The Apparatus And The Method For Manufacturing Unit Cell

Abstract

A unit cell manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a central electrode reel from which a central electrode sheet having a plurality of central electrodes formed thereon is unwound; a separator reel from which a separator sheet stacked with the central electrode is unwound; a laminator for laminating a laminate formed by stacking the separator sheet and having a plurality of central electrodes spaced apart in a row in the longitudinal direction of the separator sheet; a first nozzle for applying an adhesive to the upper surface of a separator sheet placed on the uppermost layer of the laminated laminate; and an upper electrode reel from which an upper electrode sheet having a plurality of upper electrodes formed thereon is unwound thereon and stacked on the upper surface of the laminate to which the adhesive is applied is unwound.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a unit cell manufacturing apparatus and method, and more specifically, to a unit cell manufacturing apparatus and method capable of preventing the upper electrode from shifting position when the upper electrode is stacked on a laminate formed by stacking a central electrode and a separator. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, types of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries. These secondary batteries are used not only in small products such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3 players, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, and E-bikes, but also in large products requiring high output such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, as well as in power storage devices and backup power storage devices that store surplus generated power or renewable energy.

[0003] To manufacture such a secondary battery, first, an electrode active material slurry is applied to a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector to produce a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and then an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape is formed by stacking them on both sides of a separator. Then, the electrode assembly is placed in a battery case, and after injecting an electrolyte, it is sealed.

[0004] Electrode assemblies are classified into various types. For example, there are the Simple Stack Type, in which anodes, separators, and cathodes are simply stacked alternately without manufacturing unit cells; the Lamination & Stack Type (L&S), in which unit cells are manufactured first using anodes, separators, and cathodes, and then these unit cells are stacked; the Stack & Folding Type (S&F), in which multiple electrodes or unit cells are attached spaced apart on one side of a separator sheet that is long on one side, and the separator sheet is repeatedly folded in the same direction from one end; and the Z-Folding Type, in which multiple electrodes or unit cells are alternately attached to one side and the other side of a separator sheet that is long on one side, and the method of folding the separator sheet in a specific direction from one end and then folding it in the opposite direction is repeated alternately.

[0005] Among these, to manufacture a Lamination & Stack Type (L&S) electrode assembly, a unit cell must first be manufactured. Generally, to manufacture a unit cell, while the central electrode moves to one side by means of a conveyor belt or the like, a separator is laminated on the upper and lower surfaces of the central electrode, respectively, and subsequently, an upper electrode is laminated on top. In some cases, a lower electrode may also be laminated on the bottom. Then, a laminating process is performed by applying heat and pressure to the laminated body in which the electrode and the separator are laminated. By performing this laminating process, the electrode and the separator are bonded together, allowing the unit cell to be firmly formed.

[0006] However, conventionally, the lamination process was performed after the lower separator, central electrode, upper separator, and upper electrode were all stacked. Consequently, since the overall thickness was increased, heat was not transferred to the interior of the laminate, leading to a problem of reduced adhesion. In particular, adhesion was reduced at the interface between the innermost central electrode and the upper separator; as a result, the electrode and the separator did not adhere to each other, causing the electrode to deviate from its proper position. Prior art literature

[0007] Korean Public Notice No. 2014-0022620 The problem to be solved

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a unit cell manufacturing apparatus and method capable of preventing the upper electrode from shifting position when the upper electrode is laminated onto a laminate formed by laminating a central electrode and a separator sheet.

[0009] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A unit cell manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a central electrode reel from which a central electrode sheet having a plurality of central electrodes formed thereon is unwound; a separator reel from which a separator sheet stacked with the central electrode is unwound; a laminator for laminating a laminate formed by stacking the separator sheet and having a plurality of central electrodes spaced apart in a row in the longitudinal direction of the separator sheet; a first nozzle for applying an adhesive to the upper surface of a separator sheet placed on the uppermost layer of the laminated laminate; and an upper electrode reel from which an upper electrode sheet having a plurality of upper electrodes formed thereon is unwound thereon and stacked on the upper surface of the laminate to which the adhesive is applied is unwound.

[0011] Additionally, before the central electrode is laminated with the separator sheet, a first vision sensor may be further included to be positioned above the central electrode and to photograph the central electrode.

[0012] Additionally, before the upper electrode is laminated with the laminate, a second vision sensor may be further included to be positioned above the upper electrode and to photograph the upper electrode.

[0013] In addition, the laminator may include a heating roller that applies heat and pressure to the laminate while rotating.

[0014] In addition, the laminator may further include a heater that applies heat and pressure to the front surface of the laminate.

[0015] Additionally, the separator reel may include an upper separator reel from which an upper separator sheet, which is laminated on the upper surface of the central electrode, is unwound; and a lower separator reel from which a lower separator sheet, which is laminated on the lower surface of the central electrode, is unwound.

[0016] In addition, it may further include a lower electrode reel from which a lower electrode sheet is unwound, wherein a plurality of lower electrodes are formed on the lower surface of the laminate.

[0017] In addition, it may further include a second nozzle for applying adhesive to the upper surface of the lower electrode.

[0018] Additionally, before the lower electrode is laminated with the laminate, a third vision sensor may be further included to be positioned above the lower electrode and to photograph the lower electrode.

[0019] In addition, when the upper electrode is laminated with the laminate, it may further include a nip roller that applies pressure to the upper electrode and the laminate while rotating.

[0020] In addition, the first nozzle may be provided in multiple numbers spaced apart in the width direction of the separation membrane sheet.

[0021] In addition, at least one of the spraying cycle, spraying area, or spraying amount of the adhesive may be different from each other among the plurality of first nozzles.

[0022] Additionally, the upper separator sheet may include a first substrate layer; and a first coating layer coated on the upper surface of the first substrate layer, on which the adhesive is applied and which is bonded to the upper electrode. The lower separator sheet may include a second substrate layer; and a second coating layer coated on the upper surface of the second substrate layer and which is bonded to the central electrode. The binder content of the first coating layer may be lower than the binder content of the second coating layer.

[0023] In addition, the binder content of the first coating layer may be 2 wt% to 3 wt%.

[0024] The second coating layer may have a binder content of 10 wt% to 20 wt% and be an SRS (Safety Reinforced Separator) coating layer.

[0025] Additionally, the upper separator sheet may include a first substrate layer to which the adhesive is applied and which is bonded to the upper electrode. The lower separator sheet may include a second substrate layer; and a coating layer coated on the upper surface of the second substrate layer and which is bonded to the central electrode.

[0026] A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a step of forming a plurality of central electrodes by cutting a central electrode sheet unwound from a central electrode reel; a step of forming a laminate by stacking the plurality of central electrodes in a row spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the separator sheet on a separator sheet unwound from a separator reel; a step of laminating the laminate with a laminator; a step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of a separator sheet disposed on the uppermost layer of the laminate with a first nozzle; a step of forming a plurality of upper electrodes by cutting an upper electrode sheet unwound from an upper electrode reel; and a step of stacking the plurality of upper electrodes on the upper surface of the laminate on which the adhesive is applied.

[0027] Additionally, prior to the step of forming the laminate, a first vision sensor positioned above the central electrode may further include the step of photographing the central electrode.

[0028] Additionally, prior to the step of stacking the upper electrode, a second vision sensor positioned above the upper electrode may further include a step of photographing the upper electrode.

[0029] In addition, the step of stacking the upper electrodes may involve stacking a plurality of the upper electrodes in a spaced-apart row along the length direction of the separator sheet on the upper surface of the stacked body.

[0030] In addition, the laminating step may include the step of applying heat and pressure to the laminate while the heating roller rotates.

[0031] In addition, the laminating step may further include the step of a heater applying heat and pressure to the front surface of the laminate before the heating roller applies heat and pressure.

[0032] In addition, when the step of forming the upper electrode is performed, the step of cutting the lower electrode sheet unwound from the lower electrode reel to form a plurality of lower electrodes is also performed, and when the step of stacking the upper electrode is performed, the step of stacking the plurality of lower electrodes on the lower surface of the stacked body may also be performed.

[0033] In addition, when the step of applying adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate is performed, the step of applying adhesive to the upper surface of the lower electrode by the second nozzle may also be performed.

[0034] In addition, in the step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate, the area where the adhesive is applied may correspond to at least a portion of the edge portion of the upper electrode.

[0035] In addition, in the step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate, the area to which the adhesive is applied may include an area corresponding to the four vertices of the upper electrode.

[0036] In addition, in the step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate, the area where the adhesive is applied may form a plurality of rows parallel to the direction of movement of the laminate.

[0037] In addition, the spacing between the areas where the adhesive is applied in one column may be narrower than the spacing between the areas where the adhesive is applied in another column.

[0038] In addition, the size of each area where the adhesive is applied in one column may be smaller than the size of each area where the adhesive is applied in another column.

[0039] Additionally, any one of the above columns may be located further outward than the other column with respect to the width direction of the laminate.

[0040] In addition, any one of the above columns may correspond to the electrode tab of the upper electrode.

[0041] Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0042] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least the following effects are achieved.

[0043] Since the upper electrode is laminated after the lamination process is first performed on the laminate formed by stacking the central electrode and the separator, the problem of reduced adhesion between the electrode and the separator due to heat being transferred to the interior of the laminate during the lamination process can be prevented.

[0044] In addition, since the upper electrode is laminated after applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the laminated body that has undergone the lamination process, the position of the upper electrode can be prevented from shifting.

[0045] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and various other effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0046] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a unit cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a detailed side schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an upper separator sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lower separator sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a drawing showing the adhesive area formed by the adhesive between the upper separator sheet and the upper electrode of Figure 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a detailed side schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a drawing showing the adhesive area formed by the adhesive between the upper separator sheet and the upper electrode of Figure 9. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a detailed side schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0047] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0049] The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned.

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a unit cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a laminating process is first performed on a laminate (20) formed by laminating a central electrode (1112) and a separator (12), and then an upper electrode (1122) is laminated. This prevents the problem of heat being transferred to the interior of the laminate (20) during the laminating process, thereby reducing the adhesion between the electrode (11) and the separator (12). Additionally, since an adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the laminate (20) after the laminating process is performed, and then the upper electrode (1122) is laminated, it prevents the upper electrode (1122) from shifting position.

[0053] To this end, a method for manufacturing a unit cell according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step (S101) of cutting a central electrode sheet (1111) unwound from a central electrode reel (111) to form a plurality of central electrodes (1112); a step (S102) of forming a laminate (20) by stacking the plurality of central electrodes (1112) in a row spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the separator sheets (1211, 1221) unwound from separator reels (121, 122); a step (S103) of laminating the laminate (20) with a laminator; and a step (S104) of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the separator sheets (1211, 1221) disposed on the uppermost layer of the laminate (20) using a first nozzle (14). The method includes the step of cutting an upper electrode sheet (1121) unwound from an upper electrode reel (112) to form a plurality of upper electrodes (1122); and the step (S105) of laminating the plurality of upper electrodes (1122) on the upper surface of the laminate (20) on which the adhesive is applied.

[0054] Hereinafter, each step illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 1 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] A unit cell manufacturing apparatus (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises: a central electrode reel (111) from which a central electrode sheet (1111) having a plurality of central electrodes (1112) formed thereon is unwound; a separator reel (121, 122) from which a separator sheet (1211, 1221) laminated with the central electrode (1112) is unwound; a laminator for laminating a laminate (20) formed by laminating the separator sheet (1211, 1221) and wherein the plurality of central electrodes (1112) are spaced apart in a row along the length direction of the separator sheet (1211, 1221); and a first nozzle (14) for applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the separator sheet (1211, 1221) disposed on the uppermost layer of the laminated laminate (20). It includes an upper electrode reel (112) from which an upper electrode sheet (1121) is unwound, wherein a plurality of upper electrodes (1122) are formed on the upper surface of the laminate (20) to which the adhesive is applied. The separator reel (121, 122) may include an upper separator reel (121) from which an upper separator sheet (1211) is unwound, which is formed on the upper surface of the central electrode (1112); and a lower separator reel (122) from which a lower separator sheet (1221) is unwound, which is formed on the lower surface of the central electrode (1112).

[0057] The central electrode reel (111) is a reel on which a central electrode sheet (1111) is wound, and the central electrode sheet (1111) is unwound from the central electrode reel (111). Then, the central electrode sheet (1111) is cut to form a central electrode (1112). The electrode sheets (1111, 1121) can be manufactured by applying a slurry of electrode active material, conductive material, and binder onto an electrode current collector, and then drying and pressing it.

[0058] The upper separator reel (121) and the lower separator reel (122) are reels on which separator sheets (1211, 1221) are wound. Then, the upper separator sheet (1211) unwound from the upper separator reel (121) is laminated on the upper surface of the central electrode (1112) formed by cutting the central electrode sheet (1111), and the lower separator sheet (1221) unwound from the lower separator reel (122) is laminated on the lower surface of the central electrode (1112). Thus, a laminate (20) is formed in which the lower separator sheet (1221), the central electrode (1112), and the upper separator sheet (1211) are laminated in order. This laminate (20) is formed by stacking a plurality of central electrodes (1112) in a row spaced apart along the length direction of the separator sheets (1211, 1221).

[0059] The laminator laminates the front surface of the laminate (20) formed by stacking the central electrode (1112) and the separator (12). Laminating refers to bonding the central electrode (1112) and the separator (12) by applying heat and pressure to the laminate (20). As shown in FIG. 2, the laminator may include a heater (15) that applies heat and pressure to the front surface of the laminate (20) and a heating roller (16) that applies pressure to the laminate (20) while rotating.

[0060] The heater (15) is formed with an upper heater (151) and a lower heater (152), each capable of applying heat and pressure to the front surface of the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate (20). The surfaces of the heater (15) that come into contact with the laminate (20), namely the lower surface of the upper heater (151) and the upper surface of the lower heater (152), can be formed to be approximately flat. In this way, heat and pressure can be applied uniformly to the front surface of the laminate (20).

[0061] After the heater (15) applies heat and pressure to the laminate (20), the heating roller (16) can apply heat and pressure to the laminate (20) while rotating. Generally, the heating roller (16), which applies pressure while rotating, applies greater pressure than the heater (15), which simply applies pressure with a flat surface. Therefore, after the heater (15) applies heat and pressure to the laminate (20), the heating roller (16) applies heat and pressure to the laminate (20) that is greater than that of the heater (15), thereby allowing the heat and pressure applied to the laminate (20) to increase in stages. That is, the laminate (20) can be laminated more strongly while preventing internal damage to the laminate (20) due to sudden changes in temperature and pressure.

[0062] The nozzle (14) applies adhesive to the upper surface of the laminated body (20). At this time, since an upper separator sheet (1211) is laminated on the top layer of the laminated body (20), the adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the upper separator sheet (1211).

[0063] A plurality of nozzles (14) may be provided spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the separator sheets (1211, 1221). Thus, adhesive can be applied simultaneously to different areas of the upper surface of the upper separator sheet (1211). Therefore, the adhesive application operation by the nozzles (14) can be performed quickly.

[0064] For example, some of the multiple nozzles (14) may apply adhesive near the edges on both sides in the width direction of the upper separator sheet (1211), and some of the other nozzles may apply adhesive near the center of the upper separator sheet (1211).

[0065] The spraying speed, spray amount, spray area, etc. of the adhesive sprayed from the plurality of nozzles (14) can be individually adjusted. At least one of the spraying cycle, spray area, or spray amount of the adhesive from the plurality of first nozzles (14) can be adjusted differently from one another.

[0066] It is preferable that the adhesive be applied uniformly to the upper surface of the laminate (20). However, if the adhesive is applied to the entire upper surface of the laminate (20), the amount of adhesive applied may be excessive. Consequently, the adhesive may flow to the outside of the laminate (20) and contaminate other parts, and the power generation function may not function smoothly when the secondary battery is manufactured. Therefore, the adhesive may be applied to the upper surface of the laminate (20) using a spot application method in the form of dots or a line application method in the form of lines.

[0067] On the other hand, if the amount of adhesive applied is excessively small, the upper electrode (1122) may not be fixed to the laminate (20) while the laminate (20) is moving, and the upper electrode (1122) may deviate from its position. Therefore, it is desirable that the gap in the area where the adhesive is applied is not excessively wide.

[0068] Meanwhile, the adhesive must maintain its adhesiveness even when the separator (12) is impregnated with the electrolyte. Therefore, it is desirable to have corrosion-resistant properties that are not altered by chemical causes. This adhesive is a hot melt adhesive and preferably contains a modified olefin-based thermoplastic resin.

[0069] The upper electrode reel (112) is a reel on which the upper electrode sheet (1121) is wound, and the upper electrode sheet (1121) is unwound from the upper electrode reel (112). Then, the upper electrode sheet (1121) is cut to form a plurality of upper electrodes (1122), and these plurality of upper electrodes (1122) are laminated on the upper surface of the laminate (20) to which the adhesive is applied. At this time, the plurality of upper electrodes (1122) can be laminated on the upper surface of the laminate (20) in a linearly spaced arrangement along the length direction of the separator sheets (1211, 1221). Since the upper electrodes (1122) and the central electrodes (1112) are different in size from each other, the spacing between them may differ. However, it is preferable that the upper electrodes (1122) and the central electrodes (1112) are all aligned and arranged so that their centers coincide.

[0070] Using such a unit cell manufacturing device (1), a unit cell manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention can be performed as follows.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 2, first, when a central electrode sheet (1111) is unwound from a central electrode reel (111), a first cutter (131) cuts the central electrode sheet (1111) (S101). Then, a plurality of central electrodes (1112) are formed. Then, an upper separator sheet (1211) is unwound from an upper separator reel (121) and stacked on the upper surface of the central electrode (1112), and a lower separator sheet (1221) is unwound from a lower separator reel (122) and stacked on the lower surface of the central electrode (1112), thereby forming a laminate (20) (S102). At this time, in order for the lower separator sheet (1221), the central electrode (1112), and the upper separator sheet (1211) to be easily and strongly bonded to each other, the first nip roll (181) may be placed on each side of the laminate (20) and may apply pressure to the laminate (20) while rotating.

[0072] After forming the laminate (20), the laminator laminates the laminate (20) (S103). As described above, the laminator includes a heater (15) and a heating roller (16), and when laminating, the heater (15) applies heat and pressure to the front surface of the laminate (20), and then the heating roller (16) rotates to apply heat and pressure to the laminate (20).

[0073] When the laminating process is completed, a second cutter (132) cuts the laminate (20) at regular intervals, and a nozzle (14) applies adhesive to the upper surface of the cut laminate (20) (S104). Meanwhile, when the upper electrode sheet (1121) is unwound from the upper electrode reel (112), a third cutter (133) cuts the upper electrode sheet (1121) to form an upper electrode (1122). Then, the upper electrode (1122) is laminated onto the upper surface of the laminate (20) to which the adhesive has been applied (S105). Thus, a unit cell (2) is manufactured in which the lower separator sheet (1221), the central electrode (1112), the upper separator sheet (1211), and the upper electrode (1122) are laminated in order. At this time, in order for the upper electrode (1122) and the laminate (20) to be easily and strongly bonded to each other, a second nip roll (182) may be placed on each side of the upper electrode (1122) and the laminate (20) respectively, and may apply pressure to the upper electrode (1122) and the laminate (20) while rotating.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a detailed side schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] A unit cell manufacturing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include, as shown in FIG. 3, a first vision sensor (171) positioned above the central electrode (1112) to photograph the central electrode (1112) before the central electrode (1112) is stacked with the separator sheet (1211, 1221); and a second vision sensor (172) positioned above the upper electrode (1122) to photograph the upper electrode (1122) before the upper electrode (1122) is stacked with the stacked body (20).

[0076] The first and second vision sensors (171, 172) acquire an image by capturing a specific area and receiving an image signal for that specific area. To this end, the vision sensor generally includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). In particular, the first and second vision sensors (171, 172) according to one embodiment of the present invention can acquire an image by capturing the central electrode (1112) and the upper electrode (1122), respectively.

[0077] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the unit cell manufacturing device (1) may further include a control unit (not shown) capable of determining whether the central electrode (1112) and the upper electrode (1122) are defective through images of the central electrode (1112) and the upper electrode (1122). The control unit can determine whether the size and shape of the central electrode (1112) and the upper electrode (1122) are defective or damaged by comparing the acquired image with images of the central electrode (1112) and the upper electrode (1122) that are stored in advance.

[0078] By using these first and second vision sensors (171, 172), the first vision sensor (171) positioned above the central electrode (1112) can photograph the central electrode (1112) before the central electrode (1112) and the separator sheet (1211, 1221) are stacked to form a laminate (20), and the second vision sensor (172) positioned above the upper electrode (1122) can photograph the upper electrode (1122) before the upper electrode (1122) is stacked on the laminate (20). That is, the defect status of only the electrode (11) can be checked in advance before the electrode (11) is stacked with the separator (12).

[0079] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an upper separator sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lower separator sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Each separator sheet (1211, 1221) may include a substrate layer (1211a, 1221a) and a coating layer (1211b, 1221b).

[0081] The substrate layer (1211a, 1221a) is a porous substrate and may include polyethylene or polypropylene resin.

[0082] The coating layer (1211b, 1221b) may be formed by coating a ceramic slurry containing a filler and a binder onto a substrate layer (1211a, 1221a). The coating layer (1211b, 1221b) may be a ceramic coating layer. For example, the filler may include alumina (aluminum oxide), and the binder may include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0083] More specifically, the upper separator sheet (1211) may include a first substrate layer (1211a) and a first coating layer (1211b) coated on the upper surface of the first substrate layer (1211a), and the lower separator sheet (1221) may include a second substrate layer (1221a) and a second coating layer (1221b) coated on the upper surface of the second substrate layer (1221a).

[0084] Accordingly, the central electrode (1112) can be bonded to the upper surface of the second coating layer (1221b) by the laminating process described above. The second coating layer (1221b) may be a Safety Reinforced Separator (SRS) coating layer. For example, the binder content of the second coating layer (1221b) may be 10 wt% to 20 wt%.

[0085] Additionally, the nozzle (14) can apply an adhesive to the upper surface of the first coating layer (1211b), and the upper electrode (1122) can be bonded to the upper surface of the first coating layer (1211b) by the adhesive. Accordingly, the binder content of the first coating layer (1211b) may be lower than the binder content of the second coating layer (1221b). More specifically, the binder content of the first coating layer (1211b) may be less than half the binder content of the second coating layer (1221b). As a result, the thickness (t1) of the first coating layer (1211b) may be thinner than the thickness (t2) of the second coating layer (1221b).

[0086] That is, by lowering the binder content of the first coating layer (1211b), the thickness of the upper separator sheet (1211) can be reduced, and the energy density of the unit cell (2) can be improved.

[0087] More specifically, the binder content of the first coating layer (1211b) may be 2 wt% to 3 wt%. This allows the bonding between the first coating layer (1211b) and the first substrate layer (1211a) to be maintained while keeping the thickness of the first coating layer (1211b) as thin as possible. If the binder content of the first coating layer (1211b) is less than 2 wt%, there is a problem in that the bonding between the first coating layer (1211b) and the first substrate layer (1211a) is not maintained. Additionally, if the binder content of the first coating layer (1211b) exceeds 3 wt%, the thickness of the first coating layer (1211b) may increase.

[0088] Meanwhile, a configuration in which the upper separator sheet (1211) does not include the first coating layer (1211b) is also possible. In this case, the nozzle (14) can apply an adhesive to the upper surface of the first substrate layer (1211a), and the lower surface of the upper electrode (1122) can be bonded to the upper surface of the first substrate layer (1211a) by the adhesive.

[0089] Thus, there is an advantage in that the thickness of the upper separator sheet (1211) becomes thinner. However, in terms of stability, it would be preferable to apply a configuration in which the upper separator sheet (1211) does not include the first coating layer (1211b) when the upper electrode (1122) is the positive electrode.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] The nozzle (14) according to the present embodiment can spray adhesive (S) in the form of a mist by spraying adhesive particles and compressed air together. More specifically, the nozzle (14) may include a housing (141) having an internal space, a pipe (142) for supplying adhesive (S) into the interior of the housing (141), and a line (143) for supplying compressed air into the interior of the housing (141).

[0092] Additionally, at the bottom of the housing (141), a spraying part (141a) may be formed to spray adhesive (S) and compressed air together toward the upper separator sheet (1211) of the laminate (20).

[0093] That is, when the adhesive (S) supplied to the housing (141) through the pipe (142) is discharged to the spray unit (141a), compressed air is injected into the housing (141) from the line (143), so that the adhesive (S) can be discharged through the spray unit (141a) together with the compressed air.

[0094] The adhesive (S) can be divided into particles by the compressed air during the process of being discharged together with compressed air, becoming a mist, and then applied to the upper surface of the upper separator sheet (1211), more specifically the first coating layer (1211b) in that state.

[0095] Since the adhesive (S) applied through this spray method can be applied in the form of small particles at predetermined locations in predetermined amounts, the adhesive is uniformly applied to the upper surface of the first coating layer (1211b) of the upper separator sheet (1211), and penetrates evenly throughout the applied area, thereby providing optimal adhesive strength without wasting the adhesive (S).

[0096] However, the configuration of the nozzle (14) is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt an inkjet spraying method (see FIG. 10) described later.

[0097] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the adhesive area formed by the adhesive between the upper separator sheet and the upper electrode of Figure 3.

[0098] The upper electrode (1122) may have a rectangular shape having a pair of relatively short sides and a pair of relatively longer sides. The upper electrode (1122) may be laminated to the upper separator sheet (1211) such that the longer sides are parallel to the width direction of the upper separator sheet (1211).

[0099] An adhesive region (A1) that is bonded to each other by an adhesive may be located between the upper electrode (1122) and the upper separator sheet (1211). That is, the adhesive region (A1) may refer to an area where the nozzle (14) has applied an adhesive to the upper surface of the upper separator sheet (1211).

[0100] As a first example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the adhesive region (A1) may extend along the perimeter of the upper electrode (1122). In this case, the adhesive region (A) may form a rectangular ring shape and may surround the non-adhesive region (A2).

[0101] Accordingly, the bottom edge portion of the upper electrode (1122) can be adhered to the upper separator sheet (1211). Additionally, the adhesion area (A) can protrude to correspond to the electrode tab protruding from the upper electrode (1122).

[0102] As a second example, as illustrated in FIG. 7(b), the adhesive region (A1) may extend along both short sides of the upper electrode (1122). Thus, the portion of the bottom surface of the upper electrode (1122) adjacent to both short sides may be adhered to the upper separator sheet (1211). In this case, the non-adhesive region (A2) may include the portion of the bottom surface of the upper electrode (1122) adjacent to both long sides. Additionally, the adhesive region (A) may protrude in correspondence with the electrode tab protruding from the upper electrode (1122).

[0103] As a third example, as illustrated in FIG. 7 (c), the adhesive region (A1) may extend along both long sides of the upper electrode (1122). Thus, the portion of the bottom surface of the upper electrode (1122) adjacent to both long sides may be adhered to the upper separator sheet (1211). In this case, the non-adhesive region (A2) may include the portion of the bottom surface of the upper electrode (1122) adjacent to both short sides.

[0104] As in the first to third examples above, in the step of applying adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate (20), the area where the adhesive is applied may correspond to at least a part of the edge portion of the upper electrode (1122).

[0105] As a fourth example, as illustrated in FIG. 7 (d), the adhesive region (A1) may be located in an area corresponding to the four vertices of the upper electrode (1122). Thus, a portion of the bottom surface of the upper electrode (1122) adjacent to the four vertices may be adhered to the upper separator sheet (1211). In this case, the non-adhesive region (A2) may include a portion of the area adjacent to the two long sides of the bottom surface of the upper electrode (1122) and a portion of the area adjacent to the two short sides.

[0106] In the case of the first to fourth examples above, the adhesive region (A) may additionally include a region (not shown) corresponding to the central part of the upper electrode (1122). As a fifth example, as shown in FIG. 7 (e), the adhesive region (A1) may include a first region extending along the perimeter of the upper electrode (1122), and a second region extending parallel to the short or long side of the upper electrode (1122) in addition to the first region and passing through the central part of the upper electrode (1122). Thus, a more robust adhesion than in the first example is possible.

[0107] The adhesive region (A1) may surround the non-adhesive region (A2). Multiple non-adhesive regions (A2) may be formed, each separated from the others by the second region of the adhesive region (A1). Additionally, the adhesive region (A1) may protrude to correspond to the electrode tab protruding from the upper electrode (1122).

[0108] In the case of the first to fifth examples above, the area of ​​the adhesive region (A1) may be narrower than the area of ​​the non-adhesive region (A2). As a sixth example, as shown in (f) of FIG. 7, the adhesive region (A1) may have a shape corresponding to the upper electrode (1122). Thus, the entire bottom surface of the upper electrode (1122) may be adhered to the upper separator sheet (1211). In this case, the non-adhesive region (A2) does not exist.

[0109] As in the first to sixth examples above, in the step of applying adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate (20), the area where the adhesive is applied may include an area corresponding to the four vertices of the upper electrode (1122).

[0110] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing device (1a) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a detailed side schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing device (1a) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] According to embodiments of the present invention, a laminating process is first performed on a laminate (20) formed by laminating a central electrode (1112) and a separator (12), and then an upper electrode (1122) is laminated. In this way, the problem of heat being transferred to the interior of the laminate (20) during the laminating process, thereby reducing the adhesion between the electrode (11) and the separator (12), can be prevented. Therefore, there is no need to apply excessive heat and pressure to the laminate (20) during the laminating process.

[0112] Accordingly, in a unit cell manufacturing device (1a) according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the heater (15) is removed from the laminator, and only the heating roller (16) laminates the laminate (20). Generally, since the heating roller (16) can apply greater pressure to the laminate (20) than the heater (15), the laminate (20) can be sufficiently laminated using only the heating roller (16).

[0113] In this way, since the heater (15) is removed from the laminator, the unit cell manufacturing device (1a) can be prevented from becoming complex, the overall volume can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. However, in order to prevent the interior of the laminate (20) from being damaged by sudden changes in temperature and pressure, the heat and pressure applied to the laminate (20) by the heating roller (16) must be controlled so that they are not excessively large.

[0114] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] The nozzle (14') according to the present embodiment can inkjet spray adhesive (S) in the form of fine droplets by changing the pressure of the pressure chamber (141a'). More specifically, the nozzle (14') may include a housing (141') having a pressure chamber (141a'), a wall surface (142') provided on one side of the housing (141') and moving to cause a change in the volume of the pressure chamber (141a), and a pipe (143') that supplies adhesive (S) to the pressure chamber (141a').

[0116] Additionally, at the bottom of the housing (141'), a discharge port (141b) may be formed through which adhesive (S) is discharged toward the upper separator sheet (1211) of the laminate (20).

[0117] The adhesive (S) is not discharged through the discharge port (141b) due to the viscosity of the adhesive (S) while it is filled in the pressure chamber (141a'). In this state, when the wall surface (142') moves in a direction that reduces the volume of the pressure chamber (141a'), the internal pressure of the pressure chamber (141a') increases, and the adhesive (S) is discharged to the outside through the discharge port (141b) and applied to the upper surface of the upper separator sheet (1211). Then, when the wall surface (142') returns to its original state, the discharge of the adhesive (S) is stopped.

[0118] Since the adhesive (S) applied through this inkjet spraying method can be applied in the form of small particles at predetermined locations in predetermined amounts, the adhesive is uniformly applied to the upper surface of the first coating layer (1211b) of the upper separator sheet (1211), and penetrates evenly throughout the applied area, thereby providing optimal adhesion without wasting the adhesive (S).

[0119] However, the configuration of the nozzle (14') is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt the spray injection method described above (see FIG. 6).

[0120] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the adhesive area formed by the adhesive between the upper separator sheet and the upper electrode of Figure 9.

[0121] Adhesive regions (A3), (A4), and (A5) that are bonded to each other by an adhesive may be located between the upper electrode (1122) and the upper separator sheet (1211). In the present embodiment, the adhesive regions (A3), (A4), and (A5) may be arranged along a plurality of rows parallel to the direction of movement of the upper separator sheet (1211). Each adhesive region (A3), (A4), and (A5) may be formed by spot application of the adhesive. Accordingly, a plurality of adhesive regions (A3), (A4), and (A5) located in the same row may be spaced apart from each other with respect to the direction of movement of the upper separator sheet (1211).

[0122] That is, in the step of applying adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate (20), the area where the adhesive is applied may form a plurality of rows parallel to the direction of movement of the laminate (20).

[0123] More specifically, the adhesive regions (A3)(A4)(A5) may include a plurality of first adhesive regions (A3) forming a row adjacent to the short side of the upper electrode (1122), a plurality of second adhesive regions (A4) forming a row corresponding to the electrode tab of the upper electrode (1122), and a plurality of third adhesive regions (A5) forming a row located inside the first adhesive region (A3) and the second adhesive region (A4).

[0124] And, by adjusting the spray cycles of multiple nozzles (14') differently from each other, the spacing between areas where adhesive is applied in a specific row may be different from the spacing between areas where adhesive is applied in another row.

[0125] For example, adhesive may be sprayed more densely in the area corresponding to the upper electrode (1122) electrode tab and the edge portion of the upper electrode (1122) where a large adhesive force is required. More specifically, the spacing between the plurality of first adhesive areas (A3) may be wider than the spacing between the plurality of second adhesive areas (A4) and narrower than the spacing between the plurality of third adhesive areas (A5).

[0126] In addition, by adjusting the spray volume or spray area of ​​multiple nozzles (14') differently, the area of ​​the regions where adhesive is applied in a specific row can be formed wider than the area of ​​the regions where adhesive is applied in other rows.

[0127] For example, the adhesive can be sprayed more widely in the area corresponding to the center of the upper electrode (1122) where there is no risk of the adhesive leaking out. More specifically, the size of each first adhesive area (A3) may be larger than the size of each second adhesive area (A4) and smaller than the size of each third adhesive area (A5).

[0128] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus (1b) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] As described above, electrode assemblies are classified into various types. For example, there are Simple Stack Type, Lamination & Stack Type (L&S), Stack & Folding Type (S&F), Z-Folding Type, etc.

[0130] According to one embodiment and another embodiment of the present invention, a unit cell (2) is manufactured in which a separator (12), an electrode (11), a separator (12), and an electrode (11) are stacked in sequence. Accordingly, an electrode (11) is formed on one side of the unit cell (2), and a separator (12) is formed on the other side. These unit cells (2) are mainly used when manufacturing a lamination-and-stack type electrode assembly. However, when manufacturing a stack-and-fold type or Z-fold type electrode assembly, a unit cell (2a) in which electrodes (11) are formed on both sides is mainly used.

[0131] A unit cell manufacturing device (1b) according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a lower electrode reel (113) from which a lower electrode sheet (1131) is unwound, wherein a plurality of lower electrodes (1132) that are laminated on the lower surface of the laminate (20) are formed, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0132] The lower electrode reel (113) is a reel on which the lower electrode sheet (1131) is wound, and the lower electrode sheet (1131) is unwound from the lower electrode reel (113) and the lower electrode sheet (1131) is cut to form a plurality of lower electrodes (1132). Then, when the first nozzle (14a) applies adhesive to the upper surface of the cut laminate (20), the second nozzle (14b) may also apply adhesive to the upper surface of the lower electrode (1132). These lower electrodes (1132) with adhesive applied are laminated on the lower surface of the laminate (20). At this time, a plurality of lower electrodes (1132) can be laminated on the lower surface of the laminate (20) in a spaced-apart row along the length direction of the separator sheets (1211, 1221). The upper electrode (1122), the central electrode (1112), and the lower electrode (1132) may have different spacing from each other, but since electrodes (11) of the same polarity are of the same size, it is desirable that the spacing between them always be constant. Therefore, if the upper electrode (1122) and the lower electrode (1132) are electrodes (11) of the same polarity, the spacing between them from the separator sheet (1211, 1221) may be constant. Also, it is desirable that the upper electrode (1122), the central electrode (1112), and the lower electrode (1132) are all aligned and arranged so that their centers coincide.

[0133] When the laminating process of the laminate (20) is completed, the second cutter (132) cuts the laminate (20) at regular intervals, and the first nozzle (14a) applies adhesive to the upper surface of the cut laminate (20) (S104). Meanwhile, when the upper electrode sheet (1121) is unwound from the upper electrode reel (112), the third cutter (133) cuts the upper electrode sheet (1121) to form the upper electrode (1122). Then, when the lower electrode sheet (1131) is unwound from the lower electrode reel (113), the fourth cutter (134) cuts the lower electrode sheet (1131) to form the lower electrode (1132). Then, the second nozzle (14b) applies adhesive to the upper surface of the lower electrode (1132).

[0134] Then, the upper electrode (1122) is laminated on the upper surface of the laminate (20) to which the adhesive is applied, and the lower electrode (1132) to which the adhesive is applied is laminated on the lower surface of the laminate (20). Thereby, a unit cell (2b) is manufactured in which the lower electrode (1132), the lower separator sheet (1221), the central electrode (1112), the upper separator sheet (1211), and the upper electrode (1122) are laminated in order.

[0135] FIG. 13 is a detailed side schematic diagram of a unit cell manufacturing apparatus (1b) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] A unit cell manufacturing device (1b) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a third vision sensor (173) positioned above the lower electrode (1132) to photograph the lower electrode (1132) before the lower electrode (1132) is laminated with the laminate (20), particularly before the second nozzle (14b) applies adhesive to the upper surface of the lower electrode (1132). That is, the third vision sensor (173) can photograph the lower electrode (1132) to obtain an image. By doing so, it is possible to determine whether the lower electrode (1132) has defects in size or shape or is damaged, etc., before the lower electrode (1132) is laminated with the laminate (20).

[0137] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and various embodiments derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0138] 1: Unit cell manufacturing device 2: Unit cell 11: Electrode 12: Separator 14: Nozzle 15: Heater 16: Heating roller 20: Laminate 111: Central electrode reel 112: Upper electrode reel 113: Lower electrode reel 121: Upper separator reel 122: Lower separator reel 131: First cutter 132: 2nd Cutter 133: 3rd Cutter 134: 4th cutter 14a: 1st nozzle 14b: Second nozzle 151: Upper heater 152: Lower heater 171: First vision sensor 172: Second vision sensor 173: Third vision sensor 181: 1st nib roll 182: 2nd nib roll 1111: Central electrode sheet 1121: Upper electrode sheet 1131: Lower electrode sheet 1112: Central electrode 1122: Upper electrode 1132: Lower electrode 1211: Upper separator sheet 1221: Lower separator sheet

Claims

Claim 1 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: a central electrode reel from which a central electrode sheet having a plurality of central electrodes formed thereon is unwound; a separator reel from which a separator sheet laminated with the central electrode is unwound; a laminator for laminating a laminate formed by laminating the separator sheet and having a plurality of central electrodes spaced apart in a row in the longitudinal direction of the separator sheet; a plurality of first nozzles spaced apart in the width direction of the separator sheet for applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the separator sheet disposed on the uppermost layer of the laminated laminate; and an upper electrode reel from which an upper electrode sheet having a plurality of upper electrodes formed thereon on the upper surface of the laminate to which the adhesive is applied is unwound, wherein the plurality of first nozzles spray the adhesive in the form of a mist by spraying particles of the adhesive together with compressed air, and at least one of the spraying cycle, spraying area, or spraying amount of the adhesive is different from each other. Claim 2 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first vision sensor positioned above the central electrode and capturing the central electrode before the central electrode is laminated with the separator sheet. Claim 3 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to paragraph 2, further comprising a second vision sensor positioned above the upper electrode to photograph the upper electrode before the upper electrode is laminated with the laminate. Claim 4 In claim 1, the laminator is a unit cell manufacturing device comprising a heating roller that applies heat and pressure to the laminate while rotating. Claim 5 In claim 4, the laminator is a unit cell manufacturing device further comprising a heater that applies heat and pressure to the front surface of the laminate. Claim 6 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separator reel comprises: an upper separator reel from which an upper separator sheet laminated on the upper surface of the central electrode is unwound; and a lower separator reel from which a lower separator sheet laminated on the lower surface of the central electrode is unwound. Claim 7 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a lower electrode reel from which a lower electrode sheet is unwound, wherein a plurality of lower electrodes are formed on the lower surface of the laminate. Claim 8 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a second nozzle for applying adhesive to the upper surface of the lower electrode. Claim 9 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a third vision sensor positioned above the lower electrode to photograph the lower electrode before the lower electrode is laminated with the laminate. Claim 10 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a nip roller that applies pressure to the upper electrode and the laminate while rotating when the upper electrode is laminated with the laminate. Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 In claim 6, the upper separator sheet comprises a first substrate layer; and a first coating layer coated on the upper surface of the first substrate layer, on which the adhesive is applied and which is bonded to the upper electrode, and the lower separator sheet comprises a second substrate layer; and a second coating layer coated on the upper surface of the second substrate layer and which is bonded to the central electrode, wherein the binder content of the first coating layer is lower than the binder content of the second coating layer, a unit cell manufacturing apparatus. Claim 14 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the binder content of the first coating layer is 2 wt% to 3 wt%. Claim 15 In claim 13, the unit cell manufacturing apparatus wherein the second coating layer has a binder content of 10 wt% to 20 wt% and is an SRS (Safety Reinforced Separator) coating layer. Claim 16 A unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper separator sheet comprises a first substrate layer to which the adhesive is applied and which is bonded to the upper electrode, and the lower separator sheet comprises a second substrate layer; and a coating layer coated on the upper surface of the second substrate layer and which is bonded to the central electrode. Claim 17 A method for manufacturing a unit cell comprising: a step of forming a plurality of central electrodes by cutting a central electrode sheet unwound from a central electrode reel; a step of forming a laminate by stacking a plurality of central electrodes spaced apart in a row along the length direction of a separator sheet unwound from a separator reel; a step of laminating the laminate with a laminator; a step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of a separator sheet disposed on the upper layer of the laminate by a plurality of first nozzles spaced apart in the width direction of the separator sheet; a step of forming a plurality of upper electrodes by cutting an upper electrode sheet unwound from an upper electrode reel; and a step of stacking a plurality of upper electrodes on the upper surface of the laminate to which the adhesive has been applied, wherein the plurality of first nozzles spray adhesive particles and compressed air together to spray the adhesive in the form of a mist, and at least one of the spraying cycle, spraying area, or spraying amount of the adhesive is different from each other. Claim 18 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 17, further comprising, prior to the step of forming the laminate, a first vision sensor positioned above the central electrode taking a picture of the central electrode. Claim 19 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 18, further comprising, prior to the step of stacking the upper electrodes, a second vision sensor positioned above the upper electrodes and capturing the upper electrodes. Claim 20 In claim 17, the step of stacking the upper electrodes is a method for manufacturing a unit cell in which a plurality of the upper electrodes are stacked in a row spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the separator sheet on the upper surface of the stack. Claim 21 In claim 17, the laminating step comprises a method for manufacturing a unit cell that applies heat and pressure to the laminate while a heating roller rotates. Claim 22 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 21, wherein the laminating step further comprises the step of a heater applying heat and pressure to the front surface of the laminate before the heating roller applies heat and pressure. Claim 23 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 17, wherein when the step of forming the upper electrode is performed, a step of cutting a lower electrode sheet unwound from a lower electrode reel to form a plurality of lower electrodes is also performed, and when the step of stacking the upper electrode is performed, a step of stacking the plurality of lower electrodes on the lower surface of the stacked body is also performed. Claim 24 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 23, wherein when the step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate is performed, the step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the lower electrode by the second nozzle is also performed. Claim 25 In claim 17, the area where the adhesive is applied in the step of applying the adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate corresponds to at least a portion of the edge portion of the upper electrode, in a method for manufacturing a unit cell. Claim 26 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 17, wherein, in the step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate, the area to which the adhesive is applied includes an area corresponding to the four vertices of the upper electrode. Claim 27 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 17, wherein, in the step of applying an adhesive to the upper surface of the laminate, the area where the adhesive is applied forms a plurality of rows parallel to the direction of movement of the laminate. Claim 28 A method for manufacturing a unit cell in which, in claim 27, the spacing between the areas where the adhesive is applied in one column is narrower than the spacing between the areas where the adhesive is applied in another column. Claim 29 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 27, wherein the size of each area where the adhesive is applied in one column is smaller than the size of each area where the adhesive is applied in another column. Claim 30 A method for manufacturing a unit cell according to claim 28 or 29, wherein either one of the columns is located further outward than the other column with respect to the width direction of the laminate. Claim 31 In claim 28 or 29, the above one column is a method for manufacturing a unit cell corresponding to the electrode tab of the upper electrode.

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