Plate layer

Abstract

In order to improve a plate layer, for example for an electrolyser or a fuel cell, comprising a carrier and elastomeric profile layers which are arranged on both sides of the carrier and in particular form functional profiles running on the respective side of the carrier, the elastomeric profile layers extending as far as a plate layer edge and forming mutually opposite end edge regions adjoining the plate layer edge on the mutually opposite sides of the carrier, in such a way that detachment of the end edge regions of the elastomeric profile layers is prevented, it is proposed that the carrier situated along the plate layer edge between the mutually opposite end edge regions has at least one cutout which adjoins the plate layer edge and extends into the carrier and in which a connecting piece which connects the end edge regions and holds them in contact with the carrier relative to each other is situated.

Description

[0001] SLABS

[0002] The invention relates to a plate layer, for example for an electrolyzer or a fuel cell, comprising a carrier and elastomer profile layers arranged on both sides of the carrier, which in particular form functional profiles extending on the respective side of the carrier sheet, wherein the elastomer profile layers extend to a plate layer edge and form opposing end edge areas adjacent to the plate layer edge on the opposite sides of the carrier.

[0003] Such plate layers are known from the prior art.

[0004] The problem with these is that the elastomer profile layers detach from the carrier at the end edge areas, thus leading to functional disorders.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of improving a plate layer of the generic type in such a way that the detachment of the end edge areas of the elastomer profile layers is prevented.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention in a panel layer of the type described above by the fact that the support lying along the edge of the panel layer between the opposing end edge regions has at least one cutout arranged adjacent to the edge of the panel layer and extending into the support, in which a connecting piece is located that connects the end edge regions and holds them in contact with each other relative to the support. The advantage of this solution is that the connecting piece provided in the cutout adjacent to the edge of the panel layer advantageously prevents the problem of the end edge regions detaching from the support.

[0007] In principle, the connecting piece could be made of a material that bonds with the elastomer of the elastomer profile layers.

[0008] However, an advantageous solution provides that the connecting piece fixing the end edge areas relative to each other is made of elastomer.

[0009] The elastomer could be an elastomer that differs from that of the elastomer profile layers.

[0010] It is particularly advantageous if the elastomer connector is integrally molded to the end edge areas located on both sides of the same.

[0011] This means that the connecting piece is created during the production of the elastomer profile layers and is therefore integrally molded onto the elastomer of the end edge areas.

[0012] No further details have yet been provided regarding the design and arrangement of the cutout.

[0013] According to the solution according to the invention, the cutout could also be arranged at a small distance from the edge of the plate layer in the carrier.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the cutout extends to the edge of the slab layer and merges into it. Another solution provides that the at least one cutout in the beam extends into the beam from the edge of the slab layer, in particular with a dimension greater than 0.5 times the thickness of the beam, or even better, greater than the thickness of the beam itself.

[0015] The advantage of this solution is that it ensures the connecting piece has sufficient stability for the operation of the plate layer.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one cutout in the beam extends into the beam from the edge of the plate layer with an extent greater than twice the thickness of the beam.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the support extends between the opposing end edge areas, viewed in the direction of the plate layer edge, on at least one side of the cutout up to the plate layer edge, thus allowing advantageous support of the end edge areas at least on one side of the connecting piece.

[0018] It is even more advantageous if the support extends between the opposing end edge areas, viewed in the direction of the panel edge, on both sides of the at least one cutout up to the panel edge, thus supporting the end edge areas relative to each other for the two opposing end edge areas and on both sides of the cutout and thus on both sides of the connecting piece, in order to achieve a stable positioning of the end edge areas relative to the support.

[0019] Another advantageous embodiment provides that several cutouts are provided in the carrier between the opposing end edge regions, so that multiple connections between the end edge regions can be created by connecting pieces provided in the cutouts. No further details have yet been given regarding the shape of the cutouts.

[0020] One advantageous solution provides that the at least one cutout located in the area of ​​the plate layer edge has its maximum extent in a direction transverse to the plate layer edge, so that the cutout extends as deep as possible into the beam in order to achieve an advantageous connection of the end edge areas.

[0021] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the at least one cutout located in the area of ​​the edge of the slab layer has its maximum extent in the direction of the edge of the slab layer.

[0022] No further details have been provided regarding the qualifications of the operator.

[0023] One advantageous solution involves the support being designed in a plate-like shape, thus making it easy to use as part of, for example, an electrolyzer or a fuel cell.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the support is made of metal in order to achieve sufficient mechanical stability and temperature stability.

[0025] Alternatively, depending on the intended use of the plate layer, it is possible for the support to be made of plastic.

[0026] No further details have yet been provided regarding the fixing of the elastomer profile layers outside the end areas on the carrier.

[0027] It is preferably provided that the elastomer profile layers arranged on both sides of the support are connected to each other outside the end regions by means of connecting elements that extend through openings in the support. Such connecting elements can also, in principle, be made of a material different from the elastomer.

[0028] It is also particularly advantageous if these connecting elements are made of elastomer, especially if they are integrally connected to the elastomer of the elastomer profile layers.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a layer of plates according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in this method it is provided that the elastomer profile layers arranged on both sides of the carrier are applied by injection molding technology via webs attached to the carrier.

[0030] The advantage of this solution is that it offers a simple way to produce the elastomer profile layers using injection molding technology.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if a carrier pre-stage of the carrier is provided with the additional webs molded onto the carrier, in the area of ​​which the supply of elastomer material to the shaping structures of an injection mold or their venting takes place for the production of the elastomer profile layers.

[0032] In particular, this is achieved through elastomer connection layers forming on the webs, which transition into profile layer connections to the support.

[0033] This provides a simple way to efficiently manufacture the elastomer profile layers.

[0034] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, following the webs in the elastomer profile layer to be produced, end edge areas of the same are created or formed, particularly those encompassed by the profile layer connections, so that the elastomer material can be fed to the injection molding tool from the webs via these end edge areas.

[0035] In particular, it is advantageous if the supply of elastomer material for the production of the elastomer profile layers on the carrier to the injection mold and / or the venting of the injection mold during the supply of elastomer material takes place via the end edge areas, especially those encompassed by the profile layer connections.

[0036] A particularly advantageous solution is one in which the webs are separated after the elastomer material has hardened, exposing the end edge areas; that is, by separating the webs, the end edge areas that arise during the production of the elastomer profile layers are exposed.

[0037] For example, the bridges are separated by a punching process or laser cutting along a separation edge.

[0038] In particular, the separation of the webs is carried out in such a way that the end edge areas run along the separation edges, that is, that the separation edges are laid in such a way as the intended end edge areas are supposed to run.

[0039] In particular, the separating edges are positioned in such a way that the separating edges form partial areas of the panel layer edge and thus the separating edges transition continuously, preferably steplessly, into the panel layer edges.

[0040] No further details were provided regarding the arrangement of the cutout in connection with the procedure described so far.

[0041] One advantageous solution involves designing the cutout in the beam pre-stage so that it extends into both the beam and the respective web. This means that the cutout is not limited to the beam itself, but also extends into the web in the beam pre-stage to ensure that the connecting piece created by the cutout has sufficient dimension.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one cutout in the carrier pre-stage is arranged in such a way that the separating edge cuts into it, so that when the separating edge is formed, a part of the cutout remains in the carrier and the remaining part of the cutout is removed by the detached web.

[0043] The foregoing description of solutions according to the invention thus includes in particular the various combinations of features defined by the embodiments numbered below.

[0044] 1. A plate layer (10), for example for an electrolyzer or a fuel cell, comprising a support (12) and elastomer profile layers (20) arranged on both sides of the support (12), which form functional profiles (21) extending in particular on the respective side of the support (12), wherein the elastomer profile layers (20) extend to a plate layer edge (36) and form opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​adjacent to the plate layer edge (36) on opposite sides of the support (12), wherein the support (12) lying along the plate layer edge (36) between the opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​has at least one cutout (42) arranged at the plate layer edge (36) and extending into the support (12), in which a connecting element is arranged between the end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​and oriented relative to each other in relation to the plate layer edge (36). The connecting piece (44) holding the support (12) lies. 2.Plate position (10) according to embodiment 1, wherein the connecting piece fixing the end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​relative to each other is a connecting piece (44) made of elastomer.

[0045] 3. Plate layer according to embodiment 2, wherein the connecting piece (44) made of elastomer is integrally formed onto the end edge areas (38o, 38u) ​​located on both sides of the same.

[0046] 4. Plate layer according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one cutout (42) in the support (12) extends from the plate layer edge (36) into the support (12), in particular with an extent greater than 0.5 times the thickness of the support (12).

[0047] 5. Plate layer according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support (12) extends between the opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​on at least one side of the cutout (42) to the plate layer edge (36).

[0048] 6. Plate layer according to embodiment 5, wherein the support (12) extends between the opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​on both sides of the at least one cutout (42) to the plate layer edge (36).

[0049] 7. Plate arrangement according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein several cutouts (42) are provided in the carrier (12) between the opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u).

[0050] 8. Panel arrangement according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one cutout (42) located in the region of the panel arrangement edge (36) has its maximum extent in the direction transverse to the panel arrangement edge (36). 9. Panel arrangement according to one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the at least one cutout (42) located in the region of the panel arrangement edge (36) has its maximum extent in the direction of the panel arrangement edge (36).

[0051] 10. Plate arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support (12) is plate-shaped.

[0052] 11. Plate layer (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support (12) is made of metal or plastic.

[0053] 12. Plate layer (10) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the elastomer profile layers (20) arranged on both sides of the carrier (12) are connected to each other outside the end regions (38o and 38u) ​​by means of connecting elements (52) passing through passages (50) in the carrier (12).

[0054] 13. Method for producing a layer of plates according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the elastomer profile layers (20) arranged on both sides of the carrier (12) are applied by injection molding via webs (24) attached to the carrier (12).

[0055] 14. Method according to embodiment 13, wherein a carrier pre-stage (22) of the carrier (12) is provided with the additional webs (24) formed on the carrier (12), in the area of ​​which the supply of elastomer material to the shaping structures (19) of an injection molding tool (18) or their venting takes place for the production of the elastomer profile layers (20).

[0056] 15. A method according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​are formed in the elastomer profile layer (20) to be produced, following the webs (24). 16. A method according to one of embodiments 13 to 15, wherein the end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​are used to supply elastomer material for producing the elastomer profile layers (20) on the carrier (12) to the injection mold (18) and / or to vent the injection mold (18) during the supply of elastomer material.

[0057] 17. Method according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the webs (24) are separated after curing of the elastomer material, exposing the end edge areas (38o, 38u).

[0058] 18. Method according to one of embodiments 13 to 17, wherein the webs (24) are separated by a punching operation or laser cutting along a separation edge (34, 34').

[0059] 19. Method according to embodiment 18, wherein when separating the webs (24) the end edge areas (38o, 38u) ​​run along the separation edges (34, 34').

[0060] 20. Method according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the separating edges (34, 34') form partial areas of the plate layer edge (36).

[0061] 21. Method according to one of embodiments 13 to 20, wherein the cutout (42) in the carrier pre-stage (22) is designed such that it extends both into the carrier (12) and into the respective web (24, 24').

[0062] 22. Method according to one of embodiments 13 to 21, wherein the at least one cutout (42) in the carrier pre-stage (22) is arranged such that the separating edge (34, 34') intersects it.

[0063] Further features and advantages of the solution according to the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of some exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows:

[0064] Fig. 1 shows a section-by-section representation of a device according to the invention.

[0065] Plate layer with a carrier and an elastomer profile layer on one side of the carrier;

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a section along line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

[0067] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged partial area of ​​the top view according to Fig. 1 with a support pre-stage comprising the later support of the plate layer with molded webs;

[0068] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of area A in Fig. 3;

[0069] Fig. 5 shows a further enlarged view of a perspective view.

[0070] View of the elastomer profile layer with a profile layer connection and an end area formed by the profile layer connection with the web detached;

[0071] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the support pre-stage with only dashed lines indicating the elastomer profile position according to Fig. 4 with provided cutouts extending transversely to a parting edge, which extend both in the support and in the web;

[0072] Fig. 7 shows a first variant of the formation of cutouts, in

[0073] Area of ​​a transition from the respective web to the support both in the area of ​​elastomer supply and ventilation;

[0074] Fig. 8 shows a second variant of the formation of cutouts in the

[0075] Area of ​​a transition from the respective web to the support, both in the area of ​​elastomer supply and ventilation; Fig. 9 a third variant of the formation of cutouts in the

[0076] Area of ​​a transition from the respective web to the support both in the area of ​​elastomer supply and ventilation and

[0077] Fig. 10 shows a fourth variant of the formation of cutouts in the area of ​​a transition from the respective web to the support, both in the area of ​​elastomer supply and ventilation.

[0078] An embodiment of a plate layer shown in Figure 1, designated as a whole by 10, for example for an electrolyzer or a fuel cell, comprises a support, preferably plate-shaped, designated as a whole by 12, in particular a metallic support, for example designed as a support sheet, which is provided with functional openings 14, which are arranged, for example, outside a perforated area 16, in particular around the perforated area 16.

[0079] The carrier 12 carries elastomer profile layers 20 on both sides, which are provided in particular with functional profiles 21, especially sealing or support profiles, which, for example, enclose the functional openings 14 and are applied to the carrier 12 by injection molding technology and are fixed to it.

[0080] Such an injection molding tool 18 with shaping structures 19 for the production of the elastomer profile layers 20 with the functional profiles 21 on both sides of the carrier 12 is shown schematically in Fig. 2.

[0081] The elastomer profile layers 20 serve in particular for sealing and / or supporting relative to further plate layers. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a carrier preform 22 is used for applying the elastomer profile layers 20. This preform comprises the carrier 12 and webs 24, 24' molded onto the carrier 12. Elastomer is supplied to these webs by the shaping structures 19 of the injection mold 18, which are intended for forming the elastomer profile layers 20. This results in the formation of elastomer connection points 26, 26' on the webs. For example, the elastomer connection point 26 serves to supply elastomer to the injection mold, and the elastomer connection point 26' serves to vent the injection mold during the supply of elastomer.

[0082] The shaping structures 19 of the injection mold 18 are further designed such that, starting from the respective elastomer connection projection 26 or 26', an elastomer connection layer 28, 28' extends over the respective web 26, 26' to the elastomer profile layer 20 on the carrier 12, and transitions into a profile layer connection 30, 30' encompassed by this, which lies on the carrier 12.

[0083] Thus, by means of the webs 24, 24', the elastomer connection attachments 26, 26', the elastomer connection layers 28, 28' and the profile layer connections 30, 30', it is possible to produce the elastomer profile layers 20 on the carrier pre-stage 22.

[0084] In order to avoid having to take into account the disruptive elastomer connection projections 26, 26' when using the plate layer 10 to be produced later, the webs 24, 24' are cut off along separating edges 34, 34', wherein the separating edges 34, 34' are preferably arranged such that a continuous course of plate layer edges 36, for example of opening edges bounding the functional openings 14, is created, so that the separating edges 34, 34' do not impair the function of the plate layers 10, for example the flow through the functional openings 14, but allow it unhindered by their course in continuation of the plate layer edges 36.

[0085] By attaching the separating edges 34, 34', exemplified by the separating edge 34 in Figure 5, end edge areas 38o and 38u are exposed on both sides of the beam 12 resulting from the beam pre-stage 22 in the area of ​​the upper profile layer connection 30o and the lower profile layer connection 30u, where there is a risk that these will detach from the beam 12 in the area of ​​the separating edges 34.

[0086] For this reason, as shown in Figure 6, cutouts 42 are already provided in the carrier pre-stage 22 in the area of ​​the later parting edges 34. These cutouts extend across the respective parting edge 34, both into the respective web 24 and into the carrier 12 remaining after the respective web 24 has been cut off, over a distance of more than 0.5 times the thickness of the carrier 12, preferably more than the thickness of the carrier 12, transversely to the later parting edge 34. As shown in Figure 4, this results in connecting pieces 44 penetrating the cutouts 42 between the profile layer connections 30o and 30u, particularly in the area of ​​their end edge regions 38o and 38u exposed by the subsequent application of the parting edges, during the injection molding of the elastomer profile layers 20 in the area of ​​the profile layer connections 30o and 30u. These connecting pieces 44, by virtue of being connected together with the profile layer connections, 30o and 30u are manufactured,The profile layer connections 30o and 30u are integrally connected and, in particular, at the end edge regions 38o and 38u, the profile layer connections 30o and 30u are connected to each other and held in contact with the support 12 on both sides, without the need for additional bonding agents for the connection between the profile layer connections 30o and 30u and the support 12 in the area of ​​the parting edges 34. This prevents any risk of the profile layer connections 30o and 30u detaching from the support 12 by the connecting pieces 44, especially in the area of ​​the functional openings 14 when flow passes through them.

[0087] The cutouts 42 can have a wide variety of shapes.

[0088] As shown in Figure 6, the cutouts 42 can be designed as elongated cutouts extending with their longitudinal direction 48 transverse to the separating edge 34, with rounded end areas 46.

[0089] As shown, for example, in Figure 7 and following in connection with further embodiments, in a first variant according to Fig. 7 the cutouts 42i can be rectangular recesses extending with their longitudinal direction transverse to the respective separating edge 34, 34' with rectangular end regions 46i.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8 in connection with a second variant, the cutouts 422 can also be elongated cutouts 422 extending with their longitudinal direction 482 in the direction of the respective separating edge 34, 34', which allow a maximum extension of the connecting piece 44 between the profile layer connections '30, 30'.

[0091] However, as shown in Figure 9 in connection with a third variant, it is also possible to design the cutouts 423 in such a way that they preferably extend symmetrically to the respective separating edge 34, 34' and have a circular outer contour, so that the cutouts 423 can be produced, for example, as bores.

[0092] Similarly, as shown in Figure 10 in connection with a fourth variant, the cutouts 424 can also be elongated with their longitudinal direction 484 extending towards the respective parting edge 34, 34', for example in the form of an ellipse, or be formed as cutouts 424 with rounded end regions 464. To connect the elastomer profile layers 20, which are arranged on both sides of the carrier 12, the carrier 12 is, as shown in Figure 6, further provided with passages 50 covered by the elastomer profile layers 20, in which connecting elements 52 are formed between the elastomer during injection molding of the elastomer profile layers 20.

Claims

A N S P R Ü C H E 1. A plate layer (10), for example for an electrolyzer or a fuel cell, comprising a support (12) and elastomer profile layers (20) arranged on both sides of the support (12), which form functional profiles (21) extending in particular on the respective side of the support (12), wherein the elastomer profile layers (20) extend to a plate layer edge (36) and form opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​adjacent to the plate layer edge (36) on opposite sides of the support (12), characterized in that the support (12) lying along the plate layer edge (36) between the opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​has at least one cutout (42) arranged at the plate layer edge (36) and extending into the support (12), in which a connecting element is arranged between the end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​and oriented relative to each other. The system is located on the connecting piece (44) which is attached to the support (12).

2. Plate layer (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting piece fixing the end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​relative to each other is a connecting piece (44) made of elastomer.

3. Plate layer according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting piece (44) made of elastomer is integrally formed onto the end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​located on both sides of the same.

4. Panel layer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cutout (42) in the support (12) extends from the edge of the panel layer (36) into the support (12), in particular with an extent greater than 0.5 times the thickness of the support (12).

5. Panel layer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (12) extends between the opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​on at least one side of the cutout (42) to the panel layer edge (36).

6. Panel layer according to claim 5, characterized in that the support (12) extends between the opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u) ​​on both sides of the at least one cutout (42) to the panel layer edge (36).

7. Plate arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several cutouts (42) are provided in the carrier (12) between the opposing end edge regions (38o, 38u).

8. Panel layer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cutout (42) located in the area of ​​the panel layer edge (36) has its maximum extent in the direction transverse to the panel layer edge (36).

9. Panel layer according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one cutout (42) located in the area of ​​the panel layer edge (36) has its maximum extent in the direction of the panel layer edge (36).

10. Plate layer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (12) is plate-shaped.

11. Plate layer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (12) is made of metal or plastic.

12. Plate layer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer profile layers (20) arranged on both sides of the carrier (12) are connected to each other outside the end regions (38o and 38u) ​​by means of connecting elements (52) passing through passages (50) in the carrier (12).

13. Method for producing a layer of plates according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer profile layers (20) arranged on both sides of the carrier (12) are applied by injection molding technology via webs (24) attached to the carrier (12).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that a carrier pre-stage (22) of the carrier (12) is provided with the additional webs (24) formed on the carrier (12), in the area of ​​which the supply of elastomer material to the shaping structures (19) of an injection molding tool (18) or their venting takes place for the production of the elastomer profile layers (20).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the end edge areas (38o, 38u) ​​of the elastomer profile layer (20) to be produced are formed following the webs (24).

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the supply of elastomer material for the production of the elastomer profile layers (20) on the carrier (12) to the injection molding tool (18) and / or the venting of the injection molding tool (18) during the supply of elastomer material takes place via the end edge areas (38o, 38u).

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the webs (24) are separated after curing of the elastomer material, exposing the end edge areas (38o, 38u).

18. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the webs (24) are separated by a punching operation or laser cutting along a separation edge (34, 34').

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that when separating the webs (24) the end edge areas (38o, 38u) ​​run along the separation edges (34, 34').

20. Method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the separating edges (34, 34') form partial areas of the plate layer edge (36).

21. Method according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the cutout (42) in the carrier pre-stage (22) is formed such that it extends both into the carrier (12) and into the respective web (24, 24').

22. Method according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the at least one cutout (42) in the carrier pre-stage (22) is arranged such that the separating edge (34, 34') intersects it.

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