Patent ID: 7026067

Claim:
A fuel cell stack with a plurality of plate-shaped fuel cells, which are connected mechanically and electrically by bipolar plates ( 4 ); each fuel cell stack comprises an anode ( 1 ), a cathode ( 3 ) and an electrolyte layer ( 2 ) disposed between the cathode and the anode; each cathode is adjacent to a cathode chamber ( 8 ) and each anode is adjacent to an anode chamber ( 7 ); the bipolar plates provide including openings arranged to form channels ( 5 , 6 ) for the supply of operating materials to the fuel cells or for the removal of depleted operating materials from the fuel cells; each bipolar plate including at least one further opening ( 11 ) in which a fuel cell is disposed; the dimensions of the at least one further opening are substantially adapted to the dimensions of the fuel cell; and sealing means ( 10 ) arranged layer-by-layer or strip-by-strip covering at least one bordering edge between the fuel cell and the adjacent surface of the bipolar plate in which the fuel cell is disposed, said sealing means projecting beyond the edge to ensure that it is covered.