JP2009021217A - Electrode-membrane-frame assembly for fuel cell and manufacturing method thereof, and polymer electrolyte fuel cell and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell for actualizing a high yield when manufactured while reliably sealing a single cell module having a membrane electrode assembly held between a pair of separators, and to provide a manufacturing method thereof. <P>SOLUTION: The electrode-membrane-frame assembly includes the membrane electrode assembly, a first frame body having a separator side surface on which a sealing member is arranged for sealing between one separator and itself and a membrane side surface arranged on one face at the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly, and formed of a thermoplastic resin material, and a second frame body having a separator side surface on which a sealing material is arranged for sealing between the other separator and itself and a membrane side surface arranged on the other face at the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly, and formed of a thermoplastic resin material and fitted to the first frame body to hold the membrane electrode assembly at its peripheral edge between the first frame body and itself. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, and more particularly to a structure of an electrode-membrane-frame assembly of a fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same.

  A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “PEFC”) is a fuel cell containing hydrogen and an oxidant gas containing oxygen, such as air, electrochemically reacted to generate electric power. It is a device that generates heat at the same time.

  The most representative of such PEFC is a polymer electrolyte membrane in which a gasket, which is a sealing member for sealing gas, is disposed at the peripheral portion, and an anode is joined to one surface of the electrolyte membrane, and An electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as “MEA”) formed by bonding a cathode to the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, an anode side conductive separator plate and a cathode side conductive separator plate sandwiching the MEA A gas supply portion configured to supply fuel gas and oxidant gas to the anode and the cathode, respectively, is formed at the peripheral edge of the central portion in contact with the MEA in the separator plate.

  Here, one of the important issues in PEFC is the improvement in utilization efficiency of fuel gas and oxidant gas. Specifically, in the MEA, there may be a gap between the inner edge of the gasket and the outer edge of the electrode layer due to restrictions on processing steps and the like. In the case where such a gap exists, fuel gas and oxidant gas leak into the gap during PEFC operation, and the leaked fuel gas and oxidant gas are hardly exposed to the MEA. Will be discharged. As a result, the use efficiency of the fuel gas and the oxidant gas is reduced, that is, the PEFC efficiency (power generation efficiency) is reduced. In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, there is an MEA having a structure in which a gasket formed of a predetermined resin material that covers and seals the outer edge of the MEA electrode layer is integrated with the MEA. Proposed. In addition, various structures in which the gasket is integrated with the MEA or related technologies have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 to 9).

JP 2001-155745 A International Publication No. 2002/043172 Pamphlet JP 2006-310288 A JP 2001-102072 A JP 2006-252811 A US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0096730 US Pat. No. 6,610,435 US Pat. No. 6,840,969 US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0234831

  However, for example, in the gasket structure integrated with the MEA as typified by Patent Document 1, it takes time to arrange the resin material so that the MEA is uniformly adhered to the peripheral portion of the electrode layer without excess or deficiency. And at least not suitable for mass production. Furthermore, in the configuration as in Patent Document 1, a manifold of fuel gas and oxidant gas supplied to the MEA is formed outside the separator plate, and thus a plurality of single cell modules are stacked. Another disadvantage is that the fuel cell cannot be made compact.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, a frame body is formed of a resin material so as to hold the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane in the MEA, and a gasket is formed on the surface of the frame body. A configuration in which a manifold is formed can be considered.

  However, various methods can be considered for the structure for holding the MEA in the frame and how to manufacture such a frame. In particular, the MEA is a relatively expensive member, and it is desired to achieve a high yield (productivity) in fuel cell production.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and relates to a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, and an electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell capable of realizing a high yield in its manufacture, and An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method thereof, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including an electrode-membrane-frame assembly, and a manufacturing method thereof.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell and a method for producing the same that can realize reliable sealing in a single cell module in which a membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between one separator. Another object of the present invention is to provide a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including an electrode-membrane-frame assembly and a method for producing the same.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a membrane electrode assembly;
A first frame disposed on one surface of the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly;
A second frame disposed on the other surface of the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly and holding the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly with the first frame;
Provided is an electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that constitutes a unit cell module in a fuel cell by being sandwiched between a pair of separators.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the fuel cell according to the first aspect, further comprising holding means for releasably holding the membrane electrode assembly by the first frame body and the second frame body. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly is provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the holding means has a fitting structure in which at least a part of either one of the first and second frame bodies is releasably fitted to the other. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to an aspect is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel according to the second aspect, the holding means is an engaging member that releasably engages the first frame and the second frame. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a battery is provided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the membrane electrode assembly is disposed on both surfaces inside the peripheral edge so as to expose the polymer electrolyte membrane and the peripheral edge of the polymer electrolyte membrane. A pair of electrode layers bonded to the molecular electrolyte membrane,
The peripheral part of the polymer electrolyte membrane exposed from the pair of electrode layers is held by being sandwiched and held by the first and second frame bodies, according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell is provided.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the separator sealing member that seals between the first frame and one of the separators is disposed on the separator-side surface of the first frame. And
The separator sealing member for sealing between the second frame and the other separator is disposed on the separator side surface of the second frame, according to the first to fifth aspects. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to any one of the above is provided.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the membrane-side surface and the membrane are provided on each membrane-side surface facing the peripheral edge side of the membrane-electrode assembly in the first frame and the second frame. The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein a membrane sealing member that seals between the periphery of the electrode assembly is disposed. provide.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the membrane-side surface and the membrane are provided on each membrane-side surface facing the peripheral edge side of the membrane-electrode assembly in the first frame and the second frame. A membrane sealing member that seals between the periphery of the electrode assembly is disposed,
In the first and second frame bodies, a through-hole penetrating the separator-side surface and the membrane-side surface is formed, and the sealing member filled in the through-hole allows the surface on the separator-side to The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to the sixth aspect, wherein the separator sealing member and the membrane sealing member on the membrane side surface are integrally connected.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a protrusion is formed on any one of the respective film-side surfaces facing the peripheral edge side of the membrane-electrode assembly in the first and second frames. An engagement hole to be engaged with the protrusion is formed on the other side, and the first and second frames are fitted by engagement of the protrusion and the engagement hole. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell as described in 1. above.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, a through-hole through which the protruding portion of the first or second frame is penetrated is formed in a peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell is provided.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the second frame body has a step portion having a bottom surface as a surface on which the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly is disposed, and the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly. The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is provided, wherein the first frame is disposed on the stepped portion via a gap.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the outer peripheral side sealing member that seals between the pair of separators is further disposed on both surfaces of the second frame body on the outer peripheral side of the stepped portion. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to the eleventh aspect is provided.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the electrode for a fuel cell according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the first and second frames are formed of a resin material. A membrane-frame assembly is provided.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the electrode-membrane-frame assembly according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects and a pair disposed so as to sandwich the electrode-membrane-frame assembly. There is provided a polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising one or a plurality of unit cell modules each having a separator.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell constituting a single cell module in a fuel cell is disposed by being sandwiched between a pair of separators. A manufacturing method comprising:
Preparing a membrane electrode assembly, a first frame, and a second frame;
The first frame is disposed on one surface of the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly, and the second frame is disposed on the other surface of the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, wherein an electrode-membrane-frame assembly is formed by holding the peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly with the first and second frames sandwiched therebetween. A manufacturing method is provided.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, holding of the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly by the first and second frames is performed by at least part of any one of the first and second frames. A method for producing an electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to the fifteenth aspect, which is performed by releasably fitting to the other.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly is held by the first and second frames to form the electrode-membrane-frame assembly, and then the electrode-membrane- Determine if the frame assembly is defective,
The electrode-membrane-for a fuel cell according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein when it is determined that it is defective, the fitting by the first and second frames is released and the membrane-electrode assembly is recovered. A method for manufacturing a frame joined body is provided.

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the fitting of the first and second frames is formed on one of the first and second frames and on the other. A method for producing an electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect, which is performed by releasable engagement with the engaged hole.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a pair of separators are arranged so as to sandwich the electrode-membrane-frame assembly formed by the manufacturing method according to any one of the fifteenth to eighteenth aspects. Provided is a method for manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, in which a single cell module is formed and a fuel cell is manufactured by stacking one or a plurality of single cell modules.

  According to the present invention, in the configuration in which the peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly is held by the frame body, the frame body is divided into two pieces into the first and second frame bodies, and the first frame body and the second frame body The membrane electrode assembly is disposed so as to sandwich the peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly, thereby realizing a holding structure of the membrane electrode assembly by a frame, that is, an electrode-membrane-frame assembly. By adopting such a holding structure, for example, a thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold in a state where the membrane electrode assembly is disposed in the mold for forming the frame body by resin molding. Thus, the yield can be improved as compared with the case where the electrode-membrane-frame assembly is formed by injection molding. That is, in the case of forming by injection molding, it is difficult to separate the membrane electrode assembly from the frame after molding. For example, defective molding of the frame such as poor injection of resin material. In such a case, the membrane electrode assembly, which is an expensive member compared to the resin material, is wasted, and it is difficult to improve the yield. On the other hand, in the holding structure in which the membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between the first and second frames, the membrane electrode is separated from the manufacture of the first and second frames themselves (for example, resin molding). A bonded structure holding structure can be realized. At the same time, since the holding by sandwiching the first and second frames is performed, the holding of the membrane electrode assembly can be easily released, and the membrane electrode assembly is not wasted. Therefore, according to the present invention, in the fuel cell, it is possible to provide a structure that improves the yield in the manufacture of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly and a method for manufacturing the structure.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the structure of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as “PEFC”) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the PEFC 100 is configured by stacking a plurality of cells (single battery modules) 10. Although not shown, a current collector plate, an insulating plate, and an end plate (end plate) are attached to the outermost layers at both ends of the cell 10, and the cell 10 has a fastening bolt and a nut inserted through the bolt hole 4 from both ends. (Both not shown). In the first embodiment, 60 cells 10 are stacked, and bolts and nuts inserted through the bolt holes 4 are fastened with a fastening force of 10 kN. In the first embodiment, a structure in which a plurality of cells 10 are stacked will be described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied even when a PEFC is configured by one cell. it can.

  The cell 10 is configured by sandwiching the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 between an anode separator 2 and a cathode separator 3 which are a pair of conductive separators. More specifically, the both sides of the frame body 6 arranged at the peripheral edge of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 are paired with a pair of separators 2 via a gasket 7 which is an example of a sealing member arranged on both surfaces. 3, the cell 10 is configured. Thereby, the diffusion layer 5C (see FIG. 5) provided on the outermost side of the electrode layer of the membrane electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as “MEA”) 5 comes into contact with the surfaces of the separators 2 and 3, and the anode separator 2 The fuel gas flow channel and the oxidant gas flow channel are formed by the diffusion layer contact portion 21A of the fuel gas flow channel groove 21 and the diffusion layer contact portion 31A of the oxidant gas flow channel groove 31 of the cathode separator 3 and the diffusion layer 5C. Defined. As a result, the fuel gas flowing through the diffusion layer abutting portion 21A comes into contact with the diffusion layer 5C on the separator 2 side at the anode and causes an electrochemical reaction of the PEFC 100. In the stacked cells 10, adjacent MEAs 5 are electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel.

  A pair of through-holes through which fuel gas and oxidant gas flow, ie, fuel gas manifold holes 12, 22, 32, and the peripheral portions of the separators 2, 3 and the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1, that is, the frame 6 The oxidant manifold holes 13, 23, 33 are provided. In the state where the cells 10 are stacked, these through holes are stacked to form a fuel gas manifold and an oxidant manifold.

  A fuel gas channel groove 21 is provided on the inner main surface of the anode separator 2 so as to connect the pair of fuel gas manifold holes 22, 22. An oxidant gas passage groove 31 is formed on the inner main surface of the cathode separator 3 so as to connect the pair of oxidant gas manifold holes 33 and 33. That is, the oxidant gas and the fuel gas are branched from the one manifold, that is, the supply-side manifold, to the flow channel grooves 21 and 31, respectively, and circulate to the other manifold, that is, the discharge-side manifold. Composed. The fuel gas channel groove 21 is formed around the diffusion layer 5C and the diffusion layer contact portion 21A formed on the surface contacting the diffusion layer 5C and the surface contacting the diffusion layer 5C in the assembled state of the cell 10. It has a pair of connecting portions (connecting flow channel grooves) 21B formed between the opposing surfaces. Similarly, the flow channel 31 is formed in the diffusion layer contact portion 31A formed on the surface contacting the diffusion layer 5C in the assembled state of the cell 10, and on the surface contacting the diffusion layer 5C and the periphery of the diffusion layer 5C. A pair of communication portions (communication flow channel grooves) 31B formed between the opposing surfaces is formed. Here, the communication portions 21B and 31B are formed so as to connect the pair of manifold holes 22 and 33 and the diffusion layer contact portions 21A and 31A. As a result, the oxidant gas and the fuel gas branch from the fuel gas manifold hole 22 and the oxidant gas manifold hole 33 on the supply side into the connecting portions 21B and 31B, respectively, and flow into the connecting portions 21A and 31A, respectively. In contact with the diffusion layer 5C to cause an electrochemical reaction. The surplus gas and reaction product components are discharged to the exhaust-side fuel gas manifold hole 22 via the connecting portions 21B and 31B connected to the exhaust-side fuel gas manifold hole 22 and the oxidant gas manifold hole 33. And discharged to the oxidant gas manifold hole 33.

  Gaskets 7 are disposed on both main surfaces of the frame body 6 of the membrane electrode assembly 1. The gasket 7 is disposed so that the oxidant gas and the fuel gas do not flow out from the predetermined flow path grooves 21 and 31. That is, the gasket 7 is disposed so as to surround the manifold holes 12, 13, and 14 and the frame. Here, on the anode separator 2 side, in the assembled state of the cell 10, the gasket 7 is not disposed at a position where the connecting portion 21 </ b> B of the fuel gas channel groove 21 contacts. A gasket 7 is disposed so that the fuel gas manifold hole 12 and the MEA 5 are integrally surrounded. Similarly, on the cathode separator 3 side, in the assembled state of the cell 10, the gasket 7 is not disposed at a position where the connecting portion 31 </ b> B of the oxidant gas flow channel 31 abuts. Further, the gasket 7 prevents the fuel gas flowing between the oxidant gas manifold hole 13 and the MEA 5 and the fuel gas flowing between the oxidant gas manifold hole 33 and the MEA 5 from being blocked by the gasket 7. The fuel gas and the oxidant gas are prevented from leaking out of the gas flow path 21 and the oxidant gas flow path 31. In FIG. 1, the meandering structure of the flow path grooves 21 and 31 of the diffusion layer abutting portions 21 </ b> A and 31 </ b> A of the gasket 7 and the separators 2 and 3 is shown as a schematic configuration for convenience of explanation.

  In the PEFC 100 of the first embodiment, the case where the manifold is formed by the through hole of the separator will be described, but instead of such a case, a so-called external manifold, that is, formed outside the separator. May be constituted by a manifold. That is, the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 and the separators 2 and 3 are not formed with the fuel gas manifold holes 12, 22, 32 and the oxidant gas manifold holes 13, 23, 33. The connecting portions 21B and 31B of the oxidant gas flow path 31 are extended to the end faces of the separators 2 and 3, respectively. And the piping which each supplies fuel gas and oxidizing agent gas is branched and joined to the end surface of each separator 2 and 3, and is comprised. In the case of an external manifold, the gasket 7 is arranged to extend to the end surface of the frame 6 along the periphery of the connecting portions 21B and 31B of the fuel gas flow channel 21 and the oxidant gas flow channel 31. From the viewpoint of downsizing the PEFC 100 and simplicity of the external configuration, it is preferable that the manifold is formed by a through hole of the separator.

  Similarly to the fuel gas manifold holes 12, 22, 32 and the oxidant gas manifold holes 13, 23, 33, two pairs in which water circulates in the peripheral portions of the separators 2, 3 and the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1. Water manifold holes 14, 24, 34 are provided to form the manifold. Thereby, in the state where the cells 10 are stacked, these manifold holes are stacked to form two pairs of water manifolds.

  Here, a schematic plan view of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 is shown in FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA 'in the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. A cross-sectional view taken along line 'is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the MEA 5 includes a polymer electrolyte membrane 5A that selectively transports hydrogen ions, and a pair of electrode layers 5D (anode and cathode electrodes) formed on both surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A. Layer). The electrode layer 5D is usually composed mainly of a carbon powder carrying a platinum catalyst, and has a catalyst layer formed on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A and air permeability and conductivity formed on the outer surface of the catalyst layer 5B. A diffusion layer 5C is also provided. The catalyst layer 5B may have a two-layer structure of a water repellent carbon layer and a platinum carbon layer (not shown).

  The anode separator 2 and the cathode separator 3 have a flat plate shape, and the surface that is in contact with the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1, that is, the inner surface is the shape of the electrode-membrane-assembly 1, more specifically, A step is provided so that the center portion protrudes in a trapezoidal shape so as to correspond to a step due to a difference in thickness between the frame body 6 and the MEA 5. Here, for example, glassy carbon (thickness 3 mm) manufactured by Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. is used for the anode separator 2 and the cathode separator 3. In the separators 2 and 3, various manifold holes 22, 23, 32, 33, 34 and the bolt holes 4 penetrate in the thickness direction of the separators 2 and 3. A fuel gas channel groove 21 and an oxidant gas channel 31 are formed on the inner surfaces of the separators 2 and 3, and a water channel groove (not shown) is formed on the back surfaces of the separators 2 and 3. Various manifold holes 22, 23, 24, 32, 33, 34, bolt holes 4, fuel gas flow channel 31, water flow channel 50 and the like are formed by cutting or molding.

  Here, the water channel groove is formed so as to connect the two pairs of water manifold holes 24 and 34. That is, it is configured such that water branches from one manifold, that is, a supply-side manifold, to a water flow channel, and flows to the other manifold, that is, a drainage-side manifold. Thereby, the cell 10 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature suitable for the electrochemical reaction by the heat transfer capability of water. In the same manner as the fuel gas and the oxidant gas, the water supply / discharge passage to be cooled is formed in the external manifold structure without forming the water manifold holes 14, 24, 34 in the peripheral portions of the separators 2, 3 and the membrane electrode assembly 1. It may be. Further, the cell 10 may be stacked by inserting a cooling unit in which cooling water circulates between adjacent cells without forming a water channel groove on the back of the separators 2 and 3.

  As shown in FIG.5 and FIG.6, the frame 6 is comprised combining the 1st frame 6A and the 2nd frame 6B. Specifically, the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A disposed so as to be exposed at the peripheral portion of the MEA 5 is disposed between the first frame 6A and the second frame 6B. A configuration in which the MEA 5 is held by the frame body 6 is realized by being sandwiched between the both frame bodies 6A and 6B. Further, ribs (positioning ribs) 8A, which are examples of protrusions for mechanically fitting the second frame 6B, are formed on the first frame 6A, and the second frame 6B. The first and second frame bodies 6A and 6B are mechanically integrated by being fitted into the holes (positioning engagement holes) 8B.

  Here, a schematic plan view of the first frame 6A is shown in FIG. 3, and a schematic plan view of the second frame 6B is shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIGS. 5 and 6, in the first frame 6A, the surface opposite to the surface on the anode separator 2 side (the surface on the separator side) (the surface on the polymer electrolyte membrane side) Is formed with a stepped portion 6C at the inner edge thereof. Further, in the second frame 6B, the surface (polymer electrolyte membrane side surface) opposite to the cathode separator 3 side surface (separator side surface) is formed so as to fit into the shape of the stepped portion 6C. ing. The peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A exposed at the peripheral portion of the MEA 5 is disposed on the step portion 6C of the first frame 6A, and further the step portion 6C so as to sandwich the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A. The second frame body 6B is fitted in. The rib 8A of the first frame 6A is formed on the stepped portion 6C.

  Moreover, the gasket 7 which is an example of a sealing member is formed in the 1st and 2nd frame 6A, 6B. The gasket 7 is made of an elastic body, and is deformed by placing and pressing the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 between the pair of separators 2 and 3, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. (That is, between the MEA 5 and the separators 2 and 3) and the periphery of the manifold hole are sealed (sealed). Similarly, the periphery of each manifold hole is also sealed by the gasket 7 in the fuel gas manifold hole 12 and the oxidant manifold hole 13.

  Specifically, the gasket 7 is disposed so as to extend along the frame shape of the frame 6, and an inner gasket 7 </ b> D disposed inside the frame shape and an outer gasket 7 </ b> E disposed outside the frame shape. And a double seal structure is adopted. The inner gasket 7D is formed on the separator-side surface on the opposite side of the step portion 6C in the first frame 6A and on the separator-side surface in the second frame 6B. Further, the outer gasket 7E is formed to be separated from the inner gasket 7D in the outer peripheral direction, and is formed on both surfaces of the first frame 6A on the outer peripheral side of the step portion 6C of the first frame 6A. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6, the manifold holes are sealed by the outer gasket 7 </ b> E.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, ribs (ridges) 7 </ b> C are formed on the top surfaces of the gaskets 7 (the inner gasket 7 </ b> D and the outer gasket 7 </ b> E) so as to extend along the extending direction. In the assembled state of the cell 10, the rib 7C concentrates the pressing force on the rib 7C, so that the manifold holes 12, 13, 14 and the periphery of the MEA 5 can be more appropriately sealed. Further, a space (a gap around the MEA) is formed in a portion surrounded by the peripheral edge of the MEA 5, the inner edge of the frame 6, and the pair of separators 2 and 3. When such a gap exists along the peripheral edge of the MEA 5, there is a concern that the gas may wrap around the gap and the utilization efficiency of the gas used for power generation may be reduced. Therefore, the inner edges of the first frame 6A and the second frame 6B are part of the gasket 7 from the inner gasket 7D so as to prevent such a gap from communicating along the peripheral edge. A plurality of rib-like gas sneaking prevention portions 7B formed to extend toward the inside of the MEA 5 are formed. By forming the gasket wraparound prevention portion 7B in this way, the communication of the gap is blocked at the installation location, and the gas wraparound is prevented.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and second frames 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B have a plurality of inner gaskets 6 </ b> D formed along the extending direction of the inner gasket 6 </ b> D. Through-holes 6D are formed. A membrane gasket 7A, which is an example of a membrane sealing member, is formed on each membrane side surface of the first and second frames 6A, 6B, that is, the surface in contact with the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A. Has been. The membrane gasket 7A is formed of an elastic body as a part of the gasket 7, and is integrally connected to the inner gasket 7D through the elastic body filled through the respective through holes 6D. By providing such a gasket for membrane 7A, the gap between the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A and the first and second frames 6A and 6B can be surely sealed, and the gas cross-leaks from this time. This can be prevented. In addition, from the function of such a membrane gasket 7A, the membrane gasket 7A is referred to as a gas cross leak preventing portion 7A. Further, each through-hole 6D is formed as a through-hole perpendicular to the frame bodies 6A and 6B so as to communicate the inner gasket 7D and the gas cross leak prevention portion 7A, and an elastic body is filled inside the through-hole 6D. Yes. By adopting such a structure, when the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 is sandwiched between the separators 2 and 3, the separators 2 and 3 press the inner gasket 7D, and the pressing force is reduced. The gas is transmitted to the gas cross leak preventing portion 7A through the elastic body in each through hole 6D. As a result, compared to a state in which the MEA 5 is only sandwiched between the first and second frame bodies 6A and 6B (that is, a state in which the MEA 5 is not sandwiched between the separators 2 and 3), In the case where the membrane-frame assembly 1 is sandwiched between the separators 2 and 3, the pressing force of the gas cross leak preventing portion 7A against the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A can be increased, and the sealing effect can be enhanced.

  The frame body 6 (the first frame body 6A and the second frame body 6B) is formed of a thermoplastic resin. This thermoplastic resin is chemically clean and stable below the operating temperature of PEFC 100, and has a moderate elastic modulus and a relatively high weight deflection temperature. For example, when the width of the fuel gas channel 21 and the oxidant gas channel 31 of the separators 2 and 3 is about 1 to 2 mm and the thickness of the frame 6 is about 1 mm or less, the compression elastic modulus of the frame 6 is at least It is preferable that it is 2000 MPa or more. Here, the elastic modulus refers to a compressive elastic modulus measured by a compressive elastic modulus measuring method defined in JIS-K7181.

  Moreover, since the operating temperature of PEFC100 is generally 90 ° C. or lower, the deflection load temperature of the frame 6 is preferably 120 ° C. or higher. In addition, from the viewpoint of chemical stability, the frame 6 is preferably a crystalline resin rather than an amorphous resin, and among them, a material having high mechanical strength and high heat resistance is preferable. For example, a so-called super engineering plastic grade is suitable, and examples thereof include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and crystalline polymer (LCP) polyether nitrile (PEN). These are suitable materials having a compression elastic modulus of several thousand to several tens of thousands of MPa and a deflection load temperature of 150 ° C. or more. Moreover, even if it is a resin material that is widely used, for example, polypropylene (GFPP) filled with a glass filler has an elastic modulus several times that of unfilled polypropylene (compression elastic modulus 1000 to 1500 MPa), Moreover, it has a deflection load temperature close to 150 ° C., and can be suitably used. In the first embodiment, glass filler-added PPS (Dainippon Ink Co., Ltd. DIC-PPS FZ1140-B2), which is a thermoplastic resin, is used.

  Moreover, the gasket 7 is comprised from a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer as an elastic body. This thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic elastomer is chemically stable under the operating conditions of PEFC 100, and has hot water resistance such as no hydrolysis. For example, the compression elastic modulus of the gasket 7 is preferably 200 MPa or less. Suitable materials are polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyurethane, silicone, fluororesin, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, syndiotactic -It is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyarylate, polyamide imide, polyether imide, and thermoplastic polyimide. As a result, it is possible to ensure good sealing performance at the fastening load of the PEFC 100. In the first embodiment, Santoprene 8101-55 (manufactured by Advanced Elasotomer System), which is a polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, is used.

  On the back surfaces of the anode separator 2 and the cathode separator 3, a general seal member 9 such as a squeezed packing made of a heat resistant material is disposed around various manifold holes. This prevents the fuel gas, the oxidant gas and the water from flowing out from the connection portion between the cells 10 of the various manifold holes 22, 23, 24, 32, 33, 34 between the adjacent cells 10.

  Here, the structure of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to the schematic plan views and cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 is three-dimensional. FIG. 13 shows a schematic partial perspective view (with a partial cross section). Further, in the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1, the first frame body 6A, the second frame body 6B, and the MEA 5 are disassembled, and in the second frame body 6B, a sealing member portion 7A such as a gasket, FIG. 14 shows a schematic exploded view showing a state in which 7B, 7C, and 7D are disassembled from the second frame 6B. By referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the structure of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 described so far can be easily understood.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 will be described. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E are manufacturing process diagrams schematically showing each manufacturing process of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 of the first embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7C, catalyst layers 5B are respectively formed on both inner surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A so as to expose both sides of the central portion, that is, the periphery. Next, the diffusion layer 5C is formed so as to cover the entire surface of the catalyst layer 5B thus formed. At this time, the diffusion layer 5C is formed so as to protrude slightly outside the periphery of the catalyst layer 5B so as to cover the entire surface including the periphery of the catalyst layer 5B.

  Specifically, the catalyst layer 5B is formed as follows, for example. Platinum is supported on a ketjen black EC (furnace black, manufactured by KETJENBLACK INTERNATIONAL, specific surface area 800 m2 / g, DPB oil supply amount 360 ml / 100 g) at a weight ratio of 1: 1. Next, 35 g of water and 59 g of an alcohol dispersion of hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte (9% FSS, manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.) are mixed with 10 g of this catalyst powder, and dispersed using an ultrasonic stirrer to form catalyst layer ink. Is made. Then, the catalyst layer ink is spray-coated to a thickness of 20 μm on both main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A, and then heat-treated at 115 ° C. for 20 minutes to form the catalyst layer 5B. Note that. In spray coating, the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A is covered with a mask having an opening of 120 mm × 120 mm. Here, a perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid membrane (DUPONT Nafion 117 (registered trademark)) having an outer diameter of 140 mm square and a thickness of 50 μm is used for the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A. Further, a hole (through hole) 5E for fitting into the rib 8A provided in the step portion 6C of the first frame 6A is formed in the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A. This hole 5E functions as a positioning hole 5E when the MEA 5 is disposed in the step portion 6C of the first frame 6A, and temporarily holds the MEA 5 in the positioned state on the first frame 6A. It also has a function to keep.

Next, a diffusion layer 5C is formed on the catalyst layer 5B. The diffusion layer 5C is configured by a porous body having a large number of fine pores. As a result, when the fuel gas or the oxidant gas enters the hole, these gases diffuse and easily reach the catalyst layer 5B. In the first embodiment, for example, 123 mm carbon fiber cloth (Carbel CL400 manufactured by JAPAN GORE-TEX, thickness: 400 μm) is placed on both main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A to which the catalyst layer 5B is attached. Then, the carbon fiber cloth is hot-pressed under conditions of a pressure of 0.5 MPa and 135 ° C. for 5 minutes to join the catalyst layer 5B on both main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A so as to join the diffusion layer 5C. Is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the first frame 6A is formed by injection molding using a thermoplastic resin material. Thereafter, in the first frame 6A, the inner gasket 7D, the outer gasket 7E, the gas wrap prevention portion 7B, and the gas cross leak prevention portion 7A are formed.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the second frame body 6B is also formed by injection molding using a thermally chemically converted resin material. Thereafter, in the second frame 6B, the inner gasket 7D, the gas spill prevention part 7B, and the gas cross leak prevention part 7A are formed.

  The MEA 5, the first frame body 6A, and the second frame body 6B formed in this way are prepared. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7D, the MEA 5 is positioned by fitting holes 5E formed in the peripheral edge of the MEA 5 to the respective ribs 8A formed on the step portion 6C of the first frame 6A. While performing, the peripheral part of MEA5 is arrange | positioned on the step part 6C of 6 A of 1st frames. Thereafter, the holes 8B of the second frame 6B are engaged with the ribs 8A of the first frame 6A, and the second frame 6B is engaged with the first frame 6A. The peripheral edge of the MEA 5 is held between the first and second frame bodies 6A and 6B, and the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 is assembled. Thereafter, the assembled electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 is sandwiched between the separators 2 and 3 to complete the cell 10.

  As described above, in the method for manufacturing the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 according to the first embodiment, the first and second frame bodies 6A and 6B are molded by the mold regardless of the MEA 5. Can do. That is, since it is not necessary to arrange the MEA 5 in the mold for molding the frame body 6, it is possible to prevent the MEA 5 from being thermally damaged. Furthermore, the MEA 5 is not wasted even if a molding defect occurs in the frame molding. Further, in the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1, even when a defect is found in the gasket 7 or the frames 6A, 6B, the MEA 5 can be removed by disassembling the frames 6A, 6B. Therefore, the MEA 5 can be prevented from being wasted. Therefore, an electrode-membrane-frame assembly having advantages such as reliable sealing performance and manifold formation can be manufactured with a high yield.

(Second Embodiment)
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can implement with another various aspect. For example, a schematic plan view of an electrode-membrane-frame assembly 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8, a top view of the first frame is shown in FIG. 9, and an upper surface of the second frame is shown. The figure is shown in FIG. Further, a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 51 of FIG. 8 is shown in FIG. 11, and a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD ′ is shown in FIG. In addition, in the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 51 of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, in the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 51 of the second embodiment, the gasket 7 is not a double structure but a single structure ( In particular, it differs from the first embodiment in that it is referred to as FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, in the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 51 of the second embodiment, the polymer electrolyte membrane 5A is arranged up to the formation positions of various manifold holes (for example, 14). Therefore, the through hole 6D and the gas cross leak preventing portion 7A are arranged over the entire periphery of the various manifold holes for the purpose of reliably sealing the periphery.

  Even in such a structure as in the second embodiment, an electrode-membrane-frame assembly that can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment and has the advantages of reliable sealing performance and manifold formation, It becomes possible to manufacture with a high yield. In the structure of the second embodiment, since the gasket has a single structure, the size of the outer peripheral portion of the separator can be reduced, the separator size can be reduced, and the fuel cell stack can be further reduced. Can be planned.

  In each of the above embodiments, the rib 8A of the first frame 6A is fitted into the hole 8B of the second frame 6B, that is, by adopting a fitting structure of the rib 8A and the hole 8B, When the first frame body 6A and the second frame body 6B are engaged, and the engagement between the two frames can be released and the MEA 5 is held by the first frame body 6A and the second frame body 6B. Explained. That is, the case where the above-described fitting structure is employed as an example of a holding unit that releasably holds the MEA 5 has been described, but the present invention is not limited only to such a case.

  For example, such a fitting structure is not limited to the form of protrusions and holes, and various mechanical fitting structures conventionally used can be employed. Furthermore, in such a fitting structure, for example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 15, the fitting state between the rib 58 </ b> A and the hole 58 </ b> B can be released while the fitting state can be released. Structures 59A and 59B can also be employed.

  The holding means for holding the MEA 5 in a releasable manner holds the peripheral edge of the MEA 5 by the first and second frame bodies 6A and 6B and maintains the holding state, and when release of the holding is desired. Any means can be used as long as it has a function capable of releasing the holding state and detaching the MEA 5, and various forms of means can be employed. For example, the first and second frames 6A and 6B can be disengaged using a member different from the first and second frames 6A and 6B. As such a member, that is, an engaging member, for example, an engaging bolt or a pin-shaped member can be used.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the gasket 7 (for example, the inner gasket 7D and the outer gasket 7E) is formed on the first frame body 6A and the second frame body 6B has been described. The present invention is not limited only to such a case. The gasket 7 should just be arrange | positioned between the separators 2 and 3 and each frame 6A, 6B. For example, the gasket 7 may be formed on the surfaces of the separators 2 and 3, and the gasket 7 may exist as a separate member from the separators 2 and 3 and the frames 6A and 6B. It may be a case. That is, a configuration in which the gasket 7 is not formed on the surfaces of the first and second frame bodies 6A and 6B can be employed.

  In addition to the thermoplastic resin material, various materials such as a thermosetting resin material and a ceramic material can be used as the material for forming the first frame body 6A and the second frame body 6B.

  Further, by adopting the structure of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 (or 51) of each of the above embodiments, for example, after the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 is manufactured, the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 is manufactured. When the quality of the body 1 is checked and it is determined that the body 1 is defective as a result of the inspection, in the electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1 determined to be defective, the first frame 6A and the second frame The MEA 5 can be released by releasing the fitting with the body 6B. When there is no defect in the MEA 5 itself thus separated, the MEA 5 can be reused to produce another electrode-membrane-frame assembly 1.

  It is to be noted that, by appropriately combining arbitrary embodiments of the various embodiments described above, the effects possessed by them can be produced.

  Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included therein, so long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention according to the appended claims.

  The present invention can block the flow of fuel gas and oxidant gas at the periphery of the MEA in the assembled state of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, and can further improve the utilization efficiency of the fuel gas and oxidant gas. Since the production yield can be increased, it is useful as a fuel cell used in a cogeneration system or an electric vehicle.

1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a schematic structure of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The top view which looked at the electrode-membrane-frame assembly in the cell which comprises the fuel cell of FIG. 1 from the anode side surface The top view of the 1st frame which comprises the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of FIG. The top view of the 2nd frame which comprises the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of FIG. FIG. 1 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the cell shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the cell shown in FIG. It is a manufacturing-process figure of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of 1st Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the manufacturing process of a 1st frame. It is a manufacturing-process figure of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of 1st Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the manufacturing process of a 2nd frame. It is a manufacturing-process figure of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of 1st Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the manufacturing process of MEA It is a manufacturing-process figure of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of 1st Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the process of combining a 1st frame, a 2nd frame, and MEA It is a manufacturing-process figure of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of 1st Embodiment, and the figure which shows the state which the cell completed The top view which looked at the electrode-membrane-frame assembly in the cell which comprises the fuel cell concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention from the anode side surface. The top view of the 1st frame which comprises the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of FIG. The top view of the 2nd frame which comprises the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of FIG. FIG. 8 is a partially exploded sectional view of the cell in FIG. FIG. 8 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the cell in FIG. Schematic partial perspective view of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of the first embodiment Schematic exploded view of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly of the first embodiment The schematic diagram which shows the fitting structure concerning the modification of 1st Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electrode-membrane-frame assembly 2 Anode separator 3 Cathode separator 4 Bolt hole 5 MEA (membrane electrode assembly)
5A Polymer electrolyte membrane 5B Catalyst layer 5C Diffusion layer 5D Electrode layer 5E Hole 6 Frame body 6A First frame body 6B Second frame body 7 Gasket 7A Gas cross leak prevention portion 7B Gas wrap prevention portion 7C Rib 7D Inner gasket 7E Outside Gasket 8A Rib 8B Hole 10 Cell 12, 22, 32 Fuel gas manifold hole 13, 23, 33 Oxidant gas manifold hole 14, 24, 34 Water manifold hole 21 Fuel gas passage groove 31 Oxidant gas passage groove 100 PEFC

Claims (19)

A membrane electrode assembly;
A first frame disposed on one surface of the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly;
A second frame disposed on the other surface of the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly and holding the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly with the first frame;
An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that constitutes a unit cell module in a fuel cell by being sandwiched between a pair of separators.   The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising holding means for releasably holding the membrane-electrode assembly by the first frame and the second frame.   The electrode for a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the holding means has a fitting structure in which at least a part of any one of the first and second frame members is releasably fitted to the other. Membrane-frame assembly.   The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the holding means is an engaging member that releasably engages the first frame and the second frame. . The membrane electrode assembly includes a polymer electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes that are disposed on both surfaces inside the periphery so as to expose the periphery of the polymer electrolyte membrane and bonded to the polymer electrolyte membrane And having a layer
The fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane exposed from the pair of electrode layers is sandwiched and held by the first and second frames. Electrode-membrane-frame assembly for battery. A separator sealing member that seals between the first frame and one of the separators is disposed on the separator-side surface of the first frame,
The separator sealing member for sealing between the second frame and the other separator is disposed on the separator-side surface of the second frame. The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to one.   Between each membrane side surface facing the peripheral edge side of the membrane electrode assembly in the first frame body and the second frame body, between the membrane side surface and the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly. The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a membrane sealing member to be sealed is disposed. Between each membrane side surface facing the peripheral edge side of the membrane electrode assembly in the first frame body and the second frame body, between the membrane side surface and the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly. A sealing member for a film to be sealed is disposed,
In the first and second frame bodies, a through-hole penetrating the separator-side surface and the membrane-side surface is formed, and the sealing member filled in the through-hole allows the surface on the separator-side to The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the separator sealing member and the membrane sealing member on the membrane side surface are integrally connected.   A protrusion is formed on one of the membrane-side surfaces facing the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly in the first and second frames, and the other is engaged with the protrusion. The electrode-membrane for a fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein an engagement hole is formed, and the first and second frames are fitted by engagement of the protrusion and the engagement hole. -Frame assembly.   The electrode-membrane-frame for a fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein a through-hole through which the protrusion of the first or second frame is penetrated is formed at a peripheral portion of the membrane-electrode assembly. Joined body.   The second frame has a step portion having a bottom surface as a surface on which the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly is disposed, and the first frame is interposed through the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly. The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is disposed on the stepped portion.   The fuel cell according to claim 11, further comprising an outer peripheral sealing member that seals between the pair of separators on both surfaces of the second frame body on the outer peripheral side of the stepped portion. Electrode-membrane-frame assembly.   The electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and second frame bodies are formed of a resin material.   A unit cell module comprising the electrode-membrane-frame assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a pair of separators arranged so as to sandwich the electrode-membrane-frame assembly. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising a plurality of stacked layers. A method for producing an electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that constitutes a unit cell module in a fuel cell by being sandwiched between a pair of separators,
Preparing a membrane electrode assembly, a first frame, and a second frame;
The first frame is disposed on one surface of the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly, and the second frame is disposed on the other surface of the peripheral edge of the membrane electrode assembly. An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, wherein an electrode-membrane-frame assembly is formed by holding the peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly with the first and second frames sandwiched therebetween. Production method.   The holding of the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly by the first and second frames is performed by releasably fitting at least a part of either one of the first and second frames to the other. The manufacturing method of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly for fuel cells of Claim 15 performed. Whether or not the electrode-membrane-frame assembly is defective after forming the electrode-membrane-frame assembly by holding the periphery of the membrane-electrode assembly by the first and second frames. Judgment
The electrode-membrane- for fuel cell according to claim 16, wherein when it is judged as defective, the fitting by the first and second frames is released and the membrane electrode assembly is recovered. Manufacturing method of frame joined body.   The fitting of the first and second frame bodies is releasable between the protrusions formed on one of the first and second frame bodies and the engagement holes formed on the other. The manufacturing method of the electrode-membrane-frame assembly for fuel cells of Claim 16 or 17 performed by engagement.   A single battery module is formed by arranging a pair of separators so as to sandwich the electrode-membrane-frame assembly formed by the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 15 to 18. A method for manufacturing a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, wherein a fuel cell is manufactured by stacking unit cell modules.

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