Patent ID: 7846606

Claim:
A bipolar plate for electro-chemical applications, comprising: a first cover layer of a metallic material; a second cover layer of a metallic material; a supporting layer of a metallic material which is arranged between the first cover layer and the second cover layer and is connected to the first cover layer and the second cover layer; the supporting layer comprising at least one row of contact areas for at least one of the first cover layer and the second cover layer, with free spaces being formed between neighbouring contact areas; at least one passage opening passing through the first cover layer and at least one passage opening passing through the second cover layer and serving as a pass-through for a clamping element, respectively; an insert element by means of which point forces are introducible over an area, said insert element being arranged between the first cover layer and the second cover layer in a region of the at least one passage openings of the first cover layer and the second cover layer, respectively; and wherein the insert element comprises an insert element passage opening providing a connection between the at least one passage opening of the first cover layer and the at least one passage opening of the second cover layer.