 is firmly and positively connected to the carrier plate 1, as can be seen in Fig. 3b.

[0069] In the next step, the insert plate 3, with its pre-formed connection areas 3.1 and support areas 3.2, is positioned on the carrier plate 1. Since the position of the support areas 3.2 is aligned with the position of the retaining areas 2.1, the correct position of the insert plate 3 is essentially predetermined, and it is not, or only minimally, movable parallel to the surface of the carrier plate 1. To firmly connect the insert plate 3 to the carrier plate 1, it is welded to the carrier plate 1 at the connection areas 3.1 using a through-welding process, as described above. In the next step, the separating layer 6 can then be placed on the insert plate 3. A welding process can also be used to connect the separating layer 6 to the insert plate 3. For example, the separating layer 6 can be welded to the support areas 3.2.The media separation device 10 can then be used in a fuel cell.

[0070] NC-2025-1370 11 Figures 4a to 4e illustrate an alternative manufacturing process for producing a media separation device 10. In the manufacturing process shown, or in the media separation device 10 shown in Figure 4e, no insert plate 3 is shown, but rather protrusions 5 are provided which ensure a predetermined distance between a separation layer 6 (not shown) and the carrier plate 1, and thus a predetermined and constant channel height.

[0071] Initially, a flat carrier plate 1 is provided in this process as well, as can be seen in Fig. 4a. In a next step, a seal 2 is injection-molded onto side 1.2 of the carrier plate 1. The seal 2 is shown in an exploded view of the carrier plate 1 in Fig. 4b. Before the seal 2 can be injection-molded, however, the carrier plate 1 is provided with an injection mold: one mold on side 1.2, which has the contour of the seal 1, and a second mold on the back, or side 1.1, of the carrier plate 1.

[0072] During injection molding, the liquid sealing material is injected into the mold at a certain injection pressure, thereby exerting comparatively high forces on the carrier plate 1. The mold on the back of the carrier plate 1 has recesses corresponding to the protrusions 5 to be created, into which the carrier plate 1 is pressed by the injection pressure. The carrier plate 1 is plastically deformed and conforms to the mold, thus creating the protrusions 5 shown in Fig. 4d. In this way, the seal 2 can be injection molded onto the carrier plate 1 in a single operation, and the protrusions 5, which act as spacers, can also be produced. This is particularly advantageous for large plates, as the injection pressure allows the protrusions 5 to be introduced very precisely into the carrier plate 1 in the area of ​​the seal 2.This also results in a reliable force flow from the seal 2 via the carrier plate 1 or the protrusions 5 into the separating layer 6. If the protrusions 5 were manufactured in a separate work step beforehand, such high precision could sometimes not be achieved, especially with large plates.

[0073] The sealing material or gasket 2 is arranged in the protrusions 5, as can be seen in the sectional side view of Fig. 4e. Accordingly, the protrusions 5 also ensure that the gasket 2 cannot be displaced parallel to the surface of the carrier plate 1, but rather that the gasket 2 is positively connected to the carrier plate 1 in this direction. Of course, it is also possible for the gasket 2 to extend through the carrier plate 1 in the manner described above and engage behind the carrier plate 1 with the mushroom-shaped retaining areas 2.1. Furthermore, an insert plate 3 can also be used in the media separation device 10 as shown in Fig. 4e. The features described above with regard to the illustrations in Figs. 1 to 3d and 4a to 4e can therefore also be combined with one another.

[0074] NC-2025-1370 12 Overall, the invention provides a media separation device that can be manufactured in a comparatively simple manner. Furthermore, a constant distance between the carrier plate 1 and the separation layer 6 is ensured, so that the medium can flow in a channel with a predefined height.

[0075] NC-2025-1370 13 REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0076] 1 carrier plate

[0077] 1.1 Page

[0078] 1.2 Page

[0079] 2 Seal

[0080] 2.1 Holding area

[0081] 3 insert trays

[0082] 3.1 Connection area

[0083] 3.2 Print area

[0084] 4 Exclusion

[0085] 5 bulge

[0086] 6 Separation layer

[0087] 10 Media separation device

[0088] NC-2025-1370 14

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Media separation device for a fuel cell with a carrier plate (1) on the first side (1.1) of which a first medium and on the second side (1.2) another medium can flow, wherein a spacer device for the spaced arrangement of a separating layer (6) is provided on one side (1.1) of the carrier plate (1) so that the medium can flow in a channel with a predefined height between the separating layer (6) and the carrier plate (1), characterized in that the spacer device is designed as an insert plate (3).

2. Media separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert plate (3) is designed as a corrugated sheet.

3. Media separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that the corrugated sheet has several wave crests and wave troughs arranged next to each other.

4. Media separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier plate (1), in particular in the contact area with the insert plate (3), is flat.

5. Media separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert plate (3) is firmly connected to the carrier plate (1), in particular welded.

6. Media separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert plate (3) has at least one connection area (3.1) for connection with the carrier plate (1), wherein the connection area (3.1) is designed as a flat area resting on the carrier plate (1).

7. Media separation device according to claim 6, characterized in that the connection area (3.1) has a circular geometry.

8. Media separation device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the insert plate (3) has a plurality of connection areas (3.1) which are arranged in a regular matrix arrangement.

9. Media separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal (2) is provided on the side (1.1) opposite the insert plate (3), which is characterized by NC-2025-1370 15 a recess (4) of the carrier plate (1) extends through it, wherein the seal (2) on the side of the insert plate (3) is positively connected to the carrier plate (1) via a retaining area (2.1).

10. Media separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert plate (3) has at least one support area (3.2) in which it rests on the holding area (2.1) of the seal (2.1).

11. Method for manufacturing a media separation device (10) for a fuel cell, in particular a media separation device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following steps: Providing a carrier plate (1) on the first side (1.1) of which a first medium can flow and on the second side (1.2) of which another medium can flow; Providing a spacer designed as an insert plate (3); Positioning the insert plate (3) on one side (1.1) of the carrier plate (1); Positioning a separating layer (6) on the insert plate (3) so that the medium can flow between the separating layer (6) and the support plate (1) in a channel with a predefined height.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the insert plate (3) is connected to the carrier plate (1) from the direction of the insert plate (3), in particular by welding.

13. Method for manufacturing a media separation device (10) for a fuel cell, in particular a media separation device (10) according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized by the following steps: Providing a carrier plate (1) on the first side (1.1) of which a first medium can flow and on the second side (1.2) of which another medium can flow; Injection molding of a seal (2) onto one side (1.2) of the carrier plate (1); Use of the injection pressure to plastically deform the carrier plate (1) to create at least one protrusion (5) acting as a spacer device.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the carrier plate (1) is placed in a mold before the injection molding of the seal (2), the mold having a negative of the protrusion (5) to be produced.

15. Fuel cell with a media separation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 or with a media separation device (10) manufactured according to one of claims 11 or 12 or with a media separation device (10) manufactured according to one of claims 13 or 14. NC-2025-1370 16

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